#Temporary Empress

[waaanderingluna]

🥀 𝖀𝖓𝖉𝖊𝖗𝖈𝖔𝖛𝖊𝖗 𝕰𝖒𝖕𝖗𝖊𝖘𝖘

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《𝙲𝙾𝙼𝙿𝙻𝙴𝚃𝙴𝙳》

[theoldtaylors]

The Tortured Poets Department Prologue

At this hearing I stand before my fellow members of the Tortured Poets Department With a summary of my findings A debrief, a detailed rewinding For the purpose of warning For the sake of reminding

As you might all unfortunately recall I had been struck by a case of a restricted humanity Which explains my plea here today of temporary i n s a n i t y

You see, the pendulum swings Oh, the chaos it brings Leads the caged beast to do the most curious things

Lovers spent years denying what's ill fated Resentment rotting away galaxies we created

Stars placed and glued meticulously by hand next to the ceiling fan

Tried wishing on comets. Tried dimming the shine. Tried to orbit his planet. Some stars never align.

And in one conversation, I tore down the whole sky.

Spring sprung forth with dazzling freedom hues Then a crash from the skylight bursting through Something old, someone hallowed, who told me he could be brand new

And so I was out of the oven and into the microwave Out of the slammer and into a tidal wave How gallant to save the empress from her gilded tower Swinging a sword he could barely lift But loneliness struck at that fateful hour Low hanging fruit on his wine stained lips

He never even scratched the surface of me.

None of them did.

"In summation, it was not a love affair!" I screamed while bringing my fists to my coffee ringed desk It was a mutual manic phase. It was self harm. It was house and then cardiac arrest.

A smirk creeps onto this poet's face Because it's the worst men that I write best.

And so I enter into evidence My tarnished coat of arms My muses, acquired like bruises My talismans and charms The tick, tick, tick of love bombs My veins of pitch black ink

All’s fair in love and poetry

Sincerely, The Chairman of The Tortured Poets Department

[he-calls-me-kitten]

Sugar, Spice and a Tempting Vice (1)

VA! MC x OM! Characters

TW: Eh it's more fluffy than smutty I'd say, but minors DNI. Loads of random lore for the sake of immersion. Now to brainstorm the rest of the characters.

INTRO

Tagging: @romaissa @eliciana @your-favorite-god @april-notthemonth69 @ikevampharem @k8tznd8wgz @futureittomain @m-majoko @the-auguer @yurinayumi @i-am-empress-irish @deepazur @rippedbutnotamasterpiece @pomegranateboba @ra1ns70rm @anjodedesgostoeerros @sammywo @annoyingbiscuitathleteland-blog @ourfinalisation @creativecupcake @snowthatareblack @angelofbooksworld

"After a freak accident, you and a group of 5 people get teleported into a fantastical world together. Who will you team up with to try and leave this place? Or will they convince you to stay and have a new life with them here instead? Or will you stumble across the biggest secret that this new world holds...?"

You read out the summary for them at a group dinner at Diavolo's castle. Apparently, it was to celebrate your debut as a VA. They all clapped and bombarded you with questions. You tried to answer as many as you could without any spoilers.

They were supposed to have already started playing the game but the game servers got a little overwhelmed and had to go under maintenance with so many people downloading and making accounts at the same time. So Diavolo hosted this party instead.

"So how many endings can you get with a single character?" Simeon inquired.

"Well on an average there's around 12 endings per character, but there's a varying number of endings depending on the character you choose. I'm not sure I remember for all of them-"

"We just want to know yours." Belphie smirked.

"Oi come on, it makes it sound like you're all just going to play my character, don't do that! The other characters are also incredibly well written!"

The sheepish grins and side glances told you that they were clearly going ignore your last advice.

"Honestly you guys, one of the characters here has a teleportation ability, one can read minds, and another one has insane fighting skills - the only thing you know about my character is that I don't have a name!"

"Omg this means they are definitely building you upto to have the most OP ability of them all!" Levi exclaimed excitedly.

"Oh yes that's usually how it goes in these tropes. The most unassuming character ends up giving you the secret ending." Solomon nodded in agreement.

"Both of you, shush! Just play the game normally okay?! You will get to interact with all the characters anyway until the second phase." You reprimanded, sighing, knowing no one would listen anyway.

Lucifer - Saved by the Belle

"Before Tyla takes us home tomorrow, would you like to spend your last day here with me, Lucifer?"

Lucifer and you worked with loyalty and rigor under Tyla, an old world Sorceror. It was because of you two specifically that Tyla's magic was powerful enough to create a portal back home. Your character was so much like you - it felt like he completed this whole journey of freedom with you, and not just an image on screen.

> "Of course, MC. In fact...I would like to spend the night with you too."

MC blushed on screen, looking away and nodding. "Oh? Well then... I'll look forward to it."

He enjoys this way more than he thought he would. He visits for the last time, all the places you both had been together. The first tavern, the first forest path, the first temporary abode - the HumbleBee Inn.

> "It's late. Should we go back here again, for old times sake?"

"Why not? Maybe they'll accidentally put us in the same room again and get overbooked so we have no other choice. Maybe this time it'll be a bit more...eventful." You said with a sly and knowing smile as you skipped ahead.

Lucifer's knee jerked upwards, hitting the table. Just what kind of lines are these? And what are those expressions? Who else was in there listening to you when you recorded this? The way your voice sounded, Lucifer was convinced you were thinking about someone special. If only you saw the effect you were having on him.

> "I've been holding back all day. Forgive me if I'm too rough."

Lucifer pushes you against the wall, caging your body. You blush in the dark, your arms wrapping around his shoulders. It was driving him insane. He could feel his pants getting tighter at the crotch.

Last time he endured the sexual tension of sharing the bed with you, constantly trying avoid your body even though he was desperate to feel it's warmth. This time there wasn't any reason to deprive himself.

"It's okay...I can take it. Please don't hold back..."

Oh hell, you were about to be the death of him. These...are these really the sounds you'd make in bed? Godamnit you are ruining his mind. He can't relax until he's jerked off now. And it's all your fault.

The next couple days, you notice Lucifer hesitates to keep eye contact with you. In fact, he has a rather visceral reaction every time you simply call his name, standing at his door. Only he knows how badly he wants to pull you into his bed to ravage you - practice your lines with him, why don't you?

Mammon - Stranded Together

"Guess they didn't want either of us huh, Mammon?"

Nah Mammon was mad at this ending. He gets why the group left him behind - he made too many questionable choices like stealing the last reserves of food or money (so you never went hungry), running away from the monsters instead of staying and fighting with the group(with you ofc so you wouldn't be in any danger), finding new shelter and not telling anyone (except you).

> "I'm so sorry...it's because of me that they left you too. You did nothing wrong yet...no this will not stand! I'll go threaten them into taking you too!"

"Mammon wait- no don't! Alright fine I was lying! They didn't leave me...I chose not to go!"

Mammon was stunned. He stared at your character blushing and looking elsewhere while holding onto his arm. His heart beat just a little bit faster.

> "Wait...what? But you wanted to...don't you want to go back and keep looking for your family?!"

"Who knows if the family I was looking for even exists?! But you...you are real. And you are so kind to me, and so great. So..."

Your character moved in closer and closer to him. Mammon leaned back too far from the screen, falling backwards on the floor. He was not ready for what was about to come.

"If I really want a family that bad...I can just make one here...with you. But only if you wanted that too ..."

> "I do! Of course I do! We can both find work and home in the kingdom now that big monsters are all dead! I'll be yours and you'll be mine!"

Mammon pressed it on instinct, not knowing his character was gonna grab yours and pin them to the ground. His face burnt up in excitement seeing you all cornered like this. You blushed and whispered as you leaned in to kiss him.

"Hehe...Mammon...I'm all yours already. But there's others ways you can claim me if you like..."

Your sleeves fell loose, and off your shoulders and his hands began to wander. Mammon almost screamed the house down, grabbing at his sheets, humping his pillows, struggling to look away from the screen. But he couldn't stop.

How the fuck was he supposed to face you tomorrow at the breakfast table?! Yet, Mammon re-played that part at least 30 times. And now every time you whispered to him in class, Mammon had to grip his knees and stop himself from imagining the unholiest things.

Leviathan - Power of Friend-ship??

"We did it! We actually did it, Levi! Can you believe it?! Look even the people are cheering for us!"

Levi punched the air in glee, he definitely must have gotten the best ending right?! That was such an intense combat scene - he almost cried when he thought you got swallowed by the Giant of The Depths, then he watched you burst out of its stomach with all the other victims while he slashed through its neck. You and him - the two underdogs dealt the final blow. At this point, every other character was shipping you two together.

> "Let's go Army of the Third Lord!"

MC cheered and high fived him from the screen, while the rest of the group danced in celebration! Ah MC had already become one of his favourite characters of all time. He had already preordered the action figures, posters and a body pillow (yes the ecchi one).

"Come on Levi, won't you join the celebration feast!? Everyone is calling for you!"

Oh no this was Levi's nightmare. Loud and crowded parties - but it was you asking him to go, what if he missed out on an important secret ending. Just to be safe he chose a neutral option to see what you would prefer.

> ... I'm not too sure.

"Then...would you like to celebrate in private with me? I know a quiet place with a good view."

Levi almost fell out of his seat. It's happening. This is where he unlocks the hidden erotic ending. The blush on your face, the way you held out your hand for him to take - biting down on his knuckles in excitement.

> I'd really prefer that! Thank you!

You smile and nod, leading him by the hand to a nearby pond. The moonlight shimmered on the water, the reflections dancing on your skin as you both lay down next to each other. Levi could feel himself falling for you all over again.

"Look Levi, in the pond! The Gloriees are back! Aren't they beautiful?"

Levi looked at the pond in awe, glowing orange fishes swam around in the waters, jumping in and out. He watched the fishes swim around the hand you put in the water. It was like you and hundred Henries in the water.

> "So beautiful..."

"They are my absolute favorite....they have the same color as your eyes..."

Your hands reach up to touch his face, pulling him closer and Levi feels all his self restraint jump out the window. He tried to grab and kiss you but ended falling in the water with you instead.

"Oh? I didn't know I excite you so much... don't worry, it makes me really happy..."

You rose from the water, laughing and coughing slightly, your entire body now laid bare through the transparent white cloth. And if that wasn't already bad enough, he heard your moans as his character started going at it with you in the lake. You were so professional, so skilled at it...he thought he was prepared for it but he clearly wasn't.

Levi couldn't resist jerking himself off there and then, soiling his computer screen with light ropes of his cum. Now every time you announced you were going to shower, this image just popped into his mind, giving him instant boners at the most unfortunate times. And god forbid he sees you walk out of the shower with your hair wet - he'll have to rush to his room to hide that he's creamed his pants.

Satan - Bridge to Televithyia

"Satan, I will be waiting for you always. I know if fate wills it, I'll definitely get to see you again."

Satan cursed himself for this ending, almost chucking his phone at the wall. His magical powers no longer worked since the portal now connected him to his own world. And while you could use all your magic here, it would lose all power in his world. With both worlds needing help after a long and destructive battle, you both knew it was selfish to abandon your either of them - especially since you two were the only Great Guardians left.

