#and it would connect him back to his great grandmaster

[frontierghost]

they better give Ezra a purple lightsaber or so help me-

[xinamie]

🍵 — part of my design.

pairing: bi-han / sub zero x gn! reader

summary: not everyone understands him and he's aware of that, but he's silently thankful for those who try at least. ♡

tags: more of a short study of him, no dialogue, platonic or more if you want!

The Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei was truly a formidable and intimidating force, harnessing his birth right to lead along with his cryomancy. He aimed for grand heights, wanting to be more than mere defenders of the realm. His clan's best interest was always on the forefront of his mind, believing they deserved a higher standing than being shackled and seen as pawns. They were warriors trained for battle, yet that glory he sought out had hindered communication and connections.

Many great consequences had passed; his brothers were no longer by his side, and the Lin Kuei were deemed to have abandoned their intended purpose. He knew this, of course, but he was not one to give up. Any time he would cross paths with his family, he would ask them to join him, though his choice of words may not be what they wish to hear.

One day, the Lin Kuei would get the recognition and status they should have been given. There were some positive outcomes throughout this whole ordeal, however. Cyrax and Sektor were still around, aiding in his efforts and dealing with special projects.

Then, there was you.

Contrary to popular belief, the man had not wronged you in any way. There were times he criticized your forms during training, but was that not his job? His warriors had to be in top shape in order for success! If one couldn't handle being called incompetent from time to time, they would definitely not survive out on the merciless fields.

You were praised for your loyalty and diligence, and in return, you received his respect. Not that he never did before, after all, he was an educated and formal man. He held himself well and even with his rare outbursts due to frustration, he had never cursed loudly. Instead, it was always a rather chilling tone, authority seeping through and making even the best warriors tense up.

Today was a good day by all means.

Training had gone well, meals were warm and fulfilling, and pristine uniforms had been cleaned, pressed and distributed as usual.

You were able to catch a glimpse of the Grandmaster when the sun was about to succumb to the moon. He was in his usual attire, fitting to his form and proper by all standards. The only trait that seemed out of place were the strands that escaped his bun, resting across his forehead naturally. It made you wonder if that was a choice too; does he purposefully style his hair like that every morning or was it due to the activities he busied himself with?

Regardless, it was a nice touch compared to the rest of his composure.

He had been pouring a cup of tea, Pu'er to be exact as it was one of his favorites, when you noticed he had been staring right back at you. His eyes shifted to the low table before him where his cup and an additional one were seated.

An invitation.

The gesture was subtle, but you would be a fool not to accept it. You made your way over to him, carefully folding your legs against the mat. He offered you the spare cup, only partially filled with the brew.

That simple notion was another aspect to consider as a tea cup filled to the brim held a particular meaning. The fact that it was not the case meant he most likely wanted you to stay longer and enjoy the tea with him.

No words were exchanged as the two of you allowed the warmth to take over, and one thing was for certain.

Despite what others may say, your Grandmaster was an honorable man.

[thought-42]

Somebody has to leave first

Star Wars, 1400 words,Ezra Bridger Something something growing up something something ded parent something something Ezra Bridger in the Chiss Ascendancy. I've never heard of canon in my life.

Ezra Bridger talks to dead people.

They do not, it should be noted, talk back.

He knows all things are possible within the Force, so he's always gotta keep in mind that his monologues run the very real risk of becoming dialogues, probably at the most embarrassing or inconvenient times, but honestly if a ghost has nothing better to do than listen in on his diary entries to the beyond that says more about them than it does about him.

He doesn't talk to Kanan. It seems like the obvious assumption, follow in the shuffling footsteps of Obi-Wan Kenobi and claw out frantically for a point of stability to serve as compass in a world gone upside down. And there was a time where a smile or a few words of pride from Kanan was all Ezra needed to reinforce his foundations and stand tall and ready. But the truth of it is, he doesn't know if Kanan would be proud of him, which would be less of a problem if Ezra himself had any uncertainty about his life choices.

Besides, even ten years on every time he thinks about that last glimpse of Kanan, wreathed in flames, he wants to dig his fingers into his skin and deeper and pull and pull until the memory and the sick feeling in his stomach are gone. He cannot think about it. It is an impossibility, it is not something his mind is capable of bearing, the idea of another living person who he loves burning and burning and burning is not something that can live inside of him sustainably. He thinks of Kanan and he feels sick and sad and selfish for not being able to focus on all the good memories.

No, Ezra doesn't talk to Kanan. Ezra talks to people he has only ever known in death.

He talks to  Master Mace Windu and tells him he wishes he knew how to see shatterpoints. Ezra is good at building connections, building bridges, yeah yeah yeah, but every web has one thread at risk, one point where a quick pull will unravel the whole thing. Ezra's had his entire life shattered twice before with no warning, he would really love to know how to prevent the inevitable third round. . Shouldn't this skill just come free with the lineage?

He talks to Thrass-- "can I call you Thrass?" Everybody says Thrawn needed a brother, and yeah, ok, his older brother died and Thrawn went off the rails there for a hot eighteen years, but Ezra's here now, reporting for little brother duty twenty years late with caccoleaf; but better late than never, right? It feels right, picking up Thrass's flag in the relay of Sky Walker investigation and running hard and fast with it as far as he can go. Feels kinda like when Zeb would start a repair project on the Ghost and then leave the second half for Ezra to finish off with no need for explanation or request, just the trust that Ezra knows what to do. ...Thrawn kinda feels like one of those handed off projects, too, but Ezra doesn't even say that part to the dead, just in case they really are listening and decide to tell on him. Ezra never had an older sibling by blood, but they seem to adopt him everywhere he goes. He figures it's his turn to adopt one back, even if it is posthumous.

He talks to Master Depa, because, as his grandmaster, she's legally required to think he's doing a great job. He talks to her about being a teacher on a warship, asks how she delt with knowing every time she ruffled Caleb's hair over breakfast it could be the last.

He tells her every time he wonders if he permanently stained his soul with the dark he remembers that she came back as strong a Jedi as anybody could ask, and it really does make him trust in himself.

He thanks her for raising Caleb, although would it have killed her to teach him just a biiiit of Vaapad?

He tells her he understands, fundamentally, like a burning cole lodged in his ribcage, her desperate need to protect her student, to die so that he could live.

He tells her she would be proud of the man Caleb became, but that it probably wasn't what she expected. Caleb didn't grow up into Caleb. Caleb grew up into Kanan, and secretly Ezra always wonders if Kanan would have been someone who would have fit back in with the Jedi of his childhood.

Ezra's cabinet of entirely metaphorical ghosts all roll their eyes at this transparent attempt at obfuscation, because all the ghosts Ezra has made up to talk to are assholes.

Ok, fine. So maybe Ezra's pretty sure that the found family who gave Ezra Bridger, Jedi Padawan a home might not know what to do with Stybla'ezra'bridger, Jedi Navigator.

It had taken Ezra and sacher actual months, long nights  of sitting at Ezra's kitchen table with big sheets of paper and cheap wine, tossing potential names for their brand new program back and forth. They settled on Jedi Navigator mostly because Thrawn told them they had three days before the official paperwork had to be filed, and they hadn't come up with anything better that they could both agree on. Ezra hit submit on his part of the project proposal and that night he'd laid awake imagining a scenario where he got to tell Hera and Kanan-- "See? Jedi Navigator. Something from each of you."

He's heard the war is over. The Rebellion won and turned right back around to build another Republic. He's heard there's another Jedi --not Kanan, miraculously returned like Ezra dreams at least once a month-- and he's going to start a new order. And he's tried to imagine himself somewhere in all of that and it doesn't fit. He fit on a bunk bed in the Ghost with his family around him, doing their part to beat back the constant press of fascism. But there's no more Empire, no more family all squished together in one little ship. Even if he wanted to climb back into that bunk he knows his head would bump the top now.

The space between eighteen and twenty-eight feels like a lifetime. At eighteen Ezra had just gotten all his clay together and ready to be moulded into a person, and then he'd flung himself half way across the galaxy and wound up being moulded and fired in a different kilmn entirely. There's an Ezra somewhere out there who grew and changed right alongside that cramped little family, who moved forward in their orbit, chose his path and his place on the same game board. He probably knows how to fit in. He's probably working at the Jedi school or part of the reconstruction efforts on Lothal or a commander on a Republic ship stamping out the last remnants of the Empire.

Ezra's not jealous of this other version of himself, this what-if world he built in his own imagination specifically to hurt himself. He expected to be struck by the longing for home, by the bitterness of lost possibility. He isn't.

He can't tell Thrawn this because Thrawn spent eighteen years becoming something monstrous, shredding himself and everyone around him in an increasingly desperate dancing of 'I can fix this I can fix this I can fix this' and when he’d come back the hole his departure had left had long since healed over.

He can't tell Kanan this because--- the force of the explosion, maybe, was enough to make it quick--

Hera's a General now, apparently, and Ezra's certain it suits her just as he's certain even in a world where he'd stayed he wouldn't be asking a General for existential advice at 3:00 AM. Every thing he learns about what's happening in Lesser Space is a double-edged blade.

They aren't really supposed to know much at all-- not relevant, but Theliva keeps offering Ezra little nuggets of info about the Spectors like an awkward stepparent offering candy to win affection from a recalcitrant child. To which Ezra says, 'did you know it was actually just so easy not to join the Empire?' If Ezra's parents had been alive and he could have carried on their family legacy-- well. Isn't that what his whole life's been about, at the end of the day? Hauling around other people's legacies, trying to build something new out of the scattered pieces.

He offers himself up, everything he is on open palms to the gallery of ghosts, living and dead:

This is all I have to offer. It is enough.

[ironborealis]

Lineage Cousins AU pt. 3

aka Missed Connections on AO3

Part 1 and Part 2 on Tumblr

Anakin has fixed a lot of dejarik boards before.

Well... Mom did all the soldering of the broken circuit boards because she said that the fumes were bad for growing boys, BUT it was his responsibility to take everything apart and carefully label it, test the circuits and mark the ones that Mom needed to fix, and then put it back together again when she was finished. He even tested the projectors and commands to make sure everything was in working order before Watto put it in the shop's inventory to sell.

So... He's mostly fixed a lot of dejarik boards and tested them afterwards, but he's never actually played dejarik before.

He hopes Mr. Kenobi hasn't noticed that Anakin is just making things up as he goes, figuring out how the pieces move by watching the projection stall for a split second every time he tries something that the rules don't allow.

He must have fixed a hundred, a thousand boards since he was old enough to start helping -- and the boards always sold quickly because everyone and their great grandma plays dejarik...

Everyone except Anakin and his mother... he doesn't think any of his friends on Tatooine had played either.

There's something sick growing in his belly as he thinks about it all, tears pricking at his eyes -- but he's pretty sure that Jedi don't cry, and he's a padawan now so he can't cry -- if Mr. Kenobi doesn't ruin everything by telling the Jedi Council to send him back to Tatooine.

