#also you know how the Death Watched 'saved' little Din? that was a tactic of the Death Watch - the group Bo Katan was in

[merrysithmas]

please give me a run down of what bo katan has done because I watched a summary of her life and all but I need to know I need to know and you seem to know

just reblogged a couple posts for you on this!

[folklord]

3. winless fight

part 3 of HOAX series | din djarin x f!reader (au)

ao3 | my masterlist

summary: when you promised the Empire that you would destroy Mandalore, you did not expect that approximating your old friend would become yet another obstacle in your hoax. Suddenly, to know Din Djarin was to watch the death of your past plans and, at the same time, the creation of a faithless love.

warnings: this part is about war, literally. mentions of blood, death and injuries. emotional vulnerable din. season 2 spoilers. but don't worry, next one is all about romance | word count: 2k

thanks @mrpascals for the review <3

About ten Mandalorians stared intently at the Mand'alor instructions in the meeting room. All war strategies were taught by him in a didactic way and all questions were calmly answered. You were there for about ten minutes, waiting for your permission to speak. Bo Katan and Vizla often questioned Din about his tactics, but the two seemed to have opposite ideas. Din acted as a mediator between the polarities in the room.

"Can the Empire's presence be confirmed?" The Mand’alor asked, bringing you back to the present moment.

“I did a meticulous analysis. It was, in fact, a kind of BT-1, the ancient droid of Darth Vader.” All the Mandalorians began to whisper upon hearing the famous name, while Din continued to stare at you. “But that doesn't mean anything. The circumscribed initials are from a disabled imperial cruiser. And believe me, the Empire would not send messages or threats in the form of carcasses.”

Silence filled the room for a few seconds until Din’s voice echoed between the walls:

“You may leave. Kaya, please stay.”

It was surprising how everything was going according to your plan. Every person who left the room stared at you, especially Bo Katan - you already knew her from past situations, but her crystal eyes seemed to burn you when they analyzed you from head to toes.

Approaching Din after the last soldier left, you noticed that the visor was facing a specific place: Keldabe, the old capital. He seemed to have lost himself in his thoughts, so you decided to start a conversation.

"Din, if I may ask…" he turned to you, "Why are you so sure an imperial invasion will happen?"

"Because I screwed up Moff Gideon's plans." The tone of his voice as he spoke that very specific name sent goosebumps through your body. You kept staring at the helmet, waiting for him to explain even though you already knew what happened. “The child… Grogu was special. He is special… He was important to the Empire”

“Grogu…” you repeated the name, as an affirmation.

“Moff gave me the darksaber so easily, and laughed at Bo Katan's frustration when she saw me with the weapon that she wanted so badly… But he didn't care, as long as he had the kid.” His voice cracked. You could swear his eyes were teary. “But he didn't expect… No one expected a Jedi to save Grogu. Gideon shivered in fear as Luke Skywalker destroyed all of his droids, and he did it all alone.” The last word was said almost in a whisper. “The Empire does not dare to challenge him to get Grogu back, not without the saber that is now in my hands…”

“And you are sure that they will come because they know that Mandalore is already too weak to fight...”

Your words were chosen carefully. Din turned to face the board, and his left hand held a miniature of a Mandalorian soldier so tightly that you could only see half the helmet escaping between his thumb and forefinger. In that instant, you knew it was the perfect time for your next move because it was clear that Din took everyone out of the room to be alone with you, so he could be vulnerable. He trusted you enough to let you watch even the human being behind the tiniest beskar slowly slip between his fingers.

“Din, you saved my life… and it was so easy for you…” stepping closer, you took his hand between yours. The black glove was rough on your skin, but you didn't hesitate to draw small invisible circles over it with your thumb until Din was slowly undoing his fist. “I noticed, two different groups are respecting you and they are all fine… The child, Grogu, is fine” the miniature Mandalorian soldier was already a little crumpled, but you kept it on his palm. "There is no other Mandalorian with more honor than you."

When you finished the sentence, Din tried to remove his hand, but you pulled him by the fingers. The miniature fell to the ground, but the loud sound its fall produced was unimportant when you decided to hold his right hand as well. His hands were so big that they covered yours, but you found a way to fit them between your palms.

"I did what I had to do." His voice cracked.

“You did so much more…” you looked directly into the visor, trying to meet his eyes. “He wasn't your son and you crossed the galaxy to rescue him, you fought ruthlessly against villains to have him back… That's all Mandalore needs, a protector, a lover…”

“It was this love for him that made me less Mandalorian.”

The words came out with tremendous anger and pain. His hands dropped yours into the air, making you realize again how cold Mandalore's air was today and how he had warmed you. You rubbed your palms together to recover from the heat shock, while his last sentence still echoed in your ears. What made him less Mandalorian and yet worthy of the Crown? What had Moff Gideon not told you?

"Din, I-"

"Sir!" A child in mandalorian armor ran across the room to Din, leaving your words stuck in your throat. "Mand’alor, the Empire is here!"

His exit from the room was so fast that you almost didn't see it, and in the seconds you tried to process what had just happened, the first imperial attack came upon the skies: you saw through the window that the place you admired, where the children were playing yesterday, was already on fire.

"Kaya!" The same child who alerted Din called you, pulling you by your cloak. "The Mand'alor told me to give this to you." He handed a key into your hands. "He told you to take your weapons and go to the Great Room: Burc'ya vaal burk'yc, burc'ya veman."

The key was to the Kyr'bes Room, you deduced. Din had given you the key to the entire Mandalorian arsenal, unaware that you were the greatest imperial weapon - and you were pointed directly at him.

(...)

The next few moments went out so fast that you didn't have time to think. With the key in your hand, you opened the room and searched for your weapons. The rest of the arsenal was made of the kind of weapons that not even the soldiers could carry with their bodies and that would, therefore, also be useless to you. Din's voice echoed down the hall, mixed with the screams and doors being rashly shut.

With your weapons, you ran to the Great Room, the same one you were greeted in. Din was standing next to his throne, in front of hundreds of Mandalorians, all facing their Mand'alor.

“…and you know they only want me. So protect your ade, Mandalore's future must remain safe"

All the children were taken to a corridor on the right, and you noticed that none of them hesitated or cried. This was the most beautiful example of how Mandalore culture raised their warriors.

“We know all the strategies and we know that there are no better creatures than the Mandalorians when it comes to wars. But we also know that our weakness is in our differences. Don't you dare fall into the imperial tactic of playing us against each other… this is the oldest trick in the galaxy, and it always works.”

Din took his darksaber and walked across the room until he was face-to-face with Bo Katan.

“Someone once told me: Mandalorians are stronger together. This is the way.”

The huge doors began to open as some Mandalorians put on their helmets and took up position. The Mand'alor, in front of them all, held his saber in his right hand and the beskar spear in his left. You saw at the opening, the glare of the imperial bombs hitting the planet's ground.

“Aruetii! Aru'ela!” someone in the crowd shouted. You knew what it meant: foreigner, enemy.

Suddenly, the doors closed again. The rattling of armor echoed off the palace walls and all the Mandalorians turned against you. All the blood in your body was frozen.

One of them, in blue armor, came out of the crowd with a spear similar to Din's and pointed it at you, positioning it right in your chest. You almost acted on impulse and wrenched the spear from your body to start a fight, but Din's visor — highlighted over the crowd by the reflection of the darksaber's light — made you hesitate.

"What are you implying?" You tried to speak as calmly as possible.

"You entered the room confirming that this was an imperial droid. In the next moment, they are already on our planet. Aru'ela!”

Shit. Moff was a real son of a bitch. You weren't even allowed to take control of the situation… you were, really, just an imperial doll who needed to find a quick way out.

“Can't you smell smoke under your helmet? Your planet is coming-”

“Aru'ela!” this time, everyone screamed. Dozens of soldiers raised their weapons in your direction.

"KE'MOT!" Din's scream followed by the sound of the spear hitting one of the doors made everyone fall silent. In the next instant, everyone turned to him, except the man holding the spear, at which point was almost ripping off your clothing.

The doors opened again, probably on Din's orders, but you were too nervous to be sure. Then everyone shifted their bodies and turned their weapons down. The blue soldier with the spear ran the point down your neck, but without hurting you, just as a warning which you understood very well. When the entire doors were open, the crowd went out towards the battlefield that had become the Palace garden. It wasn't hard to tell Din apart from the rest of the crowd: his darksaber cut through every droid and every stormtrooper in just one try.

[...]

You were fighting for Mandalore. Everything you've done so far resulted at that moment when you decided to hurt the first stormtrooper - but this one seemed insignificant when you lost count of how many you'd already killed. You were an intruder, an aruetii, fighting for the wrong side as hard as your body and heart could - and you were already feeling the effects of that effort. Your now weak arms acted like an instrument of annihilation and your legs tried to find a balance between the bodies of imperial soldiers on the ground. Your entire physique felt like a death machine on autopilot. Nothing stopped you until you realized there were no more stormtroopers around, at the same moment when your eyes caught the glimmer of Din's darksaber against Moff Gideon's neck, and an imperial weapon bigger than an X-WING directed to the Mandalorian Palace.

From the distance you were, and the weakness your body was at, you couldn't see much beyond blurs. All the Mandalorians around had guns pointed at the Empire - which at that moment, as far as you could see, was just Moff Gideon and a dozen private soldiers. The instant you've managed to open your eyes again, the glow of Din's saber seems to have faded and you saw Gideon walk toward his ship. The imperial weapon was dragged into the cruiser, and everything disappeared into the sky.

