#and rook kinda complains about their team

[miyku]

[taurasiscntybun]

Breaking in the rookie pt 2

- 18 plus minors DNI

- DT x fem reader (no y/n)

- warnings: Adult language, graphic descriptions of sex, Dom/sub, age gap, degradation/praise, mommy kink, spit, light impact play, oral (giving)

-3,300 words

-Thanks to my editor and fellow h*rny sister @taurasicomplex

The drive to your team apartment was full of nervous energy, her black suv following your own car closely as if she didn’t know how to get there, a lie of course, she was well aware of how to get to the team housing but it seemed like some sort of intimidation tactic.

“Fuck, what the fuck was I thinking, Jesus my house isn’t even clean.” You say to yourself as you pull up to the apartments. The reality of her being in your home hitting you.

Diana follows you into the breezeway and up the stairs, her tall frame a looming presence at your back; it was both nerve wracking and intoxicating. You open the door to your one room apartment and usher her inside, glancing around at the unpacked boxes you flush a little in embarrassment.

“I, uh, haven’t finished unpacking.”

“Yeah I can see that, it looks like a fucking tornado in here.” She glances around the living room then back to you.

“Well I wasn’t expecting company.”

”You invited me?”

“That was an accident”

”You accidentally invited me to your house?”

”It was an impulsive invite, don't judge my house and take your shoes off please” You shut the doors behind you and kick off your shoes, leaving you in your mismatched colorful socks. She follows your lead and pulls off her sneakers, her socks a nice matching black. You motion for her to sit on the couch, quickly tossing the nest of blankets and fluffy pillows to the end. She watches you closely as you walk to the kitchen, her eyes tracking you like a predator watching their prey. You open the fridge and pull out the cheap bottle of peach fizzy wine and grab two mugs from the cabinet.

“You don't even have wine glasses? Shit it really was an accident inviting me over.” She watches you walk back into the living room and you can see she’s already made herself at home; reclined on your couch with her legs spread in front of her, she’s so easily taken over your space, her presence making the room feel smaller than it is.

“Uh I usually just drink everything out of mugs to be honest, I like the handles.” You pass her a mushroom shaped mug which she takes although she looks dubious.

“You can’t even have normal mugs? What are you five? Why the fuck is everything covered in flowers and shit.”

“It’s a mushroom not a flower, flora and fungi are two separate things.”

“You know they call me a fun-guy”

“That wasn’t even a good joke Dee.”

“They can’t all be winners, though statistically I am. Sit down and open the wine, you're acting like a skittish little animal, I don't bite unless you want me too.”

“I- Jesus, Dee you just say anything dont you.” You sit down on the opposite side of the couch, next to your comforting wad of pillows and blankets, all of them a different pattern making the pile a chaotic mess of color.

”I mean most of it, just kinda comes out, its always what I’m thinking.” She shrugs and reclines more, resting one of her hands behind her head, the other holding the mug out to you for her drink. The mushroom mug looks tiny and out of place in her obscenely large hand. You try not to think too hard about the implication she might be thinking about biting you and instead focus myself on unscrewing the cap.

”I know the wines gonna be shit if it's a screw top, that shits peach does that even count? Gonna taste like Im drinking fucking juice.” She complains as you fill her mug with the light pink wine, it fizzes a little threatening to spill and she quickly slurps some of it. You stare half dazed at the way her lips wrap around the rim, her tongue licking up the slight spill down the side.

“You ok there rook?” She flits her eyes up at you, the warm brown pools of dark honey searching your face.

”Yeah sorry, just embarrassed at my shit pour.”

“God this shit tastes like a bad hangover, at least we have afternoon practice tomorrow.” She complains but takes another sip. You fill up your own mug and suddenly half the bottle is gone.

“Drink some water, you'll survive.” You settle a little more in your seat, tucking your feet under you and reaching for the remote. Your two positions so different, her open and almost demanding space and you tucked up in the corner of the couch. You open your WNBA app and click to the game from tonight. You immediately mute the audio, not wanting to hear the announcers constantly gassing up Diana and probably criticizing you. Cindy and Anne were kind and a lot more forgiving to you as announcers but still you knew they’d have shit to say about your tech and you didn’t need it.

Halfway through the game and the whole way through the bottle of wine you pause it.

”Why are you being so nice? You haven’t criticized my plays at all, not even my missed layup.”

“Sorry I was trying to be supportive.” She snorts and finishes off her second mug of wine. She pauses her drinking and looks at you, her gaze intense as she studies you.

”Do you.. do you want me to be mean? It fucking seems like you do, what do you like it when I get all mad?” She teases and leans a little closer to you; you're still plenty far apart but she’s suddenly dominating the shared space. You laugh nervously and try to play cool even though you're obviously flustered.

”No I- don't be ridiculous who would want such a thing it's just unexpected.” You babble out and seem to shrink back against the side of the couch a little more. She sits her mug on the floor and leans in even closer, her body angling towards you now.

“I don't think that's true, rook. I think you invited me over specifically to berate you a little bit. Is that what you want? You want me to punish you for getting a tech? Tell you what a shit job you did today?” Her voice drops lower as her eyes search your face; despite her bravado and bold words you can tell she’s a little nervous she might have crossed a dangerous line. You swallow your nerves and decide to be bold as well, assuring her that she is reading you right.

”Maybe I do.” You say softly your voice nearly a whisper.

”Hmm what was that? Speak up rook.” Diana teases, her voice taking on more of the commanding tone she used on the court, proving she definitely heard you but wanted to hear you say it again.

”I said maybe I do. Maybe I like it when you get onto me. Maybe I like you a little mad.” You jut your chin out defiantly and she grins.

”I see, you brought me here for your own fantasy right? Are you gonna get off to me yelling? Wait till I leave and reach your hand down your cute little pink panties?” She moves even closer, reaching out to grab your leg, tugging you closer with a smug grin.

”I- fuck Dee you can’t say shit like that unless you mean it.” You say then gasp as she forces you to close the distance, her large hand feeling like a brand on your skin even through your sweatpants.

“What you think I don't mean it? Hate to break it to you baby but I’ve been thinking about the little bow on your panties all night.” Diana's voice drops to a husky whisper as her hand creeps further up your leg. You look at her, mouth agape at the implication.

“You can drive me crazy out there in your little rolled up fucking shorts. I can almost see your ass half the time. Was that your plan? Make yourself look like fucking candy to me so Ill come over?” Her hand brushes the inside of your knee and you look from her hand to her face and see no hint of teasing. She means it.

”Maybe I want you to think about my ass. Having dirty thoughts about your rookie.” You shoot back and she gives a huff.

”I can’t help it when you serve yourself up to me like a fucking dessert. Tell me what you want rook. You have to tell me you want this or ill stop right now and we never have to talk about it again.” She pulls her hand away slightly and you realize she wants your permission to continue, she wants to make sure you really want this too.

”Fuck. Yes Diana, I want you.” You say with more conviction than you meant. Her answering grin is practically feral as her hand touches you again, this time on your inner thigh and tighter.

”Let me guess you want me to order you around? You want me to be like I am on the court? Tell you you're acting like a little slut inviting me over like this.” Her words are phrased as a question but you suck in a breath nonetheless.

“Y..yes I do,” You hesitate for a moment, “I want you to tell me what to do, order me around Diana. I..I'm your little slut tonight.” Your voice is a little shaky as she continues her slow ascent up your thigh.

“Aww what was that baby, I'll need you to say it again, like you mean it.” You didn’t realize she had gotten so close, her large frame practically draped over you, caging you in.

“I..” You clear your throat. “I'm your little slut and I want you to tell me what to do.”

“Good girl, see, was that so hard? Now get on your fucking knees.” Her voice dropped an octave as she clearly commanded you. You move without a second thought, sliding off the couch and sitting back on your heels, the empty wine bottle clatters over; the sound loud in the suddenly tense space.

“Closer baby I can’t quite reach you all the way over there.” She reclines back on the couch and spreads her legs again, signaling you to rest between them. You move between her legs and lift to your hands to the waist of her shorts but she grabs your wrists quickly.

“So eager already. Turn and watch the tv baby, the games only half over.” She pushes your hands off her and roughly turns you so you're facing away from her and to the tv. Diana turns the tv back on and reclines again, absently stroking your hair, her strong thighs half trapping you between them. You lean into her touch without meaning too and her hand suddenly grips your hair, pulling your head back so your eyes are locked on the tv.

“You missed my perfect assist right then, you fucked up my game. What do you have to say for yourself baby?” Her fingers dig into your scalp as she leans down to you, her breath ghosting over the shell of your ear.

“I..I’m sorry.” You stutter and she releases your hair and leans back up, her hand patting your cheek slightly harder than you were expecting.

”Good girl, you should be fucking sorry.” She goes back to her slow almost petting of your hair and you lean against her thigh. Diana uses the opportunity to let her hand wander down to cup your cheek then her fingers brush against your neck. Your heart rate spikes under her soft but claiming touch.

“You’re so worked up baby, relax.” She practically purrs and traces a finger down your pulse point, just dipping under your collar. She hooks her finger under your bra strap and lets it snap against your skin, You let out a tiny gasp, your breath picking up even under her slow touch.

”Diana” You say in a needy whisper, she’s barely done anything but already worked you up into a needy mess. Her hand stills.

”What baby?” She asks in a softer tone, worried she’d gone too far.

“I.. I need you please” You beg and immediately she resumes her touch, satisfied that you're enjoying this.

“You think you deserve a reward already baby girl? So greedy.” Diana leans back up and places both hands on your shoulder, her lips right by your ear.

“I'm feeling generous baby since you’ve listened to me so well.” She nips your earlobe, tugging it between her teeth gently.

“You wanted me so bad earlier, ok babygirl you can have some of me. Turn around.” Her last words are a command as she spreads her legs a little more and lifts her hips to tug down her shorts. You turn quickly and help her pull down her shorts, your fingers hook under the waistband of her boxers.

”No, I didn’t say you could do that yet, you have to earn it babygirl” She gently strokes your cheeks, the caring motion seemingly at odds with her stern words.

