#and avoid the trap of making all the decisions herself leading to ruin

[honestlyvan]

4 headcannons for Ethel or Cammuravi? i luv them thank u!!!

I'm gonna do Ethel b/c I generally have more to say about her.

Headcanon A:  realistic

Ethel would describe herself as a "merely decent" strategist and tactician. And while that is underselling it a little bit, she is overwhelmingly good at putting bodies in the ground, and had to learn to adjust her expectations of what even her most elite strike teams are capable of.

Headcanon B: while it may not be realistic it is hilarious

Ethel is very good at insulting people when she doesn't mean to. Part of it is the flat affect, part of it is that she's very duty-focused, part of it is just being The Elite(tm) so almost every compliment she gives sounds calculating and/or backhanded. Her reputation as an ice queen is mostly undeserved, she's genuinely very sincere, that's just the way she speaks.

Headcanon C: heart-crushing and awful, but fun to inflict on friends

Ethel was broadly disliked when she was still rank and file, because her performance would bring the average up so much that it made people around her look incompetent in comparison and her struggles to communicate her feelings to the people around her made it seem like she didn't care. A lot of people were looking forward to seeing her crash and burn as a commander when she was initially given Colony 4, including some people at Four.

As a result of always feeling some level of judgement aimed towards her, Ethel gravitated towards Cammuravi. There are other people in her life who would praise her openly and without reservation, but she doesn't know how to trust that praise, knowing it comes from a place of being put on a pedestal as the famed Silvercoat.

Headcanon D: unrealistic, but I will disregard canon about it because I reject canon reality and substitute my own.

Colony 4 was brand new when it was activated, built specifically for Ethel. Regardless of that, it had to undergo extensive modifications once she settled into her rivalry with Cammuravi, and has been rebuilt at least half a dozen times because the two of them came so close to slagging each other and then never quite managing it.

[stainedglassthreads]

One thing that I occasionally think about, that I don’t hear many people talk about, is how pretty much every problem in Undertale was either caused or intensified by a character trying too hard to please everyone around them, or to avoid being confrontational. And it’s only when you push all the characters into direct conflict, that they start realizing what they were doing wrong and making an effort to correct their mistakes. (With probably the sole exception being Mettaton. May be why he comes off as being so selfish, despite being just as nuanced as the rest of the cast if you look in the right places.)

This all starts with Chara and Asriel, as always. Chara, who wants to kill themself so they can collect seven monster souls and free monsterkind, and Asriel, who needs to save his people, make his best friend happy, and who has trouble telling them ‘no, I don’t like this plan’ until it’s much too late. This results in both their deaths, causing heartbreak for the whole Underground, including their parents. 

Toriel and Asgore become the next two to fall victim for this. Asgore decides to put his people over his own desires, and this will in the future lead to suicidal depression. It also leads Toriel to put her morals and the safety of humans over monsterkind’s happiness. But despite them both unselfishly putting others above themselves, they both fail at really making said others happy. 

Asgore could have sped up the plan by a lot. He could have done what Chara and Asriel did. Or he could have identified the places humans fell from and set up guards there. He could have been more in touch with his people, so he wasn’t so surprised when another human entered his throne room. He could have struck Frisk down on the spot, instead of telling them to finish their unfinished business. He really, really, really doesn’t want war with humans, but he’s unwilling to kill his people’s hope for vengeance. He traps himself between a rock and a hard place, and prolongs everyone’s entrapment, while worsening his guilt and depression. 

Toriel could have stayed longer to convince Asgore. She could have accompanied the first child to fall, or demanded explanations from him after she heard of their death. She could have destroyed the exit to the Ruins the second a child fell to stop them from leaving, or explained the dangers of the outside to them in full detail. She could have killed Asgore so he didn’t kill her child, or forcibly overthrown him to instate more pacifistic policies. But she didn’t. She remained in the Ruins, and allowed six souls to be captured by the Royal Guard, and was a complete mess so long as she had no one to put herself back together for. 

Similar things could be said of other characters. Alphys was unwilling to let the Amalgamates’ family see them in their current state, so she hid them away, and stalled and lied to their families. Papyrus lets his desire for friends and popularity briefly override his morals. He refuses to kill you, but knows letting Undyne or Asgore capture you is just as good as killing you. Undyne is unwilling to decisively give Papyrus a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ about if he’s allowed into the Royal Guard or not, and ends up leading him on as a result. Sans will passively watch you kill half the Underground, and the worst he’ll do is judge you for it. 

It makes it quite ironic that Frisk going around, solving everyone else’s problems, is what leads to the happiest ending for the Underground... 

...

...Or does it...? 

On a very superficial surface reading of the game, Pacifist really is going above and beyond to help a bunch of strangers. And Frisk is difficult to read as a protagonist, for much of the game. But they actually do make their initial motivation quite clear. 

When they decide to leave the Ruins, their reasoning for doing so is not ‘I want to free monsterkind,’ or ‘I want to break the Barrier.’ It’s ‘How do I go home.’ The plight of the monsters is a problem, to be sure. But it’s a massive problem that they probably weren’t aware of until a few hours ago, when they fell down a  hole in a mountainside that people don’t come back from. They’re just a kid, who felt the need to go to such a place. This is way above anything they can reasonably be expected to to deal with. They just want to go home. 

But going home forces everyone around them to express their own desires, and realize what it is they really want, causing them to undergo character development. Toriel is forced to confront her fears of Frisk dying, of Asgore getting the seventh soul, and of confronting Asgore. Papyrus realizes he just wants a friend, not fame and prestige, and not at the cost of Frisk being captured. Undyne is forced to realize that not all humans are quite so bad, and some are similar to her mentor. Alphys realizes that coming clean about the Amalgamates is okay, because Undyne will support her through the fallout. Mettaton realizes how much monsters need him, as opposed to humans who have plenty of stars. And Asgore is forced to confront how he doesn’t really want the war-- he just wants to see his wife and children. 

Frisk is a good person in the Pacifist run, but they’re not completely unselfish. If they were only a pure martyr with no regard for their wellbeing, they’d stay with Toriel and be her child forever, or give their soul willingly to Asgore so monsters could go free. They didn’t, though. The former would result in monsters being trapped for an even longer period of time, the latter would end in the destruction of either humanity or monsterkind. (Not to mention, how Pacifist only requires you not kill. You can still be kinda a jerk to everyone. They were upfront about their desires, but also refused to kill unless it was absolutely, 100% necessary. 

Over the course of the game, they do change a little. First, they tell Toriel they can’t stay with her because they want to go home. Then in the Asriel boss fight, they can tell her that they need to go if they’re going to save everyone. But it’s as Toriel herself says. 

What?  Frisk...  You really are a funny child.  If you had said that earlier, none of this would have happened.  It is a good thing you took so long to change your mind.  Hee hee hee. 

[letaliabane]

I Still Care

summary: Even after your breakup, you can’t help but feel protective over the man you loved so much.

warnings: a bit of angst, gunfire

prompts (If you would like to request a prompt, please include the name of the list and the number of the prompts)

19. I’m going to kill you! (angst list)

19. I can’t stand the thought of losing you (love list)

I entered the meeting room, juggling folders of paperwork and wandering through the room full of officers and coworkers. The first face I just happened to look up towards was Javier, and I couldn’t help but let out a groan under my breath.

Let’s just say Javier Peña and I had history, and not one i enjoyed retelling. We had been together for about six months. In all honesty it wasn’t his fault our relationship ended, it was mine.

One night when we had laid together after one of our many heated moments, as his head rested against my chest, lax and worn out, that I couldn’t help but gaze down at him.

His breath brushed against the skin of my breast, eyes occasionally twitching as he dreamt, a snore leaving his lips every so often. His arms unconsciously tightened around me, his warmth wrapped around me, making me feel safe but  also suffocating me.

It was the same warmth that had become so familiar from deep inside me whenever he smiled at me at the office. When he’d check on me, when he kissed me.

That one feeling that I knew would be our downfall.

So I ended it, blaming it all on the idea that ”we would be ruining our livelihoods and be shipped back to the Unites States all because of a fleeting romance.” I would never forget the pain that cross his features that day. And all because of me.

He made his way towards me, pushing through the other men that were in his way.

‘Y/N-’

‘Peña,’ I addressed him, brushing past him. From afar, Steve shook his head, sipping from his coffee cup intently.

He knew the reasoning behind why I had broken up with Javier thanks to Connie unable to stop herself from gossiping to her husband. He never questioned it, but I knew by the way he looked between us that he didn’t agree with it.

‘Okay listen up all of you!’ Colonel Martínez clapped his hands together, gaining the attention of the officers around the room.

‘We just received a tip that could help us in the chase of Escobar! Though it’s not ultimately about chasing him this. We have news that La Quica and a few others of Escobar’s top men are transferring goods just outside of Bogotá. If we can capture them and get them to talk, we can get information about Escobar that will definitely help us.’

I looked around at the men who muttered between one another and nodding before I spoke up, ‘Can we trust this tip?’

He sighed. ‘We have no other choice Y/L/N.’

‘We do! Instead we could send a recon team to scout out the situation and then-’

‘We don’t have time for that!’ I pulled away from the table as he slammed his fist onto it, shaking the glass furniture, seething, ‘you would know that if you were involved in more fieldwork.’

“I would if you gave me the chance dipshit” I thought to myself, digging my nails into my palm to calm myself as many of the other officers chuckled.

I was the first to leave the room, ignoring the looks I got as I made my way down the corridor, Steve catching up to me, ‘You think it’s a trap?’

‘Of course! An unknown tip with no motivation behind it? The Colonel is getting desperate at this point because he hasn’t had anything come up since Carrilo’s passing. But thats not going to stop me from coming out with you guys.’

We began grabbing out gear from the locker room, Steve deciding leave ahead to check on the unmarked cars that were being chosen for the job. I was just choosing a gun when I heard footsteps enter the room.

‘Y/N?’

I looked up to see Javier, his gear on and ready. I couldn’t help but avoid his gaze, busying myself with the rest of my weapons.

‘I know what your going to say Peña. That I shouldn’t be out in the field because its too dangerous but I’ll never learn if I don’t-’

‘I wasn’t going to say that, we need you out there on the field. Especially with a big headed idiot like Martínez out there calling the shots.’

I sighed, slamming the door to my locker before making my way towards the door just behind him. However I was stopped when he grabbed my arms, firmly but gently.

‘Just … be careful. I don’t want you to get hurt.’

I couldn’t help but look up at him, and I knew then he wasn’t faking. His eyes were filled with care, his small smile loving, one that I was very familiar with.

I gave him a small smile, even gripping his hand. ‘You too.’

It had been a trap. The tip we had received was nothing but a hoax, a trick leading us to the outskirts of Bogotá where a number of Pablo’s men had been waiting for us.

I ducked my head as the gunfire flew overhead, leaning against the police truck that was getting vandalised by the bullets that flew through it. I couldn’t help but glance around quickly, and my stomach dropped at the sight of one missing.

‘Steve where’s Peña?!’ I screamed towards him on my left, raising my gun quickly, and shooting a few shots before ducking down again.

Steve cursed beneath his breath, also landing beside me in a heap, heavily breathing. ‘I don’t know! I saw him last going in with the other officers to scope the site.’

My stomach dropped as I peaked back towards the hideout, the one that was currently on fire, thick black smoke billowing from the tops of the towers.

‘I’m going to fucking kill him,’ I muttered before I grabbed my radio, screaming into it, ‘All units, eyes on building, Agent Peña is missing. I repeat, keep eyes on building, Agent Peña is missing!’

I watched as some men broke off from the group and head towards the building on the south side before leaning over the hood of the car, shooting as many of Escobar’s men as I could. Steve, also at my side, doing the same. Once they were all clear, I made my out of cover, running towards the base.

‘Colonel, do you have eyes on Peña?’ Steve yelled into his radio as we ran towards the building, ignoring the bodies that lay across the grass. 

Just as we pushed past the fences, however, we were thrown backwards, hitting the concrete ground hard. I grabbed my ears once I blinked away the white spots away from my eyes, the ringing drowning out the sound of the officers around us, Steve gripping my arm as we sat up.

Flames engulfed the building before us, the smoke now filling the sky with ash and darkness, debris scattered across the driveway and lawn. A choked sob left me as I shook my head, gripping a hand over my mouth. I felt Steve grip my arm, pulling me into him. 

Suddenly a yell rang out, ‘We need help over here!’

We both turned as officers began to emerge from the smoke on the left side of the building, many of them burned or shot, screaming out in pain. And at the back of the group, was Javier, holding up another officer. 

I hobbled to my feet hurriedly, stalking over to him as he handed over the injured officer to some others. He looked up just in time as I threw myself at him. It took him a moment to register my arms around him before he pulled me in tight, pressing his face to my neck. 

‘Goddamit Javier!’ I cried, running my hand through his hair desperately, pressing my lips to his neck, feeling him tremble beneath me, ‘why didn’t you get help through the radio?!’ 

I felt him sigh against my neck, gripping my hip. ‘N-No signal. I tried and tried, but I couldn’t get through!’ 

I pulled away, gripping his face in my hands to inspect him for wounds. I couldn’t help but smile as he leant into my touch, caressing his cheek gently. 

‘You checking me out Y/L/N?’ 

I rolled my eyes, shaking my head at the smirk he worse, only to frown when I saw the large tear in his shirt on his arm, revealing a nasty burn. The same with his waist, skin red and scorched. 

Javier looking down at the site, eyebrows furrowing as the pain began to register through, gripping his waist. 

‘I didn’t even know I was burned ...’ 

‘You should get that checked out Javier!’ 

I turned towards one of the ambulances that began to arrive in large groups, surrounding the area. Just as I let him be handed over to the nurses, he tugged me along, keeping me close. 

As the nurses looked over him, cleaning up the wounds, he kept my hand in his, firmly squeezing it at times when they applied the antiseptic the burns. Finally when they had wrapped up the wounds in gauze and bandages, they left to attend to the rest of the wounded. 

As he rested against the inside of the ambulance, I couldn’t help but run my fingers over the bandages, barely applying pressure to the cotton beneath my fingertips. 

I looked up to find Javier’s eyes on me. I sighed. ‘This is ... probably the stupidest time to do this, but ... you did nothing wrong Javier. You did nothing that made me want to end what we had-’

‘And yet you did,’ I closed my eyes at the coldness of his words. 

‘I-I was afraid, of this,’ I said while pointing between us, ‘and I thought that I could at least save us the hurt it would bring us-’

‘By making a decision for the both of us?’ 

‘I get it Javier! You despise me! And I can never take back the mistake I made! And it’s dumb that it took me this long to realise how much I love you and need you because in all honesty knowing you had gone in that building without even able to tell you how much you meant to me killed me! And I-I can’t stand the thought of losing you! But-but I understand if-’

I whimpered as he pulled me towards him, pressing his lips firmly against mine as he threaded his fingertips through my hair. I gripped his back, wrapping my hands around him as I held him close, my tears warm as they touched his cheeks. 

‘Javier-’

‘Sometimes, you need to shut up,’ he gasped against my lips, pulling away with my lip between his teeth. I gasped softly, pressing my forehead to his, and I couldn’t help but smile. 

He thumbed away the tears that strayed from my eyes, shaking his head, ‘I never stopped caring Y/N and I’m not about to give up the chance to try this again.’ 

Steve smiled from afar, pulling the cigarette from his lips with a smirk as he shook his head, heading back towards the car. 

Masterlist | Pedro Pascal Masterlist

Tagged: @pascalisthepunkest​

A/N: Yes I’m pulling these out of the bag one by one, hope you all are enjoying it! Feedback is always appreciated!

Remember requests are open for Pedro Pascal characters! Check it out and request whatever you like!

[reachexceedinggrasp]

Fated to Love You here reaffirming my long held conviction that no pure romance drama should be 20+ episodes.

This show is... really something. It is, in the fullest possible sense, A Lot. It starts out as an all-out screwball comedy wrapped around a troperiffic romance fluff plot. Wall to wall clichés, but not in a bad way; in a meta, self-aware, peak performance, finest Velveeta way. And if you’re not familiar with screwball comedy, think ‘light-hearted crack fic with slapstick and farce’. There is nothing believable or grounded about any aspect of it, it starts at Bonkers Level: Platinum and it only climbs higher as it goes on.

(On a side note, this results in the leading man being possibly the most memorable love interest in romcom history. His introduction scene is nothing short of batshit insane and you can't reliably predict how he will respond to anything. I have never seen a main character like this, he is all over the shop and utterly singular. Your first reaction to him is ‘wtf?’, your second and third reactions are ‘really?! this guy??’, your fourth reaction is ‘okay he do be mad hot tho’, your fifth and final reaction is ‘I cannot believe this performance exists, I have no idea what he is doing, but it is amazing.’

Appropriately(?) the actor who plays him is an uncanny Korean doppelgänger of Johnny Depp and- between the resemblance, the mannerisms, and the fearless total commitment to a bold as fuck acting choice with the very serious chops to back it up- I’m not convinced they aren’t half brothers separated at birth.

They do sabotage my happiness several times by starting to randomly style his (long, beautiful) hair very weird, fixing it right when the plot is rapidly circling the drain so he looks his hottest just as the show becomes briefly unwatchable, and then ruining him for the entire second half of the series by shearing it all off. WHY, my anguished cry goes up. Why do you do this?! Why does he have like seven hairstyles over the course of the show? Much later they even briefly give him that ubiquitous Kdrama Second Lead haircut with weirdly forward combed fringe in a solid straight line across the brow all the way back from the crown. It looks terrible on everyone and I hate it so much. This version was less bad than most but it is still bad. Anyway.)

So it’s an incredibly fun time to start but there are some problems with the tone and plot even in the first 9 episodes, including when the lovers start getting along really well right away and they’re both thoroughly decent people so there’s nothing keeping them from having a lovely time together making the best of the circumstances (forced/fake marriage). And, instead of introducing new conflict or advancing one of the dozen conflicts previously established and actually moving forward, there is a painfully contrived rehash of something they already dealt with which is then just never resolved. They make the hero leap to a conclusion his wife is nefarious after he’d already decided once that she isn’t (though it was completely reasonable for him to think she was- the fact that he decided to trust her so quickly just speaks to what kind of person he is), never try to find out more or talk to anyone about it, start pushing her away because of it, and have all this come to absolutely nothing. It only exists so he’ll stop being so incredibly nice to her and they won’t fall in love too fast.

You’d think they would have to eventually clear the air before the romance advances right? No. It wasn’t a real plot point, it was just a reset button to get them estranged and hostile again after they connect over their kindred spirits and we’ve spent a bunch of time showing how profoundly supportive and honourable our hero is. He’s being beautifully mature and selfless because he’s a really good dude (unusual for a romcom drama, right? for the main guy to be nice and considerate? to accept responsibility even if he doesn’t have to? Gun’s weird but he’s wonderful), but the writers need him to be cold and standoffish, so they just make him act like an unreasonable idiot for a while. He’s been thus far hugely proactive and direct and honest about everything, it’s one of his most prominent character traits, but suddenly he’s going to avoid confrontation in favour of being super passive aggressive?? Then the writers never solve it. Never! It just goes away. He got over it, I guess? He decided he doesn’t care if she’s a gold digger who deliberately trapped him? God forbid we have motivations that make sense and organic character drama, right? It's not like he didn't have totally valid reasons to be suspicious that could have led to legitimate conflict our heroine would struggle to vindicate herself from.

But anyway, apart from that kind of lazy bullshit, it’s a fine romance plot with extremely endearing characters who have great chemistry. They are fun and well-rounded and incredibly human despite all the silliness and OTT antics. Their relationship is hugely, hugely engaging and the dynamic is perfect, they really complement each other as characters and organically drive each other's arcs. There's the genuine depth and warmth and quiet pathos so often lacking from this kind of show. Things progress at a semi-reasonable pace. They work up to confessing their mutual feelings and get into some cute shenanigans before making out. It happens soon enough that you are not frustrated, but there's still plenty of build-up. Then- uh oh! We’re only 9 eps in and we have another 11 hours to fill with this fluffy plot!

Time for a bunch of absolute fucking nonsense. Time for our show, which has been so goofy and removed from reality it occasionally resembles a Monty Python skit, which has been so light it asks you to ignore the frankly incredibly fucked up implications of its premise for the sake of comedy (they were both drugged and proxy raped resulting in a pregnancy- the FL was a virgin prior to this and Gun had a girlfriend he wanted to propose to- and it was the FL’s family who did this to them: SUPER FUCKED UP), so farcical that it makes Some Like it Hot look like a gritty crime drama, that show to cover a bunch of serious heavy shit.

First, the rankest of melodrama. The families and the world all turn on our couple, but their love is true and will conquer all- UNTIL, he randomly collapses and gets convenient Soap Opera Amnesia. He’s forgotten their entire relationship and a series of coincidental pieces of misconstrued evidence, the machinations of his scheming ex girlfriend, the Soap Opera Doctor’s advice, and his closest confidants all going along with this conspire to make him believe (AGAIN) that his wife just wants his money.

This whole terrible episode is mercifully brief, but it just gets worse after his memory returns. This is where we get into the Noble Idiocy. The ‘pretend you don’t love them to “save them” from getting hurt by hurting them and making their important life decisions for them as if they don’t have a basic fucking right to decide that themselves’ kind. Which goes on for three FUCK years in the show. He wastes three years of their lives they could have spent together because he’s worried he might die young (in a terrible way) and doesn’t want to put her through that. And, of course, they inevitably get together later, so all he did was make it infinitely worse for her either way. To say nothing of how he thus couldn’t be there for her through the loss of their child. Possibly my most hated fucking trope of all time when done this way.

And, yep, you read that right. This show that has the single most batshit bonkers over the top slapstick I have ever seen in a kdrama, this show has a storyline where the fluffy romcom trope accidental pregnancy ends in massive trauma. Because she was standing around in the street after realising he does remember her (he continued to pretend he had amnesia after his memories came back, it’s all part of the stupid noble idiocy so I glossed over it) and gets hit by a car in the middle of their angst staring.

It is nearly Meet Joe Black levels of hilariously abrupt and incongruous.

so, blah blah, they lose their baby (there’s a very stupid whole thing about her telling everyone to save the baby instead of her- the baby is not far enough along for this to have been remotely viable. She is like 3 months pregnant. They all act like there’s a choice to be made between them and she’s mad at her husband for choosing to save her, but there was NO CHOICE. Either she lives or they both die! ffs I’m so irritated about this) and then he dumps her ~for her own good~~ because he loves her too much to make her go through losing him? So she loses him sooner?? right after their baby died???

Why do people in these stories always think being betrayed and abandoned for no reason and being incredibly angry at someone you love while also not getting to be with them is somehow less painful than making the best of your life together and then losing them against their will? ‘I will make her hate me and then she won’t be sad we broke up/I died!!!!’ is such a fucking galaxy brain take and I despise it with the heat of ten thousand suns. Fuck you, Spider-Man. You aren’t protecting anyone, the villains still know you love MJ and will still use her against you, you clod. Emotionally torturing the person you love is not going to make them not a target because the villains are not as fucking stupid as you two. Anyway.

