#WELL DONE GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT!!!!!I HAVE FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT I HAVE FINISHED THE RACE I HAVE KEPT THE FAITH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

ladyfogg · 5 years ago

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May I? - 16/?

Fic Summary: Ensign Faith Diaz struggles to hide her mental illness from her fellow shipmates aboard the Enterprise until an intrigued Data goes out of his way to try to understand her behavior. At his insistence, Faith tries to figure out what she’s truly passionate about and eventually seeks the professional help she needs. Fic Masterpost.

Fic Rating: NC-17

Pairing: Data/Female OC

Warnings: tw: depression, tw: anxiety, fluff, friends to lovers, eventual smut

Screenshot by @tinakolesnik

Faith was distraught.

One minute she's curled up beside Data, falling asleep and the next she woke up groggy and disoriented in a strange room.

It was a surprisingly nice room, with a large bed and all the furnishings of the guest room on a starship. Faith could see the blackness of space outside her window.

As her mind began to clear, she realized with a stab of fear that she was alone.

"Data? Data?!"

She tried to stand but her world spun and she fell back down onto the surprisingly comfortable bed.

I've been drugged, she realized with a start.

The after-effects were clear. Her brain felt like it was surrounded by fog and lifting even her hand was a chore.

"What is going on?" she asked herself, trying to remain upright. Even her words were slurred.

She had to get out of there and find Data. He'd know what to do and more importantly, seeing him would let her know he was safe. She could feel the onset of an anxiety attack, but she pushed it down, repressed it because now was not the time.

The door to her room opened and a man marched in. He was clearly Zibalian and wore expensive-looking clothes, along with an expression of pure delight. He was shorter than her but held himself with such authority that she didn't realize it at first.

"Hello there. Have a nice nap?" he asked, chuckling at his own joke.

"Who are you and where the hell am I?"

"My dear, I am the Kivas Fajo, at your service." He extended a bow her way as if waiting for recognition.

"Is that supposed to mean something?"

"I'm sure Mr. Data has spoken of me before."

Faith felt a sense of dread when he mentioned Data's name. "Can't say that he has."

Fajo paused. "Really? Not once."

"No." Faith forced herself to stand. "Where is he? What did you do to him?"

"Data is safe and sound, for the time being," Fajo said, folding his hands behind his back.

"I don't believe you."

"Understandable. I figured you would need a visual."

He removed a remote from his pocket and pressed a button. The wall behind him changed into a view screen and Faith sighed with relief when she saw Data. He seemed unharmed and even turned towards the screen.

She couldn't hear him but the way his lips moved, she knew he had said her name. She made a move towards the screen when Fajo stopped her, throwing his arm around her waist and yanking her to his side.

"See? Completely unharmed. And both of you shall remain that way so long as Data does exactly what I ask of him."

Faith pushed Fajo away. "You have no idea what you've done! When Starfleet hears about this…"

Fajo groaned and waved his hand as he wandered away from her. "You sound just like Data the first time I collected him. Starfleet this and Starfleet that. Let me save you the trouble: they don't know where you are and aren't even looking for you. Neither of you is going anywhere."

"What do you want with us?"

"Nothing with you. Well, almost nothing. I didn't realize how important you could be."

She didn't like the way he sounded or his smirk. Her eyes went back to Data who watched them with his usual unreadable expression. Though his eyes tracked Fajo's movements.

"See, Data and I have done this dance before. Since he failed to educate you, let me. I am a collector of rare, one-of-a-kind things. I tried to add Data to my collection three years ago and he managed to get me arrested. My collection was seized and I was thrown in prison."

His voice lost its amusement and his expression turned cold. When he looked back at her, there was anger in his eyes.

"Thankfully, it helps to have friends in high places. Well, one friend. I told Data that he would become part of my collection again and I've finally made that possible."

"How? I don't understand."

Fajo clapped. "That I am quite proud of. See while you were all busy searching the Enterprise for whatever was going on, you neglected to search the shuttles. My little friends were able to make some modifications to bring you to the right place at the right time. Then once the backup life supports kicked in, sleepy time for you. It was just lucky Data was powered down at the same time. Although, I've had a string of good luck lately."

"Friends? What friends?"

Fajo smirked and pressed a button on the comm panel on the wall. "Enter."

The doors open, an alien shuffled in carrying a tray. It was the same type of alien they had found aboard the Enterprise, though this one seemed more docile and subdued.

"Faith, meet the Oz'ods. One of them at least. There are only a few left in existence. They were never really able to sustain their numbers and all but six perished. Their natural cloaking ability makes them hard to detect but I managed. And now, they serve me."

The Oz'od placed the tray of food down on a small table by the bed and remained there, waiting for further instruction.

"Thank you, that'll be all." Fajo waved them off.

The Oz'od shuffled out of the room.

"There's nothing impressive about keeping people as slaves," Faith said angrily.

"Not slaves, servants. And sometimes trophies."

"Whatever you need to tell yourself so you can sleep at night."

"I sleep very well, thank you. Now, as I was saying, the Oz'ods are fantastic creatures. In exchange for their continued existence, they do as I say, including infiltrating the Federation's flagship. At first, it was purely to gather information and watch Data." Fajo paused his monologue to smile at Faith. "And then you came along. It was too perfect! I thought about trying to manipulate him into thinking you were working for me all along. But he's too smart for that. This way, I finally had a bargaining chip that would ensure Data did whatever I asked of him."

He began to circle her and Faith remained frozen, arms wrapped around herself.

"So what? We've just supposed to do everything you say and stay here with you forever?"

Fajo smiled brightly. "Great, you get it."

"That's not going to happen. We're going to get out of here, with or without the Enterprise."

"I doubt Data would even try." Fajo got closer, reaching out to tug on her long braid. "Not if he wants to take care of you."

Anger welled in Faith and she couldn't contain it. The audacity of that man was overwhelming and she threw her elbow back, connecting squarely with his nose.

"Bold of you to assume I need to be taken care of," she snapped.

Fajo swore and drew out a phaser. The next thing she knew a searing pain ripped through her hip and she flew across the room, hitting the soft carpet before rolling into the wall. Through the pain, she lifted her head to stare at the view screen but it had been turned off.

Fajo wiped the blood from his nose, pointing the phaser at her again. "You get one of those," he growled. "Next time I won't be so lenient."

He left her there, curled in excruciating pain.

Faith was in tears, both from emotion and the physical injury she now had. Every time she tried to move, it got worse and she fell back with a yell. It was like an electric heat coursing through her torso. Carefully, she peeled back the torn part of her jumpsuit to examine the wound.

The second-degree burn made her panic return. All she could do was lay there hyperventilating. Try as she might, she couldn't take a deep breath, not until she shut her eyes and imagined Data was there with her, talking her through her attack as he had many times before.

The doors opened and the Oz'od from earlier shuffled back in with several items in their hands.

When they approached her, Faith tried to scramble away.

To her surprise, they spoke. Their voice was stilted and raspy, uncomfortable with English. "No harm. Help."

He reached for her again and Faith fought her instinct to pull away. The Oz'od was surprisingly gentle as he placed a small bowl next to her along with a cloth bandage. In the bowl was a green paste which he began to apply to the burn.

It hurt at first but then it began to cool, easing the pain. Faith relaxed with a sigh, face streaked with tears.

"T-Thank you," she croaked.

"Me Soshi."

"I'm Faith."

He finished putting the paste on then sealed it with a bandage. "Fajo fine if you no fight."

"Fajo needs a fucking dose of reality," Faith said, smoothing her torn jumpsuit over the bandage. "How long have you guys been with him?"

"Two years. We would die alone."

"Starfleet can help you. And you wouldn't have to serve anyone."

Soshi hesitated, looking around as if they were afraid Fajo was watching. Faith wondered if he was somehow. "We like Fajo. Fajo protect Oz'ods."

Faith made a move to stand and Soshi helped her. "It's not protection, it's exploitation." It was a painful trek across the room back to the bed. When she finally made it, she eased herself down, wincing as her hip ached.

Soshi gathered their first aid supplies. "Eat food. Soshi made. Good and fresh."

They then left her alone. Faith poked at the tray but didn't feel even remotely hungry. She had no idea how she could escape her room or get to Data. She doubted she'd be able to overpower Fajo again. But Data could. She imagined he hadn't to spare her any pain from their captor.

If I could just get to him…

After her little stunt, that would probably be impossible.

Faith laid down on her uninjured side, watching the stars outside her window. If he really wanted Data for his collection, he wouldn't do anything to him. She had to believe that. The only thing she could think to do was nothing.

Literally, nothing. She wasn't going to eat anything they brought her and if Fajo came in, she wouldn't even look at him, let alone talk to him.

Eventually, she dozed off.

It was a long time before anyone came to see her again. Soshi brought her another meal to replace the one she hadn't touched but did not say anything. When they replaced that meal as well, they spoke up.

"Faith must eat."

"I'm not eating anything."

"No like food? Want other food?"

"Fajo can force me to stay here but that's it. I'm not eating or drinking. He thinks I'm a bargaining chip, fine! Good luck trying to get Data to do what he wants if something happens to me."

Soshi looked scared and hurried out of the room. She suspected they had to report back to Fajo. She hoped he wouldn't take it out on them.

After the fifth untouched meal, Fajo stomped into her room. "Why must you both make this so difficult?" he asked, hands on his hips like a petulant child.

Faith could see his reflection in the window. She did not answer.

"I know you're not asleep. Answer me! What's wrong with you?"

Her only response was silence.

"Oh for goodness sake!" Fajo moved to the other side of the bed, snapping his fingers to get her attention. "Earth to the human!"

She flipped him the bird.

"Oh, that's nice. Very lady-like." He softened his tone. "Come on, eat something. Pretty please?"

She turned her back on him. Fajo huffed and walked around the other side of the bed again. "You two are so damn difficult!"

"Because you're keeping us against our will, you jag!"

He reached for his phaser and despite herself, she flinched. "Watch it," he warned.

"How do I even know Data is okay?" she asked, heart aching for the android. She had been so worried about him. "You showed me one image and nothing else. For all I know I'm all alone here."