Mr. Kenobi hums after Anakin's last move, stroking his beard and appearing to be deep in thought.

Mr. Qui-Gon had explained that Mr. Kenobi wasn't his brother-brother, like Kitster and Kassu who had the same mother, but a 'lineage brother' because the same Jedi Master had trained them both to be Knights.

Anakin thinks his Jedi grandmaster must be very old, to have taught both Mr. Qui-Gon and Mr. Kenobi.

Not that it matters, because apparently Master Dooku left the Jedi after Mr. Kenobi was knighted, so that only left his great-grandmaster Yoda... The green person with big ears on the Council who had thought he was too scared to be a Jedi.

He misses his mom.

Mr. Kenobi's foot taps the base of Anakin's chair, and Anakin realizes that Mr. Kenobi is waiting for him to play, but Anakin was so busy gathering eopie chips in his head that he'd missed Mr. Kenobi making his move.

He can feel the tips of his ears grow pink with embarrassment. Surely real Jedi don't become distracted or miss their moms and of course they all know how to play dejarik --

He reaches to move the big white monster, but Mr. Kenobi purses his lips and hums.

"That's an interesting choice -- I would have used the Grimtash's -- the gray one -- special attack," Mr. Kenobi keeps his eyes on the board.

"...Why?"

Anakin uses his best sabacc face, like he's only interested in Mr. Kenobi's strategy and not desperately trying to figure out how to win a game he doesn't know how to play.

"It's special attack is powerful enough to defeat my Ghhhk, which you've been abusing," Mr. Kenobi points out the dark green creature on his side of the board.

Anakin debates for a moment whether or not to take Mr. Kenobi's advice. If they were on Tatooine, it'd be a given that Mr. Kenobi was trying to trick him -- but they're not on Tatooine and besides he's pretty sure Jedi aren't allowed to lie unless it's really important.

He makes the move that Mr. Kenobi suggests and watches as his piece battles and destroys Mr. Kenobi's.

They continue to play, with Mr. Kenobi occasionally talking about what his strategy would be. He thinks Mr. Kenobi must be a horrible sabacc player, with all his obvious facial tells and the way he literally just tells you what he's going to do.

Maybe that's why Padmé's handmaidens like playing with him every night -- he's such an easy mark they must have taken every single credit he has by now.

Anakin doesn't always do what Mr. Kenobi would do, but he starts feeling more confident about how the game works and most importantly, how to win.

Soon, it's just Anakin's Grimtash against Mr. Kenobi's K'lor'slug (the purple one), and then it's over and...

Anakin won. He won! He didn't even know the rules and he won anyway, AND he beat a Jedi who's probably been playing dejarik since he was in diapers --

"Good game, Anakin." Mr. Kenobi holds his hand out over the board for Anakin to shake. His tone is jovial, like he hasn't just lost, and he's got that same amused glimmer in his eye like he did when Anakin tried bowing to him like a proper Jedi.

The sick feeling is back in his stomach.

"You let me win, didn't you?"

Mr. Kenobi's expression falters for a second, before becoming even faker than before.

"No, I didn't --"

"Jedi aren't supposed to lie!" Anakin jumps out of his seat, his heart pounding in his ears. "Did you think it was funny? It's not my fault that I don't know the rules! Dejarik is a stupid game anyway!"

Mr. Kenobi's face goes unnaturally calm, and Anakin knows now that Mr. Kenobi has a sabacc face that could rival some of the best on Tatooine -- and he hates it. He hates being made into fool by someone who's supposed to be deciding whether Anakin is good enough to even be a Jedi, it's not FAIR!

"What's going on?"

Mr. Qui-Gon appears, coming out of their room, and glaring at Mr. Kenobi like he did something wrong.

"He let me win!"

Anakin tries to put as much weight as he can into his accusation, to convey the seriousness of the situation in a Jedi-like manner, but when he hears himself, he sounds more like Kitster's little brother Kassu whining whenever he lost at a game.

The confused look on Mr. Qui-Gon's face only confirms that he thinks Anakin is acting like a baby.

The anger, humiliation, and homesickness are all boiling away inside of him -- ready to explode at any second. Anakin can't do that here, in front of these Jedi, he's already embarrassed himself enough.

He pushes past Mr. Qui-Gon and goes into their room. He can feel electricity arcing underneath his skin, forcing him to pace the room to burn off some of the energy before he does something un-Jedi-like.

He can hear Mr. Qui-Gon and Mr. Kenobi talking outside, their voices growing louder until he can clearly hear some of what they're saying.

"...won't hold it against him..."

"Well... pretty hypocritical of me... didn't you tell me..."

"Knight Kenobi why can't... in the moment."

Anakin climbs the ladder into his bunk, trying to get away from something he knows that he definitely doesn't want to be hearing. Even the walls back home were thicker than this.

"Tell me... dangerous, they all sense... what changed?"

Anakin pulls his pillow over his head and screams to drown out the noise around him and inside of him.

[lcvertea]

frozen calla lilies upon the river

kaeya x reader, angst

warnings : crying, death, cracked bone ( mentioned briefly ), freezing ( kind of? ) - let me know if there’s anything else.

authors note : it has been a very long time since i’ve written. i have a few fic ideas, but i still have to repost a lot of my fics from my shadowbanned account ( praying this one isn’t shadowbanned too but it has been a long time since i’ve posted so lord knows what will happen ) ALSO GUYS REQUESTS ARE OPEN - request please!! i adore you guys, and i’d love to make your ideas a reality. i’m not great with headcannons but i can do those too!! 🫶

how could he have put himself in such a situation - he did everything he knew was right, so how could things have gone this badly?

in order to investigate some irregularities within dragonspine, the acting grandmaster requested that the cavalry captain bring a knight of his choice along with him. of course, you were the knight he chose.

you and kaeya had a long history, you two were childhood sweethearts. he knew of your formidable skill, so there was no reason not to take you. however, a thought crossed his mind that made him step back and reconsider - what would happen if everything went wrong?

dragonspine was a dangerous place, many adventurers guild members tread the mountain and never came back. what would he do if you met the same fate along with him?

well, obviously, he could never live with himself - the snowy mountain above being an everlasting reminder. but, what then? would he quit being a knight?

despite these thoughts, he brought you with him. the rational side of his brain, his heart, said that everything would be okay.

a shaken hand grasping yours desperately, as his hands started slipping off of the mountain rock he was holding onto. periwinkle eyes closed in desperation, wishing there was something he could do.

“ kaeya -!! kaeya, you can’t hold us both - wha .. what are we going to do? “ he desperately wished that it wasn’t true. but, he thinks, even then he know that it was. he didn’t have exceptional physical strength - his ability to wield a vision proved to be impressive, but what has he got besides that?

“ i can, and i will, “ he grunted, as he tried to pull you further up. “ just, believe your - dear cavalry captain .. we can get through this, i swear on it. “

your eyes filled with tears, and as he looked down, he felt his heart shatter into a million pieces. “ even if we can do it, it’s only a matter of time until we freeze to death, kaeya .. this is the end, isn’t it? “

“ no, no, no, no! it’s not the end, i can .. “ his voice fell silent. his hands felt colder as he froze his hand to the mountain with his vision, and froze yours hand to his.

he lifted the hand that he bound to yours, desperately, trying to lift you up - until he heard the ice he froze on the mountain crack. he gasped in fear, and as you grasped the mountain with your free hand, finally gaining some kind of foothold - it shattered.

the force of it all broke off the ice that connected his hand to yours, and as you turned back - you could see a sad smile on his face as he fell hundreds of feet below. you screamed his name, tears streaming down your face.

the frozen climate grasped your body, and before you knew it - you lost your foothold as well. as you fell into what may very well be your death - you wished things were different. you both wished that perhaps, this happened on a different day. a day that was after you got married - and did everything you both desired to do.

the sound of cracked ice and bone filled the snowy mountain, and in the end, you both were together, despite it all.

additional authors note : i am honestly not the biggest fan of how this turned out - but it’s been a long time since i’ve written anything, much less a fic. hope you enjoyed 🫶

[undertale-anomaly20]

Mortal Kombat 11 x reader: Chapter 4 Fire and Ice

On a nearby hill, the Lin Kuei cryomancer Kuai Liang - better known as Sub-Zero, lies on his belly overlooking the quarry with a miniature telescope. His gaze focuses on an underground entrance built into one of the rocky hills of the quarry. Several converted cyborgs are carrying equipment further into the complex. 　

As Sub-Zero continues to observe, a yellow garbed ninja sneaks up behind him. Sensing his approach, Sub-Zero looks away from the telescope and turns around just as the ninja pulls out his ninjato sword. He is unable to do anything more as the faster ninja brings his sword to bear, pointing it in his direction. Sub-Zero finally gets a good look at the ninja and his face sags in bemusement. 　

"Your hearing is failing, Sub-Zero" he said "I recognized your footsteps, Hanzo" Sub-Zero said smirking. The ninja is indeed Hanzo Hasashi - once known as Scorpion, but no longer. Hanzo puts his sword back in its sheath as Sub-Zero gets to his feet. 　

"And yet both of you failed to hear me" 　

The two Grandmasters turn to see (name) smiling walking towards them as embers dispersed on her form "Lady (name) a pleasure to see you as always" Sub-Zero said as he and Hanzo bow "oh drop the formalities, Liang, you know I prefer being Called (name) but it's great to see you both" she smiled as they rose before going back to being serious. 　

"Where's Sektor? I will not let him threaten my clan again" Hanzo asked "The old Cyber Lin Kuei factory was defunct, buried beneath this quarry - until the time disruption. Now, Sektor's returned and reactivated it. He's building an army by processing Lin Kuei warriors kidnapped from my temple" Sub-Zero said turning back t the factory "I can see why you need us. this isn't going to be easy" (name) said folding her arms. Sub-Zero points to the entrance "We could enter through that tunnel, but a frontal assault would be..." "Bloody" Hanzo finished Sub-Zeros sentence "...needlessly dangerous" Sub-Zero hands Hanzo his telescope "There's another entrance, less populated" Hanzo initially looks in the wrong direction, prompting Sub-Zero to gently move his sight to the side entrance he refers to "And the rest of your plan?" (name) asks "We get help on the inside" 　

The two Grandmasters and Warrior look to the quarry and say no more. 　

Hanzo turns to (name) as they move to go down the cliff "how is Calithea?" he asked making (name) smile "she's fine, Hanzo, in fact she's excited to see her 'daddy' as soon as possible" she said with Hanzos heart fluttering at the thought of seeing the little girl, who he saw as his daughter, wanting to see him again "you are both welcomed in the fire gardens anytime" "I know and with all this end of the world crisis maybe...I can be free to come back to the Shirai ryu...to you" she said blushing as she slid down reaching the bottom where Sub-Zero was. Hanzo looked down at her suprised with a light tint on his face "and I will wait for you" he whispered following after. 　