Amnesia was right where I started fast-forwarding and skipping around (because I couldn’t bear it), but it only goes downhill from there. Maybe I would have toughed out more of the wretched middle part plot twist if they hadn’t cut all the hot guy’s hair off. If I’m going to watch total nonsense tedious melodrama, I need it to at least be pretty. I understand it was a Symbolic Haircut but damnit! Let me have this!

And it ultimately does the thing that kdramas seem obsessed with and which makes me want to claw out my own eyeballs with frustration. There’s a giant time skip, the female lead gets a personality transplant, all narrative momentum is lost, and the characters who eventually (at ENORMOUS length) get together permanently are essentially completely different characters with a completely different dynamic than the couple you were shipping for 90% of the story. It is so FUCKING unsatisfying and it is EVERYWHERE.

Not so much with this one because this one still had a lot of very romantic scenes late in the game, but most that do this, it’s also like all the romance is sucked out of the post-time skip episodes and the ending is a consolation prize instead of a triumphant culmination. Inevitably, the heroine abruptly cools off and is suddenly wary of the hero and wants this Important New Career she never mentioned until the penultimate episode but is now her one true life’s dream. What the apparently irresistible appeal is of these contrived separations and demure conclusions is I CANNOT FATHOM. I’m here for the fucking romance guys, you have not made Citizen Kane, please just indulge me with a big schmoopy finale.

And if not that, it’s frequently that there’s been so many random mood swings and so much shitty behaviour by the end that the relationship doesn’t make sense and you don’t know why they even bother to get back together.

I’m not inherently against all misunderstandings (they are the bread and butter of low stakes romance let’s be real) or attempts at noble idiocy from misguided characters, but the duration and seriousness of the drama these generate needs to be in proportion to how ridiculous they are. If your entire plot can be solved by a thirty second conversation there is NO REASON not to have and the continuation of the misunderstanding is a result of someone just NOT SPEAKING UP when any functional human being would have spoken up seven times by now IT’S BAD.

Do little cliff-hangers, whatever, but don’t draaaaagg out silly misconceptions into Shakespearean tragedy, it’s just wearying. It makes me hate the characters for acting like emotionally constipated toddlers with terminal stupidity. If there is so little trust, so little understanding, and so little basic patience between these people, they probably shouldn’t be dating, so try fucking harder, writers. And noble idiocy that is more than an impulse they fairly quickly see the error of is just insulting. You are not helping the other person, you are being domineering and selfish. I have a whole complex about wasting time and seeing endless parades of characters flushing years down the toilet for literally no reason gives me hives. Especially when the whole issue is about time!

(And, btw, so much of the plot is about how desperately the family needs an heir and everyone still wanting them to have kids the second time they get together- while the ~dilemma used to keep them apart is a GENETIC DISEASE which could STRIKE AT ANY TIME. Do you SEE THE PROBLEM WITH THIS WRITERS????? NO, I KNOW YOU DON’T. ommmmmmmmggggg that’s awful! So they’re just dooming more kids to Soap Opera Brain Disease? And maybe growing up without a father just as Gun did? And no one even considers suggesting adoption??? He never considers that he shouldn’t have biological children despite thinking he shouldn’t have a wife?)

ANYWAY. Please do watch the first nine episodes and the last three, it’s bananas. They are cute as fuck, Gun is The Best, and the tropey romance scenes are top quality. You don't get those things executed so well, it doesn't happen, so you need this in your life. The acting is of a calibre you never usually see in modern romcoms; these are people at the top of their game committing utterly and taking these characters completely seriously. In that way it is pure wish fulfilment for me as someone who loves romance and is almost always disappointed by popular romance media, and thus the show is incalculably special. But skip the middle. Just skip it. It's not worth the suffering. I find the tone whiplash honestly just this side of crass.

I’ve been thinking about it for over a week and I truly love the main characters so it did plenty right, but I just cannot with wedding the two things this show is trying to be together, especially when it goes so hard in two mutually exclusive directions. but also the Meet Joe Black sudden car accident device is not redeemable under any circumstances. Can we never do that again, please.

[thebargainingchip]

Blood Colors - Chapter 18

Masterlist

Pairing: Roan x Reader

Warnings: Angsty, Fluff

Previous Chapter

Chapter 1

A feeling of dread sits in the pool of your stomach when you're back in Polis. There’s no escaping the feeling or distracting yourself, you are soon caught up in wedding plans which you barely have a say in. “Deyon, osir ste won. Moron, osir gondaun ogeda(Today, we are one. Tomorrow, we fight together)”

“Gonplei.” Echo corrects, you avoid Roan’s pointed gaze, you feel like you can’t breath with him so close, you didn’t want to think about what this means.

“Gondaun, gonplei. It all means the same thing.” You shoot-back.

“It does, though they are different but you need to say it exactly.” Roan says, and for a moment your eyes connect and you look away. How are you supposed to look him in the eye and say all of this.  Let alone do anything else the ceremony might want.

“Again.” Echo leans against Roan’s desk.

“I got it.” You snap.

“Again.” Echo insists with a strong glare.

“Echo, that’s enough help for one day.” Roan warns and Echo rolls her eyes and leaves but you ignore her with a silent angry exhale. “We then exchange the object which we poses that has the most meaning to us.” Your mind immediately flickered to the dog tags.

“This object it could be anything?” Roan nods, you ponder for a moment giving something else. There’s a little silence as you think deeply then look up and wonder what he’s think and what he has in mind.

“Then I will take the knife and poor my blood into the chalice.” Roan continues after a moment.

“I don’t like where this is going, sounds ill-advised.” You comment trying to sound light-hearted as you moved on from the thoughts, Roan sighs a little in frustration but amusement glimmers in his eyes.

“Then you take the knife and do the same.”

“Do they wipe it first? I mean like no offence but I don’t know what sort of grounder viruses your carrying that my space immune system can’t handle.” Roan sets you with a look and that nervous, impending-doom feelings forgotten as the nervousness turns into something entirely different.

“The same knife and then you and I share a drink.” You pull a face of course but Roan ignores you like he has been doing this whole day.

“Is there any kissing in this? If so we really might need to practice, I mean the last time I kissed you it was pretty much one sided and we need to at least convince the crowd.” Despite your joke, your cheeks burn.

Roan makes a thoughtful sound like he’s considering it, he takes a step forward like he made his decision and your smile falls as you step back bumping against the desk. Roan leans in and your thoughts scramble to decide whether you should stop him. He’s face is so close to yours now, you hold your breath. “Roan-“ you start but something twists in your gut, but it’s pleasant and keeps you from shivering at the tingle that runs up your spine, you swallow thickly. Roan hums again, this time a shorter observant sound.

“I don’t think you’re ready for that lesson yet.” He leans back, and you can breath again.

“Well I clearly didn’t mean now.” You say once you’ve recollected yourself, your whole face feeling like its on fire.

“We’ll continue later, you have an appointment with our yonhaka.” Roan was already on his way out.

“Yonhaka?” You ask confused.

                                            ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

“You’re late.” The Woman says the moment the guards open the door for you. “It’s hardly my fault, it took me an hour to find this place, I don’t even know what a yonhakais.” You survey the room, it is full of rolls of patched together fabric rolled onto large rollers packed against the walls, there is a big work table to your right, and large old mirrors to the left side of the room, of you study the old or nations in the room, it’s clear this was some studio of a kind, may be for dancing? Behind the woman with exotic ethnic features that you can’t quite place is two women and a man. By the way she carries herself , it's clear who in charge.

“The.” She says simply.

“What?”

“Jus Gona, you have the privilege of meeting the royal dresser, it is an honour to be adorned in the art that she makes with her own hands.” The male introduces.

“Do I bow?” You question sarcastically from the dramatic words.

“Fiery.” She notes. “I have some ideas but I will need to take your measurements first and have you try on old dresses.”

“Lady, I don’t do dresses, I need something I can move in. Shit can go south very quickly with Azgeda.”

“Authoritative, demanding.” She states.

“Annoying.” You state back at her, as you try and discourage the outright judgement.

“I am building a profile of you, I need to know what you are like so that your sofkova (dress) can represent you.” She explains patiently, “As for the other matter, there is no negotiation on the sofkova, a dress it will be even if I have to sew it to your skin, but it will be functional.”

“You just got a whole creepier.” You point out.

“My goal is to make you feel your power when you stand in your dress, and if you don’t- but you will- then I haven’t done my job correctly.” You cocked an eyebrow.

“Try me.” You challenge.

“Ban we yun bakkova (Remove your clothing).” She orders and with a wave of her hand you do.

“And one last thing, if you ruin my work, I will ruin you.” You didn’t say anything against her blatant threat instead deciding that you would be very careful.

                                           ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

You were retired to your own quarters for the afternoon, trying to go over the words of the ceremony. You sighed in frustration, barely being able to focus, you were tired after the early start to your long day.

“It’s fine, just relax.” You say out loud, instead deciding to lay out the clothes you were going to wear for bed. There was a knock at the door and you gave you permission for the person to enter.

“Jus Gona, the Ambassador of Skaikru has requested to see you, King Roan has granted him access.” You sigh knowing whatever you say to the guard won’t help the situation. “Ai na gocha yu op got raunkova(I’ll escort you to the throne room).” He declared. You weren’t much surprised that Roan would want the meeting to be somewhere in public, given Skaikru’s recent record. Of course, you knew you would be given some privacy at least but one or two guards might be present. It was Marcus though. Would he really do something like that to you? You decided that some people did stupid things when they were desperate, you wouldn’t be over powered again.

The moment the doors opened, you were surprised, Cedree stood against the far wall behind Marcus, arms folded as he watched carefully. You hadn’t seen him since-

“Y/n.” Marcus says when the door has closes behind you. You feel a little trapped for the moment as you look over your shoulder to indeed atest that the noise was truly the door closing and the guard leaving, no doubt right outside the door. You steel yourself and turn to him, a little funny thought crossed your mind. ‘Marcus was standing next to the guy you tried to have sex with’ It was supplied by some foolish irrational thought of you and of course you were an adult who could make her own decisions, it was not like Marcus was in anyway related to you. After this you couldn’t for a moment take your eyes off Cedree, feeling totally embarrassed by multiple things.

You needed something to focus on whatever Marcus was here to tell you. You strode towards the table.

“Do you want anything?” You toss the question over your shoulder at Marcus. There’s silence so you pour one glass.

He always knew what to do when talking to people and he was checking all the boxes when he said:

“You remember when I caught you drinking, you had met up with a boy and one of the guards reported to me that you had been out past curfew while I was working late night.” You turn around during the story, taking a sip of the wine and watching him, knowing instantly where this story was going, feeling even more embarrassed that Cedree was here, but you ignored his presence for the moment

Marcus smiles at the memory and it makes you think back about how he put the boy in detention for a week and made you assist Abby’s patients for the next month, it was how you and Clarke got close. Despite the not so uncomfortable memories you shut him down quickly.

“You told me that I will always make mistakes and that if I didn’t see it you would space me like my parents.” It’s an old scab and you know how Marcus feels about it, you’re long past it but he doesn’t need to know about it. You had to admit, Marcus was a relation, no matter how hard you tried to deny it. Your reality was that he had betrayed you even if it wasn’t him who took the initiative, you were angry because he wasn’t there to stop Clarke. You put the glass back on the table, behind you.

“Maybe I wasn’t the best... parental figure in your life at the time but you turned out well and you know how much I’ve tried to make it right.” You couldn’t deny it he had, countless times made up for it, Marcus had always been there for you, even when you fucked up he was there to correct your mistakes and he hadn’t judged you for them. And he wasn’t all bad, as much as he liked to believe, you were taught valuable things, how to survive, how to lead people and how to get them to follow, what power means to people and how they tend to use it if it falls into their lap.

“Marcus, I’ve killed people, a murderer is not exactly the picture of a good child.” Marcus reaches to steady you by the shoulders and out fo the corner of your eye, you both notice Cedree move, hand on his sword. Marcus steps back hesitantly, ever since he changed, he’s been affectionate and at first it made you uncomfortable and then you discovered it was because it was something you hated to admit you needed sometimes- in small doses.

“Me too. I’m not perfect, none of us are. I killed your parents, you know I’m still paying for it. This life does things to us, but it doesn’t mean we’re bad people, not if we make the right decisions, even when it's hard.” You shake your head pulling away from him, how hypocritical, you hated how it hurts but you sat it anyway:

“Marcus, I can’t help Skaikru, at least not in the way you want to but if you support this decision we made, then Roan might-“

“What decision, (y/n)?!” He raises his voice at that, interrupting you then pauses to collect himself but continues in the same serious tone but softer. “Don’t tell me that you made this decision because I damn well know you didn’t. And it’s not okay, you’re barely twenty two and Roan could almost be-“

“Don’t you dare say it.” You glare at him. He stops, recognising something in your expression. “You know, I can’t read you. I don’t know what to think anymore. I can’t tell if you actually care about me or if you are trying to save your people.”

“They’re your people too.” Marcus says, you simply glare at him, he knows how fondyou are of your former fellow ship mates. “Why can’t it ever be both?” He questions.

“I am not trying to force you to decide. Marcus, my happiness, my safety will never be in your hands again. There’s no decision here. Either Skaikru doesn’t support this marriage, rejects Roan as the rightful King or they survive.” You emphasise, ignoring the clear insult he gave you a moment before. For once you just wanted to feel like someone put you first but you pushed it aside.

You stepped back schooling yourself back into place. “Please go, my wedding day is tomorrow, I will need plenty of rest to prepare for the long festivities.” The doors open. You’ve said everything you possibly could, now it was up to him. “The Guards will escort you back to your rooms, and I will know your final decision. You’re fate, tomorrow.” Marcus doesn’t protest. As Cedree knocks on the door singling to the guards outside who opened the doors.

“Ced.” You say softly as Marcus is escorted out.

“Ai na goch Faya Gada gon baggeda(I’ll escort the fire girl to her bedroom).” Cedree says to the guard waiting on you, who nods and joins the guard escorting Marcus away.

“When did you arrive?” You enquire casually.

“This morning.” He explains simply, “I heard you were caught up in a little skirmish with your people.” You nod, then change the subject drastically:

“I feel terrible.”

“No need,” He says in that’s strange accent with a boyish smile, “I’m just wondering what was your intention that night.”

“I was trying to see if I could feel anything, since I might have had to spend the rest of my life with you.” You explain.

“And?” He asked.

“Ced-“ You start in a soft tone, not quite sure how to put the words.

“I know this path has long since past, And don’t get me wrong to think that anything might have developed past friendship in the time that I’ve known you, I’m sure you know these things take time, but I’m curios.” He interrupted quickly explaining, you almost sighed in relief.

“No, Ced, I’m not set up to work like that.” He nods, accepting your answer.

“Shall we?” He gestured to the open hall way.

“I need to see Roan.” You add, he nods and walks you the way.

You pause outside the room, next to the guards and smile at Cedree as he nods to you and leaves. When you hear Echo’s voice you stop the guard from opening the door for a moment as something captures your attention.

“Jus Gona?” The guard questions, you push him.

“Wait a moment.” You tell him as you listen.

“-stop being so soft with her.” You instantly knew who they were talking about.

“What I do is none of your concern.” Roan states. He doesn’t deny it and something flutters with in you and then is quickly snuffed out, the last thing you wanted was to be treated like something fragile due to a pity party. There’s silence that follow, your wonder if Roan is contemplating Echo’s word. Despite Echo being his advisor, he seems to usually shut her down when she speaks up, which is surprising that this time he doesn’t chase her out.

“Jus Gona?” The guard questions, reminding you as the silence continues inside.

“I changed my mind.” You say. “Please tell the King that I spoke to Marcus Kane and that he shouldn’t be expecting any support from Skaikru.”

                                           ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

The sun has long since set when the doors to your rooms open once more to an unannounced visitor, your fingers are entangled in the dog tags of your brother, the old rusted chain and faded letters are so familiar but you put it aside as Roan steps further into the room, the doors close behind him.

“You allowed Marcus to speak to me.” It sounds colder when it echoes around the room.

“I knew, as Jus Gona, the future queen and leader of my people, you would be able to win us a new ally and I was expecting you to perform your duties.” Roan doesn’t answer, the King does.

“Don’t be so sure, I have achieved nothing but to cut the only person that ever believed in me out of my life.”

“It’s him who made that decision not you.” Roan adds, it hurst worse.

“Can you please take that stupid thing of your head?!” You cry out frustrated. When the moment fades and Roan keeps quiet, idle by the desk where rests hand on the backrest of the chair, you feel ashamed at your childish outburst. You clench and unclench your jaw, thinking of the apology almost stings.

You hear the soft thump of the crown on the table and you look up, watching Roan peel back his regal outer layers until he can more comfortable move in his untucked shirt and simple pants. He lays them out over the chair, taking his time and then he strides to your side of the bed.

“Roan I am really-“ He sits down on the bed by your legs.

“How did it go when you spoke to Marcus?” He asks, it's so genuine, his words soft.

“Awful.” You say simply.

“I’m sorry.” Roan says, holding your gaze with a sincere look. “If you want to talk about it..?” Roan trails off but you look away, you weren’t in the mood to open old wounds, if you could just keep it together for one more day.

“Wasn’t this what Echo said you shouldn’t do.” You mumble almost under your breath, keeping your gaze trained on the dog tags at the side of your table. There’s enough silence that you think, he’s confused.

“That’s when you asked the guard to inform me. Is that why you didn’t come inside?” He questions.

“I couldn’t pretend that I didn’t hear it.” You say simply. “I don’t want you to go easy on me because of what happened.”

“Is that what you think my reasoning is?” He questions, when you don’t answer Roan tries with another question: “If you don’t want me to go easy on you and you don’t want me to treat you like one of your subjects, what do you want?” He asks, when you glance at him he’s genuinely curios, he has a patient expression on his face as he waits.

“I don’t know, definitely not like one of your subjects.” You say, that tells him everything he needs to know as he hums thoughtfully

“You should be asleep, tomorrow is a long day.” Roan says when he realised you weren’t ready.

“I doubt I’ll be getting any sleep.” You retort.

“Try?”

“Only if you stay to toss and turn with me the whole night.” You say before you could want to begin to stop yourself. Roan nods, and you’re a little surprised by it.

                                           ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

The next morning you wake up as Roan gets ready to leave, he greets you and tells you he had some business to attend to. You are ordered to stay confined in your room until someone comes to get you, Echo is with you from after breakfast which at least provides some entertainment for the day ahead and almost anything you require is at your fingers tips. There’s not much to do than to sit and overthink the day away which only seems to fuel the nervous nightmare ahead. The guards have been increased tenfold for the day, to ward off any potential threats and provide at least some form of protection in the event of some brave soul favouring a very a bad idea. The wedding was announced early morning by the King himself to the people of Polis, his people and other clans and currently he was negotiating with other leaders for the support in your union.

“Don’t they have professionals for this type of stuff? Ow!” You exclaim as Echo pulls the braid tightly. “Could you please leave some hair in my scalp after you're finished!” You snap, glaring at Echo in the mirror.

“Stop your whining, fyucha (infant).” Echo snaps right back, pausing as she glares back in the mirror. “I could leave it for you to do yourself, you ungrateful little-“

“Fine! Sorry!” You snap. Echo continues after a small pause, she continues to tug at your hair but you ignore it as much as possible, gritting your teeth.

“There.” You sight in relief as she gives confirmation that she is finished, you stand. You looked fine, the intricate braids might have been too much for your taste but it was the last thing on your mind. Your makeup consisted of key pieces that highlighted your features. A strange sight compared to the only other make up you ever wore- war paint.

There’s a loud bang as the doors hit the wall, you jump, your body tense as you reach for a dagger at your hip that is not there. Roan stands in your doorway, covered in blood. The fact that it was him, should have put you at ease but the site of the deep red doesn’t. “You’re okay.” Roan says as if it's a revelation to himself.

“Echo, guard the door.” Roan orders, she immediately steps outside.

“Yeah I’m okay, why am I would I not be okay? Are you even supposed to be here? Why is there blood all over you?” You question, your hair is braided and you are only standing in your underwear and despite the countless times you have seen blood, despite the countless times you have faced death, it horrifies you. You cross your arms, feeling a little uncomfortable as Roan tries real hard not to look down.

“No, I’m not supposed to be here but we need to do this now, some Natrona (traitors) have infiltrated the Polis. If we can finish the ceremony, I believe they will stand down, if I have the power of Jus Gona.” The door closes behind him hiding the hoard of guards.

You're stunned, you swallow not sure what exactly to think.

“What?” Is all you can manage.

“Wait before you-“ Roan starts but you cut him off.

“You’re going to kill me.” You throat burns, your first thought was ‘what were you expecting’ and then you rationality suddenly steps in, why would he tell you this if it was his plan? It makes you pause for a moment and listen to what Roan is trying to say.

“I mean,” he suddenly decides to step closer. “I’m not sure it's better.” He almost laughs but he’s expression is humourless. “Have you ever done itbefore?” Out of all the things you thought he would say, that question was not on your list.

First of all King Roan of Azgeda, one of the most accomplished warriors you know can’t say the word ‘sex’.

“Of course I’ve slept with people, are you sure you have?” You question almost accusingly.

“Yes, yes-“ he defends almost immediately, you swear he’s a deeper colour as he pauses, “that’s not the point. I’m talking about consummating the marriage tonight.” Roan is serious, you’re a little dizzy but you keep standing anyway, taking a deep breath to think.

“So we say we did the do, no one will be the wiser.” You suggest.

“It has to be witnessed.” You swallow, feeling like you needed a breath of fresh air.

“I was afraid you would say that. This fucked up shit is getting really predictable, first I have to drink your blood and now? Now this.”

“I know, I’m sorry, I keep asking-“

“I’ll do it,” your throat burns, “but I swear to God Roan, I don’t know if I can but I can try.” You hate that your eyes flood with tears but you can’t stop it as the trickle down your cheeks. Roan steps up again and simply pull you into his chest despite his bloody clothes. He smells like Iron and salt and you try to block out your own sobs. “You’re not supposed to make the bride cry on her wedding day you know.” Roan can’t help but chuckle. You half heartedly attempt a laugh but you don’t feel like it.

Next Chapter

Tag List:

@sunshine-and-riverwater @jinx-is-fire @silver424@cherrysfandom@thebookandmoviefangirl @that-cute-stranger @waitingtobeimpressed @daringvixon

[darkelfshadow]

Session Summary - 102

AKA “Metallic Dragons Arise”

Adventures in Taggriell

Session 101  (Date: 5th February 2021)

Players Present:

- Rob (Known as “Varis”) Elf Male.

- Bob (Known as “Sir Krondor) Dwarf Male.

- Paul (Known as “Labarett”) Elf Male.