“O..ok” You say, a little unsure what to do.

“You can touch me baby, make me want you, drive me crazy.” She pats your cheek again before reclining back on the couch, she seems to not even pay attention as her eyes watch the game. You swallow your nerves and tentatively kiss along the inside of her thigh, one of your hands going up to her boxer clad core.

”You're so shy now baby, touch me like you mean it.” She grabs your wrist and presses your hand more firmly against her cunt. You use your thumb to press against her, she’s in control but you can feel how wet she is through her boxers. She lets out a low groan as you return to kissing up her thigh, you're more confident in your movements now, kissing and sucking, alternating thighs as your hands still rub her through her clothes.

”That’s it baby you're doing so good.” Her hand tangles in your hair again, her hand just resting on the back of your head. You nip and suck the inside of her thigh and groan again, her fingers tightening.

“Keep fucking going. You like to talk so much on the fucking court, use your fucking mouth now princess.” You can’t stop the small moan that escapes you as you lick up her cunt, her wetness mixing with the taste of fabric in a surprisingly erotic way. You push your face harder against her, sucking the fabric into your mouth a little.

“Fuck that’s right baby, you want to taste my pussy dont you?” You nod against her and flit your eyes up to meet hers.

“Your words princess, you have to use your words.” Her grip tightens in your hair again.

”I want your pussy, please Diana let me taste you.” You say, the need in your voice is surprising even yourself.

“Ok baby” She lifts her hips to help you pull her boxers off, your own cunt dripping with need as you see her bare before you.

”Fuck” You say quietly, taking her in for the first time. To you she’s perfect everywhere and her cunt is no different. She’s not shaved but not wild either, the dark hair matching her curls; she’s already so wet, her pussy practically glistening and inviting.

“Go on baby, you wanted me so bad.” Her tone is commanding but you can hear the hitch in her voice telling you she needs you just as much as you want her. You don’t answer with words but instead lick up her folds, your face half buried against her. You moan as her taste hits your tongue and she lets out a sharp breath, clearly restraining herself.

“Don’t be a fucking tease baby.” She says, her voice a little shaky now. You move faster, your tongue lapping at her clit greedily, hands braced on her thighs. Diana lets out a low groan and pushes your head against her more. You move your face down a little, your tongue swirling around her entrance.

“Fuck baby you're such a good girl such a good fucking girl.” Her hips rise off the couch a bit to meet your mouth. You moan and suck her folds into your mouth, using your tongue to flick at her clit.

“God dont fucking stop, just like that baby, make me cum.” Her hips buck slightly and her eyes flutter closed. This spurs you on and you move with vigor, sucking and slurping at her clit, moving up and down from her core and back, the lewd noises mingling with her quiet groans.

“Fuck, shit, good baby, good girl, eat my fucking pussy princess fuck dont stop.” Her words are a breathy babble as she starts to grind against your face more, her movements growing sloppy. You move one hand from her thigh and and circle your thumb around her entrance as you lavish her clit. She lets out a strangled groan as you push two fingers inside her.

“Oh god baby fuck” She pants her hips bucking. You crook your fingers, brushing against her inner wall and suck her clit into your mouth. She gasps and her eyes fly open.

“Im gonna cum baby, Im gonna cum all over your fucking face and you're going to take it, fuck look at me when you make me cum.” She commands and you can feel her tightening around my fingers. You bring my eyes up to meet hers. Her face is flushed, her pupils blown out in lust. You pump your fingers in and out of her, hooking them slightly, swapping between swirling your tongue around her clit and sucking it into your mouth. Finally you can feel her on the brink and you let your teeth scrape gently over her sensitive bud.

“Fuck!” She gasps and her legs shake slightly, her grip on your hair turns mildly painful as she grinds her cunt against your face. You pull your fingers out and immediately replace them with your tongue, lapping up her release greedily.

”oh god fuck baby you're so good fuck so good.” She pants as she comes down from her high. You don't stop until she tugs your face away gently.

”Enough baby.” She says softly and pulls you to stand up. You suck your fingers into your mouth not wanting to waste any of her. You look at Diana in a daze, intoxicated by her. You pant slightly as you crawl up her, she closes her legs and maneuvers you to sit in her lap.

“You did so good, baby girl.” Diana says, her hand rubbing your back.

”You taste so good mommy.” You whine and she stiffens slightly her hand stilling.

”I.. fuck I’m sorry I-“

”Say it again.”

“Y..you taste good?”

“Don’t be dense.”

“You taste so good… mommy” You blush and she shivers

“Fuck I didn’t know I’d like that.” Diana says softly and moves her hand to cup your cheek, her thumb brushing absently.

“I know you want me in charge baby but I have to follow your lead, I don’t want to take it too far, tell me what you want.” She sucks in a breath.

“Tell mommy what you want her to do to you.” You let out a small moan at her words and squirm in her lap, desperate for friction.

“I want you to do whatever you want, I want you to use me. I..I’ll tell you to stop if it’s too much, I’m not made of glass.”

“My fierce rookie, my little slut.” She grips your cheeks, her fingers digging into the skin and forcing your mouth open.

“Stick your tongue out baby. Open wide for mommy.” You obey and stick your tongue out immediately, tilting your head back slightly.

“You’re so obedient for me baby, such a good little slut.” She lets a string of spit fall from her mouth onto your waiting tongue.

“Swallow.” Diana uses her hand to force your jaw shut and you swallow, a shiver running through you at how dirty this is.

“Fuck you’re so good baby.” She coos and strokes her thumb across your bottom lip softly

[stardustandash]

It feels kinda like swinging a bat at a hornets nest but I think a lot of people's problems with Veilguard's writing is exactly why I love it?

Sure, it's campy and cheesy in places, but that is a staple of BioWare. Y'know, the game company known for rpgs with fun and campy dialogue. Like how have you forgotten your roots in Origins, DA2 and Inquisition, not to mention Mass Effect. Veilguard's dialogue tone feels very much in line with what came before, and is refreshing after playing games that are 90% serious dialogue only. If your tastes have changed over the decade since Inquisition that's fine, but maybe it's time to admit that to yourself and move on to a different franchise without hating on this one.

The other thing is that it does a lot of subtext. In Inquisition a lot of my problems with the writing was that every single thing was spelled out explicitly and it baby-stepped you into everything. Veilguard puts a lot of implications and subtext into their writing, and I see people complaining about things that are there, just not overtly said by anyone. Or it's something that has an answer in the codex. Solas lies because he's manipulating you, not because the writers are bad and forgetting canon. Brush up on media literacy and read a book or smth.

And while it would have been nice to have poor Rook included in more things around the Lighthouse with the companions, there's not a lot of space for it in the game. You're on a deadline to save the world, and you're in charge. Book club happens when you're on a mission with the companions not involved. It kinda ruins the immersion of "must build a team to save the world." Would it be fun, yes, but also, not everyone's Rooks would have the same relationships to all the characters. Sometimes it's just more fun to have headcanons.

As for the romance writing... Guys... this is an action rpg series that has romance, not a romance series with some action rpg elements. I love the romances, I really do, but they aren't the focus of the game. And if it's what you want out of a game, there are other ones out there that will fill your needs. One of the best tools in any writing is "always leave them wanting more". It's better to have less and your audience wanting more, than having too much and your audience getting bored with it. There's just enough romance content to drive you wild and keep thinking about it. That's the perfect amount. And between companion commentary and the tidbits here and there like Elgar'nan and Ghilan'nain threatening your LI, there's a lot in the game already.

TLDR; Veilguard's writing is doing what it's supposed to. It's following in the footsteps of the DA and Mass effect games that came before. Are there problems and plot holes? yeah, but no more than the other games. I have my own personal gripes with some of the writing in the factions and quests, but it doesn't detract from how much I love the game overall.

I'm just so tired of ppl hating on anything new in a franchise just because it doesn't personally cater to their tastes.

[rook-specter]

Rook's Poker Night at the Inventory conversations Part 1

Badgerclops: Hey Clairen, you kinda remind me of Mao Mao if he was cooler. Don't tell him I said that. Clairen: Oh really? What's Mao Mao like? Badgerclops: Well first off, his full name is Mao Mao Mao, and- Kani: Seriously? And I thought having 4/5 of my team having the same surname Maki was crazy... Badgerclops: I think that's even crazier, actually. Anways, back to what I was saying. Clairen, you have a sword, you're a cat, and you're fighting evil. Except you're a lot cooler, and I don't care if I'm hurting Mao Mao's feelings by saying this. Clairen: Interesting...

Kani: Hey, Peppino? Peppino: What-a is it? Kani: You've dealt with sentient food, so can you tell me some of your stories? Peppino: I'm-a not-a sure about-a that one, crab lady. I guess-a there's this Cheeseslime named The Vigilante, and he's-a probably one of the only big-a threats I faced that I don't-a have beef with... Kani: Yeah, and you can get real angry like me... Except you're even more dangerous... Running through all those Cheeseslimes like crazy...

Badgerclops: Yo crab gal, do you ever realize that being the smallest one at the table, or ON the table, gives you a lot of disadvantages playing poker? Kani: Yeah, but I don't let that bother me. I'm a crab, I'm not gonna complain that it's hard to do something just because I'm small. Badgerclops: That's some dedication right there.

Peppino: YEEEOOOOWWWW!! Kani: What the?! Clairen: What's wrong, Peppino? Peppino: Nothing... I'm-a just reminded of... THE WAR. Kani: The war? Badgerclops: Oh boy... Peppino: Every few-a minutes, I'm-a reminded of the dark-a times of my life... where I served in the war... It-a brings me neverending pain... And the memories won't stop... Kani: That is some bleeped-up bleep, Peppino. Clairen: That's almost as bad as the dark future I come from... Peppino: NO, DON'T-A REMIND ME AGAIN!