The scene cuts to the side-entrance. A single Cyber Lin Kuei stands on guard. (name), Sub-Zero and Scorpion sneak up behind it and stab it repeatedly - Scorpion with his kunai, Sub-Zero with a constructed ice dagger and (name) with her sickle. Once the multiple stabbings and slashes bring the cyborg to its knees, the Grandmasters and warrior finish the job by simultaneously stabbing the cyborg through the joints connecting its neck to its shoulders. With the guard dead, (name), Sub-Zero and Scorpion run down the entrance way into the complex. 　

The scene cuts to inside the factory itself. (name), Sub-Zero and Scorpion enter a large room and take in the spectacle before them. Sub-Zero's eyes widen as he glances over machinery designed to convert living humans into cybernetic monstrosities. He walks past human heads stuffed into glass tubes and sealed in an unknown liquid. Under his feet are bloodied corpses with their skin flayed off their bodies. He spots a badge covered in blood and bends down to pick it up. Despair sets on his face as he realises the badge is one of the Lin Kuei's - meaning the corpses around him are of his own clan. (name) puts a reassuring hand on Kuai Liang's shoulder. 　

"they're not going to get away with this" (name) said sympathizing with him 　

A whirring sound catches their attention and they run for cover as the doors behind them open. Two new figures enter the room. The first is a cyborg covered with a yellow paint job, and the second is the hooded woman seen at Kronika's side. The woman is carrying a vial of Jinsei, which she puts into one of the machines in the room. 　

As she does so, a nearby buzzsaw comes to life and starts bisecting a body strapped to a circular operating table. Another buzzsaw chops the head off a flayed corpse, and another device brings forth an unactivated cyborg body. the trio observe this process, from behind the doors, looking toward the yellow cyborg. 　

"Cyrax is your inside man?" Hanzo asks "Liang, I didn't trust him when he was human what makes you think I'm going to trust him as a Cyborg" (name) asked glaring at Sub-Zero "He was converted against his will. If we disable the behaviour inhibitors that control him..." Sub-Zero replies "...He will turn on Sektor" "All Cyber Lin Kuei are linked to a common network Cyrax can shut them down from within" "Who is the woman?" (name) asks "I don't know. Focus on disabling Cyrax. He's the key" 　

As they walk, Cyrax looks over to the woman "We require additional candidates for cyberization" Cyrax stats "Once delivered, how long before the next generation is ready?" the woman stats.　

Just as she finishes her sentence, she is blasted in the back by an ice ball from Sub-Zero and frozen solid. As the Lin Kuei Grandmaster finishes a slide and strides forth, Cyrax charges in to attack. But before he can get close, Hanzo teleports in from behind and grapples Cyrax in a full nelson hold. As Hanzo struggles with Cyrax, the ice surrounding the unknown woman cracks and she breaks free. Her hooded garment is destroyed in the process, revealing that she is in fact a cyborg as well. She turns to face Sub-Zero, who's face narrows in disgust. 　

"Frost" he growled. Frost generates some ice magic of her own and blasts the ground near Hanzo's feet, forcing him to let go of Cyrax. As Hanzo regroups, Sub-Zero approaches Frost. SUB-ZERO: I gave you a home. I was your mentor. Yet after all this, you ally with Sektor? He corrupted the Lin Kuei! FROST: YOU corrupted our clan when you made peace with this Shirai Ryu filth! With Kronika's help, I will restore the Lin Kuei's honor. 　

A fire ball hits the side of Frosts face drawing attention to the shooter, (name), "go fix Cyrax" she turns her burning gaze to Frost "I'll settle this quickly" 　 As Sub-Zero and Hanzo walk off to the side, (name) strides towards Frost. "I should have killed you showed up to our temple" "You tried and failed" "Not this time. Now... you die" 　

They fight. Frost's ice powers have only been magnified by her cybernetic upgrades, and they make her faster and stronger than she was when she first faced (name) at the Lin Kuei temple. But (name)'s control over fire is a natural counter to her cryomancy, and despite her best efforts Frost is once again defeated by the Pyromancer "stupid ice cube" 　

Sub-Zero blocks several strikes from Cyrax, but is forced to backpedal when the cyborg swings his buzzsaw hand out. Sub-Zero blocks a righthook and punches Cyrax in the gut, Hanzo lands a follow up punch to his face and a roundhouse kick that sends the cyborg staggering. 　

Cyrax rights himself and faces down the two Grandmasters and outworld warrior. Behind him, several more cyber Lin Kuei - all in white armor as opposed to Cyrax's gold - activate and jump down from their restraints "The upgrade, Cyrax. Is this Kronika's doing?" Sub-Zero asked annoyed "To better serve her, Sub-Zero. We defend Kronika as she re-writes history" The cybernetic Lin Kuei advance toward Sub-Zero and Scorpion. Both men ready themselves "So you're nothing but pawns?" Hanzo questioned "We act to secure the Lin Kuei's glory in the New Era" 　

Hanzo turns to Sub-Zero "I'll deal with Cyrax" As Scorpion walks off toward Cyrax, Sub-Zero generates ice from the water vapour in the air around him. After gathering it close into his hands, he extends his palms toward the cybernetic assassins. The ice pours out like a blizzard and all of the cyborgs are instantly frozen solid. During this time, Hanzo turns to (name) "stand down for now and watch" she nods but keeps a weary eye on Frost. Scorpion and Cyrax face each other down "You will be forced to serve" "I've been down that road, Cyrax. Never again" 　

They fight. While Cyrax's skill as an assassin and his lethal weapons are only amplified by his cybernetic upgrades, Scorpion's power over hellfire and his skill in battle remain unmatched. Using as minimal force as possible, Hanzo Hasashi manages to overcome Cyrax's assault and leave him defeated on the ground "No one should be a slave" 　

The two Grandmasters approach Cyrax's beaten form. Sub-Zero generates more ice from the air and uses it to weaken part of Cyrax's back armor. He pulls a section of metal off, exposing the circuitry below "Hurry, before we face more Cyber Lin Kuei" Hanzo advises "He'll need a moment to initialise" Sub-Zero fiddles with the circuitry. After a moment, Cyrax's eyes light back up. 　

Suddenly, Scorpion is struck from behind by a flash of dark magic "Hanzo!" (name) calls out helping him steadying himself. The magic dissipates as quickly as it formed, leaving no visible sign that it was ever there. (name), Sub-Zero and Scorpion look around, falsely presuming they are dealing with an invisible opponent "Sektor? Show yourself!" Sub-Zero barks. Instead of Sektor, a new figure teleports in front of them with another swirl of dark magic. Kuai Liang recoils in surprise, but steels himself at the sight before him. It is his brother, the man once known as Bi-Han and Sub-Zero before him, but now known only as the wraith Noob Saibot. 　

(name)'s eyes widen in shock and horror shaking her head in disbelief "Bi-Han..." she said shocking the men at her sides while said wraith tilted his head with his eyes directly on the female warrior. Although he had changed from the man he once was he still held his affection towards the woman who saved him someone he thought long dead. 　 "(name) I am pleased to see you are alive" he said in a wispy tone taking a step forward making the two grandmasters push her behind them "I thought you had been destroyed after Quan Chi had been killed" she whispered but it still reached his ear "Quan Chi's creations do not die easily. Kronika offers me a new clan to lead" He shifts into a fighting stance. A shadow clone of himself jumps out of his body to his side, standing in the same stance "Its shadow will darken the realms and you will rule by my side whether you come willing or not" 　

Scorpion and Sub-Zero both jump into fighting stances as well, with Sub-Zero preparing another ice ball. (name) shook her head "I-I can't" she said memories and thoughts of what she could have done to prevent what happened to him running through her mind overwhelming her. The revenants were made after she died but Bi-Han was killed when she was still alive. 　

Sub-Zero breaks off his ice attack. "both of you leave Bi-Han to me" As Scorpion moves to side to check over Cyrax bringing (name) with him, Kuai Liang walks toward his brother "You always mimicked. But you make a poor Grandmaster as well as a protector for my Queen" Noob said ready "I uphold the Lin Kuei principles I thought you shared and Lady (name) shall not submit to you" "Had I not died she would be mine and had not died oh so long ago. She belongs to me" Sub-Zero gritted his teeth "she belongs to no one, Bi-Han" 　

They fight. Since his death, Bi-Han's dark powers have continued to grow stronger, but Kuai Liang's own powers were always stronger than his. After an intense exchange, it is the younger and current Sub-Zero who emerges victorious "We share blood. We are not brothers" 　

By the time the fight has finished, Cyrax awakens and begins to pull himself back to his feet. He gratefully takes a helping hand up from Sub-Zero, and as he stands he takes a look at his robotic hands, realizing what has happened to him "No! He ripped out my heart, made me a machine..." "Your soul is intact, Cyrax. Trust me, I speak from experience" Sub-Zero say trying to calm his friend "Kuai Liang, is that you? You look so old. And..." He looks over at the man who walks over to Sub-Zero. "...Scorpion?" then to the woman "you're that girl from the tournament "nice to see you too" she said sarcastically. 　

"We'll explain later. For now, know that we share the same goal: The Cyber Lin Kuei's destruction" Hanzo explains "We need your help, Cyrax" (name) says "I can disable their communications network. It'll shut down this factory and every Cyber Lin Kuei connected to it" Cyrax explains. Across the room from them, a multitude of missiles are launched, homing in at a rapid speed in their direction. 　

Moments before impact, Cyrax fires out his digitized trapping net, which catches the missiles and detonates them before they can wipe out the quartet. There is no mistaking who fired the missiles. (name), Sub-Zero and Scorpion get into fighting stances, while Cyrax merely stares down the robotic nemesis walking into the room. His cyborg form is coloured dark red, and he retains his higher thoughts, twisted as they are by his methods "Frost warned me that you two had become allies. I did not think you capable of such dishonour, Sub-Zero" he says. 　

"I'll stop Sektor. Help Cyrax" Hanzo says as Sub-Zero and Cyrax both move off to one side while (name) stays on stand-by. Sektor shoots out a blast of flames from his wrist gauntlet, and in response Scorpion merely flexes his arms and takes the blast full on his chest. After a good five seconds, it becomes clear that Sektor's fire has no effect on a man who can control the fires of Hell itself. Nonetheless, the cyborg still keeps at it. 　

"You started this fire. Selling out your clan so Quan Chi would slaughter mine" At these words, Sektor finally stops the barrage and prepares to fight conventionally "He should have killed you as he promised. Now I finish what he could not" 　

They fight. Even with his cybernetic upgrades and abilities, Sektor is no match for the skill, speed and powers of Hanzo Hasashi. Fighting with a fury not seen since he killed Quan Chi, Scorpion leaves Sektor a broken mess on the ground before him. 　