- Travis (Known as “Trenchant”) Human Male.

- Arthur (Known as “Gim”) Dwarf Male.

- John (Known as “Ragnar”) Dwarf Male.

Absent Players - Nil

NPC

- (Known as “Naillae”) Elf Female. <Controlled by Travis>

Summary

- Wealday, 17th Desnus in the year 815 (Second Era). Summer.

- The party begin this session, in the late afternoon, having just arrived at the hide out of Captain Jhessail Greycastle within the occupied city of Phlan. Greycastle is visibly angry at herself for falling for the Cult trap, which resulted in the loss of two of her men. Ragnar attempts to console Greycastle.

- The party discuss what course of action to take. They decide to split up. Trenchant and Naillae keep out of sight and make their way over to the Royal Palace, sneaking past numerous guards and Knights, finally making their way into the lower grounds of Palace. They spend some time exploring some of the rooms, but realise that it would take days to search the entire Palace complex.

- Filling a bag with an assortment of small valuable items, they sneak out of the Palace. As they are leaving the outer compound, they hear the sound of wings and see the large green form of Vorgansharax gently glide down into the inner Palace compound.

- Wasting no time, the pair quickly leave and make their way unseen, back to the Frostskimmr.

- Meanwhile, the rest of the party has made their way through the sewers to the far side of the city, and then exited as close to the Manor of Sir Zern as they can. With Varis’s help, the party time their passage through the streets and alleyways. Under the cover of a Pass Without Trace spell cast by Varis, the party approach the front of the damaged Manor. There are signs of new battle damage, and of a large assault occurring here since the last time the party were here.

- Labarett observes an obscured watcher from one of the upper windows, a Dragonwing Enforcer. Under the cover of the shadows of Varis’s Spell, the party enter the Manor, accidentally setting off a bell alarm but the bell does not make any sound due to Varis’s Spell. The party sneak upstairs and capture the single Dragonwing Enforcer, who was waiting by an open window, watching for the return of Sir Zern.

- Failing to obtain any useless information from the zealot, they kill the Dragonwing Enforcer, and then depart back to Greycastle’s hideout. The party inform Greycastle that Sir Zern has been injured by the Cult and is now on the run. She informs the party she will get her scouts to keep a look out for Zern, but he’s likely to find a hidden spot and stay low for a while.

- The rest of day and night passes.

- Oathday, 18th Desnus in the year 815 (Second Era). Summer.

- The morning comes with Trenchant and Naillae waking onboard the Frostskimmr realising the rest of the party have not returned. Alone Trenchant, disguised as a merchant, heads off the ship but runs into two Knights Of The Tears Of Virulence. Trenchant has to quickly backtrack and duck out of sight from the pursuing Knights, but the Bard uses magic to Levitate unseen over the buildings to the other side and then he quickly leaves before the rest of the twenty five Knights nearby start searching for him.

- Trenchant goes to Mentor’s Library and finds the rest of the party speaking to the Lord Sage, who has made a new and working protective barrel to safely hold the recovered liquid from the Pool Of Radiance. The party decide to leave Phlan, now that their objective is done, and most of the party take the barrel, via the sewers to outside of town. Trenchant, once again sneaks back avoiding the Knights, to return to the Frostskimmr. He instructs Captain Lerustah to leave port and head a few miles south of Phlan, where they find the rest of the party waiting with the barrel.

- Securing the barrel in the ship’s hold, the party head off on the six and half day voyage back to Crescent Moon. During the voyage Maccath The Crimson identifies the cloak the party retrieved from Kranun, and it a a Mantle Of Spell Resistance.

- Wealday, 3rd Sarenith in the year 815 (Second Era). Late Summer.

- The Frostskimmr arrives in Crescent Moon and party quickly make their way to the Royal Palace. None of the Council members are present, except for Winterstalker Delaan Winterhound, who has been waiting for the party’s return.

- The party quickly exchange some of the recovered treasure they have secured and Ragnar obtains a single gem incrusted gold bowel, needed for one of his more powerful spells.

- Delaan and the party obtain riding horses from the Palace and head straight out into the nearby wilderness, and after a ten minute ride arrive at a large clearing with a small campfire and four people seated around it. There are no tents, horses, or wagons but there are three very large sacks laying on the ground.

- Delaan introduces the party to the leader of the group, Elia, a beautiful woman with a strong presence about her. She is very annoyed at having been made to wait for so long. She moves off to the side of the clearing, well away from the party, and she begins to glow. The air moves around her as her glowing form enlarges, two long outstretched wings form from the figure, which now towers well above the stunned humans below. As the glow fades, standing before the party is an Ancient Silver Dragon.

- The Dragon instructs her companions to take out the harness from the large sacks and place it upon her so the party may ride her to their destination.

- As the preparations are being made, Delaan speaks to the party, “Remember you have been given full authority to make decisions for and on behalf of the Alliance and the Council of Crescent Moon. All members of the Council will abide by your decisions. You speak now not just for yourselves, but for Kingdoms. Good luck.”

- The party mount the Dragon, with the Dragon showing obvious disdain when any Dwarf climbs atop her. Elia explains that this flight would normally take four days, but she shall use all her magic to speed the flight, and it shall take only a single day.

- The Dragon takes flight and leaps into the air and begins the day flight to the east. During the journey the party are able to see the various Kingdoms from above and the effect the war is having on them. The Kingdom of Asalea is in ruins and its people now imprisoned by the Cult. Much of the Elven forests are burnt, and the destroyed villages of Northern Tyriba, from the initial Cult assaults a year ago, still lay vacant.

- The party’s flight leaves the continent of Taggriell late in the afternoon and flying over the waters of the Golden Channel the Dragon flies into the large Island of Kucrea, most of which is controlled by the mysterious and elusive Empire Of Nekar. Flying into the large Nether Mountains the Dragon begins to descend towards one large peak.

- As the sun begins to descend into evening, the deepening shadows reveal the outline of a large stone circular amphitheatre. Rows upon rows of stone seats ascend the structure, large enough to hold two thousand people. Seated within are four waiting Dragons: Gold, Brass, Bronze and Copper.

- Elia flies to the outside of the structure, where a massive 80 feet high open archway reveals the inner site and the waiting Dragons. Carved around the archway are Dragons and Crowns, but what catches the eye of the party are the nearly two thousand carved Knights on the outside of the structure. Labarett and Gim look closely at the carved Knights and each has a strange symbol on their shield: a circle surrounded by protruding points, and within a Dragon Head on a Shield. Labarett remembers that the outer circle symbol is a much older symbol representing Pelor, though that particular symbol isn’t used anymore. Gim also recognises the inner Dragon Head symbol as that of Bahamut. When Gim and Labarett tell the party of this, the story of how Pelor and Bahamut fought together to overcome and imprison Tiamat into the Nine Hells comes to mind.

- The party ask Elia who the other Dragons are and she informs them that there is (Gold) Protanther who leads this Council Of Dragons and is the only original member of the past Council in the last Dragon Wars two thousand years ago. Also present are (Brass) Ileuthra, (Bronze) Nymmurh, and (Copper) Tazmikella.

- Elia warns the party to choose their representatives wisely, and send only those forward. The party send forward Trenchant, Labarett and Ragnar. Protanther takes an instant dislike to Trenchant. So too Elia (who’s real name is Otaaryliakkarnos) takes a dislike to one of the Dwarves being sent. Tazmikella also shows an instant distain towards Trenchant.

- The party discuss with the Dragons to join the Alliance but Protanther does not trust the humans and believes the Dragons have a better chance to succeed on their own. The discussion goes back and forth for some time. Concessions are made by the party, which slowly start to sway most of the Dragons, including Protanther over to their side.

- During the discussion the party learn that this amphitheatre once held two thousand Knights Of The Radiant Breath, sworn to both Pelor and Bahamut, whom were granted extraordinary arcane items forged of great power, made with the combined assistance of the Metallic Dragons and the greatest Wizards of the ancient times. Plate, shield and sword bonded to the Knight and granting them great powers. The Knights had existed for two thousand years, being formed in the first Dragon Wars, of which little is known as it occurred four thousand years ago. Each Knight handed their Oath and bonded arcane items to a new Knight when too old to continue, and thus the Order preserved, until it fought once again in the second Dragon Wars, which occurred two thousand years ago. But for some reason unknown to the Dragons, and which causes them much anger and resentment, the Knights all vanished en mass after the last Dragon Wars. The Knights forsaking their vows, and vanishing with their powerful arcane items given to them by the work of the Dragons, is a point of deep contention within the Dragon Council.

- Eventually the party convince the Dragons to join forces with the Alliance and with the business done, the Dragons leave the party, informing them that Elia shall return them to Crescent Moon the next morning.

- Oathday, 4th Sarenith in the year 815 (Second Era). Late Summer.

- In the morning Elia returns and after the party once again mount onto her back, she flies them to Crescent Moon. The journey takes all day once again, and when they arrive at the port city just as the sun is setting, the party arrive at the Palace to eat and sleep. Elia, now joining the Alliance to represent the Dragons, stays at Crescent Moon.

- Fireday, 5th Sarenith in the year 815 (Second Era). Late Summer. “The Eye Of Athair”

- The party awake and spend the day taking care of a few matters before the evening when the Council Of Crescent Moon is called to session. The party learn what has been happening in the war effort, including news that the Cult has possession of the White Dragon Mask again. When this is news is read out, everyone’s expression is grave except for Rain Nightshade, representative of the Zhentarim who looks unconcerned out the window.

- The party update the Council on how their last three missions went. Then the Council informs the party that the Cult’s plan are nearly complete, and they have little time before the Cult attempts to bring Tiamat into the world at a still unknown location.

- The party are presented with three more pressing matters that need that attention: a Cult Officer called Iskander has offered to hand over himself and the Blue Dragon Mask to the Alliance. A Rebel group of Red Wizards of Thay wish to discuss defecting to the Alliance. And finally the Lord Harper informs the party that the Cult and Vorgansharax have begun to systematically destroy Phlan and its inhabitants. The High Harper, choking with sadness, tells the party that Olisara Lightsong has died helping many of the locals escape but now three important VIPs are still trapped and need rescuing: Madam Freona, the Lord Sage and Captain Greycastle.

- The party discuss what to do. They decide that they will need better and stronger weapons and equipment if they are to face the coming threats. They decide to use the Teleport Scroll and unearthed symbol to go back to the Serpent Hills and breech the main Yuan-ti Den to uncover the ancient treasure chamber that holds the Yuan-ti’s most powerful secrets.

- Then with these new relics, the party will return one final time to Phlan, to face Vorgansharax and rescue their friends.

<And as the party prepare themselves to enter the unknown dangers of the Den of Yuan-ti, that is the end of the session.>

XP Allocation

Group - Combined (This is equally divided by the number of players who were involved)

Quests (Only quests that are completed or rendered undoable, during this session, are shown here)

- “The first step in avoiding a trap is knowing of its existence” - Thwart Cult’s Trap for Sir Zern = 500 XP

- “Hope” - Deliver Pool Of Radiance to Alliance (XP for 1 Barrel) = 2000 XP

- “Reforge Ancient Oaths” - Secure Aid of Metallic Dragons with Alliance = 5000 XP

- “Like Sand Through My Fingers” - Allow Cult to Recover White Dragon Mask = -1000 XP Penalty

- QUEST MILESTONE - 3rd Council of Crescent Moon = 50 XP

Creatures Overcome

- Dragonwing Enforcer = 450 XP

Individual (This is only given to that person and is not divided amongst all players)

Special Bonus (Outstanding Role Playing)

Nil

XP Levels and Player Allocations

Player : Start +  Received = Total  (Notes)

Rob : 135895 + 1071 = 136966

Arthur : 104332 + 1071 = 109948

John : 104332 + 1071 = 105393

Travis : 124750 + 1071 = 125821

Paul : 114233 + 1071 = 115304

Bob : 126072 + 1071 = 127143

NPC (Naillae) : + (536)

[things-with-teeth]

“And Hope That I Don’t Crash You”: The Web, The Archivist, and Control

In her statement to Jon, Annabelle Cane states, “I have always believed that the key to manipulating people is to ensure that they always under- or overestimate you. Never reveal your true abilities or plans” (MAG 147). In a lot of ways, the narrative supports reading this as an admonishment against doing the later. In MAG 149, Melanie shoots down the idea that the Web has some strategy beyond “to paralyze [Jon] with indecision, sitting here terrified that everything [he does] is somehow part of its grand plan;” Jon doesn’t necessarily concede to this point, but he does admit it’s a possibility. Every time we’ve met another avatar of one of the Entities or an organization that worships them, it’s turned out that they’re not all they were cracked up to be when they first appeared on the scene: Peter can’t protect the Archives as he told Martin he would, Elias isn’t as all-knowing as he would lead others to believe, the Cult of the Lightless Flame and the People's Church of the Divine Host are both 95% petty in-fighting and about 5% knowing what the heck they’re doing. (Simon “in it for the lulz” Fairchild is sort of a breath of fresh air; he also doesn’t know what he’s doing, but he doesn’t pretend otherwise.) So maybe the Web is the same; even Annabelle suggests it, telling Jon that it’s entirely possible the Mother of Puppets is “simply sitting and reveling in the inevitable cascade of paranoia as those who hold her in special terror cocoon themselves in red string and theory” (147).

On that note, please allow me to cocoon myself in red sting and theory: I think Annabelle has basically been engineering events since season one, and here’s why.

I want to be clear from the start: I think Annabelle is being completely above board when she tells Jon that she hasn’t influenced his decision to take statements and feed the Eye. It’s clear from the moment that he proposes the possibility that this is a bit of a reach, a desperate last-ditch attempt to convince both himself and the others that he hasn’t been acting with any kind of autonomy while doing something he knows will hurt people. He is. He does. Jon Sims is becoming a monster, and that wouldn’t be nearly as horrifying or as sad if there wasn’t some element of choice to it (and some element of inevitability to that choice, as with a lot of great tragedies, but the kind of inevitability that’s as much personally driven as externally motivated). In no way am I writing this in an attempt to say “the spiders made him do it, he had no choice.” That being said, Annabelle herself makes an argument for choice being dictated by circumstance, and I’m going to argue that Annabelle herself has dictated a great deal of the circumstance from the very beginning.

Some of this is very well-supported by the things that we already know for a fact; Annabelle, herself, admits to Jon that she’s been “been nudging something here and there to keep [Jon] safe, to keep everything on track” (ibid). I don’t think there’s much room to argue that Annabelle wasn’t the one who prevented Jane Prentiss’ plan to destroy the Archives from coming to fruition. As of MAG 123, we know that Annabelle was responsible for what happened to Carlos Vittery way back in MAG 16, the very same case that Martin is investigating when he discovers Jane in the basement of Carlos’ apartment leading up to MAG 22, and from MAG 16 we know that Jane’s presence there predates that of the spiders – Carlos says his building has an “infestation of some sort of insect [he] didn’t recognize – small, silvery worms [...] they provided a good meal for the eight-legged little monsters.” As a result, the Archives are aware that Jane is a present and immediate danger. In MAG 38, the infestation of worms in the tunnels and Jane’s attack on the archives is revealed when Jon damages the false wall while attempting to commit arachnicide, and she’s forced to attack early. This is almost definitely why she fails; Tim states that “[being inside the Magus Institute] made them weaker, and they’ve been down there for months, breeding, building up their numbers until there were enough to properly bury us. Except you found that hidden passage, and they had to act” (MAG 40). I think it’s also possible – although this is more conjecture at this point – that Annabelle was the one who sent the note that incited Jared Hopworth to attack the archives between seasons three and four, although that’s mostly because I’m not sure there’s a better candidate; Peter potentially has motive, but that kind of manipulation reads more as the Web than the Lonely. “I’m starting to think the letters were a trap,” says Jared (MAG 131), and I would argue that it was a trap, not for Jared but for Martin, meant to nudge him into looking outside the Institute for protection. It’s more-or-less explicitly stated that Annabelle sent Oliver Banks to coax Jon out of his coma: “I'm still not exactly sure why I'm here. But you know better than anyone how the spiders can get into your head. Easier to just do what she asks” (MAG 121). Annabelle has nudged, here and there, and she has kept Jon safe, and she has kept everything on track.

I think Annabelle has been influencing events in more subtle ways, too, however. Very early in the series, Jon receives a delivery which includes “an old Zippo” with a “spider web design on the front” (MAG 36). He’s suggests that Tim have the others take a look at it, but that’s quickly lost in the realization that the other item delivered is the web table, which Jon recognizes from its description. As far as I can recall, we don’t hear another mention of the lighter until MAG 111, when Gerard asks Jon if he’s “a spider freak” after Jon offers him a cigarette and, presumably, a light. This means that, three seasons later, Jon is still carrying the lighter. A lighter with a spider web pattern on it, delivered by Breekon and Hope, who may belong to the Stranger but who are certainly willing to deliver parcels for other powers (the yellow stole Father Burroughs receives in MAG 20, for instance). Jon has been carrying around an artifact of the Web for the better part of the series, and I don’t think it’s impossible that it’s been influencing him, or that Annabelle’s been using it to influence him, in ways that are much less obvious than those I’ve listed above. Mostly I don’t want to speculate as to how it’s influenced him – I straight up do not know, and like I said, my intention is not to absolve Jon of all agency in his own actions for the last hundred plus episodes – with one exception. There’s one other time that Jon’s smoking habit has heavily impacted the plot: when he steps out to have a cigarette in MAG 80, leaving the way clear for Elias to brutally pipe murder Jurgen Lietner and keep Jon “on track” in his development as the Archivist.

This is speculation, but I think it’s speculation supported by past events within the podcast, most specifically those surrounding Gertrude and Agnes.

Annabelle wasn’t an avatar of the Web back then, of course, but I still think that there’s a lot to be learned when it comes to how the Web and/or its representatives influence the course of events nominally controlled by and benefitting other Entities. In MAG 139, Eugene Vanderstock says:

The compromise we came to was Hill Top Road. We knew it was a stronghold of the Web, full of other children Agnes’ age. We would supervise from a distance but were confident she would be in no danger. The Mother of Puppets has always suffered at our hand – all the manipulation and subtle venom in the world means nothing against a pure and unrestrained force of destruction and ruin.

And that’s—that’s weird, isn’t it? We know that the Cult is at least somewhat protective of Agnes; it’s how Diego convinces Arthur Nolan and the others not only to refrain from acting against Gertrude but to protect her for so many years after she binds Agnes to her, because it might be “catastrophic for Agnes” if Gertrude were to die “a violent death” (MAG 145). In spite of that, here they are, sending their baby chosen one into the lair of an enemy power so that she can get some normal socialization and learn not to bite (or burn) the other kids. As a result, Agnes ends up tied to Hill Top Road and Raymond Fielding, even after Fielding is dead, perhaps because of an early attempt at the same kind of binding that Gertrude eventually succeeds at creating. I don’t think it’s outside of the realm of possibility that the chain of events leading up to the Cult making this disastrous decision were not entirely without influence from the Web.

Then there’s Jack Barnabas. I’m ridiculously charmed by Jack’s whole mindset of “this girl is so goddamn weird and I’m really ridiculously into it,” and I’m not going to suggest that what he felt for Agnes wasn’t real; even Jon is “ninety percent” sure that Gertrude “didn’t pay poor Jack Barnabas to fall in love with Agnes” (MAG 139), and I’m about equally certain that the Web didn’t compel poor Jack Barnabas into being head over heels for her, either. That said, I think it’s clear that the Web did have some involvement. When preparing for his first date with Agnes, Jack smells burning and notices that “within the corner of the room, where there had been a spider's web this morning, there was just a faint wisp of smoke” (MAG 67). The language in his statement, years later, is filled with confusion about his own motives and hints of compulsion: “I was drawn to her in a way I can't even explain,” “I don't know how it happened, it [asking Agnes for a date] just tumbled out of my mouth before I could stop it,” “drowning in emotions that I still can't explain,” and “looking back, I'm still not sure what I would have done differently [...] I don't know if I would have had it in me to resist. I just couldn't avoid being drawn in” (ibid). Jack’s feelings for Agnes may not have been entirely manufactured, but they did receive a nudge, and the result was doubt and eventual death for the avatar and a necessary component in the ritual of one of the Web’s opposing powers.

Finally, there’s Gertrude. When speaking of the path that led her to the ritual which eventually bound her to Agnes, she describes it thus:

It was the Web. I didn’t know it at the time, of course, and I would call it an accident, but it never is, with them. It’s only after the fact that you can see all the subtle manipulations [...] I began researching what I thought was a counter-ritual of sorts. Like I said, I was young, naive. I somehow found just the right books, made just the right connections, and even got what I thought was a piece of blind good luck when I found a tin box in the ashes of Hill Top Road, containing some perfectly preserved cuttings of her hair. Of course, what I thought was a banishment ritual turned out not to be. The circle I constructed was more of a—an invitation. It let the Mother of Puppets bind me to Agnes, interweave our existences at some metaphysical level, as it had with Fielding and the house. (MAG 145)

Somehow she found the right books. Blind good luck that led her to Agnes’ hair at Hill Top Road. I would call it an accident. It’s only after the fact that you can see all the subtle manipulations – and this is Gertrude, who isn’t infallible, but who Arthur Nolan pinpoints as being “too practical” (ibid) to buy into the mystique of the Entities or to ascribe to them some greater motive, which would seem to belie the possibility that she’s falling prey to (as Annabelle suggests in MAG 147, as Melanie suggests in MAG 149) the tendency to succumb to paranoia while crediting the Mother of Puppets with some grand act of manipulation that the Web isn’t actually responsible for. I would argue that Jon has most likely been experiencing the same kind of quote-unquote happenstance that Gertrude once did, the same kind of subtle manipulation cloaked in coincidence, for the entirety of the series, all of it leading him toward whatever end Annabelle finds most desirable.

Some final notes that I couldn’t really incorporate elsewhere: I really, very much hope that Melanie’s therapy sessions really are just her getting good professional help for everything the Archives and the Entities have thrown at her, but I’m less and less certain that’s the case. Annabelle’s inception, her origin story, takes place in a psychology department. When doing follow-up in MAG 69, the archival staff find that all of the post-grads involved in the experiment have disappeared; in addition, Elizabeth “Liz” Bates, the advisor on the project, refuses to give a follow-up statement. The Web is about control and manipulation; it’s entirely possible that Annabelle has a large pool of qualified candidates to draw on when it comes to providing Melanie with a counselor who doesn’t have “cobwebs down her face” (MAG 149). I also keep getting stuck on the fact that very soon after Melanie asks Daisy not to call her “Mel” in MAG 147 because her therapist has advised her to be more open about these things, Annabelle opens her statement with “Free will is a funny old thing, isn’t it Jon? Can I call you Jon? I’m going to call you Jon.” Sure, it’s coincidence – but Gertrude was convinced, at first, that what she was dealing with was coincidence, too.