When there was nothing else to distract you, your exhaustion took over. Your legs could no longer support the weight of your body, making your knees ache as you hit the sand floor. As you tried to draw in more oxygen, the right side of your body throbbed as if it had been burned. Sitting on your feet, you brought your hands up to your ribs, and shit, you were bleeding.

If there was anything in the galaxy that was divine, you'd be sure to beg now so you could at least get away near some body of water. You haven't seen or felt clean, natural water since you were a child when everything was still fine. In your dreams, you imagined your death with the sound of a lake in the background, but all you could make out at that moment was the sound of someone approaching you and beskar material crashing against some surface.

“Cyare… what did you do?”

-----

Part 4

@la-lunaluna @meetmwhallway

let me know if you want to be added on the taglist :)

[himluv]

Devotion

Oof. This is my last one. And, uh... it hurts. Solavellan for Dragon 4ge Day, for the prompt “Endings”.

I’m sorry...

TW: Major Character Death

Also: This is my interpretation/expectations for where we’re headed as a ship. I’m going down with this ship y’all, and where I’m going, there won’t be enough tissues in the world to dry my tears. Buckle up.

This wasn’t how it was supposed to end. Why did his plans always veer so tragically far off course? He was meant to be the savior of Thedas, of Arlathan, of the People. He would right his wrongs and reset the course of history, restoring order and balance to a world impossibly off-kilter. He was meant to be the martyr, the sacrifice to atone for sins he had not foreseen.

But, yet again, his foresight proved faulty.

He knew the Inquisitor would find him. Knew there was nothing he could do to keep her from doing all she could to stop him. Despite it all, his proclamations, his obvious intent, his pleas that she leave him to his dark endeavors, she still believed she could win. She still believed she could convince him to abandon his purpose.

He just hadn’t realized the lengths to which she would go to save him. How could he? In all his years, the millennia spread out behind him was a tapestry of judgement, foolish pride, and betrayal. He could never have fathomed that someone could care for him with such depth, with a devotion so pure it proved reckless.

Fatal, even.

Her hand on his cheek pulled him from those thoughts. Her eyes, wide and wet with pain, anchored him in this terrible moment.

“Vhenan,” she said. The word struck him deep enough that he flinched. She rarely used the term, preferring to simply use his name. Now she said it with regret for all the times she didn’t. All the times she wouldn’t.

His arms tightened around her, pulling her closer against him as he rocked her. “What have I done?”

She shook her head, but it was a feeble gesture. She was losing strength quickly. “You don’t get credit for this one.” She smiled and it fractured into a wince. “You carry enough guilt without borrowing mine.”

“Riallan.” He stroked her hair, searching for words but all of them turned to ash in his mouth, weightless. Impotence, cloying and clinging, boiled up in him until his shock turned to anger. “That blow was meant for me.” He closed his eyes, unable to look into the vibrant green of hers any longer. “I could have withstood it.” He didn’t know if that was true, but it was far more likely that he would survive the attack than she would.

As ever, she saw through him. “Perhaps,” she said. Her voice grew frail, the words like glass on her lips. “But I could not withstand watching you die.” She shrugged and hissed with pain. Like it was so simple a thing, the decision to sacrifice herself in order to save him.

Around them, the Crossroads were a blur of chaos. The Agents of Fen’Harel fought against the remaining forces of the Inquisition, a stalling tactic on his part. A distraction on the part of the Inquisition. Busy the troops so that Riallan and her team could get close enough to stop him.

He supposed it had worked, though he hoped to every spirit in the Fade that this had not been her plan all along.

Throughout the Crossroads the Eluvians flared and roiled, the magic within them snapping and crackling, demanding release. He was so close. All he had to do was steal that gathered power, take it into himself and then step through the Veil and into the Fade. The Seal would be there, and behind it all the ‘Gods’ he’d locked away. The Eluvians’ power would eat him up, much like his mark had gnawed at the Inquisitor, but he would release it. Bring it all forth to bear on the Seal and release those Old Gods on the world. They would ravage and remake it, bloody and terrible and new.

The time had come. All his planning led to this moment. He simply had to go to the nearest Eluvian, put his hand to its glass, and absorb the magic. The fight was over. He had won. All he had to do was let go of his vhenan and finish what he had started.

Her hand was still on his cheek, her thumb brushing against his cheekbone to wipe at his tears. With what little breath she had left, his vhenan sang to him, her voice hitched and shaking.

“Melava inan enansal, ir su aravel tu elvaral u na emma abelas.”

It was not the first time he’d heard her sing. She’d done it often in the early mornings, soft and sweet in their tent when she thought he still slept. But, he had never heard this song before.

“In elgar sa vir mana, in tu setheneran din emma na.”

She might as well have written it for him alone. A fresh wave of grief rolled through him, washing away his anger and leaving him powerless. He could no sooner leave her now than he could have stopped Corypheus all those years ago.

“Tel’dan’latha, vhenan.” She brushed away his tears even as she shed her own. “Ame dirthem ane, var lath vir suledin.”

He nodded, and pressed his lips to her forehead. “And so it did.”

The blood blossomed crimson on the emerald fabric of her Keeper’s Robes, and though his strength had returned, it was spread too thin. He could not heal her with his power alone, not while the Eluvians seethed around them.

The Eluvians…

He blinked, surprised at his own sudden inspiration. He looked down at her, at the waxy pallid skin around her eyes, and the too red color of her lips. But, despite the feverish shine to her eyes, she still saw him. She hadn’t left him yet.

“You’re right, vhenan,” he said. The words poured from him, confessions he’d hidden from for too long. “I was wrong. Again. Still.” He shook his head. “I see that now.” He kissed her and he was surprised at the force with which she returned his affections. “I know what I have to do.”

“Solas?” Her eyes widened, panicked as he gently moved her off of his lap. “What are you doing?”

“Saving you. The only way I can.” He knelt over her and pressed a hand to her cheek. “Ar lath ma, vhenan. Never doubt that.”

She hissed in pain but nodded. “Ar lath ma, Solas. I never have.”

He smiled at that, and somewhere in the expression she saw his plan. By the time she called after him to stop, he had already strode away from her. He reached the Eluvian, tall and furious with glacial blue light boiling in the frame. All he had to do was put a single finger to it, and he would consume the magic that connected them.

It would be enough.

He pressed his palm to the pane and hundreds of magical mirrors fell silent simultaneously. The Eluvians glowed, but the roiling energy calmed once more. The sudden change brought the fighting to a halt as confused Inquisition Agents and his own forces turned to look at him. But he hardly noticed.

Solas’ entire awareness shrank to where his palm trembled on the Eluvian. He screamed, the sound shattering the unnatural calm, as impossible amounts of power flowed into him. It burned, like the fires of Elgar’nan himself, up his arm and into his chest, consuming and overwhelming his own well of magic. Then it froze, icy and sharp, at first blissfuly numb and then aching. Then lightning, crackling and shocking, explosive in his veins.

Every sort of magic the Evanuris had used, pooled together to forge the Eluvians in the early days of Arlathan roared through him, scorching and searing and sundering him from the inside out.

He expected it to fade once he’d absorbed it all. Instead the Eluvians just shut down, going dark and leaving the Crossroads lit by the pale, preternatural light of the Fade. The Eluvian he touched fell dormant and repulsed him with a shock so violent he was knocked to his knees.

Still no one moved.

He stood, blue smoke curling up from his skin as he turned to look at Riallan. She wasn’t moving, the stillness clenching at his heart. Was he too late?

His eyes glowed with power, the fury of the contained magical forces a hurricane within him. Every moment he held that power was agony, each step a unique misery, like a thousand giants were pulling him apart and crushing him at the same time.

But he took those faltering, torturous steps to fall on his knees beside her. Dimly he noticed she spoke to him, her lips barely moving, but he couldn’t hear her over the roar of energy that thrummed in his ears. He knew her well enough that he didn’t need to hear her words.

“It’s the only way, vhenan,” he said.

She winced away from him while around them soldiers and agents flinched and covered their ears. Even as the power ate away at him, he marveled at the fact his voice had rendered his foes useless, until her hand found his face. Her touch was a balm to the feverish heat of his skin, sweet relief that he leaned into.

“Forgive me,” he whispered. Her brow furrowed, her green eyes wide and frightened. Not for herself, but for him. Her adversary, Fen’Harel, the Dread Wolf. Solas.

Because in the end, that was who he was to her. In the end, it was her refusal to see him as anyone or anything else that saved Thedas.

He pressed his hands to her abdomen, ignoring the warm, sticky sensation of her robes. Though the magic clamored to be released, he only let a trickle pour through his fingers and into the Inquisitor’s failing body. He feared that too much at once would destroy her, just as surely as it was destroying him.

It was slow, excruciating work, holding the magic back and forcing it to do his will. The original plan had only called for him to gather the energy and then unleash it upon the Seal. This… this was harder.

He grit his teeth, fought to keep his hands steady, and still sweat beaded on his brow. But color returned to the Inquisitor’s cheeks and her breathing came easier beneath his palms. He watched as his vhenan revived at his efforts, and knew that the pain and struggle would be worth it. For once in his life, he’d managed to do something right.

