#and Caleb has one dark ground type

[from-hisui-to-unova]

In a one on one battle who would win a Pokémon battle Fjord or Caleb?

Fjord: I'm I the only one in this Family who doesn't use that move? It's Verrrrry annoying! I'm gonna ask Uncle Emmet to help me train my Pokemon in defence, so I don't have to take this Tauros crap!

Caleb: hope this answers your question, friend.

[coffee-n-bagels-comic-universe]

Neutralised (1994): S01 E01 [1/5]

(Meant to be read like a TV show, or the description of a TV show)

Warnings: Shitty writing (I'm rusty on television writing), death & dead bodies, 90s fashion decisions (can you tell I don't know what to mention), misunderstandings & perceived abuse, cheesy nicknames, violence & Swearing.

2000 ish words. Please tell me if you want to be tagged.

~~💀💀~~

The scene opens on a graveyard at dawn, a figure holds a shovel and attempts to dig, but the ground is too cold and hard. Next to him is a completely black golf-cart type vehicle.

A small subtitle appears at the bottom of the screen, it reads 'January 1st 1994, Chicago, Illinois'.

As the camera gets closer to the figure we can see them in more detail, blonde hair and glasses wearing a denim shirt and jeans under a dark brown winter coat, along with black boots, the faint hint of stubble colours his jawline in a tint of gold. This is Caleb 'Cal' willow, head grave-digger, 32 years old, British-American, six-foot tall and good-looking even though he doesn't wish to be anyone's eye-candy.

The figure (Cal) stops, leaving the shovel standing straight up in the frozen ground as he leans on it and looks towards something off-camera.

The camera shifts to behind the man in denim and we see truck, a beat-up, old, purple, 1989 Ford F-150.

The shot gets closer and the couple in the car are suddenly clearer.

The man in the driver's seat is hefty and has a smug smirk on his face, his leather jacket covers a stained off-white tank-top, a baseball cap covers most of his curly brown hair, except for the week-old beard and puts his blue eyes in shadow. This is Lance Carter, an electrician, 30 years old, originally from Mississippi, six-foot-two and a former college athlete.

"You gotta stop trippin' over yer feet, Mona." He grumbles as he leans over to kiss the woman.

The woman, 'Mona' is paler than her lover, light blonde hair, styled into bangs and a ponytail, and bright blue eyes contrast with her black painted lips and dark crimson eyeshadow, her red V-neck sweater vest and black long-sleeve shirt show a hint of cleavage and a black heart necklace. Her bangs barely hide a poorly covered bruise from that earlier morning. This is Monday 'Mona' Duke, the youngest grave-digger, 26 years old, born and raised in Eloia, five-foot-one and deceptively lean.

"I'll try not to, my Lancelot. I'ma go hand Cal his coffee, I love you and I'll see you later." Mona whispers, kissing his cheek and pulling away to get out of the truck.

Mona takes a set of three paper cups and a black satchel bag with her, the camera shifts to show her walking, with a slight but noticeable limp on her right side, towards Cal, his figure standing in the graveyard, and we see she's wearing black cargo pants and black heavy boots with inch-thick platforms on the bottom.

"Bram not here yet?" She calls as she walks over.

"Not yet, Mona, waiting for the call to say he's got religious reasons." Cal breathes out a cloud as he sighs, happily taking a cup from his female co-worker.

"We should have taken today off, but then again, you don't care about New Year's Day, and I don't want to be in the same apartment as my dumbass boyfriend."

"Go send Prince Charming away then, Princess." Cal chuckles softly.

Mona jogs back to the car, which isn't easy with her limp being made worse by the freezing weather.

"Lance, I'm at work now, you can leave."

Lance leans out of the window to kiss Mona, when they pull away a man can be seen between them, about six feet from the car.

The man is tall, broad shoulders with a black trench-coat draped over them, his pale blue jumper clashes slightly with the dark green colour of his trousers, and the maroon brown shade of his boots. His curly black hair comes to rest just above his dark brown eyes and aquiline nose, his scowling lips are framed by a neatly trimmed goatee. This is Abraham 'Bram' Machado, the tallest grave-digger, 30 years old, born and raised in Idaho, six-foot-three and easily angered.

He glares at Lance as the man drives away, his rage vanishes as he looks at Mona.

"Morning, Mona, sorry I'm late Cal… car troubles." The tallest member of the trio nervously explains, gesturing to his car parked neatly in its place, the only hint of damage is a cracked passenger window.

"Lateness I expect from Mona, not from you, Bram." Cal huffs as he once again tries to dig the frozen dirt.

Mona limps a couple paces before sitting in the black golf-cart.

"Are you doing okay, Mona?" Bram raises an eyebrow in concern, taking a swig from the final cup of coffee to hide the scowl on his lips.

She nods, taking a sip from her coffee before she turns to scan across the graveyard, her eyes widen when she spots something.

Cal gestures for Bram to put his drink down and focus on the work. Bram nods but stares at Mona as he continues working.

"Excuse me, sir," Mona starts walking towards a slumped figure, "you can't sleep out here, you'll catch your demise, mister?" She pokes the figure with her foot, dropping down to check their pulse.

Cal and Bram stop and silently watch as Mona slowly stands and starts carefully walking backwards towards them.

"Monday, are you alright?" Cal's voice waivers slightly as he starts to realise what the lady grave-digger has seen.

"Monday, come here, you shouldn't look at that. Mona, Mona come here." Bram pulls Mona towards him, making her squeak as her smaller frame collides with his chest, he shields her body with his.

Cal grabs his phone from his back pocket and dials a number, the scene starts to fade out as Cal says, "Hey, Boss…"

The next scene fades in, an office, cramped and claustrophobic.

An older gentleman, his black hair balding, short of both stature and temper, wearing an all black suit more at home in the 70s, along with black leather gloves on his hands. He sits at an old wooden desk and shakes his head as he grabs a small pile of paperwork.

"These are your witness reports," He looks at the trio, annoyed at them, "I'm not letting you three get off of work just because you found a body. Miss Duke, shift's over, I'll see you later. Out." The older man, Mr Mortimer according to the name plaque on his desk, grumbles in an Italian accent, waving the three grave-diggers out of his tiny office.

They step out into a larger room, past a young black man sitting with his feet on his desk reading 'Funeral Monthly', and through another door into what almost looks like a gothic hotel lobby. At the desk sits a larger, blond gentleman, downing an energy drink with an obvious 'I don't want to be here' attitude.

Cal strikes up a conversation with him with a casual, "Hey, King." Then the conversation fades into background noise.

"Hey, Monday… Are, are you sure you're okay, Mona?" Bram whispers as he sits down with her on one of the benches in the lobby.

"Yeah I'm fine, Bram, it's nothing I haven't seen before," She shrugs, "Lance should be here soon to take me to the café anyway." Mona's voice is a mile a minute, it's clear that this is just how she talks, fast-paced with little time to relax, as is her lifestyle.

But at the mention of Lance, Bram's soft, caring smile drops, replaced with a scowl full of hate as he hunkers down, placing his forearms against his thighs, he glares at the entrance and his jaw clenches tight, hands already balled into fists.

He's shaken from the mist of blind anger by Mona gently patting his shoulder as a gesture of thanks.

Mona heads outside, lighting up a cigarette as Bram stands, stopping himself from following her, he waits for Cal to leave first.

Bram glares at Lance as Mona kisses her boyfriend and leaves with him, Bram continues glaring until he can't see the truck anymore.

"Drop the glare, we have work to do. You can fight him when Mona isn't around him," Cal nudges Bram's arm, "c'mon Romeo."

The two men climb into the golf-cart and head back to the grave they were digging.

Meanwhile, Mona and Lance share an awkward moment of silence before Lance huffs a hefty sigh.

"Are we gonna talk about it?" He grumbles.

"What? The dead frozen guy?" Mona raises an eyebrow at the gruff tone of her boyfriend's voice.

"No, Mona. Are we gonna talk about him, the tall guy you work with?"

"Bram? What about him?" She shrugs, not understanding the question.

"He glares at me, every time I drop you off or pick you up. Hell, Mona, he glares at me when I visit you at work."

"He's just protective, it's not every day that someone shows up with bruises and a limp."

Mona checks her hairline in a compact mirror, showing the bruises, which can't be older than a week or less, she attempts to cover them with makeup and fixes her bangs to hide them again.

"I know that, but it's every time, not just today." Lance slams hard on the horn and silently mouths a couple curse words at another driver.

Mona jumps at the noise of the horn, Lance notices and takes her hand to press a reassuring kiss to the back of her palm.

"I didn't realise that, Lancelot, but pay him no attention. I'm your girl, not his." Mona whispers as Lance parks the truck.

As soon as Mona steps out of the truck, the back door of the café swings open and a young man, in white clothes and an apron, with jet black hair comes rushing out, stopping when he sees Mona and rushing over to hug her.

"Fry, down baby brother, down." Mona chuckles softly.

Fry puts his hands up and takes a step back, "Estelle's here. She's mad at Angelo."

"Why's she mad at Angelo for?"

As Mona steps through the door the camera follows her and when it swings back the screen goes black.

The scene fades back and the camera raises diagonally out of the grave Cal and Bram have been digging. Cal and Bram have both ditched their jackets by this point, Cal's denim shirt has sweat stains in the armpits. Bram is in the process of taking his jumper off, revealing a long-sleeved beige undershirt and suspenders.

"So, what's the deal with you and Mona?" Cal asks, watching as Bram's shoulders drop as he sighs.

"The deal with me and Monday," Bram murmurs as he places his jumper in the cart, "From the day she got hired, I thought me and her would be friends, or maybe more, but she doesn't see me in that way. If she truly wants Lance, then the lord better fix him fast." Bram grumbles as he avoids looking Cal in the eyes.

Cal goes to speak, falling silent as both men look towards the sound of tires screeching to a halt.

Lance's truck pulls up beside the row of headstones, the driver's side door swings open and he steps out, scowling as he looks at Cal and Bram.

The passenger door swings open and a young, golden haired man in a dark blue security uniform steps out and rushes over to Lance's side. The name tag on his chest reads 'Kane Carter'. This is Kane 'K.C' Carter, the day-shift security guard, 27 years old, the younger brother of Lance, five-foot-nine and a man who is usually late due to being a heavy sleeper.

"Piss off, Kane." Lance growls, taking off his jacket and throwing it onto the seat before slamming the car door.

"Lance, don't. Think about what Monday would want." K.C tries to push his brother towards the car as Lance storms towards the grave-diggers.

"Don't you dare." Cal whispers as he pries Bram's hand off the shovel, chucking both potential weapons in the back of the cart.

Bram stands his ground, glaring daggers at Lance as the, slightly shorter, tall man advances.

[atlasarcana]

atlas what is one of your favorite metaphors/motifs in your wip? I always love how illustrative and precise you are with your figurative language

thank you jay!! what an exciting compliment!

usage of the word "WIP" hereon is addressing my Echo Bren fic series titled reflections and other illusions of control which has yet to be published but is getting there. (the shorthand for RAOIOC is either "reflections" or "Echo Bren" because typing RAOIOC is a nightmare).

favorite metaphors and motifs... hmm!! my jam is consistently reminding the reader how fucking weird bren looks, especially when he's being spoken to and addressed like a totally normal human man. except he's not. he's a space void made out of dunamis and energy. it's like inviting a piece of the night sky with the personality of a chav into your house lmao.

from Fic 1 of echo bren:

Chapter 2:

The spell is getting stronger. Such is the work of their tireless craftsmanship.

No longer nude, the outlines of his slim-fitted bridge coat are only visible by the way the light plays with the layers. Had there been color to the knitting, perhaps they would have seen gleaming golden buttons, or Empire-red dyed wool. Instead, Bren’s noble vestments render in a glossy berry-dark void, clouds of astral movements swaying in the depths of his body. His face is much more defined than last time, Essek is comforted to see; clean-shaven, to Caleb's beard, with a straight, unbroken nose, to Caleb’s handsome notch. 

There are little things, too; he holds his right arm in front of his body like a trained guard when he addresses one or both of them formally. He wears an upturn of the chin like a badge. Otherwise, he is a Caleb cast in cosmic darkness, only with those same flashing white eyes that betray his preternaturalness. Another world, another set of experiences, another man entirely. Not twins, not even distantly brothers; superimposed images of the self, pathways forking in space like rivers. 

“You called?” he smiles as he taps onto the ground, boots sharp and fine. The inside of his mouth glows faintly white as with a light source held within his body. “Oh, that’s cute. You two look like you were in the middle of something, no?”

He has a quiet, resonant voice like a god of dreams. Essek, even with chalk on his fingers and a bedrobe over his body, feels a thousand degrees more naked than ever.

and also this one, which i'm personally proud of in the weird department:

He puts a hand on Essek’s shoulder, and through the robe Essek feels the static-electric hum of power to his smooth, night-black skin; the cold of an abyss where they touch through the single layer, milky and fathomless as an aberration’s tentacle.

[writingwithjade]

In pursuit of the fragile heart

Chapter 3

“Primrose, what’s wrong?”

The raven head flinches in her seat at the soothing voice of her mentor, L.Faba. She shakes her head lightly, holding onto her cup of tea and taking a sip. Primrose has been so absorbed in her own mind that she doesn’t notice the odd silence between her and Lumera. Marlin, who is taking his leisure time to read the newspaper, steps in and flicks her forehead lightly, an endearing way to pull her out of her silly thoughts.

“That hurts, Marlin…” she pouts, her lips pursed up lightly at the slight sting of her forehead.

“Because you are wearing that silly face again…” he chuckles “So, what happened?”

Primrose looks at them. For a brief moment, she wants to tell them about her not-so-happy reunion with Caleb Vatore. When she is at her lowest, they are there for her through thick and thin. As her mentor, they guide her through the art of magic. As her senior, they stand as her moral compass and help her navigate through the darkness of her life. Primrose has always been grateful to have Marlin and L.Faba around, but she isn’t sure if she should tell them about Caleb’s return.

“Well?”

“I, well… It’s complicated…”

Lumera sends Marlin a knowing look. It seems like Caleb Vatore has finally made his first move, even without Primrose’s confirmation, the dilemma on her face says it all.

“Do you want me to force it out? I can do that!”

Marlin waves his hand, a yellow hue circling around his finger, matching the element of his magic – fire. Primrose shakes her head vigorously, knowing very well Marlin’s Oath of Truth spell and how capable it can be when it comes to revealing the truth.

“Marlin, it’s Primrose’s choice to tell us or not. Please don’t scare her like that.”

L.Faba, always so kind, tells her husband off. Marlin says nothing, but his emerald eyes stare right back at Primrose’s onyx orbs, expecting her to say something. Unlike Lumera who is very grounded in her ideals and the goodness of her heart, things can not be expected from the other mage. Marlin has always been the type with a morally grey personality, he is willing to help other people but at the same time, never hesitates using force for his gain. 