As for why Annabelle is doing this, I don’t know. Maybe the Lonely is as much in opposition to the Web as the Desolation is – after all, it’s difficult to manipulate someone in isolation – and she’s trying to impede Peter, not from stopping the Extinction but from benefiting from it, as Simon Fairchild says he will, thereby eliminating an enemy just as the Web did with Agnes and the Desolation. Maybe she’s trying to beat him to the same goal, establishing some level of control over someone beholden to the Ceaseless Watcher just as Peter is trying to gain control of Martin; Jon’s first experience with the supernatural involved the Web, and then there’s that Zippo. Maybe she has some goal all her own, some third option not yet even hinted at. Or maybe, like Jon, she’s acting on instinct, unable to do anything but “dance the steps [she is] assigned” (ibid), manipulating and spinning out her web because she’s incapable of doing anything else.

---

So I accidentally wrote 2.5k of wild conjecture about creepy spider people because I got stuck on the idea that there was a connection between the Zippo and Lietner’s death, that was fun. Shout out to @wildehacked for letting me yell about this and additional shout out to anyone involved in the wiki or the transcripts because oh goooooood would this have been more difficult to compile without being able to utilize those resources to check citations and grab most of the quotes. 

Quick edit to add a link to @caught-in-the-infinite‘s excellent alternative explanation for why Annabelle might have wanted Jared Hopworth to attack the Archives, which I think makes a lot more good sense than mine while also having even more ominous implications. 

[lia-jones]

Growing Stronger - Chapter 10 - Goldman’s Wedding

Diane took her dress from the plastic casing, her eyes swarming with emotion. With my help, she stepped into the wire skirt and pulled the bodice up. I busied myself with the long line of buttons on her back. She looked beautiful.

“Oh no, I can’t cry, I just got my make up done!” She said as she looked at herself in the mirror, shaking her hands as she could somehow shake away the tears as well.

“Okay, right, let’s move on! No tears.” I held her hands, smiling at her. “Just deep breaths… Smell the flower… Blow the candle…” I took a deep breath myself, as an example.

“Right. I need a distraction.” She smiled slyly at me. “Tell me why you and Victor barely said a word to each other during rehearsal dinner.”

Wow, that was quite an ambush. And I was about to fall right into that trap. Truth was, after our talk in his car, we kind of avoided each other the rest of the day. During rehearsal dinner, even though we were sitting next to each other, I was too busy talking to the other members of Diane’s family and tending to her requests to even acknowledge he was there.

“I was busy with your family! They talk a lot.” I jested. “Besides, today is not about me, it’s about you and Goldie Hawn.”

“Hey, today is my day, and if I want to talk about this, my maid of honor will humor me.” Diane chastised playfully. “You guys didn’t talk? At all?”

“We did.” I sighed, resigned with having to spill the beans.

“And?” She looked at me with hopeful eyes.

“And nothing. We talked, feelings are hard, it’s no use.” I shrugged. “It’s up to time to heal all wounds. I’m sorry to disappoint, Diane, but that ship has sailed.”

“I refuse to accept that! Especially today, the day I celebrate my love!” Diane got up to look herself in the mirror, adjusting the tiara in her hair. “The problem is both of you overthink it! It’s clear that you both have feelings for each other, only you two don’t see that! The two most intelligent people I know can’t see the most blatant thing: you love each other! So get over it already! It’s tiresome!”

I shook my head bitterly. Me and Victor… It was hard. Love isn’t supposed to be this hard.

“Promise me one thing.” Diane grabbed my face, looking me in the eyes. “Just for today. Because it’s my wedding. Consider it another wedding gift.”

“What?” I smiled at how caring she was, even though I pretended to be annoyed. “What does Bridezilla want now?”

“Just for today.” Diane pleaded. “Promise me that every time you interact with Victor, you do so with an open heart. You stop using your head, you stop trying to reason your way out of it. You just feel. Forget about the past, forget about what you said or what he said, because you are only human, and humans make mistakes. You open your heart and feel.”

“You can’t ask me that.”

“I’m not saying that you should throw yourself in his arms, although that’s not a bad idea at all. I’m just saying, stop second-guessing. Be open. Maybe your heart will know better than your head.”

I paused, deliberating her words.

“Fine.” I agreed. “But no traps like yesterday, got it?”

“I promise.” Diane beamed at me.

We heard a knock on the door, followed by a loud shriek. It was one of Diane’s aunts, one of her five aunts, excited to see her in a wedding dress. All five aunts flooded the room, and her mother came in after. I distanced myself from the commotion. After that loud shriek, I was fearing for my eardrums.

Taking my phone from the end table, I noticed I had a text from Victor.

Goldman is crying.

I smiled. Goldman had a heart as big as a mountain, it was hard for him to hide his feelings. I was already expecting him to be emotional today.

LOL. Cute. I replied.

Seconds later, I was getting a reply.

What took you so long to reply? And this isn’t funny, and it’s definitely not cute. How do I make it stop?

I snorted, imagining Victor awkwardly trying to console Goldman.

Do you need help? I teased. This was priceless. I would happily help if only to see the look on Victor’s face.

Would I text you if I didn’t?

I didn’t reply, amused to make him squirm just a little. Soon after I got another text.

Will you come or not? Please.

On my way. I excused myself and went to Goldman’s room.

“I better not find any naked men in there!” I knocked playfully. Victor opened the door, stopping abruptly.

He looked amazing, wearing a navy blue tuxedo with a pink tie matching my dress. His hair looked more composed than usual, his bangs pushed aside, letting me see his forehead. I froze for a second. And so did Victor, eyes wide, mouth slightly open.

“Who is it?” We heard Goldman from the inside.

“Come in.” Victor stepped away from the door. “I’m going to get a cup of coffee.”

“Meaning, you need a break.” I smiled knowingly.

“Exactly.” He frowned, walking away.

I entered the room, seeing Goldman sitting on the sofa, his eyes red and puffy.

“Oh no, we can’t have you getting married like this.” I sat beside him. “Are those happy tears or is there something wrong?”

“I’m a mess.” Goldman sobbed. “I’m sweating like a pig, my heart is jumping out of my chest! What do I have to offer her? She’s too good for me!”

“What are you talking about? Diane loves you to pieces! You guys make the perfect couple!”

“Do we? Do you know who also made a perfect couple?” He asked, looking me in the eye. “How did that work out?”

“One thing has nothing to do with the other, okay? You are good. On your way to happiness. Enjoy it!”

“Where’s the difference, then? Can you tell me?” He defied me. God, I did not want to talk about this.

“I don’t know, Goldman. Sometimes you just look down the road and see the long way that you will have to go, and the blisters that you’ll have, and you have this person walking beside you, getting hurt as well. And you don’t know where it leads, and you fear it’s a dead end… So you stop the suffering. You go back. You give up before it’s too painful, before there are scars on your feet and on that person’s feet that won’t heal properly.”

“So you got scared?” He gave me a flat face. “I think you are full of BS. I think you lost, big time, because you didn’t try hard enough. I don’t mind a lifetime full of blisters if it’s at her side. Love conquers all, even blisters.”

I gave him a sad smile, getting up.

“Sure, fine, be that way.” I joked. “Go get married. Prove me wrong.”

He remained seated, his eyes starting to tear up again.

“My parents are dead. They won’t be here.”

Things were starting to make a lot more sense now. I returned to the seat next to him.

“You are not alone.” I held his shoulders. “You have Diane, you have me, you have Victor. I can’t replace your parents, but I can do this…” I took a deep breath, trying to channel my parents. “If I were your father, I would be proud of the man you’ve become. I would hug you and tell you I am sure you are going to make Diane really happy. And give some advice like Don’t go to bed angry or Tell her you love her every day. If I were your mother I would dote on you, pinch your cheeks and tell you you look really handsome. You actually clean up pretty well, Goldie!” I lovingly swatted at him as he gave me a sheepish smile.

“Thank you.” He said, hugging me tight, tears falling. I felt like crying too.

“Okay, you need to stop, or else I will cry, ruin my makeup, Victor will see us both sobbing, then he will run back to Loveland, and you will have no best man.”

We both laughed.

“Go wash that face and finish getting ready. It’s almost time.”

I left Goldman’s room and found Victor outside, sipping a cup of coffee.

“Order has been restored. You can go inside.” I informed.

Victor casually handed me a cup of coffee. I smiled.

“Thanks. I’ll let you know when Diane’s ready.” I walked away.

“Andrea.” Victor’s voice stopped me. “Thank you. You are a good friend. We are all lucky to have you in our lives.”

Open heart.

“I feel the same about you. See you in a bit.”

Thirty minutes later, the girls were standing by the church’s door, preparing the bride’s entrance. Diane, who was so calm and collected before, was now a nervous wreck.

“Everybody, go to your places. Diane, how are you, honey?” I turned to ask. She took a deep breath to steady herself.

“This needs to be perfect.”

“It will be perfect.” I held her hand tight. “You know why? Because you’ll look ahead, and see the man you love. And he will be smiling at you, eager to start this new chapter of your lives with you. He will look at you and see the most precious thing in his world, because that’s what you are. He will live with you, by you, and for you. That’s what makes it perfect. Nothing else.”

“I’m ready.” There was a decisiveness in her eyes that was endearing. I signaled for the church boy to open the door.

The string quartet started playing All you need is love by The Beatles and we started making way for the bride. And as I walked towards the altar, I spotted him. Everybody’s eyes were on the bride, except for Victor. He was looking at me. He didn’t take his eyes off me. And I couldn’t possibly resist the wave of emotion that came through me.

For that brief period, I allowed myself to dream, to pretend I was his. I imagined myself walking down that aisle to meet him, to be with him, forever. Promises of undying love and houses with white picket fences.

If only I had done differently.

I imagined myself not slapping him, but running to his arms, telling him that I loved him and I didn’t want to fight. I would apologize for my jealousy and he would call me a dummy, and we would kiss. He would be my date for that gala, not that model, and he would stand in the sidelines, clapping and laughing at my every joke, because that’s what Victor was, my greatest support, my pillar in sad and also happy moments. He would tell me he was proud of me, and we would celebrate with Xavier, Guy, and Mr. Mills. Our goodbyes wouldn’t taste so bittersweet, because we would promise to visit them in Paris, and we would visit them, because Paris would always hold that loving memory of our first kiss. We would go home, pop a bottle of champagne, make love, only to fall asleep after, our hearts peaceful and filled with joy.

We would prepare the bachelor and bachelorette parties together, laugh while we baked cookies shaped like genitalia, and I wouldn’t go home alone that night. He would’ve carried me to my apartment, put me to sleep, fall asleep by my side. I wouldn’t be alone and hurting all this time. If I only I had done one little thing differently.

I stood beside the bride, my heart tight with guilt and sorrow. I allowed myself another glance at the man I loved, only to find he was looking at me too. I smiled at Victor, he smiled back. If only I could have him smile at me like I did before, every morning. Like seeing me was the happiest moment of his day.

If only I could turn back time.

[multiphandomunnies]

Mayday||Yoohyeon pt.1

A/N: Surprise, suprise! Guess who’s still here ^-^ We’re getting to the climax of the story, hope you will like it!

Warnings: None, we’re getting serious in the second part.

Admin: Heather

Previous chapter Masterlist Next chapter

Things have changed recently. Since your heartfelt moment with Minji your dreams have been peaceful. You had no idea if she played a part in it, but you didn’t have nightmares anymore. It should be a reassuring thing to finally get some decent rest. However you couldn’t shake off the feeling that it was just calm before the storm.

“Sorry, I was just…” Chaeyoung stopped when she noticed who she bumped into. “Oh, hi.”

Yeah, things have definitely changed.

“Long time no see.” You tried to smile, but it came out rather awkwardly.

“Sure, um...” she took a deep breath. “So how are you these days? Are you getting enough sleep?”

The question seemed ordinary, but you could feel the subtext. Chaeyoung was subtly asking you about the Dreamworld situation. Some part of you wanted to confide in her and work through this together. She was always better in putting the pieces together and her notes made you understand the situation much quicker. But getting her involved again could endanger her and there was no way you would let that happen.

“I’m fine.” You simply replied. “Nothing strange happening.”

Chaeyoung sized you up in order to detect any signs of lying. She was way too good at this.

“That’s a relief.” She finally concluded. “You were stressed lately.”

That was one way to put it. You could tell she wanted to ask more, to ensure you weren’t doing anything dangerous or dumb. But she also knew that could make you defensive and ruin your already strained relationship.

“Well, I should go to class.” She awkwardly excused herself. “Take care, Y/N.”

You looked after her and felt a sting in your heart. Chaeyoung has been there for you through thick or thin. Shunning her out was terrible and made you miserable. You could just hope your friendship was possible to repair.

Drowning in your grim thoughts, you nearly missed a piece of paper flying from your locker as you opened it. A quick examination proved it wasn’t yours as the handwriting was different. Someone must have left it here for you. You looked around, but there was not a soul in your nearest surroundings. The only thing left to do was reading the scribbled text.

 “Sleeping well?” you crumbled the paper and slammed your locker shut at the sudden voice right next to you. Leaning against the locker in her oversized sweater was Handong. “You’re quite jumpy.”

“You surprised me.” You smiled at her and tried to calm your racing heart down. “And yes, I’m getting plenty of sleep.”

“That’s good to hear.” She crossed her arms across her chest. “Thankfully your nightly escapades are not interfering with your sleep schedule.”

Busted.

“I know I promised not to get into this.” You started apologetically. “But I really want to help you. All of you. So please don’t be mad at me.”

Handong kept looking at you for a moment and eventually sighed.

“How can I be mad at you when you’re that brave?” she shook her head. “That doesn’t mean I support your risk taking.”

You smiled at her and she rolled her eyes a bit before smiling herself.

“I don’t like this, Y/N.” she admitted. “Minji told me about your conversation and promised she will do everything to keep you safe, but I can’t help but worry.”

“Funny how she got from chasing me around to protecting me.” You noted and Handong nodded with an unreadable expression.

“You’re oversimplifying it, but pretty much. Minji is very powerful and I trust her.” She got silent for a bit before continuing. “That’s actually why I’m here.”

You noticed how she checked the hall for any potential eavesdroppers.

“Jiu wants us to talk.”

“Us?”

“All of us.”

That was interesting. You still haven’t met two of the girls and were really curious about them. Your contact with Siyeon and Bora has been very brief. This was a rare chance to have them all in one place.

“How are you planning to do this?” you asked. “I don’t think we can meet up at school.”

Handong’s lips curled into a small smile.

“Don’t worry about that.” She assured. “I will come and get you.”

Your lids felt heavy when you woke up with a grunt. You rubbed at them in order to become more aware of your surroundings. It was still dark, so you could get a few hours of sleep more. And then you noticed Handong sitting on a chair.

“Sorry to keep you from sleeping, but I have an appointment.” She grinned at you. “You do look adorable though.”

“Were you watching me sleep?” you asked in a hoarse voice.

“Technically, you’re dreaming right now. And watching is kind of my thing.”

“Fair enough.” You groaned and tumbled out of bed. Thankfully your dream self was wearing normal clothes and saved you from embarrassment.

“We’re going to talk here?” you asked the girl after she gracefully stood up.

“We can’t talk in Dreamworld, it’s too risky.” She explained. “So we’re in a safer location. This is your dream.”

Having Handong in your dream seemed pretty reasonable.

“Should I give you a tour?” you joked, and she smiled.

“Lead the way.” Your arms linked and you moved towards the door.

For some reason you didn’t appear in your living room. You glanced at Handong who seemed to be equally perplexed. Her hold around your arm tightened. You were in the main room of the mansion. Gone was the blue eerie glow, everything looked exactly like in your previous dreams.

Of course they never included a group of beautiful girls, but you could get used to that part. You recognized Siyeon sitting on a desk. Her eyes were focused on you with that intense gaze.

“It’s been a while.” She greeted and continued to stare. As if she was daring you to say something.

On Siyeon’s left was the small girl in a yellow dress that jumped onto her in the flashback. She didn’t seem that innocent right now, even though her soft face suggested young age. Especially when compared to Bora’s elegant features. The girl looked even more ethereal with a serious expression. She didn’t acknowledge your presence, but you could swear she casted you a fleeting glance.

“What is going on?” Handong broke the silence and look towards Jiu. She was standing by the wall opposite you. That location allowed her to see everyone without turning.

“We are here to talk.” She stated. “And then we have to act.”

That vague words didn’t do much to ease your confusion. Did Jiu have a plan to save Yoohyeon? Or maybe she figured out the way to lift the curse.

“Can you get to the point, please?” Handong asked calmly, but it was clear that she was starting to get anxious and even a bit annoyed.

“You know what we have to do.” The leader looked Handong in the eye. “We already discussed it.”

Your companion nodded stiffly and avoided looking at you.

“Why did you tell me to bring Y/N here then? This is our problem.”

Jiu didn’t say anything, and her gaze hardened. She felt just like the one that intimidated you every night. You were sure her return didn’t mean anything good for you.

“You can’t be planning to…” Handong finally found her answer in Jiu’s eyes. “Jiu, no. It was supposed to be a last resort. And it shouldn’t have come to that.”

“It is last resort.” Siyeon slid from the desk and moved a step closer. “This ritual is our only chance to stop the madness. And we need every help.”

You remembered the note found in the locker that day. It didn’t really occur to you that this might have been the thing that kept tormenting the girls. You were right, there was a way to put an end to this. To get Yoohyeon back and save everyone.

“I want to help. What should I do?” you asked and Siyeon sent you an impressed smirk. Handong didn’t seem too pleased.

“You don’t know what you’re talking about Y/N.” she insisted. “You are fully mortal and should not enter the Dreamworld that way. You don’t have the connection to it.”

“Maybe I should make that connection then?”

You have been to Dreamworld before and even managed to interact with it. This may have made you useful and capable of bringing Yoohyeon back.

Apparently, this wasn’t the correct answer, cause Handong’s usually gentle expression turned into a full on glare.

“No.” she said with force. “You have no idea what you are talking about. It’s not some kind of breezy thing to do on a Friday evening.”

You could see she meant every word and it would be a smart choice to listen to her and back off. However, you were never one to make reasonable decisions in situations like that.

“Then explain it to me.” You requested. “How can I make a choice when I don’t know the full picture.”

“This is not a choice you should be making nor a picture for you to see.” Handong insisted, her eyes softening the slightest bit after meeting yours. “You can’t go back after that.”

Whatever they planned to do must have been serious. Letting you join a full group meeting was a sign of how severe their situation was. You glanced at Jiu and noticed her shifting her gaze from you. She knew they needed help but didn’t want to pressure you.

“Please tell me what I would have to do.” You repeated, standing your ground.

Handong sighed in defeat and crossed her arms. Jiu stepped forward.

“Yoohyeon has been trapped in Dreamworld. She’s almost completely gone, and we have to bring her back before it’s too late.”

That explained exactly nothing. You knew all of this. Yoohyeon has been in catatonic state for some time now and it was obvious it had something to do with the Dreamworld.

“Why can’t you go into the Dreamworld and get her?” maybe it was a dumb question, but what could you do with so limited information.

“I’m not talking about the Dreamworld you know.” Jiu continued her story stoically. “You only visited it while asleep, it took very little of your consciousness and you were still rooted in the real world.”

“So you’re saying that in order to save Yoohyeon I would have to enter the Dreamworld fully?”

Handong shivered at your words. You looked at her in concern before turning back to Jiu.

“That would make you a goner and we’d like to avoid it.”

Oh okay. You would gladly avoid that too if possible. Still it would be nice to learn everything about the procedure.

“So the goal is to enter the Dreamworld without getting sucked into it?”

Siyeon grinned dangerously and seized you up and down with her gaze.

“What a quick thinker.” She purred. “No wonder Handong is so fond of you.”

For some reason the compliment didn’t make you flattered. You felt more like a vulnerable prey staring right into the eyes of a powerful predator. Like a fly getting to close to a colorful, but lethal flower that was ready to devour you-

“Stop that.”

Handong’s warning tone helped you snap back into reality. Or whatever realm you were currently in. Siyeon just smirked in amusement and moved back to lean against the desk she was previously sitting on.

“Don’t lose focus, Y/N.” her tone had a teasing edge to it. “Surviving in Dreamworld requires not losing awareness of your surroundings.”

“Especially with Yoohyeon being all over the place.” Jiu added without any emotion in her eyes. “Being lost in Dreamworld could make her a vulnerable target. Her powers can get exploited.

Handong shifted her glare back to the leader.

“Which is another reason why we should not drag uncorrupted soul into this.”

The discussion didn’t seem to lead to any conclusions and the clock was ticking. You had no idea how much time was left until your alarm, but there was a possibility that soon you will get ripped out of the conversation without coming to an agreement. But every time you were moving forward, someone got carried away.

Nobody else seemed to care. Sua was silent and looked almost detached from the conversation as if her mind kept wandering to different places while the small girl on her left kept listening to her companions with patience. Neither of them seemed to be bothered by the others’ debate about your fate.

“Shouldn’t I get a say in this?”

Your sudden outburst attracted attention from all parties involved. To be honest, you were surprised that you managed to speak up, but it just felt important to share your thoughts on the matter with everyone.

“I don’t really know Yoohyeon.” You admit, eyes flickering to seize the girls’ reaction. “And I’m not experienced in the supernatural field in any way.”

Nobody tried to interrupt you. They all knew you weren’t finished, and some could probably tell when was your speech going.

“However.” Deep breath, Y/N, you can do this. “I won’t just stand here and pretend that it doesn’t concern me. I’m in this with you, guys. Whether you like it or not.”

The last words were aimed directly at Handong. You looked her in the eye, pleading her to understand.

“And you don’t have to agree with me, but I want to help you. Help Yoohyeon.” Your eyes found Jiu. “But you will have to tell me how to do it.”

Jiu seemed unbothered by your speech. Her expression didn’t change a bit and the only sign that she heard you was a simple nod. You could hear Handong sigh.

“I appreciate your eagerness, Y/N.” the leader said. “In order to perform the ritual, we will need all members on board. At least all available ones.”

If mentioning Yoohyeon made any emotion spark inside her, there was no way for you to see it. Jiu was a polar opposite of Minji, and it was hard to get used to it again.

“What happens if someone refuses?” you asked, casting a quick glance at Handong who weren’t looking at you.

“There is a bigger risk of getting lost in Dreamworld forever and destroying everyone involved in the process.

Oh. That was a precise answer. Jiu certainly wasn’t a big fan of sugarcoating. It was both impressive and concerning. How could a person be that calm with a perspective of potential death before them?

“I suggest we vote. If the majority chooses not to do it, we find a different way. But if the results lean towards performing the ritual, we will all do it. That’s the safest and fairest deal.”

It made sense, at least in your eyes. All or nothing. Either you take part in a huge quest to a dangerous realm or go back to your normal life with a huge amount of guilt. Everything was in the hands of the group. Everyone seemed to approve Jiu’s idea as nobody vetoed. Now you had to wait and see.