Fajo took a deep breath as if to recollect himself. "Lucky for you, I'm a merciful man." He walked over to the door and opened it.

To her relief, Data entered. He wore a hideous purple jumpsuit which obviously wasn't by choice. Regardless, when she saw him, Faith felt her body release its tension. She forced herself out of bed, stumbling as they hurried to embrace.

"Thank the stars you're alright!" she said.

"I am fine. Are you?"

"I am now."

Data looked at Fajo. "May we have privacy?"

Fajo put his hands up as he backed out of the room. "Five minutes. We have that dinner with the Vangar delegates and we have to go over talking points."

Data nodded in understanding. As soon as Fajo left Faith asked, "You're going along with him?"

"For now," Data said, stroking her cheek. "I do not wish for him to hurt you again. Striking him was not a smart idea."

"I know. But it felt really good."

He gave her a small smile before hugging her once more. "Please do not attempt to harm him again. He has a personal force field activated that will harm you significantly. I suspect he did not think he would need to use it around you."

"His mistake. I take it that's why you haven't overpowered him."

"You are correct. Why will you not eat?"

"Passive resistance."

"Please eat. You will need your strength if we are to plan our escape."

"Data, how the hell are we going to get out of here?"

"I do not know yet. But I will find a way. In the meantime, do not underestimate Fajo. He will not hesitate to harm or kill. I have seen him do both."

A shiver ran down Faith's spine and she suddenly realized how lucky she had been to only receive a blaster to the hip.

"I'm scared," she admitted. "I'm trying to be a brave Starfleet officer but deep down I'm terrified."

Data cupped her face. "I will not let harm come to you. I will do as he says in the hope he leaves you be. However, I do not know if Fajo will allow another meeting between us. He only allowed this one when I negotiated for it."

"Kiss me then. I need to feel your lips."

He did, deeply. Faith kissed him back, not knowing when or even if she'd see him again. She couldn't bear to let him go.

"Alright, alright, break it up." Fajo's voice ruined the moment. "You'll decrease his value."

Faith glared at him but Data's hand fell to her lower back which calmed her down.

"Actually, Fajo, I believe Faith would only enhance my image to your friends."

Both of them looked at him in confusion. Though, Fajo looked entirely too interested in the notion. "How so?"

"I am the only sentient android in the galaxy. I possess no emotions and yet have found myself a romantic partner," Data explained. "I believe some would find that interesting."

Faith suddenly realized what Data was doing. He was trying to devise a way to satisfy Fajo's weird fixation while also keeping Faith close and extend their time together.

She loathed the thought of having to sit through a dinner with rich creepy people she didn't know. But if it meant she could remain at Data's side, she'd bite her tongue and force a smile.

Fajo pointed at Data. "I see what you're trying to do," he said. "Oh, I forgot how clever you could be." He pondered Data's suggestion, looking Faith up and down. Finally, he clapped excitedly. "This will be so much better! Yes! Let's get your little girlfriend all gussied up for dinner. You two are going to make a splash!" He went to the door and waved Data over. "Come, Data. Let's go find something for her to wear while she washes up. She clearly needs it."

Faith took an angry step towards Fajo but Data held her back.

"Perhaps I should stay to ensure she is made aware of her expectations," he suggested.

Fajo's smile faded. "I am being very generous, all things considered. Do not test me."

She could sense Data's disappointment but he didn't seem to want to push his luck. Not after seeing how Fajo hurt her so easily.

"Very well," he said.

Fajo was delighted. "Had I known you would be so agreeable this way I would have kidnapped someone close to you the first time! Now, when we meet with the delegates, remember to tell them how we first met…"

Data followed him out of the room, casting Faith a reassuring nod before the doors closed.

Thrown by the turn of events, she shuffled over the end of the room which had a partition for privacy. Behind it was a toilet, sink, and tiny shower stall that she could barely fit into. She turned the shower on and tested the water. Thankfully it was hot.

She peeled her torn clothes and bandage off before stepping into the stall. The water felt wonderful and she washed hours worth of sweat and tears away. The paste on her wound washed off as well, leaving smooth, fresh skin with no burn in sight. Her hip still ached however and probably would for a while.

Once she had washed up, Faith stepped out and wrapped a towel around herself.

There was nothing for her to change into yet so she tried to comb her hair out with her fingers as she waited.

By the time they came back, her hair had dried into its natural thick waves.

"Wear this," Fajo ordered, handing her a folded gown of deep purple. It complimented the jumpsuit Data wore except it was made of soft silk.

Faith stepped behind the partition again and slipped into the dress. It was far too tight and showed too much skin for her liking. Her cleavage was on full display and the skirt's slit went almost to her thigh.

The shoes were worse. God awful heels that hurt her feet. She'd rather be barefoot. But she had to play her part just as Data played his.

When she stepped back out, Data's eyes went wide. He seemed to eye her with appreciation which did make her feel a little better. Only a little.

"Marvelous, breathtaking," Fajo said. "You clean up well. Data was sure you'd protest showing so much skin but we want to really wow everyone. Come come, give us a spin."

Faith clenched her jaw and spun in a slow circle.

"Wonderful. Now, we mustn't keep our guests waiting for too long. Data remembers quite clearly what happened the last time he failed to entertain my friends. Come along you two." Fajo made a move to leave before turning back. "Oh, and if you could smile, Faith, you'd look so much prettier."

If Faith could rip out his throat she would.

She slid her arm around Data's as they followed Fajo out of her room. "Imma kill him. I swear," she muttered so softly only he could hear it.

Data leaned in close. "Starfleet officers do not condone homicide."

"This one does."

Data sighed, bringing his free hand up to rest over hers. "Faith…"

"I know, I know. I was kidding. Mostly."

"No whispering you two!" Fajo barked over his shoulder.

The halls of the ship were more standard than Faith expected. Clearly, Fajo liked the finer things in life. She expected his ship to reflect as much. But it seemed to be made more for function than comfort.

They arrived at the dining hall and he led them in with a bright smile.

"Kornok, Dulcer, Enil! My friends!" he greeted the three slender looking aliens with comically large round eyes and squared heads.

"Fajo!" The shortest of the three, Kornok, said as he approached the other man. "It has been far too long!"

Data and Faith hung back as Fajo made his greetings and small talk. The Vangar kept looking at them with interest until the female Dulcer pushed past Fajo and approached.

"Now what have we here?" she asked, circling the couple.

"My dear friends, meet the first in my new collection," Fajo said proudly. "Lieutenant Commander Data, the first and only sentient android in existence."

"Fascinating!" Kornok exclaimed and Dulcer continued her scrutiny.

"Hello," Data said dutifully. "It is a pleasure to meet you all."

"My, how well he speaks!" Dulcer exclaimed.

Faith clutched Data's arms tighter when she realized Enil was staring at her in an almost leering way.

"And the girl?" Enil asked.

"Oh, you'll get a kick out of this," Fajo said. "Faith is Mr. Data's girlfriend."

The Vangar began whispering excitedly in another language and suddenly all three were circling Faith and Data with rapt attention.

"A girlfriend? The android has a girlfriend?"

"Fascinating! But he doesn't have emotions! How does that work?"

"Is there an intimate nature to the relationship?"

Faith was already hating everything about the situation. The last question was asked by Enil and made Data speak up.

"That question is inappropriate," he said. "I do not mind answering questions that do not pertain to the intimacy of my relationship with Faith."

You tell him, babe, Faith thought to herself.

"Modesty! I love it!" Kornok laughed.

Fajo laughed as well. "Come now, let's eat! We can discuss more over food. I'm sure you're all ravenous."

The three wandered away from the couple, firing all sorts of questions at Fajo as they took their seats.

"This is going to suck," Faith muttered as she and Data followed.

"Yes. Yes it will."

#commander data #lt commander data #data tng #data soong #star trek next generation

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wolfie-rood · 6 years ago

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Failure is Not an Option - Vaati x Reader ONESHOT

Wow, this was long as fuck. I really love Vaati, can ya tell? To be honest, this was a bit on the fluffy side, which might be a little out of character for our lovely mage. The reason for that is I wrote this in the same mindset as one of my OC's who is Vaati's closest attendant and friend (Though, their relationship is purely platonic). Her and Vaati get along better than milk and cereal, so they are pretty damn fluffy when nobody else is around. So, I mean, sorry for all the fluff this is my excuse??

Nahhh I'm never sorry for sweet fluffy Vaati!

-----

Limping down the dim candlelit hallway, you swore angrily under your breath. "That son of a bitch... Where is he?" In the far corners of your mind, you could sense a dark aura coming from Vaati's study at the end of the hall, so you picked up the pace to confront him. Then you slammed the door open with rage burning in your eyes. "Hey, asshole!" You yelled, gaining the attention of the sorcerer across the room.

Vaati sighed and looked up from his book. He took notice of your large burn marks and blood-covered figure but said nothing about it. "What now?" He asked with a bored expression. Obviously, he wasn't too happy about being interrupted so late at night.

"'What now'? Your fucking Wizzrobe buddies are getting on my last nerves!" You screamed in response. You could still hear their cackling in the distance "I just killed one of those fuckers, so don't blame me when they all end up dead by the end of the week!"

The wind mage's newly appointed (and extremely irritating) servants were starting to get violent, and even he could see that. Still, they were highly advanced in magic and it wasn't exactly easy getting them to the palace in the first place. Vaati was well aware of how much trouble they were for you, but he also knew they could be useful to him. He was hoping the benefits outweighed the consequences and that his efforts weren't just a waste of time. It was certainly starting to look that way, though. Especially after you barged in with multiple wounds and blood-stained clothes.

But even after seeing his faithful attendant in such disarray, he refused to admit he was wrong. "If you truly hate them that much, just avoid them," Vaati said dismissively. "Nobody told you to watch over them."

"Because nobody had to! They destroy everything in their path and then they think it's funny! When your palace goes up in smoke, you'll only have yourself to blame." You growled. With that, you left the room; slamming the door on your way out.