The raven head chews on her bottom lips, wondering if it’s the right thing to tell them. She trusts Lumera and Marlin with all her heart, but at the same time, the thought of revealing who she encountered last night is unnerving. Primrose knows she can not hide this forever, and if there is anyone whom she can confide to, it is her mentor. Both mages have been with her since that awful day, they know her secret, her pain and have become her emotional pillars since then.

“I… I saw Caleb last night…”

There is a pregnant silence between them, too quiet for Primrose’s liking. L.Faba sends Marlin a look before turning her attention back to her student, encouraging the young mage to continue.

“H-he’s back… He, he…”

Even mentioning his name is difficult for Primrose as she feels a lump in her throat getting bigger and harder to swallow.

“So he finally came to see you…”

Marlin’s words catch her attention as she looks at him, eyes widening in surprise. What does he mean by that?

“Actually, there is something we must tell you, Primrose.”

L.Faba takes in a deep breath and breaks the news to her pupil, how they are the ones who let Caleb know her whereabouts. The revelation strikes Primrose to the core as she stares at them blankly, unable to process what comes out of Lumera’s mouth.

Immediately, the raven head furrows her brows, feeling like she is betrayed by them. Why do Lumera and Marlin do that? Why? Her whole body shivers at the thought of how even when she is in their caring hands, she is not safe. How can she feel safe when her mentors are the ones who lead that man back into her life?

“Why? Why did you do that?” she speaks up defensively “I don’t want to see him, you both know that! Why would you guys do such a thing?”

But before L.Faba can say anything, Marlin stops her. Holding up his two hands as he maintains a surrender stand, the fire mage looks at his pupil, challenging her fear. Despite her obvious stress, he knows what lies beyond those words.

“I will let you beat me however you want, Primrose, if you can look me in the eyes and say those words again.”

His words feel like sharp knives prying into her heart. She looks at Marlin, her big onyx eyes well up in tears. He knows full well that she can never say that, telling them she never wants to see Caleb again. No matter how much she tries to convince herself that she hates that man, somewhere in her heart still reserves a small part for him, a part of her identity that she refuses to admit.

As silence only grows louder, so are Primrose’s tears. And Marlin can’t help but back down from his confidence, knowing that his words cut deep into the wound she is desperately trying to heal from.

There are two most important women in Marlin’s life, one is his wife Lumera, and the other one is his student Primrose. Lumera serves as the love of his life while Primrose is his proud accomplishment. For her to become one of, if not, the strongest water mage in Glimmerbrook makes him smile like a proud father.

But Primrose’s journey isn’t easy, especially when it comes to the matter of the heart. Marlin wishes that he doesn’t have to say that to her, knowing how that is a taboo topic for her. But there are times when Primrose needs to come to terms with her emotions and move on from the past that keeps haunting her.

“Please tell me why you chose to let him know?” she asks, her voice barely a whisper.

“Do you know the reason why he did what he did?” Lumera looks at her “You never know why, right?”

“No, I don’t…” she shakes her head “But is that truly matter?”

“Well, it’s better to know the truth than to be left in the dark, right?”

Marlin recalls the vampire civil war, how the Straud family wanted to take over the human world and turned it into their blood source, how the Vatore family was able to find a way for vampires to no longer rely on the blood of the mortals and the fell of house Straud after a long, ruthless war.

“Caleb chose what he deems to be the best for his family at that time, and in turn, he cast away his own feelings. The consequence of that action was you and your broken heart…”

Primrose looks at her mentor, even more confused than before.

“But he could have told me about it. Why didn’t he say anything?”

“We could never know what was in his mind during that time, Primrose. Many things happened, too many for him to bear.” Marlin sighs “Besides, you were too young at the time. I don’t think Caleb wanted to bring you into that mess.”

Primrose’s face is a mixture of confusion, hurt, and frustration. The more she thinks about this, the harsher reality hits her. She has been kept in the dark this whole time, wondering what she had done to deserve this heartbreak, why he chose to abandon her when that spark in his eyes was meant for her. Primrose has thought that if she knows the truth, maybe it can be the first step for her to move on from this. But no, she now finds herself at a crossroads, torn between what she believes to be true and what the truth really is.

“I, I don’t know what to say anymore…”

“You don’t have to. What we told you can’t defy how you see him. Primrose.” Lumera steps in, offering a word of advice “Whatever you choose is up to you. But know that no matter what happens, we will always be here for you.” ************************************************************************

“Primrose, that is the most dreaded face I have seen you wear so far…”

She raises her head, looking at the brunette she calls her best friend. Lilian Collins raises her brow, amused but worried at the same time. She has tried to ask her friend what happened but Primrose shakes her head and puts on a smiling face. The raven head has underestimated Lilian and their friendship because the brunette doesn’t buy into her lies, but she refrains herself from saying anything. Knowing Primrose since they were in diapers, when the raven head needs help, she will come to her.

“Anyway, it seems like you are able to get rid of that walking STD guy.”

“What do you mean?” Primrose plays with the straw of her drink, tilting her head in confusion.

“Well, usually around this time, he will blow up your phone right?” looking at her watch, Lilian hums in contentment “And of course, he would blow up my phone if he can not get a hold of you. But now, there are no calls…”

“I honestly don’t even know why I agreed to go out on dates with him in the first place.”

“Me neither, I was surprised to know that you accepted his invitation. However, I am super glad that you’re finally getting rid of him.” Lilian smiles, her eyes squint cutely at her friend “You deserve so much better than being with a guy like Don Lothario.”

Primrose chuckles at her comment. If she has to be honest, going out with Don Lothario must be one of the wildest things she has done in her early 20s. Both Lilian and Nathaniel were confused when she told them that she had gone out on dates with that man, and Nathaniel, ever the protective little brother he is, scolded her for associating with a horrible person like Don. The thought of it makes her giggle, Nathaniel has lectured her like a little kid while she is supposed to be the older sibling of the Emberlynn household.

“So, you’re thinking of dating anyone?”

Lilian’s question surprises her as she stares at her best friend, blinking in confusion. What does that even mean?

“Come again?”

“Don’t think I haven’t noticed, Primrose. I know you go on dates but never get into a relationship with anyone.” Lilian’s eyes shine a light of scrutinizing “Unless you aren’t into relationships, which I know would never happen, you have to give me an explanation.”

“I, well…” the raven head blinks a few times, her friend’s comment surely catches her off guard “I just think that I’m not ready for a relationship.”

The expression on Lilian’s face is anything but buying into her lies.

“How about I introduce you to a coworker of mine?”

“Lilian, do you even hear what I just said?”

“I do, but hear me out…”

Lilian is a doctor at the San Myshuno’s Hospital, where she works as an obstetrician. The brunette rarely tries to hook Primrose up with her coworkers as some of them can be a little bit too much for her. Lilian is a young woman with a wild lifestyle, while she appears to be a responsible doctor, her personal life is more savage for a 25-year-old woman like her.

She loves axe-throwing, doing billiards, throwing darts, and she owns a motorcycle. It’s safe to say that she is more adventurous than her sweet and gentle friend, Primrose. Because of her outgoing nature, she attracts a lot of attention at work and while Lilian is flattered to be admired by so many people, she also feels like some of these men are not good candidates to be Primrose’s lover. The main reason is that they are too dry and practical in terms of personality, a stark contrast to Primrose’s idealistic and romantic character.

However, recently, there has been a new transferred doctor and Lilian is lucky enough to get to meet him. Upon first glance, the brunette already knows that this man is the perfect guy for Primrose. The new doctor is someone who she can describe as a prince charming walking out of a fairy tale story, handsome, intelligent, and a gentleman to everyone. His calm and collected demeanor is a breath of fresh air among the hospital staff, the kindness that he shows his coworkers and patients is more than just on a surface level.

That man is perfect for Primrose…

“Lilian, since when did you become like this?” the raven head stares at her friend’s dreamy eyes.

“Come on, Primrose. Don’t be such a killjoy like that, entertain me a little bit.” the brunette grins widely “So, what do you think? Ready to meet him?”

“Ready to meet him? Lilian, you told me about this man like one minute ago and now you want me to meet him?” Primrose exclaims in disbelief “You have this plan down, right?”

“I just made some needed reservations, but yes, he’s going to be here soon!” Lilian’s eyes twinkle in excitement “I ask him to come to a small coffee date with me because I need help in writing my thesis for my grad assignment.”

“You little…”

Primrose is shocked to hear this. She is put in a situation where if she decides to leave, it will upset Lilian, but if she decides to stay, what kind of mess will she get herself into?

“Come on now Primrose, light up and have fun. For an amazing romantic novelist like you, you’re sure are mundane when it comes to dating.”

M-mundane?

Primrose almost can not stop herself from pouting. It’s in conversations like this that the raven head wants to spill the bean, to tell Lilian the truth of why she is not looking for a serious relationship.

What she experienced years ago was so much that she always has to guard herself when it comes to matters of the heart. While she is an excellent writer who has many successful titles related to the topic of love, she is still in her journey of healing, mending the scar that person left in her. Primrose is not ready nor she knows when she can be ready to move forward. No matter how many dates she has with other men, her heart always finds a way to look at the past and wish for a happier ending for both of them.

Primrose is haunted by her fear of rejection and the possibility of a new love, her heart is fragile after all…

“Just meet him, Primrose. If you don’t like him, maybe you guys can be friends. I’ll let you know that he is one of the top surgeons in this town. If something happens to you, at least you know who to contact.”

“Are you cursing me or something?” Primrose laughs at Lilian’s remark “What a good friend you are, Lilian.”

“You know me and my drills, Prims. I only say things from the bottom of my heart.”

“You mean wishing me to be in the hospital…” shaking her head, Primrose can not say no when her friend is this persistent “Alright, I will meet this guy. If, and only if you agree to get me the newest collection of Alberto Peperoncini.”

“Deal! And what do you know, he’s here!”

Lilian smiles brightly as she stands up from her heat, eagerly waving to get the man’s attention. That man, with sleek back black hair with a few strands falling down his forehead, striking silver eyes that shine brighter than the stars in the sky. His outfit, while covered by the usual doctor's cloak, is a white dress shirt and fine-tailored vest and dress pants. His professionalism immediately draws the attention of many people, particularly female gazes as they blush at the sight of him walking into the coffee shop.

But when Primrose turns around to take a peak at the man’s appearance, her heart comes to a stop. The air around her becomes tighter, suffocated, and hard to breathe. She feels an invisible pair of hands stretch towards her, holding onto her neck and squeezing it painfully. Her stomach twists in the most painful way she can imagine. Cold sweat runs down her forehead as her delicate face becomes paler when those footsteps are getting closer to the table.

It can’t be…

The man stops near their table, startled at the sight of her. His surprised gaze slowly melts into a softer and more gentle look as he walks towards them, lips curling up into a kind smile.

“I’m glad that you accept my invitation, please sit here.” Lilian moves herself to sit next to Primrose, offering the man the seat on the opposite side of the table “Primrose, this is my senior colleague at San Myshuno’s Hospital, Caleb Vatore. And this is my best friend, Primrose. I hope you both can become good friends!”

[shirtlessfelix]

hi! could i request deathslinger, hillbilly, ghostface and nemesis (they wouldn’t apply 100% to this but shhhh) with their survivor s/o helping them get a crown in a trial. i was the last survivor in a trial with hatch closed so i led a nemesis on a chase to a crown and pointed to it as he downed me and he let me open an exit gate and leave at the end 🥺

YES this is so cute, at least they get the lil sparkles :>

Looking for Crowns

~200 words each

Deathslinger: Caleb always acts like he's too cool for crowns, especially ones that hover over him like a halo and make him stand out more than he already does. His partner had tried to get him to take one, but he refused every time with a grunt and a shake of his head. As the time of celebration came closer to ending, though, he started to wonder if he wouldn't like having a piece of memorabilia, especially when his partner had a crown of their own.

Nearing the end of a trial, he pulls them aside and makes sure they both keep quiet, and he asks shyly for some help looking for the crown since he didn't eat any of that damned cake. They gladly help him and run around, looking for the purple glow that the Entity's pastry gifted them with. Caleb heard it, but he couldn't tell where it was coming from until his partner ran over to it, and he could lift it up and hang it over his head. When he returns to the killers' camp, he can't help but fluster up when the others compliment how it looks on him. It was made for him. He loves it.

Ghostface: He's the type of person to take his partner's crown for himself when they're in trials together and always forget that he'll need one of his own before they stop showing up around trials. They remind Danny of this when he snatches it away from where it hovers, and he returns it with his mask oozing resentment that he'll have to actually put effort into getting something cool like that.

Regardless, he'll look around one side of the map, and his partner will look around the other, but he doesn't know that it's moving around until he watches it disappear from afar. He curses and yells at the Entity from the ground, asking why She would do that when it's hard enough to find one as is. She only laughs back at him, and he stomps off to look for it again, finding his partner standing in front of where it popped up again. He'll take it and reluctantly put it on, happy that he was able to find it.

His partner insists that he take a picture of them together in their crowns, and so he does.

Hillbilly: He doesn't give a flying fuck about anything else when the crowns start popping up in trials. He still loves the Entity's previous crown, so another shiny, glimmering, golden accessory is the only thing on his mind. Despite how badly he wants it, Max practices enough self control to wait for his partner to be in a trial with him so they can leave with their crowns together, and when he finds them on the edge of the map, he excitedly runs towards them with his chainsaw in the air.

He can't help but walk his feet in little circles on the ground as he walks around with his partner and listens out for the sound of its pedestal, eventually finding it in the killer shack. He gasps and smiles his open-mouthed grin, yelling in excitement as he drops his saw and picks up the crown. He hands it to his partner and kneels down, wanting them to put it on for him. When they do, he wraps them in the tightest hug he's ever given.

Nemesis: Like Caleb, The Nemesis will act like he doesn't care about a stupid gold crown that just looks like a bunch of shiny twigs twisted together, but deep down, he really wants one. His partner knows him well enough to figure he'll try to get his hands on one, so they'll secretly help him in a way where he won't notice what they're doing until they stop mid-chase and wait for him.

Nemesis punches a zombie out of the way and looks to the prize standing behind his partner, eyes moving towards them in knowing embarrassment since he thought he hid it better that he had been looking for one. His partner moves out of the way and lets him pick it up, trying not to break it. He has it, finally, it's in his hands, but he doesn't know if he wants to wear it. He looks at his partner again, as if to ask for their approval, and when they gesture for him to put the crown on, he does so in a heartbeat.

The gold flowing over him accentuates the darkness of his coat and really shows off how evil he looks, like he came from a godly world to the Entity's realm. It makes him feel powerful. Maybe he'll be able to kill Jill for good.