"For Harumi and Satoshi" 　

(name) places a hand on Hanzos shoulder making him look at her they share a silent moment of understanding before going to join Sub-Zero and Cyrax. With Sektor defeated, Cyrax places his hand on a computer interface. The scanner quickly grants him access. 　

"I'm in. I'll reformat the system drives and shut us all down" Cyrax takes his hand off the interface and looks to Sub-Zero "Goodbye, Kuai Liang" "It is not the end. I will find a way to restore you. Anything is possible. Hanzo and I are living proof" "Please, don't bring me back as a machine. I can't live like this" "Machine or man, you have a warrior's soul. As long as I am Grandmaster, the Lin Kuei will welcome you" "Then until we meet again" They shake hands. Cyrax walks over to a section of the wall and tears it off, exposing several large wires. He grabs two and rips them apart. Immediately, warning lights flash throughout the complex and Cyrax falls to the floor, his cybernetic body sparking and falling non-responsive. 　

Electricity sparks shower throughout the rest of the facility. In the confusion, Frost runs over to Noob Saibot, who is kneeling over Sektor's unresponsive form. The three of them are engulfed by one of Kronika's sand tornados and teleported from the facility "They've escaped! We should pursue" Hanzo says ready to follow after them "First we speak with Raiden" Sub-Zero informs "you go do that my first priority is to my daughter" (name) says looking around as the facility continues to shut down, both Grandmasters and warrior look down on Cyrax's motionless form, saying nothing more. The scene cuts to the inside of Kronika's Keep. Three figures stride down one of its passageways - Geras, past Kano and past Erron Black "Our lady Kronika'll get all the service she needs. But I can't quote a fee until I know the job" past Kano said smirking while Geras simply said "You will see" They enter a room with Sektor's body on a table "Can you restore him?" Geras asked as Past Kano looks over Sektor, using his metallic eye to shoot out infrared rays and scan the cyborg's inner workings. Several areas of Sektor appear on a nearby monitor showing damage in multiple areas. 　 　

"There's some frame damage, circuitry looks good" He deactivates the eye scanner "But it looks like someone did a software wipe. Fixing that won't come cheap" "Once he is repaired, can he be replicated? Hundreds of times? Thousands?" Asks Geras. 　

Kano and Erron exchange looks, then lean toward each other to converse. 　 　

"That's a tall order" says past Erron "But anything's possible, with the right help" Past Kano replies "Serve Kronika and she will provide" Geras states. Another voice cuts into the conversation. 　 　

"Take the deal. Trust me" 　 　

The voice is all too familiar, and the man who walks into the room is none other than Kano - looking twenty-five years older but every bit as rugged and malicious as his younger self "Otherwise, who can you trust?" Present Kano says smirking. past Kano walks over to his future namesake, and both leaders of the Black Dragon admirably size each other up. 　

"You weren't kidding. S'like a mirror, reflecting the past" Present Kano commented "How about that? Over fifty and still a ripper" past Kano says as he punches his older self on the shoulder, which is not even felt by the elder. Erron coughs loudly before the two Kanos can get any more intimate. 　

 "There's still the matter of our fee" "We get paid in the New Era. Kronika'll make sure the Black Dragon come out on top. Not only in the black market...in every market" present Kano says smirking "Right then. Let's get to business" past Kano says nodding. 　 　

The scene cuts to the Special Forces headquarters. Sonya is chatting with Jax over cups of coffee. Nearby, Jacqui is typing on a communications device. The camera focuses on the screen, and the device displays "Calling Dad" over a picture of Jacqui and her father, the elder Jackson Briggs. The call is interrupted with a red bar displaying "Call Failed". 　

Jacqui ends the call, looking concerned and agitated at not being able to reach her father. (name) walks over to her holding Calithea walks over to her. 　

 "reached him yet?" she asked "The network's still down. I hate being so far away. Dad must be climbing the walls" Jacqui replied frustrated "give it some time. You'll get through" They both look over to the younger Jax "I know my dad's still alive, but... it's like I'm seeing a ghost" "I know what you mean" "I feel bad for them though" (name) turned to Jacqui as, Calithea once again played with her mother's hair, confused "what do you mean?" Jacqui turns to (name) "because they haven't seen you die yet" (name) looks away "you haven't told them what happens yet have you?" "no and I plan to keep it that way" they both look to the past versions of Sonya and Jax. 　

 "Can this get any more bizarre?"　

The scene cuts to a farm in the countryside, amidst the sunset of autumn. The name "BRIGGS" is displayed on a nearby post box, which is full to the brim with unopened mail. The camera pans over to a house that is in need of some paint work. 　

The camera cuts to inside the hallway of the house. On the walls are pictures of a young Jax in his military uniform, an older Jax posing with his daughter, then two separate pictures of Jax and Jacqui wearing boxing gloves in fighting stances. 　

As more pictures of Jacqui as a child posing next to her father appear, along with a child's drawing of Jax pounding the ground to send the sorcerer Quan Chi into the air, sounds of kitchen objects being moved around. We see two more pictures of Jax and Jacqui in full military dress with an American flag draped behind them, one of an 18 year-old (name), Jax and Verra sitting on the porch smiling and one final picture of Jacqui as a child, her arms around her father's neck and holding a cuddly toy dog with shades and a beret. 　

With this last picture, the camera finally shows the elder Jackson Briggs, frantically searching a nearby desk, before slamming it shut in frustration. He walks over to his refrigerator and hauls it up effortlessly with one hand, feeling under it with the other but finding nothing. 　

"Oh, come on, damn it!" he growls frustrated 　

 He lifts up the seat of his armchair, finding nothing once more, then turns to some papers on another desk. He quickly moves them apart and locates an identical communicator to the one Jacqui had earlier. He activates it at once. 　

 "Come on, come on..." he pleaded 　 The camera focuses on the screen, and the device displays "Calling Jacqui" over the picture of child Jacqui with her arms around her father seen earlier. The call is interrupted with a red circle which displays the words "Connection Failed" beneath it. 　

Jax begins to shake in nervous anxiety. Frustrated, he hurls the device across the room and sits down in his armchair. Far from relaxing though, he leans forward and puts his head in his hands, falling into despair. 　

The camera slowly pans upwards, then cuts to the same location hours later. Jax has fallen asleep in his chair, a beer in his hand and leftover pizza on a nearby table, the only light coming from the television across the room flickering with static but showing nothing else. As he sleeps, the beer slowly tilts from his relaxing hand and begins to fall, spilling its contents toward the floor... until time stops and the bottle's motion with it. With a swirl of sand magic, Kronika teleports into the room and walks toward Jax. "Jackson Briggs" she says calmly. Jax awakens at the sound of his name, but makes no effort to confront the intruder in his house. Kronika looks at him with what appears to be pity and remorse "Do not fear. I have come to offer you a new life - a better life" 　

"That's awfully generous, seeing as we've never met" Jax says sceptically "We have not met, but I know you. How valiantly you served, how horribly you have suffered. That was not my plan for you" she said putting Jax on alert "Your plan?" "You were to retire distinguished, not in disgrace. Years from now. General Jackson Briggs. More importantly, your daughter was not to serve, nor endure the same tragedies you have" 　

She looks to the pictures on the wall "Your home should be filled with grandchildren. Help me and it will be" Jax looks to her, his face uncertain but pondering the weight of her words.

[mysticcollectionbee]

What If? Season 2 Episode 4 thoughts (Spoilers)

Don't paint warhammer figures with a Sakaar color theme, Don't pain

AHEM

Great episode! Love the racing thing and seeing Tony interact with these characters was really great, though I kinda wished he was more curious about how Thanos was connected to the attack of New York and how this guy was apparently a huge threat. Only reason he believed it so quickly was because his trusted ally/science bro witnessed how dangerous he is and told Tony. Oh and maybe Strange and Wong exposition about the stones helped too. So for him to just take some random stranger's word at face value was kinda weird. But I figured the story didn't have too long to focus on a thing like that anyways. Also, since I know the Grandmaster is a massively powerful dude, I would not be surprised if he just made himself melt and would just bring himself back later on. He is 21 something old, guys been around for a while lol. Seeing Gamora away from Peter was interesting and I like how this implies that no matter what it was always possible for her to change her loyalty from Thanos. Overall, fun action-packed episode I think is now tied for my favorite episode so far.

Also, someone should keep me away from my paintable miniatures for a while

[sasorikigai]

While Hanzo/Scorpion most often come off as very simple in regards to his personality (that is, being aggressive and assertive the first time you see him), I consider him to be extremely complex, and it will always reflect in my characterization of him. There are several reasons to this;

1. He will never answer simply.

Rarely will a complex person like him will answer with a “yes” or “no” answer; the ones in conversations with him will most often not get a monosyllabic answer. He will go into great detail and let his mind wander. He will be able to multitask and have an eye for detail. Whether it is deciphering the others' answer or breaking down a plot in a novel, a complex person’s mind is always whirring away. One caveat: If he goes too much into his thoughts (which also happens), he might be so overwhelmed with different scenarios and solutions that he can’t give an answer right away.

2. He is analytical. (much more so as Grandmaster Hasashi in MK11).

Nothing in his life was/has been simple or glossed over. He wants to dig deep and consider all options and angles on everything and anything. Things are not black and white but always gray and grayer. Unlike people who like a simple life who live only in the present, he either also simultaneously dwells in the past or stress about the future.

3. He can be a worrier.

Because nothing is simple or taken at face value for a complex person, he can have difficulty being present and carefree. His mind jumps around to past and future situations, making him quite stressed and agitated.

4. He hates small talk.

The banality of small talk rubs him the wrong way. He would rather dive deep into conversations with the others or say nothing at all (he does not mind solitude and silence at all).

5. He is a great listener.

He loves learning about new people and their experiences, which makes him an excellent listener. In fact, one of the most favorite things he does daily is to sit back with a hot cup of tea and soak in new ideas and concepts and he will be all ears.

6. He can focus really well.

Once he is involved with his latest project or a mission, you’ve basically lost him. Being truly connected to something that engulfs him up is soul food for him. He will shut out everything and anything that can interfere with the task at hand, as his tunnel focus will render him determined and stubborn until he completes it, or until he is satisfied.

7. He enjoys a challenge.

He actually actively seek them out. He loves to be challenged and will regularly push himself to new heights to learn something or prove himself. He constantly strives for more and do more because he is not easily satisfied (and become bored easily).

[kitewithfish]

Wednesday Reading Meme for June 14 2023

What I’ve Read A Bride for the Prizefighter by Alice Coldbreath – This Victorian working class romance was rather charming – I got the rec from Reformed Rake, a podcast by a Tiktoker who blogs about Romance novels of many eras. I found the main character really convincing, smart, and kind – when Mina’s father dies, she meets her estranged half-brother who arranges a marriage for her to HIS estranged half-brother, William Nye, the son of his father’s mistress who became a prize fighter and runs an pub. It felt like the descriptions of Mina’s life in the pub and her connections to the staff working there were very natural – Mina is a ‘lady’ in the sense of having an innate sense of decency and the value of other human beings, and Nye has a backbone of kindness to him that comes thru his rough demeanor. I felt like this had, as the Reformed Rake podcast noted, some genre connections to the Gothic, which was right up my alley. Very good romance, you can really see WHY these people like each other.