> "I will find a permanent path between our worlds. I swear upon my life, MC."

Damnit this game had better not cut his story short. He was willing to keep going, trying to fix the playthrough so he could make a good ending out of this. Just you wait MC, he's not letting you go. A part of him wanted to go into your room and hug you, just to make sure you're there atleast in real life.

Satan rubbed furiously at his eyes as you waved him goodbye. His total playtime could rival Levi's. After gathering enough resources and magical knowledge - he could finally get started on creating the bridge. But to his pleasant surprise, he only needed to build half of the bridge, because there you were standing on the other - building your own path towards him too.

"Satan...is this a dream? Are you really back? Or is this another magical illusion again...?"

Satan blushed as you rushed to hug him peppering kisses all over his face. He had to physically get away from the game, walk around, and silently scream into his hands before he could calm himself down. Because he knew even better things were yet to come.

> "It's really me, MC. I'm sorry did I make you wait too long? I missed you so terribly...I have so many things to tell you about..."

"Come with me, we've been rebuilding our town. I know a place we can catch up...it's a special place I helped build with you in mind."

Satan follows you, your arms intertwined. You point out places to him - old renovations and newer projects. You tell him about everything that's been happening since he left.

How some endangered species came back to life, how the remaining smaller beasts were tamed and how the cursed were given peace. You stopped suddenly in front of a quaint little cottage.

"Welcome to my humble abode. I'm sorry I didn't prepare a separate room for you...because I thought you wouldn't mind sharing a bed with me..."

He blushes and grips your hand as you open the door to your room. He sees pictures of both of you on the wall and next to the bed.

> "You already built a home...with me in mind. *Smiles* Yet...the bed looks in it hasn't been slept in for a while? Did you get no sleep for the past few days?"

"Actually I haven't slept in the bed yet. I sleep on the sofa - I know it's silly but I really don't like sleeping alone in a place of two..."

Satan grips the phone tighter, as he makes his character push you on the bed. How sweet - you both get to enjoy it together for the first time. He climbs after you, trapping you underneath him.

> "Good thing I'm here now, MC."

He cups your face and trails his hands downwards, undoing some buttons on your clothes. You kiss his palms and tug down his collar.

"It's a pity though...I don't think we'll be using the bed for sleeping tonight afterall..."

He watched the screen, slack-jawed as I heard your sultry voice echoing through his room. He fell back on his pillow, hurriedly attaching his earphones. It proved to be more lethal. He could almost imagine you in his bed right now, kissing your way down his chest, while he fondles your bottom.

When you approached him later asking if he liked your work in the game, he had to cover half his face to hide the redness. He couldn't possibly tell you that he had downloaded snippets of all your moans and saved them to a secret folder. Or that he listened to them quite frequently.

[evermoredeluxe]

In Summation by Taylor Swift

At this hearing

I stand before my fellow members of the Tortured Poets Department

With a summary of my findings

A debrief, a detailed rewinding

For the purpose of warning

For the sake of reminding

As you might all unfortunately recall

I had been struck with a case of a restricted humanity

Which explains my plea here today of temporary insanity

You see, the pendulum swings

Oh, the chaos it brings

Leads the caged beast to do the most curious things

Lovers spend years denying what's ill fated

Resentment rotting away galaxies we created

Stars placed and glued meticulously by hand next to the ceiling fan

Tried wishing on comets.

Tried dimming the shine.

Tried to orbit his planet.

Some stars never align.

And in one conversation, I tore down the whole sky

Spring sprung forth with dazzling freedom hues

Then a crash from the skylight bursting through

Something old, someone hallowed, who told me he could be brand new

And so I was out of the oven

And into the microwave

Out of the slammer and into a tidal wave

How gallant to save the empress from her gilded tower

Swinging a sword he could barely lift

But loneliness struck at that fateful hour

Low hanging fruit on his wine stained lips

He never even scratched the surface of me.

None of them did.

“In summation, it was not a love affair!”

I screamed while bringing my fists to my coffee ringed desk It was a mutual manic phase.

It was self harm.

It was house and then cardiac arrest.

A smirk creeps onto this poet's face

Because it's the worst men that I write best.

And so l enter into evidence

My tarnished coat of arms

My muses, acquired like bruises

My talismans and charms

The tick, tick, tick of love bombs

My veins of pitch black ink All's fair in love and poetry

Sincerely,

The Chairman

of The Tortured Poets Department

[obsidian-pages777]

Pick a Card: Career Guidance from Pallas Athena

Top Left (Pile 1) , Top Right(Pile 2) Bottom Left (Pile 3) ,Bottom Right (Pile 4)

Pile 1: Current Challenges and Obstacles

The Tower: This card suggests that significant changes or disruptions may be occurring in your career path right now. Pallas Athena's message here is to embrace these changes as opportunities for growth and transformation. Trust in your wisdom and strategic thinking to navigate through any obstacles that arise.

Five of Pentacles: This card represents financial challenges or feelings of lack. Pallas Athena reminds you to tap into your resourcefulness and inner strength during difficult times. Remember that setbacks are temporary, and with perseverance and strategic planning, you can overcome any financial obstacles in your career.

Channeled Key words:Resilience and Adaptability

Action Steps to consider:

Embrace change and consider exploring new career paths or industries that align with your skills and interests.

Seek opportunities for financial stability through budgeting, saving, or exploring alternative sources of income.

Focus on building resilience and adapting to changes in the workplace environment.

Consider seeking support from mentors or career coaches to overcome obstacles and navigate challenges effectively.

.....................................................*****************************************

Pile 2: Guidance and Wisdom from Pallas Athena

The High Priestess: Pallas Athena's message here is to trust your intuition and inner wisdom when making career decisions. Quiet your mind and listen to the subtle guidance from within. Your intuition is a powerful tool that can lead you toward the right path in your career journey.

Ace of Swords: This card represents clarity of thought and new opportunities. Pallas Athena encourages you to approach your career with clear intentions and a strategic mindset. Stay focused on your goals, and be open to seizing new opportunities that come your way. Trust in your ability to manifest success through your intellect and determination.

Channeled Key Words:Networking and Relationship Building

Action Steps to consider:

Explore careers that involve intuition, spirituality, or working in fields such as counseling, coaching, or holistic healing.

Consider opportunities in education, research, or intellectual pursuits that allow you to leverage your analytical skills and strategic thinking.

Pursue roles that involve clear communication, writing, or public speaking, where you can share your insights and wisdom with others.

Embrace leadership opportunities where you can use your intuition and intellect to inspire and guide others toward success.

..............................................*********************************************

Pile 3: Opportunities and Potential

The Empress: This card symbolizes abundance, creativity, and nurturing energy. Pallas Athena's message here is that there are abundant opportunities for growth and success in your career. Embrace your creativity and tap into your nurturing instincts to cultivate a fulfilling and prosperous career path.

Ten of Cups: This card represents emotional fulfillment and harmony in your career life. Pallas Athena reminds you to prioritize your emotional well-being and seek fulfillment in your work. Follow your heart's desires and pursue career paths that align with your values and bring you joy and satisfaction.

Channeled Key Words: Continuous Learning and Skill Development

Action Steps to Consider:

Explore creative industries such as arts, design, fashion, or entertainment where you can express your artistic talents and creativity.

Consider careers in fields related to nurturing and caregiving, such as healthcare, counseling, or social work, where you can make a positive impact on others' lives.

Look for opportunities to create a harmonious work environment or start your own business venture where you can cultivate abundance and prosperity.

Pursue roles that prioritize work-life balance and prioritize emotional well-being, such as remote work, flexible scheduling, or positions with supportive company cultures.

...................................................*****************************************

Pile 4: Pursuit and Manifestation

The Magician: This card represents manifestation and taking action to create your desired reality. Pallas Athena's message here is to harness your innate talents and skills to manifest your career goals. Believe in your abilities and take decisive action toward your ambitions. With focus, determination, and strategic planning, you have the power to manifest success in your career endeavors.

Six of Wands: This card symbolizes victory, recognition, and achievement. Pallas Athena encourages you to celebrate your successes and accomplishments in your career journey. Be proud of how far you've come, and continue to strive for excellence with confidence and grace. Your strategic thinking and perseverance will lead you to even greater heights of success in your career.

Channeled Key Words: Self-Reflection and Exploration

Action Steps to Consider:

Take proactive steps to pursue your career goals, such as networking, furthering your education, or acquiring new skills relevant to your desired field.

Consider entrepreneurial ventures or freelance opportunities where you can take control of your career path and leverage your unique talents and abilities.

Set clear intentions and goals for your career and take consistent action toward manifesting your aspirations.

Seek opportunities for recognition and advancement in your current career path or explore avenues for professional growth and development that align with your long-term objectives.

[brujamala-aka-gigi]

₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁ mini pac ｡⋆｡ ﾟ

random tarot messages

150 word readings <3

these are bite sized tarot messages with no specific questions being answered, just leaving things to chance and hopefully getting you a piece of knowledge from the cards.

pngs by @florietas

dividers by @aquazero and @cafekitsune

pile one pile two pile three

pile four pile five pile six

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‧͙˚ *༓ scroll down for the readings ⋆ִ ‧͙⁺˚

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〰 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 〰

˚ ༘`✦ ˑ ִֶ pile number one 𓂃⊹

page of wands

It's a good moment to reevaluate the source of your opinions and ideas, as soon you will feel a streak of creative energy and it'd be good to build stronger ideas before you begin to place them in reality or to manifest them onto it. Also an amazing moment to look for connections between the mundane and the divine, not waiting for explicit answers but instead, you should expect the way in which you ask questions to allow for more profound relationships with knowledge. Ideally, you’d channel your creativity in a way that enhances your freedom and expands your possibilities instead of imposing complex dogmatic beliefs to yourself.

˚ ༘`✦ ˑ ִֶ pile number two 𓂃⊹

the empress

Allow yourself to get in touch with the things that come naturally to you instead of forcing yourself to align with actions that are too detrimental for them to bring any actual value or positive impact in your life. I wouldn't take this card into the “divine feminine” approach to things, as it seems more like a calling to nurture your inner world and your personal environments by being in tune with what is genuine to you, and to the way in which you bring value for yourself. I think you are underestimating the valuable qualities you possess and how your energy can be channeled and empowered by just paying more attention to what you deem as “low effort” but can be “high effort” to others. Don't shy away from being confident in your virtues. 

˚ ༘`✦ ˑ ִֶ pile number three 𓂃⊹

five of wands 

Avoiding conflict at all costs is not ideal, but engaging in conflictive situations guided by your ego is no good either. Sadly, you will be provided with said tense situations so it's better that you take the time to think about how you process feelings of anger, stress and insecurity. You need to be as aware of your own feelings as much as you are capable of deciphering how others might deal with them, especially if their approach to them is outwardly aggressive. There's nothing completely wrong with impulsiveness and emotional reactions, they can lead to meaningful emotional or existential developments; only if there's time, energy and will to do so. Learn how to know when to face obstacles like these and when they're not exactly obstacles, but more of an annoying temporary situation. 