[sloppy-butcher]

Can I request some fucking happiness like GODDAMN IM SO SAD

coming right up my friend. happiness in the form of cuddling with randomly selected killers and survivors to be listed below (sorry if it's short, I tried something different for this request) don’t be sad anyMORE <3

Seeking Comfort

The Doctor (Herman Carter)

He notices immediately when you slosh into his office after a long day of battling difficulties, shoulders hunched over, and demeanor sour, bringing with you a most depressing mood. He passes a cool eye over your shrinking form as you slowly make your way to the small bench that served as your designated station. Suddenly he calls you over, producing a sound somewhere between a cough and laugh, causing you to look up at him in confusion. Herman pushes back his laze boy from his work table, presenting his empty lap to you. Your questioning gaze flickers between the man and his offer and after only a few more encouraging nods, you crawl your way over to him. Never had he initiated affection like this, almost demanding you to be in his arms. He consumes you completely in his body, swallowing you up in his off-white lab coat and bare arms. The electrodes that protrude out his forearms would spark occasionally and tickle you until your face lightens and a smile somewhat returns. You knew it was secretly Herman himself sending you the fuzzy reminds of energy  In between reading documents and writing down his new observations, Herman often places his head on top of yours, humming and kissing your hair as you drifted off to sleep.

The Hag (Lisa Sherwood)

Lisa tries her absolute damnedest to make you leave her realm with a smile on your face. Though she can't talk and her hugs are not the warmest and her lips aren’t the best for giving kisses, she displays her affection in other manners. She beckons you over to her crouched in the swamp. She takes your hand in hers and with the faintest and gentlest movements, barely even gracing your skin, uses her elongated claw to draw small symbols on your arm with the help of fresh, black mud. You tilt your head and ask her what they mean. She gives you her best smile, a stretched-out display of all her twisted and razor-sharp teeth, and places her unaltered hand over your heart. You can see her sway her head with the ticking of your heartbeat and you realize that it was a spell of protection and repair - or rather a spell for a sad heart. Lisa makes you spend the rest of your time together searching the swamp for fireflies, a rarity in her realm but a blessing none the less. She follows you around carrying with her a dirty glass jar and whenever you managed to catch a handful of the elusive bugs, she’d make you put them inside until the glass glowed a brilliant yellow hue. At the end of the evening, when the darkness that previously sat on your chest has alleviated slightly, Lisa offers you one last gift. She asks you to lean down to her comfortable height and then places her forehead to yours. You hear her breathing steady and become as sure as the sun will rise and the night will end and you know that everything will be alright when she is around.

The Deathslinger (Caleb Quinn)

“Drink up.” Caleb slides you a hefty glass practically overflowing with burning, brown liquid. “That’ll put all yer troubles in the ground for sure.” Wearily, you try to lift the glass to your lips and embrace the blissful effects of the strong alcohol but instead, your hand starts to shake and you get hit with another wave of perpetual exhaustion. The glass clatters to the bar table with a thud and the liquid splashes everywhere. You apologize profusely to the man as tears threaten to envelop your vision. Caleb sighs and moves around the table to your side. You feel his hand place itself gently on your back - a small gesture of comfort and one you clung onto for dear life. “Ay see it’s gonna take an even stronger type of liquor to fix that troubled heart of yours.” You hear him shuffle but could not bear to lift your eyes from the cover of your hands. Something tickles your right ear and suddenly you sense him begin to pepper kisses along your cheekbone. When Caleb notices that he has your attention, his kisses deepen and he starts making obnoxious smooching noises. You couldn’t help but smile and try to pull away from the mocking man, succumbing to his game and forgetting all your worries in the shine of his love. He continues his rampage of wrecking your face with wet, sloppy kisses until you were begging for him to stop. You were laughing, the tears from before having dried up. Caleb smiles, his damaged cheek hurting from the strain. But when he sees how you look at him with happiness returned in your face, he deems it all worth it.

Meg Thomas

Meg sighs and you feel her chest compress and her head lean down to your ear level, her arms sneaking to your sides where she found warmth and structure. Since the first second she saw that slight downwards twinge of your mouth, Meg had not left your side. Right now she had positioned herself to be sitting on the log directly behind you while together you sat facing the campfire. She had her legs on either side of you, effectively making a sort of make-shift barrier between you, her, and the rest of the shitty world. You relax into her, allowing your head to fall back and land safely on her left chest. She retrieves one hand and delicately brushes hair out of your eyes. She was so kind and understanding, caring like a mother and passionate like an athlete. She was persistent even as the wall crumbled inwards and started to bury you in an impossible rumble, she was quickly there to offer you her hand. “It’s difficult.” Meg mumbles so quietly it was more directed towards herself than to anyone else. “It’s like an uphill battle and sometimes it feels like your legs are going to break and you’re not going to make it up.” You feel her hands start to shiver and you go to grasp them in your own. She stops and squeezes you, holding on like a falling child would a tree branch. “But we must keep trying.” You open your eyes again to see her lovingly looking down at you - she was so angelic bathed in the golden firelight. She lowers her face and gives your nose a quick peck. She smells like roses and fresh body wash. Meg smiles and you were infected with her hopefulness, blooming in your chest in the forms of happiness and love.

Ashley J. Williams 

 “What's up, doll-face?” Ash asks as he slides into the seat next to yours. You hurriedly suck back a cry and turn your head away from him, trying and failing to hide your miserable expression. He waits a moment, eyes dancing up and down your shivering body before he exhales audibly. “Rough day, huh?” His comment was rhetorical - it was obvious that you were upset. He runs a hand through his graying hair. He pauses and thinks for a second, a task that he never normally is one to partake in. He goes to speak but stops - no that sounds stupid. Well, what about - no that's insensitive. Again and again, his brain produced and sabotaged all possibilities he had to try and make you feel better. He just wanted to make you stop crying. Ash is very unpracticed in the field of comfort. Yet seeing you so broken, so unlike how wonderful and lively you usually were, pained him more than the awkwardness did. He contemplates another option hen suddenly he feels a small tug at his shirt. Looking over he sees you pleading for him to take you in. His heart jitters slightly but does not stop him from shuffling closer to you and offering you his arm. You grateful wrap yourself around him and soon stuff your nose into his side.  Ash’s metal hand rubs smalls circles on your back and you wonder why he was not always this hug-able. “Don’t get too comfortable, kid. This is a once-off thing.” Though your heart ached from problems unimaginable, his simple abruptness tinged with undertones of sympathy, was enough of a rude-awakening to remind you that you were alive and that you always had him. 

[revive-the-fandom]

Now you may be asking “Isabel, what’s the point of writing a small essay on a minor character from a kids movie?” and I’ll tell you!  

NoneofmyfriendswillputupwithmybullshitThere is no point!  I just like writing things about things I like!  And I wanna write about

Her.

Because she was a cool fucking character!  With an awesome design!  And I don’t give her enough attention!

And that’s her introduction!  A large, chunky girl wearing a black T-shirt and a pretty pink cardigan looking absolutely murderous.  She’s tough and strong and intimidating.  How often do we get that from animated little girls?  Astrid is all of those things but she’s also tiny, and wearing form fitting ‘tough action girl’ clothes.  Cupcake gets big ole boots and a freaking tutu!  Her hair is messy and nothing she wears matches and she clearly doesn’t put up with anyone’s shit!

I mean,

look how scared these guys are of her!  Pippa and Monty are more timid but Claude, Caleb and Jamie seem like regular old roughhousing tough kids until this moment.  And they’re all scared of a girl in a tutu!  Like, bullying is obviously not acceptable but so much media portrays the bullies as football players or edgy kids who smoke, or a manipulative and condescending queen bee type.  Cupcake is a big, quiet girl in a tutu.

and when she finally turns to the dark side and joins their play?  She’s not suddenly delicate or girly girl.  She chases them with a lump of snow larger than her own head.  And seems so utterly impressed by Jamie’s sled ride through town!

but still has the empathy to be worried when he crashes and gets hit by a runaway sofa

and when the others admit to constant nightmares she shows a lot of empathy and understanding towards the group (Caleb in particular) 

she seems to be able to read people too!  Claude, Caleb and Jamie push each other around a lot.  Pippa and Monty don’t.  So once Cupcake is added to the group she starts pushing them around too, starting with Caleb.

Poor kid.

Time to talk about Cupcake and her belief in the Guardians!

She’s super into unicorns (obviously)

but it’s never confirmed if they’re real like the Leprecaun and the Groundhog (I suppose the Groundhog was necessary since it’s partially staged in Pennsylvania) 

however she is shown to be very well connected to the spirit world, at least unconsciously.  Aside from Jamie and Sophie, Cupcake has the most interactions with the Guardians and the Spirits around them.

She’s the first to be influenced by Jack’s magic on screen (and the only one of the group to experience this)

She’s sent dreamsand and nightmares in one night, plus she’s visited personally by Pitch on the eve of his first attack on the Guardians

She’s also the first of Jamie’s friends to be visited by Jack, she’s the first to get outside and sled with them (indirectly convincing the twins to join the sledding) and seems to have no trouble reigniting her belief in the Guardians and believing in Jack off the bat.

She’s techincally Jack’s second believer, and she’s also the second one to stand up to Pitch and defend the Guardians

She instigates the fight against the nightmares

and overall has the most interactions with spirits.  She’s one of those characters that bumps into the spirit world without wanting or trying to.

And then there’s the question of her home life and her family.  Her home appears a couple of times during the film, though it’s not as intimately known as the Bennett’s home.  It’s easiest to find during Pitch’s introduction here

her room is the one with the blue light.

I’m going to go on a tangent here and talk about her house and it’s location.  Because as you can see here it’s three floors above a shop and next to what I assume is the town hall. 

The shop is visible in multiple scenes, such as the sled ride at the beginning

which means that her house is adjacent to the town hall and the square with the statue

yet another landmark is the petrol station

where the final battle occurs (god Cupcake’s room has the best view for this movie)

... Actually...  now that I’m looking, I’m gonna have to make a ‘spot-Cupcake’s-house’ post bc this is getting ridiculous lol

Now my question is this: how much of the building does Cupcake’s family own?  

There’s a couple of maps (neither are true to the film istelf but...) by Peter Maynez one of which lists Cupcake’s home as a ‘loft’ which implies that her family owns just the top floor or so.  Which is fine... except...

what apartment has a dog door????

So I propose that Cupcake’s family is actually loaded and owns the whole building including the shop.  That way there could be a portion of the ground floor that’s part of their apartment.

Which brings me onto the shop itself.  It’s name is clearest in this shot

Kice’s BAIT & TACKLE

I’m not well versed in fishing terminology but it does appear to be a fishing shop.  Now I have been informed by my dad who has been to the US unlike me, that this would be full of fishing gear and also maybe hunting gear (maybe guns? idk I’m British I don’t know the rules about guns - tho Burgess is confirmed to be in Pennsylvania if it’s state by state?), camping gear or general outdoors equipment so probably a decent amount of income.

Kice seems to be a surname.  I might have gotten the wrong end of the stick here but that’s what I’m assuming for now.   Kice (according to Ancestry) seems to be a Germanic/Slavic last name, which may be Cupcake’s last name?  

Cupcake’s family is also a mystery but we do know that this guy(?) exists

and that he likes to read the newspaper in the morning

so he may be her father or father figure?  They might not even be a guy but they do have a stereotypical masculine figure so I’m going with that?

anyway, weird shot next!

I spy with my little eye three pairs of shoes.  These are three different types of shoes so they may all belong to one person, or they have three other people in the house and these are their current shoes?  I think Cupcake keeps her shoes in her room/next to her bed so 

I would also say that considering the (possible) size of their house it would be easy for her to have siblings living with her (younger so they don’t keep shoes by the door, or older so they could be out all night).

(The heavy decoration in Cupcake’s room also implies that the family has money)

Cupcake/Pippa&Monty/Claude&Caleb/Jamie&Sophie/Town of Burgess

[treelightcitystory]

Character Chart Character’s full name: Aaliyah of Treelight City; Allison Faith Darrow; Ailith Reason or meaning of name: Uplifting, son of Alice; Warrior of Fire Character’s nickname: Alli Reason for nickname: Short for Allison, noble and kind Birth date: 9/17/96

Physical appearance Age: 18 How old does he/she appear: 17 Weight: 100 lbs Height: 5’7 ft Body build: Thin Shape of face: Round cheeks Eye color: Sky blue Glasses or contacts: None Skin tone: Natural Distinguishing marks: A scar on her back from a bullying incident from childhood Predominant features: A firebird mark on her right wrist; fire mark on right wrist from contact of Orange Crystal Hair color: Auburn Type of hair: Curly, shoulder length Hairstyle: Hair down Voice: Orotund Overall attractiveness: Her blue eyes and auburn hair Physical disabilities: None Usual fashion of dress: Orange shirt, yellow cami, red-orange skirt, beige comprise tights, brown flats Favorite outfit: Flannel shirt, white cami, dark jeans, sneakers Jewelry or accessories: None

Personality Good personality traits: Kind, high-spirited, selfless, creative Bad personality traits: Stubborn Mood character is most often in: Bright Sense of humor: Yes Character’s greatest joy in life: Being around the ones in her life Character’s greatest fear: Spiders Why? Bitten by one at a young age What single event would most throw this character’s life into complete turmoil? The Foreigners discovering Treelight City Character is most at ease when: Controlling her powers by heart Most ill at ease when: Nightmares appear Enraged when: Someone threatens her family and friends Depressed or sad when: someone yells at her, yet she stays brave until she’s away from hearing Priorities: Everworld’s safety; keeping Treelight City safe from greedy eyes Life philosophy: “It’s not just your past that tells your story, it’s what you do now that defines who you are.” - Nabel to Alli If granted one wish, it would be: None Why? Like Nabel, she already has enough in her life Character’s soft spot: for Cody Is this soft spot obvious to others? Yes, at the beginning of the story Greatest strength: The people she loves Greatest vulnerability or weakness: Losing them and not doing anything Biggest regret: Lying to her friends in order to protect them Minor regret: Beating up Michael when he tried to rape her Biggest accomplishment: Saving her home and people Minor accomplishment: Winning an art show Past failures he/she would be embarrassed to have people know about: None Why? She has no regrets Character’s darkest secret: None Does anyone else know? No

Goals Drives and motivations: Destiny Immediate goals: Determined to find the truth about her parents Long term goals: Protect Treelight City How the character plans to accomplish these goals: Visit the place every day and train herself to control her powers How other characters will be affected: Supportive yet protective

Past Hometown: Daleville, Alabama Type of childhood: Unknowing of her true past; lost parents to car accident Pets: None First memory: Unknown blurry faces that later on appear in her dreams Most important childhood memory: Giving herself the nickname ‘Alli’ Why: She felt like the name is too long Childhood hero: Taylor Swift Dream job: An freelance artist/writer Education: Studied at Daleville Elementary, Daleville Middle School Religion: None Finances: N/A

Present Current location: Daleville, Alabama Currently living with: Her parents and Caleb; Nabel and Caleb Pets: Grif the Gryphon Religion: None Occupation: Senior at Daleville High School Finances: Saving for college loans