Love for Sale bypoisonivory - (https://archiveofourown.org/works/29789145) – Roy Harper, Arsenal, is between jobs and ends up hooking up with Jason Todd, who just happens to have an apartment to lend him – it’s just a business deal. Right? This story is a bit of a soft sugar daddy vibe, it works for me, despite being rather a departure from how I think about Jason Todd.

What I’m Reading: The King in Yellow 25% -static – The next story up for me would be In the Court of the Dragon The Count of Monte Cristo – 9%

Babel – Xing Book Club – 53% - I was just thinking about how much the first part of this novel reminds me of Naomi Novik's Scholomance series, in that it feels like someone taking the challenge of Hogwarts seriously - what does it mean to be brought into a magical community from the outside? What are the real impacts of magic on the world? What are the economies of how magic works? And who does this world consider expendable? We have just gotten to the point where Babel's students are going to be forced to confront those questions outside of England as adults who have been raised to serve the powers of the Empire of Britain. It's brutal and great.

Kristeva Powers of Horror -back in the swing of things! Chapter 2 for the end of the month.

The Witch King - Martha Wells - p80 - Solid introduction, feels akin to Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation in some details but its also very much its own thing 

What I’ll Read Next Book Club is going to need to pick some more books soon but until then I have a breather.

Library books: The last unicorn by Peter S. Beagle The way home : two novellas from the world of The last unicorn by Peter S. Beagle.

Unnatural magic by C.M. Waggoner. For the wolf by Hannah Whitten. Horror: a very short introduction by Darryl Jones.

The spear cuts through water bySimon Jimenez. Helpmeet by Naben Ruthnum.

The artist's reality : philosophies of art by Mark Rothko ; edited and with an introduction by Christopher Rothko. Into the Riverland by Nghi Vo Fun home : a family tragicomic by Alison Bechdel.

Owned and need to read: California Bones, Raven Song by IA Ashcroft, Kraken's Sacrifice by Katee Robert, Even Though I Know the End by CL Polk, At The Feet of the Sun by Victoria Goddard, Tamryn Eradani's Enchanting Encounters Books 2 and 3, Like Real People Do by EL Massey, Tom Stoppard, Invention of love, Smoke Gets in Your Eyes by Caitlin Doughty, "You Just Need to Lose Weight" and Other Myths about Fatness by Aubrey Gordon, Alisha Rai Partners in Crime, the Right Swipe

[thelightofthingshopedfor]

sure, here's a bit from a "Loki came back from the dead after Infinity War because fuck canon I do what I want (but also he's not handling it super great)" oneshot that has genuinely been almost done since...uh. before Endgame came out. (when I say I'm the slowest writer ever, I'm really not exaggerating.)

“I’ve been thinking we should build a greenhouse for New Asgard,” Thor says. “Not much in the way of trees, but…maybe that would be good?” It’s an odd thought, in some ways. In another life, he supposes, the idea of grubbing in the dirt would have offended him, never mind that he got his hands dirty often enough preparing various potions and spell ingredients, and he often tended the most important plants in the herb garden because he didn’t trust anyone else to do it properly. Certainly, growing food would have seemed too much like commoners’ work. But he’d always loved his mother’s garden, enjoyed coaxing the trickier plants to produce the ingredients he needed, and…he thinks, just now, that he wouldn’t mind getting some dirt under his fingernails, just as he doesn’t mind the cold water dripping from his hair and trickling down his back, or the way his clothes cling to his skin and his socks have gone unpleasantly squishy inside his shoes. Everything feels…easier, more real and less raw, with that connection to simple living things. If he wants to strengthen his connection to the rest of the world in this life he’s regained—which he does; at least he is certain of that—he cannot spend all his time hiding in the forest.

no wait I have another one, the @grandthorkiday fic from 2019 that was also theoretically almost done at the time (probably less done than I think, tbh) except it still isn't finished because I...haven't really worked on it since then...because as usual I wrote it in disconnected chunks that I never figured out how to stitch together...but it was possibly even more fucked up than my original Grandthorki fic for which it was a sequel, which was definitely the most fucked-up thing I've posted.

the relevant snippet is pretty tame, though.

The Grandmaster smiles back at him from where he reclines on the bed—where Loki was, not 30 minutes ago, and now isn’t. “Afternoon, Sparkles,” he says with a little wave. “Um,” Thor says, trying to hide his sudden panic. “Yes. Hello. Have you…seen my brother?” The Grandmaster laughs outright. “He’s got a lot to teach you about subtlety, huh? It’s fine. He’s fine. I mean, obviously, in more ways than one. No cause for even a tiny bit of concern.” “I’m glad to hear that,” Thor says, or at least he would be, if he believed a word of it. “It’s just, after everything, it makes me…very nervous when he’s not around.” Which he isn’t, unless he’s transformed himself into a decorative plant. There’s nowhere to hide, not with all the mirrors.

This week’s word is…

✨ PLANT ✨

(We'll take both the noun and verb!)

Find the word in any WIP and share the sentence containing it. Play however you want: reply, reblog, stick it in the tags, tag us in a new post, or keep it private.

And please interact with other writers who share sentences.

If you’re new here, hello! Word Game Wednesday is open to fic writers in all fandoms. Original fiction writers, you can play too.

[diejager]

Ok so i had this random thought about your yan!diluc. How would he react if someome close to him says something bad to his S/O?

Lats say, for example, Jean ?

Disclaimer: i love jean, dont hate her at all, im simply curious because its very obvious they respect eachother

Anyways, what would happen of jean makes diluc lover cry/feel bad? Would Diluc let it slide? Would he ruin jean? Ive been thinking about this for quite some time now not gonna lie

Also i just want to say i love your fics<333

I had a spur-of-the-moment idea, so I wrote this pretty quickly.

Also, you're really sweet <333

No hate for Jean though, she's my main healer, other than Barbara and Qiqi. So I like her a lot, but it was fun writing this!

I mourneth not f'r thee! pt1

Yandere Diluc

Tw: yandere behavior, jelaousy, verbal abuse/attack, mention of punishment but no punishment.

Note: not proofread.

Wc: 1.5k

"You're not fit to become a knight, (Name)," her voice is steady and strong.

Clad in beauty and regalness, her blond curls and straight face adorned her majestic, blue eyes. Back straightened and voice steadily warm, Jean stared you down with cold, unfeeling eyes. For a woman full of purity and dignity, she shallowly declined your employment. Out of spite or out of jealousy, you couldn't tell nor could you see it. Oblivious to the cruelty of this world's citizens. That was why you decided to go against the love of your life and aim high, aim to become the thing Diluc hated: a knight of Favonius.

To help those in need without any favours returned, that's what you dreamed of, and becoming a knight was just a stepping stone. However, not being accepted by the acting grandmaster of all knights put a stop to your plans.

"Can I know why I'm unfit, Jean?" your voice wavered slightly, trying to understand where you went wrong to fix it.

Her glare was as sharp as her words, explaining all that was rightfully wrong, small and insignificant mistakes you made to prove you wrong. Her actions are vain and resentful - she knew that, but how could she not when you had all she wished for. Lisa would probably reprimand her for being so spiteful towards you, for being ruthless to a pure and innocent heart and for the tearful face she caused from all the words she spewed. The harmful and distasteful insults that she spat out with a dignified and proper tone, made her reasoning even more painful to hear. She knew you since your childhood, acquaintances through Diluc's family. She loved him and cared for him as much as you did; she was as pure as you were before your honeymoon, and she still was; she was dubbed the prettiest leading figure in Mondstadt; she was responsible and independent; and much, much more. So why? Why were you worth so much more to Diluc than she was? Was it how truly pure you looked and acted? Or maybe it was how your heart was so gentle that she just knew you would protect her from Diluc's harsh insults if he ever knew what she did to you. It could be either of those, or it could be that you had this great generosity in your soul and being that matched Diluc's fiery personality with your docile nature and caring smile. Who was she kidding, you had everything she wanted.

That's why when you came to her for help, she indulged you until the last moment when she would drop you from the high ledge she led you to; disappointing you after all the efforts you made in making connections, friends and helping gestures. Jean knew how much that would break your heart like you shattered her dreams of being with Diluc, marrying him and building a family with the man she loved.

That's why she felt no shame in her words and actions. How it became a spur of the moment driven by hate and envy, sins that corrupted her heart and rooted deep within to birth a demon of her own.

"I will not accept your candidacy, (Name). You'll have to leave disappointed in yourself and us, Knights of Favonius." Jean sat back down on her throne-like chair, looking like a king in all matters of royalty. "You can leave, now."

How cruel and brutal. She watched you leave with tear-stained cheeks, eyes puffy and red as the apples on your wet cheeks. Your fists clenched, nails piercing through the skin as you bowed politely to the acting grand master of the knights - a curious gesture even after the verbal beatdown from the leading figure.

A silent plea for help, a shoulder to cry on. That's what you needed right now. One from your husband.

With knights asking about your wellbeing to others wanting to know what happened, you brushed them off in your trail to find Diluc. Past the gates and through the streets of Mondstadt city, pushing away the worried citizens that you've helped in the past with their problems and weird requests. Mind blank and feet moving by muscle memory, you eventually arrived at Diluc's beloved tavern.

Through blurry eyes, you caught sight of Diluc's bright, fiery locks behind the counter, shaking a drink from a patron's order. He looked handsome in his area of expertise and with his hair pulled so high, unlike his usual low ponytail.

"Diluc..." your voice cracked as you called out to him, hand reaching out for him.

Orbs fleeting from his work at the familiar voice, he looked up to a scene he dreaded from the deepest parts of his heart: tears rolling down your face like waterfalls and lips puckered in a heartwrenching pout that made your brows furrow and eyes squint sorrowfully. He dropped whatever he was doing in favour of holding you in his arms. Snuggled comfortably and warmly against his chest to ward off all your pains and sorrows.

"(Name), it's alright, I'm here," he shushed you, one hand on your back and the other holding your head to his neck.

Some sober patrons inquired about your safety, but none tried to pry too deeply, this was a lover's moment. Deeming it too public to have you bawl your eyes out and howl in pain, he looked back at Charles, the second bartender :

"I'm leaving the tavern to you, we're going to the back a bit."

"Yes, Master Diluc."

Without another word uttered from the employer, he pulled you up, wrapping your legs around his waist and arms around his neck, he carried you to the storage at the back of the tavern for some much-needed privacy.

Seated on a crate with you in his lap, Diluc wiped your tears away, thumb gently massaging the skin around your puffy eyes. He wore a frown, one deeper and more concerned than his usual stoic mien.