˚ ༘`✦ ˑ ִֶ pile number four 𓂃⊹

the wheel of fortune

Although it is impossible to have full control over one’s perceived destiny or the chaotic nature of the universe, good fortune relies on the ability to humble our needs for control. As much as it’s healthy to navigate difficult and stressful situations without allowing our emotions to have a negative impact, it is also necessary that we don’t become overly confident and arrogant when things seem to be working in our favor. There’s plenty of our surroundings that we are unable to control and many things within ourselves that are just as difficult to deal with, therefore, it is in our best interest to develop tools and structures that can function as guidance towards a consciousness state that allows us to navigate the ups and downs of life without neglecting the feelings we deal with as a consequence.

˚ ༘`✦ ˑ ִֶ pile number five 𓂃⊹

the moon

You need to allow yourself to distrust and question others. Although it's “common sense” to have good intentions, to be kind, to be respectful and so on, at this point in time we cannot truly have faith that everyone shows a tendency towards having a bare minimum of empathy or at least good intentions. It is easy to follow your intuition or your gut feelings when danger is easily perceived, but trusting your intuition is harder when there are deceptions or illusions that make it so we are almost gaslighting ourselves about how awful we are for not trusting in something or someone because there isn't anything negative in sight. Key word: IN SIGHT. If something doesn’t make enough sense to your peace of mind, it's most likely not worth making it fit into your life. 

˚ ༘`✦ ˑ ִֶ pile number six 𓂃⊹

page of swords

This card serves as a reminder to keep nurturing your curiosity, specifically by putting an emphasis on the knowledge you can acquire by being more open to hearing about others' experiences. I don’t think you are particularly interested in finding a sense of belonging by allowing people to impose their beliefs onto you, but I do see that maybe you are in need of company to further develop and deepen your relationship with knowledge. You don’t need to hurry up and become desperate to know everything about anything, you also don’t need to limit yourself and your possibilities to traditional ways of learning. At this moment, embracing the unconventional and unexpected teachings, everyday life observations and your own personal thoughts and opinions, will give you the motivation to strengthen your relationship with the more intellectual parts of yourself.

if you enjoyed this post, feel free to check the rest of my account <3 ppssst keep an eye on this blog, there's going to be some ask games and im giving away some free readings soon ;)

masterpost ✶ pac readings ✶ ko-fi page ✶

⋆bookings for personal readings are open ཐིཋྀ ˚₊‧⁺

[isfjmel-phleg]

Toward the end of Young Justice 1998, Anita Fite sets out to avenge her father's murder and for complicated reasons ends up coming home with both her formerly deceased parents in tow. Which sounds great, but...they're now babies. Babies whom she, at age fifteen, has to look after. Her final stories involved her being overwhelmed by this task and working with YJ less because of this new development in her personal life, then the series ended and she just...sort of mostly disappeared.

Sometimes this is responded to as the narrative of YJ 1998 itself choosing to kick her off the team and saddle her with raising her own parents. Which, if that were the case, is pretty harsh, especially for a character who chose heroism for herself and values it.

But I think there's some more nuance to this. Did Anita really quit the team to raise her parents?

After the babies come into her life, she is seen at her home with Cissie looking after them, but there is never any indication that she has formally left the team. In YJ 1998, whenever a team member leaves, there's always a formal declaration, an emphasis on the reactions of the others, and some far-reaching consequences. Cissie's leaving was the dramatic conclusion of an issue. Bart and Tim's exit was a whole prolonged and emotional conversation.

But Anita never announces to the team that she is leaving, nor does anyone react as if she had. She is merely more busy with her personal life now. The fact that no one is lamenting losing her (as they did with Cissie, Bart, and Tim) suggests that the general understanding is that her absence is believed to be a temporary situation.

She is present, as Empress, with the rest of the team at the start of the reality TV show that Young Justice is starring in, implying that she plans to be around for the show at least sometimes and still is considered part of the team.

When Cassie intends to call her on the phone one day during the filming, she refers to her as Empress, not Anita. If Anita had formally quit, no one would be using her code name anymore, as they stopped doing with Cissie.

Young Justice 1998 ends with her as Empress, leaving her parents to be babysat by Cissie and her mother while Anita herself joins the team to deal with Secret's rampage. This is not the behavior of someone who has quit the team. (Compare with the now-retired Cissie, who is featured in the issue but does not show up as Arrowette even to take part in restraining Secret)

In Titans/Young Justice: Graduation Day, the miniseries that transitioned between Young Justice 1998 and Teen Titans 2003 (the comic, not the TV show, obviously), she is still part of the team, unlike Greta and Ray, who were present at the end of Young Justice 1998 but absent henceforth. Anita is absent by the end of the miniseries because of an injury, but she never declares an intention to quit.

Young Justice is implied to have disbanded after this event, and Anita apparently chooses not to join the Titans along with Tim, Kon, Bart, and Cassie. She doesn't join the new team, but there's still no clear indication that she has retired.

She is referred to as an ex-member of Young Justice during her final appearance, a guest-starring role in Supergirl 2005 #33, but again, this is because that team disbanded, not that she specifically quit. There is no indication that she has retired in her role as Empress; she is very much acting as Empress in this story.

This appearance also confirms that she is not caring for her parents full-time; they have a nanny now. Anita is fifteen by the end of Young Justice 1998 and presumably still in school. She is referrred to as her parents' primary caregiver at that point, and she is overwhelmed by it. But apparently this must not have been the permanent situation. Perhaps Ishido Maad, Anita's godfather who is implied to be her guardian after her father's death, stepped up and did something about this teenage girl's having to take on such an adult responsibility alone. I wouldn't be surprised if Bonnie King-Jones, who has been protective of Anita in the past, had gotten on his case about it.

Did Anita really quit the team in-universe, or did the writers just stop bothering much with her after the end of Young Justice 1998? That's the actual issue. No one except her creators wanted to feature her, which is a shame, so she gradually all but disappeared from the narrative. It's the writers'/editorial's fault, not the narrative's.

If Young Justice 1998 had been allowed to continue, I think it's possible that Anita would have stayed on and that her parents might eventually have been aged up back to adulthood; a precedent is established for Agua Sin Gaaz's clones that they rapidly age (see Young Justice 1998 #48). Which would have introduced other concerns (would they rapidly age indefinitely, or would that taper off at some point?), but whatever the case, there could have been room in the narrative for something to happen that would allow Anita to keep her family and her career as a hero, both of which mean so much to her.

But that didn't get to happen, and she's been left in limbo since the late 2000s.

[iwanthermidnightz]

In Summation

At this hearing

I stand before my fellow members

of The Tortured Poets Department

With a summary of my findings

A debrief, a detailed rewinding

For the purpose of warning

For the sake of reminding

As you might all unfortunately recall

I had been struck with a case

of a restricted humanity

Which explains my plea here today

of temporary insanity

You see, the pendulum swings

Oh, the chaos it brings

Leads the caged beast to do the most curious things

Lovers spend years denying what's ill fated

Resentment rotting away

galaxies we created

Stars placed and glued

meticulously by hand next to the ceiling fan

Tried wishing on comets.

Tried dimming the shine.

Tried to orbit his planet.

Some stars never align.

And in one conversation,

I tore down the whole sky.

Spring sprung forth with

dazzling freedom hues

Then a crash from the skylight

bursting through

Something old,

someone hallowed,

who told me he could

be brand new

And so I was out of the oven

and into the microwave

Out of the slammer and into a tidal wave

How gallant to save the empress from her gilded tower

Swinging a sword he could barely lift

Bur loneliness struck at that fateful hour

Low hanging fruit on his wine stained lips

He never even scratched the surface of me.

None of them did.

“In summation, it was not a love affair!”

I screamed while bringing my fists

to my coffee ringed desk

It was a mutual manic phase.

It was self harm.

It was house and then cardiac arrest.

A smirk creeps onto this poet’s face

Because it's the worst men that I write best.

And so I enter into evidence

My tarnished coat of arms

My muses, acquired like bruises

My talismans and charms

The tick, tick, tick of love bombs

My veins of pitch black ink

All’s fair in love and poetry

Sincerely,

The Chairman of The Tortured Poets Department

[aloysiavirgata]

Skinner POV on post-S5 MSR. I trust this to no hands but yours, empress.

It was in Baltimore. Kidnapping victim, some Congressman’s girlfriend dredged from the Harbor and up they all went, silent and shifty in a big Bureau Suburban.

***

He’s been touching Scully obscenely for years, Mulder has, but what’s always shocked Skinner is that Scully lets him. Her femme-fatale looks and her clear willingness to pistol whip the disrespectful have left him a bit at sea with her tolerance for Mulder’s wayward hands and gazes.

Mulder, like a half-trained Weimaraner. Mulder endlessly sprawling and sniffing and hunting and brilliant and exhausting.

Scully, like a tortoiseshell cat. Scully with half-lidded topaz eyes and eternal, quiet patience.

***

They’re dockside at the USS Constellation, Scully squinting with her hand curved along her brow. Mulder’s obnoxious black Burberry trench flapping like some kind of bespoke fruit bat. Mulder’s rich-kid arrogance.

Scully crouches over the weighted net the girl was wrapped in. There’s a clump of hair snarled in the mesh; it has been cut away to release the body. The girl floats upwards like a mermaid in a nightmare, crab-gnawed and a marbled green.

Mulder wrinkles his nose.

Scully’s hair more stylish now, Scully’s suits trimmer and her blouses more fitted. Everything about her is sleeker and shinier and more polished. She is beautiful, astonishingly beautiful, and it startles him sometimes that she should choose such a small life. That she should choose Mulder, frankly.

Mulder kneels beside her like a dark guardian angel. He skims a hand over her head nearly too fast to see. He thumbs her scrimshaw clavicles, her fine jaw.

Skinner knows, in an abstract sense, that Mulder is beautiful too; that Scully is justified. He still, in his deepest heart, does not feel that Mulder is justified.

He’d traded himself for her life that once because he was a Marine, because she is a rare creature, because he and Mulder had made her thus. Because, on more than one lonely night, he’d flashed on her white throat and bee-stung mouth behind his clenched lids.

Shamed, looks away from them, into the west.

***

He’s in love with Scully in a chivalric way. He’d lay his coat over a mud puddle for her ridiculous shoes. He’d challenge someone to a duel for her honor. But he couldn’t do what Mulder does; he couldn’t love her properly while she weeps and bleeds and dies of a thousand tiny cuts.

Couldn’t bury her daughter and keep sane.

Scully sighs, thumbs half a Subway bag from the corpse’s melting face.

***

The ME’s office at Penn and Pratt, because rank beats jurisdiction, because Skinner commandeered the decomp room when Scully asked. Scully’s regal face like the prow of that ship, Scully’s hair like Diogenes’s lantern.

Her hands like pale garden spiders moving lightly over the body, her steady voice speaking as he and Mulder watched and listened.

The girl was pregnant. Of course she was pregnant, of course she -

Mulder’s hand at Scully’s Bettie Page waist, somehow sinuous even in those boxy scrubs. Scully flinches, breathes, proceeds.