When you woke the next morning, you took your time fixing the bandages around your stomach and repatch your arm. Then, you downed a red potion just in case. Your wounds weren't as bad as they looked, but they could easily get infected if you didn't take care of them. You were immortal, not invincible. Once you were done taking care of your injuries and changing into clean clothes, you left the bedroom to start your morning.

In the large dining room, only two seats at the table were set for breakfast. A ghost of a smile crossed your lips when you realized Vaati had woken before you. Usually, you were the first to wake up and make something to eat, but it seems your master had you beat that day. "Enjoy sleeping in?"

You turned around to see Vaati carrying two plates of food from the kitchen. "I've actually been up for a while now." Then you gestured to your bandaged arm. "I had to fix these before I did anything else."

The mage walked past you to the table, subtly eyeing your injuries with a hint of guilt. Before you could notice, he turned away and placed your food on the table. You quickly sat down and started eating as Vaati just sat across from you. You were a bit surprised he could even cook since you've only ever eaten food made by you, but you weren't disappointed.

The room was quiet besides the tinking of silverware against the plates. You and Vaati usually enjoyed each other's company, even if neither of you talked (of course, the mage would never admit it out loud because of his deafening pride). But right now, it was almost an awkward silence. After your outburst last night, you were finding it difficult to start a conversation.

Usually, if someone were to even question Vaati's motives, they'd be killed on the spot. But the sorcerer was quite fond of you and would find it unfortunate if you were to die. At that thought, Vaati looked up at you only to find you were already staring at him intently. Great, now it's even more awkward...

Before you could figure out something to talk about, Vaati cleared his throat and decided to speak up first. "How are they? Your wounds, I mean."

"Oh, I'll live." You replied casually. Then you smirked. "You should see the other guy."

Vaati grinned slyly in response. "I did and I must say, it wasn't your best work."

"Oh, bullshit!" You accused with a laugh. You welcomed the happy feeling that drowned out the emotions from last night.

He shook his head with a devious smile. His crimson eyes narrowed at you. "Remember the poor guy from Labrynna?"

"Oooooh, that was the one that got messy. He should've never called for help..." You cringed, remembering just how much blood there was. "How about the chick from Holodrum? That was pretty bad, too."

Vaati chuckled slightly to himself. "That was a fun one."

You laughed and nodded in agreement. "We really should get out more. All the entertainment is out there."

"We'll do something soon. I know how you get when I keep you inside for too long. You're already starting to get... excited."

You leaned back in your chair and crossed your arms. "What, did the dead Wizzrobe by the palace entrance give it away?"

"It might've been a small hint."

The two of you went back and forth for most of the morning. It was nice to just forget about your differences for a few hours. You and Vaati were extremely close, and you only fought on rare occasions. To put it simply, you were his right-hand man willing to take an arrow for him. You really would do anything for him, to be honest. It was certainly a... complicated relationship you two had.

At some point during your conversation - long after the two of you finished eating - you heard a loud crash on the other side of the castle. Now, you were both on full alert. Vaati was the first to leave the dining room, you followed close behind.

Just outside the library was a huge mess of books littered throughout the hall. Some were even ripped up a bit. Pages were hanging on the walls like party banners. In the center of all the chaos was a single shattered vase. What didn't surprise you one bit was the sight of all the Wizzrobes sitting around the mess, giggling like children.

You shook your head, giving Vaati the "I fucking told you so" look. He scoffed at you and went ahead to confront his "servants". "What do you think you're doing?" He said in such a quiet voice, it almost scared even you.

One of the ice Wizzrobes spoke up with a laugh. "Kehahah! We're just having some fun!" It exclaimed, like having some fun was a valid excuse for emptying out the library. "Though if we're pinning blame on anyone, it was the summoner! Kehahahahah!!!"

"I don't care who did it!" He boomed with suppressed rage in his eyes. "Clean it! Now!" Before he could let his anger get the best of him, he vanished with a gust of wind.

As soon as Vaati was out of sight, the Wizzrobes looked at you expectantly. "Well? You heard him! Snap to it! Kehahahaha!!"

"Funny, but I think no." You turned away with an eye roll and began to leave. There was no point in trying to reason with them. It was better to just walk away.

You didn't get very far though, as a fire Wizzrobe thought it would be funny to burn you with its fireball spell. You weren't amused in the slightest, but the others thought it was absolutely hilarious.

You rubbed your burnt arm while giving the fire Wizzrobe your killer glare. "So that's how it's gonna be? Fine." Holding out your hand, a dark rapier appeared for you to grasp with confidence. "I'll play."

At first, you were fighting well on your own, especially against a large group of advanced magic users. A couple of the ice Wizzrobes collapsed onto the ground, dead. It was a good start, but the burns and frostbite, as well as the blood dripping down your arms, was becoming a concern.

That's when the tables turned and a fire Wizzrobe blasted you to the ground. At that point, you really couldn't tell whose spells were whose. All you knew was that it was so painful you could hardly breathe. You wanted to scream. You wanted to cry out in agony, but you knew better. Showing any negative emotion would give them the satisfaction, and you refused to let them have it. Plus, if Vaati heard you, you might as well just throw yourself off the Palace's edge. He could not see you in such a weak position, you wouldn't allow yourself to be a failure in front of him.

Still, you had no way of defending yourself, so all you could do was endure the pain until they gave up. Your vision slowly became blurred around the edges and your body felt numb. All the while, they laughed like there was no tomorrow.

Then it all... stopped.

The pain had ended, and the cackling had stopped. Your eyes cleared up just enough to see a purple cape drag in front of you.

"I think we're done here." He growled. "Leave now."

The Wizzrobes sighed and shrugged at each other. "Kehaha! Whatever you say, my lord!" The ice Wizzrobe exclaimed, its voice dripping with sarcasm. With that, they all disappeared together.

As soon as they were gone, you sighed in relief and relaxed your pained muscles on the ground. You took in a deep breath and tried to focus on anything but the scorching pain across your body. You could feel blood dripping down your neck, but you were too relieved to care. They're finally gone...

Vaati stared at you for a moment, his red eyes filled with regret. Hesitantly, he slid his arm under your knees and back, lifting you from the ground. You leaned your head on his chest as he carried you through the castle. Neither of you spoke while he took you into the bathroom. A trail of blood was made by your scarlet liquid that dripped from your arm, but Vaati didn't seem to care about the mess.

The mage carried you into a simplistic bathroom and gently put you down on the edge of the tub. Then, he removed his cape to keep it out of the way. The water started running behind you, but you couldn't really pay attention to anything. All you could feel was the shattering defeat in your heart. You got beaten half to death and your master had to save you... how pathetic.

Instead of feeling the crushing failure, you decided to feel... nothing. You let your mind drift away completely. That way, you could somehow be at peace with yourself. You hid any sort of feeling or emotion in your metaphorical boat of solitude. There, they would be shot on sight; never to bother you again.

The small part of your mind that wasn't dead was screaming at you to pay attention. Probably because the mage in front of you was quickly stripping you of your bloodied clothes. He wasted no time taking everything off and tossing it to the side. Though, Vaati wasn't exactly worried about your indecency. In fact, it was the last thing on his mind when he picked you back up to place you in the filled tub.

Slowly, he ran his hands through your hair, washing out some of the dried blood. Your locks were clumped together because of the dark red liquid, but you only stared ahead at the wall. You felt almost lifeless, you didn't even wince when his fingers grazed over one of your burns. It was so hard for you to accept the events of today. The two of you understood that you were a servant to Vaati before anything else, so failing in front of your master was such a sickening feeling that you could hardly breathe. A part of you wished you had been killed by the Wizzrobes. It would be much easier than having to deal with the wrath of your master.

As Vaati washed the blood out of your hair, all he could think about was the strange feeling in his chest. It was hard to find a way of describing it, but the word guilt kept coming up in his mind. He knew you were beating yourself up over the failure, but Vaati was more worried about you. He really did care about you, even if he had a strange way of showing it. He was standoffish and too proud for his own good, but he always had time for you.

"Turn around." He said in a surprisingly soft voice. You did as he said and turned to face him. He raised his hands up and started rubbing the blood off your face. You stared at him, but your gaze was so far off into space it was like you weren't even there. Vaati did his best to ignore it, but your pity party was starting to get on his nerves. He sighed irritatingly and stood up. "Finish up here. I'll find you something to wear."

Vaati grabbed his cape on the way out the door, and you were left alone. You let water drain, but you didn't move. You sat in silence with your knees pulled into your chest. Your mind wasn't working properly, and all you could think of was how much you hated yourself at that moment. There was so much self-hate in the corner of your mind that it consumed you.

"(Name)," Vaati called once he returned. "Get up."

You didn't even move an inch. Vaati glared at you even though he knew he wasn't mad. It was just difficult for him to show how he truly felt. He went up to the tub and took your hand. Slowly, you got off the floor and stepped out of the empty bath.

"Get dressed, (Name)." He commanded lightly. You didn't respond but instead just grabbed your clothes and began putting them on. Once you were done, you stared at him almost expectantly, but your eyes were completely devoid of any emotion. He noticed how unsteady your legs were, so he decided to pick you up again. He carried you back to your room without a word.

Shutting the door with his foot, he sat you down on your bed, handing you a bottle of red potion. You turned away from it, you didn't deserve it. It was your fault you were in the situation so you would live with your wounds and scars the way you wanted.

"Take it, (Name)." He commanded a little harsher than he intended. "Take it before I shove it down your throat."

Finally, you grasped the bottle and downed the drink, cringing slightly at the taste. As soon as your wounds started to heal and Vaati knew you'd be fine, you felt a sharp pain across your face. Glancing up, you caught Vaati rubbing the back of his hand, which was now turning red. "Stop that right now!" He yelled, finally fed up with you. "I will not have you sulking around anymore! Stop feeling sorry for yourself, that's an order!"

You stared at him in shock, not really sure how to feel. "I-I... um." Your mouth kept opening to say something, but your mind was still completely barren. Though, Vaati was smart enough to know what he was doing. It was hard to hate yourself when you were so taken aback by his sudden anger.

