#Trade Winds verse

[coldteaxspilledink]

The Mermaid & The Albatross

Trade Winds Verse: Bruce Miller x Colleen Murphy

"B...Bruce! Pull. Up! I SEE TREES! We almost HIT THAT EAGLE!"

Was all he heard from his terrified flight companion turned in flight entertainment. Her long dark hair was spilling down from it's plastic hair clip and her aviators were sliding down her nose as her hands waved wildly at the clear blue sky that matched her eyes.  He couldn't help but grin a slow easy grin at her. She was truly his fish out of water today. 

"Man...you're a mermaid, huh?"

"If I'm a mermaid then you're an albatross!"

The belly of the plane was mere inches from the pristine tree line as they roared along with the flight path of the local geese. He had to admit her hometown was a pretty little place. Pulling up they had a better view of some cozy houses along the coastline. In fact they buzzed Minnie's place as they spotted her in the back yard having a cigarette. He decided to show off a smidge and loop a hello before continuing on. The neighbor's grandson now things the Murphy house is the coolest place on earth.

He'd been born in Chicago, moved around to Indiana as a kid and then joined up to the Army on his 18th birthday. He'd been in Florida ever since after he'd come home from his three tours. The woman to his right was about ten years his junior, an internationally licensed boat captain named Mary Colleen Murphy, or Col as she preferred to be called. Currently marveling at the view her face lit up like a kid at Christmas.  He could count the dusting of freckles across the bridge of her nose and the fact that her eyes were now tinged a little spring green meant she's calmed down enough to enjoy herself. The fact that they could simply pack a bag and fly out to her hometown from their place in the Hatcher Keys blew her mind. To Bruce it was just another two hour flight that went smoothly. 

"I can deal with being a bird. Here's the part you hate..."

He figured ample warning would help settle her stomach. She knew that the most critical time was during take off and landing, it still didn't help her body to know not to gag at an angle normally not achieved. 

"I doubt I'll ever get my license. I've a feeling that's not looked kindly on during the final exam?"

Her dry reassurance to him that she was fine. They were traveling light this time, just some luggage and gifts for the family and friends she had to introduce him to. There had been talk to merging her mother's bar, The Gull's Nest and their place The Trade Winds but they had yet to put anything into writing. Minnie was setting to retire and move closer to her own mother in Miami so it only made sense to keep it in the family...unless Harvey Starling, Col's god father wanted first dibs at a turn key operation. Bruce knew Colleen would gladly do that over taking it over. Even though she lived down south nearly 1500 miles away she still cared about the town where she'd grown up. 

"BVY tower, N2789 5 miles west, inbound for landing."

The crackle of the controller picking up filled his head. Whoever it was had a hell of a head cold. 

"N2789 you're clear for landing. Welcome to Massachusetts."

"I can't just take it from them, Bruce. The Gull's Nest was built by my great grandfather when the town was founded. Second on the waterfront besides the old butcher and green grocer. Did you know the Starling's used to own that? That's how far back our families go...oh my god Harvey! Hel's florist shop is right there...perfect!"

He'd heard her last night as she'd packed for them both. He'd admitted to her that he didn't have a clue about packing for cold weather anymore so she had delighted in walking him through her process and parts of her family's backstory came out as she carefully rolled his shirts and pants up. She'd learned the military packing style. Bulky sweaters went on top to act as a cushion if you were bringing back souvenirs, or in Col's case, if you were bringing a stash of homegrown herb to share with your mother and best friends. Deep down his wife really was a pirate, even if she didn't realize it. 

"Who taught you how to pack?"

"Chief Petty Officer James Murphy Sr."

Bruce caught a glimpse of a pirate smile ghost across his companion's face. All he could picture for a moment was his wife in a plumed buccaneers hat with a dainty silver dagger between her teeth. Perhaps he'd just given himself a new tattoo idea. 

"He was a Navy man...then he came home became a cop and met my mom."

"All American boy."

"Guess you could say that. My mother was almost a nun until she met him."

"Damn beats Mel and Rita's story. She was a barmaid and he was bootlegger."

"Two sides of the same coin, Miller."

The tidy landing strip was fast approaching as the landing gear came out. Wheels touched down and all was well. Another one down in the flight logs. 

In their combined down time from the bar they did flight and boat charters together under the Trade Wind Tours name for the tourists. They weren't above doing a favor to a friend or two with flying in goods. Colleen was going to be needed if his buddy Whit ever gave up his wings. She had also expressed an interest in doing angel flights for sick and needy children. 

"You'd be surprised. My first time I puked out of a bird just straight up didn't care about anything except not wearing it. Bulls eye on an enemy from above. I can still see his face...I still feel bad about that."

"You were under heavy fire in a military war plane. Vastly different as I'm not open and exposed."

Reaching out to pat his jean clad thigh she sighed. 

"You'd be amazed at people can forgive. I'm sure you were the least of his worries back then. You both just wanted to get home."

He'd forgotten she'd been a nurse and just how deeply her compassion ran. He smirked and patted her back as they pulled upwards 

"If it makes you feel better I get sea sick."

A deep chortle sounded in his head that warmed him. 

"Always keep above deck where you can see the horizon and get fresh air or keep to the middle of the boat."

He heard the snicking flick of her lighter.

"You forget we're still in an airspace?"

"Nope. But I figured out my window. Until they come out with a flameless option I'm sticking with hand rolls. Helps my stomach and in all honesty I think you may need some when we're on solid ground. You're wide eyed and your eyebrows are touching your hairline. I love you, Minnie loves you...my Grandmother loves you, Harvey and Helene are going to adore you too."

Directing towards the hangar Bruce shook his head. 

"The last thing I need to do is meet the town chief of police smelling like your home grown, Col."

Wide innocent eyes met his as she held out the joint with a smile. Her next sentence made his face fall momentarily.

"But he's my god father...and I know the perfect spot."

Nimble tanned hands rolled two more joints as they were directed into the proper hangar by the ground crew, a rather an elderly portly white haired fellow wearing safety orange muffs with 'Willy' stitched into his green coveralls. Waving his sticks he looked almost like a Yankee blue collar ballerina.  A thankful two finger wave and they had some privacy.  

"Thanks Willy!"

Colleen called as she hopped out earning a Roebucker smile her way, Willy's teeth matched his shocking white hair before he hobbled back into the warmth of the hangar office. Col had grabbed her small shoulder bag and her flash light before taking off out of sight. Giving him a bird whistle he saw her crook her finger from inside what looked like a solid tree line. 

"Join me on a side quest brave traveller."

Snow crunched under their feet as he followed Colleen. She evidently knew exactly where they were going to end up. A twisting path lead to a rough stone walking path the lead to a rumbling sound. 

"Watch your step here..."

Her left hand reached out to touch a large pine tree with 'HS + JL' carved into the bark and it made him smile to see her reconnect with a tangible object from her past. The initials were newly carved into the bark, especially the JL. From the look on Col's face HS finally found a love well deserved. 

"Where...what...wow."

Looming overhead was a weather beaten lighthouse sitting at the mouth of the harbor. It's light cutting through the fog that was setting in. Between the two of them they'd planned the timing perfectly.  

"This is Tortoise Harbor light...or Turtle Point. I've mentioned it a few times in my stories of home but well...this used to be our secret spot. Me and Helene Starling. A little birdie told me that there's still heat in it."

Knocking the snow from their boots they ventured into and up to the top of the ancient lighthouse on the point. Outside the winds had picked up and the sound of rain was almost indistinguishable against the sound of the surf hitting the rocky coastline. 

"We used to come up here all the time watching for our Dads when they sailed away or came back in. I guess it was our clubhouse...in some way it still is."