Scully dying, hypovolemic, hating him. Scully translucent as the votive candles she surely lights in her dark church, pale and flickering and full of temporary light.

Skinner looks upwards, at the cheap paneled ceiling, at the bad fluorescent light. He looks at the way Mulder’s hand is spread across her back with only support and not an ounce of possessiveness. He realizes, then, that it has never occurred to Mulder that Scully could belong to anyone else.

[izzabela]

Could you please write about earthrealm reader gets talked into by a few of the other champions to go back to outworld and when she does, she finds Syzoth at the entrance and spends the day with him and before she leaves he asks her to stay with him bc he loves her and wants to be with her?

Inter-dimensional Love - Syzoth x fem!reader

in which Syzoth falls for you at first sight

a/n: something something syzoth would be such a devoted husband

ship[s]: syzoth x fem!reader

warning(s): none, post kanon

"No, I'm not going!" you squeal behind your dorm door. Kung Lao and Johnny are trying to push in, though, shoulders ramming into the door.

"Come on, dragonfly!" Johnny draws your name out. "You have to go! No one'll be here since it's everyone's shooting day for my moooovieeee!"

You groan, weighing your options for your weekend plans. Yes, it would be great to train alone, even better without your idiot friends around. But, you're alone- and to be fair, it would be pretty fun to see the creative process of Johnny and his movies.

"Move out of the way," you tell them from the door. You can hear them step away, and you take this time to grab a little crossbody bag to shove some essentials in.

Opening the door, your hands are on your hips. Johnny is full on grinning, and Kung Lao is immediately behind you to push you to the portal.

"Finally! I am no longer a victim to Johnny!" he cries happily, and you roll your eyes playfully as you're being led.

You (joyfully) endure bickering between Johnny and Kung Lao before finally meeting up with Raiden and Kenshi. Raiden waves while Kenshi gives a nod of acknowledgement.

"Good afternoon, are you joining us today?" Raiden asks, and you sigh as you shrug.

"I was drugged and dragged out against my will," you feign depression and mimic a helpless maiden. Kenshi chuckles.

"As much as I hate shooting, Outworld is a beautiful place," all of you walk through the portal. "Just remember that it's temporary, and that we are just guests."

You nod, and the image of the maple trees and greenery of the temple transforms into white ceramic stone, beautiful blue skies, and foreign greenery and shrubs not known to you. It was intoxicating, Outworld mimicking a strong liquor that one gets addicted to.

In front of you, a woman in yellow and silver stands proud, along with other similar-looking women. A woman in blue and silver is present as well, and a man dressed in all green with lizard-like tattoos stands to her side.

"Welcome back, Earthrealm champions and warriors," the woman in yellow announces. "Though, I do not recognize you. State your business."

You gulp, explaining carefully to make sure you say the whole truth. How you were chosen as a champion, but due to your inadequate skills, you were benched for more intense training. How you avoided filming because you did not take part in armageddon.

"Basically, dragonfly over here won't do nothing but buzz, buzz, buzz," Johnny finishes for you, and you smile awkwardly.

"Accepted. I am Tanya, leader of the Umgadi, the Empress and the Princess's personal guards. Outworld welcomes you with open arms," her smile is cordial, but it isn't unkind.

"I extend my welcome to you as well," the blue woman steps forward. "I am Princess Kitana, Supreme Commander of the Imperial Army." You bow in response.

You turn to the man in green, who just stares at you intently, his pupils growing narrow and his iris's taking over.

"Will you not introduce yourself?" you ask carefully. Both women look at the man, and the green-clad man only moves when Kitana gently nudges his shoulder.

"Ah! Apologies.... I am Syzoth, Royal Emissary to the Imperial Crown and to the Zaterrans." You nod, though your eyes still linger over him.

As Tanya leads the way again to the palace, you take in the surroundings of Sun Do. Once reaching the opening from the portal entrance of the city, you guys hop in a carriage, taking the scenic route to soak in the city.

You and Syzoth are paired together with Raiden and Kitana. You're not really sure where the others are, and not like you care, when you whip your phone to take photos for your friends and family to see.

"What... is that?" Syzoth asks, his face practically over your shoulder as you turn your head to meet his gaze.

"I-it's a cellphone," you answer bashfully, cheeks warm at the proximity. "I have not been here before, so I would like to cherish it."

Kitana removes her mask, her face scrunched up a bit as she also asks you some questions.

"Are you not here for the movie shoot? With Johnny?" she asks, and you shake your head before answering.

"Kung Lao and Johnny wouldn't leave me alone when it came to me coming to see Outworld. I caved, so now I'm here." Raiden shakes his head in disappointment, and Kitana chuckles lightly at the anecdote. Seems she knows Kung Lao and Johnny well enough that something like that would happen.

"Princess, if I may," Syzoth speaks. "I would like to show her places not just in the palace." Kitana quirks a brow as she flicks her leg over her knee.

"You will have to ask Tanya about this," she states. "Why the interest, Syzoth? She is here for the shoot..." You interrupt them.

"I mean, not necessarily. I don't mean offense when I say this, but I may be bored just hearing Johnny yell 'cut!' over and over again." Kitana flashes a smile in amusement.

"It can be tiring... Very well. When we arrive to the palace, you may explore the city with Syzoth," Kitana rests her hands in her lap again. "Just do not be separated under any circumstance."

You both nod, and you can't wait for the carriage to stop at the palace steps.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Once at the palace's staircase to the doors, Kitana immediately informs Tanya of the change of plans. Surprisingly, she does not reject the idea.

Perhaps it has something to do with the fact your fighting skills lack.

Regardless, Syzoth immediately takes your arm and drags you around the bustling capital. The area closest to the castle is where the wealthy live. Huge, white stone buildings tower over the clean streets, and many of the stores are similar to the boutiques you see at home.

"This is where people in the court, merchants, or wealthy business owners live," Syzoth explains as the people wave and smile at you and him.

"Normally, they are not this kind to outsides. But, since you are with me, it is... manageable," you frown a bit, but you still take this time to look around and take pictures.

"You are nice, though, Syzoth," you offer a kind rebuttal. "Johnny talks about how adorable you can be sometimes."

Syzoth can't help but feel warm in his cheeks too, and behind him his tail is out and wagging. You look behind as well, and you cover your smile to take in the image of a grown man's tail wagging.

As you two walk, you don't realize that the crowds have grown a bit bigger, and there are definitely more people around. You can smell different foods in the air, different spices and herbs on sale, not forgetting the pungent smell of meat as well.

Voices shout in the distance, you can hear babies crying and children laughing too. The sizzle of oil on a hot pan, and the faintest sounds of music creat a harmonious symphony of natural bustle.

"This is the heart of Sun Do," Syzoth announces. "I prefer to stay here more so than the upper side of the capital."

"Why?" you ask.

"It reminds me of Zaterra, Zikandur province up north."

You listen to Syzoth talk about his life as a Zaterran shifter, how he was bullied and practically exiled. How he lost his family and friends, then gained some, and how his people look to him as a hero.

"And you? What is your life in Earth and Earthrealm?" he asks. You laugh nervously as you try to talk about something else.

You speak about your life as a training champion, how you work at a coffee shop, and how your life is incredibly mundane when not training or on missions. You mention your family and friends, and you show him pictures of them too.

"Beautiful..." Syzoth breathes, but he isn't looking at the pictures- he's looking at you. You turn away, hands cupping your face as you try to hide the obvious flush on your cheeks. However, Syzoth is trying to find your face, leaning over closer and closer to you.

"F-Food! Let's get food!" you exclaim, taking his wrist as you drag him to the nearest stall and push him in front to order food for you. You watch as Syzoth carries your food on a stick, and he carries a bag of... black chips?

"What is that? Chips?" you reach in to take one, and Syzoth is oddly excited.

"I did not know human can stomach insects and bugs," Syzoth said excitedly as he grabs a handful of his "chips". The insect is in your hand, but you turn to him with wide eyes and tears forming as you mumble a "what" out.

Syzoth sets his food down to try and calm you down, causing a little scene as your tears fall gently and slowly. His hands are calloused and slightly rough, but it's somewhat soft as he coos you and flicks your tears away.

"I did not mean to scare you! Please eat your food, it will make you feel better," Syzoth tries to calm you down, and you laugh wetly as you take a little bite.

Once calm, Syzoth loops your arm in his as you two walk together as he points out different spots in the heart of Sun Do.

He points out the spot where he helped Johnny and the others in escaping the General and Reiko. He shows you his favorite stalls for fried bugs and all things insects.

He also points out where he stays when he is not on emissary duties, a little room that's part of a huge building of small rooms. Kind of like an apartment complex.

You don't even notice the time pass, your only indication being the that the sky was now a dark navy, silver stars illuminating your scenery up above.

And another thing, Tanya and Kitana find you guys sitting together on a bench in front of the once busy street.

"There you two are," Tanya huffs. "The shoot has finished, and we are ready to escort you all back."

You and Syzoth nod, though you notice that Syzoth frowns a little more than smiles.

"The carriage awaits us, let us be on our way," Kitana says, hand out waiting for your acceptance.

You walk back with Kitana and Tanya as Syzoth sinks a little behind you three. You tell the princess and the guard of your experience, and how you wish to see more in the future.

The conversation continues on the carriage, and Kitana asks questions about Earth. Honestly, they were quite silly: questions about magic users, if people live long, and other childish questions.

Once at the path to the portal, Syzoth gets out first and comes to your side, hand out as a help for you to get down. You smile, stepping down gently as your eyes linger on him for a bit.

As you and your friends approached the portal, you can't help but look back continuously at Syzoth. Something about him made you want to stay- not go home.

"You comin' or not, slowpoke?" Johnny asks as the others walk in the portal. The words are stuck in your throat, trying to find a way to explain to them your change of mind.

"I think... I think I'll stay here. Just for another day," you say as you turn to look at Syzoth.

Syzoth is beaming, and he pulls you close to him as you and him run off together towards the carriage. Before Kitana, Tanya, or Mileena could say anything, Liu Kang interrupts.

"Let them be," is all he says, accompanied by his kind, signature smile.

You'd be back home, just... not at this very moment.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

i wish syzoth was real

anyways, see yall in the next fic!

[fifi-in-the-new-world]

Philza's ultimate: Envoy of the Empress. By activating his blaze charm, Phil becomes a temporary vessel for the Blaze Empress.

When Envoy of the Empress is active, Phil gains resistance to fire damage, a bonus to all attacks, and whenever one of Phil's attacks hits, there is a chance the target is ignited and dealt continuous damage.

Philza can forgo one of his attacks to increase his defense for a short time.

Blaze Lance allows Philza to make a ranged attack that deals a medium amount of fire damage and travels in a straight line. The lance can pass through and damage multiple enemies on its way to its target.

Eruption is a heavy attack that deals a large amount of fire damage in an arc, and leaves a lingering burning effect that damages those trapped inside it.

There we have it! The first variation of Phil's ultimate move. The next one will get posted tomorrow :D

[quitealotofsodapop]

In Century Egg au, Wukong is very much in a weird position. His recovery takes long enough that he's still stuck in the Celestial Realm by the time the Brotherhood have their coup. It's for this exact reason that the Jade Emperor survives the coup, but his power still ends up usurped. In turn, Wukong and Xiaotian are kept as political hostages for the duration

We be talking in the notes here about Century egg au + how the Brotherhood likely gets involved.