Peppino: So, uh... How-a did you guys find-a the inventory? Kani: Tako found a poster for it while we were fighting the Legion of Low Tide. He decided that we go there on a Saturday night, but he was kicked out due to the mess he made with his ink. Clairen: Ayala mentioned it, so I was curious. Was it some kind of hideout for heroes, or was it Loxodont's secret lair? As it turns out, it's just a place to play poker and get drinks and snacks. Badgerclops: We just kinda stumbled upon it, and Adorabat got all excited when she saw it, and went, "Oooh, looks like a fantastically fun place!" and I was like, "Adorabat, you're not old enough to be in here! Aren't you five?" and then she was like, "Yeah, you've got a point." And then Mao Mao was like, "What's the point of this location?" and then I was like, "To have fun!" And then- Kani: Okay, this is gonna go on for a long time and make me crabby, so how about you cut it there. Badgerclops: Okay, fine. Jeez.

Badgerclops: So, uh... Peppino, do you think I could stop by your pizza place to get some pizza? Peppino: A-yeeesss! That would be-a fantastic! Clairen: Okay, but are your pizzas up to health code? Peppino: Uhhhhhh... Badgerclops: I couldn't care either way, pizza is pizza.

Badgerclops: Hey, crab gal. Why are your pincers on your head? Kani: Don't give me weird questions about my anatomy! Badgerclops: I'm sorry, that's just not... anatomically correct! That just makes you more of a cat... crab... Kani: Well, I do have the claws for it.

Peppino: Okie dokie, Clairen. You're the element of-a fire, and you wield a fire sword? Clairen: Yep. Peppino: Ain't plasma and fire the same-a thing? Kani: Not really. All fire is plasma, but not all plasma is fire. Like, a lightning bolt isn't fire, but it's still plasma. Badgerclops: Heh, so that just makes classifying plasma as fire even more dumb. Kani: Well, I wouldn't go that far. Clairen: Well, if you really want to see how my world works, then you just come to Aether yourselves.

Badgerclops: Seeing all these aces reminds me of my hyperfocus machine that makes edible playing cards. Kani: Wait, what? Badgerclops: I don't remember making it, but it exists! Do YOU have a hyperfocus mode, crab gal? Kani: If by a hyperfocus mode, you mean, "going crazy creating stuff and then forgetting the next day", kind of. Sometimes I have random bouts of creativity, so I create something like a paper shredder on wheels with a knife taped to it, and the others just get confused as to why I made them, and I do remember making them, I just don't remember WHY. Peppino: Did the knife paper shredder have-a sentience? Kani: I wouldn't call it sentience, more like... a drive of chaos. Clairen: You two make some... really crazy stuff.

Kani: Hey, Badgerclops? Badgerclops: Yeah? Kani: Why do you call me crab gal? You know my name. You know it's Kani. Badgerclops: I dunno, that's just the name I default to. Don't you ever have one of those moments? Kani: Ikura certainly has those moments. Badgerclops: Are you and your friends literally just... sentient sea creatures? Kani: Not all of them, Wasabi's a mound of spicy mustard. Peppino: Hit-a that shit with a net. Kani: ...What???

[gikairan]

If you wanna know my thoughts on the game (There will be some spoilers)

Its good! I had a lot of fun! At no point did i go "wow im not having fun"!!!

The combat didnt overstay its welcome, and stayed a good difficulty all the way through. The major bosses managed to all feel pretty different and were engaging to play

And like.... ive seen hints of what people are Discoursing about and i just dont care...

One is "you cant be evil!" And like, have you been able to be evil since DAO? Have you?? Because you kinda havent.

"Writing is bad" Idk man it seemed fine to me. Look, maybe i just like wallowing in trash or something, idk. But nothing made me cringe, nothing made me wish for it to end. Like, the worst i feel in terms of the games writing is that there was one faction, and associated companion, i could not care less about. So that content was a slog. But ill be honest, the entire concept of that faction was always going to be a hard sell to me.

"Companions arent mean to each other!" Idk man, half the fandom hates the (mostly female) characters that are mean to their male favs so like... having everyone get along was probably for the better. Also did you miss the part where Solas commends you for building a team based on trust and friendship? It is literally a power of friendship story!

Like ill give that theres not a lot of opportunity for roleplaying. Rook DOES feel like a very set personality that you can customise exactly what they say, but it all kinda ends up the same vibe But... have many Bioware games are different? Having a voice acted PC limits how many dialogue options you can have, because otherwise the amount of voice lines needed just grows and grows and grows. Like it doesnt feel wrong to me, because thats sort of what i expected from a modern Bioware game? And maybe others should lower their expectations too? this is clearly the course the studio is on, and if you dont like it... you dont have to play their games? Spend more time playing Larian games, or... Owlcat i think theyre called? The ones who made the Pathfinder games, and Warhammer Rogue Trader. Give them your money, and prove theres a demand for that kind of stuff. Instead of expecting a studio owned by a publisher a little hostile to single player story based games to give you that kind of RPG.

Like, i had a good time. I dont really care what other people didnt like about it. There wasnt any big major things that bothered me..... Seriously my biggest complaint is "I dont like how they handled Taash being an immigrant, and their Choice being a binary decision between Qunari culture and Rivain culture. Especially combining with their sub-plot of exploring their gender identity as... non-binary. It feels contradictory!"

Everything else is fine! Its exactly the kind of game i enjoy!!

I also did feel like Bioware heard some of the most common complaints about Inquisition and basically did the opposite. WAY more focus on companions, reduction of busywork quests, more focused maps, making a big decision that actually has major consequences for the rest of the game.... its all a pretty big improvement. I appreciate it a LOT, because playing inquisition again was a struggle. This is way more FUN to play, and will be easier for me to replay in the future

IDK man, i just wish people would stop complaining every time a new dragon age game comes out and it isnt exactly what they want 🙃 I definitely have a lot less complaints about this game than Inquisition, and boy did i get tired of the discourse around Inquisitions release!!

[kurayami10]

Rival's beauty

Vil Schoenheit x (Neige's sister) female Reader

Notes: I almost end up writing the whole chapter 5 Word Count: 1.5K Warning: Heavy spoiler chapter 5

Re-uploading my stories is prohibited.

  Vil has disbelief on his face. He’s madly in love with his arch-enemy's sister. He never knew that Neige had a sister. Neige being the most famous actor and Influencer in the world, Vil honestly never knew Neige would have a sister. He meets Neige’s sister on the first days of VDC, and he already has feelings for her, and it's like love at the first sight or something that’s what Vil thought about it.

At first, he didn’t want to admit that he had been looking at the girl when she was helping her brother on the stage, but he was very kinda distracted that he had been looking at her for about 10-20 minutes. Vil didn’t believe in himself him being ridiculous in love with a girl he barely knew, but every time when he looks her—he can’t help but feel a little spark in his heart.

    After a few days of knowing of Neige’s sister's existence, Vil and his team finished their practice 2 days before the Vocal & Dance Championship. Rook is the first person to know of Vil's worry about something that he knows, of course, due to him being the Vice dorm of Pomefiore. He walks toward Vil and places a hand on his right shoulder.

     “Roi du poison, What’s wrong?” Rook worryingly asks as he looks at Vil on his face, then Vil knocks out of his state and stares at Rook, “Nothing, I was only thinking strategies to win this competition” as he tries to change the topic and avoid Rook’s gazing on him. Then Vil walks away and sees Ace and Deuce whisper about something and as soon they see Vil coming toward them, quickly stopped whispering and got in position. 

     “Shoot, Vil is coming.” Ace curses and slightly push Deuce away from him, causing almost trip over on the floor, but Deuce manages for preventing to happen. As soon as Vil sees his team, he clasps his hands, “Alright everyone, One more practice, and then this is over until tomorrow.” while everyone groans and went in on their position in line.

      A few hours pass by, and everyone goes back to Ramshackle Dorm to rest for the next practice, as always Deuce and Ace feel pain in their feet, as they were dancing and tripping too hard hours ago.

    “Man, I hate this, why are we even in this stupid championship.” Ace complains as he sits on the sofa in the lounge of Ramshackle Dorm. “We are here to win the championship, and that’s why Vil wants us to help him to win it, Ace” Deuce explained. Ace entirely sighs and groans, “Whatever, we better win it, then after this, am I out.”

    Then Epel came into the living room with an apple juice in his hand, “Guys…I just saw a girl standing outside the dorm, and I think she’s looking for Vil-senpai..” as Vil soon hears his name, he gets up and walked toward Epel, “Baby potato, who’s this person?” he questions to Epel, “ Her name is Y/N LeBlanche, and she told me if you are here.” and that moment when Vil’s eyes wides a bit.

    ‘Neige’s sister…? Here to see me? For what?’ he curiously thought about it. Then he goes to the main door from Ramshackle Dorm, and as soon he opens the door, he sees a h/c haired girl and her s/c glow as the sun shines on her beautiful skin. “Hello!” the h/c haired girl greets and gently waves at Vil with a cute smile on her face, “Hello there…Is there something I can help you with?” Vil looks at her trying to keep his focus here. “Yes! Are you the competitor of this year's Vocal & Dance Championship?” the girl curiously asks.

Vil stares at her for a minute, ‘Why is she asking this question?’ he sighs, and calmly looks at the girl, “Yes, Why are you asking or do you need something?” then h/c haired girl just smile at him, “I was just wondering since I want to explore around the school before the Championship but I’m kinda lost, and I end up in here, hehe.” the young girl chuckles, “Oh, My name is Y/N LeBlanche!” Y/N cheerfully says while she smiles.

   Vil just stood there not knowing what to do, so he tries to speak up, “Nice to meet you, Y/N.” he gently greets her. ‘Why is Neige’s sister in here, again?’  as he stares at Y/N again, ‘I need to say something’  then he clears his throat, “My name is Vil Schoenheit, Is there something else that you need, Miss LeBlanche?”

    Y/N smiles at him, “No, but I do want to wish you luck on this competition…I know you’re competing with my older brother but good luck on this contest.” she smiles at him. Y/N maybe be Neige’s younger sister but this doesn't mean she must support her own brother, she’s allowed and believes she can vote for another team rather than her own brother’s team.