Why wouldn't he when his darling was in tears from something he knew not?

"Darling, breathe slowly, in and out," he instructed, tone laced with worry.

Gripping his white shirt, you did as told, trying to regulate your breathing from its erratic and crying one.

"That's it, you're doing it. Take it slow, (Name)," his deep voice drowned your fears away, it calmed you down. "Good, that's it. Good work, darling."

His warm hand was rubbing your knuckles, it was soothing. His other one was helping him kiss your pearly tears away, softly and gracefully.

"Now, would you tell me what happened? Did something happen when you went to report to Jean?" he seethed at the name he uttered but tried to keep it down for your sake.

His words were soft-spoken and caring, unlike Jean's venom-laced spits.

You shook your head, not wanting to cause Jean any more problems than she already had. Your poor heart wouldn't be able to live with itself if it knew you caused more work for the sleep-deprived and workaholic knight. Although sweet, Diluc felt the opposite, he couldn't let this go without any punishment, even if he has to lie to you.

"Darling, be honest, did Jean do something to make you cry this much?" he tried again, wanting to hear an affirmation from your lips, one that would truly give him a reason to punish the blonde that hurt you.

"J-Jean didn't d-do an-any-thing," your words were mixed with hiccups and soft whimpers. "I-I just realized ho-how my cand-candidacy had so ma-ny issues w-with it."

"Is that so?" he hadn't voiced his suspicion, tone pensive and caringly warm. "What were the issues?"

"I-I- was missing s-some stuff, didn't f-feel like I helped e-enou-gh people-"

More tears leaked from your eyes, staining Diluc's clean gloves with salty water. More shushed left his thin lips that kissed your lashes and nose.

"You've helped more than all those useless knights combined, (Name). Stop doubting yourself, you've done far more than what an apprentice knight, more than a knight, would usually do in their whole lifetime. In all honesty, they don't even deserve having you in their ranks."

Diluc placed more kisses on your face and fleetingly touched your lips with his before touching the rest. He was soft and handled you with care as if you were made of fragile porcelain and glass.

"It would be better if you worked here, with me. I always feel better with you by my side, (Name). Wouldn't that sound perfect? Husband and wife, working together outside of their home. Doesn't it sound romantic?"

He knew you were a hopeless romantic and that such an offer would fluster your sweet, sweet heart. Words played well, and opinions swayed, you felt no need to decline such a proposition from Diluc. It reminded you of his proposal, poetic and blunt in its own right, but romantic all the same.

With you in his clutches 24/7, all he needed to do was find that wretched woman from the knights and discuss about her unbecoming actions.

Previous / Next

[purplefantasyfan]

JEDI TEMPLE 2022 - Community/Jedi Temple

The Temple was beautiful. No war, no arguments, no stress, no frustration…

It's simply peace. Serenity. Light.

Master Yoda wished it would always be just like this.

Older generations teaching younger ones about the Jedi way and the ways of the Force.

Ahsoka, the Order's lost child, being safe and surrounded by her family while talking to the Head of the Jedi Council himself, Mace Windu.

Mace finally smiling, being his normal self without having to bear the stress and responsibilities of High General and the Master of the Order.

Two of them talking, joking around…

His great-great-grandpadawan socializing with other Jedi, finally feeling the sense of belonging, being able to take comfort and release all his demons while being with his family. And finally, his lineage all together. Seeing them really warmed the old Grandmaster's heart. His great-grandpadawan being relaxed, with no wrinkles on his face, no war related stress. Happiness radiating from him just by being with his Master and Grandmaster as well.

Qui-Gon Jinn was here, too. The Order's Maverick who made himself a special place in Yoda's heart, safe and still full of Light as ever.

And next to him…

Yoda had to invoke all the Jedi calm he had attained in his centuries-long life.

There was Master Dooku, as calculated and charismatic as ever. He told stories and Obi-Wan, like an enthusiastic youngling, looked up in awe, his Padawan days coming back to him.

All Jedi connected. A family.

Peace, serenity, joy.

Light itself.

Younglings carelessly running around.

It was all Yoda had ever wanted.

And all he now knew can never be achieved.

[apinchofm]

AdoW missing scene - Marcus meets Jack

"Father Hubbard. Saving more souls?" Marcus teased. He stood in front of Phoebe, not wanting the old vampire anywhere near her.

He and Phoebe had arrived home after getting a few more things from her flat and books she needed for her research. He didn't expect Andrew Hubbard, and Diana sitting with a young man, a vampire he hadn't seen before.

"Congratulations on your appointment to Grandmaster," Andrew replied instead. The young rebel had never liked him, truly Philippe's grandson.

"Yes, and you know the rules." Marcus said, stepping towards him, "Get out." He had never liked the old priest.

"Marcus," Diana said, "He brought..."

"Who's this?" He pointed

"This is Jack. Our son." Matthew said, and Diana smiled at him.

"How many hidden children do you have?" Marcus asked, "First Benjamin. Now Jack...

"Jack Blackfriars. It's really nice to meet you," Jack gave him a small, shy smile and Marcus simply looked at him, back at Matthew. His scent was familiar but he couldn't place it.

"Pleasure," Marcus replied dryly, "When was this?"

"We met him when we went back in time, adopted him," Diana explained, "Andrew watched over him, turned him,"

"Great, one of Hubbard's flock," Marcus muttered and turned around, grabbing Phoebe's bag to take upstairs.

"Must be exciting. Having another brother," Phoebe said that evening as they got ready for bed. Marcus was sat on the bed and Phoebe

"I don't have a brother. I barely have a father." Marcus said, sharper than intended. He held Phoebe's arms, "Sorry, I didn't mean to snap." Phoebe hugged him, accepting his apology.

"He seems sweet. I know that you are angry with Matthew at the moment," Phoebe said, "But maybe give him a chance?" She hated seeing him upset and knew how difficult siblings could be.

"I will try," Marcus promised. ....

The next morning, he went into the library and saw Jack sketching, looking at home.

"Hi," Marcus said. He should be nice to him. It wasn't as if

"Hello," Jack greeted, looking up from his sketchpad, "I know this must be strange."

"Not the strangest thing that's happened," Marcus muttered, "It isn't you, it's Matthew."

"Dad?" Jack was confused, "Oh, he didn't tell you about me. That is understandable."

"Dad?" Marcus repeated. He had rarely called Matthew 'dad'. When he was annoyed or being sarcastic, but never seriously. Matthew wasn't paternal, certainly not to him.

"Um, yes. Sorry, I called them mum and dad and he said it was fine," Jack explained, " I looked for them for so long. It's just, really good to be with them again and I would really like us to be friends,"

"You looked for them?" Marcus asked incredulous, "For Matthew?" If Matthew wasn't his sire, he wouldn't have exactly been searching over the centuries for him. Hell, he barely did. Matthew came to him.

Jack nodded, "Matthew was a good father to you. You are lucky to have had him,"

Marcus looked at him. And he laughed as if he had told him the funniest joke in the world.

"What?" Jack chuckled nervously.

"Oh. Nothing, just, wow." Marcus replied, his laughter dying, "Wow." He needed to leave and try not to think about how his father, Matthew had cared more for this boy in a year than he had in the past three-hundred for him.

"Jack?" Marcus asked before he left the room, "Have we met before?" He eyed him suspiciously. He knew that scent.

Jack shook his head, "No, no." But inside he had a feeling Marcus knew his scent. He just hoped he wouldn't make the connection.

[cagcd]

     In youth he wished for the comfort of a better family,   in adulthood he had avoided any possibility of a deeper connection,   a paradox in being that had divided him at the core between wanting and fearing,   to claim something robbed throughout childhood,   but never act upon it for fear of the ache that comes from rejection.   Out of his family there was none left but his mother that he maintained a good line of connection with,   although the relationship had long been strained in a downfall caused by arrogance and addiction,   he had managed to salvage it into something stronger.   His siblings had led themselves down worser paths,   his father,   his father                   the mere thought of the man makes his stomach churn,   the scent of alcohol and the tone of his voice were the only memories he had left,   and he aches not for those small bits of remembrance but the inevitable realization of the startling similarity between father and son.   A fault of nature he holds too harshly upon himself,   a glorified star that witnessed his own fall from grace,   pride comes before the fall as they say,   a twist in fate he regrets most terribly but is thankful for regardless,   lest he kept going down that path and truly becomes like the man he had grown to despise with all his heart.

  It was a much needed wake up call that gave sight to what truly mattered,   although nearly lost,   he held onto the bits and pieces and climbed from that deep pit into recovery.   When one is so consumed by the ailings of their own hearts,   it blinds the senses,   shrouds the world in a veil of darkness,   pitch black to the point that it seems nothing is in there,   unintentionally isolating oneself in the worst forms of solitude.   Johnny had experienced it,   &.   once he had clawed his way back into the light,   there was still that emptiness to be filled,   a whole world to get familiar with once again,   not entirely void of demons by own creation,   but lighter now that he learned to keep them at bay.   Perhaps it was for the experience that he feel a sense of sympathy for Hanzo ;   wondered how it must have been like to set foot back into a world he could not stomach but is forced to adapt into.   It was a journey for the former sceptre to discover,   and indeed,   the man had shown considerable change,   become a great ally to the special forces,   and a good father in the eyes of Takeda who had nothing but respect and admiration for him.   &.   yet,   there was still that shadow that loomed over,   a deep melancholy no controlled instances of silence or meditation could hide.   Johnny knew better than to ask,   a parent's grief was a fate he hadn't experienced but taunts him whenever Cassie would set forth on a mission without him or Sonya.   He asked despite his better judgment,   and saw how that familiar fire would spark figuratively in a glance and tone so mercilessly sharp.   He held his tongue for long,   allowing the grandmaster to make sense of himself,   he seemed to him like a wild animal driven to a corner,   but it wasn't for the sake of being forceful that he posed the question.