Vaati looked around with an annoyed expression before crouching in front of you. Even though he sat right in front of you, he hid his eyes with his hair. It was as though he was... ashamed. "I... I need you to stop. As my attendant, you are supposed to give me advice on how I should do things. When you warned me about the Wizzrobes, I... I should've listened to you."

You watched with wide eyes as his hand came up to caress your cheek. "What happened today was my fault, so stop moping already." Vaati finally looked at you with a playful smirk. "You've done worse than this, so just move on."

You wiped a few stray tears away and frowned. "I have not." You muttered like a child.

"Oh, so I guess you forgot the time you set me on fire."

With a small giggle, you rolled your eyes. "I won't apologize for that because it was hilarious."

"Of course it was..." He grumbled.

You smiled at his reaction, and you were actually starting to feel better. Even after what happened earlier, you could still be happy. "Hey, Vaati?" You asked, and he hummed questioningly. "Thank you."

"... Well, someone has to watch over you." He sighed and stood up. "Days like this make me wish it wasn't me... Come on, let's go wreak havoc somewhere."

You hopped up with joy. "Yay!"

You followed behind the Vaati with a large grin spread across your face, the mage hiding a smile of his own. Finally, you could breathe your silent sigh of relief.

#oneshot #x reader #VAATI #Wind mage #vaati the wind mage #SO MUCH LOVE FOR THIS BOY #LOVE HIM WITH MEEEE #AHHHHH #loz #legend of zelda #zelda #VAATIII #VAATIIIIII

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judecak · 5 years ago

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Maiko Fluff Week - Day 3

@idonthatemaiko

She ate her dorayaki while she watched the brothers discuss, as usual. Ty Lee finished her tea and she offered to serve her more. Ty Lee smiled at her and gave her the plate full of *kabocha mochi. She denied with her head, she hadn't finished yet.

Princess Ursa took the scroll off the hands of Azula, she got angry and stomped her feet.

"We don't want Love Among the Dragons" she declared sitting next to her.

Ty Lee denied with her head.

"I don't want *The Valley of the Lost Flowers" the prince crossed his arms and pouted. She liked that story, not boring battles neither insufferable romance.

"You're afraid Koh will appear with this weather?" Azula got near him and moved her fingers as claws.

Abundant raining started to fall in the afternoon, they had taken a meal and played two rounds of *Uta Garuta, however the rain had not stopped. The Prince had suggested to read a story meanwhile they waited.

"No" He decided to sat next to Ty Lee. "Why not *Momotaro?"

"We don't want to see you stab the air." Azula replied, taking some dango from the plate. "But if you want to act the *dance of the tigermonkey and the swansparrow, at least we will laugh."

She smiled behind her cup of tea as her mother had taught her. The Prince got angry as usual.

"I can dance with you" Ty Lee piped, making the Prince go red.

"You will do a great tigermonkey dance."

"You want to play a story then." Princess Ursa smiled and she felt sick immediately, she didn't want to. "Very well but to be fair it'll be one none of you have never heard before." She picked another scroll, sat in the corner of the room and started reading.

Long ago, before the Fire Nation even had its name, a beautiful girl was born from noble parents. She was so admired by the humans that even the spirits got curious and they came to visit her, finding her beautiful too, for her pure hearth. She always was kind to all the creatures and talked to everybody, even though her parents had warned her about the evil of the world.

Ty Lee volunteered to start, neither Azula or she complained. Strangely enough, of the three Ty Lee was the one who liked to act as a nice girl. Well she was a nice girl, odd but nice.

She didn’t had an inch of evilness in her hearth and she thought that kindness was those poor spirits needed. It’s one of those spirits she used to talk that felt madly in love with her, of course being an evil and corrupted spirit he didn’t know much of love, just obsession. And he thought of a plan to always being with her.

Azula annoyed the prince to act as the evil spirit, Mai volunteered, it's boring looking those two argue endlessly and she better be an evil being than a boring idiot girl.

In a full moon night, she woke up restless. As many nights she went to the pond to drink water, her mother had warned her many times, but she loved to go and watch the dancing fishes in the pond. That night the fishes were gone, just the purest white lilies glowed. They were so beautiful that she wished to have one of them and so she got into the lake. The blood came from her, the lilies had vines and thorns, tarnishing the water and the lilies.

The prince made a moon with his bending and almost burned her hair, again. Azula mocked him and he dared her to make the fishes. She felt confident but she couldn't, the prince laughed while he presented a nice flower to Ty Lee. The princess got angry and Princess Ursa had to stop the reading. After a few minutes, Mai gave her role as the evil spirit and let Azula have it.

"You have dared to soil my magical pond." He told her making the white lilies die.

She cried and promise him to do whatever was needed to brought the white lilies back. And so he cheated her into giving herself to him. When she realized the trick he had already transformed her into a brownish ugly bird, whose legs were small very difficult for her to run and couldn't flight. She now belonged to him. His power was stronger in the night and when the moon was full bright, but in the days he sleep and he did it more profoundly when there was no moon in the sky. In those weak days, he always stayed in places where the freshwater ruled, so she couldn't escape easily from him.

Ty Lee failed to represent a sad girl and she neither seemed upset to follow Azula wherever she wanted in the room. The prince served her tea and she did the same to him.

She spend her days crying, but her cries just scared the humans and animals alike. However one day a stranger was passing by, attracted by the strange sound. He disliked the ugly bird but he felt its sadness and he took it out of the odorous swap. She was confused by the stranger but she was being taken away from the clutches of the evil spirit so she kept quite. At the same time she was afraid that when the evil spirit didn't found her, he will got mad at the poor stranger.

The prince acted his part while eating his dango, Ty Lee picked some kabocha mochi. Both looked ridiculous but happy in a sense.

The men took her too far away from the water in a beautiful castle, made of rock, sand and beautiful trees. It was the castle of a powerful Lord loved by all his people for his fair hearth. He leaved her in a fountain, surrounded by sacred fire, because he was a faithful man of Agni.

Azula sat next to her, finishing her second dango "His room is a mess, he can't even kept his socks in the correct drawer, imagine what he will do with a Palace."

She smiled. Her mother was obsessed with cleaning and order, everything in her house had a place. Her clothes were lined by color then size. She never cared where she leaved her clothes but the servants hurry to had everything in order.

"Terrible isn't?" The Princess looked at her.

"Disgusting" She answered and both smirked.

Water from fountain is different than water from the pond, there were no flowers, no fishes or animals to share her sadness, just solid rock. Besides with the spirit away from her, his spell was weakening and some days she could regain her human form. But she kept hiding, sometimes as the ugly bird, sometimes as a dirty maid of the kitchen.

The Prince sat near his mother, who cared his head, he smiled. Ty Lee pretended to be a turtleduck in a pond. And later pretended to be a servant. Azula and her agreed she was not good at neither.

In the meanwhile the evil spirit had become furious for losing her. He had been plotting to enter the sacred place, but it is difficult to trespass sacred ground. Envy and evil plots always surround the great monarchs and so he found men willing to dishonor holy land. And so the war started, the Noble Lord fought bravely for his people and his Kingdome.

Azula drag her to become her ally to fight the Prince, she just stood around them, they liked to fight and she didn't like to mess into their drama.

One day, the Noble Lord got injured by a man possessed by the evil spirit, when she saw the injure she knew immediately who was behind all this madness.

Princess Ursa had to intervene again, both siblings had engaged in a fighting with the sticks of their remains of the dango, and that ended with the Prince being poke in the stomach and Azula just said "He's suppose to have an injury!" Princess Ursa narrowed her eyes, she never believed Azula.

She decided that it's enough of them playing the same roles. She offered Ty Lee the role as the Evil Spirit but she didn't dare, however she happily agree to let Mai be the boring heroine, and she became the follower. Azula offered to be the Noble Lord but the Princess didn't allow it, she argue it's unfair to Mai and Ty Lee. However Ty Lee replied that she was happy to be Azula's follower for a while. No one asked Mai if she was happy.

She had faith in the healers of the Kingdome but when he came back with more injures and they got no cure, she started to give him the right medicine. It's not easy to prepare, neither to get it, because it implied to get the scales of the vipersalamander and grind them, but she didn't mind to hurt herself in order to save the Noble Lord.

She didn't pretend the pain, she hated the role. Still she was praised by Ty Lee. The Prince was taking tea, while touching a part of his stomach, she guessed the part Azula had poked him.

He got better, he went back to battle and got injured again. Sometimes she could act quickly for it was new moon, but some days it's full moon and she spend more time as the ugly bird.

She didn't know how to be a turtleduck, but play the fool was pretty accurate in her opinion.

One day the injuries were so bad that everybody feared he wasn't going to survive, she spent as much time as she could at his side and caught more vipersalamander than usual. Her hands blistered and bleed but she kept working to save him, she was so tired that she drowsed near his bed. And so he found her, even thought he was still feverish, he finally found his savior.

He had bits of kabocha mochi in his lips and fingers. Still he gave her a smile and she thought that maybe she had bits of dorayaki too.

She got scare but he calmed her. He wanted to know how she found the cure to his injuries and why she hurt herself in order to save him. And so she told him the truth, she kowtowed three times for the evil she had brought but he told her: "I rather die saving the most beautiful woman in the world, than all the riches in it." He promised her to free her from the evil spirit and marry her. She promise to be the most faithful wife.

Both made a disgusting face for the whole part, it's ridiculous, stupid and absurd. No Fire Lord in the history ever leave the throne for a woman, they have fought viciously to sat there, even the good ones. The Fire Ladies had done almost the same, she didn't remember a single one who had not poisoned, plotted and murdered in all her life. A good daughter made a marriage for honor and status, her mother had taught her that.

He spoke with the Fire Sage to free her. He was suspicious and rendered as unfaithful and follower of dark paths. How come she could bare the pain of catching the hot animals and grind the hard scales. How come such a pure soul could bare so much dead and blood. The Noble Lord spoke wonderful words of her, the Fire Sage then said that if she had salvation only could have be achieved by the purest of love, once the Evil Spirit died. And so the Noble Lord promise eternal love only to her.

The Fire Sages were a joke, no one will ask advice from them, except some countryside people who still believed in spirits and that old things. Not even the Avatar existed anymore.