     Vil didn’t know how to react or respond, and he keeps looking at her, but he is currently torn between his past and present. All the pain he had when he was a child, and when he was in middle school—he was being bullied by mean kids because he was chosen the role of villain. He heavily dislikes being the villain, and he was never chosen the role of a hero, all the positions that he has taken in the past are always the villain role, and that's why he have being bullied from his home the Land of Pyroxene. Vil hates Neige all his guts, and wants to beat him in this year’s championship, he only hopes to win it.

     Maybe is this the time to change just for a bit? He won’t just let his guard down that easily but he stared at Y/N and slightly smile at her. Also, he’s glad he met this girl that he just met a few days ago while he was just staring at her helping Neige’s song on the stage.

About a few hours ago after Vil and Y/N's encountered, Vil thought that Y/N would be like her brother’s personality but he was kinda wrong about it, in reality, she’s different than her brother, but he doesn’t mind that she’s being honest with herself saying like “Don’t worry what’s gonna happen after the VDC” something like that. He just wants to be good himself and show the world how good his work is and he’s very hardworking. 

No matter what he tries in order to be at the top, he won’t beat Neige ever.

    It has been 2 days since Vil meets Y/N in person, and now he’s very nervous about today's competition. Currently, he sees his team all already discussing their next move once they're next up to the stage. Vil sees Neige with the dwarfs up on the stage and all of them greet the audience and prepare to sing. Then he saw Y/N talking with some RSA male students thanking them for coming for her brother’s performance. Her beautiful smile shines in his dark world, and he tries to not blush in front of his teammates but failed as he keeps staring at her as always.

  Suddenly Y/N turns toward Vil and a huge smile appears on her face and runs toward him, ‘She’s coming toward me…I don’t want the rest to know I like her or see me red when she’s near me.’ then he quietly walks away from his team and meets up with Y/N as soon she gets near him.

“Hi, Vil!” Y/N happily greets him as she hugs him not too hard. Vil personally heavily dislikes anyone touching him or hug, but…he’ll let Y/N and he doesn’t know why he lets her hug him, but it this very weird of him to let someone in his personal space.

“Hello, Miss LeBlanche.” he formally greet her then Y/N gave him a weird look and laugh, “Vil! Just call me by my name, Y/N, and no need to be formal toward me.” she chuckles then steps back a bit and looks at Vil’s eye. “I want to say again that good luck on VDC!  You have my vote…and remember I would be cheering at you once you’re on the stage!” she smiles at him.

Y/N wishing Vil good luck on this Vocal & Dance Championship? This is very rare of this. Vil actually never got a compliment or wished luck for him, but he only hope he just win for once. He doesn’t want to show his hatred for Neige in front of Y/N since her brother, because Y/N would probably he's mean or something.

After a few lines when Neige finished up the song and he cheerfully looked at the audience, smiles at the crown and they all clapped and scream for Neige’s adorable at the Heigh-ho! song.

Heigh ho, heigh ho, I’m hungry!

It’s about time. Let’s bake delicious bread!

Let’s bake, let’s bake! Birds, you sing too!

Every day is so wonderful, so fun!

Then suddenly the crowd screamed and threw beautiful confetti at Neige, while some of them sob at the cute performance. This made Vil really angry doesn’t notice that Y/N was looking at him with worry on her face.

She wants to help him, but she’s too afraid that Vil will say  ‘I don’t need help’ or ‘I don’t need anyone's pity’ because in reality there is something wrong with him. Vil just left from there and went inside the building and was unaware of Y/N as she looks him leaving her behind and Y/N not knowing what would happen to him as she felt something negative energy from him. ‘Vil…..’

[pianostarinwonderland]

Okay so, now that the EN translation's been out for a while, what are some things you like and dislike about it?

In general, the EN localization isn't bad at all! I see that the team does put care into the way they translate the character writing: what words should they use for translating someone's dialogue, what phrasing can they go with, etc. There are grammatical errors, sure, but what game doesn't have grammatical errors? XD It's clear that they are treating this seriously, and especially compared to some of the things I hear about Enstars' localization, I'm like, "Yeah. We got off really well."

I'm pretty content with how the Octavinelle trio is localized. Their writing is handled well. I really love how they write Azul's dialogue! He's a mix of brilliant and comedic, and I live for it. Jade and Floyd are also good. I like the way they capture Floyd's spontaneity. I like that they captured the "textbook spirit" (idk how else to word it) that Jade's dialogue tends to have. Honestly, as long as they don't totally fuck up Octavinelle, I won't be totally pissed off.

I also like some of the translated titles/event names! The Phantom Bride as the EN name for Ghost Marriage is absolutely gorgeous, and it manages to capture this whimsical Disney vibe in just 3 words. The 'Mean Bean Machine' is a title you earn from completing the first Beans Day event, and that has to be the cutest fucking thing on earth.

By no means am I saying that the localization is perfect, however. There are still terms that I dislike or prefer to not use simply because I don't understand the need to change them. I will still use dorm leader over housewarden, unique magic over signature spell, magical shift over spelldrive, magical wheel over blastcycle. I'm a JP player, so the habit will be difficult to break, and I do expect for a lot of players to have an awareness of the JP terms, especially on this blog. 😅

I will say that most of my issues with TWST EN are centered around how they localize certain terms for Jamil. 🤡 I'm Filipino and not Arabic or Indian or African, so I acknowledge that I don't really have much of a say in this. But I heard people from those nations/cultures reacting to Jamil's UM being Snake Charmer and Rook's nickname for Jamil being Monsieur Pyramide. 😭 And they dislike it for the reason that it's orientalist or that it's disrespectful. It's so weird that they'd take out Sam's bones but pull this shit off with Jamil. Rook's nickname for Jamil especially ticks me off because not even thinking of the connotations, how does a pyramid even describe Jamil? At least Monsieur Multi can let you infer on Jamil's talents, but why pyramid? To say Jamil's talent is great or something? That he's some complicated maze or something? 🤨

This is a small thing, but I also am miffed that Absolutely Beautiful was commissioned in the EN version, where in the JP version, it was written by Vil. Vil is known to work very hard for himself and his career. He knows that this is an event that people around the world will watch, and he also knows that Neige is going to compete against him. In one sentence, TWST EN just... undermined Vil's character. 🤡 Like damn, chapter 5 already kinda sucked in its execution, at least keep the part about Vil writing his own song.

In general, I do find that there are inconsistencies with the writing. You can identify which stories got the good writers and which stories got writers that decided to go fuck it with the canon lore. In the kind of format that TWST is, the inconsistency is a bit glaring. But it isn't a big enough issue, unless it's mistakes like Ruggie being Savanaclaw's vice dorm leader.

Lastly, although this isn't a problem with the translation anymore, I do get concerned about the pacing of events. I'm not personally too bothered because my main account will always be the JP version, but hearing people panic or complain about the pacing of the events is very worrisome. The intent for fast paced events is to incentivize more players to spend, and I also understand that if the content is there, why be as slow as JP? But honestly, this is also one very good way to lose players. 🧍 TWST EN has to be really careful because it's already harder to make money with mobile games in the west than in Japan due to cultural differences. They can't scare off their players.

So yes, there are good things about the localization, there are things that can be improved. Overall, TWST EN is being done with care, and I think that's what really matters. As long as they are also listening to feedback, then it's going to go well.

[chibichibisha]

Omg I was looking through the drive file and I cannot believe I forgot about track and field club they're so cute. But now I wanna know what clubs everyone else is in!! So sha, oh wise one, tell us about The Clubs

Something I love about these types of settings is that we don't only have dorm interactions, we also have classmates and clubs!! And that expands a lot the relationships of a character! And at the end it feels natural that they know more or less everyone around the campus. Be ready this might get long!

So just as you know already, Kero is in the track and field club!! He is an upperclassman for Jack and Deuce and he wants them to rely on him for that, so he always wants to be supportive and cool for them. Thing is, he is sometimes too careless about it, and more than teaching them things or guiding them, he just puts the passion on the team, haha. Deuce and Jack like him though! They are a cute group of doggies.

Ermine is another one that is pretty clear already because of his bday card, he is on the Light Music club. He wanted to be active in it, but in his first year realized that they aren't too interested in performing. So he mostly uses his trumpet on dorm activities. He has a good relationship with the rest of the members, and honestly, they are the main reason Ermine has a break, since they insist him into joining them into their snack time and chatting. He is the most serious and diligent, but he is more "himself" with them. He usually listens to Lilia's advice, goes along with Kalim ideas and lets Cater take selfies of them. Pretty chill group.

Nahal is on the basketball club!! He doesn't look like it, but he is somewhat a sporty guy, a good balance between good student and good athlete, so that's why he choose a sport club. He may be the shortest on the team but he is quick and can jump pretty high. Ace kinda complains always about Nahal "cheating" because of his wings, which makes Nahal confront him every time. He is wary of Floyd but that doesn't mean he also lectures him, and runs away from him afterwards. Jamil is with the one he gets along the best, but is a bit tired of Nahal putting on a fight so easily if gets offended haha. A bit of a chaos, but they have fun.

Gilmo is in the board game club. He is also an upperclassman in the club for Azul and Idia (even if Idia is now on the same grade) so he usually does as he pleases. He likes card games the most and teaches others about the different variants, or what you can do with them. He is a bit too eager about making bets for everything, but he is not allowed. He is fond of Azul and Idia, but he spends more time with Ortho. Ortho is the one that shows him the latest game that Idia enjoys, and Gil is always surprised about how advanced they look. Nobody has won him a card game yet. Monopoly games are a big event on the club, but they never finished one haha.

Rossain is part of the Movie Appreciation Club and is an actual actor. Vil doesn't like his egoistical side, but recognizes his talent, so prefered to take him under his wing and show him the right way and not let it waste. Because of this, Ross respects Vil a lot even if he still envies him for what he accomplished already, but maintains a bit of a “student/teacher” relationship. Vil is able to make Rossain listen to him and usually asks him for some favours, and Rossain complains but he actually does as he is asked. Whenever Rossain may get in trouble because of his complicated behaviour, Vil threatens him to kick him out of the actor team and leave him for the support one, which Ross always whines about. Also, Rossain likes to appear more intellectual and smart than what he truly is, so he doesn’t understand the indie movies Vil makes them watch on projects. Ross is totally Vil’s minion after a couple months at the club for sure. Could be worse, Vil appreciates Rossain deep down.