He took a step back from her, putting distance between them, committing her shocked and relieved, face to his memories. Just in case he would still have them wherever his spirit would roam. It would be no small comfort to see her face, alive and proud and shining with love, for the rest of his eternity.

Then he released the remaining power of the Eluvians. First came the lightning, streaking through his blood and into the air, colliding back into mirrors across the Crossroads. Then the glacial cold, fogging his breath and threatening to bring him to his knees once more. Last came the fire, hot and burning like a sun behind his eyelids as the power soared back to its home. There was more screaming, his again, before he collapsed and the Crossroads burst into action.

“Solas!” Riallan’s arms caught him before he hit the hard ground. She sank down with him, her voice blessedly strong in his ears. Whole. Her hand on his face again, anchoring him as his focus dwindled. “Stay with me, vhenan,” she said. She cradled him, their roles suddenly reversed.

He smiled. “Say it again.” His voice was his own once more. The pain from a moment before was gone, and the nothingness that followed it was perfection. On some level he knew he should be concerned, but she was alive, holding him again, so he couldn’t quite manage it.

“Dorian! Help me!” She looked down at him, new tears filling her eyes. “Say what again? Vhenan?”

He nodded.

“I’ll never use your name again, if you’ll just stay with me, vhenan.”

He chuckled at that. He felt light, thin in her arms. There was no more guilt to weigh him down, and nothing hurt. For the first time since before he entered Uthenera Solas was at peace. It’d been so long he almost didn’t recognize the sensation.

Dorian appeared in his line of sight, the mage checking his vitals. He gave Riallan a confused look. “Nothing seems wrong.”

Because nothing was, Solas thought. He recalled her face at the moment she realized he’d healed her, brought her back from what should have been guaranteed death. That he chose her life over the rebirth of the world. How awed she’d looked. How pleased and scared and proud of him she’d been. When was the last time someone had been proud of him?

“Dirth ma, vhenan,” she said, calling him back to the present. “What’s happening?”

He had to think about it, which he noted should also be troubling. What was happening? Right, the Eluvians. “I used the gathered strength of the Evanuris to save you,” he said.

“The Eluvians?”

He nodded. “I was going to use it to release them and the Old Gods but,” he tried to adjust in her arms, but found he couldn’t move. That was concerning. He swallowed back the fear, for her sake. “You made me see.”

She glanced at Dorian, who shrugged. “See what, vhenan?”

“That, despite all my worst efforts, this world was better than anything I could have made.” He blinked, the numb nothingness turning to an uncomfortable chill. He was running out of time. “You cared more for this world than anyone in Arlathan ever did.” He swallowed at the emotion caught in his throat. “You cared more for me, as well.”

She bit back a sob. “But what’s happening to you?”

He cleared his throat, his voice going frail on his tongue. “The power is too much for any one being to contain. Even one such as me. There is a cost, one I am happy to pay.”

Her hand tightened around his, and he was glad he could still feel it. “The Eluvians took your power,” she said.

He smiled. “Clever, vhenan. Always so clever.”

“So, you’re mortal now?” Dorian asked.

Solas tried to shake his head, but couldn’t. “No,” he said. “It’s not like severing a connection to the Fade. My magic was sacrificed. Removed. Without it, my spirit cannot remain.”

His breath came shallow, his lungs failing as his body died around him. They were out of time.

“Vhenan,” he said. “Go to Skyhold. I sent,” he gasped, “a gift. Explains everything.” He gave her a shaky smile. “Just in case.”

She made a sound, somewhere between a laugh and a sob, and held him close. “Ar lath ma, vhenan,” she chanted, rocking him as he had rocked her only moments ago.

He looked up at her, unwilling and unable to look anywhere else. That her face would be the last thing he saw, he arms the last he felt, her voice and those words the last he ever heard soothed his soul.

The last thing Solas did was smile.

He did not die alone.

Elvhen Translations: Melava inan enansal  ir su aravel tu elvaral u na emma abelas in elgar sa vir mana in tu setheneran din emma na Time was once a blessing but long journeys are made longer when alone within. Take spirit from the long ago but do not dwell in lands no longer yours.  (From the Elvhen song “Suledin”) Tel’dan’latha, vhenan Do not grieve/weep, vhenan Ane dirthem ame, var lath vir suledin I told you, our love will endure/last/survive Ar lath ma I love you

Dirth ma Speak to/tell me (lit. Speak you)

[nomimits7]

Mission Bangtan | 9

Title: MISSION BANGTAN pt9

Pairing: OT7 x Reader

Ratings: M

Warnings: language. Future violence. Talk of abuse.  

Summary: As a professional eliminator you are ordered to get rid of Bangtan. A group of trained fighters hiding behind the mask of BTS. Your mission is successful until you get to know them. Will Y/N be able to complete the mission, or will she end up protecting her target from the real danger?

My new friend AND superwoman @feed-my-geek-soul I love you 

Trust: Belief that someone or something is reliable, good, honest, effective. Etc. A single lie discovered is enough to create doubt in every truth expressed. This statement has never been truer as all eight of you made your way down the corridors. These seven men were deeply scared by Z’s lie, even if it was only one.

The walk to the room you had kept Z was silent. Not one of the seven men said a word as you entered the dark room. No one dared to make a move for what seemed like an eternity, until Z couldn’t handle the silence anymore.

“I-I’m s-so sorry g-guys… I didn’t w-want you-“Z began.

“Oh, do shut up.” Jungkook interrupted her. Fear made its way into her, once intimidating eyes as she watched the youngest pull his face in disgust.  You were somewhat confused by your own emotions. You wanted her to suffer but you also wanted to get the hell away from her. You moved to the back of the room, you needed some space.

“Now, why don’t you tell us what the fuck is going on here and it better be the fucking truth!” Yoongi said as he stepped towards her. She visibly shrunk back as the circle around her became smaller and smaller.  Like a pack of wolves closing in on their prey, their eyes never left her. They didn’t miss the way she shifted on the ground, or the way she slightly trembled, or balled her hands. They watched her, they watched and waited for the right moment before they would claim their prey. Just before one of them could do anything a thought suddenly struck you. What if she kept quite to protect them? What if their the reason she never told them her full story because she knew where they came from. She was afraid of what they could do, will do.  

“Z… Why did you keep quiet?” You softly asked as you stepped in between the boys, startling them. They had completely forgot about you for 5 minutes. Z was equally taken aback by the softness of your voice. After a beat or two she lowered her head as tears streamed down her face.

“B-because I w-wanted to protect them… If they knew I put them there they would never have let me in. They would never have found themselves… I-I would never have been able to make-up for my mistakes” She softly replied.

In the academy student are trained to read voices. They hammer on the tone and rhythm of one’s voice. By the end of the first year, student can identify when someone lies just by listening to voices. Unfortunately, or fortunately one can never learn to deceive with one’s voice.

This bit of training, which you hated, came in great handy. You could see the boys heard it to. They heard the truth in what she said. They heard yet failed to understand why. They needed to hear the words to make the connection you made.

“Tell them why Z. Make them see why you did what you did.” Your voice was a lot more confident now. This made the boys look at you with confusion. You were supposed to be the one killing Z with your gaze, not defend her.

“Y/N, What the fuck is wrong with you? How can you stand there and defend her?” Hoseok broke the silence. His sudden burst of confidence was like a flood gate that opened. One by one the boys started scrutinizing you for defending Z.

“After what she did, you still want to protect her?” Jungkook said.

“Honestly, how messed up are you?” Yoongi added.

“Unbelievable, you still choose the side of the monsters after that break through you just had. I’m disappointed Y/N” Namjoon said, Jin and Tae nodding along with him.

That was the last straw. With a new-found confidence you silenced all seven the bickering boys with a raise of your hand. Head turned away, your lips in a tight line as you closed your eyes to try and gain control of your anger. How can they be so blind?

When you looked up, they all visibly flinched as you made eye contact.

Suga, Jimin, Jin, Namjoon, J-Hope, Jungkook and V

Your eyes had an undertone of anger mixed with authority. Simply put: you had enough. They could feel your gaze pierce their very souls as you slowly looked them each in the eye. Your words bitter and stern as you spoke.

“Disappointed? Your disappointed? No, what’s disappointing is the fact that you are so consumed by hate that you fail to see the truth. I would never choose the side of the monsters at any given time, and I’ll give you three guesses who’s the monsters in this situation now. Am I angry? Yes. Am I hurt? Yes. Do I wish for revenge? More than anything. But I DO NOT want to become like the people I want to destroy. Can’t you see how sorry she is? Are you all that stupid to think that she never felt guilty for taking away your lives? How messed up are YOU for wanting to grab your pitch forks and torches to slay the beast, when you fail to listen to reason? Open your fucking eyes and see what’s in front of you.”

Silence was what followed as your gaze met each boy again. This time they lowered their heads in shame for they knew you were right. They weren’t used to being told when they were wrong and coming from you its somehow stung deeper than any scolding they had ever receive.

They finally gave Z a chance to explain her side and after one long hug they released her, and you all made your way back to the dinning room.