Azure is already on guard at hearing how there's a stink between the Ten Kings and the ownership of Brother Macaque's soul - something he hadn't even known was an issue until recently. How come Macaque decided to barter his soul with the Bone Demon?

Then he hears something very interesting from a passing god;

First Ten King: "That was an eventful trial." Second Ten King: "Not everyday a trial for the dead ends with a birth." Third Ten King: "It's best we keep vigilant, however. As immortal as Sun Wukong once was, his child nearly absolved him of all his dao. The Queen Mother has all but threatened us not to send Ox and Horse to collect him during his recovery." Azure, overhearing: "wtf???"

Sun Wukong was in the trial for Macaque's soul? Odd, but not impossible given that they were once mates. But apparently Sun Wukong gave birth during the trial!? Since when was he expecting?! Wait, is that why Macaque escaped Diyu? To be with his pregnant mate? And since when they Sun Wukong, the Great Sage Equal to Heaven - need to recover??

Why is the Queen Mother suddenly being so protective of the very same monkey that ruined her banquet all those centuries ago?!

As if the celestial lapdog couldn't fall farther from grace...

Azure scouts things out cautiously at first.

He visits the Celestial Realm under the guise of working for his Bodhisattva - when in reality he's keeping a watchful eye and ear on the palace itself.

Wukong appears to be in a critical health-state caused by one of the most natural acts a creature could preform. The tiny brown-furred monkey cub is rarely out of sight of it's birth parent, nor the ever-vigilant Macaque. It seems that the two adult monkeys have reconciled since the Journey - the admittedly adorable fluff ball in their arms evidence of such.

Over the coming days, Azure then sees a parade of creatures from all walks of life visit the couple.

The Stalwart Generals that were loyal to the King to a fault.

The Bodhisattva Guanyin that turned their former brother against them.

The former-celestial Princess that drew Brother Bull away from the Brotherhood - an impatient half-bull demon child clinging to her dress. Brother Bull still imprisoned for a crime not even the Underworld has clear explanation of.

A pair of modern-looking Western Sea Dragons, either one holding a pup that chatters excitedly about her "best-est newest friend" resting in their crib.

Azure was confused by the inclusion of the dragons, until he noticed a trio with eerily familiar souls visit the monkey's temporary home. The very same souls that rested within the Pilgrims that felled their remaining Brotherhood! In new shells, but recognisable all the same. The "Great" Monk that had turned their brother onto that futile Pilgrimage now a dumpy mortal scholar that spends days at a time reading inside the imperial library. Zhu Bajie, a celestial general turned demon, now a fretful cook that frequently appears at meal times to ensure that each monkey has their fill of food. Sha Wujing, a former fighter and royal cup-bearer, now no more than a meditative cat-minder.

Azure didn't think it could get any worse when he spotted the Lotus Prince Nezha himself worriedly check in on Wukong, receiving the mother-monkey equivalent of an adoring coo and hug from the King.

Then came the Queen Mother herself, followed soon by her many daughters. Azure had been struck dumb by her presence. Looking deeper into the matter, he learned that the Empress had in fact delivered the King's cub! The lion suspects that the Queen Mother has become attached to Wukong and his cub as surrogate grandchild, given that Iron Fan is adamant on keeping her calf hidden from other celestials. But another reason must be lurking...

When the Jade Emperor appears in a manner almost sheepish at the door to the recovery room, Azure throws up his hands with disbelief. Now he's seen everything! The very same emperor they tried to overthrow was now crying silent tears as he held Wukong's cub in his hand. He did not shed a single cross word or expression to the monkeys, even as the infant urinated on his hand - which Azure thought was delightfully ironic, perhaps the cub was inherently rebellious as it's parent had once been?

Azure Lion now has full reason to believe that Sun Wukong, and unfortunately Brother Macaque as well, has fully thrown his lot in with the celestial host. And whats more, he nearly has the royal couple themselves eating out the palm of his hand. It's a insult to all their Brotherhood had stood for.

So the lion devises a plan to revive his two trapped brothers, and separate Wukong and his cub from the others so that they can have a talk about what has happened since the war.

This certainly wont turn into a political kidnapping now will it? (Doubt)

[tossawary]

I may never get over the parallels between Emily Kaldwin and the Outsider in the Dishonored series, specifically the parallels created/revealed by Daud's games (The Knife of Dunwall and The Brigmore Witches) and Billie Lurk's game (Death of the Outsider). (Spoilers for the entire series if you haven't played the main games and companion games.)

The Outsider claims at one point that he doesn't play favorites. I think he's a fucking liar. Because in The Knife of Dunwall, he sets the story off by giving Daud a name, Delilah. He did not have to do that, just as he didn't have to give his Mark to any of the people he gave it to. He is constantly putting his hand on the scales.

Moving simultaneously to the events of Dishonored, Delilah was going to possess Emily and NO ONE saw her coming. She had everything ready in secret. She was going to win.

(Side note: I think Delilah originally developed this plan because she wanted to possess Jessamine, but her half-sister's death at Daud's hands caused Delilah to scrap whatever painting she'd originally been working on. And no one would have foreseen THAT coming either. Nightmare scenario AU for Corvo Attano.)

Corvo, Emily, and the conspirators of Dishonored didn't even know that Delilah Copperspoon existed. A guilt-stricken Daud sliding in at the last moment is the ONLY reason that Delilah didn't succeed in taking over Dunwall in Dishonored instead of Dishonored 2. And Daud only caught the impending murder of a second Empress because the Outsider gave Delilah's name to him directly.

The Outsider's favor came down on the side of Corvo and Daud, rather than Delilah, even before Delilah started doing weird shit to the Void and he took offense. Or rather: the Outsider came down on Emily's side, even before potentially Marking her. And... why?

In Death of the Outsider, it is revealed to Billie Lurk that the Outsider used to be an ordinary person. He is not infallible. He is not objective. He knows a lot, but he's probably not actually fully omniscient. An ancient cult took an ordinary young man, slit his throat, and turned him into a god against his will. And the theming surrounding eyes is not in the least bit subtle.

The vibe that I personally got while playing Death of the Outsider (interpreting only from the canon of the games, rather than any additional material) is that the Eyeless cult greedily looked upon the incredible but unpredictable power of the Void, then they made a human sacrifice and gave it a face, so that they could look upon the new avatar of its power without going insane. (At least, without going insane nearly so quickly.) They turned a person into a focus, a lens, in the hope that they could use him like a corpse puppet for their own ambitions and become powerful through him.

But the Outsider has never cooperated. Personally, I don't think that he has much power of his own, honestly, at least by what he's shown doing in the games. I think that he can only really act as a focusing lens, a pathway, through which other people can touch and use the Void. All he can really do is offer people the Mark, the ability to use him, and then watch them go. (The Heart, he manipulated Piero Joplin to make, I think. I don't know where he got the Time Piece, but I assume it was made in a similar way, taking advantage of the Crack In The Slab that Delilah made. When he "took" Billie's eye and arm in Death of the Outsider, it was only because he opened a connection to the Void in Billie Lurk that was already there.)

I think he can probably use this to make people go insane, obliterating their minds by opening the lens to the Void too far, but... I think there's a vulnerability to him making connections, temporary or permanent ones. It can be dangerous for him. In Dishonored 2, when Delilah is doing whatever she's doing with the Void, the Outsider says, "Delilah is a part of me now. And I don't like it." Delilah appears to use her own Mark to reach out to Corvo or Emily's Mark, so that she can talk to them in the Void, and she's probably doing it by reaching through the Outsider somehow.

I don't think that the Outsider can control what powers his Marked get from the Void or how deeply they reach into it (thank you, game mechanics of giving different characters different powers), which is possibly what he meant when he said that he didn't play favorites. Once he gives them access to the lens into the Void, I don't think that he can take it away or control it, only give his Marked the cold shoulder and stop talking to them. (His role in Dishonored is definitely to give you cool powers and then step back so that you can do your thing.) The game mechanic of collecting runes to increase powers suggests that it's up to the Marked to improve their powers and practice them. (See... everything with Granny Rags.)

The Outsider in Dishonored 2 struck me as... kind of helpless in some ways, confirmed by Death of the Outsider. When Billie Lurk finally finds his body in the Void, there's no fight. He can't do anything to defend himself. (I don't think he wants to defend himself.)

Somewhere in The Brigmore Witches, the Outsider says something about Delilah looking out through Emily's eyes. Emily is in some ways the avatar of Dunwall. She's the focus point of imperial power, the figure supporting the mythology of royal right and privilege, the legal means through which people can seize social, military, economic, etc. control. The Royal Spymaster tried to use Emily. The conspirators tried to use her too. And Delilah tried to trap her own niece in (I think I'm paraphrasing something else that the Outsider says) an invisible prison, screaming inside her own head while someone else takes control, to take this power for herself.

Delilah tries to do to a little girl what the Eyeless cult tried to do to the Outsider. And I think the Outsider went, "Hm, don't like that."

So, the Outsider gives a would-be Empress's name to the man who just killed the last one and is desperate for a release from guilt, even if that means covering up blood with more blood. He gives Delilah's name to DAUD, an assassin, the fucking Knife of Dunwall.

(Or maybe the Outsider could foresee the chaotic wreck that Delilah was going to make of Dunwall, when it turns out that her schemes don't "fix" everything for her like her fantasies, like she does in Dishonored 2. And the Outsider decided that Delilah's future was just too boring to let happen. That's also possible.)

And sure, Delilah comes back years later in Dishonored 2, more powerful than ever, semi-immortal, pushing back against the Outsider within the Void itself, and no one saw her coming this time either. Possibly not even the Outsider. (When the Outsider makes fun of Corvo for not seeing Delilah coming, for losing another Empress, for not stopping to talk to Daud so that Daud could warn Corvo about her, it can read as a genuine admonishment of sorts. I think the Outsider is honestly frustrated.) But if the Outsider hadn't decided to play favorites in the background of Dishonored, if he hadn't decided to set Daud on her, then Delilah would have won before anyone even knew that she was playing the game.

[sea-lanterns]

I thought arle’s dish was stake tartare ??? is it really spam 😭😭?

It probably is steak tartare, but every time I see it, I can’t help but see slices of raw spam on toast💀

Maybe I’m bashing it too much but yeah, I’m a bit too unnerved to try Arlecchino’s culinary creation (and so is the Empress). Honestly, the only time the Empress would ever willingly eat Arlecchino’s signature dish, is if she were pregnant with Arle’s heir(s) and has the craving for it…

At the very least, Arle is glad to have someone else in the palace share her taste for…whatever it is that she made. Even if it’s only temporary 😅

[obsidian-pages777]

Pick a Card: Messages for Heart Break from God Anteros. Pick a Billie Eilish Image

Left to Right First Row- 1->2 Left to Right Bottom Row- 3->4

================================================

Tarot Reading 1: The Journey of Self-Discovery

Cards Drawn: The Fool, The Hermit, The Star

Anteros urges you to begin a new journey of self-discovery. The Fool represents a fresh start, a leap of faith into the unknown. Heartbreak can be a catalyst for profound personal growth. The Hermit advises you to take time for introspection, to retreat into solitude where you can reflect on your past relationships and your own needs. The Star signifies hope and healing. It reminds you that there is light after darkness, and this period of heartbreak is temporary. Focus on your personal dreams and aspirations. Healing comes from understanding yourself better and rediscovering your own worth.