DeShawn, of course, is in the Magical Shift club. Seems pretty obvious for a guy like him after all, but even being in a sport that is quite ruthless, DeShawn is known for his too violent way of playing, which makes him get scolded easily by Ruggie on Leona’s behalf, when he actually doesn’t mean to get on problems, he just doesn’t think too much. When he plays with the team, it is one of the few times he is having fun for real, and his mood is much better than the rest of the time. In fact, he is not that bad of a teammate, but it’s hard that he listens to others and convinces him not to risk too much. That’s sometimes good, and sometimes not that good. DeShawn also thinks Leona is a very cool guy and respects him as a leader, while Leona doesn’t mind much, but likes to be admired that way. He is competitive against Epel and doesn't underestimate him, so you can call them somewhat friends. Actually a cooperative club, but ruthless.

Malik is in the Mountain lovers club! He was on the basketball one but got bored and changed it the moment Jade found it. He prefers a much more relaxed club, and the activities that offer him are actually pretty enjoyable for him. The hikes on the mountain and the green nature reminds him more of his hometown, so he thinks he will stay in this one for long. Pretty chill with Jade, actually, doesn’t mind his love for mushrooms and doesn’t mind that he is interested in pretty plain stuff that they found on the walks. Malik explains to Jade the different plants he recognizes and Jade explains to him the contrast with his own birthplace. Malik sometimes scares away the animals they found, but it’s not his intention. A weird duo that actually gets along pretty well.

Virginie is in the equestrian club, if you guessed right. He took horse riding classes when he was a kid so it seemed like a club where he could have a base on from the beginning. Despite his refined and unbothered look, and taking into account he doesn’t like physical work, Virginie knows a lot about horses and the cares of them, and seems to like when first years listen to his advice about the discipline. He is not the best at races honestly, but he is almost the best at dressage. Riddle kind of admires this, but Sebek is not very interested. Virginie gets along the best with Silver.

Finally, Cornelius is in the science club. He is aware that it is a bit of a polifacetic club, where one does not only execute some experiments and create potions, but they also raise their own ingredients and make better formulas for different stuff. For him, it is quite funny, because he is interested in the oldest way of alchemy. What can he create? Will he discover something? If he applies other methods, would the result be different? He does not pretend to go blindly or chaotically about it, like maybe Rook can be seen (since he seems to need supervision everytime), Cornelius is genuinely curious about every possibility, and compares different methods to see how things had advanced since he was a kid. Trey is also scared of this, but one can rationate with him, most of the time at least. Everyone at the club believes Cornelius knows how to create an homunculus, and someday he will be successful. He is fond of his fellow clubmates and always invites Trey and Rook to try and prove his new hipotesis.

[tsukikoayanosuke]

(Temporary) Final Thoughts of Pomefiore Arc

Since this is my official first-time experience of playing this 'live', I haven't read the translation fully. So, I'll probably re-doing this after reading/watching everything.

Essentially what I like and what I'm mixed with.

I will first address something that has been bugging me since early update. And that's about the delay. Now, I'm not going to talk about the actual delay, but the reaction. Lots of people complaining and blaming the staff and just... Guys, give them some slack. Do you know what happens when you rush production? You'll get something like Frozen 2, where they had to edit so much stuff in just 6 months before the release date because of the failed test screening. As someone who once made an RPG, coding is hard, especially something massive like Twisted-Wonderland. Sitting in front of your computer for six hours straight, coding and beta testing over and over, making the OST, scripting, voice acting. This is a massive group project and it can't be rushed even if you want to unless you want it to be glitching so bad like the Ghost Marriage incident (or was it Fairy Gala?)

Especially during this pandemic and all its protocol. My parents are professors and even they don't go to campus every day, instead, they use zoom to teach and for work meetings. I barely go out from my own house except for physical therapy and volunteer work, which usually once in two weeks because we take turns. Are you saying the staff must risk their health just for a gacha game? Guys, they might be a professional, but they are still human. Cut some slacks. Be grateful we haven't gone into absolute development hell. Yes, the Halloween event was big, but Pomefiore Arc is part of the Main Story, of course, they will give extra care compare to filler event (which might be created in the first place to give them more time in Pomefiore Arc development, which is why we don't get any Christmas event)

On to the story, I don't know how to rate the scale, but it might be slightly lower than Scarabia Arc. Can you really compare a school talent show to a rebellion? Also, in paper, this should be more light-hearted than the four arcs before it.

However, the lack of stake didn't reduce the content quality. From what I remember, there is not a single chapter that can be count as filler, from Yuu's befriending Mickey, the understandably training arc, Vil's unique magic, Deuce and Epel bonding, and the actual VDC (but I do think the tour around the campus with Riddle and Trey was a bit boring)

Also, slight worldbuilding. We finally see Sage Island in its full glory and found out RSA is a freaking Disney Castle and on the same island!

This also gives us possibly the longest rhythm game, plus chibi Jamil rapping. There's just a lot of singing in this episode, which is understandable.

I appreciate Yuu finally taking notice of the Great Seven dreams, which I hope we can get more of this and actually do something with this and not just Disney Movie references, which later in the Episode shows Yuu sort of connecting their dream and Vil's poisoning attempt.

Speaking of Vil, he's a fantastic character. Okay, I aware that we can't like all characters, there will be haters anywhere. But it seems like Vil is hated a lot because he's 'arrogant' and 'only care about beauty'. Guys, he's not Jeffery Star. This Episode shows Vil as someone much more: a hard worker, passionate in acting, and a great teacher. I always see Vil as the more mature of the cast, the mentor. And he's also basically bullied when he was a child. "TV told me how to feel" as they would say, and children believe everything they saw on TV, so of course they would see Vil as the villain. It's also interesting, as someone mentioned earlier, how Vil is a foil to Leona, where Leona just gave up, Vil doesn't stop and keep striving, and that's an admirable trait. He just wants to get the protagonist role for once and break the norm.

Another character that I like is the new combo, DeuPel (Deuce and Epel). I should've known that they will be bad boy buddies with one trying to get away from the past, while the other wants to embrace it but can't at the moment. The shouting moment at the beach is wonderful despite I haven't read the full translation. Separately, Deuce shines so much with his willingness to learn. Meanwhile, Epel finally respecting Vil and all the training is probably one of the best character development so far.

Why one of the best? Because Kalim has great character development. How he grows to be more mature in this Episode really warms my heart. Again, I need to read/watch the translation to appreciate this more. The way he reassures Jamil to take the part as the main singer, but at the same time work hard to maybe get a spot as well is great.

Sadly, because Epel taking the spotlight as Deuce's partner, Ace was sort of underused. Same as Jamil, but sort of worse since he overblotted in the last chapter but has less development than Kalim. Rook also might seem doesn't do much, but he's more as Vil's support, which is why I kinda forgive him.

But, the highlight of this is probably our very own Snow White, Neige Blanche. Can I just say how much I appreciate that Niege doesn't have a dark side? He's a sweet boy and I just really appreciate that considering we're surrounded by a cast of not so great people, it's kinda refreshing to see someone just pure. The dwarves' design are also adorable, can't really say more since we haven't seen them in depth.

And since this is a School Festival Arc, all 22 students have a cameo. I know some people who are thrilled to finally Idia in the main story and to meed Che'nya again since Episode 1.

Unfortunately, Crowley proved to be useless again. When he finally appears in this final update I screamed: "SIR! Where were you?!"

Let's go back with Rook. What he did in the last update was definitely shocking. I knew something is wrong when he smiles after Vil's monologing. So this is the only time through the update I read the translation. And I sort of get it.

So, Rook and Vil's relationship should mirror how the Evil Queen and the huntsman. I mentioned above that Rook is Vil's support and I mean that. Rook and Vil's relationship is another level of prefect and their vice. It's just fascinating. Rook is just as reliable as Jade, but also not afraid to against his perfect like Jamil, also is not afraid to say something against his perfect, unlike Trey.

And it shows in this finale. Rook is always praising the beauty of things and Vil's hard works is truly a sight, but the way Vil unable to believe in himself, it clouded what is supposed to be something truly beautiful. Compare to Neige who is basically Snow White, the purest Disney Princess, there's just no way Rook would not pick RSA. I admit, I was pissed when RSA win, but when Rook started talking, I knew there was something more. And I finally found it. Rook's message is basically "believe in yourself", the most Disney-thing ever.

Saving the best (or worst) for last, I was terrified when Grim happened. We already guess that Grim is the same monster in the prologue, but I never thought it will happen so soon. The flashed of the monster and Yuu's carriage is also a point, but we have so little info that he can't pull a conclusion yet. Is this a timeloop? Is this a vision? This is the darkest ending we've gotten and I'm scared of what will happen.

Overall, Pomefiore Arc is an enjoyable Episode, definitely a step up emotionally. The cast are wonderful as always, the theme of hard work and believing in yourself are spot on, Vil's hero journey is great (I'll give more explanation soon). Great job, team.

[fumikomiyasaki]

Leroy Violet

Relationships with The Twisted Wonderland Canon:

Heartslabyul

Riddle Rosehearts:

Leroy can't stand Riddles attitude. He doesn't head any on Riddles Orders and avoids him at any cost. If they do have to do something together, Riddle mostly complains about Leroy and his Style of Fashion which leads to them bickering hours on end.

Ace Trappola:

Because Ace is a bit more in the mischievous Side, Leroy did Took and interest in him as Well as They more have some Chatter from time to time.

Although he still occasionally teases Ace as well.

Deuce Spade:

Leroy calls Deuce sometimes a boring piece of Wood. He tolerantes him sometimes when Ace is around. But his serious attitude mostly is quite a Bore to Leroy.

Cater Diamond

Leroy keeps a close tie to Cater because Cater keeps Up with all sorts of Trends and Leroy's Goal is to stay popular. They so chat from time to time competing a bit in who is better.

Trey Clover

Because He protects Riddle so much, Leroy likes to call him his guard Dog. He also has No respect whatsoever for Trey, because He thinks Treys way of living seems Like livking the shoes Just To get Advantages, which Leroy despises. Leroy after all thinks a leader should Not command But recommend and encourage the group. Which is why He sees himself as one.