       ❛❛                It's because I have a daughter,   that I know.   ❜❜        he said plainly,   leaning closer by resting his arms at the edge of a chair instead of cowering away,   Hanzo ought to know better that Johnny Cage was a difficult man to be rid off.        ❛❛   ...   I was so irresponsible that I nearly drove her away.   I could still lose her,   there's not a time that goes by that I wonder if it's gonna be the last time I see her,   and that                there's nothing more terrifying than that.   ❜❜        the actor admits with a sigh,   a familiar pang of concern tugging at the heart strings,   it never gets easier,   does it ?        ❛❛   I know I have a big mouth,   but I'm not trying to get on your nerves or pity you,   just talking,   one parent to another.   ❜❜

hanzo    had    simply    watched    as    the    daughter    of    cage    came    and    went. he    knew    not    to    give    2    cage's    fodder    to    crack    wise    jokes    to    him. but    still,    he    offered    his    respect    as    both    of    them    were    good    friends    of    takeda. hanzo's    yellow    gaze    watched    solemnly    as    the    father    and    daughter    would    interact. the    dynamic    they    have    developed    from    father    and    sole    protector    to    fully    grown    and    well    off    daughter. [    there    was    something    in    the    pit    of    his    heart. he    could    no    longer    say    it    burned    since    he    no    longer    knew    the    feeling    of    fire    burning    skin... it    felt    more    reminiscent    of    a    rotting    deer    in    the    forest. ]    hanzo    was    beyond    jealousy    of    others    having    what    he    never    had. he    was    no    longer    in    a    realm    of    envy    for    parenthood... rather,    every    day    no    matter    how    well    he    seemed    was    a    day    dedicated    to    those    he    wasnt    meant    to    protect. while    seeing    johnny    and    cassandra    interact    didnt        evoke    a    need    to    have    what    he    did,    it    rather    just    left    him    sore. [    however,    he    has    gotten    better    at    not    letting    his    grief    affect    others. so    he    remained    silent    ]   

   hanzos    reliable    aura    of    steeled    quietness    could    not    deflect    everything    however. johnny's    question    as    gentle    as    its    delivered    comes    as    a    dagger    towards    him. something    seeking    to    tear    open    leather    walls    hanzo    has    placed.

      ❝    i    do. ❞   

   from    hanzos    silence    interjects    a    contrasting    sharp    tone. the    initial    rush    of    anger    comes    to    him    as    a    flush    of    warmth    over    his    skin. nothing    burning,    but    certainly    feverish. rising    temperature    usually    a    tell    tale    sign    of    his    mood. hanzo's    gaze    had    snapped    to    johnny... but    soon    he    blinks    somewhat    and    turns    his    features    away. taking    a    moment    to    get    past    this    initial    reaction. cooling    down,    figuratively    speaking. when    hanzo    speaks    again,    he    is    not    looking    johnny    in    this    eyes    this    time. a    restrained    tone. as    if    he    was    trying    to    maintain    a    easy    demeanor.

      ❝    i'm    afraid    i    barely    got    to    know    him. he    was... ❞    his    jaw    becomes    tight. when    a    fissure    of    uncertainty    rises    in    him    he    could    only    answer    with    an    edged    tone,    though    he    does    try    and    rear    it. ❝    are    you    trying    to    feel    sorry    for    me    ?    i've    had    enough    pity    to    fill    netherrealms    pools. just    because    you    have    a    daughter-    ❞    abruptly    he    stops    himself. hanzo    wasn't    sure    how    to    feel. from    one    tide    to    another. still,    he    tried    to    seek    a    center.

[nevertheless-moving]

Invisible Hand Chaos AU x 2

Star Wars Time Travel AU #31

Continuation from HERE

Anakin whirled to face his Master, “Did you know Yoda had a baby?” he asked incredulous and slightly betrayed.

“What? No. Also he could just be another of Yoda’s species. Obviously.” Internally Obi-Wan thought about the still unnamed larva in a hidden aquatic creche, but the Mandalorian’s associate even called him Baby Yoda...

“Unbelievable,” Dooku muttered. “That little green hypocrite.”

“Did you know about this?” Anakin asked the Sith Lord, temporarily forgetting about the fight in favor of the revelation that Yoda might also have a secret family.

“Of course not, the troll never tells anyone anything,” Dooku ranted, deliberately setting aside the fight in favor of unloading decades of suppressed irritation with his former Master.

“I feel we might be jumping to conclusions here-” Obi-Wan offered weakly. 

Anakin scoffed. “He literally just called him Baby Yoda,”

“Loathe as I am to admit it, your apprentice is correct. It would seem the Grandmaster of the order has been keeping some secrets.”

“This is absurd!” Obi-Wan protested as the small child on the balcony above tilted his head curiously, watching the conversation below with interest from the safety of his Buir’s arms. 

“I agree.” Anakin said self-righteously. “If Yoda can have a baby then- then everyone in the order should be allowed a family.”

“Anakin...”

“Anakin, as interesting is this all is, I’m still in somewhat of a bind over here,” the Chancellor called across the hall, irritated and somewhat alarmed by the sudden outbreak of peace in the room.

“We’ll be right with you Chancellor, don’t worry!” Obi-Wan called back. 

“We just need a minute to figure some Jedi business out!” Anakin added. 

“You there- Mandalorian” Dooku called up sharply. 

“...Yeah?” the Besker-clad warrior answered uncertainly.

“What is the parentage of the child in your arms? How did you come to possess him?” The count's question cut through everything else in the room, and the two Jedi held their breath as they waited for the answer.

The Mandalorian pulled Grogu in closer, “He is a foundling. I know his name as my child.”

“Mandalorians,” Obi-Wan and Dooku muttered, Obi-Wan fondly, Dooku with exasperation.

“What?” Anakin asked bewildered.

“The Mandalorian adopted him- hold on a second, I’m going to try something.” Obi-Wan said.

“Mando! Forgive me- Have you already attempted to return your foundling to his people and been denied? If not, we can show you where to find an elder of his kind.”

The Mandalorian stiffened. “I already found one of his people. It took a great deal of time; neither of us knew there were any others left in the galaxy. By the time I met Luke...the child was mine and we would not be parted long. The three of us began traveling together. He acted as mentor to Grogu, though he is too young to be considered the boy’s senior. In time...we decided it would be simpler to raise him as a warrior together. We are one.”

“Oh. How wonderful.” Obi-Wan said weakly. 

Anakin’s brow furrowed furiously and he lowered his voice “Master did I get that right? This guy is really good friend’s with one of Yoda’s people but the friend is not the Child’s biological father and they don’t know anyone else from the species?”

“He actually said he was married to one of one of Yoda’s people but other than that your conclusions are correct. Very good Padawan.” Obi-Wan nodded, attempting to wrap his head around the various implications.

Dooku made a triumphant hum, “Then, by simple inductive reasoning, and in the absence of an alternative candidate, we can assume that the Child is, in-fact, Yoda’s offspring.”

“Exactly!” Anakin agreed with Dooku excitedly. 

“Interesting that he would give the spawn to a Mandalorian, rather than the creche. Embarrassment, perhaps.” the Count mused. 

“Unbelievable.” Anakin agreed indignantly. 

“Ok, now hold on. Foundling is pretty literal most of the time-” Obi-Wan interrupted. “Mando- was the child entrusted to you or did was there a rescuing involved?”

“...I was assigned to find him as part of a bounty, but found the imps who I was supposed to give him to...unpleasant.”

“Imps?” Anakin asked. 

“There you go!” Obi-Wan said, with just a tinge of hysteria. “Yoda didn’t abandon the child- not that it necessarily is Yoda’s child- he was kidnapped.”

Anakin gasped, “Master! We have to save him!”

“Hold on now, Anakin- He seems perfectly safe at this point and we were here for the Chancellor remember?”

“You won’t be leaving here with the Chancellor or the child.” Dooku sneered. “I can sense the force potential- and I am in want of a new apprentice.”

“Over my dead body,” Anakin snarled.

“That can be arranged.”

“Hey Luke-” the Mandalorian said into the comm as the three swordsman began circling one another “-it looks like two of the Jedi are attacking the other- do you want me to get involved?”

“...Din, by any chance, are any of the laser swords red?”

“Yeah, the fanciest dressed one has a red lightsaber, the other guys are blue. Does it matter?”

“...Red lightsaber means not Jedi. I- hold on, I think I see you!”

The three combatants jumped apart again, looking up at the slight comm echo to the sound of footsteps and the absolutely blinding force presence of the approaching Jedi. 

Had he never learned shielding? Obi-Wan thought hysterically. “Or was he just so powerful that he never bothered restraining himself?”

He tried to exchange a glance with Anakin, but his padawan was too focused on straining to see the incoming Master force user of some kind- light, but not necessarily Jedi. He instead looked over at Dooku, shrugging in confusion. Dooku grimaced back at him in solidarity.

The being finally entered. He was- significantly taller and less green than Obi-Wan was expecting, but still probably shorter than anyone else in the room.

“Din- are you two alright?” The soft-faced man asked in a remarkably gently voice, appearance somewhat at odds with the overbearing power he exuded.

“We’re fine, Luke but look! More Jedi!” He gestured below. 

Luke peered over the balcony, eyes growing wide as they passed over the faces of everyone below. “hoLY KRIFF!” He shouted.

The ship shuddered and Obi-Wan glanced nervously out the view ports, suddenly remembered that the damaged ship only had so long before it fell out of orbit.

“Do you know them?” Din asked. 

“Do I- for fuck’s sake Din, I love you but I have literally shown you holopics of my father before.” Luke whispered furiously. The room unfortunately was utterly quiet and remarkably acoustic, meaning his words carried easily to the listeners below.

“FATHER!” Anakin yelled, causing Luke to wince, slapping a gloved hand to his face.

“FATHER!” He repeated loudly, head ping-ponging between Obi-Wan and Dooku as if trying to find a resemblance, before gasping to stare at the Chancellor, before gasping again to squint at Obi-Wan. 

“DOES EVERYONE HAVE A SECRET FAMILY!” He shouted, throwing his hands up in exasperation.

“Oh for force sake- I do not have a secret son. Honestly, Anakin, he’s clearly in his 20s, be reasonable. His birth would however fit into the timeline of Dooku’s withdraw from the order.” Obi-Wan said, raising a brow.

Dooku puffed out his chest, “I did not fail to meet the Code, like so many of the pathetic masses. Before I left the Order I followed the rules precisely. When my disagreements grew too great, and my attempt for structured reform were repeatedly rejected, I left for ethical reasons, not personal ones. I looked at the code and decided it was failing the Jedi.”

He smirked and lifted his chin at the chancellor, who was watching the proceedings with an inscrutable expression, “My, my Chancellor, this is an interesting surprise.”

Anakin rolled his eyes. “We’re not idiots, Dooku. Obviously the boy’s parents were force sensitive, look at him.” 

Dooku’s smirk grew wider.

“This is absurd! Again!” Obi-Wan threw up his arms and lifted his head to address the dark-robed young human, “Hello there, Luke, was it?” 

“Uh, yes. I’m Luke.” The powerhouse responded nervously. 

“My name is Obi-Wan Kenobi-”

“Yes, I know who you are.” Luke responded drily.

Anakin gasped. 

“He is not my son.” Obi-Wan muttered.

“I’m not Obi-Wan’s son.” Luke called down cheerfully.

“Oh.” Anakin slouched, oddly disappointed. He liked this guy for some reason, felt- connected to him. Maybe it was the dark robes, or the force signature that nearly rivaled his own (though it was somewhat lighter), or even the gloved hand that he suspected was mechanical. If he was Obi-Wan’s son than that would make him practically his brother! The Chancellor might be neat but Dooku...ugh.

“Would you be so kind as to tell us whose son you are? I realize its none of my business but you’ve peaked our curiosity. And then afterwards, regardless of your parentage, we would not mind help in rescuing the Chancellor of the Republic from this slowly crashing ship.”