The very top held a battered fold out couch upholstered in a rather interesting shade of pea soup green and outfitted with numerous blankets and throw pillows. A handmade three tier shelf held ancient paperbacks along with a wire spool coffee table with bar ashtray advertising 'the regal taste of Reinhardt beer'. tucked to the left hand side by the railing away from the light. The floor below still held a snug little alcove with a lamp and a few layered feather beds for the nights that were especially tough going home. 

"We used to have a working kitchen and bathroom downstairs but that's been boarded up since we were in our 20's. That's the past though."

Settling herself down onto the couch she sighed before inviting him to sit down as she lit the joint. He'd have wondered what she looked like young and carefree and unscarred but she seemed to bloom before him. Healed and restored. The smell of her homegrown hit him right between the eyes and he smiled as curled in next to him. The storm raging outside as they flew higher together allowing their inner teenagers to bond for the first time.

#Trade Winds verse#Colleen Murphy x Bruce Miller#The Mermaid & The Albatross

[inbabylontheywept]

Weird Grandpa Story #2

I remember asking my mom once, if her dad had gotten ornerier as he'd gotten old. I'd heard about that happening, and it would've made sense for him. He was already the orneriest old cuss I'd ever met. Couldn't even imagine him being grumpier than he was.

Instead of answering the question directly, she told me about what it was like going to church with him as a kid. Their church was a small Mormon ward out in the sticks of Colorado, and he served as their Bishop - mostly by virtue of being the only one willing to do that much unpaid work. He was also the ward pianist. He actually liked playing piano, and he liked having an audience, so it was more or less understood that he was willing to be the bishop in exchange for being the pianist. 

Which could've been a good trade, but there were a few problems.

The first problem was that Grandpa Dale played every song at about triple speed. He was a deeply impatient person, and that extended to how he played music. The second problem was that he had a bad habit of cursing under his breath. That would've been a scandalous  enough habit for a Mormon bishop, but was made much worse (and also much funnier)  by him being pretty damn deaf. So what he thought of as "quiet" cursing under his breath was more of just a verse hoarse way of yelling. I only visited him for a week or two every summer, and I still learned most of my bad words from him. 

So every Sunday would start with a quiet prayer, and then Bishop Grandpa Dale would go to the piano, sit down, and play the nightcore version of Praise to the Man. He would occasionally play other hymns, but he really, really liked that one. This would continue until he hit a wrong note, which was basically inevitable because his music philosophy was that if he could play a song flawlessly, it was time to play it faster. So he'd play until he hit that wrong note, at which point he would scream-whisper SHIIIIIT and, because he did not actually read music so much as memorize it, the only way he'd be able to get his rhythm back was by going back to the start. 

If it was a good Sunday, he could get it in two tries. Some Sundays took as many as five. 

I learned two things about Grandpa Dale from this story. The first was that he could play piano. I'd never actually seen him do that before. Still haven't, come to think of it. Second was that the man that I visited once a year, who always seemed on the verge of exploding, who scared the absolute dickens out of me, was actually the chilled out version of the man my mom grew up with.

And it helped knowing that, actually. I'm actually a pretty anxious person, and my mom is, also, a pretty anxious person, and as a teenager we'd sometimes get in these doom loops where we'd wind each other up until our springs cracked. She'd be worried about me growing up to be happy, and I'd be worried about letting her down, and my worrying would make me unhappy, and my unhappiness would make her unhappy, and we'd just kind of dissolve into these anxieties like cotton candy in the sea and become totally unbearable to be around for a bit. Then my dad would sit us both down and very politely tell us that we were being crazy. He had this quote how being sad that someone else is sad that you're sad is the emotional equivalent of being a Klein flask and that at some point you have to just say I am allowed one (1) single layer of emotional recursion, at most, and ideally zero. 

And it was always kind of embarrassing and silly, but when I was tempted to be more upset with my mom about it, I could remember the piano story and go: Sheesh. She has more of a right to be anxious that I do. For me it's really just genetics, but she grew up with the Cactus-Killing Gopher-Smasher. A whole 18 years of that. I spent two weeks every summer with that guy, and I love him, but I always came home feeling like I'd survived something. She's a trooper.

[merlucide]

BLLK BOYS X SHORT READER!

notes: ayeeee self indulgent this time 🥹 short girlies wya [requested!]

characters: Isagi, Nagi, Rin, Shidou

warnings: cursing, cringe, not proofread

ISAGI YOICHI

He’s not the type to openly say smth about another’s appearance, but he thinks your shortness is so freaking cute!! 🥹

Doesn’t comment on your height like ever— he doesn’t want to cross any boundaries or make you feel uncomfortable!!

Isagi isn’t the tallest guy around— but he isn’t short!!! so he feels extra manly when you need his help grabbing things from the top shelf hehe

he loves how easy it is just to ‘mwah! mwah!’ On your forehead :)

if anyone wants to talk shit about you being funsized they’ll have a personal meeting with Isagi Yoichi’s filthy mouth

Which ofc no one will bc you’re to much of a cutie to be shat on 😌 and you got slursagi and Writer-Kira on your back, WE GOT YOU COVERED BOO 🗣️🗣️

Thinks that ?? Cus you’re short ?? You’re fragile ??

which Yoichi honey- 😭 thanks

hes always holding your hands anyways but will YANK you closer to him when he thinks your going to fall/hit smth

and while you appreciate the loving gesture— ITS A BIT EXCESSIVE NO?

’Yoichi I’m not going to fall over in the wind y’know’

’I mean you did that one time tho?— But anyways!!’

hes a big cutie ugh

NAGI SEISHIRO

hes so tall anyways everybody is short af to him lmao 😭 so when you first meet him he just kinda stares at you

’oh, they’re rlly rlly small, pocket size? yeah that makes sense’ is his thought process LMAOO

he doesn’t poke fun at your height to much— oh who am I kidding yes he freakin does

first thing bro said to you was ‘wow, you’re so little’

If your ignoring him bc you’re on your phone/wtv he will take it and hold it above his head and only give it back when you give him attention and affection (sounds like a good trade tbh)

When he hugs you it looks like a big-overgrown baby hugging its stuffed animal HA

Lmao when you cant reach smth he just picks you up under your arms and lets you grab it yourself 😭

Just kinda like- flooooooaaaaaaat up 😭🙏

okay back to the stuff animal thing- when yall snuggle n cuddle that’s how it is 😭 just sorta, traps you 😭

Or he just plops on top of you. No matter the position, you will be trapped

Temple kisser!!!! :3

RIN ITOSHI

Doesn’t pay much attention to your height, he don’t gaf

— Is the mindset he had until you couldn’t find your shoes and just borrowed Rins.

But Rins feet and humongous

and your feet as small af

so you just looked like a clown LMAO

’Y/n have you seen my—‘

He actually laughed, it was an ugly wheeze, which lasted about 5 seconds before asked you ‘wtf are you doing’

He realized just how freaking smaller than him you were!!

He thought it was so cuuuuuteee (not that he’d ever admit that smh)

now feels the need to protect you from the dangers of the world LMAO (omega verse type shit 🗣️)

when Rins feeling pissy he’ll put all— ALL of your things in places you can’t reach

for two reasons:

1. He’s petty

2. You’ll have to ask for him help

A perfect plan tbh

which crumbles when you screech over the chair just to get your pants

*cue glaring rin*

SHIDOU RYUSEI

is the biggest shit out of all of these hoes

Like bro checks ALL OF THE BOXES

1) Puts stuff in top shelf. 2) Teases you RELENTLESSLY. 3) Tackles you onto the bed with his body. 4) will go ham on anyone who teases you

shidou 🤤

Alwqys offers to give you piggy-back rides!

even if you don’t want it he’s like, already crouched down signaling his hands like ‘hurry up—get on’

Like he will just *pick* you up 😭 when the feels like it

Going to the store? Might as well take Y/N on his back! Standing in line? Y/N on his shoulders! Walking around the house? Y/N is already thrown over his shoulder! The list goes on you could imagine

Thinks you’re so cute being smaller than him

And When you try to show him how ‘not cute you are’ he just smiles and pinches your cheeks like ‘aweeeee! Sure ya aren’t!’