Savanaclaw

Leona Kingsscholar:

Leroy doesn't Like Leonas prideful Nature, because He likes to be treated as an equal.

However despite that Leroy mostly tends to stay away from Leona, mostly because He fears to upset him.

Ruggie Bucchi:

Ruggie and Leroy is a Team you don't wanna mess with. Together They plan pranks across the school using Leroy's invisibility.

They also hang Out eating together to come Up with new ideas. It caused both of them quite a Reputation around the school.

But in the end Leroy kinda Sees Ruggie as a junior and wants to See him grow Stronger than He was in His past.

Jack Howl:

Leroy made a Deal with Jack to not talk with him. Mostly because it didn't end well the first time. Still Leroy is quite curious about His Powers.

Octanivelle

Azul Ashengrotto

Azul and Leroy have a neutral relationship to another. Leroy respects him but also doesn't trust him. Mostly because He thinks His contracts are "fishy". However Leroy kind of feels that Azul went through something similar to him to be like this.

Floyd Leech

Leroy and Floyd usually get along pretty well. Leroy thinks Floyd is refreshing because He is unpredictable. And mostly They Just hang out and Talk about what weird new ideas they had all day.

Jade Leech

Jade doesn't like Leroy much. He thinks Leroy is a Bad influence for His brother (even though it is probably the Opposite).

As Well as Jade got caught Up in lots of Leroy's pranks by accident and so has Had lots of Bad experiences with him.

Scarabia

Kalim Al-Asim

Leroy is not really interested in Kalim or His riches. Occasionally thanks to Mellow getting along with Kalim He helps him Out, But except that Leroy Sees Kalim as someone uninteresting to him.

Jamil Viper

Compared to Trey Leroy respects Jamil more, for one because He thinks Jamil is not bound by His duty and secondly because He thinks Jamil Has a cool Look that Leroy kind of admires and respects.

He is quite taken aback to Talk to him.

Pomefiore

Vil Schoenheit

Leroy is disgusted with him. Not only because Henry hangs Out with him, But also because His Sense of Beauty is to Leroy just ugly. Because Leroy wants to Look cool, Not beautifull and also because He feels Vil IS pretty demanding, He avoids him.

Rook Hunt

Leroy gets headaches from listening to Rook. He tends to distract him once Rook tries to talk to him.

Just To make a dash and run away.

Epel Felmier

At first Leroy wanted to Take Epel similar to Ruggie under His Wing, however once He saw how Epel actually His He tends to Just leave him be, because Epel can fend for himself.

Ignihyde

Idia Shroud

Leroy Sees in Idia the only Person He can Share His secret Side with. The nerdy Leroy who wears Glasses, reads Manga, wants to stay inside all day and dislikes pressure. Mostly because Idia is quite similar to him. So They make a deal that Leroy gets him stuff from the outside and Idia keeps Leroy's Secret.

Ortho Shroud

Of course Ortho also knows about Leroy and Idias friendship but mostly He wants to get both of them outside and be who They want to be. So it's quite a struggle stopping These bookworms from hiding.

Diasomnia

Malleus Draconia

Although most people don't approach hin, Leroy felt that it was not only because of His powerful aura But because Malleus is quite similar to Leroy's past self a Outcast. As he saw Malleus Play with a Tamagotchi in Secret, Leroy was Sure about it.

So he Kind of tends to use His Invisibility to surprise Malleus and see what He is doing, But mostly without actually talking to him.

Lilia Vanrouge

Leroy tends to talk occasionally to Lilia but mostly Just trying to get information out of him and failing at it.

Sebek Zigvolt

Leroy tends to get annoyed with him quickly. His overly loyalty to Malleus kinda pisses Leroy Off, because He thinks it harms Sebek more than it helps him. He fears it won't end well for him to blindly follow His Leader.

Silver:

Similar to Lilia He Took interest in who He was, however with some attempts where Silver didn't Know himself how to answer Leroy's questions, He gave up and left Silver be.

[burnededens]

   ( avan jogia, trans male, he/him, assassin’s creed: syndicate ) * &. i know it must be scary for you, jacob frye, after not surviving the takeover. to turn into someone like jacob "jake” fowles, a twenty-five year-old bartender at dragon’s breath brewery & fighter at the ring, right here in castle town. just remember that you are as charming as you are reckless, and to be wary, be safe, be true to who you are : neutral through and through. ( hylia gets assassin’s creed on main )

   SO FUN FACT - I have been wanting to write this character in this group for months and it is absolutely a crime that it took me this long to pick him up but here we FINALLY are ! I’m genuinely shocked he’s the first Assassin’s Creed character here because I personally think all of the characters are phenomenal and it was either gonna be this character or the protagonist from two games before ( Edward Kenway of Black Flag ) but I have a slightly greater preference towards Jacob so !! Behold the living embodiment of chaotic good !! Obvious tws for death , violence , and murder under the cut because this is a series about assassins , but also gang stuff ( and a very small bullying mention in the post-snap portion ) too. I hope this is easy to understand !! 

BEFORE THE SNAP  /  J A C O B   F R Y E .

S’OKAY again I will always try and explain the games’ history and Syndicate’s specific plotline in the simplest of ways - and especially because AC can get very confusing very fast. Thankfully Syndicate is one of the more straightforward entries , but before I get into that , I have to give a basic rundown of the lore since... it will not make sense if you haven’t played any of the games.

A long long long time ago , there were these people called the Isu , and the Isu crafted something that the AC franchise refers to as Pieces of Eden. The Pieces of Eden ultimately has access to control other living beings , and they were extremely powerful.

Flash forward a little bit where you have two forces - the Knights’ Templar and the Assassin Order/Brotherhood - that struggled for these Pieces of Eden for two very different reasons.

The Templars valued order and wanted to use them to control others to achieve a utopia - believing that human corruption & essentially free will were what caused most evils of the world.

The Assassins valued freedom & wanted to preserve the free will of the world , believing that control would do them no good and a mutual understanding under this freedom would be what created a utopia.

So basically , Templars wanted peace via control and Assassins wanted peace via freedom.

Templars wanted the Pieces of Eden to control , and the Assassins knew this was Not Good and often sought to keep the Pieces the fuck away from the Templars ( at least , that’s always how I saw it. )

Of course , because we’re now on like ten main games and seventeen spin-off games it’s OBVIOUSLY way more complicated than that , just that’s the most nutshell way to explain everything. That being said , let’s jump more into Jacob & Syndicate. 

SO JACOB. Jacob is one of the two protagonists of Syndicate , the younger twin to the other protagonist , his sister Evie. They were born in Crawley , raised by their Assassin father , but while Evie was always more . . . into the Brotherhood and assassin ideals , Jacob always was more of a rebel & a free spirit. But nevertheless , he grew up an Assassin like she.

Flash forward years later where the main plot of Syndicate starts , during the Industrial Revolution in 1868 , where the twins are set on heading to London , which is pretty much entirely under control of the Templars ( namely Crawford Starrick and his network ) & their syndicates ( ha ha hA ).

This . . . is sort of where Jacob & Evie separate in terms of goals - Evie’s well-aware of the Pieces of Eden and aims to collect them before the Templars do. However , Jacob’s more so intent on taking down Templars & liberating London from their control. He goes as far as to even starting a gang with his sister - known as the Rooks - to combat the Templar-controlled gang that has London’s boroughs in its grasp known as the Blighters. 

Evie’s basically like “okay we’re going to collect the Pieces of Eden so the templars don’t have them bc Starrick will be more powerful if he has them” but Jacob says to her “fUCK YOU I’M A MAN WHO’S GONNA FREE THE PEOPLE” and. Yeah.

Throughout the game , Jacob’s the twin that exhibits a more impulsive , reckless , yet well-meaning approach to problems - and that sorta kinda . . . means that when he solves problems , he also accidentally makes other problems , and his sister has to clean them up because hey , you killed this Templar leader and angered a bunch of Blighters and we are fucked and Jacob can’t really. Grasp that because he’s too focused on freeing London NOW and taking out Templars NOW and [ Sleeping With Sirens vc ] do it NOW and remember deal with it LATER.

There’s a few cases where Jacob has even so ( both unintentionally and intentionally ) teamed up with Templars because he thought they could help him accomplish his goals in taking London back from them.

He teamed up with Pearl Attaway ( a businesswoman who controlled most of London’s transport and wanted basically a monopoly ) and didn’t find out until later that she was a Templar and had to assassinate her since she was the exact type of controller he wanted to rid London of

But also he struck a deal with Maxwell Roth ( basically a Blighter gang leader who had a shitton of power ) to work with him - but Maxwell saw this as let’s cause as much chaos as possible and fuck the consequences where Jacob saw it as more let’s fix problems by any means necessary and he had to shut down the deal when he saw Roth really just . . . didn’t give a fuck about anyone , including innocents. Jacob’s whole goal was to free and protect the innocents , he just didn’t care how as long as nobody got hurt.

AND THAT’S HONESTLY WHAT I LOVE SM ABOUT JACOB LIKE ... Jacob. Is the epitome of chaotic good like he cares so much about people and protecting the innocents & saving them from control that yeah he doesn’t really . . . consider the consequences of his actions especially when his actions are so chaotic but his primary goal is to free the people of London by taking down Templars and he doesn’t give a fuck how he’s going to do it , he just operates on his code of making sure none of the good people get hurt and the bad guys go down. 

Eventually in the game he did come to realize the errors in his own work and way of thinking - he didn’t think much of the consequences , and therefore caused more of a wreckage than he aimed for. He loved the idea of freedom , but drew the line at absolute careless anarchy like Roth.

Basically be a REBEL not an ASSHOLE.

I love this kid tho like he’s so witty and rebellious and chaotic but also good-hearted and will still help even tho he might complain a lot about it ( looks at Abberline and Darwin ) and he !! He honestly acts before he thinks but I find those characters so refreshing esp bc he’s very emotional and adamant about acting on how he feels and his ideals and it’s honestly so. Idk I really like that about him.