He prepared for the last battle and she gave to him a Dou she had made with vipersalamander scales. One he used it with pride.

And so he went to free his love from the curse, he went directly to the Evil Spirit calling it by its name. The battle was cruel and long, thousands die that day. The Evil Spirit became afraid when he noticed that this time he couldn't hurt the man and became enrage when he realized what his precious bird had done. He realized too, what was supposed to happen.

She didn't gave him anything, he was very happy to go fighting with a serious look and crumbles of the doriyaki he had being eating. The brothers fought each other happily, just this time without the sticks of the dango. Ty Lee cheered for Azula and tried to made her cheer for the Prince.

"That's not in the story" she grumbled.

The Noble Lord fought bravely with all his might, to put an end to the curse. Both knew that one of them was suppose to die. And with the end of the day, the Noble Lord took his most defiant chance, throwing his most powerful attack to the possessed men and so the flames burned the body.

Azula rolled her eyes and complained that the battle had been stupid, nothing extraordinary like an Agni Kai. Hence the story was unworthy in her opinion. She stuffed herself with kabuchi mochis.

He was took by his surviving men to his Castle to celebrate, but what he really was anticipating was the welcome of his soon to be bride. In the town the festiveness could be felt, despite the tragedy, they have won over the evilness. The door of the Castle were opened to the whole town. And soon she found him, she was dress in a beautiful silk hanfu, like her status should be and not the usual one made of ramie.

They didn't pay too much attention to the victorious prince who walked with a puffed chess, even thought he was supposed to be injured. But Mai liked the way his hair swung behind him, it made her remember the colorful pigeonquetzals long ago her mother had in the garden.

Unusually Princess Ursa asked Ty Lee to play the part of the girl. Azula thought it wrong and inaccurate but her mother insisted.

"Your time as his lover was short and he didn't even complained." She told her. Mai rolled her eyes but it's annoyed that the prince didn't say a pip.

She danced and twirled with her long sleeves, showing her beauty to all. He smiled and cheered with the people around. She smiled to him cared his cheek, he hold her hand and gave her his jade*. She took the jade, then laughed and danced with it. He felt uncomfortable but maybe her long stay in the pools and lakes had made her forget proper manners.

Ty Lee twirled, sang a song and smiled at the Prince who observed her with his two brows raised. Probably he thought that she was some kind of exotic animal.

She danced until she thrown the jade. He became angered until he saw the body under her feet, and the woman transformed in a Kiyohime*. She was not his love but a minion of the Water Spirit. His love lied in the ground, with peaches* spread around her and her skin paled by the death.

Mai lied in the floor while eating dango and was thankful the idiot girl had died. She definitely was enjoying this part.

He had broken his word by declaring love to another, and she with it. He fought the spirit but it was too powerful, she laughed and laughed because her master had giving her part of himself in case he failed in the last battle and as protection against what treachery the ugly bird had prepared. He fought and fought with all his might, even thought he had the moon against him, because he didn't care for nothing else but to avenge his loved one.

Ty Lee made an strange smiling enemy who was difficult to attack because she always moved in the last second before the prince could even touch her. Ty Lee made the Prince circle the room several times, in her opinion Ty Lee was winning.

And so tired of his long battles he found himself at his end, the Kiyohime tried to use the water of the fountain to end him. And it seemed it was going to be that way, but in the last minute he felt the call of every firebender. Both attacked for the last time.

"Your Kingdome is in the night but mine is at day." He declared while the sun was rising and his fire increased.

Both felt into the ground, but only the Noble Lord raised, the Spirit had finally been banished. However his sadness was such that he didn't wanted to live in this world anymore, because he had broken his word. He decided to leave this world with honor and prepared to do it with his own sword. But such devotion should be rewarded and the Spirits did it. She opened her eyes and raised with him in the new dawn.

And as remainder of their love, the spirits gave the ugly birds a new form, instead of the brown color they were white or light yellow for the beauty of her warm soul and they had acquired too a hard shell to protect them from evilness...

They heard the sky tremble, it's getting late but the rain hasn't stop. Princess Ursa rose from her place.

"I don't think the storm will pass soon. I'll inform you parents that they don't need to worry, you can stay the night if needed." Ty Lee and Mai looked at each other, they have come to play with the princess several times but they never had spend the night."I'll bring more tea too." She said noticing the empty pot.

The kids watched her go in silence. Azula opened the window and searched something in the sky.

"The turtleducks!" The prince suddenly exclaimed. "It's the story of the turtleducks!" Azula rolled her eyes and made a gesture of repugnance. Ty Lee cued.

"What lame story for a lame animal."

It was.

The prince got angry. "It's about keeping your word!"

"The idiot couldn't distinguish between two women" the princess pointed. "How can that be praised?!"

"He's cheated by the evil spirit!"

"He was suppose to notice the different behavior" Azula argue. "She's always a weak, meek girl, how can she behave in that indecent manner? She could even have another appearance. He's a idiot."

"It's not true" Ty Lee intervened, Azula looked at her. "I have heard the story before, it's said that the Kiyohime spirit had the same appearance than the ugly duck."

Azula narrowed her eyes. "Still, the behavior was different." The Princess was right, the hero did a stupid mistake. "And he has problems fighting the water spirits with a dou of vipersalamander scales"

"If she knew of the scales, why she didn't fought before?" Mai asked.

"Yes, she could have gathered all the information necessary to streak him at his weakest point" Azula pointed. "Probably in a new moon in the summer. Surely she knew more about the spirit."

"She couldn't walk very fast, remember? It's until the Noble Lord took her out of the swap that she could be human again."

"She could have waited to escape in the most advantageous terrain." She replied with calmness. "The story says the Evil Spirit changed constantly of places to sleep." The princess seemed happy with her reasoning.

"He wasn't always in the swap." Ty Lee agree. "She could have escape by her own."

"She wasn't sure to accomplish that, she was afraid, he was very powerful. If she couldn't have pulled it by her own, it'd have been very difficult to escape a second time"

"She could have surprised him" The princess insisted. "Burned him."

"She wasn't a bender" The princess got annoyed with the prince reply "She didn't knew that she could regain her human form, as a bird she couldn't made weapons. That's why she had to wait."

"And it isn't kind of selfish she didn't do anything before the Water Spirit attacked?" She intervened. "People were fighting and she was cleaning the kitchen, when she knew things about the Evil Spirit."

"She was afraid the people gave her back to the Evil Spirit."

"The men almost die and she excuses herself with that?" Azula paced in the room. "Mai is right, she's very selfish a Kingdome was drag to war and she only cleans the kitchen." she crossed her arms. "If it's me, I wouldn't have care for the stupid flowers." Mai nodded, flowers could die. "What would have you done?"

"Cut his throat" she immediately answered.

"Paralyzed him." Ty Lee said. "Probably he'll drown." She shrugged.

"It'd have been great if I could lightingbend and fry him in the spot."

"Great!" Mai said. Ty Lee made the sound of the lighting and the thunder. The three laughed.

"But..." the Prince murmured.

A lighting illuminate the room, followed by a strong thunder. Ty Lee screamed and Azula run to opened the window. Mai closed her eyes however she still saw the white. Even if she covered her ears the sound of the thunder made her deaf for a while.

The Prince said something and Azula laughed, she opened the door of the room and went out. The Prince was going to follow her but he looked at them and decided to stay. Mai put a hand in Ty Lee shoulder who still had her hands covering her ears.

"It surprised me." She felt embarrassed. "I'm fine."

"Are you sure?" Mai asked. She nodded.

The Prince looked at the room, perhaps he felt uncomfortable, he was not used to be alone with them.

"Mom will come back soon, I'm sure" he said picking the scroll from the floor and watched it with a frown.

"I liked the story." Ty Lee told him. "It's about love."

He nodded. "With a strong devotion." Mai will disagree, the men basically cheated her with another woman. "And forgiveness, both do mistakes." Stupid mistakes.

Ty Lee nodded. "Indeed, my mom said that even if you love someone you can't hurt him, even if you don't want to." The Prince looked at her. Mai guessed that made sense, her parents reprimanded her for her own good. She needed to be a good girl and she had to learn how to do that. "That's why you should be very careful with the ones you love." He agreed.

"But in the end, everything goes fine." He smiled and put the book in the corner of the room.

"In an older version, she dies." Ty Lee reveled. The Prince made shocked expression. "And the spirits honored her with the turtleduck, the soft part is like her kind and tender soul, and the shell is like her strong faith in the love and goodness. The Noble Lord it's suppose to never fall in love with anyone and always takes care of the animals." He looked at the floor. "Mom said it's because relationships can be very fragile too. But people didn't like that end and so the one with a happy ending is more popular."

What a scam, the story could have been better if the girl had died.

"I think I prefer the happy one." He murmured.

"So do I" Ty Lee smiled at him. Both looked at her and she grimaced. "She prefers horror stories." Ty Lee confessed to the Prince after a long silence.

"I don't" she was scare of those, but they had little romance.

"The gory the better." That may have some true.

He shrugged. "I prefer stories with adventures and battles." He walked to the door and they followed him, probably he was going to look for his mother. "Some of them are gory."

Ty Lee giggled, Mai was going to roll her eyes but the smile of the Prince stopped her.

"Romantic stories aren't that bad" Ty Lee commented nonchalantly looking at them.

Both made a disgusting face.

"Just silly."

"They're not" Ty Lee complained.

"Have you ever meet a marriage who are madly in love?" Mai challenged them.

Ty Lee opened her mouth then closed it. Ty Lee's mother had been betrothed to her father since children, rarely they were seen together, her father dedicated to his job in the government and her mother was always throwing parties. Her own parents were a political match, two powerful families joining fortune and status. And Prince Ozai and Princess Ursa were a match for the benefit of the Nation. Even Prince Iroh married Princess Zhen Huan, the daughter of the powerful Asakura clan.

The Prince and Ty Lee looked at her.

"My mother believes in love" The prince mumbled. She cocked a brow. "But you're right."

She felt terrible.

*Kabocha is a japanese pumking. Decided to stick with the mochis because Azula liked them in Smoke and Shadow.