He loves, loves, loves, LOVES, when you have to get on your tippy toes to kiss him

HES JUST LIKE ‘🤭+😏+😈’

’You struggling there sweets?’ ;} like YES. Now nvm😒

then picks you up and forces you to wrap you legs around him and give him that kiss he deserves 😌

ALSO HE LOVES SPINNING YOU AROUND RAAAAAAAA

not proofread, rushed af, I’m tired BUT I WAS HAPPY I GOT AN ASK SO WE PUSH THROUGH!! 🥹 thanks for reading!!!!

made December 19th 2024

[sirludox]

please tell me all about your zosan pony verse i love them!

Oh my god it would be an honour! I'll start off by mentioning that the reason I chose Sanji as a pegasus was I see his more flamboyant personality fitting that better and i just could not imagine a horse wielding 3 swords without some sort of help so I tinkered how unicorn magic works slightly with it being more closely related to mental and physical strength rather than just being a sort of cheat code haha! Also it was fun imagining a more brutish unicorn compared to the usual elegance of one! Zoro did in fact lose his horn with his first meeting of Mihawk! I was debating making him lose it when he lost his eye but I felt like him dedicating himself even more to training and meditation to make up for what he's lost fit better with it occurring much earlier on than randomly off screen like his eye. Sanji also witnessing him lose his horn yet still declare his loyalty and never losing a fight again would push Sanji to join the crew since he cant fly Sanji, like I said, can't fly mostly related to a) the deformed genes from the poison and b) his wings were bound down when he was a kid by Judge while he was imprisoned much like how he had the helmet on. While their growth wasn't affected, having no prior training on top of the messed up genes means as much as he can do with "flying" is gliding off of tall places or high up but even then that's limited. His "sky walk" is still done with his legs like in the original, so while he can technically "fly", he can't feel the wind between his wings like he normally should for having wings and so he often enjoys spreading his wings out on windy days to ease the desire of "freedom"! He uses his wings primarily as he would hands now, using them to carry food and dishes out and express emotions with them, and absolutely hates having them constricted (it begins to freak him out slightly). Sanji then learnt to use his legs (mostly his back ones) for fighting from Zeff (whom im still debating lost a leg or a wing) and the rest is history! These two still bicker and are the exact same as they are in the original, just with the bonus addition of them bonding over them missing their core "features" of their kind, a broken horn and useless wings. They never ever bring these aspects up in a way to offend/insult the other, as they know they're both rather sensitive topics, but they both use what they've lost to their advantage and dont let any of it hold them back Some more unique quirks they have now are:

Sanji preens/grooms his feathers a LOT and takes a lot of care with them. These days (20's), he's allowed Zoro to preen him when he can't from injuries, and Zoro is good with it/surprisingly gentle after learning from Kuina

Unicorns usually rub/touch horns gently in a comforting manner between family or extremely close (wink wink) others, and butting heads/clashing is more aggressive (which is why zosan often bump heads when arguing). As a trade off for the preening Sanji will often gently touch his head to Zoro's as thanks, or when he's in a particularly bad spot (be it physically or mentally) as a way to comfort him without words being needed to be said. Sanji doesn't know the more romantic connotations of it <3

Sanji tends to "fluff up" during preening as subconsciously finding it extremely relaxing and pleasing and Zoro pokes fun at him for it a little but not too much to avoid scaring him away

40 year old Zosan here has Sanji much more comfortable asking Zoro for a preen or "demanding for it" and Zoro finds it "so annoying" but does it anyway (theyre grossly in love)

Sanji will tease Zoro for being so "brute" as a unicorn, and Zoro teases Sanji for being a "dumb peacock"

Sorry for so much of a ramble haha they're just so much fun to work with, and included a couple sketches to kind of go along with things and explore other characters! If you (or anyone) has any other questions I'll be happy to answer ❤️ (sorry if some of this doesnt make sense haha)

[resident-quilt]

Shrue’s descent into radicalism and what the Silt Verses says about our world today

(also, regarding the giant poem that the episode titles make) ITS A TUMBLR ESSAY BABYYYYYYYYY

Kill your gods. Starve them out, topple their statues, forsake their comfort— Kill the stories that gave birth to them. Tear away your flesh that bears their marks.  Adjudicator Shrue, Ep. 43

The Silt Verses is a story born of its time, to a 21st century world which is slowly decaying—and everyone in it is doing their part to help it decay just a little bit faster. It speaks of capitalism, of corruption, of power and belief and environmental destruction and the rift between generations. When Charles tells Val he can’t really stand behind the idea of a family (“You wonder about what kind of world we’re bringing children into, y’know?”) I had to pause and gather myself; it’s something we hear from so many Gen Z’ers today.

But then Shrue’s speech came, and it made no sense.

Shrue calls for an end in any form it can be given. They call for the loss of all faith and love and community in the world; they call for us to kill the stories of our history, to kill the figures we believe in and the ones that give us hope. Anything, everything, all we can give to stop the decay and degradation of the world. They demand us to defeat the corrupt system we have built by trading our lives to do so.

If our words and stories sustain them, let us fall silent. If our communities rely on them, let us drift apart and die, lonely, in the polluted wilds amongst the howling winds of long forgotten deities.

It made no sense because TSV, most simplistically, embodies “no ethical consumption under capitalism”—and this solidly did not fit. So I cast about for an answer to what it all meant, because TSV had grown to be more than the “folks, look where capitalism got us” which I thought it to be. And Shrue's “we can’t do anything to escape the system but die” was just too flat a conclusion. 

Then I fell upon the poem compiled from each episode’s title.

It begins with the start of humanity: a story of things that have happened, things people have believed, things which have roamed the land from then til now. 

Let me speak first of revelations, and next of dark deceit. Then I’ll speak of champions, of lovers, gods and beasts.

And so the poem continues in a description of this story, until it eventually twists to become entirely self-destructive around Chapters 18-24. It's a reference to how everything in the TSV universe seems to eat itself: their system of gods, sacrifices, even the characters themselves.

If I could trace with bloodless fingers, if my hands could shape the flow, I’d bear this song to the precipice and rend us both to dust below.  We’d both go plunging downwards, one final fall from grace— I’d howl, I’d scream, in victory, and we’d be gone without a trace. 

At Chapter 25, we get a respite from the story. We get a short poetic break which concludes that yes, we’re doomed to die—but we continue as we are despite it, and write our story even if it’ll be lost in the end. It’s a classic conclusion that a lot of literature and poetry fall to, because it’s so very human. It’s a cliche, and it’s a cliche for a reason. 

But we’ll never be rid of each other, my song, my sorrow, and I,  So I’ll bear it trembling onwards: to drift on, to dream, to die.

With that, the poem progresses forward until it starts addressing our end and what happens when we face that. It screams of last-ditch efforts keep on believing, even as we plunge down and down and the world just gets worse and worse. Shrue’s speech takes place in “One Last Song of Revelations” (the title is so fitting!), where they vocalize their realization that their pacifist attitude isn’t doing shit to change anything. 

But when they switch towards radicalism because it’s, evidently, the only way anything will ever get done—the only way anything will get the exposure to maybe make an impact—they speak of the destruction of society as a whole. Not the eradication of capitalism, nor the installation of kinder gods, nor the lowering of sacrifice ceilings. They speak of true destruction. Utter destruction.