He’s also canonically bisexual and that is something I will never shut up about but if you fucking even tHINK ABOUT ROMANTICIZING ROTH & JACOB’S RELATIONSHIP ( like it’s p much confirmed Roth had a thing 4 Jacob but it’s not. That’s not a Good Thing ) I will personally throw some hands with you. 

...Jacob and Ned however-

SPARE NED?? SPARE NED MA’AM??? 

But honestly anyway TLDR; Jacob is a Victorian chaos-bringer who doesn’t really think much about the shit he does but has a heart of gold he’s just. He’s A Lot. He’s a lil bitch but a good kind of lil bitch.

ALSO ALSO ALSO I AM,,,, not exactly entirely sure where I’m pulling Jacob yet like I could pull him from the end of Syndicate’s main story but also there’s the Jack the Ripper DLC which makes me... feel things, but Jacob’s also significantly older than and a good bit of that DLC’s a bit triggering - long story short, we love and will protect Jacob Frye with our entire lives. 

AFTER THE SNAP  / J A K E   F O W L E S .

So PERSONALITY WISE - Jake isn’t much different from his past self ; the only thing is he never grew up with his twin sister , raised an only child , and because Jacob & Evie are meant to balance each other out , he essentially grew up without an entire part of him he isn’t even aware of.

He was adopted - adopted by a working-class family from London that moved to Castle Town , and that was where Jake was raised.

Now , he was always a bit of a rebel. Always a problem child from the start. There were hundreds and hundreds of cases where he was reported either talking back to teachers , misbehaving in class , sometimes even getting into fights with other kids whether it be they were picking on him or someone else.

And he always liked the thrill of being that rebel - being that miscreant that earned a reputation ; never a mean person , never a bad dude , just somebody who . . . acted out. Acted out for whatever reason - mainly because he never liked the idea of obeying or because he taught the rules were stupid or because the rules meant some people were gonna get inconvenienced. Like , if you see someone getting bullied , why just tell an adult where you can solve the problem right then and there and sock the bully in the jaw ??

That was it. That was Jake’s philosophy.

His parents sent him to multiple hobby & art & educational camps & stuff to try and see if he could find some sort of hobby that would sorta get him out of this ‘problem child’ thing - but it never really worked. He always either got sent home earlier or was asked to never come back because hey , you can’t start a rebellion in the boys’ cabin because you didn’t like the way one of the counselors instructed you about knot tying. 

Never worked out , his parents thought he was smart and would make a brilliant lawyer or doctor or something - but nope , he graduated high school , attempted college but dropped out after two years , and when his parents kicked him out , he crashed with a few friends and made a living on odd jobs before he scored working as a bartender at Dragon’s Breath.

And also . . . both fighting at The Ring and also underground matches for some coin.

Yeah. 

It’s sorta-kinda through this he ALSO became aware of the other people who had to resort to means like this to survive - eventually starting his own gang of people who operated on sorta-kinda Robin Hood like terms - protect the less fortunate , combat the gangs who caused way more problems than he’d like , and also to basically uhhh flip the bird to the rich.

You guessed it - they’re called The Rooks and they’re not really . . . big , they’re just kind of. There. And nobody knows Jake’s the leader but it’s not like he’s really pressed if anyone finds out. 

It’s overall not entirely different from his pre-CT life other than obvious modern differences and LACK OF EVIE sooo. Yeah !!

I’ll hopefully work on a WC page for him soon but as of rn I just kinda want to get some threads going - hope y’all enjoy my dumbass kid xoxoooo

[sassywelshgiraffe]

Name: Ashlynn “Ash” Newfield

Class/Specialty: Brawler/Equestrian/General Troublemaker

Short Bio: Ash was born and raised in Hope County, among the rolling hills and farms of Holland Valley. As a teenager, she became wild and rebellious as a result of her mother disappearing and her father growing more strict, which naturally led to a fair few run-ins with Sheriff Whitehorse. As she grew older and the potential for the charges levied against her for her mischief grew more severe, the Sheriff offered her an ultimatum: wind up in juvie, or become his Deputy and have her records sealed permanently.

Location: Hope County Jail

Recruitment Mission: Ash is available as a companion upon completion of the story mission “Hope County Jail.” Once the player successfully defends the jail from the first Peggie onslaught, they’ll find her inside complaining to Whitehorse about feeling cooped up and wanting to get outside to “do some real damage” against the cult.

Ability One: A Girl’s Best Friend - Having Ash as a companion gives the player access to a horse to ride around the map.

Ability Two: Mounted Combat - Accuracy for all weapon types is slightly increased while in the saddle.

Situations they are best used for: Literally anything that doesn’t require subtlety or stealth

Best paired with: Ash likes to get up close and personal. If she’s not using a handgun, she’s using her fists or whatever melee weapons she finds on the ground. Pair her with Sharky or Hurk for pure unadulterated chaos (and great party banter!). Pair her with Peaches for a team that can pin down almost anything and pull aggro for the player. Pair her with Jess or Grace so she can distract the cultists and bait them into the snipers’ sightlines.

Relationships in Hope County: She’s a local, so she is especially vulnerable to the emotional toll of seeing her home overrun by batshit fanatics. Whitehorse is more of a father figure to her than her own father, and Staci and Joey (although she’s constantly taking the piss out of both of them) are like her siblings. Pastor Jerome, despite failing for years to get her to come to Sunday school and NOT be a pain in the ass, is probably the only person to ever tell her that he’s proud of her and what she’s become. Ash, Sharky, Hurk, and Addy Michaels are the Disaster Squad(™) and when they all get together they are the literal manifestation of chaotic good.

Ambient Quotes:

“My family thought that getting me a horse would help ‘calm me down’ and ‘teach me responsibility.’ Joke’s on them, though. Aires is just as wild as me, and the most important thing she taught me is that animals are more trustworthy than people. They are.”

“Oh sure, when the Peggies destroy property and trespass they have a “holy calling.” When I do it, I’m just an asshole. Pfffft, double standards.

[in the valley] “Huh. Pretty sure I’ve tagged that building before. [pause] And that one. And��”

[in the valley] “Can we swing by Fall’s End? I would kill a man for a beer right now.”

[in the mountains] “We should stop by the Den and see how Addy and Eli are holding up.”

[in the mountains] “What’s with all this wolf symbolism and shit? Jacob some kinda fuckin’ furry?”

[in the river basin, after Whitehorse’s capture] “I swear to god if Faith hurts him… [frustrated scream]”

[in combat] “Fuck, shit, fuck, goddamnit, motherfucker!”

“Rook 3:16 says I JUST KICKED YOUR ASS! WOOOOOOOOOO!”

[any time any of the Seeds, especially John, gives their backstory] “We ALL have childhood trauma, bitch, you ain’t special!”

Misc Info:

Ash’s faithful equine companion Aires is a bay American Quarter Horse and is considered an essential NPC. If her health drops below 0, she will simply run away but can be called again after a short cooldown.

She is a terrible singer but will not hesitate to do impromptu karaoke in the car, even to cult radio songs. (“What? They’re catchy!”)

If anyone ever uses her full name, she will punch them. No exceptions.

She’s a huge WWE fan and will constantly make badly timed references and hum entrance themes to herself while fighting Peggies.

[ben-10-setting-omnicrom]

Yeah, canonically it's not a choice of if Ben would or wouldn't (literally no one on Team Ben is opposed to killing a fucker if they seem it necessary, there's just a order to how easily they go to that option with Gwen (and Rook) being the most opposed to it)) but what threshold of villainy you have to meet for that to be a option.

He's literally tried to kill Vilgax every time they've fought, it's just that he's stupidly durable as hell. Zs'Skayr showed in his first appearance he's perfectly willing to go on a killing spree to get what he wants and even threatened to have Gwen commit suicide etc etc.

I actually have a mini series of posts going over Ben and his team's willingness to kill

Also imo a show being for kids doesn't detract from it's ability to tell compelling stories. Hell oftentimes shows for kids tackle shit other shows won't.

Ben 10 for example literally had an episode on not only the Military Industrial Complex but a Guantanamo Bay expy and a drug ring too. Not to mention the fact all series literally had genocides.

To add on to this, I don't think it's entirely fair to do what some people do and equate Ben with a corrupt cop or whatever. Since Plumbers don't just have the safety of a city to worry about but planets and galaxies. Ben himself has repeatedly saved the universe and literally all of time.

He also doesn't (and shouldn't) kill as a first resort to everyone he fights but proven threats to massive amounts of life. He also doesn't kill people already detained.

People oftentimes just.... Seem to want to pigeonhole him into being far less or a character than he is.

The post here and comments by @jeruld in the notes are all absolutely great points and I've made several posts on the topic myself.

I'll admit I'm not very engaged in the Ben 10 fandom, but why would there be people who have debates about whether Ben should or shouldn't kill when he has already killed and shown the thrive to do so in order to stop the menace of the episode/season more than once? Not to mention that he's very clearly okay with justified murder, even if it would clearly leave some mental scars behind because despite everything he's still a child.

I mean, we have Zs'Skayr when he was 10 TWICE, in AF there was the leader of the Forever Knights he literally threatened to release all the prisioners, Ultimate Kevin right efore Gwen interrupted that final shot?

Maybe the argument is made because he's still a child throughout all of these events and even more that I'm pretty sure I'm forgetting (I haven't included anything from OV since I've never seen it completly), but it's already to late for that, if something, the argument shouldn't be if he should or shouldn't kill the different threats to the planet/galaxy, but rather how much responsability should he hold after all these events that have already happened and are to come. More than once those kills and death threats have been done because there was literally no other option at the moment or was the only option that would actually stop the problem instead of just pushing it further down the line and amplifying it (One way it could be seen as him doing just that would be Vilgax, how many times has his threat level increased because he wasn't able to kill him in the first place in OS?). How much responsability should a child hold for events when he was 10 years old, or when his own life was threatened and his brain was flooded with Adrenaline? Or what about the times where he was a teenager yet still pushed through, not because he was in danger this time, but many others who's life depended on a single decision made in the spur of the moment? Should he be held accountable when he literally knew no better at the moment? What about when he knew better but couldn't see any other option? Hindsight is 20/20 and I bet some people would use that against him in an argument, yet the question remains.