*The valley of the lost flowers. Another story I created for another fanfic, features Koh.

*Uta Gurata. Japanese Card Game, contains 100 cards, with a waka poem written on each. I used to play a simplified game while studying japanese, it’s fun.

*Momotaro. A famous Japanese folklore story.

*The dance of the monkey and the sparrow is part of a japanese folklore story from Japanese Children’s favorite stories by Florence Sakade.

*Doriyaki and dango are japanese sweets.

*Jade and peaches. Reference to some poems from the Book of songs, ancient chinese poetry. But they are expression of love.

* Kiyohime. A japanese spirit, part woman part serpent. I just used the name because the story of the Kiyohime is different that the one I used here.

#maikofluffweek19 #Zuko #Mai #atla maiko #Zumai #Azula #ty lee

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ketch117 · 6 years ago

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The day had dawned, and the big, bearded northerners who had taken the city only a week before herded men and women to the thoroughfare, many of who needed very little encouragement. Elia knew she should have been frightened, but she was too exhausted to care anymore. For over a year now, she'd been reduced to a spectator in her own life, scarcely even a ghost inhabiting the castle. She’d been a figure of scorn, or of pity. Perhaps half of the citizens of the city had only the vaguest idea of why they were there - if they had any idea at all. All they knew was that the drink was supplied in plentiful quantities and the occupying Northerners who’d marched in a week or two ago didn't seem to mind that they took advantage of it. But there were many others who knew exactly what they were witnessing. Robert Baratheon. The Demon of The Trident. The Man Who Would Be King. Children were shoved by their parents to the front of the teeming crowds. Normally placid men pushed and gouged their way to get a better view. And when the procession came, it was no disappointment. Knights, resplendent in glittering armour, headed the cavalcade. Behind them, ranks of soldiers marched in full regalia. Most had never been so finely kitted out and were determined to make the most of it. The younger men's chins were laced with cuts where their shaving had been too vigorous, and the older ones had their facial hair arranged into ever more outlandish configurations. Each infantryman was cheered wildly by the crowd, even those who had no idea what they were celebrating. Flowers were strewn at their feet and kisses blown from maidens leaning from balconies. It didn't matter that the flowers were wilted and dead and that the 'maidens' generally charged upwards of six stags for their time. Appearances, after-all, had to be maintained. How did it come to this? She had asked herself that time and again, and come no closer to answering it. But of course, it had. One day at a time, it had come to this. She'd seen it happening, worn away, robbed of feeling. She thought of her son, and her daughter, the last obstacles between this man who was being cheered, the same crowd that had cheered just as loudly for her husband as he rode away to kill this man, and she felt very afraid. The cheering grew even louder, as the people yelled themselves hoarse for their conqueror as he rode sedately between the baying mob. He was wearing armour made of what looked like pure silver. It probably wasn't any such thing, but it blazed in the sun nonetheless. He was wearing no helmet, and he grinned and waved and blew kisses to show them he was not haughty, and they loved him for it - they loved him because he looked the part, he was tall and strong and handsome and chivalrous and his eye twinkled with a kind of roguish charm absolutely vital to a popular leader - people tended to be suspicious of virtue. And that was the dangerous difference, Elia thought grimly. Jon Arryn might have been the one to declare war, but this was the man the war was being named after, and with good reason. The old falcon had never been the type to strike passion in his followers, to evoke any emotion more intense than admiration. However upright his nature, or perhaps because of it, he had not the force of personality to captivate a city as Robert Baratheon had effortlessly captivated King's Landing with spectacle and a smile and wave. The crowd’s efforts grew more frenzied yet with his appearance. Dried flower petals showered down from the upper stories and a flock of baffled doves lurched into the air, joining the ravens who had been sent to every corner of the realm. The crowd surged forward behind him, eager for more. At the edges of the mob, scuffles broke out. They only grew worse as a number of his men began distributing coins, tossing handfuls of them into the crowd, and people fell onto their hands and knees to scoop them up. How ironic it was that the very factor they had all weighed so heavily against Robert should have been turned by him to such telling advantage - his youth. She'd seen him as they all had at first - an appendage of Jon Arryn's body, an arm to be lopped off before it could strike a lucky blow;. He wasn’t relevant, not really. They had all been so sure that he was just a pawn in a deeper game, that he was just a piece on the board, a figurehead inherently replaceable, and once Jon Arryn fell, Robert would, must, follow, no more able to survive independently of him than the arm could exist without the body. Yet the victory at The Trident had gone to Robert, not to his foster father. As had the bulk of the victories it followed. Win or lose, Robert had ended every battle where he wanted to be, with more men, more momentum, and in a position of more strength. All men who counted themselves of noble blood studied the arts of war from early boyhood; it followed that some men would prove to be more apt pupils than others. But it was ill luck that Robert had shown himself to be such a man, one with a natural affinity for command and the ways of war. Yet what disturbed Elia the most about the young Stormlord was that he was seducer as well as soldier. There were others who could have won his battles, but now, now he was winning King's Landing even as she watched with his smile rather than his sword - as Jon Arryn could never have done. Robert Baratheon was proving as skilled in the dubious manoeuvres of rabble-rousing as he was with the hammer he’d used to kill her husband. He dismounted, bowed to the men, then walked up to the Red Keep. Six score Northerners parted for him, then closed behind him. On the steps, the Lord , the various Guildmasters and more wealthy merchants were waiting. Elia took a deep breath. She gathered the tattered remnants of her poise and royal dignity. Then she descended to the Small Council Chambers.

+ + + + +

"Princess." Robert said, already waiting for her, tall, dark and handsome, seated behind a table that is spread with papers, with his commanders clustered around. He did not look like a man who has just fought a bloody battle, killed some of the greatest warriors alive with his own two hands, and then led a desperate forced march to another battle to the death. He looked full of life, tireless. He got to his feet and inclined his head, in a mockery of a bow. "Your husband fought valiantly." "Did he?" She found herself asking vaguely. She would have had to have been blind to miss the gleam of triumph in Robert's eyes, as he gently shook his head. "No. I had thought to spare your feelings, but honestly he fought like my youngest brother, who is not yet ten, and I fear will never make much of a warrior. But it was over quickly, and he didn't suffer much." "Oh." If he meant to hurt her, and she thinks perhaps that he did, he missed the mark there. She thought that she still loved her husband, despite everything, even now. Yet she felt nothing. Not even for her children who will never know their father. Not even for herself. It's no longer in her to mourn Rhaegar. She is dry, she hasn't even tears for herself. “Is that all you have to say?” He sounded almost disappointed. “And what would you like to hear? Should I wail, and claw at my breast? Should I beseech the Gods for vengeance?” Robert chuckled and shook his head. "Gods aren’t fools, woman” he told her, "why should they fight when men do their killing for them?" “My thoughts exactly. My concern is for the living, For my son and daughter. Even for Viserys and Daenerys. I must be far from a saint, for I haven’t the heart to waste what I do mourning Rhaegar.” Robert nodded. “Then we understand each other.” He waved over a servant, and dispatched him to the kitchens for wine. The man didn't hesitate to obey - this was Robert's hour, he was ascendant, and in ordering servants who aught to have been hers around he demonstrated it casually. Then he waved away his own men, who departed from the Small Council Chambers, one at a time, without so much as a backwards glance, until they were alone at the table. There was no sign of Edward or Jon Arryn. “So since you’re here, and not on the throne, I have to ask. What do you want?" She asked, not having the patience to dissemble. Robert’s grim twitched, and his eyes turned cold and businesslike. “That's up to you" He replied quietly. “I’ve never made a secret of what I desire, but it’s not our only choice. We could fight some more, of course.” “If I wish?” She was too drained to laugh, but she managed a kind of haughtier befitting a woman twice a princess. “You may wish as you will, but don’t rest it upon me. We” that was to say House Targaryen “yet have all the men of quality. There are those who have not forgotten their loyalties.” Elia replied, but she couldn’t get any conviction into her words. “Who still stand with my son, their rightful king.” Robert nodded, letting her finish, then got to his feet, looming above her. Robert spoke excitedly, gesticulating, walking up and down shaking the floor, beating the air with great swirls of his black cloak. “You do, do you? Well keep them. I have an army half mad with hunger, that hasn’t been paid in months. I have an army that has burned half the realm already, and will roast and eat your 'men of quality' in the ashes of the Red Keep!” He didn’t raise his voice more then a little, and Elia could only blink. Somehow, she got the impression that his anger, though genuine, was in some way calculated, that the coarseness of his language, so much in keeping with his appearance, was intended as proof of a rude good faith. He wasn’t the brute he acted the part of. He was a thinker, Robert Baratheon, despite his thuggish affectations, his grandiose posturings, and his youth. “If you desire we will, but better if I give you the chance to stop the killing and sit down around the table. Yourself, as all that is left of House Targaryen, and myself, because this is apparently my rebellion. Not because we no longer possess the strength to destroy each other, simply because talking will mean that no more soldiers kill the commons, burn their houses, kill the children rape their women or sell whole families into slavery." She sighed. “What do you want?” “Well, isn’t that the question? Now if it were up to me, I'd declare the war over, now that Rhaegar and Aerys have passed on unlamented. I’d stay a few days, reunite with my betrothed, see your son crowned, and then put this city behind me and never look back for as long as I live.” He continued, in what was like candour. "I hate this place, and I always have. Sadly, in order to obtain my army, to ensure the loyalty of my lords, I was forced to make certain assurances to my subjects. Concessions to get them on my side. Some wanted one thing, others another. I had a list drawn up." Elia blinked, slowly. She felt something like feeling for the first time in a long time. These negotiations were merely a form of trade, conducted in a near identical manner. Success was determined by the concessions obtained - something is given, something is lost. That was the way it was supposed to be. But it could hardly be called fair. Robert had an army occupying the city, her children at his mercy (which she sensed was a fragile thing) and his foot upon her throat. "This will ruin the Kingdoms." She said, shocked at the magnitude of what was demanded of her. His allies were to be granted princely title, to be free of taxation for a decade, and the borders had been creatively reinvented, expanded into the lands of those who had fought for her husband. The Stormlands would take a lot of Dorne, and the Reach, the Riverlands likewise, and reparations would be paid to the lords of each of those regions. The Tyrells would lose Highgarden, and in would be awarded to House Florent… she couldn’t keep reading, shocked to speechlessness by the unabashed brazenness of the demands. "No." Robert replied. "War will ruin the kingdoms. This will beggar the crown.” “We can’t pay.” “You’ll have to find a way to.” He replied, without sympathy. “Or your son will. Or there will be no peace between us, not until the rest of your ragged house hang from gibbets from your own towers, for the sport of your own ravens. Do I make myself clear?” She choked. “You should have been born a bandit.” She managed at last. “It’s but a short step from rebel to bandit.” He folded his arms. “It is the crown that robbed us, and it is the crown that will repay, or else it is the crown that will suffer the consequences. Now, where is Lyanna?” “You may find her… not as you remember. “I’ll be the judge of that.” “My husband and she… they were wed." Robert folded his arms. "She said the vows?" "Yes.” To his credit, Robert didn't even hesitate. "Then I will marry a widow, if she'll have me. Where is she?" "I don't know. She slipped away." Elia paused. “Though… She’d be a fool if she didn’t, Robert.”