Shrue’s speech isn’t some call to action, nor does it embody any concrete ideology which the writers are trying to convey. It’s just an expression of desperation. Nothing is working; no one is listening. 

What this poem sounds like is a story of how our world goes. It's its birth, its self-destruction, its philosophical revelations, its finale.

When we began following Carpenter and Faulkner in the reeds of the White Gull River, we were consuming a commentary on capitalism. Now, it’s more. It’s a commentary, yes, but it’s not only that—it’s an exploration. The Silt Verses is a tragic exploration of our world as it connects to theirs, of how we’ve been driven so far and been corrupted so deeply that only radicalism makes a difference because only radicalism is what gets the notice and attention to spark moderate change. And that same radicalism is going to destroy the society we have left.

But it’s all the same in the end, because society's collapse was going to happen anyways. So at least someone had it in them to fight for something.

GAHHHH I LOVE THIS SHOW

[carionto]

It's smaller on the Inside

I find myself going down the Warhammer 40'000 route of scale for this verse I'm apparently building. It's silly, and I like it that way. I don't want to give myself a ceiling for anything I might throw in here :p Continuation of this

__________________________________________

From the outside, the Human ships are astronomically massive. Most, we guessed, doubled as population centers, something akin to a floating colony fleet. With their planet as hostile as they come, we had no doubt most of Humanity had moved into orbit.

"Hmm? Oh, no. The colony ships aren't ready yet. They'll be bigger than even the Dreadnoughts. I'd say the entire Space Force has around 300'000 active members. The Space Teamsters Union has about 8'000 members, and us science ships house just under 2'500 employees. There's maybe a few thousand unlicensed folk out and about, no doubt that number will skyrocket once we get some trade routes going with you guys, or, err... you know. Sorry, just a common expression."

Captain Knoslark explained. This didn't make sense. The Coalition delegates were informed Earth was home to 12,3 billion Humans. By reasonable estimates, their current fleet should easily be able to accommodate at least half that.

Okay, fine. The revelation their reactors were stupidly massive would drop that to around 3,8 billion, but still! What were they using all this room for?

Perplexed, the Captain itemized:

"Well for one, armor plating accounts for between 20 and 45 percent of the total mass, depending on the ship. For that you need sufficiently strong engines, plus reactors to power them, so there goes another 15 to 35 percent of mass and upwards of 50% of space. Military ships tend to go for extra everything minus luxuries, so taking that and all their additional weapon systems, a Dreadnought has maybe 0.7% of its displacement left for personnel."

The delegates just couldn't. What? Why? Nobody is even pretending that Human ships aren't vastly superior to everything in known space. Even halving all their bulk and power, no-one could take them on.

Sheepishly, the Captain answered:

"Well, yeah... I guess I can't disagree since you're saying it yourselves. But what about the unknown space? What if someone comes up with something better? We're doing that constantly. I mean, that's some of the reason why we have the science ships like the one we're on."

"But I can see your point. If safety protocols didn't demand all these winding bulkhead hallways and modular room structure and all that other stuff, something like a standard issue 3km Cruiser could house a crew of 45'000 instead of a maximum of 1'400."

(continued)

[quitealotofsodapop]

Hi! It's me again :3, I don't know (and remember) if anyone has asked this before but I would like to know:

How did OG!MK feel when he found out that SW is his father in another dimension (I feel like Mei would say something like "See? I told you he was your dad" or something)

If it happens before S4, I feel like Mk would be a little jealous of his other self seeing that he doesn't have the problem of not knowing who his biological parents.

(The idea occurred to me when I remembered a tiktok that said MK used any type of editing app to get an idea of ​​what his parents would look like 🥲)

omg if you have that tiktok I'd love a link XD

Think i did do a post like that ages ago, but only with an earlier draft of TMKATI and canon. Now I have like three more verses to torment MK with >:)

When the Canon verse and the other verses collide, the quickest thing the MKs would notice is their appearances.

OG!MK: "Whoa!! These me's are monkey demons!" TMKATI!MK: "And you guys are... human???" SlowBoiled!MK: "Yeah, why wouldn't him- I mean me be?" CenturyEgg!MK: "I don't know about you guys - but my parents are monkey demons. Then again my gūtā [dad's gender neutral older sibling] is human, I think???" JTTWEgg!MK: "My parents are monkey demons! The coolest monkey demons ever I may brag." TMKATI!MK: "Oh no way! My parents are monkey demons too! i have a bunch of adopted siblings though. Does your dad work with Bóbo[dad's older brother] Pigsy too?" CenturyEgg!MK: "No cus Uncle Pigsy and Tang lives in the city. We all live on Flower Fruit Mountain - but we visit as often as possible! Uncle Sandy ferries us across all the time." :3 OG!MK: "Wow!! You two live on the mountain!? What's it like?" JTTWEgg!MK, shrugging: "It's cool." CenturyEgg!MK: "Sometimes feel pressured by my role as Heir to the Stone Throne - but I wouldn't trade it for the world. I really don't like having to visit the Celestial Realm though. The nobles are kinda mean about my dad cus he caused a bunch of havoc a long time ago." The Other MKs: "wut" OG!MK: "Uh... Please explain who your parents are?" CenturyEgg!MK, confused by their confusion: "Sun Wukong the Monkey King, and Liu'er Mihou the Sage of Wind??? I thought you guys were too???" JTTWEgg!MK: "Yeah, mine are too. I thought you guys knew??" SlowBoiled!MK: "No- well kind- it's complicated! Ok!?" TMKATI!MK: "Not me. My parents are normal monkey demons, dude." OG!MK: "Oh my gods the Monkey King *is* our dad in another universe! Mei is never gonna let me forget this!" CenturyEgg!MK: "Well techinically he's my mom too so..." The Other MKs: "lol wat?" JTTWEgg!MK: "lol same."

The different MKs collaborate to tell stories about themselves (and get a solid PSA on Stone Eggs) while their respective Meis are snapping photos with eachother.

The different monkeys watch on nervously. The different monkey kings are sitting politely as their Macaques hiss at eachother from across the room.

OG!SWK: "So uh... did you tell him yet?" Other Monkeys: "Tell him what?" SlowBoiled!SWK: "About him being made by Nuwa, or the fact that we were forced to abandon him?" The CenturyEgg and TMKATI monkeys: "What." TMKATI!SWK, laughing nervously: "What? Oh gods no. I thought you guys meant telling him who we are!" The Other Monkeys: "Wut" CenturyEgg!SWK: "Your MK doesn't know that you guys are... Us?" TMKATI!LEM: "Nah, we've sorta been off-the-grid ever since genius here [thumb-points at his SWK] got me pregnant with our MK." The Stone Egg au SWKs: "Hah!" "Uno reverse card, plums!" Stone Egg LEMs: *all three have varying looks of horror, indignance, and bashfulness* SlowBoiled!LEM: "I said I was sorry!" OG!LEM: "Wait... what do you mean by sorry?" SlowBoiled!LEM, looking uncomfortable: "Cus of our uh... fight under the Mountain, and me not returning to feed him, I sorta caused Wukong's body to create a Stone Egg... and then I sorta died before I found out so..." JTTWEgg!LEM: "Ooof. Glad I learned early then." CenturyEgg!SWK, to his SlowBoiled counterpart: "Oh bummer, you got left with Stone Egg all the way back then? I started up the process willingly after I had to seal away DBK. When was the little guy born?" SlowBoiled!SWK: "Little lady actually. Yuebei was born about six months ago. Our MK was crafted by Nuwa - then again I did raise him the first year until I became too weak to care for him..." *looks sad* TMKATI and CenturyEgg monkeys: "Oh no..." :( "Stone eggs are super dangerous to the people around them. I don't blame you." JTTWEgg!SWK: "Odd. I got an Egg from the mountain too - but mine was born shortly after I completed the Journey. And mine was our MK. Did losing Mihou make the process longer??" OG Monkeys: "What?" "How many of you have MK as your kid!?" (*Cue them having to make a Venn Diagram of Whos' MK is What to Whom*) OG!SWK: "Ok so! Mine and the guy with the super-adorbs baby got our MKs dumped on us." SlowBoiled Monkeys: *proudly showing photos of their Yuebei* OG!LEM: "The me in sweatpants had him cus of a comet /slash/ stone egg soul mishap." TMKATI!LEM: "Oh, my Wukong was still responsible there. He sealed the Harbringer's soul inside me after using a sealing spell. TMKATI!SWK: "I panicked, ok!" OG!SWK, pointing at the remaining universes: "Annnd you two literally birthed him yourselves." CenturyEgg and JttwEgg SWKs: "Yup." "Stone shell and all." OG!SWK: "...is there anything else I'm missing?" The other universes: (*scratching their chins in thought*) SlowBoiled!LEM, slyly: "So are you guys back together yet, or what?" OG Monkeys: "What!?" "As if!"