“What if there’s a draw?” Siyeon pointed out nonchalantly. “Without Yoohyeon there is six of us.”

Six? You knew there were seven of the but didn’t notice the sixth one being in this room. Maybe she was elsewhere and will join you later? That didn’t seem plausible, Handong seemed sure all of them will be present tonight.

“I can withhold my vote.” The small girl finally spoke up. The tone of her voice was calm, but not eerily like Jiu’s. It sounded as if the girl didn’t really have any opinion.

“Are you sure, Gahyeon? Do you mind telling us your reasons?”

Jiu didn’t seem surprised or annoyed with Gahyeon’s choice. Maybe she saw that coming or respected her member’s wishes to remain silent on the matter.

“I don’t really know Y/N to be honest. So I don’t think there’s any point in voting if I have no idea about my options.” Gahyeon explained with a small shrug and looked at you. “No offence.”

“None taken.” You assured. It was comforting to know she approached the voting seriously and decided to step back for its sake.

Jiu nodded and proceeded with the voting. Gahyeon leaned back in her seat and continued watching the situation unveil. You had no idea about her powers or involvement in the group dynamics, so it was reassuring to know she also had no opinion about you. It meant you were not screwing up enough for her to decide you’re an idiot.

“I don’t think I have to voice my thoughts.” Handong crossed her arms once again with a glare. “But I will do it anyway. That is a horrible idea and Y/N should not get involved in it more than necessary.”

That was not a surprising opinion. You knew from the beginning that Handong will be against your participation.

“Well, I think that’s our best shot and we need every support we can get.” Siyeon stated firmly, the smirk gone from her face. This was business and she wasn’t going to play around. “I’m aware of the consequences as much as all of you. But don’t you think Y/N is ready for this? How many times have we tried to keep you away from us?”

She was looking at you, clearly expecting an answer.

“Countless.”

“How many times has it worked?”

“None.”

“Exactly. My point stands, thanks for your attention.”

You had to admit that it left an impact. She stunned you with a logical argument that would probably convince you to do it, if you had any doubts left. Handong seemed to be immune to that as her only reaction was an eye roll and a head shake.

“I’m with Siyeon.” It was time for Jiu to take the lead once again. “That shouldn’t be a surprise as I was the one who requested Y/N’s presence in the first place. We have been waiting for too long, it’s time to take action.”

The pattern was getting clearer with every word. It made sense that such a prominent figure like Jiu and a headstrong, outspoken Siyeon were ready to take the risk and let you join the game. Handong has always struck you as gentle, cautious and prone to settle for the least dangerous option. Especially if there were other people involved.

“What do you think, Sua?” Siyeon looked at the other girl who hasn’t spoken a word for the whole time. She straightened herself up on the couch a little, eyes still looking ahead.

There was no way in guessing her decision. Sua was a bit of a wild card for you. Her actions seemed to contradict each other and it was impossible to predict her next move. Constantly switching between hot and cold, Sua was hands down the biggest enigma of the group.

“I didn’t think we would have to face a choice like this.” She admitted finally after a moment of silence. “This is without a doubt our best chance at bringing Yoohyeon back. We all know this.”

Even without looking up, it was clear the words were aimed at Handong, who shifted in her spot a little. Siyeon kept her gaze focused on the sitting girl without interrupting or rushing her. You realized that you forgot about how from the beginning Sua seemed to be one of the most important members of the group. It was harder to keep track on everything without the journal.

“We should probably take the chance, but adding another participant will not change the outcome. At least for us.”

Countless questions popped into your head. You wondered if anyone else felt confused after the statement. What was the meaning of her words?

“Are you implying that we don’t need Y/N to complete the ritual?” Handong asked slowly. She looked at Siyeon who continued staring at Sua with an equally puzzled expression.

“What I’m saying-“ Sua took a deep breath as if she was bracing herself to say something very important. “Is that it won’t make a difference from our perspective.”

You had no idea how to interpret this. It started to sound as if your presence was insignificant and had no use in the current situation. That stung a little.

“So you are staying neutral like Gahyeon?” Jiu stayed expressionless, but the question implied she was also unsure.

“I could. But while it won’t change anything for us, there will be a huge difference for Y/N.”

That was interesting.

“For me? And what do you mean it won’t change anything?”

Sua’s eyes got distant for a split second before refocusing. She pursed her lips as if debating on something internally.

“While it’s our best shot, it’s also your last chance to go back. Nothing will stay the same after you enter Dreamworld and it’s very easy to go too deep.”

“I’m aware of that. I know that the Dreamworld is a dangerous place, but I’m already deeply involved.

Her reasoning was clearly meant to influence you in some way. She was trying to tell you something. Give you a warning. But you couldn’t put your finger on the exact message.

“Some things are irreversible. And sometimes best intentions are not enough, and things get out of your control when you are not prepared.”

She took another breath and it seemed like her inner turmoil came to an end.

“Y/N should back off while there’s still a chance. If I got an opportunity to go back, I’d take it without hesitation.”

Her words were filled with a certain heaviness that you couldn’t understand. For the first time the realization hit you with full force. You knew the girls were cursed, but it never fully occurred to you. There was a little part of you that knew you could run away. But now you were getting to the point of no return.

Handong seemed to notice your doubts. She grabbed your hand again and squeezed.

“Y/N?” she whispered. “Say a word and this voting will be over. You can still refuse.”

A part of you wanted to agree with her. Run away and never come back. But you knew that you made a decision and deep down there was only one option that you were willing to try.

You shook you head and Handong sighed.

“Seems like we have a tie.” She noticed. You could tell she was still hoping that the odds were on her side.

That was the moment when the sixth girl should suddenly appear from the smoke and decide about your fate in a spectacular manner. Like you were a gladiator on the arena. But nothing happened. There were still seven of you in the room and nobody seemed to care about that.

“Dami, it’s up to you.” Siyeon turned her head to you and tilted it a bit.

You looked behind in confusion and almost jumped when you noticed a girl standing by the wall. Was she there the whole time? Everyone seemed to be aware of her presence and even Handong, who was standing right next to you, wasn’t surprised. You had to work on your observation skills.

“We should do it.” She stated.

That was Dami’s whole statement. She went back to being silent, but not in an emotionless way. It seemed like she said everything she had to say.

“That’s it?” Handong was baffled.

“Yes.”

There were no further questions. Dami must have had an important position in their little group. On the other hand you wouldn’t dare to doubt her and that was your first time seeing that girl. There was just something about her. It wasn’t the authority radiating from Jiu or even Siyeon’s aura of contained danger. Even Handong didn’t press further, just opting for a defeated sigh. For someone so insistent on keeping you from shady nightmare business, she accepted the vague decision without a fight. Maybe it was the way Dami voiced it. No doubt, no hesitation and, surprisingly, no emotional inclination whatsoever. All that give an impression of a calculated choice.

“Looks like the decision has been made.” Jiu concluded.

You turned to the side. No sign of Handong on the chair. The sun was streaming through the curtains. The clock was showing it was one minute until your alarm goes off.

Guess the decision has been made.

[kurtty-drabbles]

Ocean au(New Arc: Enter Wakanda)

N/A: I´m in love with this au. I confess. So here more arcs to explore this new au.

@djinmer4 @dannybagpipesarecalling @bamfoftheundead

The Amazon is one of the first leaders of JLX and is seen in a positive light by everyone and while some may envy the prestige it comes from her name, they also acknowledge (even if begrudgingly ) that it comes with a heavy burden as well, even more, because of The Amazon is also quoted to be the next Queen of Wakanda and that is something she´s not sure she truly wants.

As the woman is alone on her ship(not invisible, per se, but Ororo likes to joke and make memes about it) when someone else enters in the cock-pilot at Ororo´s request. "Man...this is really bigger on the inside" Columbina has a dumbfound expression on her face.

"Columbina...I want to ask if you´re alright, after the whole ordeal, I know some of our members aren´t very keen to your response of friendship and fuck the rules" Ororo replies with an arch one eyebrow in slight amusement.

Kitty bites her lips for a moment. "I get it, really, I´m a thief, I wasn´t expecting someone like Kokoro to invite me to tea nor I thought Spider-Boy would start a fan club for me, I get it, really and I´m fine with my profession" Columbina states calmly while trying to not fangirl too hard she´s on the invisible ship and ruined as she asked if she could show this to Lorna and Ororosays it can be arranged later.

"I...want to thank you, yes, Dark Claw thank you by not arresting you, but, if you had interfered the cursed diamond would still be a thing and who knows what it could happen?" she then continues "I want to ask something, why are you a thief?"

"Uhm..." Columbina stops for a moment and replies "is a job I´m really good and I love it"

"....You may not believe but...I used to be one as well" and Ororo has to chuckle at Columbina´s expression and carry on "Look, JLX let their impression about you be as diverse as possible, however, I want to ask something, extra-confidential, what do you know about Wakanda?"

"Is an empire and recently signed a deal with Ruritania to share technology...is that what you are wanting to hear?"

"Columbina, can I hire you to do a job for me?"

________________________________________________________________________

Dark Claw is talking with Sparrow as she´s still talking about the heist and Columbina and yes, Dark Claw can see where Sparrow is coming but Columbina is still a thief, but then again, his daughter in law was one too.

The other members of the team, minus The Amazon (she was excused as Wakanda called her for an emergency) are discussing the events Columbina did help to solve.

Kokoro and Spider-Boy along with Angel have some reservation in regards Columbina. "Sure, she helps now...who can say she won´t steal from us or do worse to us?" is a good point.

Meggan, Wanda, Jubilee, Felicia and Dark Claw have a counter-argument. "We thought Hawk-girl wouldn´t betray us and she did and she was a heroic as one can imagine but betray us to Kantique easily." and is a low blow to Angel whose affiliation to Hawk-girl still makes him a bit suspicious(well, Nightcreeper dislike him for others reasons than his evil sister)

Todd LeBlau, Brian and Dr StrangeFate as well Super Solider are neutral. Nightcreeper is neutral as well and Runaway is slowly warming to the idea but with caution. "So" she begins "it would be like she was our Rogue?" and for some reason, only Nightcreeper laugh at that, thankfully, it was a normal laugh.

Cyclops and Jean are not present as the couple is in paternal leave since Rachel Grey Summers is about to born this week. Dark Claw takes the word and gives the final decision.

"Yes, both arguments have merit, but, consider this: we can add Columbina to the group and let this be another Hawk-girl scenario or we can ignore Columbina and potentially lose a great asset, my solution, wait and see, so far the only talk about Columbina joining the team comes from 3 sources, but, none from Columbina herself"

________________________________________________________________________

Ororo and Kitty are a quite a pair, one is too modelesque and the other is petite, however, both can bench any perv without a second thought or a sweat. Ororo is leading Kitty to the embassy of Wakanda in New Gotham as Dora Milaje were guarding the door and with a nod from Ororo, they let both women pass without any problem.

The interior of the building those gives a feeling of Wakanda with the mix of yellow and orange and even through Kitty never set a foot on Wakanda, she can admit, at least privately, how this building really seems to transport you to the real Wakanda.

A Dora Milaje, who judge by the upgrades on her uniform, appears to be the leader of the group is speaking with Ororo. "The king is waiting for you, right now, he´s on the fourth floor...watching Naruto" and she chuckles as both ladies are exchanging private jokes among them.

Wait, the fourth floor? But this building only has 3 floors.

Entering the elevator confirms to Kitty that this building has 3 floors, however, Ororo press a red button and the elevator lifts to the aforementioned fourth floor.

_________________________________________________________________________

King T´challa was indeed watching Naruto and quickly turn the TV off when Ororo and Kitty arrives. T´challa now uses a more regal posture to speak to Ororo. Is a really kingly tone, yet, the fact he´s wearing a Naruto´s T-shirt sort makes the tone lose the strength.

"I´d not want to stop your Naruto Marathon nor your fanfiction time, however, I´m here because I have a solution for the ruby problem" and Ororo points with her eyes to Columbina and T´challa got a general idea.

"Your highness," Kitty said hoping she greet him right, thankfully, T´challa seems to be in a casual mood and does mind a more simple conversation. They exchange hand, of course, this meeting does not exist by any official sense...so maybe that´s why they are talking in such casual tone.

"Columbina, what do you know about Wakanda?" T´Challa asked and Kitty replies how she knows not much(the same answer given to Ororo is used and is clear she knows much)

"Someone stole technology from our laboratories, a weapon that could be used to destroy anything...and you must see how this is a delicate situation, because, who stole this piece of technology was Kilmonger and his followers. They stole many things from Wakanda" the King is not very happy in delivering this news to Columbina.

"And is proud that prevent you to seek help from JLX?"

"No, is because if we ask to get the ruby back...many will ask details as to how it comes down here, what it does and it would prove that Wakanda is not that safe and many people could see this as an opportunity to steal again" T´Challa concludes.

"Columbina, you´re not associated with the JLX and not with any government, if you were to steal a mere ruby from the museum..."

Columbina ponders for a moment. "I´ll need time to do the heist, and know every the details of this ruby and who stole it...because this can really be a trap and I want to avoid any traps if possible"

_________________________________________________________________________

Gwen is looking for Peter Ross and that alone makes his heart soar in joy and for once, no Kitty Pryde, maybe he can steal Gwen away from Kitty once and for all. "Gwen, are you looking for me?" and Peter notices how her face is a bit worried as she nods.

Peter takes her to a more reserved place of his studio, they´re wrapping for the day and offers her a coffee. After taking a sip, the woman begins. "Peter...Is Ryder a perv?" she asked and Peter is utterly confused but she continues. "Kitty is moving out to where Kurt lives, you know, the Plaza, and...I heard used to have a perv there who show his anatomy to people and...well, uhm..." she trails off and Peter Ross is doing something he never thought in doing.

"Look, Ryder is arrogant and a womanizer" pot meet kettle is a phrase running through his mind. "But, he´s not a perv and certainly won´t show his, uhm, anatomy to Kitty unless she really wanted to see that, so, no, he wouldn´t bother with her...in fact, I used to live there and Ryder never noticed, trust me, Gwen...Ryder won´t do anything here"

Gwen seems more relief and nods. "Thanks, she´s my only friend here and I don´t want anything bad to happen to her" and Peter Ross offers a nice smile to Gwen who retributions.

Meanwhile, Kurt Ryder sneezes as he feels someone is talking about him.

[editoress]

A little more on my Destiny self insert, featuring @ssugakookies~.  Nothing big, just a day in the life of making trouble.

*

Elizabeth was in a tiny bit of a pickle.

A less informed individual might assume that the pickle proper had been escaping from the whirlwind trap of a planet she had been snooping on.  The atmosphere had been a jumble of looping currents, and a number of unfriendly ships had been buzzing just outside orbit.  And the surface of the planet itself had been summarily unsettling.  The Solicitor’s instruments hadn’t picked up anything too far outside the ordinary, but it had felt wrong.  It reminded her of the stories of radiation fallout sites, abandoned places with no obvious danger that nonetheless ate and burned at whoever wandered in.

But Elizabeth’s whole career was snooping in dangerous territory, and this was a workday afternoon. She had even sent Kel a quick message—not least so someone would know she was alive and planned to be back in a few days.

She propped one foot up on the seat and took a huge bite of the burrito she’d packed.  She hadn’t been sure of this particular lead at first. It had come from an acquaintance, a buddy in the making, rather than a true friend.  Despite her doubts, though, this had been a startlingly successful trip. She owed Geriks a favor—and a good long talk about their sources.  Geriks’s exact house was among their many taciturn secrets.  Elizabeth hadn’t pried about it.

But hey, maybe they would be friends soon.  She could use some more friends from races outside the City.

She could use a few days off, too.  It would take at least that long for her to sort through the data she’d grabbed. Most of it was text, though there were a few images and schematics here and there.  Of what, she didn’t yet know.  But she was very interested to find out.  It was a very good haul.

The aforementioned pickle lay in the damaged book in the cargo hold.

Physical books were long out of style, and based on the electronic data Elizabeth had uncovered, she surmised that had been true even for the beings who had lived in those ruins. And yet, there had been a book.  A metal cover with intricate hinges protected pages that weren’t paper, exactly.  There was no telling what kind of writing it contained, or even whether it was legible.  She hadn’t examined it properly—and wouldn’t, because she refused to touch it.

She kind of wanted to touch it, and she didn’t like that at all.

She didn’t like that it was a real, old-fashioned book, and she didn’t like the feel of the place it had come from, and furthermore she didn’t much care for the way it sat around and faintly beckoned.  Her burrito suffered for this displeasure.

Elizabeth knew when she was outmatched, which was, to be fair, most of the time.  She wasn’t a guardian or a proper warrior.  Nor was she any kind of weaver of magic.  The honest truth, deep down, was that she wasn’t even a good information broker; she just made the right friends.  There was far more cajoling than cunning involved. But she had enough cunning to know that this book was outside her bailiwick.

Concerning bailiwicks, she had a few constables in mind.  But who to choose?

Part of her wanted to turn it over to the vanguard, or at least Ikora.  Elizabeth might wave cheerily at their laws as she bypassed them, but at the end of the day, they were guardians; they worked to save people.  Elizabeth wanted that, too.

And even if she avoided light-based management, there were plenty of rank-and-file guardians she could trust.  True friends, people with good hearts.  Actual, real-life heroes.  Assuming they could figure out what the right thing was, Elizabeth had absolute confidence they would do it.

She sighed and leaned back, stretching her legs out until the rested against the bulkhead.  “Shut up,” she told the book, though it hadn’t said anything.  Just to stop it from getting any ideas.

As much as she wanted to throw the book like a frisbee anywhere it couldn’t cause harm, she also wanted answers from it.  This whole trip had been a search for answers; she needed context for all the weird stuff going on.  Elizabeth understood that D-money was playing in the big leagues and didn’t want her involved.  Unfortunately, that wasn’t going to stop her from sticking her nose in it.

If anyone knew what this alien tome was and what to do with it, it would be D-money.  (She wouldn’t call him the Drifter, like he was a band. They were friends.  At least her nicknames made it sound like he had a name.)  He might not tell her anything but tall tales, but he would know.  And maybe he could even use it for… whatever he was doing.

Elizabeth trusted the man with her life.  Maybe not with her wallet, and certainly not with any excuses about where he’d run off to lately—but her life, absolutely.  On the other hand, her conscience wouldn’t allow her to make that decision for everyone else.

The fact remained that picking a guardian was the safer option by a long shot.  D’s shenanigans were fascinating and even tempting, but they were an unknown factor.

Elizabeth finished off her lunch thoughtfully.  She ran down her list of friends and acquaintances a few times, but there was no one else with the possible combination of power, good will, and know-how to take this artifact off her hands.  Besides the void, of course.  She could always space it in between systems.  But that would require her to leave well enough alone.

The trip back was a quiet one, no matter how much music she blared—and the Solicitor had quite a selection.  She scanned the data she’d raided, shaking it down for any unfriendly programs.  She exercised to keep her body from going stir-crazy in on the little two-deck ship.  And though physically she avoided her new least favorite artifact, mentally she never put it down.

The harsh blur of intersystem travel cooled to a lovely vista of stars.  There was only one thing to do.  As soon as she saw planets again, Elizabeth leaned over, feet tucked under the seat, and opened a comm line.

“Beth?” came Quinn’s voice.

Elizabeth grinned.  So it was a Beth day.  Kel knew her as Beth.  D-money called her Liz.  She had introduced herself to the Spider as Liza.  Hers was a name given to nicknames, and she scattered them around to help remind herself where the lines were.

Except with Quinn, who knew and used several variations of her name.  There were no lines with Quinn.  D might be a genius, but Elizabeth had figured that out way before him.

“Greetings from the beyond!” announced Elizabeth to the comm.

Quinn snorted.  “Tell the beyond not to get caught.  You’re stressing Glyph out.”

Elizabeth thought that was an unfair accusation; even if she did cause Glyph distress, she was by far the minority shareholder in that joint venture.  “The beyond is chastened,” she allowed nevertheless.  “Got a minute?”

“Sure.”

Elizabeth settled her chin in one hand.  “I’m looking for consultation services.  How much do you charge, hourly?”

“How many sweets are you bringing back this time?” the guardian quipped without missing a beat.

“Only the bitter fruits of knowledge, I’m afraid.”  She wrinkled her nose and sighed through it.  “Quinn, I need your advice.  I found something, and I have no idea what to do with it.”

“You want my advice?” Quinn repeated, disbelief in her voice.

“Well, yeah.”

“Am I going to get blamed when something happens?”

Elizabeth blew a raspberry and hoped she could hear it through the comm.  “Look, I just need to talk to someone about this.  You’re my best friend and you’re good people.”

Quinn made a dismissive noise right back at her, but Elizabeth could almost see her smile. “Okay, okay.  I’m listening.  What’s going on?”

The weight lifted off Elizabeth’s chest just hearing that.  Maybe she wasn’t a good spy or scout, but she had incredible friends. As long as Quinn stuck around, she could figure out the rest.  “So this might sound like the start of a horror play,” she began, “but I found the creepiest book.”

[cami-chats]

Fanfic roundup, 2019!

In summary, WOW this was a busy fanfic writing year for me. According to AO3, I published 439,972 words this year (whaaaaaat). About 20k of that is from a years-crossing WIP, so the full word count isn’t accurate, but I feel like after I passed 300k mark, the 20,000 words stopped mattering as much (and I still don’t know how this happened). 

I’ve got at least one fic in the following fandoms: Avatar, Charmed, Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, Marvel, Shadowhunters, Star Trek DS9, Supernatural, That 70′s Show, and Ultra Maniac. 

None of the fics are particularly long but there’s... a lot of them. So everything’s going to be listed by fandom with the pairing (if applicable), summary, and word count next to it under the cut

Avatar (2009)

I Choose You (10728 words) Tsu’tey/Jake Sully: The night after Jake becomes Omaticaya, he chooses Tsu'tey as a mate and somehow, Tsu'tey chooses him as well. With a little talking and waking up in a different situation, they're able to stop the destruction of Hometree.

Charmed (TV 1998) A Family Man (9744 words) Also Supernatural Fandom, Piper Halliwell/Dean Winchester: With the yellow-eyed demon dead, Dean retires from hunting. He doesn't expect for a routine set-up at his job one night to end with starting to date Piper, but he's not complaining. Cursed (3648 words) Wyatt Halliwell/Chris Halliwell: Bianca was sent to the past to retrieve Chris for Wyatt. Chris knew that as soon as he saw Wyatt again he wouldn't be able to say no to him, but he also knew that he couldn't outrun Bianca. The past is filled with shadows, but the present isn't much better. Your Pain Almost Destroyed You (1148 words) Wyatt Halliwell & Chris Halliwell: When Wyatt was a baby, Leo cast a spell on Piper to keep her from getting upset so that she wouldn’t fall apart. Almost twenty years later, Chris finds out that Wyatt isn’t exactly fulfilling the role everyone cast him in, and Wyatt casts that same spell on his brother.