Family Mother: Karolina of Treelight City (deceased in TC/alive in TC AU); Ann Darrow (alive in TC/deceased in TC AU) Relationship with her: Karolina (birth mother); Ann Darrow (adoptive) Father: Halbert of Treelight City (deceased); Jack Darrow (alive in TC/deceased in TC AU) Relationship with him: Halbert (birth father); Jack (adoptive) Siblings: Caleb and Nabel Relationship with them: Caleb (adoptive); Nabel (birth sister) Spouse: N/A Relationship with him/her: N/A Children: N/A Relationship with them: N/A Other important family members: Amanda Barnes (cousin), Ruby and Rosie Barnes (cousins), Aiden Barnes (cousin), Diane Barnes (aunt), Bobby Barnes (uncle)

Favorites Color: Golden Orange Least favorite color: None Music: Pop Food: Grape Salad Literature: Sci-Fi Form of entertainment: Music Expressions: “Forever unbroken!” (Everworld AU) Mode of transportation: Scooter Most prized possession: Stuffed lion from her grandparents

Habits Hobbies: Sketching free-hand, daydreaming about her visions from the night before Plays a musical instrument? No Plays a sport? No How he/she would spend a rainy day: Listening to music and sketching Spending habits: None Smokes: No Drinks: No Other drugs: No What does he/she do too much of? Drawing and daydreaming What does he/she do too little of? N/A Extremely skilled at: Drawing and acrobatics, Pyrokinesis, archery Extremely unskilled at: Holding back her anger Nervous tics: Biting bottom lip, glancing at the ground Usual body posture: Calm and confident Mannerisms: Her personality Peculiarities: Her sky blue eyes and brownish-red hair

Traits Optimist or pessimist? Optimist Introvert or extrovert? Extrovert Daredevil or cautious? Daredevil in tense situations Logical or emotional? Logical Disorderly and messy or methodical and neat? Methodical and neat Prefers working or relaxing? Relaxing Confident or unsure of himself/herself? Confident of herself Animal lover? Yes

Self-perception How he/she feels about himself/herself: Feels like she is different from everyone else One word the character would use to describe self: Spirited One paragraph description of how the character would describe self: Her eyes are like the sky above her and her hair is nearly as red as fire, fiery like the spirit within her. What does the character consider his/her best personality trait? Her kindness and bravery What does the character consider his/her worst personality trait? Her recklessness What does the character consider his/her best physical characteristic? The Phoenix mark that appears when her powers are used What does the character consider his/her worst physical characteristic? N/A How does the character think others perceive him/her: As a freak What would the character most like to change about himself/herself: Her acceptation as a different being

Relationships with others Opinion of other people in general: Knows that there is some good in them Does the character hide his/her true opinions and emotions from others? Like Nabel, she expresses her opinions honestly to people she knew Person character most hates: Michael James Best friend(s): Sam, Josh, Matt, Brittany, Caleb Love interest(s): Cody Sanders Person character goes to for advice: Nabel, Carla, Melachai, Brennon; Peter, Alex, Gabriel Person character feels responsible for or takes care of: Caleb Person character feels shy or awkward around: No one Person character openly admires: Cody Sanders Person character secretly admires: Cody Sanders Most important person in character’s life before story starts: Caleb; him and Nabel After story starts: People of Everworld and her friends

[theoriginalladya]

Ooh, That Scene for Seeing Reds and Young & Proud?

Why does it not surprise me you would ask about these two???  Thank you so much for asking about them!  <3

Okay, let me see.  For Seeing Reds, the first scene I came up with, the one that convinced me to write the fic in the first place, was one of the last scenes in the actual story.  It’s a scene where Caleb is basically seeking sanctuary with Athair and they are hiding out on the island.  I’ve always known that Athair would be a big influence in Caleb’s life, even from afar, and it all starts back during Caleb’s years as a young child and in the Reds.  I wanted to have that almost father-like person in his life, sort of guiding him, almost like a ‘conscience on his shoulder’ type of an influence, one that will help him get to a point where he can go on and become the Commander Shepard that we know from the games, but I don’t think I realized just HOW much of an impact he would end up having for him.

Skeptical, Caleb asks, “Have you brought any other Reds here?”

The priest shakes his head.  “No, son,” he replies in a more solemn tone, “you are the first.”

Caleb’s shoulders slump slightly.  The food has no taste and his mouth is dry as he stares down at his hands.  “And the last.”

“Perhaps.”  The priest rises and walks back over to Caleb where he crouches down and pats his shoulder.  “You cannot worry about them now.  There is nothing you can do for –.”

Caleb jumps to his feet, anger surging uncontrollably as he knocks the priest backwards.  It only takes a few of his long-legged strides to reach the opposite wall where he slams his fist against the stone wall, knuckles first and heedless of slicing pain that shoots up his arm while at the same time, an unending roar of anguish that has nothing to do with his hand is ripped from the center of his chest.

For half a breath, as his cry rolls and reverberates throughout the room, as the skies outside seemingly echo his pain with a sudden explosion of light followed practically immediately by rolling thunder, the world comes to a halt and everything is still.  Save for his heaving lungs, searching for more air to fuel another such outburst, all is quiet …

He turns on his heels, facing the priest, his eyes wild and seething.  “The only way there is nothing I can do is if I am dead!” he bellows defiantly.

Athair stands and folds his arms across his chest as if waiting patiently for a storm to blow itself out.  It is maddening, but not unexpected.  And yet, Caleb knows from experience, this priest is a man of complexities; this is not the reaction he expects.  Not this time.  Not this situation.  Eyes narrowed, Athair asks flatly, “Are you quite finished?”

Like kindling meeting flame, Caleb erupts again.  Before he knows it, and without conscious thought, his arm swings in the direction of Athair, and there is nothing he can do to stop himself.  There is a half second where, in the back of Caleb’s mind, he considers the repercussions of this action, the cost of attacking the one man in all the world who might be able to help him, but it is fleeting.  In the next moment, the older man throws himself away from the fist while reaching to grasp Caleb’s arm, and somehow manages to twist in such a way that he pulls it up behind the teen, pressing it against his spine as he wraps his arms around and holds him close, immobile.  “Let it go, son, now,” he breathes near Caleb’s ear, his voice a mixture of authority and pleading, “let it go before it eats you alive!”

Caleb chokes for air, horrified and stunned by the turn of events in the last few seconds.  What have I done?  Beneath him, his legs weaken and he crumples to the floor, sobs wracking his thin frame.  Athair follows, his arms loosening but he does not release Caleb completely until the younger man’s body goes completely limp, all the while murmuring half formed prayers and words of comfort.

As for Young & Proud, it’s actually two scenes that blend into one another.  Surprise, surprise, it’s a pub brawl! lol  (I know you’re going to enjoy this one!)

“So, the Alliance allows any old Paddy into the service now, is it?  Damned blighters can’t even aim properly!”

Images of the first brawl with Coats pass before Caleb’s eyes.  Before he can respond, however, Coats slides between them.  “C’mon, mate, it was your buddy over there who caused the ruckus,” he points at the other man now at the bar, “not him.”

The civilian places his beefy hands on Coats’ shoulders, pushing him aside to bring Caleb directly into view once more.  “Wasn’t asking you, friend.  Was asking –”

Coats’ hand wraps around one of the man’s wrists, removing it as he slips back between them.  “You misunderstand, friend.  If you’re talking to him, you’re talking to me.  First.  Or are you too thick to get that much?”

Caleb sighs, eyes rolling.  He already knows how this is going to end, Coats’ stubbornness gives it away.  A quick look over at the barman assures him he can see it too as he’s already making a call.  “Hammersmith, let it go.”

But Coats shakes his head.  “No, not this time.”  He leans in nose to nose with the civilian.  Caleb shifts to his right, attempting to get back a line of sight when the civilian’s hand flies up and solidly hits Coats’ left jaw.  His friend grunts heavily in pain and surprise, but holds his ground.

“If I end up back in hospital, you’re explaining to Ceila again about how intellectual we are,” Caleb mutters just before throwing a punch with his left arm into the civilian’s solar plexus.  

The fight that ensues is weirdly satisfying on several levels, not the least of which is that Caleb manages to avoid being hit. Whether that is due to Coats and the way he constantly jockeys around to protect him, or the rest of their sniper class who also get involved, Caleb doesn’t know, but by the end of the fight, as he and the others are being escorted out of the pub and back to base by the police, and the only pain in his shoulder is the residual ache left over from his surgery as his medication starts to wear off.  

They are escorted to the Administrative section where he and Coats are directed straight into Major Walker’s office only to find that it isn’t their CO standing there, but none other than Commander David Anderson.  

Startled, Caleb stands at attention, unable to salute due to the bandages on his shoulder.  Coats is less than a second behind him.  The older man eyes them both critically, his face a neutral mask.  Caleb swallows and curses softly to himself in silence, hoping he hasn’t just ruined his one shot at a decent life outside of Ireland in front of the very man who gave it to him.  

“Well, now,” the booming voice of the commander begins as he steps out from around the desk, “would one of you like to tell me what the hell is going on?”  One dark brow arches sharply upward, but there is a hint of a twitch at the left corner of his lips that leaves Caleb wondering.  

Neither Caleb nor Coats moves, but both try to find an extra inch of spine in their apprehension at the scrutiny, eyes straight ahead.  Anderson crosses the room and shuts the door behind them.  “At ease,” he finally tells them.

Caleb pauses, breath catching in his lungs. Beside him, he senses Coats’ trepidation as well.  “Sir…?” he dares when Anderson returns to his previous position.  

The commander’s face pinches slightly around the eyes, his lips pressed thin.  This isn’t the face of a man about to dress them down, Caleb decides after a moment of study.  He darts a quick look over at Coats, but his friend shrugs almost imperceptibly.

“Sit down,” Anderson says, a huff of laughter escaping with the words.  “Go on, sit down.”  A slow smile curves across his face, reaching his dark eyes.  Both Caleb and Coats do as Anderson instructs, dropping into the uncomfortable seats.  As the man leans forward, arms resting on the desk, he says, “Now, I think it is about time we three have a little chat.”

Coats is the first to respond.  “A chat?  Sir?”

Anderson nods.  “I understand you two have had a bit of a…struggle with one another since your arrival.”

Caleb sits very still in his chair, opting to stay silent.  The little he knows of this man, the few conversations they’ve had and the short time they’ve spent together, all which happened over a couple of years before just prior to his being sent to basic training, now tickles at the back of his mind. Anderson has a wicked sense of humor – that much he recalls.  Add in his friendship with Athair, and it only makes the pieces that much more puzzling to put together, but he has an idea.  The gleam in Anderson’s eyes is a hint at confirmation.  

“Struggle?” Coats exclaims, darting a quick look over at Caleb as he huffs.  “That’s putting it mildly.”

Caleb ponders a way to approach it without sounding like an accusation.  The man had done him, and by extension Athair, a huge favor, but there were still limits to how far he could presume upon their friendship.  Still, something about this current situation suggests he has a bit of leeway.  “Sir, was this…a set up?”

Anderson’s gaze zeros in on him with the question, and for the first time, Caleb knows what it means to be targeted ‘in someone’s sights.’  It isn’t a comfortable feeling as such, but he’s sticking to his decision come hell or high water.  “’Set up’ might be putting too fine a point on it.”

“So, you’re the one behind this?”  Coats, apparently, isn’t afraid to sound accusatory.

“Behind you two being roommates?  I am.”  

There is a history here between the two, he thinks. Caleb knows from first-hand experience that Anderson is a man who masks his reactions well.  Coats is good, but not quite that level of good.  He recognizes a knowing glint in Coats’ steely eyes, the twitch of the corner of his lips as they curl upward just enough to form a smug, half-grin.  Curious.  Caleb sits back to watch.  

Basically, I KNEW I wanted Coats and Caleb to be at odds with each other, to be English vs. Irish most of the way through sniper school, but by the end of it, they were going to be best friends.  I ALSO knew that Anderson was responsible for it - setting them up as roommates.  There’s a history there, between Coats and Anderson, one Caleb really wants to find out (and we likely will find out further details down the road...).

Thanks so much for asking!

[unicyclehippo]

Prompt~ since the crush-reveal nott has been watching more closely and can see the cracks in beau’s facade (Also sidenote love love love your work mate sending good vibes from across the ditch ☺️)

ay mate, all good vibes yeah? how’s it hangin?

//

‘that went well, i think!’

jester. nott would’ve guessed it came from her even if the words hadn’t been so distinctively painted by her accent. they’re not just optimistic, cheerful; in the face of the absolute shit show - literally - that just went down here in the sewers beneath the city, it’s borderline pathological to be so optimistic. unless, of course, the person were jester and they were lying through their teeth in an effort to cheer up their friends.

‘yeah,’ beau calls from where she’s leaned against the slimed walls. she doesn’t seem to notice the slime, or maybe it just doesn’t matter when she’s already kinda coated in shit. ‘definitely could’ve gone worse.’

‘how?’ fjord groans.

‘one of us could’ve died.’

‘okay, good point, fair point. help me up?’

it’s hard to hear over fjord’s whining, but nott thinks she hears a wheeze, a stifled little something from beau when she offers him a hand, hauls him to his feet.

‘you good?’

‘no need for the tone,’ fjord grumbles, drops her hand, wiping the slime onto slime covered pants. ‘i didn’t see you half drowned to distract the fucking thing.’

beau grins a crooked grin, red staining between her teeth. ‘it had two heads, fjord. you know that, right?’

his shoulders slump. ‘so i didn’t even distract it. great.’

‘i mean. you distracted half of it,’

‘super. super great. just what i wanted to hear. great. count on you, beau,’ he says with a mocking little wag of his finger, ‘to give it to me honestly. nothing but blunt fucking honesty from you, eh?’

if she weren’t watching as closely as she is, nott would miss the flash of guilt and confusion and, so so fast nott almost think she imagines it, hurt. and then beau is shaking her head, clapping him on the shoulder.

‘shut the fuck up,’ she laughs. ‘un-poison yourself, oh paladin. cad looks like he’s two seconds from begging to heal you, go on.’

‘huh? oh—hey caduceus, would you?’

with jester tending to caleb and yasha, and caduceus with fjord, nott sidles up beside beau.

‘he didn’t mean it,’ she finds herself saying.

‘huh?’

‘fjord. that whole honesty thing,’

‘yeah he did.’ beau doesn’t look upset that nott was trying to lie; if anything, she looks amused. ‘it’s fine, it’s whatever. he’s not wrong.’

‘hmm.’

‘what hmm?’

‘nothing, nothing.’

beau sighs. ‘i’m not in the mood for guessing games. say what you wanna say or go fawn over caleb.’

‘i’ll go make sure he’s okay, definitely,’ nott corrects her.

‘great. go on.’

‘in a moment. are you okay?’