Laughter just erupts around the room as the canon shadowpeach pairing realises that they're the odd ones out as *not* being together.

Complete and utter chaos reigns when the parent and MK groups reunite, and they recognise some sort of connection...

[monsterfloofs]

The giggling and pitter-patter from a duet of small beings approach the door, eyes bright and expectations high:

"Trick or Treat" They chant.

(quick traditional inking for the special occasion <3 your verses are a delight to read in each reply AAA)

One last set of rascals, frollicking up the steps. With eyes bright and glittering. The porch is dim, the night perhaps at it's darkest. Candles long out, but oh? A small flicker, a stutter, to flame! To light! Fire surges forth from blacked wicks and the space is once again bright.

A cozy scene, with flickers of flame refracting in glassy windows. The door opens slowly and the lights dance from the small gust of air.

"Ah. It's you two." Says a voice beyond the threshhold. "I was wondering when you would arrive."

Out slinks a thin shadow, who stretches and yawns.

"What a night eh? It's come and gone so fast."

The shadowy figure pauses, head tilting up to stare breifly at the obscurred sky, wind whistling, rain plinking against the wooden stairs. The faint sound of wind chimes pling in the distance, a haunting melody that may be promising an on coming storm. His jagged smile twitched in amusement.

"But obviously you two aren't here for pondering." He whirls on his heels, retreating into the house before reappearing. He drops two bags of treats into the awaiting sack they hold up eagerly.

"Take them, it's either you do, or I find myself devouring it."

He makes a face wincing, "And I think I have had enough of that to last an eon."

He watches the two bound off the porch with their treasures. And once more, for one last time, the glassy door snaps tight.

Windy and Corny have recieved double the goodies since there are two of them! Lucky duckies!

Windy:

Shadows stride and ride the halls, you can see them slowly creeping up the walls.

You’ve received a digital shadow treat bag! This bag contains:

♡Dark Chocolate with Raspberry Filling

♡Black Candy Apple with Purple Sprinkles

♡Black Cherry Hard Candy

♡Blackberry Taffy

Corny:

Bones jingle and jangle with every jaunty step, parading down dark streets with ghoulish pep.

You’ve received a digital skeleton treat bag! This bag contains:

♡Bone Shaped Sweet and Sour Candy

♡Skull shaped Chocolate

♡Skeleton Sugar Cookies

♡Gummy Organs

Enjoy trading and noming on your spoils! The illustration you made of them is so dear!! I love it so much!! ; O ;

Happy Halloween!!

[fourtyfourcatss]

୨⎯ "for @immagirlfailure " ⎯୧

✑ from what i’ve read from you, you seem like the type who wants to fit in for your securities but you also have the want to be out of the ordinary — so you show this in more inconspicuous ways. i can tell you want to make good impressions on people too. in no way am i judging you of course! this helps with my matchups. alongside all of that, and the information you have sent me, these are who I have picked for you!

GINTAMA ✑ TATSUMA SAKAMOTO

✑ this man right here will make you feel so special, and so right to yourself. he’s the type of person who sees you at your worst and most vulnerable — and the first thing he does is wind his arms around you and whispering tenderly into your ear, “are you ok, love?” and he rubs your arms and embraces you whole for who you are truly. he’s compassionate, extremely so, even though its hidden behind many of his other words and actions. thats why, i think he will be able to nestle deep into your heart and let you release your laughs <3

✑ tatsuma is very goofy and silly yes, he wants to enjoy life and what it has to offer with you by his side, the air around the two of you light but affectionate. but he is also he thinks you are truly someone endearing, someone worth the endearments. if you choose to stay on earth, it would sadden him greatly to not have you be at his side, but like the gentleman he is, he sees you off with a brave face and kisses at your hands and temple (and lips but sometimes hes so clingy with you that mutsu has to drag him before kiss 😞)

✑ he dresses up as a fucking penguin for halloween

✑ slowdancing at night with your voice as the music. it feels idyllic as he grasps your waist and the two of you sway to the music. sometimes it would be traditional western ballroom dancing for romanticism, and diluted movements so he can look at you. his gaze is very intense and tender during this time, his hold heavy, and you really start to think, “is he really not in condition to hold a sword?” from how he grasps your waist. he is one of the joui four. he’ll sweep you away with his words and expressions on his every action.

✑ as a trading company, politics and mingling is very important! he will be counting on your assistance, since you seem well versed with banquets and the like.

✑ if you do go with him, you share a large bedroom with him and your own private study for reading. he’ll stock you with all you need and more ❤︎₊ ⊹

TWST ✑ JADE LEECH

✑ eccentric? jade is a man well abled dealing with whatever ails you; be it physical or whatnot. he is very intrigued by your tastes and attitude, making a point to tap you on the shoulder and peering down at you. he’s too fucking tall compared to you, and delights in lightly teasing you regarding it since you made a point to bring it up. you trying to make this happen constantly or something? 😭 floyd talks enough with that constant reminder of shrimpy! almost nobody believes you when you tell them this courteous man likes to poke fun of you sometimes. he’s a very observant man you see; he sees right through you many times before you get a word in. he’s going to play dumb subtly and take advantage of your denseness at first, playing you off as a lady who has been raised in a well off family with a refined culture yet with a naivety that comes with being dense itself. ah, he finds it very interesting indeed! but as he warms up to you, the more tangled he is without even noticing. the definition of stepping onto your own trap, what a doofus he is sometimes

✑ penguins are very cute creatures yes, but did you know….moray eels are cooler?

✑ he gives you food when you visit the mostro lounge - discounted. even later on in your relationship he still makes you pay, though a very small amount. money needs to be earned and you are a customer all the same if you go to the lounge! however if you go to his dorm, that is another story. and then he brings you gifts and the like visiting your dorm, every date with a fresh banquet of flowers in his hands, and some tuna for grimm! despite that, he really, really isnt that good with animals. its the one thing he’s never been good at. is it because his hands are too rough when petting? or his eyes are too much like a predators? you’ll have to show him the right way to go about animal care

✑ procrastination? we cannot have this here. jade will show you The Way of efficiency while you can feel like you are flourishing - he’ll convince and give you the motivation that is needed to complete whatever matter you must. if help is needed, he would be of assistance!

ONMYOJI ✑ KIDOUMARU

✑ you are normal compared to this fucker right here. kidoumaru demonstrates to you how romantic genetics apparently passes down from father to son with how he acts around you. not a single day of rest comes by with this guy around, suddenly appearing from the shadows behind you and talking directly into your ears. life will never be boring with him around you for sure - your blend of optimism and realism is something that isnt easy to see in humans, and it fascinates him greatly.