“I wanted to create a haven for lost souls. A place they could train to become protectors. A place their lives would have meaning. Where they could be part of something greater. But then my partner and the love of my life, Patrick betrayed me. It was shortly after I was sent to retrieve you myself. I promise you Y/N, I had no knowledge of what was to happen. He only told me to get you no matter what. When I arrived, it was too late to save your parents. I knew I needed to get you out of there, but I had to control my own emotions. But once I presented you to him, he locked you away. He kept you a secret, that’s when I knew he had lost his mind. I was lucky to escape with a few followers during a mission. We faked our deaths, you see he doesn’t know I’m alive. But I remembered you guys.” Z looked at the boys. “I knew I needed to get you out, so I created a hole in the system and when I learned that you found it, Jungkook, I was ecstatic.”

The boys were silent as Z explained her story. Blank expressions on their faces they only stared out into space. Each member on his own planet as they listened.

Without exchanging any physical words, Z smiled as Namjoon gave her a small smile and a nod. They were too overwhelmed with emotions to speak. After everyone gained control of their own runaway horses, the planning started.

You discussed what to do and how to execute this plan. The plan was simple… Infiltrate, immobilize and eliminate. With the help of Z, you easily found loopholes in the Academies systems. Everyone had a role to play.

No one said this mission was to be easy, but with the variety skills you had to your disposal there was little room for error. Namjoon and Z worked on the Tactics and planning aspect of the mission and would be your eyes and ears on the outside of the Academy. Jungkook was assigned to eliminate the computer controls of the Academy, giving the rest of you a open field to play. Seokjin and Hoseok was responsible for taking out the guards, Hoseok would distract them while Seokjin would immobilize them with his knives. Yoongi was to blend into the crowd just in case things turn in a different direction. Taehyung, Jimin and you would be the ones to put the finale into motion. Jimin would be in the air vents as a cover while Taehyung would create chaos, something he’s good at. All you had to do was outsmart Patrick and then… then it’ll be showtime.

You would not be the one to take Patrick out, oh no. You were way too sadistic to just kill him, he would be the cause -of his own demise. Your goal was to turn the Academy on him as he turned on his lover.

The only problem was that they had to find Patrick’s weakness. This proved to be the least of your worries as Jungkook uncovered something… quite unexpected.

“Umm… guys? I think you all need to see this…” He said as he turned his computer towards the room of waiting eyes. There on the screen was a series of photos of Patrick, but he was in a graveyard, holding Red roses as he silently wept at none other than Z’s grave. In each photo he wore different clothing.

“Wait, how long ago was that?” Z asked as her eyes became teary.

“The last one was time-stamped exactly one week ago, to be precise.” Jungkook answered her.

You found the weakness you were looking for. Z was the link you needed to break him into one million pieces. She was just as shocked as you were.

“You mean… after all this time he kept visiting my grave?” Z asked in a small voice. The truth was obvious. Patrick was still in love with Z, he still grieved over her death. And her reappearing before him was what you needed to get him to give up and turn himself in.

The plan remained the same, but there was a new element added. Z…

Let the show begin.

Part 10 (Finale)

tag list: @xxgothickxx @unicornsandpinguins @sparky-isnt-a-vampire @bulletproof-fanfics @detectivebourbon @leftflowerprunedonut @idonthavehusbandsihavelovers @moniebuns @larakiba @spookybananapurseturtle @cheesesquares @xxqueenwxtchxx @justsome-ghost @shani-8617 @peachypink98 @treetops68 @thecrispypancak @epiphany-of-awake @leesound @bandsomatic @sugasbbgirl @whynotlily 

Can I just add... you guys have the most adorable of usernames... I LOVE IT !!!! 

[stilljumpingback]

(via Black Sails Episode 406 - XXXIV)

Slaves being freed from their shackles is a needed bright spot in a very dark season.

Another show would make the relationship between Eleanor and Madi a simplisticly happy reunion.  Black Sails forces us to consider how privilege and inequality impacted their relationship in profoundly deep ways.

“My father didn’t mistrust Flint.  My father mistrusted all of you.”

Jack threatens to kill Eleanor and/or Flint, but Eleanor cannot be bothered to take him seriously and just walks away.  I feel like this perfectly summarizes the entirety of their relationship.

Silver giving Billy to the slaves to be tortured is…super dark.  Like, darker than anything Flint has done, right?

Silver:  I did not want this.  Flint is my friend, but I know what he is.  I have no illusions about it.  But for all the dangers he presents, for all his offenses, the one thing he’s never done is force me to choose between him and you.  That, you did.

Billy responding to Silver’s patronizing speech of ‘forgiveness’ with “You chose.  Live with it” makes me like him more than I have in a long time.

I would love to see this episode from Julius’s POV.

I continue to be fascinated by Max and Jack’s relationship.  They are business partners, sometime lovers, partners to the same woman.  Their reunion is gut-wrenching because Jack is all emotion, and Max is all logic.  Still, he rescues her (for the first of two times this episode).

Flint and Eleanor talking about their former partnership is my everything!!!

“You know, there was a time not so long ago when you shared their concern, when you saw what I saw.  The benefits of being free of British rule.  To make the new world something more than just an extension of the old.  Is it so unthinkable that that might happen again?  You were a pirate once.  Stranger things have happened.”

Although Flint has been betrayed by Eleanor just as much as Jack has been betrayed by Max, their reunion has had SUCH a different tone.  They are still civil, and they seem to still respect each other.  Why is this?  Because they always knew who the other was – someone ambitious and cunning and not above changing sides for a better outcome.  Flint and Eleanor knew each other so well that their relationship could survive betrayal.

Speaking of changing sides, in an instant pirates and British soldiers must work together to defeat the new Spanish enemy.

Silver needs to learn to read a room:  sitting in a throne in ominous lighting is not a great way to propose partnership with newly freed slaves.

Woodes Rogers gets on land, sees destruction, murder, and rape all around him…but it’s not until he learns that Eleanor is at risk that he actually begins to care.  What an asshole.

I will forever love Jack for deciding to wait for his former partners despite recently learning that they were willing to give up his cache without his knowledge or assent.

Max reunites with Anne.  Max is so defensive, but when she sees Anne’s brutalized face, she sees the full ramifications of her decision.

Max:  I loved you, and I betrayed you.  But I cannot apologize for it.  I did what anyone would have done when confronted with the same impossible choices.  If I apologize, you will know it is a lie, and I do not wish to lie to you ever again. Anne:  Leave. Max:  No.  I am going to stay with you.  I want to take care of you. Anne:  Get the fuck out.

No, Max, you didn’t do what anyone else would have done.  PLENTY of people did the exact opposite, in fact.

Eleanor:  One can be happy that way, can’t they?  A life of isolation and uncertainty, as long as it is lived with someone you love and who loves you back.  It is possible, isn’t it? Madi:  It is.

Who is Madi talking about here?  Her mother, and the life they had on Maroon Island?  Or Silver, and the life they might have in the future?  If it’s Silver, that seems to contradict her earlier silence when he asked if he was enough for her.

Silver hears the Spanish coming around the back over the din of battle?  Um, okay.

Madi and Eleanor share a smile, which is so great but FUCK FUCK FUCK you can see the Spanish soldier standing in the background flexing his hands and it’s so creepy!!!

Eleanor’s final fight is so desperate and beautiful.  She survives so much, and if that isn’t a symbol of her entire life, I don’t know what is.  I also really admire the show for how sexual assault is depicted:  we keep the female POV and never disempower her.

When she kills the Spanish soldier, she immediately goes to Madi, MY HEART.

Flint sees Miranda’s house on fire and Eleanor’s body.  The two most important women in his life.  😦

Eleanor:  Was he with them?  My husband? Flint:  No, he isn’t.

MY HEART.  Flint cradles Eleanor’s face as she dies, and his own face is just utter devastation and hopelessness.

Eleanor’s last words are: “Madi.  I tried to save her.”  But it doesn’t look like Madi made it out of the burning house.

In the wake of Madi’s death, Silver says of the rebellion, “It’s over.”  But Flint orchestrates a tactical retreat, insisting upon saving everyone.  They’re acting as good partners here, even if they are not in emotional agreement.

“It wasn’t supposed to end like this.  How can we all have sacrificed so much and none of us has anything to show for it?”

Finally, some emotion from Max.  I think her fierce adherence to calm logic is why I have felt so disconnected from her.  Now that she’s drowning, I like her a little bit.

Continuing with the theme of “emotional investment changes everything,” Max finally sees civilization’s true face and wants revenge.  But…by going to a different version of civilization.  What makes her think this time will be any different?

Honestly, I understand and almost agree with Max’s “fight civilization from the inside” philosophy.  But…it didn’t work.  Not that fighting from the outside worked either.  The moral of the story?  Changing society for the better is messy and complicated, and it takes all kinds of people fighting all kinds of battles.

Woodes Rogers finds Eleanor’s corpse.  By bringing Spain to Nassau, he murdered his wife, and none of his enemies were killed.  YOU IDIOT.

Silver is absolutely gutted and is grieving for Madi.  Flint puts his hand on Silver’s shoulder.  I can’t read whether or not Silver’s “It wasn’t your fault” is truthful or just a means to get Flint out of the room.  My poor babies!

BUT THEN.  The pirate revolution has grown enormously on Maroon Island!!  The first time I watched the series I was SUUUUPER depressed by this point, and seeing all these pirates determined to join the cause gave me hope so intense it felt physical.

“They came from other islands, the colonies, maroons from camps like this one, pirates from as far away as Massachusetts.  They heard that Nassau had fallen, and they came to join us.  The revolution you promised has begun!”