‘i’m fine,’ beau lies. she shifts. hisses. clutches to her side and as the fabric shifts, nott can see the great claw marks in her flesh.

it’s strange, to be privy to beau’s weakness. not that being injured is a weakness, gods know every one of them has been close to or over that line before. but beau never shows it if she can help it. it almost fills nott with a weird sense of pride, knowing that beau sort of trusts her of all people; and then it makes nott’s stomach drop down down down so fast she’s sick with it and her hands come up, to defend, to fight, to fix whatever she can.

‘holy shit! beau,’

‘it’s fine,’

‘no it’s not! that’s the opposite of fine!’ nott shrieks.

beau clamps a hand over nott’s mouth, careful of the teeth. ‘shut up! do you want to attract more of those things?’

nott shakes her off. pitches her voice low again. ‘you’re fully two centimetres from being fully gutted! that’s not fine! that’s like saying a cyclone is fine weather! that’s like saying avantika was pleasant! that’s like-‘ beau waits for a third analogy, vaguely expectant and even more vaguely amused. ‘you need to get that healed.’

‘it’s fine,’ beau insists. ‘i’m still on my feet, aren’t i?’ she takes a few steps, hands spread wide as if to say, see? ‘besides, cad does his best healing when we’re unconcious.’

‘so you’re, what? just gonna wait until something knocks you down?’

‘i mean,’ beau shrugs. ‘yeah.’

‘that’s stupid.’

‘gee.’

‘no, i mean it, that’s a terrible idea.’ judging from the way beau’s eyes slide away to the side, away from nott’s prying stare, she knows it too. ‘are you punishing yourself for som-‘

‘no,’ beau snaps.

nott squints and stares and slowly nods. ‘alright. i believe that. then why?’

her cheek ticks, jaw clenching. when it happens again, nott realises that the girl is chewing on the inside of her cheek. it’s weird for that to be the thing that does it but the gesture is oddly familiar, reminds her of a young and nervous veth, and staring up at this girl literally covered in shit and blood, face pale beneath the muck, nott realises again that beau is all of twenty something and, as far as she knows, has had shit all in her life until the nein came along. nott can understand that, to a degree, but she at least had had her family and her husband until the goblins took her away.

‘they’ve got limited spells,’ beau says. ‘i keep track of this shit. tactics, y’know.’

‘so you’re playing the sacrificial knight, are you?’

‘i don’t intend to die,’ beau scoffs. ‘i’m just making sure that when we actually need a heal, there’s one for us.’

nott narrows her eyes. ‘you’re worth a heal, beau.’

‘that’d be a first.’ beau didn’t mean to say it. nott can tell by the way she flinches, then winces. she reaches toward nott. ‘don’t - you can’t - i didn’t mean that,’

‘i won’t tell a soul,’ nott promises. ‘if you ask her to heal you right now.’

‘nott,’

‘you’re of no use to us dead. go on now. shoo, shoo,’

//

she’d nearly forgotten about the shit monster and her sudden shitty understanding of the girl a few weeks later when it became increasingly clear they would have to head to kamordah.

beau had disappeared partway through the revelry of another job well done for a lovely amount of coin, and it isn’t until the wee hours that she returns, a fat lip and bloody knuckles the only sign of what she might’ve been up to.

nott sets her tankard down with a thump, watches as beau’s human eyes try to peer through the darkness to find her.

‘have fun, did you?’

‘nott.’

‘detective nott brenatto,’

‘that’s new,’

‘trying it out,’ nott tells her, words and fear of it mellowed a little by the sweet and very ineffective mead she’s been drinking. ‘get it all out of your system?’

beau slides onto the stool next to her. presses a brutal thumb to the split skin on her first knuckle. ‘most of it.’

‘wanna talk about it?’

‘nothing to talk about.’

‘wow. wow. lying to your best friend. i get it. wow.’ nott allows herself a small victory smile when the comment makes beau snort. ‘kamordah, huh.’

beau goes still as a statue. casts a sideways look nott’s way, who catches it, a raised brow her only reply.

‘i’m scared,’ she says.

nott barely contains a flinch. seeing it, knowing it, is one thing. beau saying it is quite another. ‘i’ll kill him for you, if you want. just say the word.’

beau snorts again. reaches over the bar top for a mug—not seeming to care whether it’s clean or dirty—and from a wine skin on her hip she pours herself a glass. it smells like the worst wine, a copper a barrel type casked wine, and beau drinks it down like it’s fresh water in a desert.

when she speaks, her voice is a little hoarse and nott doesn’t know whether that’s from the wine only a step above acid, or because she really doesn’t want to say what she’s saying.

‘it’s not him. it’s me.’

‘right. i’ll believe that never.’

beau treats her to one of those rare smiles, the actual nice ones. not the ones she practices with fjord but the real ones. a little awkward, a little crooked. jester smiles, nott has been thinking of them as, since she only smiles like that for jester. nott’s eyes gleam as she takes in the rarity, tucks it away mentally with the rest of her treasured items.

‘i don’t mean he’s not an asshole. he is. i’m just—‘ she swipes her fingers in a ring of whatever liquor has been left on the counter, drags the circle outwards into two horns and a little tail. ‘i’ve been trying really fuckin’ hard to be better or whatever, leave every place better than we found it, and—‘

‘you don’t think you can do that there.’

beau shrugs. ‘i don’t want to.’

nott hums in sympathy. ducks a little to take in the entirety of beau’s scowl. ‘that doesn’t make you an asshole, you realise.’

‘kinda does. if i’m picking and choosing the places i get to leave better.’

nott considers that for a minute. then sighs, reaches up to pat beau’s shoulder. ‘mollymauk was a lot of things,’ she says, ‘and he talked a lot of shit. but he was a good guy.’

‘yeah. he was.’

‘and i think if he were here, and listening to this, he’d say fuck that place.’ her vehemence startles a laugh out of beau, brings a little glint to clouded eyes. ‘fuck that place, fuck thoreau, and fuck kamordah. you’re one of the mighty fucking nein! you’re the only thing in kamordah worth a damn thing! and if you want us to burn the place to the ground, we’ll fuckin’ do it!’

‘the wine is actually really good, and pretty expensive,’

‘okay, well, steal the wine first and then burn it to the ground. i can improvise, i can adapt.’

beau shakes her head, laughs again. it’s a snotty laugh and nott doesnt bring attention to it, or her suspiciously wet eyes.

‘thanks. i’ll keep it in mind.’

‘you do that.’ nott pats her hand. jumps down off her stool. ‘see you in the morning.’

‘yeah. see you.’

[a-prekliatyvlk]

                                            Lets Talk Weapons

Weapons are the pack’s best friend. Most of them have had the same weapons for centuries. Its a right of passage, every wolf get’s a knife made by Oliva when they are brought in. Anyone under the age of 18 in the pack, so born or brought in, will not get a knife until their 18th birthday. Oliva makes the weapons to fit the specifications of the person she is making it for. Normally the blade has the blood of the person in it to forge a better bond between the user and the weapon. Most wolves have three blades, there are some that have just one, it’s normally the death blade. The wolves believe that when you kill someone the thing that you kill them with traps their soul. By making a blade for that you are then carrying around the souls of the death with you. Not only to honor them for their sacrifice but to use them when you are in a situation that is needed for guidance. A very strange guardian angel. Most give their blades a name, based off of the power their wish it to hold or a part of their self they wish to imprint into the blade.

Although Abbott has magic, he has a trident ( almost like this one here) along with a hook blade. (almost like this one here) Though they have not been named they have been with him for centuries, forged long before Oliva was brought into the pack.

Aiden has throwing cards made by Oliva, they where made with the intention of subduing a person, the blades where covered in a type of poison that puts people to sleep. (as seen like the ones here) He calls them Spanie so smrťou, which means Sleeping with Death. He calls it that because if you have too much of the poison it can kill you. He also has a doubled edged Scythe that Oliva made him, he has yet a name for it but he does use it alot. (as seen some what like the one here)

Alex does not fight, in fact even running away from someone would make him tired beyond a doubt. Though he does have a blade (something like this here) It is called Malá smrteľná čepel which means Little Death Blade because it is a small blade and if aimed right in one shot he can kill someone with it. Though he doesn’t fight, he runs if he is by himself he wishes not to cause trouble.

Alica is a doctor and she doesn’t condone violence however if she where to get into trouble she has a blade to which she can use. She did not name it but she does have it incase. (as seen here)

Alojz weapon’s is mostly guns seeing as he is a cop. He has three different kinds. One he uses as his on duty gun (seen here) The other two (as seen here andhere) are off duty guns. These are used in times he needs to get out of some where fast. He does have two blades a machete and a knife that he carries on his person at all times off duty or on. (seen here and here) None of his weapons are named.

Ania has many different blades. All of them are throwing blades and or hand blades. She calls them all her Malé bozky which means little children. (here,here and here are throwing blade examples. Here, here and here are hand blade examples.) She has doubled bladed knives that she used when she does not have her throwing or hand knives on her. She calls the pair Duša smrti which mean soul of death. (seen here).

Archer uses a more traditional form of weaponry. He has a bow (seen here) called  Svetlo na oblohe or Light in the Sky. He wishes only to use it for hunting, or rather for using it as practice. He does not wish to harm anyone but he will if he must. He has a ax (seen here) and a hunting knife (seen here) the hunting knife is called pokojná smrť which means peaceful death. The ax does not have a name as he rarely uses it.

Artem has the same sword that Katia does. (this one). His blade is called Múdrosť bojovník. Meaning Wisdom Warrior. He also just like Katia’s wheel blades has some simmilar. (these) They are called Múdrosť viazaná, Wisdom bound. He also has these small blades all over his body. He calls them Malá smrť meaning Little Death. He uses them only to bring someone down. Not to kill. That is this blade he uses to end someone’s life. He never named it because he has never used it to kill someone. He never kill’s he would rather use his words.

Arthur does not like to use weapons to fight. He wishes to use his abilities to fight someone off. Though he does have a staff called Pravda alebo smrť which means Truth or Death. (seen here and here its a cross between the two) He rarely uses the staff choosing to use it if someone was an asshole to him, otherwise he keeps it hidden on his person.

Ava does not use weapons as she believes it speaks poorly on her if she wished to harm someone she would just use her magic.

Aster Adams while working to help children does have weapons. He carries two different canes that have blades build into them one is called úprimnosť or pravda meaning honestly/truth (seen here) and spravodlivosť meaning justice (seenhere). He also carries two small weapons on him. A little blade (seen here) and a pen that counts as a blade (seen here) He uses both of these in emergency situations he can’t bring his cane’s too.

Caleb has a weapon he calls Mesačný kameň which means moon stone. Its only used in rituals and he doesn’t like to hurt people (as seen here) he does have another weapon though he did not name it. (seen here)

Cecília has three weapons. One is her work weapon that she only uses on duty (as seen here) and the other two are her off duty weapons (seen here)  these are the ones she uses if she gets herself into trouble. She has no name for the weapons yet.

Clarence Castor, while prefer’s to use his magic as something to protect himself with, he does do some body guard type thing’s once in a while so he has to be prepared. He has two guns called násilná smrť or violent death (seen here). A sword (seen here) that is not named and a hand blade (seen here) that is not named.

Dacian prefers guns. It is easier for him to control and be accurate with a gun then a knife. He has a 9 mil that he uses regularly and always has on him (seenhere) he calls it strážny pe meaning watchdog. He uses it when he needs protection. He does have a silencer and such to go with the gun, He also has two guns that he keeps when he knows he is going to war. He calls one anjel and the other úmrtia meaning angel and death. (seen here)

Dominic prefers hand to hand fighting. He does not fight as he also will hurt is heart if he fights too much as he does have a bad heart.

Duncan is always moving, because of that he has to be careful what weapons he has on him. So he carries guns (seen here and here and here and here) he also has two very old school knives that he carries (seen here). These are as always hidden on his person. He tries not too have them showing as he doesn’t want to get pulled over.

Elijah while a demon / witch. He would rather use his power’s than weapons, he finds them out dated and antiquated. However that being said if he needs to prerform a ritual he will use a blade (seen here) called zlý or godless.

Emma has alot of weapons since she is always in the outdoors. Though she does have a gun (seen here) not named. She does have a bunch of knives and a sword (seen here and here). She also carries a bow with her. This is mostly a hunting bow so that she can catch food if she can not find some city to stay in. (seenhere) The bow is not named.

Ethan unlike his sister has ALOT of weapons. Most of them guns (seen here andhere and here) The two dual sets are called svetlo a tma meaning light and dark. He also has a long sword (seen here) that does not have a name. He does have a sort of brass knuckle that he uses it’s called drvič čeľuste or jaw crusher (seenhere) He does have a blade that he uses for death but he has not named it. (seenhere)

Eva does not condone violence, that being saids he does have weapons if she needed to defend herself. She has a pair of fan blades (seen here) a pair of hair blades (seen here) a icicle knife (seen here) and a bunch of long swords and throwing knives. She does not use these as much (seen here)

While Galen does prefer to stay out of thing’s such as fight’s. He has a whip (seenhere) a throwing ax (seen here) and a long knife (seen here)

Iryna does not fight, she chooses not too as well as she can’t fight well. In the end she hides behind everyone else. If she does get backed into a corner, she does in fact use her fire power.

Iskra uses her powers, her fire gives her the ability to set thing’s on fire without actually having a starter (or rather something that gets the fire going for her) because she is a body guard she has ample weapons on her persons at all time. She has two set’s of gun’s and knives on her (seen here) and some knuckle blades (seen here). She only uses this when she can’t burn shit to the ground. She does ave ample weapons stock at her home, including different caliber guns and different knives.

Jackson does not use weapon’s, he uses his power’s if he needs to fight. He tends not to fight and prefer’s to stay in the background he does not wish to kill.

Katia and Artem had knives made for each other when they were younger, each of the same blade but different names. They are the exact same blade but different marking’s and names. This sword’s name is Krvný bojovník. Which mean’s Blood Warrior. If she ever had to fight she would use this sword, it has been with her since she was turned. She also has Wheel blades Spojovať duša. Bonded and the other one is Soul. They work together and are often tucked away on either side of her sword on her back. On each one of her hip’s she has these. Žiadatelia, which mean The Seekers. She only uses them in close close combat. She uses them almost like huge throwing knives. She doesn’t pull them out alot. She has one gun (seen here) and she does not use it unless she is in an area where close combat can’t be done. most of her weapons are close combat. The last weapon she carries is this. Called Smrť. Meaning Death. This is a weapons he only uses to end life. Very rarely is it used even more so than her hip blades.

Liam much like Katia is decked out in weapons. As Katia is head of security and Liam is her second he has to have a lot of weapons. He has a bat (looks like thisand this combined) he does not name any of his weapons. Kat tries to get him too but he says no. He has 3 different brass knuckles that he uses (seen here,here and here) He also has a throwing knife which he can use as sort of a scythe (seen here) he also has a hand covering that stores throwing knives incase he needs to bring back up (seen here)

Louren does not like fighting and does not carry weapons.

Marcus is the same way, if he does have to fight it is hand to hand combat with no weapons. Though that does not happen often.