✑ you can fix this man in particular. your relationship does not start off romantic in any sense at all - he probably kidnapped you whilst looking for something to entertain himself with and chose the human who had the most interesting gaze at the moment. thats you. he has this sadistic feeling knowing he’s stealing you away from your family, but at the same time, he can see that you are a person who seeks happiness - chasing it with a fervent that makes him smile. wait, smile?

✑ kidoumaru cannot see himself around someone gloomy or silently pained all the time — thats why someone vibrant like you is perfect for his company. many times he will internally fall into some solemn mood, and he lets himself rely on you for feeling more upbeat.

✑ he has a growing interest in zoology after learning your likes for it — more likely he digs fun facts out of you for them. especially if they are grotesque or weird or vulgar in some way, he particularly enjoys those. he never held much interest in worldly things, but you are the start of his further deepening interest in them.

✑ it will be hard being in a relationship with him. i do not think he would his deny adoration for you, no, quite the opposite. he falls into it headfirst out of curiosity, and is prepared to accept the consequences whatever it may be. hes not like other demons.

✑ picnics, lots and lots of them. just sitting under a tree in the evening, spring wind brushing the trees and sitting together.

[a/n]: i hope you enjoyed these matchups!! ive given you a lot of sadistic men, i hope youre fine with that. even read the descriptions and asks over and over while writing to get better ideas lol. i appreciate this exchange and i cant wait for mine!

[colleenmurphy]

"I dunno about you Helene but when I opted for the all inclusive package I didn't know that meant our husbands were piloting our private plane. Is he still dancing with the captain's hat on?"

Colleen cast a side long look her husband's way and then shook her head laughing before letting out a startled squawk as a tiny denim speedo hit her square between the eyes and landed in her lap. Her cheek flamed a shade of red usually reserved for fire trucks or city hydrants.

"I hope you have a room 'cause you're not rooming with me!"

"Already booked the presidential! I'll leave a key at the desk for you my lovely lady."

A fumbling stumble and then a hushed hurried discussion.

"It's not funny gimme my pants, Joey. Did they pay you to do this?"

A tanned weathered face popped up from behind the cockpit curtain an embarrassed smile spreading as a pitchy voice requested his speedo as well as the remains of his dignity back.

"I seem to be having some technical difficulties in the clothing department so I'm going to have to ask for you to return the Captain's drawers back...please."

From somewhere in the cockpit next to a snickering copilot Joey Larsson saw a sight he never thought he'd have to. His wife's best friend's husband, virtually his brother in law for God's sake was try color. A deep tan from the outdoor work he did, white from the covered bits, and whatever wasn't tan or white was a deep scarlet shade of red.

"Hey Bruce...anyone ever tell you about a full body blush?"

[coldteaxspilledink]

Tied With a Silver Chain: Trade Winds verse

Bruce Miller x Colleen Murphy

"I plan on doing a lot of beach combing and crying at night under the stars smoking a shit ton of weed…and I know now that I'll be ok.."

Not once did she mention Dave. She didn't have to, she already knew how it was going down around their tiny town. He was probably holed up in his mother's basement only going out at night and taking a job over in Annis Island, looking for a place in Maine up near Derry. He's thinking of taking that care taker position for a writer's summer place on Dark Score Lake but he's waiting on a call back. He's regretting every second of it now and she's not. She was done a long time ago and now the excuses had run out. They were two completely different people then when they'd first met, Colleen had carried their relationship the entire time while he had Peter Pan-ned his way through life. She'd let him go about three years ago when she found out about Kelly, the dancer over at the Razzle Dazzle Room over the county line off the highway. Her time away from home became more and more frequent as she traveled for work, slowly building her family's fishing company around the trip state area then over to her family in Ireland. Jimmy would have been proud.

'You gotta tell the folks back home you're ok, Colly. They love you even though he didn't. David Sullivan's getting what he's got coming. Don't you worry. Just call Helene.'

Anchoring herself off in Bermuda nearly a month since she'd stormed out away from home waters. She'd left long detailed notes for each of them, trying her very best to explain why she needed time to herself. She hoped they understood.

Except Sully. Fuck Sully.

Sighing she stared at the empty co captain's seat in the wheel room. Plopping down in the opposite one she lit her hand rolled cigarette and inhaled deeply. Cradling the satellite phone on her shoulder she double checked the windows to make sure she was completely enclosed. She wasn't about to give herself away by the smell to a curious local looking for the good stuff.

"It'll be just me and the boat and water. It's time for a change but I don't want you or your Dad or my mother to worry. I love you Helene and please don't worry, I'll be ok. Pinky promise and this joint's for you."

Leaving a noisy smacking childish kiss into the phone she hung up and cackled to herself. She was pretty much stocked for dry goods and the perishables were in cold storage and deep freeze in the galley. She hadn't had much of an appetite for food at the moment and good grief, she'd opened the her parents liquor cabinet and found a treasure trove of mixers and booze. She was set for a bit to get herself straight. Sully be damned. Gone was the Black Velvet and Diet Coke with a cherry, that was Sully's mother's Doreen's favorite drink. Not hers. Right now called for something different. Ice in a tall glass with light rum and ginger beer with an orange wheel. Out on the deck she sighed as she sat in a fisherman's chair. She was set for deep sea fishing and the poles weren't much these days, especially on an island like this. Perhaps she's offer her bartending services at some local dive for cash. Maybe she'd go back to Florida? She'd had a hell of a good time out there and she'd learned about herself. Something about how open it was had surprised and delighted her.

That bartender was a sweetheart, Bruce.. and you still owe him a fishing trip.

"Whatever I decide to do I'm going to do it and I'm going to be happy."

Somewhere overhead the stars twinkled as a large one streaked across the evening sky. Her favorite shade of red painted the sky, a true sailor's delight as her Dad used to say. The universe was giving her a sign to allow herself some happiness, some peace.

Raising up her drink she cranked the radio and smiled.

'Talk about perfect timing…'

Dave had gifted her a locket on their second Christmas together after they, or rather he, had decided to finally tell other people they were officially together. A Spanish sterling chain with a heavy locket containing a photo of them together posed for her nursing school graduation. He looked smug even back the and she looked like a ghost in her traditional nurse's uniform. All of that changed her and yet here she was, still bobbing along.

And my love is an anchor tied to you Tied with a silver chain

The necklace had begun to feel like an anchor around her neck, but at this moment it had never felt so heavy until right now. She hadn't had the heart to sell it and put that energy back out into the world. It felt unbearable now. Especially after feeling so alive after meeting Bruce. It was time for another change, she'd decided. Yanking off the chain with one good solid pull it gave with a satisfying snap as she hurled it overboard with a sigh. Her neck no longer ached and her shoulders felt loose for the first time in a decade.

"FUCK YOU, SULLY!"

Downing the rest of her drink she curled up below deck and fell asleep to the sound of the ocean lapping against the hull.

[elliespuns]

What songs do you associate with Joel and Ellie's relationship the most lyric-wise? I understand that there are so many songs to choose from lol, but the ones I can think of, especially from their respective POVs, are: "She is The Sunlight" by Trading Yesterday (Joel's POV), "The Story" from Brandi Carlile (Ellie's POV) and "Love You Blind" by BAILEN (a mix of both POVs depending on the verse). What about you?

First, let me say that "She Is the Sunlight" by Trading Yesterday is one of my most beloved songs. This is so Joel to Ellie. I worry I might not connect it to anything else from now on. Thank you for making me see this song this way.