[ecotone99]

[SF]Birth of the Star Knights

*This story takes place apx. 500 years before the events in the S.T.A.R. Chronicles.

Planet: Ordeos Saturday, May 14th, 2242 10:01 A.M. “Nearly ten years ago, humanity was savagely attacked by a coalition of alien nations, many of whom we once considered friends. They attacked without warning, without provocation, with the intent of enslaving or killing every last man, woman, and child of the human race,” Emperor Haiden Lentaise addressed the crowd gathered before him.

He paused to let them express their outrage while he reveled at the sight of his loyal subjects spread out over the grassy field, happily foregoing the comforts of home or even an auditorium just so they could hear him speak. Ten years ago he was preparing a fight for his people's independence, but hadn't dared dreamed he would one day be their emperor. Yet here he was, standing on a stage with his most loyal soldiers stretched out on either side of him, all of them attired in full military dress uniform. They'd survived worse perils than anyone could have ever imagined to guarantee their planet's safety while also bringing other systems under their protection to form a new empire.

“It wasn't long before Earth's military began falling before them and the people they swore to protect were abandoned to their fate. One planet alone did not have the resources to fight off this menace, and when they saw this weakness, more aliens attacked in an escalating frenzy to steal everything we have.

“Then the Earth government finally saw sense and granted independence to all colony worlds, lifting the restrictions against military creation. They barely allowed us a voice in the government, denied us from serving in their military, but now they were looking to us to save the entire human race from their failure.”

The crowd shouted and booed their disbelief at this arrogance.

“They didn't know it at the time, but Ordeos was already strong. We knew we couldn't rely on people from a planet on the other side of the galaxy to protect us, and had prepared for the day we would need to defend ourselves. This allowed us to join the fight immediately, and with our strength we bought the other colonies the time they needed to organize and field their own fighting forces. Many of them chose to join us, and together we created an empire to stand against destruction and chaos.

“The war ended one month ago today with the total defeat of all who threatened us. The entire human race owes its continued existence to Ordeos!”

Cheers erupted, and the crowd began chanting, “Ordeos! Ordeos! Ordeos!”

The emperor allowed them to continue as long as they wished, basking in the celebration for several minutes.

“On that day, as I gazed upon the last alien world to fall, I vowed I would never allow such a threat to humanity to rise again. I have thought long and hard on how to fulfill this vow, and realized there is only one logical conclusion.”

He scanned the crowd carefully, making sure everyone was paying close attention. The flags snapped sharply in the breeze at either end of the stage, leaves rustled in the nearby woods, and someone coughed lightly.

“If the safety of the human race is to be guaranteed, it must be the only race to exist. We will wipe out every alien civilization that dared threaten us. We will kill every last one of them and burn their cities to ash. We will scour this galaxy clean and build a new and glorious future.”

There was no response from the crowd.

Silence reigned as those present processed his words.

Birdsong could be heard in the woods, carried to them on the breeze.

He watched, and waited, while the people before him remained motionless.

Finally, someone shouted out his response.

“The only good alien is a dead alien!”

Murmurs of agreement passed through the crowd, which then grew into excited whispers, and finally everyone was cheering again.

“Humans first!”

“It's what they deserve!”

“End it forever!”

The emperor eventually called for silence by raising his hands into the air.

“Our brave soldiers stand ready to carry out this task, but a mission of this magnitude requires a degree of dedication, skill, and experience surpassing that of the average soldier and the officers that lead them. To fill this need, I have created the Star Knights, an organization of elite warriors who will lead this fight and see our people through to victory.

“Those standing here with me have distinguished themselves in battle and earned the highest honors any nation has to offer, and they are the first of these new knights. They have sworn fealty directly to me, and have vowed to live their entire lives as warriors in service to the empire. Each and every one of them has fought beside me on the battlefield, and I trust them with my life. Where you see them, you see me.”

Applause and cheers welcomed the knights into their new station.

“To the future!”

8:03 P.M. “Earth and Vehla have publicly denounced the extermination campaign, but all the others are with us,” Darius reported as he walked beside his emperor on the beach. The waves splashed lazily to their left, and the sun set slowly over the ocean to cast a peaceful glow over them.

“We know what must be done, and we have shown everyone the way. If they fail to follow, then they will fade into obscurity,” Haiden responded.

He stopped and turned to the right, and Darius followed suit. A little over a mile away, an armada of construction equipment stood silent but ready with mountains of building materials rising up behind them.

“Empires are created with blood, but sustained with faith. While you are out there spilling blood, I will be here creating faith. The city we build here will be the greatest ever built by human hands, and it will be the crown jewel of the empire that will lead humanity to finally realize its full potential,” Haiden commented, his eyes growing distant as he peered into the future. Darius looked at the scene before him and tried to picture what his friend was describing, but not even these peaceful surroundings could dim the visions of war, both past and future, raging in his mind.

The emperor turned to look Darius in the eye, and placed a hand on each of his shoulders.

“You have been my closest friend and staunchest ally since I first decided to overthrow Earth's rule. Your ferocity and cunning in battle are without equal, and I know you believe in the cause as much as I do. As such, I have decided to name you as the first Master Knight,” he revealed.

“I have followed you because you are able to see the future for what it should be, and you have the cunning and leadership ability to make it happen. It will be my honor to lead the knights in your name,” Darius responded, then fell silent as he looked back towards the construction site.

A cool breeze blew in from the ocean, ruffling their hair but not disturbing a single piece of their tight uniforms. Neither man reacted to the dropping temperatures as the sun dipped below the horizon and darkness fell about them.

“Speak your mind.”

“I cannot see what you see, Haiden. All the death I have seen, all the killing I have done, has destroyed every last semblance of peace within me until all I can see is war. There is no other future for me, but I have no regrets. I gladly go out to eliminate all threats to the future you will build, for I trust you to create a better life not only for our people, but for all mankind.”

“For all mankind,” Haiden repeated.

Planet: Silosan III Tuesday, August 23rd, 2242 9:03 A.M. It was hard to believe the planet Darius now viewed from the window in his quarters aboard the Carrier Counterstrike had been green and beautiful mere days in the past. Thick, black smoke now obscured most of the surface, and what little could be seen was brown and bare – dead.

He'd personally led every battle in the campaign thus far, but had decided it was time for others to gain the experience to lead and fight without him. They would be expanding the campaign after this, and soon there would be many battles occurring simultaneously.

“Master Knight Pente to the bridge. Urgent.”

So much for letting others take care of things this time.

Already in full uniform, the knight took one last look at the planet, then departed for the bridge.

“What is the problem?” he asked upon arriving.

“We managed to cut off and destroy the last of their forces while they were in full retreat, but when we approached the base they were falling back to, our people were stopped by an energy shield. All ground forces in the area have surrounded it, but so far it has held up to everything we've fired on it, including orbital strikes,” the captain reported.

“Why wasn't this shield detected when we first arrived?”

“They are masking the energy signature somehow. We still aren't seeing it on sensors. The shape and size you're seeing on tactical was calculated from weapon hits.”

“A planetary shield is a difficult undertaking, even for aliens. What could possibly remain that is worth such protection?” Darius mused as he viewed the area on the tactical display. He ordered the captain to send the tactical information to all knights in the fleet, then tapped the comm unit in his ear to open his private command channel.

“All knights, gather a squad of regulars and prepare for debarkation to surface. Target information is coming to you now. Landing coordinates and mission parameters to follow shortly.”

Not bothering to wait for a confirmation on his order, the master knight then set to work at the tactical station creating an infiltration plan for getting past the shield and entering the base within.

10:32 A.M. The din of digging equipment several feet to Darius' left filled the air as it tunneled through the rock under the shield, but he ignored it and studied the shield before him. The only indication of its existence was a shimmering in the air and the static charged air causing the hair on his uncovered head to stand up.

He removed his right glove and reached out towards the shield, feeling the charge increase the closer he got.

“Careful, sir,” a lieutenant commented from behind, but he paid no attention and continued moving his hand closer to the distortion.

The tingling sensation of static electricity changed to burning as if he were within inches of touching a fire. He kept his hand there for several seconds, familiarizing himself with the sensation and committing it to memory.

“We're through.”

“The other teams?”

“Awaiting your order to proceed.”

The master knight pulled his hand back and replaced his glove while returning to his squad at the mouth of the tunnel.

“All teams, move in,” he ordered over his command channel, then led his own unit into the tunnel. Someone asked him if he wanted a rifle, but he shook his head no. It would only get in his way.

They traversed the rocky ground between the shield perimeter and the base without incident, and approached the first building. Once inside, they discovered it to be dark and quiet and Darius realized all the base's power must be going to the shield. They searched the building without encountering any resistance, or finding anything of value. The other knights reported similar experiences at their locations.

“Why have a shield protecting an empty base?” one knight commented on their private channel where the regular soldiers couldn't hear.

“Maybe its a trap? They knew a planetary shield would catch the attention of our leaders, so they rigged the base to explode once we were lured down here?”

“If that were the case, they wouldn't have masked the shield from our sensors. No, there is something here they didn't want us to find. Keep searching,” Darius ordered.

The next building he came to was a barracks which he expected to find in disarray, but everything was in its place. The beds were made, the kitchen was clean and organized, and the floors were freshly cleaned.

“If this place is so important, why didn't they stay to defend it?” a knight questioned after he reported this to the others.