================================================================================================

Tarot Reading 2: Rebuilding with Patience

Cards Drawn: The Tower, Temperance, The Empress

The Tower indicates that your heartbreak may have come from a sudden and shocking change. Anteros suggests that while the destruction feels overwhelming, it is also an opportunity to rebuild stronger foundations. Temperance advises patience and balance in this process. Take your time to heal; there’s no need to rush. Balance your emotions and find a middle path in your recovery. The Empress encourages you to nurture yourself. Engage in self-care, surround yourself with beauty, and reconnect with nature. Healing will come from taking care of your physical and emotional needs and fostering a sense of inner peace.

================================================================================================

Tarot Reading 3: Empowerment Through Forgiveness

Cards Drawn: The Devil, Justice, The Strength

The Devil suggests that you may be holding onto toxic attachments or negative patterns from your past relationship. Anteros advises you to confront these shadows head-on. Justice calls for you to seek fairness and balance, not just in external circumstances but within yourself. This might involve forgiving yourself and others for past mistakes. The Strength card emphasizes inner strength and compassion. Healing from heartbreak requires you to be courageous and to tame your inner demons with kindness. Empower yourself by letting go of resentment and embracing forgiveness. This path will lead to a more balanced and harmonious state of being.

================================================================================================

Tarot Reading 4: Embracing New Beginnings

Cards Drawn: Death, The Chariot, The Lovers

Death signifies the end of a significant phase and the beginning of something new. Anteros tells you that this ending, though painful, is necessary for your transformation. Embrace this change as a gateway to new opportunities. The Chariot represents willpower and determination. Take control of your life’s direction with confidence and focus. The Lovers card is a powerful reminder that love will come again, but it must begin with self-love and harmony within yourself. Healing from heartbreak involves letting go of the past and moving forward with a clear vision and open heart. New, healthier relationships await when you are ready to embrace them.

===============================================================================================

[skzhocomments]

The Rising Empress (Bang Chan) - Chapter 2 - The Wedding

General Masterlist

Story masterlist - please consult it for the summary of the story, trigger warnings etc.

Wattpad | AO3

Chapter 1 | Chapter 3

---

Chapter 2 - The Wedding

Chapter word count: 6.4k words

~present day~

The road to the Capital of the Empire of the Sun is long and unpleasant for Aristia, who’s never had to travel outside the castle before. The carriage is small and uncomfortable, only having enough space to accommodate two people: herself, and one of her maids. She has motion sickness and is on the verge of throwing up multiple times throughout the journey, to everyone’s displeasure, who don’t shy away from scowling at her whenever she asks for a little break.

Not many people are inconvenienced by her, as she’s not accompanied by too many anyway: only a handful of knights and a few maids. With how small their convoy is, no one would assume a princess is travelling in one of the carriages. Still, they condemn her for being sent away from the Kingdom to accompany her, as if it was her fault.

She makes a mental note to send everyone back as soon as she’s settled in the Empire.

However unpleasant the atmosphere in the convoy is, Aristia tries to enjoy the unfamiliar sightseeing of meadows and mountains and streams as she moves across her Kingdom. She smiles gleefully as she is able to point out the names of the rivers and the small towns she briefly passes through on the way to her new home; after all, she memorised the maps in her geography books by heart. If someone dropped her in the middle of nowhere, chances are she’d figure out her location with ease. The maid in her carriage smiles at her and shows some curious expressions when Aristia tells her about the history of the places they’re going through, or what each village and town is known for, and she is grateful to have a partner to converse with until the maid loses interest and falls asleep.

With so many breaks along the way, the journey lasts almost two weeks, and with each passing day, Aristia’s heart beats louder in her chest. She wishes she could escape the inevitable, run away somehow and start a new life far away from the Kingdom and the Empire.

She knows she can’t. The cards fate dealt her seem to ensure that she’d be hated wherever she goes, anyway.

She’s heard that the Emperor of the Sun is a kind man; perhaps he would be kind to her as well, even if their nations are enemies. He’s the one who asked for her hand in marriage, after all.

And if not kind, perhaps at least indifferent. She hopes he won’t abuse her like her father did. She hopes he won’t hit her until she’s sore and has difficulty moving the next day.

That’s not too much to ask for, is it?

When she arrives, a knight opens her carriage and helps her step down. Not that she needs much help, anyway. She’s dressed modestly. Unlike a rightful princess, her dress is not big and elaborate, and she has no difficulty moving herself. It seems unsuited for the Capital. There are a lot of people waiting for her, and despite the contempt in their eyes at the sight of her – which she expected – she can’t help but feel they are disappointed by what little things her father sent her with.

A couple carriages, a few servants and a modest dress, totally inappropriate for the grandeur of the Empire. This thought only gets reinforced when she watches the intricate embroideries of jewels on the knight’s clothes. He looks like a princess more than she does.

She wants to laugh thinking about it, but she keeps a straight face as the man bows to her.

“Future Moon of our Empire, welcome to Your new home.” He says respectfully, but his words are empty, and his eyes cold.

Aristia smiles in return, trying to think of this as a warm welcome. It is anything but. “Thank you. What is your name?”

“Lee Know, Your Highness.”

“Nice to meet you, Lee Know. Would you be so kind to show my attendants to their temporary residence for the night, and assure they are well fed? Please talk to the cooks and prepare enough food for them to pack tomorrow, as they have a long way back to the Kingdom.” Aristia commands like a true princess, just as her maid taught her. She keeps her head high, even if the words feel foreign on her tongue.

“Your Highness?” Lee Know tilts his head. He was definitely not expecting this. Doesn’t the princess know that she has no allies in the castle? Why would she send everyone back home?

“Hm?” Aristia forces a smile. A knight should always respect her commands, her maid made sure she remembered this.

“My apologies, I was just assuming His Excellency The Emperor should know of this beforehand.”

“Oh, is that so? I don’t see him around, though? Unless I’m mistaken.”

“Unfortunately, His Highness had some urgent matters to attend to and was not able to come meet Your Grace.”

“I guess it can’t be helped, then.” Aristia smiles again. “Since the Emperor is not here, I am the highest authority.” She challenges him. She notices he has something he’d like to say, but he bites his tongue back, much to her pleasure. The power is indeed delicious, and it gives her a little rush, even though the command is not difficult. She doubts the Emperor would have much to object anyway, as he most definitely considers everyone in the Kingdom an enemy.

“But Princess, how could we go back-” Her maid starts but shuts up instantly, a look of panic crossing her face, that only intensifies once Aristia turns to her. She has no authority to speak before the princess, unless explicitly given permission to, and the fact that she ignored these customs in front of all the maids, butlers and knights of the Empire that came to welcome her shows just how little everyone in the Kingdom respects her. She knew she needed to cut her losses, but this blatant disrespect only intensifies the burning wish she has to get rid of everyone that ever looked down on her.

God knows she’s going to have a lot more people showing her the same disrespect in the Empire. She doesn’t need anyone from the Kingdom to do so as well.

The maid immediately avoids her gaze and bows, so Aristia ignores her and starts walking towards her chambers, guided by Lee Know. She gets introduced to a couple of maids as well, who are supposed to assist her going further.

Spies, Aristia thinks. She knows that every move she makes will be tracked and reported to the Emperor.

She also gets introduced to a dress maker who hastily takes her measurements for her wedding dress, who throws her nasty looks for refusing to take off all her garments. How could she, when her back has such ugly scars from the abuse she endured?

When every appointment for the day is done, she asks one of her new maids to prepare a bath for her. The maid bows in her direction, but Aristia can already sense the disdain coming from her. Her suspicions are verified as soon as she checks the bath water.

It’s freezing cold.

~

“They are really brave for this move.” Jisung chuckles and shakes his head, amusement plastered on his face.

“They must think we are fools.” Chan laughs along. “I can’t believe they only sent 100 gold as dowry. What kind of princess marries with such a laughable amount?”

“Right? Besides, isn’t the King rumoured to adore his daughter? What is going on?”

“We won’t forget this for sure when the time comes.” Seungmin shakes his head.

The council formed of him, Jisung and the Emperor is currently seated around a table, together with Lee Know, one of Bang Chan’s most trusted knights.

“How did she seem to you, Minho?” Chan asks.

“Mhm, quite unpredictable. I told you already that she asked me to send all of her attendants home.”

“Foolish girl.” Seungmin shakes his head. “Doesn’t she know she has no allies here?”

“She didn’t seem particularly close to the people in the Kingdom either.” Lee Know shrugs.

“Maybe it’s all a façade to gain our trust.” Jisung suggests. “If we let our guard down now, she could find out that we’re planning to uncover the documents for the mine and start a war in two years.”

“We’ll see.” Chan replies. “Anything else about her, Minho?”

“Yes. I received word that she had her measurements taken yesterday, and apparently made quite a fuss about not wanting anyone to see her naked. She didn’t let the maids assist her washing either.”

Chan chuckled. “What, is she shy?”

“Quite unusual for a princess to wash herself.” Seungmin observes. “When are you planning to meet her?”

“I’d say never. But realistically, during our wedding.”

“What, you won’t go see her even once?” Jisung’s eyes grow large. “I knew you were cruel, but that’s another level, Chan.”

“Don’t call me cruel, I’ll have your head cut off for treason.” The Emperor threatens jokingly. When it’s just them in the secrecy of the council room, they don’t have to keep appearances. Sure, Bang Chan is the Emperor of the Sun, but he’s grown up with a handful of loyal people around him he considers as close as family, so he allowed them to drop the honorifics when in private settings. “Felix keeps beating around the bush to go meet her, he’s quite curious.”

“Dangerously curious.” Seungmin adds.

“I’m also curious.” Jisung admits.

“She’s just a spoilt rotten princess of our enemies. What is there to be curious of?” Lee Know asks the men around the table.

“I agree. Nothing good about getting acquainted with someone like her. Our original plan of ignoring her completely seems to be the best to ensure nothing unwanted gets to her ears.” Seungmin says.

“All I know is that I’m not looking forward to the wedding.” Bang Chan remarks.

~

“Your Highness, may we enter now?” The attendants softly open the door to Aristia’s chambers, keeping their heads down.

“Yes, come help me.” She commands. She managed to put on the large wedding dress on her own, making sure to cover her back completely before allowing the attendants to come finish dressing her.

The wedding dress is the most beautiful garment Aristia’s ever seen. It’s white, embellished with beautiful green and golden jewels and white pearls all over; its sleeves are puffy, made of a soft, see-through organza that is not so heavy on her arms, and looking in the mirror, she’s barely able to recognise herself. Her train is so long, she is sure it’s going to catch everyone’s attention as soon as she steps in the room.