Joel's POV:

Trading Yesterday - Fall Into You Oh, my child How I have longed For you to come home To where you belong All of your life if you could just see All of my joy when you are here with me

The Paper Kites - Arms My heart's no good 'Cause it's split in two What can I give that is all for you These arms are all I have But I'll hold you like I do love you

Red - Pieces Then I'll see your face I know I'm finally yours I find everything I thought I lost before You call my name I come to you in pieces So you can make me whole

Tyler Brown Williams - Never Stop My heart is yours You can have it all You showed me how Without looking down It's okay to fall

Ellie's POV:

Red - Hymn For the Missing Thought you were beside me But I reached and you were gone Sometimes I hear you calling From some lost and distant shore I hear you crying softly for the way it was before

College ft. Electric Youth - A Real Hero Against the grain of dystopic claims Not the thoughts your actions entertain And you have proved to be A real human being and a real hero

Lists - Haven Lea Out of sight, though never far from our thoughts. In my heart, you're on the shore With the waves at your feet, the wind in your hair And in my dreams, you're with the birds As they take to the skies and their song fills the air

Both POVs:

The Hope Arsenal - Dreams That Were Always Meant to Be The forest in summertime And fires when it's cold Spending time with you Never gets old

Okay, these are the most important songs that I connect to Ellie and Joel. I just love them so much it physically pains me (in a good way). Thank you for sharing your music, means a lot!

[lavenderfairiez]

Fair by Remy Zero - a Valgrace Analysis

The gist of it is Leo grappling/coming to terms with Jason's death.

Also a lot of my analyses and thinking when it comes to songs is very visual and I can't quite get it all into words so I did my best :)

VERSE 1:

"Hey, are you lonely? Has summer gone so slowly?"

Leo talking to Jason after he died, not knowing that he's dead. (This also fits into my hc that sometimes Leo will just like talk to himself, imagining that he's talking to Jason.)

"We found the ground and that damage was done"

Everything crashed and burned when Leo died to destroy Gaea, and then he and Jason never saw each other again.

"it's cold as you fade into the sun"

Leo feels cold for the first time, the sun is Apollo.

"Where'd you go? To me?"

Basically Leo asking himself why Jason had to die and why he couldn't come back to Leo.

VERSE 2:

"But you're alive! Well, it's only fallen frames, they told me"

Leo in denial about Jason's death. Fallen frames... Like frames of Jason's glasses?

"You stand out, it's so loud and so what if it is"

Leo remembering how Jason was like this bright light in the dark and always stood out to him.

"It's cold as you face into the wind"

Whenever Leo feels the wind or a breeze he feels cold and empty without Jason when previously the wind has always felt warm to him with Jason.

"Where'd it go to?"

Again, asking why

"Tonight the sun shall see it's light"

Jason telling Apollo to remember being human when he returns to Olympus.

CHORUS:

"So what if you catch me, where would we land?"

Basically, Leo falls for Jason, he catches Leo (in love)

"Somebody's life for taking his hands"

Jason's life, in trade for Leo coming back. Leo thinking he could outsmart the prophecy by dying and coming back to life to be with Jason.

"Sing to me hope as she's thrown on the sand"

All of Leo's hopes are gone.

"All of our work is rated again"

Judged based on their powers and defeating Gaea. How everyone was skeptical of Leo because of his fire powers except for Jason.

"Where to go?"

Leo feeling lost without Jason.

VERSE 3:

"And you were somehow the rain this thing could allow"

The storm of to storm or fire.

"I tried but it's all wrong"

Leo trying to move on but can't.

"You're so strong"

Leo thinking about Jason's superhuman strength, but also how he had to be strong emotionally and couldn't show weakness.

"And this life and work and choice took far too long"

Leo waiting too long to tell Jason how he feels and now Jason's gone.

"Where'd it go? Tonight the sun shall see it's light"

Same as before.

CHORUS: same

OUTRO:

"When I was sure you'd follow through"

Leo thinking Jason would come back to him.

"My world was turned to blue (so thin)"

His world is nothing without Jason.

"When you'd hide your songs would die, so I'd hide yours with mine"

Jason and Leo never talked about their feelings for each other and now they never will.

"And all my words were bound to fail"

Leo, speechless and heartbroken after Jason's death.

"I know you won't fail, see I can tell"

Jason could never fail Leo even in death.

So yeah that's pretty much it :) lemme know what you think

[lady0ctavia]

As We Ponder Belief

(2p!Prussia x Reader) - Chapter 10

Note: This story is based vaguely during the mid 1200s in Eastern Europe where the Teutonic Knights fought the Northern Crusades to try and convert the native pagan population to Christianity. As a result, this story will have heavy religious themes all throughout. It should also be noted that, while referencing real-life events and locations, I am not striving for full historical accuracy. This is for the sake of the story I am telling.

Once again, this series will have heavy religious themes throughout, including discussions of bible stories, doctrine, and scripture verses, as well as critical analysis of Christian doctrine and beliefs. So, if you don't like that, you will want to skip out on this.

Water sloshed up around (y/n)'s arms as she scrubbed the sheets against the washboard, splashing water along her own clothes. Granted, she was nowhere near soaking wet, though she did lament that, no matter how much she rolled up her sleeves, they still got soaked by the water.

After scrubbing and cleaning another bedsheet, she went to hang it up on her clothesline. A thin string she had linked between two trees just outside the fortress. She had to admit that despite the grueling work of cleaning stains of dirt and blood, she greatly enjoyed being able to spend time outside. When she knelt down beside her washtub, she relished feeling the grass through her clothes. She even kicked off her shoes to enjoy the feeling of the grass under her feet, the way it would lightly tickle her skin. The sweet, melodious sound of the wind running through the trees and the smell of flowers that adorned the base of the tree she sat beside.

If she listened very carefully, she could hear the lake from outside the walls. The sounds of water swaying along the surface, the ebb and flow of the currents. It was all very peaceful and serene. As she strained her ears, she was surprised to find that she wasn't met with the gentle sound of the lake. But rather, she heard the sharp, shrill sounds of metal crashing together.

Curious, she got up from her seat and attempted to follow the sound. What was that? As (y/n) got closer to the source, she also heard the sounds of men shouting. After rounding a corner, she found her answer.

In a grassy field outlined by cobblestone walkways were the Beilschmidt twins in the middle of an intense duel. Around them on the walkways were other knights cheering them on. Some cheered for Gilbert, others for Gillen. Most of them appeared to just be there for the show. Either way, it seemed to be a good time for all. Especially the two brothers as they traded blows, swords clashing and sliding off one another, their footwork causing them to almost dance.

What especially caught (y/n)'s eye was the look on Gillen's face. He seemed... Happy. She had seen a rare, blink-and-you'll-miss-it smile on his face before, but it was nothing compared to the cheshire grin he had now. It was wide, showing teeth. He laughed every now and again when he appeared to have the upper hand in battle. And even when his brother pushed him back, his smile hardly faltered. There was a mischievous glint in his eye, one that she only ever saw in Gilbert. The two brothers matched each other almost perfectly as if they had the other's moves memorized.

Multiple times, Gillen lunged forward, only to find himself having to back away, or even twirl when he found himself almost losing his balance. As he did so, his long, silvery white hair seemed to dance in the sunlight. The loose ponytail was beginning to slack, locks of hair falling to hang loosely in front of his eyes, some of it sticking to his face as he sweated.

(y/n) hated to admit it, but it was all very attractive. She felt a blush consuming her face the more she took in the visuals before her. He looks so different here. Not that I ever had an issue with his usual deadpan expression, but seeing him laugh and smile like this... It's truly something else. He seems so lively and happy. He almost looks...

(y/n) shook her head to mentally snap herself out of her trance. Get it together, (y/n)! He's a Knight of the Teutonic Order! He has no interest in you... Wait, interest? Why did my mind go there? Where on earth did that come from?!