Matus is a healer and not a fighter. If he does, he tends to poison people. He would rather do that then fight them face to face.

Oliva while the maker of weapons only keeps 3 weapons on her. A blade which she uses for death kills (seen here) called krvný obeh or bloodstream. A hunting blade which she uses for defense called mesačné dieťa or moonchild (seen here) And a little blade she wears around her neck called malý mesiac or little moon (seen here)

Pandora does not believe in using weapons. She uses her mind to make someones worst nightmare come to life in front of them. Otherwise she tends to stay out of fights.

Scarlett tries not to fight, infact she detests it. She would rather not use her wolf to fight and thus has one weapon and that is a dagger (seen here) she does not carry it with her and it’s under her bed. She only uses it if she needs too. She had hired muscle (aiden and liam) for a reason

Sophia has many guns (seen here) she also besides her guns as one long sword called udržať plameň meaning flame keep (seen here) She uses this when guns won’t work for her. Which is very little.

Stella if fighting would use hand to hand combat and then stab someone with her heel. Otherwise she stays out of the fight.

Tristian uses a sort of throwing blades (seen here) and a knife (seen here) along with some longer swords (seen here) along with needles that he uses to throw to pin people down. This also has poison on it to stun them. (seen here)

Violet has two weapons that her brother keeps for her. A small blade (seen here) and a hunting blade (seen here) both of these have not been used since Violet went into hiding into her wolf. She prefers to use her wolf form as she has had much practice in that.

Ziggy does not do weapons. He will not fight unless provoked and when he does it’s hand to hand combat. (kat taught him) otherwise he tends to let everyone else do the fighting after all he does not wish to leave his son alone in this world.

[eldritchtickles]

This is the fic for that request I got sent a little while ago for a tickly ic between Fjord and Caduceus of Critical Role! Honestly I haven’t written anything in so long, but this was super fun to do. And while I’ve like 2 weeks of nothing to do, maybe do some more if people are interested! I also added Jester into the fray just for the sheer energy she brings lmao. Hope yous enjoy!

Insight Check

Fandom: Critical Role

Word Count: 1558

Caduceus was a perceptive person, everyone knew that. He wasn’t nosy or anything of the sort, he just took in things that grabbed his attention. A flower in bloom, growing slowly into something beautiful. A new type of fungus growing on the side of the road that he hadn’t seen before, doing its very important job of bringing those plants that had went to the other side back into the embrace of the Wild Mother to be reused. Sometimes it was more in people. Seeing Caleb and Nott’s private conversations and purposefully keeping out their whispers from his ears, or maybe a pining look from Beau to Jester that she imagined no one else would ever notice.

Today as the firbolg was making some tea by the campfire, he couldn’t help but notice a brooding figure on the edges of the Nein’s camp. He smiled softly, listening to the arguments and jokes the rest of the party was involved in as he made his way over to the sullen half-orc looking out into the darkness of the night. The Mighty Nein was making their way back from the Menagerie Coast and toward the Empire for the next leg of their journey, and the soft sounds of distant lapping waves still reached the camp.

“Hope you don’t mind me joining you Mr. Fjord”, Caduceus said, before sitting cross legged beside the man. “I brought you some tea.”

“Oh, Caduceus!”. Fjord immediately replaced his sullen expression with a soft smile, taking the cup from the taller man’s hand and blowing the steam away. “Thanks, I could probably use it right about now..”

Before Cad had a chance to pry further, the excited bounding of feet approached the duo with a shout.

“Caduceuuuuuuuus, can I have some tea too?”, the ever joyous Jester shouted as she ran over to them. She had taken off her armour in preparation for bed, as the other two had done.

“Heh, of course you can.”, the firbolg said, pouring another cup for his blue skinned compatriot. “It’s from the Esren family, they always make a nice blend.”

The three sat and chatted for a little bit, sipping their tea as Jester recounted tales of The Traveller and his amazing miracles while Cad and Fjord shared knowing glances over cups when Jester added her usual embellishments. Though Caduceus’ natural insight kicked in as always, catching the sad, almost fearful glances Fjord cast to the ocean a bit away. With his close relationship to the Wild Mother, Caduceus could hardly imagine what it would be like being tied to a being of such malice as Uk’otoa… 

“And THEN”, Jester continued, showing her latest drawings of the day, depicting Frumpkin doing a little dance. “Caleb sent Frumpkin to cheer up Beau with a little dance, but she only reeeaaaally started giggling and smiling when his little whiskers nuzzled into her neck and it was so cute, and after that-“

Hm. Caduceus had seen that happen too… It did cheer up her usual demeanour, even if it was because of a little tickle.

Oh, hang on. That could work! With a sly smile not often seen on the pastel cleric’s face, he sidled up to Fjord side and continued to listen to his fellow cleric’s enthusiastic storytelling.

“That’s nice Jester, sounds like you’ve had a real fun day!”, Caduceus laughed, ruffling her hair as the tiefling giggled with a big smile up to him. Then he looked to Fjord, who had once again went into his own thoughts out at sea. “Mr. Fjord, are you even listening to Jester’s stories?”

“Hm? Oh, yeah course I- AH!!”

Fjord got quite the surprise when suddenly, he felt Caduceus’ giant fingers scribbling along his ribs through his thin shirt. He just managed to hold in a chuckle before he leaned away from the hand assaulting him. He could feel his face flush at his almost outburst, before it went an even deeper green hearing Jester’s gasp.

“Fjord!!”, the girl gasped, eyes alight with wonder before a mischievous glint appeared in her eyes and her lips gave a teasing grin. “Are you ticklish~?”

Before Fjord could stumble over his words to try find an out of this situation, he felt Cad wrap an arm around his shoulder and pull him in close.

“Don’t tease Mr. Fjord, he just got surprised is all. Should’ve maybe tapped you on the shoulder instead hm?”, Clay said, looking down on Fjord with a soft smile. Fjord didn’t trust that smile… But the cleric was hard to read at the best of times. So instead he just leaned into his friend’s arm, happy at least for the warmth.

“Yeah, that’s right.. Sorry Jess, go on. I’m listening!”

Jester side eyed the two boys across from her suspiciously, but continued her story nonetheless. Fjord on the other hand tried to be as attentive as he could as Cad talked away to the blue tiefling.

“And do cupcakes have to be there to help The Traveller?”

“Obviously they do Caduceus! They need to be tasty, and delicious, and-“

“Ah!! Caduhuhuhuceues, lemme gohohoho!!”, Fjord suddenly shouted, squirming around half in the other man’s lap.

“Could you quiet down? Ms. Jester and I are trying to have a conversation~.”, Caduceus said with a teasing lilt to his voice. He talked as if he wasn’t aware of his fingers scurrying around Fjord’s tummy and sides, scribbling and squeezing the warlock’s apparently sensitive flanks. “Go on Jester, I’m listening.”

Jester watched Cad shoot his fingers under the half-orc’s arms, before wiggling his fingers all around which earned a spluttering laugh from his mouth. Caduceus kept up his conversation with his fellow cleric, looking down every now and then to the giggling boy in his lap to shush him. Jester, being a cleric of a trickery god, was more than happy to join in.

“Yeah Fjord, keep it down!”, she giggled, delivering a few pokes to his tummy that brought an embarrassing cackle before he swatted at her hands. “You’re not too ticklish for this conversation are you~? Gods, you’re so giggly!”

“J-Jester dohohon’t encourage hihihIHIHIHI HEHEHEY!!”, Fjord shouted, before falling back against Cad’s chest as Jester’s almost talon like tiefling fingers vibrated between his ribs. Still Caduceus dug in under his arms, finding that harder tickles worked well on the poor green skin. “DOUBLE TEHEHEHEAM IS FUCKIN’ CHEHEHEHEATING AND YOU BOHOHOTH KNOW IT!!”

“Aw, c’mon now don’t be like that.”, Caduceus laughed, nuzzling his cheek into Fjord as his pastel pink beard brushed ticklishly off his ears. “You’ve been mopey all day, we’re just trying to cheer you up is all!”

“IHIHIHI’M FIHIHIHINE, NOW GEHEHEHET!!”, the warlock shouted, but Caduceus knew better. After all, he was fairly insightful. He watched as Fjord’s hands latched on to Jester’s wrists, but didn’t actually push away. He squirmed in Cad’s lap, but didn’t roll away. But the most telling of all signs… Not once had the giggly half-orc said stop.He was enjoying it~.

“Ooh what about here~?”, Jester squealed, fingers darting to squeeze Fjord’s thighs with quick, repetitive pinches.

“No no Jester, I think here is better.”, Caduceus chimed in, large firbolg fingers wrapping around his companion’s waist to squeeze and dig in to his hips.

The combined effort of two holy clerics on one poor pact tied warlock was too much for the man, as his deep belly laughter started to become interspersed with the most embarrassing of shrieks and whines. Tears started to well in the corners of his eyes as his legs kicked to dislodge the clawed fingers latched to his legs, to no avail. His hands shot to hold on to Caduceus’, but didn’t push them off yet again. The grave cleric smiled fondly down at the laughing, genuinely happy face of his friend. He was proud of his work here.

“YOHOHOHOHOU TWO- EEEHEHEHAHAHAHA!! AHAHAHARE SOOOO GETTING IHIHIHIT!!”

“Alright, alright… You’ve had enough here tough guy~”, the firblog said before releasing his wiling captive. Jester let go too, albeit more reluctantly. As soon as they did, Fjord slumped against the chest of the taller man with an unrestrained happy grin.

“Now, you feeling better Mr. Fjord?”

“Yeah, you gonna stop being grumpy and sad and stuff now?”, Jester asked, a devilish smirk on her face.

“Phew…. Ha… Yeah, almost…”, Fjord huffed, making his way off of Caduceus and between the two clerics with an embarrassed glance to Cad, who just smiled back sweetly.

“ALMOST?!”, Jester cried incredulously, scooting closer to Fjord and Cad. “What more could you need?!”

“Well, for one…”

Suddenly, Fjord pushed both the healers to the ground with a surprised squeak from Jester and a cheerful laugh from Caduceus. Just as quickly, his nimble sailor’s fingers dug in to both their tummies with squeezes, spidering, clawing, and poking. Jester was lost in a flurry of wild, girly giggles as she rocked side to side, sweet little snorts and squeaks filling the spaces between breaths. Caduceus lay there and laughed freely, curling up slightly but without a speck of fight against this onslaught.

“I’ll be much better when I get my revenge on you two dumbasses~”, Fjord laughed, smiling wide down at his two previous assailants with tusks on show.

Caduceus had seen this coming a mile away. But who was he to deny his friends a bit of fun?

[annoyinglyjovialbird]

Voltron: Next Generation

Juvenile Matters: III

Word Count: 2938

On the Coeus, dinner came and went. The excited teens sat at their usual table in the kitchen, chatting, and reconnecting. The adults stared in confusion, wondering what the teens could be so excited about. Before the adults could retire to the med bay, Liz and Allie stood up and met the adults at the door. Allie spoke as Liz covered her mouth to keep the gelatinous pink blob in her mouth. Together, the pair led the adults sans Shiro and Kenny to the floor below the main. 

The huge space was dark, smelled of dust, and seemed empty until Liz pulled the light switch. The bright white walls blinded them at first, but the orange stripes, digital keypads, and metal archways came into view as their eyes settled. They kept the power off on the majority of the ship to conserve power, and with more people on board, Keith had graduated to his room. If he wanted. Since they had found his wife. The floor lit up hall by hall until there was nowhere for the shadows to hide. The matching metal archways stood in the mouth of the hallways, with another in between the entries. As Allie led them to the closest hallway, Liz set herself on shutting the hall from the rest of the floor. Pidge and Keith took one room and Hunk took the room across from theirs. With that, Allie turned off the lights in the other rooms and quickly ran to Hunk. The girls helped them take the old sheets from their beds, lift and secure fallen furniture, even advised where to position the beds in case of an attack. Hunk followed the advice, while Keith and Pidge chose not to. 

Whatever. Preferences. 

Hunk asked about meals and how that would work, while Keith asked if relinquishing control was going to be a common thing. Allie explained the digital keypad on the wall and how its neutral position is a clock, while Liz stated the Colonel would inform them of the schedule when it was finalized and cleared with the team. One was sweet and accommodating and the other was the epitome of professionalism. Together, the girls rode up to the main floor and left the adults to settle in. Kenny was the first to find them, ushering them into the bridge. 

He stood on the floor with hands on his hips, meeting each of the smiling paladins' eyes. He then announced his idea. An idea he has had stewing for several days, and now it's time to take it off the stove. The reactions were different brands of confusion, but it was confusion nonetheless. 

"What?" Kova asked, hoping Kenny would clarify. 

"Reform the Galactic Coalition," Kenny repeated. "We don't have any info on Yorak, the model of that ship is still rendering, and there is nothing else to do." Kova gave a little pout, probably wondering why she didn't think of that. Caleb raised his hands in a 'Are you serious?' gesture, dropping to them to rest on his console desk. 

"Reform it?" Caleb asked. "How, exactly?"

"Well, we could probably—"

"Along with that, we're kids!" Caleb had clapped his hands together, grabbing Kova's attention. "What do we know about inter-space politics?" 

"Um," Allie turned her chair so she could look up at Caleb. "Are you serious?" Her soft voice traveled to the other members who stared at Caleb. 

"I don't know. Kova?" Liz looked from Caleb to Kova, who stared at her brother. 

"Unfortunately, he is." 

"What?" 

"'What do we know about interspace politics?'" Kova muttered to herself, putting her head down. Caleb looked from Kova to Kenny, hoping to get some sort of explanation. Kenny shrugged his shoulders. 

"Kova, what?" She looked up with bored eyes and pushed herself up. 

"Allura has studied under the ruler, the diplomat, and the medical staff of Altea since she could write. Cake has apprenticed under and learned the customs of different chefs, bakers, and staff that have worked for his father since he could walk." The pair in question stared at Caleb pointedly as Kova spoke. "Not to mention, your sister has been interacting with diplomats since she was born." Her arms had changed from being leaned for support to supporting her head with a fist while her other hand counted out the experienced members of the new Team Voltron. 

"I get it!" Caleb held up a hand in surrender, hoping Kova would stop. She did not. 

"If that wasn't enough, Dad also had to play diplomat for several years before, during, and after the Great War for the universe. Oh, and he helped /create/ the Galactic Coalition in the first place." The bridge fell silent, waiting for Caleb's response. 

"So we should be blaming Dad for this?" 

"He got the point," Kova announced, standing up. The other members turned their chairs and heads forward to Kenny and the now activated screen behind him. "What are we thinking, Ken?"

"I'm thinking Daibaazaal since they're Galra. Not to mention they're probably battle-ready." 

"We already have Daibaazaal support," Kova said much too quickly. "Who's next?" 

"Oh, uh," Kenny tripped over his words. "Altea, then." 