Dressed in the white and golden colours of the Empire, she notices, as if for the first time, that she is really beautiful. She looks like a true princess, like the future Empress. Her garments are also adorned with green emeralds, much like her wrists and neck, a symbol of her former Kingdom, which she finds quite ironic.

‘The jewellery has been chosen by the Sun Himself’, as one of her attendants said.

Why would he want her to wear green, and not gold?

Is this his way of welcoming her, somehow telling her that she should feel as if she’s still home, or is this some sort of threat informing her that she’s never going to be accepted fully?

The green emeralds all over the dress also make this last thought a bit more obvious to her, but she decides not to ponder on it.

Maybe I’m overthinking. Aristia shakes her head and informs the maids that she’s ready.

As she gets out of her rooms, two knights bow in her direction and start escorting her towards the church. One of them she recognises. She even remembers his name: Lee Know, the first face she’s seen when she stepped out of the carriage, the man who first welcomed her into the Empire. It’s the first time she sees the second one, though. He’s a bit shorter than Lee Know, and his arms are a bit buffer too. His expression seems softer.

Since he came to escort her, he must also be an important knight.

Once they reach the church, Aristia tries to not look too much around. She’s curious, but she keeps her eyes from searching the faces of the people looking at her, following her every move. She breathes in and makes her way towards the Altar, where a man dressed in the same colours as her - only without the green emeralds - is waiting with his back turned.

The Emperor, she thinks as she steps up next to him. He doesn’t spare her even one glance, and she refrains from turning her head to watch him. Instead, she side-eyes him and notices a sharp jaw as if he’s clenching it, a perfectly sculpted nose and brown eyes. She averts her gaze a few seconds later, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of knowing she’s curious about him.

Still, isn’t curiosity normal? He’s never come visit her ever since she got to the Empire, not even once, and before they officially get married, she doesn’t have a high enough authority to go see him first, unless he asks for her, or unless she requests an audience.

Every muscle in Chan’s body gives him away. He is displeased to be at the Altar next to a bride he doesn’t like one bit, nor want, nor even need.

Well, the last bit is false, even if just a tad, and he knows it. He does need her for this marriage, giving him an easy temporary alliance to her nation, but he’s counting the days until he’d be able to get rid of her, even if they haven’t shared one word so far. He knows he dislikes her without having to talk to her. The fact that she hasn’t looked for him or even asked someone if she can see him tells him how arrogant the princess is, too.

Tsk. He almost clicks his tongue out loud in annoyance.

He is not the only one displeased to be there, though. Aristia is as well, and so is everybody in the church. The only delighted ones are the people of the Empire whose sons have been drafted to join the army at a young age for wars that seem to be without end.

Aristia is discontented with this situation; she’s the daughter of a King who didn’t want her, sent over like a sacrificial lamb to his enemy, a man who doesn’t want her either, who won’t even cast a look at her. She decides she won’t look at him either. Two can play this game.

Let’s just look at these flowers and not think. She repeats in her head as she admires the bouquet of white peonies.

The priest begins talking, spewing nonsense about eternal love and about how they will always have each other’s back. As if for the first time, Aristia realises that even though they are a fake couple, the marriage is very much real. What a shuddering thought, to be forever tied to this man she knows nothing about.

By the end of the priest’s long speech, it’s traditional for the couple to kiss, so Chan turns his body towards the princess, and she is able to see him properly for the first time.

The Emperor is good looking, she notices, but his gaze pierces, pulling at Aristia’s heart strings. She doesn’t know how someone can throw her such a malevolent stare, and she almost shakes when he firmly rests his right hand on her neck right under her jaw, his thumb gently brushing her cheek. He uses that same hand to lift her head up, their eyes fighting a silent battle.

She expects a kiss and closes her eyes instinctively, but instead, she feels him remove his hand from under her jaw, and moments later, her head is weighted heavily by what she assumes is the Empress’ crown. Her left hand moves towards the foreign object on her head and touches it unsurely, but the darkness in the Emperor’s eyes tells her she is indeed wearing the crown of the Empire, matching his golden one.

She is only able to see her own reflection in his eyes, and she tries her hardest to keep her composure and show him that she can also be Empress, not a simple toy he brought over from the Kingdom.

The next time his hand rests under her jaw, she decides against closing her eyes. She will no longer be taken by surprise. He hesitates for a bit when seeing the new-found determination in her orbs, but eventually moves closer and presses his plum lips against her decisively, and people start clapping, for the Sun of the Empire has finally welcomed his Moon.

~

Following the church service, a great ball takes place in one of the rooms of the castle. The atmosphere is radiant, filled with chatter and laughter and sounds of glasses clinking against one another as people get drunker and drunker, celebrating the union between The Kingdom of the South and The Empire of the Sun. In earnest, everyone is toasting for the beginning of a time of peace and tranquillity, as the Empire has always been at war due to the large ambitions of the previous Emperor, Chan’s father, who wanted nothing more than to see their Empire conquer all that used to belong to them centuries ago.

Chan has much of the same ambitions, and even after his father’s sudden passing, he’s managed to fulfil his wishes and brought the Empire to the largest it’s ever been. Despite this being a good thing in terms of the Empire’s prosperity, it’s also been tiring on its people, who’ve seen their sons, husbands and fathers sent off to war, to never return back home.

The Sun and the Moon are seated together at a table overviewing the banquet hall, sitting in silence. He doesn’t address her any words, so she doesn’t bother to strike up a conversation either.

What a lonely place this is, up on a throne with no one by your side but a betrothed that doesn’t want you, while everyone else is having fun right in front of you.

Even during their first dance, Chan barely looked at Aristia, and he hadn't spoken to her at all. The disgust plastered on his face during their first dance was obvious, and his indifference now regarding her presence is, too.

Truly, she was nervous during their first dance, but she realised quickly that Chris was at best unconcerned about their wedding and the dance. He simply took the lead, as men must do during a dance, and she followed him, but they didn't say a word, nor did they smile or show any kind of expression signalling they at least get along. She assumes they looked like those rigid, stiff wooden figures in the music boxes, and she dreads the plays that will inevitably get written about them and the royal wedding.

Aristia starts wondering if the people in the room are also able to notice the height of the wall between them but realises it’s a pointless thought to have. She focuses on the chalice of wine in her hand instead, that’s already been emptied and refilled a couple of times. She can’t help but feel how uncomfortable the crown is on her head, how it’s making her scalp hurt.

She wishes she could take it off, throw it across the room and run away.

The ridiculously large dress would make it hard to do so. She thinks, and almost lets a chuckle escape past her lips.

The alcohol is getting to her head and it’s getting harder and harder to keep her eyes open, which is exactly what she is hoping for. She hopes she’ll pass out as soon as she gets into the Emperor’s chambers. Like any woman on her wedding night, she is expected to offer herself wholly to her husband, and hopefully bear his children as soon as possible. She doesn’t want it, but it’s her duty as a married woman, and even more so as the Empress. If she’s drunk enough, the man next to her can do whatever he wants to her body, and she won’t feel a thing during the deed. She almost winces imagining the horrendous pain she’s going to be faced with tomorrow after The Emperor has had his fun, but her many years of training to be a respectable Crown Princess aid her in keeping a straight face.

Besides, whatever he does to her can’t be worse than what her father’s done up until this point, can it? A beating must certainly hurt way worse than sexual intercourse. That’s what she hopes for, anyway, burying all the books on marriage etiquette she had to read deep in her head, trying not to think of the lines describing the numbing pain women feel under their partner the first time, and, if they’re unlucky, during every intercourse.

“Sun and Moon of the Empire, I congratulate you on your marriage. May you live happily ever after together and be blessed with many children.” A young blonde approaches the table and bows respectfully, and Chan starts smiling.

“Felix, no need to be so formal.” He says but doesn’t bother introducing Felix to Aristia or explaining who he is.

She can guess, though, since Felix is also wearing white and gold, the colours of the royal family, and his head is adorned by a crown, albeit smaller than Chan’s. Considering the fact that he also addressed them first, without waiting for permission to speak, he must be the younger prince.

“Are you having fun, brother? You haven’t even gotten up since the first dance. I’m sure Her Highness must be bored.” He says, looking expectantly at Aristia.

“Not at all, His Highness is great company.” She replies in an almost mocking tone, concentrating hard to not slur her words.

“I must apologise for interrupting you two, I’m sure there’s a lot to talk about as you get to know each other. However, I’d really love it if Her Highness would join me for a dance.” He offers Aristia his hand.

“Oh, I’m afraid I might step on your toes. I’m not a good dancer, and I’ve quite enjoyed the wine from the northern region this evening.” She chuckles and tries to play it off and politely decline his invitation, but Felix doesn’t back down.

“Not to worry, Your Highness, I am quite strong and an excellent dancer.”

To that, Aristia can’t object anymore, and so she places her hand in his and stands up with his help, rearranging the uncomfortably large dress and instinctively placing her hand on her crown, making sure it stays in place.

Felix guides her to the dance floor and places his left hand firmly around her waist, keeping her right hand in a strong hold.

They start spinning to the music, looking elegant under the delightful gazes of all the people in attendance. Despite being quite intoxicated, Aristia matches Felix’ lead perfectly.

“My sister-in-law said she’s a bad dancer, but it doesn’t look like it.” He remarks, and Aristia can’t help herself but joke around a bit, and steps on his foot.

“Oops.” She smiles, and Felix starts laughing brightly. Aristia thinks the title of ‘Sun of the Empire’ would be better fitted for him, with how radiant his smile is, compared to his brother’s piercing gaze that’s been throwing daggers in her back ever since she stood up from the throne.

“Why are you trying to get drunk?” He asks all of a sudden.

“Oh, I’m not just trying to. I’m also succeeding.” She chuckles, and Felix laughs again warmly.

She is a beautiful woman, and he can’t help but feel bad for her; all alone, in an unfamiliar nation, married by force to someone she doesn’t know, who hasn’t spoken to her at all since the night began. He can’t imagine how suffocating that must be. She must also feel intimidated by his brother, since she’s also quite young. If he’s not wrong, she’s 2 years younger than himself, which means she’s 5 years younger than Chris.

“I’m Felix, by the way. Chan’s younger brother. He hasn’t introduced us, that rude rascal.”

“Rascal?” Aristia chuckles again. “Isn’t it treason to talk like that about the Emperor?”

“He’s a quite forgiving man.”

“He doesn’t strike me as such, but what do I know?” She fakes another smile as she hints at the fact that today is the first time she’s ever meeting the Emperor. “My name is Aristia.”

“I love your name. Rising Empress. How fitting!”

He exclaims, and she just smiles. Fake, fake, fake, fake. She always thought balls are tiring, but since her father hasn’t allowed her to join too many, it’s hard to get used to this.

She misses the confines of her room back in the Kingdom, the shelves with books to keep her company, and most of all, her loyal maid, taken away by sickness too long ago.

There is no sense of familiarity for Aristia in this place, no refuge. Only the suffocating dress, the heavy crown, the way too crowded ballroom, and a dagger stabbed in her back by her own husband, that’s making it hard to breathe and almost impossible to focus on the smiling man in front of her.