Internally panicking, she quickly hurried away, rounding the corner to go back to her work. But not without quickly grabbing the attention of a particular knight who, after looking at her fleeing form for merely a split-second, found himself disarmed and knocked to the ground by his opponent. A move that elicited cheers from the many other knights surrounding them.

(y/n), now kneeling back down beside her washtub, scrubbing away at the stains with her washboard, attempted just as furiously to wash away her thoughts from earlier. It was a couple of hours past noon, and she was still working away, trying to purge both the stains and her mind.

I barely talk to him at this point. So why was I so interested in watching him? Besides, it's not like I have a chance with him. I swear (y/n), if you keep this up you will become as ridiculous as Adeline!

She stopped. The very thought of her friend prompted her to cease all movements. It was as though the world stood at a standstill. The memories came rushing back. The last, happy, cheerful memory she had before everything went straight to Hell was with her dearest friend. Adeline. They picked berries in the forest that day and talked about their futures, as well as any romantic prospects they had, all before bidding one another farewell, promising to go out together the next day. But that day never came.

I have not thought about her since. How could I be so self-centered? (y/n) could feel her chest beginning to tighten, as well as a deep ache within her soul. Oh, Adeline, I am so, so sorry!

Her thoughts also began to turn to that of her father. Her dearest father, who took care of her for years. Who would teach her words of the Bible, as well as how to analyze and pick apart every last detail, searching for truth where a more casual eye would overlook it. About how he was willing to lay down his life to defend her, even when caught in the fires of Hell. About how she didn't initially do as he said, which led to her nearly getting murdered.

I have barely thought about him, either. What kind of daughter am I? What kind of person am I?

It was now that tears began to burn at the corners of her eyes, causing her to begin breaking down. She let the tears roll, the ache in her chest overtaking her.

How could I have forgotten them so easily? And the way they died?

It was bad enough to ponder about the loved ones she had lost, but memories of them were quickly followed by how they went out, causing an even greater, deeper, more profound kind of agony. While (y/n) knelt there on the ground, crying, she was unaware of the presence of a man behind her. That is, until he spoke up.

"(y/n)? What is the matter?"

(y/n) turned her head to see Gillen standing there, his icy blue eyes, normally cold, seemed warmer in a way. Concern showing on his pale face. Embarrassed, (y/n) turned away from him.

"I-It's nothing," She managed to choke out, fooling no one.

Instead of taking her word at face value, or even pretending she was fine, Gillen stepped forward to kneel down beside her.

"It is clearly not 'nothing,'" He called out her obvious lie. "(y/n), what is going on?"

She continued to sit there as the tears rolled, sniffling all the while. "I just... It's just..." She couldn't find the words.

"You should not have to speak if you do not want to. But I won't lie. This is concerning," Gillen told her. After taking a few moments to calm down, (y/n) finally spoke up, but refused to meet his gaze, keeping her eyes trained on fabric floating in the washtub before her

"I was thinking about my home. About my best friend. About my father. I... I miss them. And my thoughts then go to how... H-how they..." Though her tears had dried, she still found it difficult to speak.

"How they died." Gillen finished for her. She nodded. Gillen allowed her a moment to settle her emotions once again before continuing. "I know you already heard this from both Captain Nikolaus and my brother, but I feel the need to also let you know how sorry I am for what had happened. I was one of the guards that day. We should have been more aware of the threat at hand, but we were not. And for all of this, I am deeply sorry."

(y/n) finally brought herself to look at the albino man. He kept his eyes downcast, a powerful sense of shame surrounded him.

"Don't worry about it. What's done is done. And there is no use worrying now," She shook her head mournfully.

"I suppose so," Gillen reluctantly agreed, but clearly not convinced. After a few moments of silence, Gillen asked a question. "(y/n), do you mind if I ask you something?"

"Uh, yes?"

"What was your father like?" He looked her in the eye.

"Well," A sweet, fond smile graced her features. "He was always very loving and kind. He was gentle, albeit a little impatient from time to time. Always wanting to know when dinner would be ready," she chuckled. "But he was also incredibly intelligent and wise. I remember we often studied the scriptures together. He always had such a fascinating way of looking at the words of God, a way he passed down onto me."

That final statement piqued Gillen's interest. "Is your father by chance the reason you have such interesting views on doctrine?"

"He is. He was the one who encouraged me to look beyond what is simply written and to think critically about how the Bible itself is worded."

"I intend no offense, (y/n), but does that not seem just a little sacrilegious to you? Questioning the word of God?"

She shook her head. "I don't see it as questioning the word of God, but rather trying better to understand Him and His word. And what better way to do that than to ask questions and research deeper into His holy book?"

Gillen looked away, nodding before hesitantly responding, "Fair point. So I take it you still take issue with the killing of pagans?"

"Of course I do," She stated. "I understand self-defense, I really do. But I cannot condone the murder of pagans who refuse Christ. Even if I do believe following the Lord is the right way to live."

"Understood. But what of the pope? He is God's voice here on earth, and he sent us on this mission."

"Yes, but the pope is just a man. And man is flawed. Fallible."

Gillen tensed at those words. Partially because of the apparent disrespect, but also because he knew she wasn't wrong. He simply just looked ahead. Meanwhile, (y/n) went back to her laundry. All the while the two of them were unaware of someone watching them from an upstairs window.

Previous Chapter - Next Chapter

Hmm....

[thewatcher727]

The Perfect Present

As Christmas approaches, Sonic is determined to make his first holiday with Selene unforgettable. But finding the perfect present proves harder than expected. As time runs out, Sonic must rely on his wit, speed, and love for Selene to deliver a Christmas surprise she'll never forget. (Non-canon story set within the Moon Verse)

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Curiosity glimmered in Tails' eyes as he turned his attention to Sonic. "So, what did you get Selene for your first Christmas?"

"Nothing," Sonic said, his tone nonchalant.

Tails' features contorted into an adorable mix of confusion and disbelief. "Eh?" he exclaimed, his voice rising an octave in surprise.

Sonic, seemingly unperturbed by Tails' reaction, offered a one-armed shrug. "We talked about it the other day. She said we didn't need to do gifts."

"B-b-but you can't just get her nothing!" Tails exclaimed, his stutter a testament to his shock.

Sonic tilted his head back to finish the last drops of his hot chocolate. He lowered the mug, asking with genuine curiosity, "Why not?"

Tails' namesakes swished agitatedly behind him as he launched into an explanation, his hands moving animatedly as if trying to physically shape his words in the air. "Sonic, gifts are kind of a big deal, even if they say not to worry about it. How do you think it's gonna look tomorrow when everyone else opens their gifts and Selene's just standing there empty-handed?"

The realization hit Sonic like a gust of winter wind, his eyes widening slightly. "Oh... I didn't think of that."

Before Sonic could elaborate further, the front door swung open, letting in a burst of cold air. Amy's cheerful voice rang out, "We're back!"

Sonic and Tails exchanged a quick, meaningful glance, silently agreeing to put their conversation on hold. Their faces broke into welcoming smiles as they moved to greet the returning shoppers.

As the group entered, Sonic's gaze was immediately drawn to Selene. The merhog had traded her usual blue cardigan for a light blue bolero coat that hugged her figure perfectly. Her usual dress peeked out beneath. White tights replaced her usual socks, leading down to a pair of white snow boots that bore a striking resemblance to figure skates.

Sonic found himself captivated by Selene's appearance. The snow that clung to her clothes and hair sparkled like diamond dust, accentuating her already beautiful features. Her cheeks were flushed from the cold, adding a rosy glow to her complexion that made her eyes shine even brighter.

Sonic's eyes sparkled with curiosity as he approached Selene, his hand instinctively reaching out to peek into her bag. "Hey," he greeted, his voice warm and inviting. "How was shopping?"