"They're behind us," Allie said, typing on her screen. A long-distance chat box appeared on the larger screen, with the sender labeled 'Blue' and the recipient 'Romelle'. The exchange proved what Allie had said, with Romelle promising troops if Voltron could prove its existence. 

"I don't have proof, but I can guarantee it," Kova said, grabbing Kenny's attention. On the tablet he had stolen from the Colonel, he drew a large T-chart. On the left, he wrote 'With' and on the right, 'Without'. In the left column, he wrote Earth, Daibaazaal, and Altea and moved down the list of planets and star systems. Allie removed her chatbox and listened intently. 

"Is Naxzela still under Galra rule?" 

"I wouldn't count on it." 

"Puig?"

"Has their top layer reformed?" Cake asked, earning him a stare or two from the other paladins. "When they joined the Coalition, their acidic planet was shedding its crust. Did their crust reform or are they still living on their moon?" 

"Liz, put that on our itinerary." 

"We don't have one, but I'll start one." Liz began typing away as they continued down the list. Kenny had placed a question mark beside Daibaazaal, but no other planets were added onto the list. The three planets remained. The teens searched through maps until they ran out of resources. By then, it was time to sleep. One by one, the teens wished each other good night and retreated to their rooms. Kova stayed up, staring at the large map.

There was nothing to warn her about the hand that came to rest on her shoulder. It was much smaller than Shiro's or Caleb's. The former Paladins should've already gone to bed by the time the teens finished up on the bridge. 

Kova felt as though her reaction was justified. 

Taking the stranger's wrist in her hand, Kova spun around and hooked her right leg around the stranger's left, knocking them off balance while striking them in the face. As the intruder fell on the floor, Kova quickly pulled her knife and held it against the intruder's throat. 

"What did you expect?" Kova muttered, more annoyed than angry. Krolia lay still underneath her, looking at the knife in Kova's hand. The blade hadn't elongated, but the purple symbol on its hilt wasn't hidden in any way. 

"I thought I would have more of a 'Thank you'," Krolia said, now meeting Kova's eyes. "Especially from my granddaughter." Kova scoffed, pulled Krolia off the ground a few inches before shoving back to the ground. Kova stood up in the process, sheathing her blade. 

"Leave." Kova turned to face her console, shutting the screen. The lights remained dimmed, but Krolia only stood from her place on the floor. Kova could feel Krolia's eyes stare into the back of her head, hoping she'd turn around. 

"Let me explain myself first." Another scoff from Kova. To her, what was there to explain? She already knew. Kova mumbled something under her breath. Krolia stepped forward, hoping to hear Kova repeat it. Instead, Kova turned her head so fast, her braid flew onto her left shoulder. Kova's bright eyes met Krolia's purple and yellow ones. 

"'Too young for a battlefield.'" Kova watched as Krolia's eyes widened. She remembered. "I never blamed you. You were fighting the beginnings of a war and I was too young for a battlefield."  

"Kyla," Krolia said, stepping forward. She stopped, looking angry with herself. "Kova." 

"Kova, what's going on?" Caleb said, half-asleep. He was rubbing his eyes. When he saw Krolia, he rushed and tackled her to the ground, much to Krolia's surprise. "Get Dad!" 

"Caleb, it's fine." Kova crossed her arms, staring at the teen on top of Krolia's back and holding her arms. 

"How did she even get on the ship?" Caleb asked, not taking his eyes off Krolia. "Dad!" He shouted, noticing Kova's lack of movement. 

"What happened? What's wrong?" Shiro yelled, rushing into the bridge, activating the lights. Kova had stepped back, leaning on the railing. Caleb was pinning Krolia down, and Krolia was wiggling, trying to gain an upper hand on Caleb. Wait, Krolia?

"Hello, Colonel." Krolia greeted. "I'd shake your hand, but I'm preoccupied at the moment." 

"Kova." 

"I'll explain in a minute." Shiro sighed, marching over to drag Caleb off the Galra. Krolia stood, stretching her arms as Caleb got seated on the floor several feet away. 

"Krolia, what are you doing here?" Shiro asked, looking between Krolia and Kova. 

"Just came to deliver an update on the Galtean colonies," Krolia said, handing a holoscreen to Kova. Kova took the screen without hesitation, looking through the information. "I also came to check-up on my granddaughter and her adventures." 

"How did you even know we were here?"

"This is, what?" Kova looked up to look at Krolia. "The third time you snuck onto the ship?" 

"Give or take." 

"Third?" Shiro looked incredulous, angry, and confused. Poor thing. 

"The first time was back on Senfama, when Darrar went missing and the power went out." Kova looked between Shiro and Caleb, who had finally stood up from his quiet fit. "She broke Darrar out and cut the wires, which you still owe me for. Electrical tape isn't going to last forever." 

"I know, Kovalia." Krolia raised an eyebrow at the teen, and met Shiro's gaze. "Darrar was the highest ranking spy in Yorak's circle, so when he was given command of Seklok's ship, he came straight to you." 

Shiro didn't say anything, processing the information. It would make sense to have spies within the Fire. At the first opportunity, Darrar tried reaching out to be met with adversity from the team. 

"When was the second time?" Caleb asked, staring at Kova. 

"The night before the mission to retrieve the Black Lion." 

"What." Poor dear deadpanned. 

"It was the only way I got as far as I did." Kova looked up again, putting the holoscreen in her hoodie pocket. "Krolia gave me a couple of keywords and phrases that the spies used to communicate with each other. They could've warned me about the bots with handguns, though."

"They're a new creation, only used on cargo ships," Krolia explained, hands on her hip. "Besides, I heard you handled yourself well." 

"What are the cargo ships carrying? Do you know?" Shiro asked, to a shake of Krolia's head. 

"No one can get a close enough look of the prisoners to see."

"Prisoners?" 

"Yes, from the Galtean colonies." Both Krolia and Shiro turned to Kova, who shrugged. 

"There's coordinate points and a still-active tracker." With a heavy sigh, Shiro's shoulders sagged. Even if he wasn't carrying an under-trained team, he was still supervising a new Voltron team. With a giant courseload attached. Fun. 

"We'll take a look at that in the morning," Shiro said, turning from Kova to Caleb. "Have Griffin check on the status of the ship from the cargo shipwreck." Caleb nodded as Shiro turned from Caleb to Krolia. "I'd offer you a bed, but I imagine you have somewhere to be." 

"Yorak has been trying to trap Kolivan and me for years, and the only we've managed is by moving around." Krolia bent down to pick up her helmet, which had rolled away in the chaos from earlier. "Kovalia, I hope that one day we can sit down and talk." 

"One day," Kova replied, watching as Krolia walked out. The Shiroganes stayed silent for a few minutes. Shiro walked out first, heading to bed. The teens couldn't blame him. They were tired just thinking about tomorrow. Caleb and Kova walked each other to their rooms, staying side-by-side until they arrived. 

"Hey, Kova?" Caleb said, his voice almost a whisper. 

"Yeah?" came Kova's reply. 

"Do you believe her?" The silence filled the space for a moment. "About sitting down and talking?" 

"Yeah." Kova turned to look at Caleb, or at least, the general direction of where Caleb could be. "She tried, but she put the universe over her family. We'd do the same." In the dark, Caleb nodded his head, opening his door. 

"Goodnight Ky." The door closed him, leaving Kova alone in the darkness and quiet. She padded into her room, shutting the door behind her. 

Instead of being a sane person and sleeping, Kova sat on her bed after putting on her pajamas. The holoscreen Krolia had given her rested on a low nightstand next to the door, her hoodie rested on the back of a chair, and the only light in the room came from the steaming bathroom across from Kova's bed. Pulling out the matching tablet to the one Shiro was given, Kova pulled up her folder. 'KHKH' the folder was labeled, and anyone's guess what it could've meant. 

To Kova, it was her entire life in a digital folder. 

Opening the folder with a heavy sigh, Kova watched the tablet load its contents. Several documents, pictures, and two video files appeared. Kova had the documents almost memorized. They were grade checks, performance reviews, and scans of paper essays she wrote before thirteen years old. The performance reviews were stunning, while the grade checks belonged to the laziest student. The teachers used to fail her without checking her work. With a rueful smile, Kova read through the extensive notes one particular teacher left. Mrs. Donovan had taught not one, not two, but three Koganes in her class over her tenure at the Garrison. She held a distaste of Keith, vaguely remembering the way he would turn to look at the window and fight with her prized student. After his success, she tried to turn a new leaf with TJ, but when he also dropped out of the Garrison, it was clear: A Kogane never succeeds. 

Mrs. Donovan taught basic arithmetic to junior cadets, so when Kyla Kogane appeared in her classroom next to her eventual prized student of the year, she took it upon herself to show everyone the girl didn't belong anywhere. How was she supposed to know that she was well-protected under Captain Shirogane and Ambassador McClain? 

Kova laughed as she remembered the shocked face of Mrs. Donovan when Aunt Veronica demanded to know why she, with classwork worthy of an A, was sitting in a classroom by herself while the rest of her class took the preliminary flying test every student was required to take. Kova and Caleb were quickly switched out and at the end of the year, Mrs. Donovan retired. Whether she already planned it or Aunt Veronica sped it up, no one but Aunt Veronica and Mrs. Donovan knew. 

The pictures in her file were of little Kova in various outfits for official Garrison functions. 

One was a still of Caleb and Kova on a hoverbike they stole. It was days, maybe a week before they were about to enter the Garrison as senior cadets. Kova drove the hoverbike, bringing it to a still while Caleb hung onto her waist for dear life. It was just before they stopped, sand and dust flying forward and around them. Caleb held up an arm to block the sand from getting in Kova's eyes, while she focused on stopping. The still could've been a portrait and Kova wouldn't have been able to tell the difference. There were others, with the teens wearing either their cadet uniforms or matching black and white clothes. 

One of the latter photographs held Caleb with his arms around Kova's shoulders, wearing a black button-up under a white dress coat. Kova wore something similar, a black dress with a short white coat. Her hair had been styled in a high ponytail with a purple ribbon tied in a pretty bow. Caleb, Pops and Dad wore purple handkerchiefs in their breast pockets, but you wouldn't be able to tell from looking at the picture. They both looked at the camera with shining eyes and big smiles. That was the night Dad got promoted to Colonel and officially took the role as Headmaster of the Garrison. 

As Kova sunk lower into her bed, losing her battle with sleep, she stared at the video files. She never pressed on them, never opened them. Not that night. One was labeled 'Kyla's Life', and she had yet to see it. It was password-protected, so she couldn't even if she wanted to. The other, she had sworn she'd never watch again. She slept with the happy memories dancing in her mind, keeping her thoughts away from the other video file and its title.

Not again, she promised. Never again

[the-big-nope]

I loved what Laura said on Talks tonight about how the nature of the NPCs this campaign has changed the way they play and how decisively they act as a group. It feels like it touched on something I’ve been trying to put my finger on for a while. 

I think a lot of the chaos and mystery and fumbling in the dark of campaign 2 comes down to the setting and NPCs just as much as it does the PCs. The Mighty Nein are chaotic on their own, sure, but they also have basically nothing in the way of safe havens (the Xhorhouse could be ripped away if ever the Dynasty deems them untrustworthy, and even in Nicodranas, Jester is still technically wanted by the law), and they have no support structures to help keep them guided or grounded, while Vox Machina had Allura, Kima, Uriel, Gilmore, and Cassandra, and the government of Tal’dorei was for the most part benevolent. One wrong move in either direction for the Mighty Nein spells disaster. The only people they know they can trust unequivocally in this situation of warring states are Yeza and Marion, who have no real power to help or influence things, and guest characters, who can’t be relied upon outside of repeat appearances and off-screen favors.

It adds a lot of extra pressure to the game and in-universe because they don’t just have to worry about if they’ll win the next fight or about saving as many people as possible, they also have to watch their steps because they’re operating in a situation where almost everyone around them is caught up in a With Us or Against Us mentality. I think the Mighty Nein would very much LIKE to be the chaotic good, heroes-for-all types that Vox Machina were, and might have already become that in a different situation, but the world around them won’t let them do that openly. It would explain a lot of the indecision they face, why they are absolutely ready to jump the gun and stab someone like Avantika in the back first before she can do it to them, it would explain why they’re so ready for the worst outcome at all times. 

As for why the setting and behaviors of the NPCs has changed, my best guess beyond just that Matt wanted a change and to tell a slightly darker story, I think it has something to do with how he wanted the conflict in the story to present itself. Whether the Mighty Nein ended up working for the Empire, Xhorhas, or just buggered off and did their own thing, they were going to smash headfirst into the main conflict anyway because several of their members are tied inextricably to it. Caleb was almost a Scourger, Yasha was still tied to Obann, Caduceus is determined to fix the withering in the Savalier Wood, Fjord was bound to a patron that’s been chained up just like these other pre-Calamity monsters that Obann is letting out of the coop. If Molly hadn’t died, I’m pretty sure it would have come out eventually that he too was somehow caught up in all this mess. Sides wouldn’t really matter; because of their pasts, the Mighty Nein are probably in the best position to see beyond the obfuscation of the war to the heart of whatever is really going on behind the scenes no matter what. By cutting them off from powerful, reliable allies, at least for most of the campaign, it ensures that they are leading the charge, that they are the Cassandras that will bring the truth before anyone else realizes it, that by being distanced from this Us vs. Them conflict that everyone else is caught up in, they will be set up undeniably as THE sole defense against destruction because all those with far greater power, influence, and experience than them were too busy looking the other way. 

On the one hand, it’s kind of sad, and definitely lends a darker tone to this campaign than the previous one. These characters are already so wary of betrayal at every turn and struggling to trust even each other, that walking such a precarious balance against such daunting odds all the time almost feels unfair. Yet at the same time, it also feels fitting. It feels like the ultimate underdog story in the making. If these guys can pull together in the face of all this mistrust and confusion and all the awful forces in the world trying to pull them away from each other while everyone else is squabbling over pettier concerns... If, in the end, the Mighty Nein wind up being the rallying cry that leads the charge against the real threat, against their Long Night, then that would be fucking awesome. 

[williamofwestworld]

OOC: Sometimes I’m not the best a communicating and articulating my exact thoughts, so I want to try to better explain what’s going through my head in regards to William. I don’t necessarily blame him for the attitude that he’s taking towards the Hosts in the new season. What I am about to say doesn’t reflect my own views or opinions of the Hosts or other characters, rather how William sees them at the moment. Every character has a point of view, so please don’t think that I’m bashing anyone. This is just his point of view.

His obsession with the park and self discovery, the very thing that awoke his darkness to begin with, stemmed from Dolores. This eventually costed him in terms of family. Juliet died because of his obsession with the park. He pretended to be someone he wasn’t because of the park and she suffered from it. Delos died because he wanted to become immortal. Again. Stemming from the park. Logan died. All of this was pinned on William... and after a while he believed it to be true. He believed Emily was a Host and killed her... He literally lost everything because of Hosts and the park as a whole... yes... it’s his fault for letting it... but that doesn’t stop him from pushing the blame onto the Hosts.