“He hasn’t talked to you much, has he?” Felix asks, as if he’s only now figuring out her earlier allusions.

“I enjoy silence.” She retorts.

“I’m sorry…” Felix smiles sympathetically. “So… back to my original question, is his company that bad that you have to be drunk to be in his presence?”

“Such is the fate of a bride. There’ll be plenty of time for us to spend together without knowing each other, and I feel woefully unprepared.”

She confesses, and Felix hums, barely audible over the loud music. Just as he wants to say something comforting, the music briefly stops as the musical ensemble prepares itself for a next song, and people come to compliment the two on their perfect dancing. They surround Aristia and start asking her all sorts of questions, definitely curious about her, and it’s becoming a bit too overwhelming, and she’s getting dizzy.

It’s too hot, and she’s had too much wine, and her corset is way too tight, and her head can’t seem to get used to the weight of the crown; it hurts. Aristia finds herself missing the tranquillity and comfort of loneliness that her throne provides, far away from everyone. She just wants to excuse herself and go back on her throne so she can breathe, but there are customs to be respected, and she doesn’t want to come across as rude and leave in the middle of a conversation. She starts scanning the room with her eyes, until they finally fall on the bulky guard that escorted her with Lee Know in the morning.

He’s not too far away from her; he’s there for her protection, and his gaze is also stuck on her. As soon as they make eye contact, it’s as if he understands that something is wrong; he sees the urgency in her eyes and instantly begins moving towards Aristia, asking everyone else to step aside.

“His Majesty requested The Moon’s presence, please excuse us.” He says with a bow and begins guiding the Empress away, ignoring the protests of the disappointed crowd, and she’s never been more thankful.

“Thank you.” She whispers as soon as they are a bit further away.

“I apologise, but… Are you feeling sick? You seem pale… if I may.” He whispers back, and Aristia nods.

“Just needed some air. What’s your name?”

“It’s Changbin, Your Highness.” He bows again as soon as Aristia reaches the steps to the two thrones and the table where only she and her husband are sat. She avoids looking into Chan’s eyes as he scans her face, and simply nods towards Changbin and goes to sit down.

For the first time ever, someone noticed her discomfort, and actively did something to help, and she is truly grateful. She hopes the banquet will end on a positive note at least, although it seems far from over, and just rests comfortably against the backrest of her throne, wishing for time to pass quicker.

After about an hour, a young woman approaches their table and bows respectfully, waiting for her or the Emperor to say something first. Being the highest authority in the Empire, unless the Empress or Emperor addresses you first, you are unable to speak to them.

“Arabella.” Chan says as soon as he notices her, a large smile plastered on his face, which makes Aristia involuntarily raise an eyebrow.

“I greet the Sun of the Empire and congratulate you for your marriage.” She says respectfully, almost making Aristia scoff.

She is the Empress now, but this girl – Arabella – hasn’t even bowed towards her, nor addressed her in the salutation. This in itself would be considered inexcusable behaviour, but Chris doesn’t seem to regard her as his wife either, so he doesn’t bat an eye at the ignorance.

“You may raise your head.”

“You look as healthy as ever.” She bows again, shorter this time, with an intoxicating giggle that is quick to reach Chan’s ears, and Aristia doesn’t fail to notice the way her husband’s cheeks receive prominent dimples as he smiles at the compliment.

“And you as well. Your father must be pleased to be able to pride himself with such a beautiful jewel.”

“Your Majesty, I am unworthy of your praises.”

My ass. Aristia thinks briefly and stops herself from rolling her eyes at this exchange. How blatantly rude, to flirt in front of her so openly. Does Chris want a concubine already?

“The night sky is truly beautiful tonight, Your Majesty. I wish you could see it as well.”

“If I weren’t confined in this ballroom, I would. You, however, should go and dance and enjoy yourself.”

Arabella. Aristia observes the girl walk away. I shall not forget this name.

~

The banquet lasts for a few more hours, which Aristia uses wisely to drink a bit more wine to the point where walking towards her room to change from the dress is almost impossible without the help of the maids.

When she gets there, she almost lets them undress her, until she remembers about the scars on her back. She doesn’t want anyone else to know about them. The Emperor would probably see them tonight, but that’s something Aristia could deal with, since he is unlikely to spread any rumours about her. He still has a reputation to keep, and marrying a broken princess of the enemy kingdom would not be a flattering appeal.

The maids are, however, a different story entirely. They feed on the insecurities of their masters and whisper between themselves late at night about all the affairs of the house. She knew it all too well, for she’s heard them many times before, when she was still living in the Kingdom.

So, she sends them away and begins taking off her garments excruciatingly slowly. After getting undressed from the large dress, Aristia is quick to discard it somewhere on the floor and begins changing into tonight’s outfit, which consists of garments that leave little to the imagination. Beautifully delicate lace lingerie, ruffled garters and a flimsy night robe hug her body, and on top of it, a fur coat she should wear until she reaches The Emperor’s chambers. Everything is easily discardable, but she tries not to linger on it for too long.

Before exiting the room, she places the crown firmly against her head, as she shouldn’t be seen anywhere without it. Even if she’s worn it for hours already, she simply can’t get used to the heaviness on her scalp, and she can already feel the impending headache. She’s never had to wear any crowns in the Kingdom; her father wouldn’t allow it, not wanting to recognise her status as the Crown Princess.

The knight who’s helped her earlier, Changbin, comes to escort her to Chris, and she can’t help but feel yet again like a sacrificial lamb served on a platter for her husband to devour. Changbin bows at The Moon briefly and avoids her eyes at all costs.

Is it embarrassing, knowing you’re escorting a half-naked Empress to your master, so she could be fucked like a whore for the whole night? Aristia almost wants to ask but keeps it to herself once again.

The wine is making me have foul thoughts. She rationalises in her head, for it’s way easier to blame alcohol than to blame the actual problem: a vulgar personality that comes out anytime she feels like fighting the whole world for dealing her a bad hand.

Once she enters the room, she is quite pleased to find it empty. This means a bit more time to prepare, and she suddenly doesn’t feel drunk enough.

She scans the table for more wine but is unsuccessful to find any until the door opens, revealing The Emperor.

“You’re here.” He states, as if surprised.

Aristia nods.

“Of course you are.” He mumbles. “Unfortunately.”

“Yeah, it’s truly a misfortune.” She replies, and he lets out a short, mocking laugh. She involuntarily hugs the fur coat tighter, as if to protect her body from his sight.

“You see, it’s quite funny that you’re here, actually. Wanna know why?”

“… Why?”

“Because I asked them not to bring you.” He smiles. It doesn’t reach his eyes.

“Is that so? I shall take my leave, then.” She starts going towards the door, hoping he’d just let her pass. She brushes past him, and as soon as she raises her hand to open the door, she hears him curse under his breath.

“Fucking whore.”

She stops, her hand on the handle, as if she’s frozen. Anger is boiling up inside of her, but the rational side of her knows it would be better to simply get out and not look back. He doesn’t want to sleep with her, so she’s free to go and end the day without having to go through any abuse.

She should go.

Simple enough.

But how dare he?

How dare he not address her one word the whole night, and once he does, it’s to affront her?

“What did you just say to me?” She turns around, anger lacing her tone, and watches him right in the eyes.

“I said,” he smiles again, this time larger and more menacing, “fucking whore.”

“Whore?” Aristia chuckles. “Is that what you think of me? God, how ironic this is. You don’t know anything about who I am, but still dare to call me names.”

“Listen up, I can call you whatever the fuck I want. So, whore, kindly get out of my room before I also treat you like one.”

“No. You listen up. You might be Emperor, but you married me, so now I am your Empress. Act like it.”

“How daring.” He chuckles again, but then his face turns serious all of a sudden, and he starts aggressively walking towards Aristia, taking the crown off her head in one swift motion and throwing it across the room. He then grabs her wrist tightly and drags her away from the door, throwing her on the bed.

She freezes, just as she always did whenever her father would grab and hit her.

As soon as her back is against the mattress, the fur coat separates in the middle and lies flat on the bed, exposing Aristia’s body under the flimsy nightgown. She wants to cover herself from Chan’s sight, but he gets on top of her and pins her hands apart, looking sharply into her eyes.

“The temerity you have.” He starts, this time no longer smiling, and a chill makes its way towards Aristia’s spine. She’s scared of him, she’s sure of it now, and she’s crossed the line. “Do you think you’re truly an Empress? Let me break it to you: you’re not, and you’ll never be. Never. So, just stay somewhere, quietly and out of my sight, and I’ll leave you be as well. Is that clear?”

Will he hit me like my dad if I oppose him?

“You asked for my hand-”

“No. What I asked for was peace, so don’t flatter yourself. You and that father of yours who claims to be King are only thieves, stealing away our gems and claiming them as yours. But for the sake of peace for my people, I’m willing to turn a blind eye. That’s why you’re here. Of course, a foolish girl like you would have no way of knowing such things.” He spits out. “Do you have any idea how much you disgust me? Kissing you in that church today has easily been the worst thing I’ve ever had to do.”

“You must’ve had an easy life, then.” She blurts out, annoyed with the way he’s patronising her, and something shifts in Chan’s gaze.

“You must be extremely intoxicated to keep talking back to me.”

“Tsk. Not enough.”

“Still keeping your head up after all I’ve said? Fine. Want me to show you that you’re nothing in this place?”

He aggressively rips away her nightgown and her bralette, leaving her exposed under him, and then presses his body on hers, his lips mere centimetres away from her neck.

“You mean nothing to me. You are nothing. I can do whatever the fuck I want with you, and no one would bat an eye. You know why?” He whispers in her ear. “Because I am the Emperor, and you’re merely a tool.”

Aristia doesn’t say anything, her body trembling in fear when Chan separates himself from her.

“Didn’t you notice that I didn’t even let you wear golden jewels today? You are not part of my family. Is that clear to you now? Get the fuck out of my rooms, and don’t come back.”

She listens this time, hugging the fur coat as tightly as possible around her and sprinting to the door, opening it in a rush. She doesn’t even notice that she’s forgotten to pick the crown back up, not that she knew where it fell, anyway.

On the other side, Lee Know and Changbin are guarding the door. As soon as he sees her, Changbin’s expression changes to surprise, while Lee Know’s stays neutral.

Aristia musters up the last bit of dignity she has left, and looks into Changbin’s eyes, commanding him.

“Take me back to my rooms.”

It’s hard to fight back the tears that want to spill from her eyes, but she does so successfully until she’s alone. She heads towards the small balcony attached to her room and glances outside, hugging the fur coat tighter than ever, but doesn’t open the door. She simply looks outside, crying in silence, and tries to focus on something else – anything to take her mind away from her husband who loathes her and the reality of the fact that she’ll have to wake up in this Empire from now on.

Her eyes fall on the countless stars above, that give her a sense of peace. It’s always a humbling experience to watch the Universe and realise how small you are in the grand scheme of things. So, that’s what Aristia does. She just watches the stars dance and sparkle in front of her eyes, mesmerised by their grandeur.

That Arabella bitch was right. The night sky is truly beautiful tonight.

~

Chapter 1 | Chapter 3