#asoiafrarepairweek #asoiafrarepairs #aSoIaF #Lyabert

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slewfirst-blog · 6 years ago

Note

hc + family legacy

send me ‘ hc ‘ + a word and i’ll write a headcanon about it regarding my character.

THE BELMONT LEGACY ft. TREVOR BELMONT .

While I tend to follow the canon timeline, if there’s one thing I will always take away from the Netflixvania Adaptation is that Trevor Belmont is always the lone Belmont heir / survivor .

I felt it added a richness to his character and while a lot of his designs denote a very tough-as-hell person, rough around the edges - it benefits for him to be given in one story outside that time-line, a very, very, very rough past and I keep that, because we know little of his background save he was a noble like every Belmont generally, and that the Church hired him in their time of need to slay Dracula despite fearing his family’s powers. If anything, I can’t think of anything more brutal in that series than what was done to the Belmonts . It’s subtle and not talked of often but Trevor literally embodies it . It’s in how guarded he talks; how stoic and unreadable he appears; how quick he is to flinch at any measure of affection .

In the main time-line, and really every game / story the heart of Castlevania’s plot is there is a Belmont, the Belmont has the consecrated Vampire Killer, the only weapon that can defeat Dracula and kill holy god like beings / and all creatures of darkness - thus, making them the guardians of humanity. The Belmont scales the Vampire’s Castle. The Belmont destroys Dracula, and he’s revived as long as evil exists - and so the task is never finished. It’s a literal eternal war that makes the Belmonts invaluable and must be preserved.

So where does a young twelve year old Trevor Belmont fit in? As a child, he grew up on tales of Leon Belmont, how he faced the Grim Reaper himself and wounded him with the whip that was made from his true love.

It fascinated and filled him with awe.Surrounded by loving parents, harsh but strict, raised in the faith of his mother who still clung to the ‘real’ God and not the Church that excommunicated them - Trevor thrived as the oldest Belmont along with his baby sister, Helene - who did not have to bear the heavy mantle of destiny that fell upon Trevor should his Father, Auguste, fail or even Lisette, his Mother.

Both valid hunters in their own right. Tradition and honor were quickly ingrained in him at a young age - as was compassion for those that were less fortunate because back then they were upper class nobles with a castle and a hold - and lands, servants, etc . They were literally light embodied in people, from the old to the young, and as expected of Belmonts, unparalleled warriors - training their youngest Son with the Vampire Killer.

Trevor grew up on tales of how to kill vampires, how to slay ghouls, wicked faeries, all creatures which might haunt Romania, a home that was not even native to them - France was . He wore his crest proudly on his back; and took to training with a natural ease and quick-to-learn skill that made his Father especially proud, and someone he strove to emulate as much as he wanted to become a fraction of the man Leon Belmont was .

He wanted to become his own warrior, and at an early age his eerily adept talent was keen - from hunting and hawking; horse-riding; what scarce time he had for tutors, he was a very serious, but loving boy with a huge capacity of ingrained integrity and heroism - as you’d expect from his Lineage . He didn’t think his legacy was a burden, his family was called to safeguard the world from any evil; and that filled him with pride and purpose. He’d prank his sister, sneak a piece of bread from the table, trick a tutor once or twice, get the scolding of a lifetime; all the while even immobilizing his own Father at eleven with an especially quick and cunning move he’d make on the fly with sheer natural talent - establishing his later strategist skills on the battlefield and his mission and his sheer skill as a prowess. Granted he didn’t often sneak up on Auguste, but he did it enough that it had his Father grinning with pride and wonder at what his son would become.

( He’d never live to see it or his greatness. )

It was a place of light and goodness - a place Trevor eagerly awaited the day he’d be able to visit the Hold and learn even more, learn ways to protect the people on their lands, the people who hadn’t yet scorned them, in the early stages before the unthinkable and unspeakable happened.

And it did.

His family died suffocating either inside the Castle leaving him to be forced to see nieces and nephews own corpses, grandparents and uncles, aunts and cousins - but the majority were set on stakes, among them, his then seven year old sister Helene, along with his Father and Mother, who even in death were reaching out to each other with their flesh-tearing away hands. Most were not spared a suffocation - they died burning alive, like Lisa but multiplied by near twenties in numbers. They didn’t die, they were slaughtered, erased, culled, massacred.

And Trevor watched every second until every beloved face became a torn away skeleton that he couldn’t even bury because everything, everything he loved he had lost in a split of a second . At twelve, before Dracula ever planned his great war once more on humanity, Trevor’s world had already been eradicated - and in a sense, it was a complete massacre, even dying his family faced their murderers unflinchingly like Belmonts; fire in their eyes and no regret no remorse; no hatred for the people they had been put on the earth to save from any and all evil. The world’s saving light died that day - save for one, and most of him was as much of scattered ash as the family he couldn’t even honor in a monument.

Around his early twenties; Trevor struggles with an unwavering sense of purpose to hold to the light - despite holding bitterness just as much. He lives in a world where existing is a crime, and food often went without for days, as went sleep, as went comfort - as went kindness until literally forgot what it meant to be loved by others in any small goodness - every town spit at him, unaware that his was the Legacy of the very family that would deliver them from Dracula . He feels above all, that his parents, Uncles, Aunts, anyone but him should have survived - saying he has survivor’s guilt is an understatement and his pain can’t even be put into words, there isn’t a word for it.

He carries the legacy with desperate pride and purpose, and knows even more now, in agony, how even for all the hatred of the world he bears on his shoulders, he still bears a hateful world to save . He carries generations of good and honorable men and women who fought for light and salvation for all, not one race or creed, not any denomination or background or orientation . They fought because it was right - they fought because they had the power that made it critical for them to not stand idly by - because it is their duty to fight Dracula and the night, and anything else that stands in their way.

So for how broken Trevor truly is, how much he wishes he at times could close his eyes and see not burnt away faces but the smiling thrall of his family; the mayhem and the diligence - he can’t. He can’t go back. He can’t play with his dogs, his cats, his hawks. He can’t train with his Father or pray with his Mother, he can’t kiss his sister’s hair anymore, get his hair ruffled by his uncles and aunts, dote on his grandparents, kiss his cousins and carry newborn babies of his relatives offspring - all he can do is carry the mantle that has existed since Leon Belmont’s day - and carry on, even if the world never thanks him, it is still his duty as a Belmont, to carry out the task only they can fulfill. And so it’s with pride and restrained bitterness that Trevor continues on, only hiding his crest to gain information - but mostly bearing it proudly, in a wild sort of grief. A brokenness, a bottomless well of sorrow and pain that will never mend.

Somehow, the ingrained goodness he held as a child remains, mainly due to his relatives and parents, and so he isn’t a bitter, spit on corpses type of person - but a noble man, as they wanted of him - as confident as he is in his skills, his greatest fear likely is letting his entire clan down. Whether it’s failing to kill Dracula with the infamous Master Sword Vampire Killer or dishonoring their name, he would do anything secretly in his heart to ask his charred, not even bones left to remember them by family at the end of his quest:

‘Did I do us proud? Did you watch from heaven? Someone tell me I’ve done enough but no one is left to tell me anymore. ‘

Are you watching me? ‘ So for all they tried to do is break and emotionally kill Trevor, which, on a fair level they did, the legacy after the Belmont Massacre remains like a kindling fire in the surviving heir - and he can’t shake the cause or the calling, whether he wanted to drown in his pain or not, Trevor chooses to go forward, even if it’s visually limping from being half-buried with them.

He’ll carry them on forever, and instill that same light in the Belmonts who follow after him that take up the cause .

#gildedhusband #yeah they divide the belmont's into each dracula killing belmont's era #trevor being first is 'trevor's era'#first belmont leon is 'leon's era'#SAD SHIT BUT I HOPE U LIKED IT??? THANK U FOR SENDING ME THIS #I CRY ABOUT MY BELMONTS ERRYDAY #✞ ANALYSIS: The past is past; the future is yet unwritten; and he is far from being a finished legend; there are pages that must be told.#✞ANSWER: ‘Are you doing being sassy?’ ‘No.’#honestly it was the saddest thing in the show for me and i'll fight tbh

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yhwhrulz · 3 years ago

Text

Today's Daily Encounter 2nd March 2022

Faithfulness

The Apostle Paul, at life's end, said, "I have fought a

good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the

faith."1

One of my favorite quotes, which I like to repeat from

time to time, is from Theodore Roosevelt who said: "It

is not the critic who counts; not the man who points

out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of

deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs

to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is

marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives

valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again;

who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions;

who spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at the best,

if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so

that his place shall never be with those timid souls

who know neither victory or defeat."2

My uncle passed away in early 2020. The cause of his

death was related to the many poor health choices he

had made, especially in his younger years. He had been

an alcoholic and heavy smoker for many years and this

had taken its toll. Because he and his wife had no

children of their own, I was able to be his "adopted

daughter" when he fell ill, and spent much time with

him in the hospital during his last months on earth.