Game of Thrones (TV) A Line Of Firsts (14086 words) Jon Snow/Sansa Stark: The firsts of Jon and Sansa's lives through their relationship, from getting together to getting it on outside, to having an anniversary. Boy On The Side (3113 words) Jon Snow/Tormund Giantsbane: Jon thinks that things with Tormund are going really well, until one day he sees Tormund shopping with a woman and two kids that are obviously his. What Now? (1197 words) Jon Snow/Tormund Giantsbane: Jon and Tormund are together, despite Jon's occasional stupidity. So with the war over, what does Jon do next? Hint: Tormund thinks it should be with him. After The Long Night (1777 words) Jon Snow/Tormund Giantsbane: When the dragon falls, dead, Jon's only thought is to find Tormund and make sure he's alright. It's An Age Thing (4565 words) Jon Snow/Tormund Giantsbane: Tormund only meant to return Jon's book, he didn't mean to find out that his boyfriend was still in high school. Home to the North (653 words) Jon Snow/Tormund Giantsbane: Jon is back at the Wall where he belongs: with Tormund and Ghost and the Free Folk-- but mostly with Tormund. After The Miracle (836 words) Jon Snow/Tormund Giantsbane: Jon died but came back. Tormund knows that, but in his sleep-addled mind, he panicks at seeing Jon look the same way he did when dead. A 'Lord', A Lady, And Their Lovers (6608 words) Jon Snow/Tormund Giantsbane, Sansa Stark/Margaery Tyrell: Jon and Sansa are strangers, now forced in an arranged marriage. Jon's in love with someone he couldn't marry even though he wanted to, and Sansa found herself falling for her best friend before she was married off.Aka Jon and Tormund are together and Jon getting married is fucking with their relationship. In an effort to fix that, Sansa and Margaery lie about being together so that Jon and Tormund can be happy. Bastard Of A Different Kind (4950 words) Jon Snow/Ned Stark: It is well known that Jon Snow, Lord Stark’s bedmate, is a Targaryen bastard. Lady Catelyn Stark hates him because Ned prefers him to her, but they’ve managed to live with it for years because they are stuck together for life. Everything changes when King Rhaegar and his siblings come for a visit to the north. White Russians And Hot Bartenders (1980 words) Arya Stark/Ygritte: Arya didn't mean to hook up with her favourite brother's best friend, but in her defense, she hadn't known who Ygritte was to him at the time. Your What? (3014 words) Jon Snow/Tormund Giantsbane: Jon's home for the holidays, and he sort of forgot to tell his family who Tormund is. Left Behind (3779 words) Jon Snow/Robb Stark: When Robb left for King's Landing without a word, Jon felt like half of his heart was missing. Robb finally returns, expecting, for some reason, that Jon will be willing to pick up their relationship right where they left off. Abreast (644 words) Arya Stark/Ygritte: Arya keeps messing up in fencing club because she has a crush on Ygritte, the senior leading the club. Not Rock 'N Roll Good (4623 words) Arya Stark/Sandor Clegane: Sandor's life is monotonous but okay until he receives a text from the wrong number. He didn't think that telling someone their date stood them up and lied to them would result in a relationship, but he ends up pretty damn happy. Our Family (848 words) Jon Snow/Daenerys Targaryen: Daenerys burned people living, and sometimes that was hard to remember when she was smiling at Jon so sweetly as she shared news that obviously made her happy. It only made him feel trapped. First Choice (7223 words) Sandor Clegane/Sansa Stark: Trapped in King's Landing, Sansa is offered one choice about her life: who she wants to marry. Picking Ser Sandor Clegane was one of her best decisions. Married (2636 words) Jon Snow/Tormund Giantsbane: Jon had agreed to come to this wedding with Tormund pretending to be his husband. After he sees Arya there though, the situation gets a little complicated.

Harry Potter Not The First (847 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: Sirius is inexplicably nervous about the ball. Fortunately, James knows him well enough to take care of it before it's a problem. Like Father Like Son (1435 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: Harry's nervous about coming out to Sirius, but then he learns that there was nothing to be afraid of. Perfect Morning, Perfect Boyfriend (487 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: Anniversary/Valentine's Day morning fluff for James and Sirius. When Is A Door Not A Door? When It's Exploded. (806 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: Remus, Lily, James, and Sirius have to run from Death Eaters. None of them were hurt, but the war is starting to wear them down. Engaged, Said Facebook (691 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: James and Sirius aren't together, which makes it all the more surprising when Euphemia calls to congratulate them on their engagement. SBDS Founder James Potter (3228 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: James is Sirius's Number One fan, and everyone that interacts with him realizes it sooner or later. Write Yourself A Love Story-- And Make It Last (5476 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: James and Sirius are ridiculously in love, but no one's life is absolutely perfect. There are good days, bad days, and blah days, but they always have each other and their friends. Healer's Bed (1043 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: Sirius is doing some secret reading in the dormitory when James decides he wants some quality time. James and his "I love Sirius" rant (785 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: Sirius has been trying and failing to talk to James about a kink he has in mind, and James has had enough. What You Lose (2238 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: In the Shrieking Shack in Harry's third year, Sirius learns that James isn't dead, just in a coma. Now he has something other than revenge to live for. Leaving Me In The Dust (2198 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: Sirius decided to move out, and James does not like that. Not one bit. Tie Mix-Up (1431 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: It's the easiest thing in the world to sneak Sirius into the Gryffindor dormitory for a little bit of fun, but then they oversleep and have to rush off to class, still trying to tuck in their shirts. Just Come Home (3213 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: Sirius's boyfriend is abusive, and James can't understand why he stays with him. Proposing Is A Great First Date (2191 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: On the one hand, it seemed like a mistake to propose to Sirius when they weren't even dating. On the other hand, fuck you Moony this is a great idea. What A Ruin (2414 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: James always dives into things too quickly, so after he does that with his new dance partner, he takes a step back before it gets too bad. Only now Sirius is upset with him and he doesn't know how to fix it. Typical Behaviour (749 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: It was pretty typical of James to wake up after a brutal attack that left him in critical condition that was so bad he had to be put in a medically induced coma, and immediately start getting on to Sirius for not taking care of himself. Win/Win (1787 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: James has been planning his proposal to Sirius for a while. It was meant to be a surprise, but when he lets it slip a few days beforehand, he thinks the whole thing is ruined-- Sirius loves him far too much for that to be true. You're a virgin?? (3776 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: James learns that Sirius is a virgin, and then he can't think of anything else. Not A Prize (2591 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: James and Remus both fancy Sirius, and they agreed that neither of them could spend time alone with him until they got it sorted. For his part, Sirius has no bloody idea what's going on, except that his mates are avoiding him like he has dragon pox. The Creepy Professor (3209 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: The newest DADA professor likes Sirius in an entirely inappropriate way. James notices and tells him, but Sirius thinks he’s overreacting and ignores all the warning signs until the professor tries something. Not A Hair (1788 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: Sirius gets hurt in rehearsal, but he's too embarrassed to fess up to his friends, leading to Remus thinking that James is abusing him. Fix Your Mistakes (1169 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: Instead of James running to stop Snape from seeing Remus as a werewolf, it's Sirius, who gets badly injured while doing so. Et Vous? (1036 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: Sirius is French, and James quite likes that. Cold And Comfort (1144 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: Sirius runs away from home, but James doesn't know it's permanent at first. The Not-Yet Sirius Potter (518 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: Sirius is bigger than James, and James is a romantic. Reading (892 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: Sirius is dyslexic, and James does his best to be supportive when he finds out. Speak Now (1365 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: When James says the first, cliche'd line of a breakup, Sirius thinks he's being weird. Next thing he knows, James is telling him that he's about to marry someone else. Sniffles (1172 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: James is sick. If Sirius weren't so much bigger than him, it would be easier to run away instead of taking care of himself. Hold Me And Let Me Cry (993 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: James knew that Sirius's past had left lasting marks, but sometimes he forgot just how much that affected him. Deserve What You Get (2102 words) Sirius Black/Lily Evans, James Potter/Sirius Black/Lily Evans: Both Sirius and Lily want James, but they know that they’re not good enough for him. Some time together though... that’s not a bad idea. Home and Bloody (604 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: Sirius is late getting back from a mission, and James worried about him. Breaking Out (1264 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: James busts Sirius out of Azkaban, and they're not really careful about Sirius being in public. Why would they be? He was never officially charged with anything. The Little Things (4870 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: Sirius was miserable, but he was getting through it. James Potter showed up and decided that 'getting through it' wasn't good enough for Sirius despite the fact that they hadn't talked to each other. Too Cute (582 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: Sirius is sloshed and he likes to talk about how great James is. Keep Calm. Failed Step One. (1330 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: Sirius sees a suspiciously shaped scar on the back of Harry's hand. He deals with it like a reasonable adult. Happy Birthday (741 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: James and Sirius have a birthday party for their two year old son. So Happy Together (1687 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: Everyone thinks James and Sirius are together. A stupid decision or two later, and they are. Through It All (5951 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: When Sirius gets Sorted in Slytherin, it changes his friendship with James. They're still friends, it's just... different. Not as certain, even if they end up in the right place. Absent (256 words) Lily once described muggle ghosts to Sirius. He didn't expect to be surrounded by them. The Potter's, Both Old And New (22050 words) WIP James Potter/Sirius Black: Sirius helped raise Harry with James until they had a fight. Sirius hasn't seen them in years, but he's a teacher at Hogwarts, and Harry is now 11. With the constant danger Harry's in, and the likely return of Voldemort, they can't ignore their issues any longer. Snuggling (2082 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: Sirius feels like James is avoiding him, and Prongs (James's daemon) takes the initiative in fixing it. In his own way, of course. Post Prank Depression (2778 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: Sirius is depressed, and the Marauders don't really know what to do. Like and Subscribe (753 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: The Marauders are famous youtubers, and James and Sirius's fans ship them without realising they're already together. Absolute (768 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: James didn't understand how Sirius could constantly ignore his wishes to keep Padfoot off the couch, but talking about it one day made certain things come to light.

Marvel: Abomasum (299 words) Bruce Banner/Tony Stark: Deer Tony is trying to bond with his Brucie-bear partner. Bruce is somewhat disgusted by what goes on in Tony's body. Abominable (354 words) Bucky Barnes/Natasha Romanoff/Tony Stark: Tony and Bucky and Natasha came out about their relationship, so now Tony has to stop them from murdering the judgmental public. Resting Murder Face (6699 words) Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark: Everyone knows that Bucky and Tony love each other....Except for Tony and Bucky. After watching them pine uselessly, the Avengers and Company do their best to get them together, even if the oblivious idiots make it more difficult than it needs to be. Aboral (473 words) Peter Parker/Tony Stark: Tony finds out that Peter lied to him (it all ends okay). Don't Waste Your Life (2338 words) Tony Stark/Ho Yinsen: Tony had sort of given up hope on meeting his soulmate. And then they met while being held captive by Ten Rings. They made it out miraculously alive, but now Tony's starting to notice that they don't kiss, and they're not really together. The Butcher, The Baker, The Candlestick Maker--Only not the first and third ones (2231 words) Pepper Potts/Steve Rogers/Tony Stark: Pepper meets a gorgeous baker, now she just has to convince Tony to give a new relationship a try. Aboriginal (559 words) Tony Stark/Thor: Tony thinks that if Thor wants to see him in a pretty dress, there are easier ways than lying to him about wedding traditions on Asgard. In Your Camera Roll (3151 words) Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark: Bucky was innocently working at home when a wrong text makes his night much more enjoyable. One For You Too (1447 words) Tony Stark & Avengers: Tony gives the okay for someone to make prototypes of Avengers themed sex toys, but he forgot to warn the team. They're more than a little surprised when they're opening the mail and see that. It Was The Soup (3428 words) Peter Parker/Tony Stark: Peter lies about being sick because he's out of suppressants, and he doesn't trust himself to be around Tony without purring and following him around like a puppy. Of course then Tony shows up at his apartment with soup and then Peter goes into a rut. Not Always 20/20 (1545 words) Tony Stark/Wanda Maximoff: Wanda thought she had finally found a home and a friend that wasn't related to her. She doesn't know what happened, but all of a sudden her life came crashing down.Now it's years later, and new information comes to light. Mail Order Bride (2834 words) Natasha Romanoff/Tony Stark: Tony knew as soon as he woke up that he'd done something stupid last night, but it would take a while for him to figure out just how bad it was. As far as mail order brides went though, Natalia was something of a god send. Around The Living Room (1418 words) Avengers/Avengers: The Avengers have a movie night, only more interesting than usual. (Just porn) A Cliche In Love (1745 words) Natasha Romanoff/Tony Stark: Natasha is a prostitute, and Tony mistakenly thinks that she doesn't really like him. My Baby's Got Me Locked Up In Chains (1061 words) Tony Stark/Winter Soldier: Winter has a kink that he wants to try, and Tony is 100% on board. Chatroom Meeting (1864 words) Tony Stark/J.A.R.V.I.S.: Jarvis only meant to make Tony feel better. He had no intention of catching feelings, much less a body. Abort (761 words) Wanda Maximoff/Natasha Romanoff: Wanda doesn't listen during a mission and she gets hurt. Natasha talks to her about it. Aborning (434 words) Pepper Potts/Natasha Romanoff: The death of Pepper's icy reputation, but she doesn't mind. Classroom Play (1033 words) Pepper Potts/Wanda Maximoff: Pepper and Wanda are trying out a little teacher/student roleplay. About-face (628 words) Pepper Potts/Natasha Romanoff: Natasha has been pining after Pepper for a while, and a well placed motivation spell finally gets her moving. Aboveboard (599 words) Matt Murdock/Tony Stark: A villain lets Daredevil hear Tony's thoughts during a fight. Unfortunately, Tony thinks about Matt's ass in that outfit a lot. Fit (1769 words) Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark: There were three things that weren't really secrets. 1. Tony was trans. 2. That bulge in Bucky's pants wasn't because of a sock. 3. Bucky and Tony were dating. Tense Date Night (1639 words) Bucky Barnes/Pepper Potts/Tony Stark, Bucky Barnes/Pepper Potts: Tony's wearing a remote controlled vibrator, and when Pepper finds out, she thinks that's hot as hell so she drags Bucky off to have some fun. Abreaction (538 words) Wanda Maximoff/Natasha Romanoff: Wanda's a bit of a coward, so she finds some courage in a truth spell. Always Friends (1203 words) Tony Stark/James Rhodes: In which Tony and Rhodey could have been together for thirty years if they learned how to have a conversation. The Man Inside The Armor (8023 words) Bucky Barnes/Steve Rogers/Tony Stark: It's obvious that James Rhodes is the one in the Iron Man armor, right? Steve and Bucky want to add Iron Man to their relationship, so instead of asking Iron Man directly they go to James so there's less confusion. Only now they're rejected, and Iron Man's mad at them. It's Like We're Living In Hell (409 words) Wanda Maximoff/Natasha Romanoff: The heater's broken, and Nat's stripped down to undies. Bringing You Down (309 words) Pepper Potts/Natasha Romanoff: Natasha has a stomach bug and is being Dramatic. Think Of Me Fondly (1544 words) Wanda Maximoff/Tony Stark: Wanda knew that Tony would miss her while she was helping rebuild Sokovia, so she left him a present to keep him company. Back Against The Wall (636 words) Tony Stark/Winter Soldier: Winter pins Tony to the wall and has some fun. Bucket List (1213 words) Clint Barton/Tony Stark: It’s on Clint’s bucket list to have sex with Tony Stark, and now that he’s on a superhero team with him, his chances of it actually happening have skyrocketed. A Love Like This (1762 words) Iron Man Armor/Tony Stark: It's pretty well known that Tony makes his best friends (DUM-E, Jarvis, Friday), but Mark LIV of the armor takes it to a whole new level. Making Me Yours (875 words) Tony Stark/Winter Soldier: It was for the best, probably, that Tony was used to being on his knees so often. He'd gotten used to it before he was sent off to boarding school, working on one project or another, and he associated the ache in his knees with pride of a job well done. Unlikely Invitation (3433 words) Sharon Carter/Tony Stark, Sharon Carter/Steve Rogers/Tony Stark: It was bad enough to be pining after two people, but it just got worse when Steve found out that they were dating each other. Inside The Mask (3060 words) Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark: Tony has a secret identity, which doesn't work out super well when he likes Bucky (and Bucky likes him??) and villains have any number of weird powers that could expose him (and let him have a first kiss twice somehow). Spun Onto You (1616 words) Tony Stark/James Rhodes: Tony thought they only played spin the bottle in high school movies, but he's willing to let that go when Rhodey spins it right at him and he thinks that he's finally going to get to kiss him. Dataport (1003 words) Steve Rogers/Tony Stark: On Deep Space Nine, Steve saves Tony from a jail cell once again, except this time they achieved their goal. Just Another First Contact (1886 words) Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark: Tony catches an alien disease-- which somehow is the least concerning part of the situation. Bucky wants to spend time with him, only Tony's trying to avoid him so desperately that he gets caught in a lie. Ability (28958 words) Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark: Tony knows there's an issue in his company, now he just has to find it and fix it. Easier said than done. His boyfriend is down an arm and doesn't look happy to see him, his best friend is mad at him, and he doesn't know who to trust.He's had better years. I, Tony (10451 words) Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark: It was a secret from everyone that Tony was android. Including Tony. When he finally finds out, Howard is long since dead, he doesn't know what that stone inside him is, and he's pretty sure he won't be able to hold a relationship like this. The Sex Tapes (2293 words) Tony Stark/Winter Soldier: Bucky knows for a fact that Winter has never had sex-- and especially not with Tony-- so why, exactly, does he know what Tony looks like during sex? Vanilla And Lovin' It (1541 words) Natasha Romanoff/Tony Stark: Tony thinks that he’s old, and he wants to give Natasha a reason to stay with him. Somehow, him fucking it up isn’t even a bump in the road. Truth Is... I'm Not Iron Man (9642 words) Tony Stark/James Rhodes: The public doesn't know, but the team sure knows that Tony Stark is Iron Man. There are disagreements about getting him to admit it, and of course the biggest problem with that is, well, he isn't Iron Man. Rhodey's Iron Man, and it's a very specific kind of torture for Tony to see the man he's been in love with for most of his life to be in danger 24/7. If Wishes Were Horses (1814 words) Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark: Tony's had an obvious crush on Bucky for a while, but it's taken to a whole new level when his imagination manifests a version of Bucky that's all over him. Hidden Winter (4027 words) Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark: Tony thinks he has a pretty great life post-Iron Man. Riri's got everything nicely in hand, but he gets worried about Bucky. Bucky hates that he's keeping his Winter Soldier identity secret, but he thinks that he's in too deep to get out. I just wanted some candy (2747 words) Tony Stark/James Rhodes: Rhodey went to the store for candy, and somehow ended up going home with an abused omega and his kid in tow. The Kidnapper's Heart (12787 words) WIP Tony Stark/Winter Soldier: Falling in love with one of your kidnappers was definitely a bad idea. Tony could probably blame it on his heat hormones at first, but then Winter goes and rescues him and Tony doesn't let him leave once they get home. Now he has a mate, his parents actually care about him, and he still needs to finish college. Seeing You Again (1667 words) Bucky Barnes/Natasha Romanoff, Bucky Barnes/Natasha Romanoff/Tony Stark: Years after breaking up, Natasha tells Tony that they have a kid. He falls back in love with her and her current boyfriend Bucky, and they somehow end up together. Which Of Us Is The Devil? (4335 words) Bucky Barnes/Natasha Romanoff/Tony Stark: Bucky and Nat cross the line from teasing Tony about their sex life, to being entirely inappropriate. Having sex with him wasn't really an improvement on that, but here they were. Your Coffee, My Libido (1453 words) Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark: Tony was definitely not going to thank Loki for swapping his and Bucky's powers, even if it resulted in them getting together. Hold Me Down (652 words) Tony Stark/Winter Soldier: Winter wants to try bondage, but Tony has some doubts. They compromise and have a good time. It Wasn't You (2752 words) Tony Stark/James Rhodes: A month and a half ago, Rhodey was kidnapped and replaced with a Skrull without anyone noticing. In that time, he and Tony got together. Now though, they know he's a Skrull, and Tony tries to figure out how to live with what's happened. Abridge (2255 words) Tony Stark/Johnny Storm: Johnny and Tony are in love, but Johnny doesn't quite realize that. Abroach (451 words) Darcy Lewis/Tony Stark: Darcy catches Tony trying to hang decorations dangerously high. Abroad (1073 words) Tony Stark/Wade Wilson: Tony had a way of showing up at the worst possible moments. Like, when his ex was in the middle of blowing up a building, for example. Abrogate (590 words) Bucky Barnes/Matt Murdock/Tony Stark: Tony thinks there should be a Superhero Holiday, but his partners aren't as into the idea as he is. It's all a blur last night (4498 words) Natasha Romanoff/Tony Stark, Natasha Romanoff/Tony Stark/Clint Barton: Natasha is posing as a stripper, and it works best for everyone when Tony takes a definite interest in her. Clint shows up a while later, and Tony takes it in stride. Abrupt (465 words) Pietro Maximoff/Tony Stark: Getting coffee spilled on you may not be the BEST meet-cute, but Tony's had worse from people that weren't near as attractive. Abscess (295 words) Bruce Banner/Tony Stark: "How many times do I have to say that I'm not that kind of doctor? Honestly Tony, how do you not know better? You've got a doctorate, too." "Maybe-" he said, as if he hadn't gotten his doctorate literally a month ago "-but you took biochem and I didn't, so clearly you know more than me." In Bed (774 words) Natasha Romanoff/Tony Stark: Natasha is asexual, and the conversation with Tony could have happened a little sooner or been a little easier, but at least it happened. A Taste Of Heaven (1926 words) Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark: Tony was doing work when Bucky came in, wanting some attention and fidgeting like there was no tomorrow. A Helping Hand (1045 words) Tony Stark/Winter Soldier: Winter's on what is basically a filler mission, and he helps the random guy that just escaped a kidnapping. Time to take a shot (1410 words) Natasha Romanoff/Tony Stark: When Nat's undercover, she doesn't end up as Tony's assistant, but she still catches his attention. At a party. And Tony's offering to show her the Iron Man armor up close, how could she say no? The Red-Head Harem (792 words) Bethany Cabe/Tony Stark, Natasha Romanoff/Tony Stark, Gamora/Tony Stark, Wanda Maximoff/Tony Stark, Pepper Potts: Tony and all his red-headed girlfriends get along quite nicely. Breakfast fluff and teasing are commonplace. The Lost Twin (1023 words) Wanda Maximoff/Tony Stark: Wanda gets shunted back in time for a little bit and learns that Tony has a twin sister she's never heard about. Turns out there's a reason for that. In Love With Wolves (655 words) Natasha Romanoff/Tony Stark: Natasha gets turned into a wolf, and Tony still thinks she's the best. Both literal and figurative fluff ensue. Field Of Study (3035 words) Bruce Banner/Tony Stark: Bruce is the Hulk, and Tony thought he was keeping a different anger-related issue secret. They break up but get back together when Tony learns the truth. Beside And Below You (602 words) Tony Stark/Winter Soldier: Tony gave Winter a necklace, and he's a little confused as to why Winter isn't wearing it when he comes to his room that night. Hot Summer Day (521 words) Natasha Romanoff/Tony Stark: Nat wanted to come to the fair, but it's hot outside. Three Loves Of Life (873 words) Tony Stark/Bucky Barnes/Natasha Romanoff: Tony knew from a young age that coffee was the love of his life. Now he has expanded that list to include the two hot baristas at his favorite coffee shop. Younger but just as in love (826 words) Tony Stark/James Rhodes: Tony gets de-aged, and they're all unreasonably surprised that the best way to keep him in control is to bring in Rhodey. About A Little Boy That Lived In A Blue World (11537 words) WIP, Tony Stark/Loki: The Frost Giants are willing to sign a treaty with the Asgardians, if there's a little marriage with them to solidify it. How Tony got dragged into that when he's just a human, he'll never know. His husband is attractive though. So that's a plus. It Began Like This (406 words) Tony Stark/James Rhodes: Tony thinks their relationship started the first time he kissed Jim. Jim thinks their relationship started the first time they kissed and kept kissing. Your Heart/My Heart (3881 words) Tony Stark/James Rhodes: When they're young, James and Tony break up for basically no reason. It takes them twenty years to get back together. Abscise (1157 words) Sharon Carter/Tony Stark: Tony and Sharon have been together a while, but being a top-secret spy doesn't let her have much time at home. Of course one day she shows up with Steve in tow and Shield after them, so like, maybe not Tony's biggest problem. Pictures Of You (2085 words) Bucky Barnes/Natasha Romanoff/Tony Stark: When Tony loses his memories and sees suspicious pictures in his room, he assumes the worst and tries to leave Avengers Tower. An Expectation (4655 words) Matt Murdock/Tony Stark, Matt Murdock/Tony Stark/Foggy Nelson: Foggy drops by Matt's apartment one day to find Tony Stark leaving. As if his crush on Matt wasn't hopeless enough. I've Been Drinking (2249 words) Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark: Tony can't remember last night at all, and he can't even blame it on Avengers business. Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is (2715 words) Tony Stark/Natasha Romanoff: Tony wakes up in Vegas with a hangover and a wedding ring on his finger. He was going to embrace the cliche and make the most of this. Better Than A Ferrari (1384 words) Clint Barton/Tony Stark: Clint often had bad ideas, but they usually didn't include asking Tony to down a lethal amount of caffeine. Fortunately, Nat's only a phone call away to give him more good advice than he bargained for. Stay At My Side (4417 words) Gamora/Tony Stark: Tony gets picked up by the Guardians after an expedition gone wrong and becomes an honorary member. He likes not having to think about the Avengers breaking up, but when Thanos goes to Earth to get the Infinity Stones that are kept there, he doesn't have much choice. Lovin' Me Good (5199 words) Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark: Bucky loves Natasha Stark so much he forgets that people have shit ideas about her. Chance Encounter (2196 words) Giuletta Nefaria/Tony Stark: When a villain pulls Giuletta into their universe hoping for help, Tony is quick to follow. This universe's Avengers don't really know what to do with them. Iron Man in a relationship with Tony Stark? Yep. (1736 words) Tony Stark/James Rhodes: James Rhodes is Iron Man. It makes the secret identity less confusing, and if you asked Tony, he'd say that Jim was better at it anyways. 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Business Time (1050 words) Tony Stark/Winter Soldier: Tony promised Pepper that he would stop having sex in his office, but that was before Winter had an idea. Identify Yourself (773 words) Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark: All Bucky wanted to do was see his boyfriend after a week long mission. He didn’t want to deal with this random ass person in their kitchen that apparently was Tony’s brother. Not the fun kind of handcuffs (500 words) Kate gets kidnapped by a bunch of amateurs. More embarrassing for them than her, thank god. Here In Your Arms (1702 words) Tony Stark/James Rhodes: Jim goes to the past specifically to save Tony, but he finds himself stealing a kiss or two while he's at it. It's called SOUR cream (481 words) Natasha Romanoff/Tony Stark: Tony thinks Natasha's latkes gave him food poisoning, she thinks it's the sour cream he put on it, and Strange just wants to undo a curse. The Last Candles (510 words) Steve Rogers/Tony Stark: Tony forgot candles, and he finally finds some. There's one little problem: someone else is trying to buy them too. The Meaning Of Chanukkah (353 words) Sam had thought it was a pretty innocent question to ask what Chanukkah was about. He was wrong. Dreidel Cheater (206 words) Kate Bishop & Clint Barton: Clint cheats at dreidel and denies it. Gasp, The Latkes! (389 words) Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark: The team gets Bucky latke themed shirts to wear for Channuka. Stop Stealing My Latkes (406 words) Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark: Bucky doesn't think it's weird that Tony's keeping him company in the kitchen until he notices most of the latkes missing. BYOC (1003 words) Wanda Maximoff/Tony Stark: When Tony forgets to bring a channukiah to a channukiah party, Wanda offers to let him share. No Shirt, No Pants (628 words) Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark: Tony dropping sufganiyot jelly on his shirt ended with Bucky inviting him to his room, so... good Hanukkah party? Operation Metalwork (897 words) Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark:  From Bucky: The plan is WORKING From Natasha: DETAILS OR IT DIDN'T HAPPEN From Clint: DISH DISH DISH From Bucky: Tony told me that I had to stop growing a beard  From Natasha: What the fuck Barnes I got all excited 