“Quit the guessing game and keep looking,” he ordered.

They made it through nearly the entire base in this manner, finally converging on the last building together, looking at each other dumbfounded.

“Knights, we search this one alone. The rest of you, secure the area,” Darius ordered, then led the six knights inside.

The lights came on the moment they stepped inside, revealing a small room with a booth on one side which had a large window wrapping around it halfway up the wall. Opposite from them was a thick metal door, power sealed shut.

“Finally,” a knight murmured. Another one went up to the door, then reported there was no mechanism for opening it.

“Stand back,” the first knight to speak warned, them slammed the butt of his rifle against the booth window, which resulted in nothing more than a dull thud.

“Huh,” he remarked, then turned to see the others staring at him like he was the dumbest person alive.

“Remind us how you got to be a knight, again?”

“What are you talking about?”

“It's a security booth. Did you really think it would be that easy to break into?”

“Well, when you put it that way.”

“Impulsiveness does not befit a knight. Think before acting, and always act deliberately. Maintain discipline at all times,” Darius chastised, and the knight in question acknowledged him with a nod before backing up to stand near a wall.

The master knight held out a hand, someone gave him a small explosive, and he placed it on the window. They backed up as far as they could and he detonated it, creating a hole large enough to reach an arm through.

A knight went up to the hole, studied the panel underneath it on the other side, then reached through and pressed a button. A buzzer sounded, the door popped open, and the nearest knight pressed himself to the wall with his rifle aimed at the opening. He nodded, and another knight swung the door open the rest of the way.

“Clear.”

They hustled through to find themselves in a brightly lit, wide hallway without any doors, but a junction going off to the right could be seen halfway down.

“Can anyone read this?” Darius questioned, referring to a sign on the wall with arrows next to the writing. The only answer was people shaking their heads no.

“Astor, take Quintus and Gerry down the hall to the right. The rest of us will continue forward.”

Darius and his team followed the hall until they came to another sealed door at the other end. This one had a number pad on the wall to its right, so one of them took it apart and hacked it while Darius and the other one watched the hall. When it opened, they found stairs leading up, and at the top there was another door where they had to repeat the process. Then there was another hallway, this one without any junctions, but in the center on the left they found yet another security door, this one requiring both a code and a retinal scan. This time Darius elected to simply blow it open. On the other side was a large room filled with desks and computers, and in the center they found an alien in a disheveled dark blue suit sitting on the floor with his back to a desk. When they approached, he looked up at them with fresh tears in his eyes and the remnants of old ones staining his face.

He was mostly humanoid, with two arms and two legs, but was bald, had a bony ridge atop his head going from front to back, and his skin was pale and splotchy.

“Here to finish the job?” he asked in English.

“What is this place? Why is it protected by a shield?” Darius questioned. The other knights covered the alien with their rifles, but he used a hand-signal to tell them to search the room.

“Why do you care? You've destroyed everything else, killed everyone else. Just get on with it already.”

Smiling, Darius knelt to rest on his haunches, wrists resting lightly on his knees.

“That's right. We've destroyed everything. You are the last of a dead race, sitting on what is quickly becoming a dead world. Why bother to try and hide this place, or protect it from destruction should it be found?”

“Our leaders thought we would be able to come back one day. They underestimated the depths of your evil.”

“We only do what we must to ensure the safety of our people. Now, tell me what is hidden here.”

“You are going to kill me one way or the other, so why should I bother to answer your questions? Even if you should happen to let me live, I don't have anything left to live for.”

Sighing, Darius stood up and drew his pistol.

“Yes, I am going to kill you. The method of your death I leave to you,” he threatened, then took aim at the alien's left knee.

“We have something here!” Astor's excited voice came over the comm.

“What is it?” Darius questioned while keeping his eyes and gun on the alien.

“We found a fully stocked armory next to a lab. It looks like this was a research station.”

“Seal both rooms and get back to the soldiers outside.”

“I don't understand.”

“Understanding is not required. Obey my order.”

“Yes, sir,” Astor replied sullenly, and Darius lowered his pistol just far enough to point at the floor.

“Why didn't you destroy this place yourselves?” he questioned.

“Our government didn't want to, but the last of us decided to do it anyway after you killed all our leaders. You stopped the last of the military before they could get here, and I don't have the means to do it myself.”

Darius nodded, then shot the alien in the head.

2:47 P.M. “Give me a channel to all personnel,” Darius ordered once he stepped on the Counterstrike's bridge without slowing his pace as he walked to the captain's chair.

Seeing the look on the knight's face, the captain quickly vacated his seat for Darius to take and relayed the order to his crew.

“This is Master Knight Pente to all personnel involved in the attack on Silosan III. You are hereby ordered into absolute silence regarding your time here. No matter how insignificant you may think something is, you will not tell anyone about what you have seen and done here. Violations of this order will be investigated and punished by the Star Knights personally.” He signaled for the channel to be cut, appreciating the look of sudden fear in the eyes of the bridge crew. They would do as they were told.

“Get me a secure channel to the emperor, urgent priority. I'll take it in my quarters,” he ordered, then quickly left the bridge.

The aliens were unable to use what he had just found to save themselves, but what they had left behind would ensure the empire's dominance for decades, possibly even centuries.

No one could threaten their people, or their dreams, now.

submitted by /u/Dodg35 [link] [comments] via Blogger http://bit.ly/2LAqcCl

[1upmushrooms]

The Grand Return (1up Deadfic)

AN: In many ways, this is one of the more fascinating deadfics I have in the graveyard. In other ways, it’s pretty much exactly the same as others failed projects. 

This was meant to be a loose adaptation of the first three Legend of Zelda games, with a Sci-Fi twist. So...yeah, it’s the First Rebel but with Zelda instead of Mario. XD However, just like the First Rebel, there are a few concepts in this deadfic that I still think are actually pretty good. 

The main one being that Ganon, after gaining control of the kingdom of Hyrule, not only banned people from worshiping the three goddesses, but also attempted an Orwellian retcon by creating a false religion to take their place, that being a form of Christianity (explaining why the first two games had christian imagery). 

Later on, Ganon would reveal that he had gotten so sick of the Cycle repeating over and over, that he used this tactic in an attempt to prevent him being defeated once more. He no longer wanted the Tri-force, he just wanted to live freely.

Honestly, I think that was actually a fairly clever way of explaining things. Though, had I been more popular, it likely would’ve gotten me in trouble.

I also remember wanting to play with the Cycle a bit by creating two antagonists. Ganon would be the obvious big bad, one that must be stopped by Link and all that jazz. However, there would also be a much more personal antagonist for Link to face, Dark Link. In fact, Dark Link would essentially turn out to be the real antagonist of the story had I finished it.

It made sense for me to go that rouse because, if you really think about, Ganon and Link are never really personal enemies. They’re usually fighting each other because they literally have to. There’s only two examples I can think of where the rivalry had personal stakes: Wind Waker (where Ganon kidnapped his sister) and Twilight Princess (where the children of Ordon are kidnapped by the bublins). But even then, Ganon’s influence was rather minimal. 

Making the true antagonist Dark Link just made sense to me. 

That’s all I remember of my plans for this deadfic for now. If I have anymore, I’ll just make an updated post. I hope you all enjoy this.

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

Prologue: Forbidden Legends.

Long before the skyscrapers, guns, cars, and religions of today, there was a legend. An old one that spanned for many centuries, it told of a cycle between the dark one named Ganon, the princess named Zelda, and the hero named Link, battling for the safety of the land of Hyrule. It was called The Legend of Zelda.

It was a classic tale to say the least, Ganon would usually take over Hyrule and try to posses the golden power, Link would come and stop him with the help of Zelda, and then they'd both slay Ganon where he'd be sealed away in a sort of limbo, Link and Zelda would rejoice, Hyrule would be saved, and Ganon would be locked away. After a century or more though, he'd be released to take over Hyrule, and thus the cycle would repeat with new Zeldas and Links fighting off Ganon to save Hyrule once more.

While of course, it wasn't always executed like that, sometimes, the cycle wouldn't even mentioned, that's how it usually went. There were other aspects as well like the three Goddesses Din, Farore and Nayru who not only created Hyrule but also the Tri-Force, and then there's the Tri-force itself or as it's commonly known as, The Golden Power.

It's a mystical and powerful object that's usually split up into 3 parts, Ganon possessed the Tri-Force of Power which represented Din, all Zeldas possessed the Tri-Force of Wisdom which represented Nayru, and all Links possessed the Tri-Force of Courage which represented Farore.

All three pieces are somehow connected to the three goddesses and if something were to happen the pieces themselves be it they scatter or get destroyed entirely, then the goddess of that particular piece would also be greatly affected.

It was indeed a fine legend to tell, however nowadays you can't tell it, at least not in Hyrule for it is forbidden. Why? Well all that's known is that a long time ago, there were certain events, events that caused the Tri-Force of Courage to be destroyed, the Tri-Force of Wisdom to be scattered in a faraway land, and Ganon to be set free from his seal. While the exact details of said events were destroyed in the sands of time and the fires of censorship it's still apparent that something happened.

Due to the Tri-Force of Wisdom being split Nayru was greatly weakened, stripping away most of her powers except for a little trick or too, while Farore had completely slipped into a coma due to her piece being totally obliterated. Then there's the escape of Ganon, you'd think that since Ganon was free, he'd go on a mad quest to retrieve the other scattered pieces of the Tri-force of Wisdom, or maybe he'd run Hyrule into ground in an act of insanity, right?