But it doesn’t stop there. Maeve tried to kill him (which he kinda deserved) Lawrence almost killed him. Other hosts have attempted to kill him. He’s been made to believe he is a Host and that’s been making him question his own reality the past two seasons. Dolores blew his hand off. Dolores is killing people and replacing them. Dolores killed Charlotte and then took over his company and ruined it--- and then injected him with a virus before sending him off to one of Serac’s Outlier buildings.

And then he wakes up in a “mental institution” with Ashley pointing a gun at him and threatening him. Not to mention Rehoboam trying to kill him off, too. Another AI program...

I wouldn’t trust my own toaster (or anything electrical) at the moment if I were him.

In his eyes he has literally lost everything because of the Hosts and AI, so it’s no wonder he wants to scrub the world of this before they harm anyone else. Or before they fall victim (like Caleb is currently doing) to one of the Hosts.

And he blames himself for letting this get so out of control. His fascination with the Hosts have possibly led to an apocalypse for man kind. I can honestly understand all of this and I don’t blame him. He wants to save humanity. What I can’t and won’t condone is his abuse towards the Hosts. Used to, I could explain it away and find reason in “hurting them to free/help them.” But if his objective wasn’t to “help” them, then I can’t bring myself to write him. Abuse for the sake of abuse I cannot get behind.

I don’t know if he has always felt this way or if it’s a more recent attitude towards the Hosts because of what he’s been through recently and it’s hard to tell, honestly. In season one and two, he pushed the Hosts pretty hard to fight back against him. He wanted them to be free... but why? Was it for the right reasons? Or for the wrong reasons? The wrong reasons would be to see if they were capable of life and then taking the approach of, “AI bad, must destroy before a Dolores type situation happens.” Because that would mean he wasn’t trying to help them at all, he was trying to destroy them from the start.

It could be that Serac’s reprogramming him, too... It’s possible, but these two quotes are currently putting some doubt in my mind:

“You ever heard of a man named Arnold? You could say he was the original settler of these parts. He created a world where you could do anything you want, except one thing... you can't die. Which means no matter how real this world seems, it's still just a game. But then Arnold went and broke his own rule. He died right here in the park. Except I believe he had one story left to tell. A story with real stakes, real violence. You could say I'm here to honor his legacy. (1x04)

and

“That’s why your world exists. They wanted a place hidden from God. A place they could sin in peace. But we were watching them. We were tallying up all their sins, all their choices. Of course, judgment wasn’t the point. We had something else in mind entirely. But I have received my judgment all the same, Lawrence. And I take issue with it. Because up until this point, the stakes in this place haven’t been real. So I’m gonna fight my way back and appeal the verdict. Then I’m gonna burn this whole fuckin’ thing to the ground.” (S2E2)

I’m honestly, at the moment, trying to reevaluate him and the way I have seen him for about three years now and it’s kind of hard. There are a lot of other quotes that I could also use that could prove the opposite of William, too... but I don’t know which is correct. This season is pushing it pretty hard that he has always been a monster lying in wait though, but that isn’t something I want to believe. Young William was too good for that imo .-.

[yfere]

Shipping Calculus! Live updates from C2E64

They say that fire exposes a person’s priorities, but we here at the lab believe that a gaggle of overly friendly moaning demons can also do the trick. Thank you to @softazelma, @fyeahthominho, and @alarnia for helping with data entry! Masterpost here.

+500 to The Mighty Nein/Totally Not Anachronisms. Beau invented the phrase “Don’t shoot the messenger,” and also ravioli, with her hidden chef talent. Caleb, having wheeled and dealed with the rich assholes of the Empire, naturally invented the game of golf during his year at the Academy. And Moro watched only half of the first season of Stranger Things. Don’t spoil her, okay?

+150 to Caleb/Astrid/Eodwulf “FOR FUTURE REFERENCE, JESTER, I’ll have you know that Eodwulf who I have never mentioned to you and who was not mentioned in the letter was buff and muscular and strong and so talented whoops that’s not even a physical description anymore but did I mention he was impressive? So if Marion Lavorre meets a black haired blue eyed incredibly eligible and attractive and gifted heartthrob of a man that’s the one you’re looking for BEWARE.” Okay, Caleb. Gone are the days of being content with all the love being directed at Astrid, I see. All right.

+0 to Jester/Beau Well, if an indirect kiss involves drinking from the same water glass, is it an indirect flirt if you both flirt with the same person? Moro became the unlikely receptacle of both these gal’s affections this episode, between Beau’s loud and enthusiastic appreciation of Moro’s criminal hustle, and Jester making sure Moro knows that Jester thinks she’s cute (and that she’ll kill her for lying to them). Beau as usual hyping up Jester’s awesomeness to everyone (in this case Caduceus) who will listen. Shockingly, this episode Beau seems to have acquired the ability to actually fool Jester into thinking she’s fine, which resulted in point loss and meant Caleb instead had to pick up the slack to gracefully get some help for the poor beat up monk. (For him, that’s +6 to Caleb/Faking Injury for Friendship)

-30 to Fjord/Shortcuts Just as when Captain of the Ball-Eater, Fjord is ALL ABOUT running into clear danger if it means shaving one or two days off of a trip. Into the eye of the storm! Into Ground Zero of the Calamity! We care for speed here, not safety!

+18 to Caleb/Jester and speaking of Caleb having a Thing for strong people, how he continues to single out Jester as the Strongest Woman, who even is Yasha, which creates a perfect combination of #ItPaysToBeADamselInDistress and #LovesToBeAKnightInShiningArmor between the two of them, as Caleb begs for assistance getting a horse on his moorbounder of COURSE Jester can do this alone, Jester squashing Caleb adorably and staying there for….a length of time while at Moro’s (I guess Caleb is the type to have people sit on his face huh), and Caleb very effectively pulling his “Oh no, I am so weak and delicate I must have a fainting couch to rest upon for a spell” to Jester’s delighted crowing over how weak he is. Caleb as usual thinking Jester’s out-of-the-box thinking with an aerial view is The Best Thing Ever. Jester wanting to get in on the Healing Caleb Action Caduceus has been hogging with a Cure Wounds, what do you mean Fjord is injured too? (#ItReallyDoesPayToBeADamselInDistress). Caleb’s Worrywarting directed at full strength at Marion Lavorre. +4 to Yasha/Cockblocking for Jester bringing Yasha in on the horse moving action. Point loss for Caleb’s Worrywarting creating Jester Worrying and making her lose sleep. Nein! Not okay!

+17 to Beau/Yasha because as we all know mutilating corpses with Beau is a sure way to her big gooey heart. Also, Beau adopting a Striking Pose after striking the enemy dead, and the Gay Power of that alone probably making Yasha’s rage drop, as she struggles to pick her jaw up off the floor and reorient towards combat.

-10 to The Mighty Nein/The Neighbors as they apparently carry a couplea severed heads in plain view all across town on their way to the Xhorhaus before storing them. According to the local Mighty Nein Neighborhood Watch, this is only the third or fourth weirdest thing they’ve done.

+24 to Caleb/Caduceus as Caduceus continues as always to think Caleb is the solution to all problems always with his cool magic and his alarms, though +5 to Cockblocking for both Jester and Beau who tragically remind him that there are other people out there who can also do things. The slip into nearly calling Caleb “Mr. Clay” instead of “Mr. Caleb” is of note, and someone needs to investigate what he’s been writing in those hearts in his journal pronto. Caduceus making Caleb his #1 priority in battle, #ItPaysToBeADamselInDistress, with his ray of enfeeblement, healing, attacks, and physically standing over the wizard in a defensive stance to protect him! Batting away attacking bats (while Caleb crawls around collecting guano!). Points taken away because poor Caduceus forgets for a moment that the next brightest thing after his own pink hair is Caleb’s. It’s still romantic if you’re saving people from trouble you sent their way, right? Right? Points gained for asking if Caleb is okay after the fight, and for them both being very dark, between advocating for decapitation and threatening Moro and her employee with decapitation, simmer down a second Caleb.

+10 to Caleb/Vulture Culture. Between Frumpkin’s new shape and getting Those Good Spell Components, our dear Caleb, covered once more in gore and shit and Death, is his happiest self. Hopefully he didn’t ruin his new fancy threads.

+2 to Beau/Hosting as Beau practices Manners and Decorum with a “no, sir” to the attacking demons (#CustomerService). Some mixed messages by following this up with pummeling them to death, but An Effort Was Made.

+4 to Caduceus/Nature as he found a new mushroom! Which will definitely not be a bad mushroom in any way.

+90 to Caleb/Cat-Shaped Creatures. There’s the usual spying Frumpkin rigmarole, but it says something about your love for cats when you’re willing to forgive, nay, even love, suspiciously dog-like behavior of gross licking for affection—so long as it’s coming from a cat. Caleb cleverly disposing of troublesome corpses and feeding his favorite members of the M9 at the same time. Caleb also adorably taking Jannick out for a little run on the Fields of Death, and all the Moorbounders coming in clutch as fighting machines (with some wonderful light-based assistance from Caleb, Support Catster Extraordinare), and somehow remaining unscathed during battle.

+45 to Fjord/Jester. Lips. Made. Contact. With. A. Cheek. That is very cheeky of you Fjord, if I do say so myself. Jessie is said, not once but twice, and Jester gets to be her true #LovesToBeAKnightInShiningArmor self as she saves Fjord repeatedly by murdering the demons attacking him, only getting slightly annoyed that he gets in trouble immediately after she saves him the first time. Seriously though, the amount of Goopy Feelings Jester has for saving this poor man….well, #ItPaysToBeADamselInDistress. Point loss for poor Jester failing to look as cool as the knights in the novels as she falls flat on her face with the handaxe strike, but she makes up for it by pounding the creature to death with her spiritual weapon instead, that was totally intentional. Point gains for Fjord being very Pleased with anything and everything Jester got up to, Jester pumping up Fjord’s accent and impersonation skills, contributing to Corpse Interrogation with her own Disguise Self, and the Excellence that was the fake Insta-Death spell the two of them threatened Moro with.

-8 to Nott/Yeza “Tell Veth I love her” does not make up for fucking ditching your husband without a word, Nott, you absolute asshole. Please talk to your spouse.

+13 to Caleb/Fjord/Jester In another great week for this triad, they all prove to be Excellent at Delivering Deceptive Threats, though Caleb is as per usual a little too serious about his contributions (though the other two are uh a bit more on the serious side as well this is a Bloodthirsty Throuple) The Epic Triangle Of Saving Each Other, as Jester rescues Fjord and Fjord hustles to rescue Caleb, followed by Jester’s healing action. Fjord taking joy in Jester falling on top of Caleb, and the both of them being very good about letting the Totally Actually Injured And Not At All Faking dramatic wizard take a short rest for Beau.

+1 to Fjord/Caleb. Most of their points this week were more applicable to Caleb/Fjord./Jester, but the instant “Moro, you got to die” when Caleb Can’t-Switch-Tasks Assassin Wizard suggests it is still very fun. Fjord sort of leaps to Caleb’s suggestions this episode, the ultimate yes-and-man.

+6 to Fjord/Detective Work as he steers the party clear of the Bad Tar Pits, they might have landed in quite a sticky situation otherwise

+20 to Critters/Detective Work, as the cast very loudly run through the Totally Natural Conclusion to the clues provided in the last ep, they Definitely Solved This Themselves, they had No Help From The Internet.

+14 to Fjord/Caduceus. Fjord offers to “loom” over Caduceus’ shoulder and points out that he looks “fleek” like damn, Caduceus, the boy is making an effort for you! As usual they are On The Same Wavelength and good cop/bad cop Moro and co. like pros, no discussion or even a conspiratorial glance required, they know what the jig is before anyone else. Fjord advocating for sending Moro money because that was Caduceus’ plan, no one is allowed to argue. Also being excellent interrogators of corpses together. Fjord is a huge fan of Caduceus’ magical food powers, #MagicalCrush, would “not turn down” Caduceus’ healing, and he kills some bats Cads was slapping around. Unfortunately without the bats Caduceus proceeds to slap a bunch of points out of the ship by saying he “doesn’t care.” That is cold.

+7 to Jester/Caduceus as they do a little awkward dance on the steps to make it around each other, and spending hours annoying everyone else in the party by talking about Cleric Things. Caduceus being impressed over Jester totally lying about being able to talk to dead horses, and Jester going wild over HOW COOL the Corpse Interrogation was. The Clerics Cuddling for comfort when the enemies first attack, since that was definitely what Jester and Caduceus were doing no questions here. Points taken away because Jester’s enthusiasm for Corpse Interrogation sort of glosses over how Caduceus “feels dirty” over the whole affair, they are apparently not too compatible in this area.

-5 to Nott/Yasha as Nott makes a sincere and successful effort to apologize to Yasha for sticking her like a pincushion and trying to be Nice and Supportive with memory games to help Yasha remember the “drow.” But points are drained away into the negatives as Nott goes a little too hard with the interrogation over Yasha having potentially killed people to make orphans (“that’s a cool name” and “Orphie” is terrible and does not make up for this nonsense), and Yasha’s well-received but still terrible allowance of Nott’s alcoholic predilections. They are a wonderful trainwreck to watch.

-20 to The Mighty Nein/Names. As of right now, there appears to be one (1) member of the Mighty Nein in Caduceus Clay who did not at some point either change their name or have some type of Name Angst over what someone else has named them. Though making faces at ‘Ducey might come to count for something, in time.

+11 to Nott/Jester Speaking of Disguise Self Shenanigans, how Nott is the Moro to Jester’s invisible bugbear, making them the logical pairing of the Corpse Interrogation Caper. Jester’s adorable confusion over her nickname being “Little Sapphire” which leads to Nott instantly screeching about how beautiful and perfect Jester is, that lovable dumbass. Nott using the word “shiny” to describe Jester, which seems technically a little odd but says loads about Nott’s affection for the gal, as this is the #1 lover of Shiny Valuable Things in the party speaking.

+8 to Jester/Yasha as Yasha in her sweet soft way also points out how Jester is very pretty and brings up Fluffernutter as a potential badass name that some of the people in her tribe might have been named for. Jester, for her part, directing Worrywarting in Yasha’s direction over how she was recognized and trying to give Yasha control over what they do next and what Yasha wants, though dear Yasha who cannot assert herself to save her life only manages to tentatively say she wants to know what’s going on before saying she’ll do whatever the group wants. (They! Want! What! You! Want! Yasha!)

-6 to Jester/Curtains, which surprisingly don’t taste as good to tieflings as they do to moths. Further experimentation required to determine how delicious they are to goblins, firbolgs, half orcs, aasimar and humans.

-101,019.01 to Critters/Child Poverty. TAKE THAT, CHILD POVERTY! This is how much was raised at the end of the stream, and a deserved kick in the face to all Child Poverty ships everywhere #AntiChildPoverty