Shadowhunters: Abound (339 words) Clary Fray/Isabelle Lightwood: Clary supports Izzy at a party. Above (289 words) Clary Fray/Isabelle Lightwood: Isabelle is taller than Clary, and then she puts on heels. Aboveground (425 words) Clary Fray/Isabelle Lightwood: Clary and Isabelle come out to the Lightwood parents, and it doesn't go well. Ab ovo (1122 words) Clary Fray/Isabelle Lightwood: In Pandemonium, Clary catches sight of Isabelle and thinks she's the most gorgeous person ever. That crush sticks around through demons and getting her mother back. Abracadabra (1006 words) Clary Fray/Isabelle Lightwood: Clary is a warlock, and Isabelle is a Shadowhunter-- that doesn't stop Clary from falling for her. Abrade (462 words) Clary Fray/Isabelle Lightwood: Izzy's recovering from the vampire addiction forced on her. Alec and Clary are both there for her. Ditched (390 words) Clary Fray/Maia Roberts: Maia and Clary's friends ditch them during a night out, so Maia opts to go home with Clary. Poison =/= Love (329 words) Clary Fray/Isabelle Lightwood: It's an expected disaster when Izzy tries to cook. Told You So (413 words) Clary Fray/Maia Roberts: Clary and Maia get together after a surprise demon attack. Mistaken Mother (302 words) Clary Fray/Isabelle Lightwood: Clary's glad to find out that this beautiful woman is Max's sister, not mother. Dragged To Hell Kicking And Screaming (477 words) Clary Fray/Isabelle Lightwood: Clary's annoyed that their date got interrupted, and Izzy just wants the attention back on her. A Smoothie And A Kid (337 words) Clary Fray/Isabelle Lightwood: Clary walks in with a smoothie in one hand, and a goat in the other. Secrets Told (4988 words) Alec Lightwood/Jace Wayland: Jace makes a deal with a demon to help Clary find her mother, but it was just a truth for a truth, what was the worst that could happen? Chicken Wings (356 words) Clary Fray/Isabelle Lightwood: Izzy's costume creation didn't look like she imagined it would. So Pretty (100 words) Clary Fray/Isabelle Lightwood: Isabelle's singing and braiding Clary's hair. Under A Spell (3387 words) Alec Lightwood/Jace Wayland: Alec and Jace are together. So why the hell is Jace flirting with Clary and ignoring Alec completely?

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine:

About (290 words) Jadzia Dax/Kira Nerys: Jadzia tries to convince Nerys to go on a double date.

That 70′s Show:  Girls Girls Girls Night (1135 words) Jackie Burkhart/Donna Pinciotti: Jackie goes to a strip club after a rough day, and stumbles upon the most gorgeous woman in the world. Well, maybe second, after herself of course.

Ultra Maniac: Pictures Of You (Pictures Of Me) (947 words) Sakura Nina/Tateishi Ayu: Ayu has a crush on Nina the size of America, so when Yuta gives her a magic camera, it's the perfect opportunity to see if Nina feels the same way.

[lady-byleth]

Title: New Beginnings

Fandom: Tales of Vesperia

Setting: Post-game, like right after

Ships: Fluri (main)/Ristelle (side)

Rating: Gen

Summary: So much had already changed. Maybe one more change wouldn’t be so bad.

Link

By the time they made it to Zaphias, the decision to avoid Halure and it's too small inn going unspoken but understood by all, the sun was already peeking over the edge of the world. The city, however, was far from asleep.

Apparently celebrating the giant monster in the sky disappearing held more appeal than worrying over the sudden lack of running water and electricity, so the citizens had taken to the streets and thrown an impromptu festival that spanned all quarters at once. Some restaurants had even gone through the effort to put up stands, handing out food for free to anyone who asked.

Yuri had to sidestep more than one drunken noble as he wove his way through the crowd at the head of his small group of world savers and hip checked more than one into the nearest source of water to sober them up.

The smell of food made him nauseas though he was sure Patty would have jumped at the opportunity to eat a skewer or ten had she not been fast asleep with her head resting against his shoulder blade. Her big hat was safely tucked under Flynn's arm and her ruffled braids tickled against Yuri's skin with every step.

The poor thing had fallen asleep on her feet, almost walking straight into a rose bush had Rita not flung out her sash and caught Patty around the waist before it was too late. How exactly Rita had managed to move so fast when Yuri could barely follow the movement of his own feet against the cobblestone was a mystery he didn't have the energy to solve right now.

He was too damn tired. They all were.

Saving the world took a lot out of a person, especially when you had to fight your way through an army of monsters that had taken over the city of an ancient civilization floating over the ruins of a much younger city, while fully aware a crazy strong war hero was waiting for you at the end. And then you had to fight that war hero, simultaneously try to make him see reason and that was before the Fell Arms decided to fuck with you.

Yuri sighed and then yawned, losing his train of thought. Where had he been going with this again? Damn, he was so tired. His brain felt like jelly.

No, his everything felt like jelly. Maybe he was jelly now? Did channelling insane amounts of Mana turn you to jelly? If so, he hoped he wasn't apple flavoured. Pineapple was sweeter. He liked sweets.

“Yuri.” Flynn's voice startled him out of his disjointed thoughts badly enough he almost dropped Patty. She didn't seem to notice, only grumbling something about “scallops” and “sea devils” before falling silent again.

“Huh?” he answered intelligently, looking over Patty's blonde head to where Flynn was standing, pointing at the...oh. He had walked straight past the castle entrance. “Ah.”

Heaving another sigh that turned into a yawn he spun around too fast, stopped for a second so the world could stop spinning too, grabbed Karol by the collar so he wouldn't walk straight past the group as well and led the way up to where Flynn was waiting for them in the open door.

Leblanc and the Tweedles held it open until all nine of them had made it inside and then slowly closed it, their curious eyes boring into Yuri's back so intensely he was surprised Patty hadn't caught fire yet.

Raven broke the exhausted silence with a sound that was half yawn and half groan and all exactly what Yuri was feeling. “I think I'm actually gonna sleep in a bed this time around,” he mumbled, abandoning his affectations of ditzy dumbass in favour of a more Schwann like manner of speaking.

Beside him Rita huffed. “I think the old man broke.”

Yuri wasn't sure where Estelle and Judith got the energy to chuckle from but wherever that was, Yuri didn't have it. He just smiled, adjusted his grip on Patty's legs a little and turned to face the group. If only the room would stop spinning...

“Everyone remember where their guest room was?” he asked, somehow sounding far more put together than he felt.

“Oh!” Estelle gasped as the others nodded, looking absolutely crestfallen. “I don't remember!”

Judith put a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Estelle, you live here,” she said, squeezing gently.

Estelle flushed an interesting shade of red that contrasted horribly with her pink her. “Oh,” she said again. “Yes, of course.”

Karol yawned so loud he almost fell over.

Yuri shook his head to clear out the cobwebs. “I think that's our cue,” he said. “Everyone, off to bed. I don't want to see any of you up before lunch. Now shoo.”

No one complained about his tone, not even perpetually grumpy Rita who just grabbed the hem of Estelle's dress and let herself be pulled along. Judith waved rather gracelessly and trudged off with Karol who pulled a groaning Raven along. Raven for his part attempted to swat Repede away, not realizing the dog was the only thing that was keeping him from running into a wall.

Yuri watched them go, shaking his head fondly, before he took another hallway that would lead him straight to Patty's designated guest room. He wasn't surprised to feel Flynn fall into step beside him, hovering close in case Yuri needed help with their little pirate queen.

The help was appreciated when they finally arrived at Patty's room. Flynn opened the door for them, put Patty's hat down on the dresser and pulled back the covers, helping to carefully lower her onto the mattress. She didn't move once as Yuri tugged off her boots and removed her gear and only gave any indication of life when Flynn tucked her in. She murmured contently, snuggling into her pillow, and dreamed on, oblivious.

Yuri sighed and stretched his back. Small as she was, she was practically made of muscles and thus much heavier than she appeared. He was gonna have a crick in his neck tomorrow...later...whatever.

But at least that was one down. Only a few more to go.

“You can go ahead,” he said when he closed the door, keeping his voice low just in case. “I'm gonna check on the others too.”

Flynn chuckled. “I figured as much,” he said, some emotion dancing in his eyes that made Yuri's throat burn. “I'll come with you.”

He shrugged, looking away. “Suit yourself.”

Next up was Karol and Yuri thanked the high heavens his room was an empty knight room like Patty's and thus as single. He could already hear the kid sawing logs a few doors away and when he stepped inside Karol lay spread eagle on top of the covers, legs dangling over the edge and mouth open so wide a bit of saliva had already made its way down his cheek.

Yuri shook his head fondly. “Sheesh,” he mumbled, feeling more than hearing Flynn's laughter beside him.

Karol, despite being younger – in more ways than one – than Patty, was both bigger and heavier than her, so Yuri was silently grateful Flynn had decided to come along. Otherwise he would have probably dropped the poor kid on his head trying to shift him under the blanket, though that might have done quick work of the horrible snoring.

At least Karol had managed to store away his weapon and gear before falling into his light coma, which couldn't be said of Judith, who had landed face down on her own bed and stayed there.

She had apparently decided getting ready for bed was too much effort and simply dropped her spear by the door, effectively setting a trap Yuri would have broke his neck on had Flynn not caught his arm.

What a way to go that would have been, surviving an abomination of global size only to whack his head on a dresser because Judith couldn't be bothered to put her weapon into a damn corner.

Yuri thrust the weapon at Flynn, who was hovering uncomfortably in the doorway because...girl, and made quick work of Judith's shoes and the knife on her thigh. He also pulled the pins out of her hair, knowing full well how badly her scalp would hurt upon waking if he left them in. First hand experience. He still blamed Flynn for that one.

Raven had somehow managed to wrap himself so tightly into his blanket Yuri wasn't even sure the old man was breathing any more but at least he had removed his shoes before doing so so Yuri simply gathered up the scattered bow and knife and put them on the dresser before leaving again. He wanted to be far away by the time Raven started snoring too. Karol may be loud but Raven always sounded like he was chocking on something and it was beyond annoying on a good day.

Repede, who had at some point rejoined them, though Yuri had absolutely no idea when that was, snorted at the closed door, his eye critical. “I feel ya, buddy,” Yuri said, patting his head.

Flynn nodded slowly. “Agreed.”

Not quite up for banter Yuri simply threw Flynn a teasing look, relying on that something between them that made conversation without words so easy to translate his meaning.

Flynn stuck out his tongue. “I'm off duty, I can say whatever I want right now.”

“Very mature, Commandant,” Yuri said, rolling his eyes. They were walking. When had that happened?

Flynn winced. “Why does it sound like an insult when you say that?”

“Dunno, maybe because it is?”

“I could have you thrown in jail for that.”

“But you wouldn't do that.”

“Are you sure?”

He was but instead of saying so he just smirked, elbowing Flynn lightly. The clang of elbow against armour echoed through the empty halls before settling into silence.

It felt good, being stupid like this. Without the threat of the apocalypse hanging over their heads, without a friend that needed saving and hordes of monsters hounding their steps. Even when he was this bone-tired, he felt strangely light having Flynn by his side, steps unhurried, voice light and joking.

When was the last time they had just...been? He couldn't even really remember. The soft looks Flynn shot him when he thought Yuri wasn't looking were proof enough that he felt it too. That peace settling in.

Before he realized how far they had walked they arrived at Estelle's room, the white door as out of place as the first time he was here. He opened it as quietly as he could, not surprised to find Estelle and Rita curled up into a ball, so close one half of the bed was empty.

“Huh,” Flynn murmured. “That's new...”

“Nah, Ristelle being Ristelle,” Yuri said with a shrug, sending Flynn over to Rita's side so he could relieve her of the heavy tome wedged between her hip and the mattress. Estelle had somehow managed to fall asleep on top of her boots, while Rita's goggles had slipped half over her face. Untangling the girls to get their gear off was almost as complicated as wrestling an eggbear, simply because they both refused to let go even in their sleep. In the end they had to leave the now useless bodhi blastia where they were or risk waking them. And Yuri was not in the mood to be fire balled again.

A big pile of small objects Yuri was too tired to identify had formed on the desk, all pulled from the too many pockets of Rita's clothes.

Flynn disappeared down the hall for a second, signalling Yuri to wait, and returned with a spare blanket from what was probably a supply closet. Together they spread it over princess and mage, tucking them in until only tufts of pink and auburn hair were left visible.

Repede curled up at the foot of the bed, yawning widely, and pointedly closed his eye. How, Yuri didn't know, but he had a feeling Repede was telling them to get lost and so they did.

Or rather, they tried to. As soon as Yuri pulled the door closed behind them, something changed. Not the hall, it was as quiet as before, nothing quite so obvious. It was more as if the air itself had suddenly shifted and it left Yuri reeling.

It was hard to look at Flynn, but even harder to move away. The last time this had happened Yuri had been twelve, soaking wet from a fall into the fountain, and had just been punched in the gut by the realization that he had fallen in love with his best friend somewhere along the way.

Except now he was nine years older, several brushes with death and one staved off apocalypse wiser and on better terms with Flynn than ever before. So why was it so hard to just be normal right now?

Yuri would have liked to ram his head against the wall until he passed out but Flynn was right there and probably not tired enough to let that one go. He would have to be dead to let it go and even then Yuri wasn't sure he would.

He sighed at the same time Flynn did and the tension popped like a soap bubble, falling away with snorts of laughter and shaking heads. They both knew, had known for years what they could never say, so why were they getting all worked up over this?

“This is dumb,” Yuri said, still grinning. Flynn was smiling as well, eyes glowing. Yuri had heard the girls in the lower quarter compare them to the sky before but that was ridiculous. The sky paled in comparison.

“We are dumb, you mean,” Flynn said, running a hand through his hair.

Yuri snorted. “That too, yeah.”

They had known. For years. It had always been an unspoken but open secret.

And still Yuri hesitated when Flynn held out his hand, a hopeful and encouraging glint in his eyes.

So much had changed in so short a time. Not just the empire and the world as a whole, but they had as well. Since Mantaic, Nordopolica, Aurnion...especially Aurnion.

Their duel had been the first time in ages they had both been completely honest, with each other and themselves. As Flynn had put it, something was different now than it had been before. Something inexplicable, but also so very obvious.

They were different, as much as Yuri refused to admit he had changed. There was no way someone could make the journey he had and not come out the other side a different person.

Yuri and Flynn both had...matured in a way, but also found that spark again they had lost when their friendship had taken a bad turn. They were more now, individually and as a unit.

It was strange, but also familiar. Yuri took a deep breath, eyes glued to the hand Flynn still offered. Patient. Hopeful.

So much had already changed. Maybe one more change wouldn't be so bad.

He had barely finished the thought before his hand moved, fitting palm against palm, fingers weaving together. A shiver ran through Flynn, so soft it was invisible to the naked eye but Yuri could feel it reverberating through him and into his own skin.

He let Flynn tug him closer until their sides brushed, and was hit by the realization that they hadn't really touched in years and how much he'd starved for it.

Just as he'd starved for this first kiss.

Flynn moved without thought, letting instinct guide him the way it always did when Yuri was involved, as he finally brushed their lips together after wanting it for so long.

It was not like the flowery novels Lady Estellise so loved, there were no metaphorical fireworks, no sudden wave of emotion. It was nothing so grand that poets would continue to speak of it for centuries to come.

Instead it was like the final piece of an intricate puzzle finally slipping seamlessly into place, the last stroke of a brush that gave the whole painting meaning...it was a conclusion and a beginning all at once, taking something that had always been good, what they had been for so long, and made it better.

Flynn knew that this wouldn't change them any more than their struggles already had. These unspoken feelings between them had always been there, boiling underneath the surface, but they had not been all they shared.

Theirs was a friendship built on trust, respect, understanding, of almost an entire life of shared hardships and happiness. This would not change that.

When he finally pulled away the world was unchanged and yet completely new, because Yuri's smile was finally free and soft the way it was whenever he thought no one was watching. But now Flynn was watching and still Yuri didn't hide, his storm cloud eyes bright with emotions that made Flynn's heart trip.

Yuri's fingers squeezed Flynn's, the other hand rose to brush blond hair away from blue eyes.

No, this wouldn't change them. They had just cast off the hesitation that had bound them for so long and were finally free to be what they should have been for years.

Together.

A wide yawn from Yuri lightened the mood, but did not break it, and Flynn chuckled fondly, rubbing his thumb lightly over Yuri's knuckles.

“Let's get some rest,” he said gently. “We can talk more tomorrow.”

Yuri nodded, letting himself be guided along the marble floors to Flynn's room. “Sounds good.”

[shazyloren]

Snowed In

Summary:  The Winter's storm traps Dany and Jon in a cavern, and it's not an atmosphere she'd gotten used to with Jon. Bran's reveal was proving tough to process...

Notes: As you know, I am taking part in a challenge on tumblr by user @jonerysfics and @mhysaofdragons in which for seven days from Valentines day I am uploading a new one shot. The prompts have been provided and the stories have all been written and I gotta say you're in for a lot of Jonerys content. So Day 5, 18th February, which is when I'm uploading this, the prompt I chose was 'Snowed In'. Argument's anyone?