One of his biggest regrets was that he had wasted so

many years and taken his health for granted. Now, at

the end of his life, he wished he could go back and

change that. However, we also talked about the

importance of ending life well and making the rest of

his life count. He would listen to worship music, we

would talk about God, and he was the most pleasant

person he had been in all his life! Although his bad

choices led him to a shorter life on earth than he had

hoped, he left me with many good memories and words of

wisdom.

The conversations I had with him were sobering and a

reminder that, when I get to the end of my journey and

stand before the Savior, I want to know that I have

invested my life wisely for eternity and have earned

the Savior's welcome words, "Well done, good and

faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord."

Whether we live for forty, eighty, or a hundred years,

our time here on earth is but a drop in the ocean

compared to eternity. And as Amy Carmichael said, "We

have all eternity to celebrate the victories, but only

a few short hours to fight and win the battles." So,

let's keep daring greatly for God!

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, in glad surrender I yield

my life totally to You. Help me to live always for You

and invest my life wisely in eternity by being a part

of what You are doing in the world today. Thank You for

hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus's

name, amen."

1. 2 Timothy 4:7.

2. Theodore Roosevelt.

NOTE: If you would like to accept God's forgiveness

for all your sins and His invitation for a full pardon

Click on: http://www.actsweb.org/invitation.php. Or

if you would like to re-commit your life to Jesus Christ,

please click on http://www.actsweb.org/decision.php to note this.

* * * * * * *

Daily Encounter is published at no charge by

ACTS International, a non-profit organization,

and made possible through the donations of

interested friends. Donations can be sent at:

http://www.actscom.com

ACTS International

P.O. Box 73545

San Clemente, California 92673-0119

U.S.A.

Phone: 949-940-9050

http://www.actsweb.org

When copying or forwarding include the following:

ACTS International.

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roman-catholic-mass-readings · 6 years ago

Photo

17th March >> Mass Readings (Europe, Africa, New Zealand, Australia & Canada)

Solemnity of Saint Patrick, Bishop, Missionary (Ireland)

Second Sunday of Lent, Cycle C.

Solemnity of Saint Patrick, Bishop, Missionary (Ireland)

(Liturgical Colour: White)

Either:

First Reading

Amos 7:12-15

'Go, shepherd, and prophesy to my people Israel'

Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, said to Amos, ‘Go away, seer;’ get back to the land of Judah; earn your bread there, do your prophesying there. We want no more prophesying in Bethel; this is the royal sanctuary, the national temple.’ ‘I was no prophet, neither did I belong to any of the brotherhoods of prophets,’ Amos replied to Amaziah ‘I was a shepherd, and looked after sycamores: but it was the Lord who took me from herding the flock, and the Lord who said, “Go, prophesy to my people Israel.”’

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Or:

Alternative First Reading

Ecclesiasticus 39:6-10

The wise man will be remembered for generations

If it is the will of the great Lord,

he will be filled with the spirit of understanding,

he will shower forth words of wisdom,

and in prayer give thanks to the Lord.

He will grow upright in purpose and learning,

he will ponder the Lord’s hidden mysteries.

He will display the instruction he has received,

taking his pride in the Law of the Lord’s covenant.

Many will praise his understanding,

and it will never be forgotten.

His memory will not disappear,

generation after generation his name will live.

Nations will proclaim his wisdom,

the assembly will celebrate his praises.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Either:

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 138(139):1-3,7-10,13-14

R/ If I dwell at the sea’s furthest end, even there you watch over me.

O Lord, you search me and you know me,

you know my resting and my rising,

you discern my purpose from afar.

You mark when I walk or lie down,

all my ways lie open to you.

R/ If I dwell at the sea’s furthest end, even there you watch over me.

O where can I go from your spirit,

or where can I flee from your face?

If I climb the heavens, you are there.

If I lie in the grave, you are there.

R/ If I dwell at the sea’s furthest end, even there you watch over me.

If I take the wings of the dawn

and dwell at the sea’s furthest end,

even there your hand would lead me,

your right hand would hold me fast.

R/ If I dwell at the sea’s furthest end, even there you watch over me.

For it was you who created my being,

knit me together in my mother’s womb.

I thank you for the wonder of my being,

for the wonders of all your creation.

R/ If I dwell at the sea’s furthest end, even there you watch over me.

Or:

Alternative Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 115(116):12-19

R/ A thanksgiving sacrifice I make to you, O Lord.

R/ Alleluia!

How can I repay the Lord

for his goodness to me?

The cup of salvation I will raise;

I will call on the Lord’s name.

R/ A thanksgiving sacrifice I make to you, O Lord.

R/ Alleluia!

My vows to the Lord I will fulfil

before all his people.

O precious in the eyes of the Lord

is the death of his faithful.

R/ A thanksgiving sacrifice I make to you, O Lord.

R/ Alleluia!

Your servant, Lord, your servant am I;

you have loosened my bonds.

A thanksgiving sacrifice I make;

I will call on the Lord’s name.

R/ A thanksgiving sacrifice I make to you, O Lord.

R/ Alleluia!

My vows to the Lord I will fulfil

before all his people,

in the courts of the house of the Lord,

in your midst, O Jerusalem.

R/ A thanksgiving sacrifice I make to you, O Lord.

R/ Alleluia!

Either:

Second Reading

1 Thessalonians 2:2-8

We were eager to hand over to you not only the Good News but our whole lives

It was our God who gave us the courage to proclaim his Good News to you in the face of great opposition. We have not taken to preaching because we are deluded, or immoral, or trying to deceive anyone; it was God who decided that we were fit to be entrusted with the Good News, and when we are speaking, we are not trying to please men but God, who can read our inmost thoughts. You know very well, and we can swear it before God, that never at any time have our speeches been simply flattery, or a cover for trying to get money; nor have we ever looked for any special honour from men, either from you or anybody else, when we could have imposed ourselves on you with full weight, as apostles of Christ.

Instead, we were unassuming. Like a mother feeding and looking after her own children, we felt so devoted and protective towards you, and had come to love you so much, that we were eager to hand over to you not only the Good News but our whole lives as well.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Or:

Alternative Second Reading

2 Timothy 4:1-8

I have run the race to the finish; I have kept the faith; it is time for me to be gone

Before God and before Christ Jesus who is to be judge of the living and the dead, I put this duty to you, in the name of his Appearing and of his kingdom: proclaim the message and, welcome or unwelcome, insist on it. Refute falsehood, correct error, call to obedience – but do all with patience and with the intention of teaching. The time is sure to come when, far from being content with sound teaching, people will be avid for the latest novelty and collect themselves a whole series of teachers according to their own tastes; and then, instead of listening to the truth, they will turn to myths. Be careful always to choose the right course; be brave under trials; make the preaching of the Good News your life’s work, in thoroughgoing service.

As for me, my life is already being poured away as a libation, and the time has come for me to be gone. I have fought the good fight to the end; I have run the race to the finish; I have kept the faith; all there is to come now is the crown of righteousness reserved for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that Day; and not only to me but to all those who have longed for his Appearing.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Gospel Acclamation

Luke 4:17

Praise and honour to you, Lord Jesus!

The Lord has sent me to bring the good news to the poor,

to proclaim liberty to captives.

Praise and honour to you, Lord Jesus!

Either:

Gospel

Luke 5:1-11

They left everything and followed him

Jesus was standing one day by the Lake of Gennesaret, with the crowd pressing round him listening to the word of God, when he caught sight of two boats close to the bank. The fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats – it was Simon’s – and asked him to put out a little from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat.

When he had finished speaking he said to Simon, ‘Put out into deep water and pay out your nets for a catch.’ ‘Master,’ Simon replied, ‘we worked hard all night long and caught nothing, but if you say so, I will pay out the nets.’ And when they had done this they netted such a huge number of fish that their nets began to tear, so they signalled to their companions in the other boat to come and help them; when these came, they filled the two boats to sinking point.

When Simon Peter saw this he fell at the knees of Jesus saying, ‘Leave me, Lord; I am a sinful man.’ For he and all his companions were completely overcome by the catch they had made; so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were Simon’s partners. But Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on it is men you will catch.’ Then, bringing their boats back to land, they left everything and followed him.

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.

Or:

Alternative Gospel

Matthew 13:24-32

Let them both grow till the harvest

Jesus put another parable before the crowds: ‘The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field. While everybody was asleep his enemy came, sowed darnel all among the wheat, and made off. When the new wheat sprouted and ripened, the darnel appeared as well. The owner’s servants went to him and said, “Sir, was it not good seed that you sowed in your field? If so, where does the darnel come from?” “Some enemy has done this” he answered. And the servants said, “Do you want us to go and weed it out?” But he said, “No, because when you weed out the darnel you might pull up the wheat with it. Let them both grow till the harvest; and at harvest time I shall say to the reapers: First collect the darnel and tie it in bundles to be burnt, then gather the wheat into my barn.”’

He put another parable before them: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed which a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the biggest shrub of all and becomes a tree so that the birds of the air come and shelter in its branches.’

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.

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Second Sunday of Lent, Cycle C

(Liturgical Colour: Violet)

First Reading

Genesis 15:5-12,17-18

God enters into a Covenant with Abraham, the man of faith

Taking Abram outside, the Lord said, ‘Look up to heaven and count the stars if you can.’ ‘Such will be your descendants,’ he told him. Abram put his faith in the Lord, who counted this as making him justified.

‘I am the Lord’ he said to him ‘who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldaeans to make you heir to this land.’ ‘My Lord,’ Abram replied ‘how am I to know that I shall inherit it?’ He said to him, ‘Get me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove and a young pigeon.’ He brought him all these, cut them in half and put half on one side and half facing it on the other; but the birds he did not cut in half. Birds of prey came down on the carcases but Abram drove them off.

When the sun had set and darkness had fallen, there appeared a smoking furnace and a firebrand that went between the halves. That day the Lord made a Covenant with Abram in these terms:

‘To your descendants I give this land,

from the wadi of Egypt to the Great River.’

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 26(27):1,7-9,13-14