“Right. Right.” Luke nodded. “Would you give me a second?”

He pressed his head to the side of Din’s helmet and started whispering rapidly, to quiet for anyone else to hear. 

The group below exchanged glances, beginning to tense up again. After a few seconds, the Mandalorian nodded and spoke, “Let’s do it. I trust your judgement.” Luke grinned and returned to the edge of the balcony. 

“Ok, I can help with the first, but not the second.”

“Perfectly understandable.” Obi-Wan replied.

Anakin bristled. “So Dooku is your father.”

Luke smiled at Anakin. “No. You are my father.”

Anakin blinked as Obi-Wan’s face twisted in confusion. “No...” he said slowly. “No, that’s not true. That’s impossible.”

Luke’s smile grew wider, “Search your feelings,” he said urgently, with the full weight of his force presence screaming honesty with every word, “You know it to be true.”

Anakin gasped as he reached out into the force to find...his son. Impossible, but true. The ground trembled, either with the immensity of the realization, or catastrophic engine failure.

“No.” Obi-Wan said clearly to Luke on the balcony.

“No.” He repeated firmly, snapping a finger in Anakin’s face to try and break him out of the trance he seemed to be in. “It’s not true.” He said to the room in general, incredulous it even needed to be said.

Dooku began slowly backing away. The confrontation was rapidly spinning out of his or his Master’s control; he had only stayed this long to indulge vain curiosity. Regardless if the boy was insane, lying, or a time-traveler, he was clearly powerful. The ship’s orbit was gradually decaying and with any luck he could use his dead man’s switch to speed up the crash as he departed, neatly killing everyone who could stand against him in one stroke.

“Anakin,” the lunatic on the balcony continued, “You can destroy the emperor. He has forseen this. It is your destiny! Join me, and together-”

Din cleared his throat.

Luke stopped and smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head. “Sorry! Sorry. Got a little...carried away there.” He coughed awkwardly into his fist.

“Anyway- yeah. I’m Luke Skywalker. I’m from the future, I guess we... time-traveled accidentally somehow? I uh- was kind-of quoting something you said to me once and you kept going along with it and... yeah, definitely got carried away. Sorry, I really don’t know how we got here but, weird stuff happens around me- one time I was on Yavin IV and these ghosts started- anyway. Long story. Surprise!”

Obi-Wan took a deep breath in and let it out slowly, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Ok...I might believe you’re Anakin’s son.”

Dooku had nearly reached a side door when his treacherous Master called out- “Anakin! Master Kenobi! Dooku- he’s getting away.”

Skywalker’s- Anakin Skywalker’s- attention snapped over to the Count and with a outstretched arm, he crumpled the steel door, throwing a beam across it for good measure. The ship moaned alarmingly and several more red lights began blinking at the navigation panel, unnoticed by anyone.

“Luke- son- I don’t know what Emperor you’re talking about, but help us defeat Count Dooku and save Chancellor Palpatine! After that- after that I’m happy to, um, join you? And meet your... husband? And padawan? Sorry, we were kind-of in the middle of something...” 

“Wow. Ok. I’m not sure if-” Luke started to respond before being interrupted by the Mandalorian.

“Wait, Dooku! I know that name!” Din said suddenly. “The covert hated him! He was the evil Sif Emperor you defeated, right?”

“...Sith Emperor. Din, darling and light of my life, as always, your grasp of history and recent current events never fails to amaze me.” Luke sighed.

“You must stop him, before he becomes Emperor,” Palpatine shouted desperately. 

Luke sighed again, more heavily. “Fine. FINE! Kriff the timeline, I didn’t ask to be born anyway. Din- go help capture...Emperor Dooku. Grogu- Pod. I’ll go- free the Chancellor.” The floor beneath them gave a lurch. “Before this ship breaks apart. Go!” 

Luke and Din jumped off the balcony as a shiny metal pod with a transparisteel view screen closed around Grogu, hovering between them, well off easy reach of the ground.

Din landed between Obi-Wan and Anakin, helmet turning to face each of them in turn, “...I’ll follow your lead.” He finally said, arming his weapons.

Obi-Wan grinned fiercely, “Excellent, Anakin, stay with me.”

“I was just about to say the same thing.”

“Mando, you- Is that the DARKSABER- ARE Yoouu- ugh you know what, I will ask after the fight. I will ask after the fight. How did the Mand'alor- NEVERMIND. Let’s just- FORCE I have so many questions-” 

“No time, Master!”

And the battle began. 

[iguana-eyanna]

Cold Illusions & Scorching Lies Pt. 8

Pairing: Loki x Pregnant reader

Summary: Many try to tear you and your prince apart from each other. When Loki lets go of the past that brought him to his doom, you begin to realize you’re not the only one who uncovers a forbidden truth.

Author’s Notes: these events will be in chronicle order of the Thor movies. (Italicized text will be flashbacks). They will be titled for every part.

Warning: n/a

Thor: Ragnorak (2017)

The plan was simple. Thor would free the prisoners from their chips to allow them to create chaos around the coliseum. It was a great distraction to allow Thor to get ahold of a ship that can withstand a trip to the Devil’s Anus.

Although his mind was directed to the mission, Thor couldn’t help but see Loki so empty. The valkyrie took Thor by the side, discussing your disappearance and that you were expecting. The god of thunder could only feel guilt as you have not returned.

“We need to talk.” Thor said to Loki, who was putting a code to a panel.

“This again? I swear, you have been lecturing me every time when you have the chance.” Loki remarks as both of the gods were breaking in the Grandmaster’s building. Once the doors opened, security guards appeared on the other side. It took them no time to defeat them as the two gods took an elevator to where the ships were parked.

“Here's the thing. I'm probably better off staying here on Sakaar.” Loki says once they caught their breath. Thor looks at him.

“Is it because you like it here, or you need to search for your wife as you broke her heart?” Loki looks down momentarily and looks at his brother.

“Do you truly think so little of me?” The raven haired god says, not liking how he’s painted the bad guy.

Thor looks at his brother. “Loki, I thought the world of you. I even thought that you were a better partner than me as you committed your life to the woman who’s carrying your child. But, at the end of the day, you're you, I'm me.”

Loki’s eyes soften, never realizing how Thor aspired to be like Loki when it comes to being a husband. “It's probably for the best that we never see one another again.”

Thor pats Loki affectionately on the shoulder. The dark blonde man smirks as he has a wonderful idea

“Hey, let's do ‘Get Help.’”

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

You have been a mess since you have left Loki.

Currently, you and all of the servants were hiding away from the Grandmaster’s palace as it was under attack. You even saw hunters trying to stop a spaceship but you couldn’t care less.

All you could think of was if Loki was all right.

Even after everything, you still love that man. Was he on that ship? Did the Grandmaster get to him? You shake your head in dismay as your hand cradles the bottom of your belly.

“Why does everything have to feel so conflicting?” You ask yourself, as your other hand fiddles with the small pendant on your neck.

“I wish you didn’t have to feel that way.” A voice boomed in your thoughts. You turn around to where you thought the voice echoed out, but soon the room you were in turned into a dark cave with red illuminating everywhere.

You then see a figure walking towards you, who was the embodiment of a fire demon. He then stops in his steps, looking at you longingly.

“Do you know who I am?” the king asks.

You slowly nod your head as your head feels like spinning.

This was Surtur, your father.

“How are you reaching me?” You ask.

“Your necklace, it’s from Muspelheim, your homeland. It has allowed me to make contact with you over the realms. Now that your powers have blossomed, it made a greater connection for me to talk to you as of now.”

You stay silent, too stunned to even reply.

“I’m sorry these past events have taken a toll on you. No child of mine should bear this type of sorrow.” he states.

You look back to the volcanic god. “I find it hard to believe you’re not contacting me now to calm your guilty conscience.”

He solemnly lowers his head, knowing you’re right. “As my only heir, it is your birthright to continue the prophecy. You must reunite with your husband in order to do so.”

You scoff lightly. “Still don’t understand how I play a part in this, let alone him.”

Sutur walks closer to you, feeding a warm energy to you.

“Hela is no match to Thor, even if he calls all of the power within him. In order for her not to end the asgardians, I must rise from my imprisonment and defeat her myself. The only way for me to be released is for you to place my crown in the eternal flame. You cannot escape your destiny.”

You shake your head, backing away.

“I’m tired of being a puppet for everyone. I will not be the reason a planet will go up in flames-”

“Enough!” Surtur’s voice boomed in the cave, making lava spout through the cracks.

“I understand your frustration. You were taken away too soon, not fully understanding the ways of our people. You are a born warrior. And with your husband’s courage, you will save your people.”

The illusion around you distorts for a moment. Both of you notice that the illusion is ceasing.

“You must hurry now, or all hope is lost.” Surtur says his farewells before your surroundings disappear. You are now found in the room you were in, realizing the havoc outside the city was happening. You leave the room you were in and embark on your journey to find your husband.

On your way to the Grandmaster’s palace, you accidently bump into one of the gladiators, Korg, and the rebellion.

“Oh, hello there! Will you be a part of our resistance?” Korg asked, as you often tended to the wounded gladiators after their fights.

“I, um… I’m searching for my husband.” you said.

“No worries! But I think you’d better stick with us, don’t want any of the grandmaster’s guards to find you.” He says honestly.

You think quickly and decide to catch up with them as much as you can.

You then all arrive to the ship bay, seeing the hundreds of ships in the room.

“There she is. Our ticket out of here.” Korg said, pointing out the biggest ship of all.

“Hey, what's this?”

“That’s an obedience disk…” you said, trying to find who it belonged to.

You look around till you see Loki, twitching and convulsing on the ground.

“Loki!” you screamed, running towards him and knelt down, trying to hold him.

“Turn it off!” Your head turned to Korg as he had the remote. Loki gives Korg a maniacal, pleading look. Korg gets it. He deactivates the obedience disk.

Loki sharply draws in a breath, forgetting how to breathe. “Hey, hey, hey.” you murmured to Loki as you guided his eyes to look at you, coaching him to breathe in and out slowly. He follows what you’re doing and feels calm.

“You came back.” he whispers, holding the side of your face. You sink into his cold touch smiling at your idiot. “I knew you’d be in trouble. I couldn’t leave my husband behind.”

You both chuckle and enjoy the intimate moment together until Korg coughed in his hand.

Loki stands, dusts himself off and helps you to your feet as well.

“Thank you.” your husband says to the rock warrior

“Hey man, we're about to jump on that ginormous spaceship. You wanna come?” Korg asked.

“You do seem like you're in desperate need of leadership.” Loki said, making you turn to him

“Why thank you.” Korg said, already making his way to the ship along with the others.

“Am I thinking what I think you’re thinking?” you ask the man before you who has grown so much.

“Yes, we’re going to save our home.” Loki said, placing a hand over your belly before you both head off to sudden doom.

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