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/17841860

----

She knew they should not have embarked on the mission, but there had been sightings of stranded northerners on the kingsroad due west from Winterfell and now, a snow storm meant herself and Jon Snow, were trapped inside a cavern, waiting until the snow passed before they could get out and find the King in the North's subjects.

It would’ve have been okay, had the King in the North not been ignoring her for the past week after they had been told by his younger brother, Bran, that they were related. Jon Snow, King In The North, True Heir to the Iron Throne, hidden in plain sight under snow.

Daenerys had plenty of time to think on the revelation, and in all honesty wished there was some way she could curse her forgotten, older brother in the beyond for being a stupid idiot and causing a war which could have been avoid had both himself and Lady Lyanna told the truth.

The ruin of my house…

“We should get a fire going, if we’re here overnight we’ll freeze before we can see tomorrow” She states, brushing the snow out of her houses hair and reaching to the back of the horse and pulling some logs of wood they’re packed for the small journey. Daenerys wasn't going to put up with it if the moping continued.

They’d lost the men they’d rode out with, everyone going off in separate direction but Daenerys staying hot on Jon’s tail as not to be completely out in the wilderness by herself. She’d made a good decision, even if Jon was just communicating in grunts and huffs.

On cue, he sighs in frustration and they both begin to work away at setting up a camp inside the cavern, which when you had two horses inside it with you, did not make for much room. The half an hour they spend getting things set up gives Dany a chance to think things over.

She’d spent her life in foreign lands, running and fleeing, city to city for fear of death and the end of the last two remaining Targaryens. She hadn’t known a mother or father, she’d only know Viserys cruel contempt. Somehow, after all these years, on opposite sides of the world, she’d found someone, someone of her blood, someone she loved very much, someone who understand that outcast feeling.

The fall of her house, all of it was a lie. Robert Baratheon, the piggish bastard, thinking with his cock as so many men do. She did not love him back, she loved her brother, Rhaegar, a man who supposedly kidnapped her and raped her, a man who she was told by many that was a man who loved singing and playing his harp.

She did not know if the gods were real, in her eyes they were all vicious and spiteful, but there was something said of a destiny in which the last two dragons find each other and defeat the darkness that is coming for all of them. She always thought she’d marry Viserys, or perhaps Aegon had he been alive and the Targaryens still ruled.

Maybe if everything hadn’t gone wrong, she’d have married Jon anyways, cruel a fate to leave a boy in the dark for so long, in the frozen north and unaware of the power he holds, unaware of his birthright. But he’d would’ve been raised in the capital, like the royalty he was, like the dragon blood than ran through his veins. She would’ve too. Maybe they would’ve married, who knew?

“You should get some rest” His voice is void of emotion, an order more than a phrase of concern. It doesn’t sit well with Daenerys, in fact it make her want to unleash her tongue and give Jon a piece of her mind.

“I will”

That’s all she says, unrolling a padded mat so as she can lay down on it and sleep. She careful takes a seat by the fire, and feels the warmth roll over her skin. She looks into the flames of the fire and wonders if the day will come where she is burn by it. She feels steel look back at her and a resolute feeling sweeps across her skin.

I’m Daenerys of House Targaryen, and this idiot will listen to me .

“Okay, that’s enough” She decides. “We need to talk”

“I don’t think we do” He gruffs.

“Jon Snow, you will not continue to ignore your queen” She’s harsh but it’s called for. Her gaze catches his and in the firelight, she sees a wall he’s built up around himself. She wants to be able to communicate with him. “We are to lead our people into safety, lead them away from danger and defeat that oncoming storm together and you can’t even look at me?”

Jon is frozen in his spot.

“Are you ashamed of me? Is that it?” She demands to know, she can take the heartache if he’s ashamed of it, but she is not. She loves him and he knows it, they both do. But the fact that he was blocking her out completely…

“No, of course I’m not ashamed of you, ” He softens slightly.

“Then stop shutting me out” She demands again.

“I’m not, I really not trying to” He softens more.

“Then stop acting like you can’t even look at me, it hurts, Jon. Please tell me why you are shutting me out?” She’s brave, even if tears threaten to be exposed to their cold encounter. “Does it occur to you that I am in the same boat as you? That finding out your heritage is as much of a difficult thing to process for me? Perhaps not…”

“You don’t understand” He countered. “It is different for you”

“How?”

“It just is, okay?” He throws his hands up in defence, his voice hoarse and gruff. “All my life I’ve dealt with the shame that came with being a bastard, yes a high born bastard, but a bastard nonetheless. Lady Catelyn treated me like horse shit and I never blamed her for it, I got to the Night’s Watch thinking things would be different, a place full of outcasts, and it wasn’t. I was abused for that word, and it was all for nothing. All the shame that came to our family, all the horror it has endured is because, that piece of Baratheon Horsepiss couldn’t use his eyes instead of his pecker!”

“Jon-”

“And I don’t mean to speak ill of the dead, I really don’t, but my mother died birthing me, she was alone, she had no one! All because that man meddled in a love he didn’t understand, all because he killed my true father. My father, died with my mother’s name on her lips, that's what Bran said, his rubies floating in the river, and never knowing a son that he would have. Everything that wretched King did, House Stark was over as soon as he was crowned”

“But House Stark isn’t over, it’s stronger than ever and under tremendous leadership. And where are the Baratheons? Dead in the ground where the usurpers belong!” She scooted over to sit closer to him. “He hunted me down too, remember? A girl pregnant with a son, a girl no older than his own son, and he sent assassins to stab her in the belly. I have as much reason to hate that man as you do, but there is no point anymore, he’s dead. And we’re alive”

“And related, he never suspected” Jon never striked Dany as a man who would process feelings well, and yet so much of why she liked him was because of his kindness, his moral compass. And that wouldn’t change, she loved him all the same.

“I don’t care that you have Dragon blood, I don’t care that you have a higher claim than me to the throne, I care about you, only you” She warms her hands by the fire. “I always thought I’d marry my brother, and then I was alone. I’m not alone anymore”

The truth rang through the room like a bell clear as day. It was one she was hoping would be clarified, and she knew he couldn’t deny the attraction and affection he had towards her too. You’re an idiot, Jon Snow, but I understand you so well.

“My lord-father lied to me” He says out the blue.

“To protect you” Daenerys countered.

“I know that” He huffs again. “Doesn’t make me any less unhappy about it”

“This truth, is difficult to process. I found you, across the entire world and living completely separate lives, and I still found you. We were meant to meet, Jon, we were meant to save this world together and start a new one, where we’re all free and where justice and democracy matter. No lions and Krakens or Snakes and Eagles, just the Dragons and the Wolves, ushering in a new era of peace”

She placed her hand on his knee, wanting to touch him like they had each other so many times before. But she’s gentle, loving like a woman could be and as forgiving as she’s ever learned to be. “I don’t want any part of the throne, or power. I never have”

“I know, but it is your destiny, Jon Snow”

“Destiny is what you make it, all I try to do, is the right thing” He shrugs.

“Then you might want to start by being nicer to your future wife and family” She kisses him softly on the cheek before laying down on her mat and preparing herself for a wait until the snow storm let up. Could be hours or a few days, but at least that issue was resolved.

[mr-mikey]

Okay time to finally give my thoughts on the rest of the Golden Deer Route of Three houses. Because I have so much to cover I’m going to split this up into two halves... And of course BIG spoilers are coming...

The timeskip chapter starts with Byleth waking up and making his way back to the monastery. On the way he finds a commoner that tells him that it’s been five years since the monastery was attacked. Regardless of how stupid things look Byleth stubbornly goes there, only to discover that Claude was waiting for him so he could keep a promise to return five years later!

Time slowly passes as Claude explains everything that’s happened so far. The Holy Kingdom of Faerghus has been split in two by Edelgard’s actions with a puppet leader called Cornelia in charge of what’s called the ‘Faerghus Dukedom’. Dimitri is presumed dead after the Coup that lead to Cornelia taking over Faerghus.

Tensions are high within the Leicester Alliance as the ruling houses there are divided on whether they should try to remain independent or to submit to the Empire. Claude invites Byleth to help him with some investigating of the monastery ruins, which leads to some bandit hunting and eventually the other members of the Golden Deer show up and they remark how happy they are to see Byleth safe and alive.

Once those bandits are cleared Claude starts to talk about his means to raise an army to take the fight to the empire. He mentions with Byeth’s return the remnants of the Church of Seiros will join the cause, and rallying support easier because the fight against the empire will be seen as a moral cause. As such Claude asks Byleth to take that into consideration as without Byleth’s support his schemes are only words and nothing more.

Byleth’s return brings back the Seteth, Flayn and everyone else that was working within the Monastery. Together they all resolved to rebuild and to continue a search for Rhea who has been missing the whole time.

The battle during chapter 14 is a battalion of Imperial soldiers that have been dispatched to take care of the monastery to prevent the Church of Seiros from rebuilding. After many turns of defending Claude dispatches a soldier to set up a trap for the imperial soldiers. And after a bit of taunting from Claude:

Claude sets most of the field on fire, trapping the majority of the Empire’s troops to be quickly finished off. After this Claude has a very informative talk about his plans to bust open Fodlan’s Throat, because the way it’s being used to keep outsiders away while also keeping Fodlan’s people in keeping people ignorant of the world outside and prejudice thrives as a result. He also mentions that he hopes that Rhea is alive because he has a lot of questions about the true history of Fodlan, the church and Byleth’s origins. I’ve mentioned this before but I still enjoy reading over what he says in this link.

Chapter 15 is about receiving troops from Judith since she’s on good terms with Claude and close by. They arrange to meet up in Ailell also known as the Valley of Torment because the Valley was created by the wrath of the goddess... that a ‘pillar of light’ burned away the forests that used to grow there. However there is no time to wonder as soldiers bearing flags from the former kingdom appear, showing that an ambush is waiting for the Golden Deer group.

Ashe, who I had recruited before the timeskip is also here as an enemy unit. I was afraid that I’d be forced to kill him but after fighting him with Byleth I had the option to recruit him back. I really didn’t want to hurt him, he’s a good kid...

Later on Judith and a few soldiers turn up that we have to protect once that was done the chapter was cleared. After taking pleasure in thoroughly teasing Claude, Judith not only informs us that she’s joining us but that she knows that Rhea is alive.

Next we were off to the Great Bridge of Myrddin. Claude’s reasoning behind taking the bridge is not only to gain a foothold into the Empire from here but claiming that bridge removes pressure from House Gloucester, who were against fighting because it would give the Empire an excuse to march an army to take the territory over.

But to avoid the attention of House Gloucester, Claude instructs one of his retainers to draw their attention away from Claude’s actions. I wonder how much hard work and study Claude has to put in to come up with these schemes.

There is a fort that needs to be captured in the middle of the map but once you start fighting Acheron from Lorenz’s paralogue shows up to make a nuisance of himself. -_-

Sadly, Ferdinand also makes an appearance here noting that Edelgard has ‘always been obsessed’ with Byleth. And because he attacked us he died soon after, and Dorothea even mentions that we killed him in the next month before the chapter 17 battle. I genuinely felt bad that I hadn’t recruited him. Once the chapter was finished, Claude tells everyone that he’s going to try to persuade the lords who wanted to yield to the empire to change their minds now that the bridge was under alliance control. He also asks Lorenz to help sway his father over and takes Byleth along for extra persuasion as someone ‘to speak on Rhea’s behalf’.

We even get to meet Claude’s retainer Nardel who greets him initially with a ‘Is that you kiddo?’ only to be corrected by Claude and using a much more formal “Oh, ah, Master Claude. It’s you. I mistook you for one of the local children. My apologies.”

I really have to wonder where he’s getting these retainers from, they do enjoy teasing Claude and treating him like a youngling XD

Here we see Claude’s use of politics in action, because he admit he used Byleth’s appearance as a representative of the church to influence the Alliance noble’s decision to join in the fight against the empire despite the fact that Byleth isn’t a follower. But I can understand why he used the method that he did and I kinda agree that he didn’t have time to be picky about methods. And compared to Edelgard’s methods these are very tame in comparison and don’t result in people dying.

And Chapter 17... Chapter 17 is titled ‘Blood of the Eagle and Lion’. And it’s as bad as you’d expect. 

In the leadup to the battle Shamir mentions there’s a massive gathering of troops at Fort Merceus that’s likely to be led by Edelgard herself which gives Claude hope that they might have an opportunity to take her down.

But reports of an army moving through Daphnel and Gloucester complicates things. The army got close to the great bridge before it turned East. 

Between the mention of House Blaiddyd and Gronder Field made me realize that this chapter really was going to be a three way battle between the Territories.

The music that plays through the chapter is tragic, and I had to fight many of the units that I failed to recruit though the chapter.

I got Ingrid killed by accident by leaving her in range of Bernadetta, but all three of these death quotes really hit me hard.

And there’s no way to persuade Dimitri to stop what he’s doing either. He’s that far gone that he’ll continue to hunt down Edelgard no matter what. Once the chapter is finished Hilda mentions that Dimitri tried to pursue Edelgard as she retreated only for him to collapse and die as imperial troops surrounded him and pieced him with spears... Leaving Dedue swearing vengeance for his lord’s death.

Suffice to say, i’ve been really enjoying this game to this point in time with it’s highs and lows.

[riverofmemoriesft]

Master List

Unreleased WIPs: 

Title: Between the Lines: Scripted in Iron Series: Fairy Tail Pairings: Gajeel x Levy Chapters completed: 2 Summary: “‘You did not ruin me, Gajeel Redfox.  You hurt me, broke my body in a way that even Porlyusica could almost not do anything for, but you did not ruin me.  You made me realize how much work I have to do to live up to others in my guild, but I am here.  I am alive.  I lived to fight another day.  When you came after me, you didn’t ruin me, Gajeel.  You ruined yourself.’” Notes: How Levy and Gajeel got together in the BTL-universe.

Title: In Tenebris {Rewrite} Series: Fairy Tail Pairings: Natsu x Lucy, Gajeel x Levy Chapters completed: 4 Summary: After discovering a trio of scientific experiments who are the equivalents of dragons, life for Lucy Heartfilia and Levy McGarden gets flipped upside down.  Apparently, protecting dragons brings a few others like them knocking and makes things crazy.  It doesn’t help that some of the “others” are a whole lot less friendly. Notes: Bet you didn’t think I was still working on this.  REWRITE!  This is gonna be a whole lot darker than the original. 

Title: Out of Reach Series: Fairy Tail Pairings: Sting x Rhith Vila (OC), Natsu x Lucy Chapters completed: 1 Summary: When a series of odd dreams leads Natsu, Sting, and Rogue to an anti-magic village in the mountains near Crocus, they’re alarmed to discover that things aren’t quite as peaceful as they seemed to be.  Acnologia’s returning, the entire truth of END is brought to light, the stars are going out, a supposed god has come knocking, and the dead are apparently coming back to life. Notes: Sequel to Not As It Seems.  Got inspired when reading reviews and drawing Rhith.  

Title: Withstanding Series: Fairy Tail Pairings: Natsu x Lucy Chapters completed: N/A Summary: When Makarov gives Natsu a small, in-town job, he doesn’t expect to find himself in a hostage situation.  Things take a dark turn, and Juvia, undercover, is devastated to realize she can’t help him, nor can anyone else until the demands are met.  Time is running out, and Lucy finds herself having to make an impossible decision she isn’t sure she can make. Notes: A story akin to A Game of Life and Obsessive Impulsive.  I’ve got plans, my friends. 

WIPs

Title: Between the Lines: Tales of Fiore Series: Fairy Tail Pairings: Various Chapters completed: 3 Summary:  A collection of stories from the universe of Between the Lines.

Title: Of Dust and Shadows Series: Fairy Tail Pairings: Natsu x Lucy Chapters completed: 38 Summary: After falling through time, Lucy Heartfilia finds that history – both the world's and her own – isn't as black and white as she thought it was. With the discovery of magic and the fact that she's arrived in a three-year period no one knows anything about, Lucy is determined to stop the devastation she knows is coming – all while being irreversibly tied to the one who creates it. Notes: A delight to write and share.

Title: Skinwalker Series: Supernatural Pairings: Dean x Alex Montgomery (OC) Chapters completed: 44 Summary: After confronting a young British woman about a dog that mysteriously appears at several crime scenes, the Winchesters gain an ally in their war against what comes knocking in the dark of the night. Except this ally may or may not be one of the very things they're determined to kill.  Notes: Let’s see if I ever finish this.

Title: Songcraft Series: Fairy Tail Pairings: Natsu x Lucy, various other pairings included throughout Chapters completed: 22 Summary: "Perhaps we were someone else, once upon a time. Perhaps we even hold their memories in our heads. Maybe it means something that we've found one another now for some strange unknown reason, but it doesn't mean we are them." Notes: Reincarnation AU

Title: To the Stars and Back Series: Doctor Who Pairings: 10th/11th Doctor x Jayden O’Connors (OC) Chapters completed: 17 Summary: Tagging along in the TARDIS after being rescued from a situation she was sold into, Jayden O'Connors finds that life isn't quite as pointless as she thought it to be. When the Doctor's involved, it's full of adventure and constant running. But the clock is ticking, and it doesn't look like running is an option - especially when you're facing death. Notes: Someday I’ll finish this one as well.  I have a lot of work to do.

Complete: 

Title: Between the Lines  Series: Fairy Tail Pairings: Natsu x Lucy, various other pairings throughout Chapters completed: 343 Summary: In a world that knows nothing of magic, there's a hidden society of people with incredible abilities. After joining the Fairy Tail guild and partnering with a crazy pyromaniac by the name of Natsu Dragneel as well as his flying blue cat, Lucy Heartfilia begins to learn that everyone has secrets - some of which even lie within her own family - and that nothing is ever as it seems.

Title: Not As It Seems Series: Fairy Tail Pairings: Natsu x Lucy, Sting x Rhith Vila (OC) Chapters completed: 18 Summary:   When Rhith Vila, an illusion mage employed by the Magic Council, is sent to investigate an influx of magic in Magnolia, she discovers that things are worse than originally thought. Meanwhile, Natsu and the guild are thrown into chaos when something that was never thought possible is discovered, leaving them brimming with determination to find their nakama and bring her home.

Title: Obsessive Impulsive Series: Fairy Tail Pairings: Gajeel x Levy Chapters completed: 20 Summary:   "'I've been trying to find you alone for weeks, but you've been avoiding me.' He clicked his tongue, as if scolding her. 'I tried approaching, but you always had someone with you to give me nasty words and looks. They turned you against me, Miss Levy.'" [Not for sensitive readers!]

Title: Oculto Series: Fairy Tail Pairings: Gajeel x Levy Chapters completed: 20 Summary:   When Levy takes a job requiring that she retrieve a treasure from ancient ruins, she doesn't expect there to be a guardian. In fact, she rejects Mira's offer of sending someone with her or even the idea that she should invite anyone other than Lily with her. "Good thing it's Mira, she's probably already sent Gajeel after us." {Gajeel x Levy}

Title: Paranormal Series: Fairy Tail Pairings: Natsu x Lucy Chapters completed: 31 Summary:   Living with a mostly friendly poltergeist and dealing with his "generous" acts of "kindness" is one thing. Figuring out just how he ended up there is a completely other matter that has Lucy's head spinning. And it certainly doesn't help that he's getting to be not nearly as friendly as time goes on. {WARNING: some of the content might not be for sensitive readers!}

Title: Paranormal: Tranquility Series: Fairy Tail Pairings: Natsu x Lucy Chapters completed: N/A Summary:   Saying goodbye is the hardest thing in the world. But sometimes, it's impossible, and Lucy knew that it was what trapped her there for so many years. {One-shot}{Semi-sequel to Paranormal}

Title: Redemption Series: Fairy Tail Pairings: Natsu x Lucy Chapters completed: N/A Summary:   There is a story rarely told, only beneath the comforting light of a full moon with a brightly lit fire as an offering to the demon they speak of. It is said to be a sacred tale that no man wishes to whisper unless it is done freely, beneath a blanket of stars that help to remind the demon of vows long since lost. A tale in which a demon breaks beneath the weight of redemption.

Title: The Game of Life Series: Fairy Tail Pairings: Natsu x Lucy, Gajeel x Levy Chapters completed: 13 Summary:   "You're new here, so I'll explain the rules once. Winners get one lash, losers die. It's quite simple. The last one standing gets no lash. We do one game a day here and you live as long as you can stand it. If you somehow miraculously try to get away, I kill you. It's quite simple really." [Not for sensitive readers!]

Title: The Traverler’s Song Series: Fairy Tail Pairings: Natsu x Lucy Chapters completed: N/A Summary:  "The song is not a popular one, only known by a select few that it has been passed down to. She's grateful that it was entrusted to her by the last member of the Fairy Tail guild before they'd passed away. It is known as the Song of Travelers and tells the story of a woman who travels with her lover and friends in search of help escaping from a bargain."

Title: The Twelve Days of Fairy Tail Series: Fairy Tail Pairings: Natsu x Lucy Chapters completed: N/A Summary:   "Every year, we do a little Christmas tradition that we call the Twelve Days of Fairy Tail. From the fourteenth of December until the twenty-fifth, one person will get on the nearest table at around ten in the morning and blurt out the song lyrics they've made for the song as well as the last set." In which Lucy experiences her first real Christmas in years and a guild tradition.

Title: Shattered Boundaries Series: Fairy Tail Pairings: N/A Chapters completed: N/A Summary:   The day Lucy was cursed, the Celestial Realm went into an uproar. Time shifted, the gates closed, and there wasn't much that could be done. Not that Loke didn't try.{One-shot}{Third in the Shattered Series}

Title: Shattered Dreams Series: Fairy Tail Pairings: Natsu x Lucy, various other pairings throughout Chapters completed: 25 Summary:   Lucy knew her dream of being a part of Fairy Tail was complete when they became her family, but sometimes when following your dreams, you forget that nightmares are dreams too. {First in the Shattered Series}

Title: Shattered Reality Series: Fairy Tail Pairings: Gajeel x Levy Chapters completed: 13 Summary:   As Lucy battles her nightmares, Gajeel, Levy, and Pantherlily set out to rid the world of the one behind them. Joined by someone they never expected to come across, it falls upon their shoulders to stop what could quite possibly be their demise alongside the destruction of Fiore. {Gajeel x Levy}{Spin-off of Shattered Dreams!}

Title: Shattered Souls Series: Fairy Tail Pairings: N/A Chapters completed: 8 Summary:   Team Natsu is a mess. And that's putting it lightly. {Last in the Shattered Series}

To Later Be Deleted...

Title: In Tenebris {Original} Series: Fairy Tail Pairings: Natsu x Lucy, Gajeel x Levy, various others Chapters completed: 29 Summary:  After purchasing a beautiful mansion for a ridiculously cheap price, Lucy and Levy are suspicious but can't find anything wrong with it...until Lucy discovers a trio of scientific experiments in a dungeon. Apparently, when confronted with the challenge of protecting people that are practically dragons from others like them, life tends to get a little crazy.