Actually, not only did Ganon rule Hyrule responsibly, he outright banned anything having to do with the Tri-Force, the Goddesses and especially the Legend. All the books, songs, and any other mementos that were related to the Legends were destroyed, and any mention of things having even anything to do with the Legend were discouraged and was an instant death sentence. The only thing he allowed was that people could be named Link or Zelda but that was it.

Why he acted like this, no one knew, but it was apparent that anyone who acted against his wishes were going to suffer, so no one dared to defy him. Many years have passed and since the Ganon has set up another Religion in a final attempt to destroy the memory of the past. And as of right now it seems that Ganon has been ruling for centuries now and nothing is going to change…. though if the legend has taught us anything is that patience is a virtue.

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Chapter 1: Preparation.

"Hi, how are you. Do't give me that, you know why I'm here. Now shut up and listen. Today's gonna be the best day of your life rather you want it to or not! And you better not screw this up because if you do, I will not be pleasant, I may even be a little pissed because we both know how special she is and we both know you want this so I'm telling you again if you DARE, screw this up- "

Link paused a little to calm down as he saw his face became red in the mirror. He was always like when he talked in the mirror, it was a way to prepare himself for the day. You see, it was terribly common of him to do so, because at times, Link was a little forgetful. He had a special talent for promising to do one thing tomorrow and then not doing it because of his forgetfulness, well that and the fact that he rarely takes anything seriously but that's another story.

However, he found out that if he just stood in the mirror and barked at himself long enough, he'll instantly remember to do whatever he told himself to do. Maybe it was the fact that he gets scared whenever someone shouts at him, or maybe it was just because of the fact that he, himself was one of the few things he took seriously, make that of what you will.

Anyway, Link spent a good or hour too shouting at himself, making sure that he remembered every single word that got thrown at him. So it was fitting that he calmed down a bit, plus he noticed how red his face was getting. He then started talking in a more toned down and calm manner,

"Remember, you're not just gonna work on the ranch and go home to watch some shitty slasher flick on the Tube late tonight, I mean this isn't just some other Friday for you, it's a special one that you'll remember forever.

"Now then, you're gonna go to that ranch, do your absolute best, make sure to do some extra work for no pay too, then take your girl out to dinner, and after that…"

He stopped there as he looked at a little box that had a nice ring in it. He picked it up and, with a smile, continued his speech while still looking at the ring,

"Well you know what'll happen after that."

He then put the box down as he looked back in the mirror and his smile turned back into a serious frown,

"But in case you don't know what to do, all you'll be doing is dinner, a visit to the Lake Hylia Aquarium and Museum, maybe a show if you can squeeze in enough and when you're back at the ranch, you stoop to your knees and pop the question, that's it. Alright? Don't, mess, this, up!"

And with that he took the box with the ring in it and tried to stick it in his pants, only problem was he had no pants on. As Link looked once more in the mirror he realized that he only had a white shirt and underpants on. His hair wasn't even cleaned up!

At first, Link wasn't that worried, he did his little "Speeches" in the mirror for hours before. But then he looked at his phone and saw that it was 8:30, this is where he realized how late he was as he shouted:

"SHIT!"

And ran to his closet. Now Link's room, hell, his entire apartment for that matter, was not exactly, classy. I mean it was…decent but if he seriously intended on marrying the love of his life, he'd have to change it a little. Several pieces of clothing and books were on the heavily stained carpet floor, the lights always flickered on and off, his dining table felt like it would brake at any moment, and his bathroom was in desperate need of attention.

However Link, as usual, ignored the obvious flaws of his apartment and began digging for his outfit. After a while, he came out of his room dressed up and ready to go. He wore a nice green shirt that was mostly hidden under his blue jacket, a dirty pair of jeans, some boots covered in mud, and to top it all off, a green hat that he always wore outside, no particular reason to, he just liked to show it off.

After he got dressed, Link grabbed the box and put in his left pocket, making sure it wasn't too noticeable. He then grabbed his rupee bag, which contained about 99 rupees and put it in the left pocket as well in order to hide the ring more. Link also grabbed his phone and put it on vibrate since his boss didn't allow noisy farms during working hours.

After putting it in his left pocket, Link was almost ready to go as he then put on his cross to remind everyone of his beliefs. He then grabbed his keys and finally, turned off his lights as he left his apartment. Outside was a traditional Hyrule morning; people were greeting each other, loving each other, stealing from each other, even killing each other. What? That doesn't sound like a beautiful morning to you? Oh please, clearly someone has a misguided opinion!

Link didn't even bother with all of that this morning, he just walked by citizens and went to his car. Link's car, a 4th generation Epona wasn't built for speed, merely for transportation. Link however didn't mind so much since he liked taking his time, but this time, he was running late and so when he got in, he quickly put on his seatbelt, and started up car, making sure he wasn't pushing it too hard.

Soon after a couple of seconds, the car was up and ready for action. Link mouthed "thank you" and then drove as fast as he could to "Lon Lon Ranch". During the drive he tried to calm himself down by playing an album of "The Indigo-Go's", unfortunately as he kept looking at the clock, that wasn't going to well. Thankfully, by 8:59 he made it, though he was still about an hour late. Link quietly parked his car and quietly tiptoed to the stables until a hand grabbed his shoulder.

Link just groaned in frustration as he turned around to face the consequences. On the bright side, instead of turning around to face a balding, fat old man, his eyes instead saw a beautiful female in her mid 30s-about his age-who wore a white shirt and brown skirt and had a huge smirk on her face. Plus as luck would have it this girl was Link's girl, the very same one he talked to his mirror about for an hour or so.

However, before Link could explain himself the girl said,

"Talking at the mirror again?"

Link nervously laughed as he replied,

"Hi, boss."

[folklord]

4. my eclipsed sun

part 4 of HOAX series | din djarin x f!reader (au)

ao3 | my masterlist

summary: when you promised the Empire that you would destroy Mandalore, you did not expect that approximating your old friend would become yet another obstacle in your hoax. Suddenly, to know Din Djarin was to watch the death of your past plans and, at the same time, the creation of a faithless love.

warnings: mentions of injuries, alcohol | word count: 2800

When you opened your eyes, the only thing you could see was Concord's light in the window to your right. Trying to sit up in the bed, you felt a tremendous pain in the right side of your body and remembered that you were injured, but someone had already bandaged it.

You remember. The war. Din. Moff. The imperial weapon. It all ran through your mind like a flashback, but you couldn't remember how it ended. Doing a mental scan of your body, you noticed that your legs were hurting and your head ached a little. Under the sheets, you were completely naked.

What the fuck happened? Did Moff Gideon tell Din about your mission, leaving you as a prisoner to be judged by the Mandalorians? They would never give you a quick death if they knew…

No. Moff wouldn't tell. Whatever he told Din, it wasn't about you. The main part of the plan was yet to come, and if he had seen you fight for Mandalore he knew you were acting accordingly.

Without realizing it, you found yourself reminiscing about holding Din's hands as if you were holding his pain in the palms of your hands. To be honest, maybe if you had been able to look him in the eye, perhaps you would have given up everything you promised the Empire. Because it wasn't “The Mandalorian'' who spoke to you or the Mand'alor: it was himself, Din Djarin. And if your very presence wasn't a hoax, maybe you'd allow yourself to get closer to him a little more… He seemed to be sweet, honorable, the kind of man who would never deserve what you were about to do.

But you had a deal and your life depended on it. It wasn't selfishness, it was survival.

[...]

You don't remember falling asleep, but you woke up with a hand touching yours. It was him, sitting in your bed.

"Now we can call it quits, can't we?"

"Din?" You tried to lift your head enough to face him. The wound didn't hurt that much anymore. "What do you mean?"

"Don't you remember?" He took his hand away from yours. “You saved my life.” He pointed to your wound.

This was definitely not in the plan.

“Next time, I'll lend you a beskar armor. You can't take any more risks.”

Din's voice was much sweeter... The next time? Would there be a next time? Did he want that?

"Isn't the beskar just for Mandalorians?" you smiled to tease him. "Have you forgotten your creed?"

"There are more important things."

Din spoke in a shaky voice and got up. The light coming out of the roof window reflected on his helmet, which turned orange, and, or some reason, this sight warmed your heart. Lost in your thoughts, you didn't even realize that Din had been standing in front of you for a while, hands at his sides, not saying a word.

“As Mand'alor, I thank you for your services” He finally said something. "You can leave, if you want to, but you also can stay as a guest, as a friend."

For a moment, it seems your body has forgotten how to breathe until your rational side remembers: If Din wants you to stay, then don't they suspect you anymore?

“But the mandalo-”

“They saw you fighting…they were amazed. And I made a deal with Moff, he won't surprise us again, do not worry."

You took a deep breath. It was a relief to know that no Mandalorian would suspect you, but it was a shame that Din thought the Empire had given up and agreed so easily - which meant Moff's old tactic of showing fear now that they were allies of the Jedi seemed to have worked. While you were lost in your thoughts, Din remained motionless. You never realized how bad he was with words.

“We're having a party today, in the Mandalorian way” he walked to the door. "If you were, you would see how happy they are with your presence."

You understood well and smiled. It obviously was an invitation.

“Din, I can't go to a party in a war uniform, and… I don't even know where they are.” You pulled the sheet up to cover your neck and cuddled it into the pillow. “I'm sorry…”

“I asked them to make one for you… I remember you told me on Tatooine that you always wanted to wear gold. I'll be waiting for you, but if you leave, please let me know." Din left too quickly for you to come up with an answer.

Your dream as a child, when your mother read you princess stories, was a golden corset. Today you understand that you didn't dream of the corset itself, just something less practical for a fight so you could spend at least an entire night feeling pretty and not necessarily a lonely girl trying to survive across the galaxy. But that's not exactly how you told him: you just told him that you wished to, one day, have a golden armor made of beskar. And he told you while trying to stop Grogu from pressing the buttons on the Razor Crest, that you would never be able to use beskar because you weren't worthy.

Whatever happened when he lost the child made him question his entire creed - but that wasn't the most shocking thing. What made you shock was the fact that he remembered such a simple phrase, that no one else in the universe had realized how much it meant.

[...]

You were wonderful. The special Mandalorian bath gave you much more strength, and the reflection in the mirror had never made you so happy. They hadn't exactly made a corset, but it was pure gold beskar armor that molded your curves perfectly. It was also extremely comfortable and didn't squeeze your wound at all. You had never seen yourself without that traditional dark outfit that you wore in everyday life, so it was a real change of perspective.

When trying to pass through the crowd, this time many try to greet you. To your surprise, most were without helmets and all in less casual clothes. The women wore armor that defined their bodies as you did while the men wore capes of different colors, with a slightly thicker fabric near the neck. Some passed you saying mesh'la, and you couldn't help but smile at the compliment.

But you were just looking for him. If most were already without helmets, where was he? Which of those very different faces could be Din?

“Gal'gala!” a Mandalorian caught your attention. He was beautiful, but the voice was unrecognizable. "It's a tihaar, one of the best drinks in Mandalore." He gave you a golden cup full, you drank some. It was too strong for your taste but you forced a polite smile.

"Thanks. Do you know where the Mand'alor is?"

“The whole palace talks about you two,” he whispered. You took another sip to try to hide your nervousness. What the fuck was he talking about? “It must be very nice to be considered to be riduur of the Mand'alor. You're so beautiful, he's lucky.”

The boy left you alone with an empty cup and a sick stomach. Why were they talking about these things?

You promised yourself the plan wouldn't go that far…it would be uncontrollable.

Screams from the crowd interrupted your thoughts. You headed like all of them to the throne of Mand'alor. Din was standing there, and he was beautiful. A red cloak covered his shoulders and his armor was glowing. The Mandalorians were jumping, shouting, all very happy. You didn't understand much, but you were starting to feel happy too.

When Din raised his hands, everyone went silent.

“Mandalore, the feeling of seeing you all well is indescribable. Seeing that we've won the war is great, but seeing that you're living together and fighting together for one cause is spectacular. May we all have choices, but may we never cease to be Mandalorians. Ori'vor'e!"

Everyone applauded. You felt guilt on the tip of your tongue: soon, you would destroy all that.

“May all of our ads remember today: Aay'han!”

“Aay'han, the Mand’alor!” the entire crowd repeated. The gazes that admired Din sparkled with the most respect you'd ever seen. Everywhere you've been, the leaders got the crowds through fear, but here was Din being cherished and glorified by everyone. You couldn't help but feel a hint of pride at how the lonely bounty hunter had become an exemplary leader.

[...]

Surprisingly, you learned that night that Mandalorians were a lot more fun than you thought. There was music, drinks of different kinds and lots of food, what they called ori'skraan. You talked to some people but you didn't recognize anyone except Bo Katan, who drank and laughed with some of your clan. Vizsla wasn't there, and you don't know if that was intuition or not, but realizing it gave you a little anxiety.

As the cups of tihaar that were given to you were emptied, you felt a little dizzy. You couldn't pay attention to conversations like you used to, and when talking to a couple, you were almost sure they invited you into their rooms. It was at that moment that you felt a strong hand grip your left shoulder and you tripped over your own foot. When your hand found support on the strong plate of beskar, you knew it was Din who stopped you from falling. His hand gripped your hip tightly.

“Kaya doesn't seem to be very well.” Din's voice was a lot rougher than usual. Was he too angry, or were you too drunk? “When she is conscious enough to respond, you can do the invitation again.”

“Don't worry, my Mand'alor” The man responded with a smile. “We just wanted to have some fun…”

You felt Din's hand tighten on your waist, and you tilted your face to face the visor. The couple came out laughing, leaving you and Din alone for the first time that night. You rubbed your eyes with your hand to see if the dizziness would stop, but your head started to ache.

“That part of Mandalorian culture I didn't know…” You said to Din, but your head throbbed when you smiled, making you lean your forehead against his pauldrons.

"It's not the part your father would tell you, is it?" Looks like he tried to make a joke, but it came out in an uncomfortable ironic tone. You lifted your face from his shoulder and pulled back a little, facing him again. Din remained motionless, and it was a real contrast as the people around him seemed to enjoy themselves.

“Din, you need to drink some!”

After your suggestion, Din approached. He held onto your waist again and you couldn't stop smiling even though it made your head hurt.

“Let's get out of here, mesh'la…”

Shit, what he said? That was a compliment, wasn't it? Was he calling you beautiful or were you too drunk to understand what he actually said?

It was impossible to maintain rationality as he took your hand and dragged you through the great hall. You felt the eyes of others on the two of you, but the adrenaline of being carried away by the moment kept you from feeling any shame. It wasn't Kaya who was feeling butterflies in her stomach, or who was smiling like a child: it was you. And you haven't felt so good in years.

Din opened a door and you two entered. You had no idea what the fuck was going on, but it was all dark. Only a small yellow light came out of one of the windows, and you felt lost.

You heard the noise of the beskar beating against some surface, but your heart was beating too hard against your chest for you to be able to say anything. That's when you saw right in front of you, the most beautiful sight of your entire life.

Not in a million dreams have you imagined such a beautiful and magnificent face, and you couldn't even see it in its entirety. The right half was illuminated by orange light - which maybe he didn't even notice - but it was enough for you to be filled with the best and most confusing feeling. You could feel your throat close up and your lungs fail at the sight of his face, so beautiful and half-lit, as enchanting and rare as a solar eclipse.

Everything became a blur when you looked into his right eye: there it was, the most beautiful color in the entire galaxy. And he kept looking at yours, running over your face as if trying to decipher something. You saw half of his beautiful lips curve delicately… you knew he was confused, but you couldn't form enough words for such a feeling. You didn't know how to tell him that your legs were weak, your hands were sweating, and that your heart was beating so hard against your chest that the once comfortable beskar now seemed to no longer fit you.

Not knowing what to say, you could only react. Bringing your hand up to his cheek, which was so warm and soft, you felt his stubble on your skin and noticed that he had a mustache that framed his cupid bow. Din put his hand to your wrist and stroked it, as a signal for you to keep touching it.

But he had no idea how wrong it was…

That rhythm of your heart, that tingle, that feeling of falling off a cliff was as surreal and wrong as possible. It was being aware that you were betraying Din more than politically, but you were also betraying yourself. However you couldn't help, no matter how much you would regret it tomorrow, from leaning your face towards him…

And it only took a second for his lips to be glued to yours.

The fit was perfect, not only of your lips but of your entire body pressed against his. And it was perfect precisely because it was a complete mess. You opened your lips slowly so Din could better explore your mouth, and so he did, desperate, messy, wild. Your teeth bumped a few times, and you smiled as you switched sides to better slide your tongue over his. His hands explored you, sliding from your hips and up the beskar until holding your neck, making you come even closer. You couldn't help but hold his so beautiful, newly discovered face by the jaw, while the other hand rested on his armor-encased chest. That moment, you felt the familiar warm sensation in the lower part of your body, which made you finally think rationally.

You pulled back looking at his swollen lips parted for breath. Your body wanted you to go back into his arms and not leave anymore, but you knew you couldn't do that. Not with him, not with you.

"Kaya…" Din seemed to beg, his voice almost cracking.

"Do not call me like that!" You said without realizing it. "Din, we can't…"

He answered by turning his face to the dark side of the room. You could no longer see him anymore.

"Din…" you moved closer, groping in the dark trying to touch him, but he dodged. "I'll be here in the morning to help you with political things, but this… This can't…" You were as sincere as possible.

When the noise of the beskar echoed through the room again, suddenly the light came on. Your heart ached to his helmet again.

"I'm going to South Keldabe tomorrow. If you want to go, the golden beskar will be yours, since you enjoyed it so much" He said in a rough voice. It was like hearing the sound of his heart breaking.

In the next instant, he opened the door for you to leave, and so you did, without saying a word. Your body froze in the hallway as the sound of the door slamming echoed off the walls of the Palace.

You wanted to go back and kiss him until you couldn't take it anymore. You wish your head didn't hurt. You wish that you could tell him the truth, and give him all the love he deserved and all the love you had inside you.

You wanted him to lie down next to you so you could memorize every inch of his face. And you wish you could look at him for so many hours, that even when your eyes are closed, you could still see him.

Even though the reality was cruel, you couldn't help some part of your heart from nurturing the hope of this faithless love. You cried softly the rest of the night, hoping he or anyone else wouldn’t hear.

It was like standing on the edge of a cliff, waiting for death or paradise.