Well, I brought it up because I still regularly come across posts where people will question if that particular mentality suits the kind of character Ben is. It mostly comes down to the fact that people are just divided because, objectively, killing is immoral and "doesn't suit a heroic character."

But yeah, I agree that it has been established within the series already and you bring up a very good point because there are many factors that go into ultimately making the decision to put a permanent end to a threat to society. That’s why I defend Ben’s choice of action in this type of situation. It’s unfair to just point at him and just say it’s wrong as if he’s going around killing for the sake of killing. He's not akin to a corrupt cop. His job responsibilities surpass that of regular earth cops. By exclusively villainizing him for it you'd be ignoring all the facts of the matter.

It's arguable that he is in fact still in his teenage years by the end of canon events, but I dislike this insistence that this show is juvenile and "for kids." If it never crossed the line into borderline young adult fiction, I don't think we'd even be having this discussion. The producers had to compromise by keeping Ben as young and marketable as possible while still being able to tell the story they were trying to tell. And perhaps they would have had more freedom to delve further into the implications you brought up if they had aged him ever so slightly as the show neared it's end.

Overall, I’d argue that since you’re the second person to send me an ask responding to the topic, it goes to show how that there is still still an interest in debating this topic, even if Ben’s own stance has been established canonically. All the questions you’ve brought up just create even more debate on the matter themselves. And honestly, I don't have a problem with that because, as was my main point in my initial post, it would be inevitable for a situation involving fatal outcomes to arise within universe, so consequently, you should also unpack all the implications of that choice of action, as has been touched on in the source material.

[foxsdomains-blog]

Happy Birthday Rook!

"Alright, now, this may be the most critical mission we have ever had. 'I', you go get the banners. Ryan, you get the stringers. I'll go collect the orders we placed. Nines, you go pick up the cake. And, the most important part, Clair and 'B', you both distract Rook after she wakes up. Alright, let's start plan 'Happy Birthday Rook'!" Jeremy ends, raising his hand in a cheer as everyone runs off to do their job.

"So Jeremy, Clair and I just need to keep Rook away from here while everyone sets up, right? And try to keep her away from every shop you are all using, correct?"

"Basically, yeah. She is still asleep right now, but when she wakes up, maybe take her to the café she and Clair go to? It's up to you three. Just do your absolute best to keep her away from the base," Jeremy says, giving her a thumbs up before running outside, starting his car and driving away.

"So, Clair, how uh... how are you?" 'B' asks hesitantly. Clair sighs before responding.

"Look, 'B', you don't need to be so, hesitant around me. I honestly don't even know why you are. I'm not that scary, and don't even think I'm going to go after 'I'. I don't go after taken men or women. And besides, every clan member is safe. I wouldn't go after family," Clair says, smiling as she looks softly at 'B'.

"It's not that, but thanks for the reassurance. It's just, I don't know how to fit in. This whole lifestyle, it's completely different to the one I used to have. I can understand all of you. Jeremy and Ryan were in the military practically since birth, Rook was a government hacker, and you infiltrated groups and assassinated targets for the government. Heck, even Nines fits right in, and 'I' was a police officer before joining. But me, I don't fit in anywhere. I'm not a Fallen Angel, for lack of a better phrase," 'B' says, looking down. Clair sighs, before slapping 'B' across the cheek, not hard enough to hurt much, but enough to shock her.

"Look, 'B'. None of us care about whether you fit in or not. We are all family. And besides, you pull your weight in missions. You may still be new to this, but all of us were when we started. And yes, it is a completely different lifestyle. We are on the run from everywhere besides a few places. So I'm sure it is a complete change. But listen, and listen well. We are all here for each other. There are where times when I felt I could only rely on Jeremy, and Rook. I mostly go to Rook for that stuff though, to be honest. And trust me, there will be times when I go to you for help. So don't feel like you are alone. Because we all have each others back. And, sorry for slapping you before," Clair says sheepishly, rubbing her cheek.

"It's fine Clair, don't' worry about it," 'B' replies, laughing.

"Clair has a point 'B'. When I first started, I didn't know much about computers in general. And look at me now, I hack into top secret files just for fun," a new voice pipes up. Clair lets out a small squeal, turning around to come face to face with Rook, standing in the doorway to her room.

"Hey, where are the others?" Rook asks.

"Uhh..." Clair panics, looking towards 'B' for help.

"They all went out. Not sure where though," she answers.

"Oh. Did I miss breakfast then?"

"No, they left before breakfast," Clair says nervously.

"Are you alright Clair? You sound... odd," Rook points out, closing her door as she moves closer.

"Yeah, no I'm fine. Don't worry about me. Say, wanna go get some breakfast at our café? 'B' is gonna join us as well! So it can be the three girls of the FA," Clair suggests, her eyes darting between the other two.

"Yeah, sure. Sounds good. Let me just go get changed and I'll be right out," Rook says, going back into her room, closing the door.

"Wow, you are not good at hiding things Clair," 'B' whispers.

"Normally I'm fine, but this is Rook! I haven't hidden anything from her before!" Clair whisper-shouts back. 'B' sighs in response, just as the door opens and Rook walks back out.

"Alright, ready," she says as she closes her door.

"That was fast. Alright, let's go," Clair says, leading the way towards her car.

"I don't think I've ever ridden in this car before," 'B' says, glancing around the inside as she climbs in.

"It's a nice car, isn't it? Better than Nines', that's for sure," Clair says, chuckling slightly.

"I think Nines has a nice car, but yours is more comfortable Clair," Rooks says from the back seat.

"That's because mine is designed with all the comforts a lady needs in mind. His is just a fast and bullet proof thing on a roll cage," Clair scoffs in mock disgrace.        

"Isn't bullet proof good though? I remember when 'I' and I first met him, and a sniper tried to kill us. He forced us in his car and drove off. One of the sniper's bullets hit the windscreen in front of me. If his car wasn't bullet proof I would be dead," 'B' says, tapping on the glass in front of her.

"Well, don't worry. This baby is all bullet proof. I wouldn't be so risky as to drive something that isn't at least armoured," Clair points out, keeping her eyes on the road.

"Well, it's about 10 minutes until we get to the café, so strap in, relax, and listen to some music."

...

"I'll take my usual coffee, a green tea, and... what do you want 'B'?" Clair asks, placing her and Rook's order.

"I'll just have a water, thanks," she mutters to Clair.

"You heard the girl, and one water," Clair finishes, handing over the money as 'B' walks off to sit with Rook.

"So, how often do you both come here?" 'B' asks.

"Well, Clair and I know the owner of this place, so we tend to come here quite often. Whenever we need to get away and talk, in fact," Rook answers. 'B' makes a sound as though she heard it, looking around at all the customers eating, and all the waitresses taking and delivering orders. Her phone dings, and she reads the message before beginning a new conversation.

"Um, feel free not to answer, but how long have you both been in the FA?"

"Oh right, cause you and 'I' have only been here for 6 months, haven't you? Well, Clair has been here longer then myself, but I've been here for 4 years, and I'm only 22. In comparison, Nines joined 3 years ago," Rook says, glancing over her shoulder as the waitress arrives, placing their orders down.

"I joined 6 years ago, along with Ryan. Though, 'joined' is putting it loosely. Ryan, Jeremy and I all worked together a few times, before we found out we all were disgraced from our roles with either the government or military, and so we formed the 'Fallen Angels'," Clair explains, taking a sip of her coffee.

"Wait, you were all disgraced?" 'B' asks in surprise.

"You weren't told? Jeremy and Ryan were dishonourably discharged and blamed for the deaths of their entire team. It was a mission gone wrong, and even though it wasn't their fault, it impacted them horribly. Jeremy has survivors guilt, and Ryan, well, you've seen him. Though to be fair, he was always a bit crazy," Rook explains.

"And I was framed for the death of an important figure, and became hunted. I ended up meeting Jeremy and Ryan and after about a year, well yeah. This happened," Clair finishes.

"Oh, I... never knew this," 'B' says, looking down.

"I'm kinda surprised no one told you, to be honest. But oh well, now you know," Clair shrugged. *ding*. Clair makes a small sound of surprise as she checks her phone.

"Oh, everyone's back. Guess it's time. Finish your drinks quickly girls, it's time to go," Clair says, sculling her still hot coffee. 'B' looks at Clair, and Clair winks back at her. Rook looks between the two, before shrugging and finishing her tea.

"Kinda sucks we have to go already. We just got here," Rook complains as the three girls walk back to the car.

...

"Alright, Rook, stay here," Clair says, inching the door open and slipping inside, shutting the door behind her.

"Do you know why Clair is acting so weird, 'B'?" Rook asks, turning around to her shorter friend.

"I do, yeah. And before you ask, you'll find out soon. Just wait," 'B' says, checking her phone.

"Alright, green light means go." 'B' opens the door, letting Rook walk into the dark room in front of her. 'B' closes the door behind her, plunging the room into complete darkness.

"3, 2, 1." The lights turn on, illuminating the room and showing off the banners, string, and a table full of presents, with a cake placed neatly in the middle.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ROOK!" Everyone shouts, popping out from their respective hiding places. Rook stands, silently processing what just happened.

"You aren't dumb Rook, so we had to make everything genuine. Which is why we chose Clair and 'B' to distract you while we all set up. Sorry about deceiving you Rook, but it's either that or you wouldn't be surprised," Jeremy says as everyone walks closer.

"And what's better than a surprise party on your birthday? Surprise cake! Of which we have plenty," Nines says, gesturing towards the cake. Rook opens her mouth to say something as a single tear falls from her left eye, but is quieted by Ryan.

"Don't say anything Rook, just enjoy this day. Well, what's left of it. It is your special day after all," he says, smiling warmly.

"Alright, let's do cake!" Nines says, dragging Rook over to the massive cake sitting on the table between the presents. Clair hands Rook the knife, and directs her hand over her cake. The cake is at least a meter long, with colourful frosting swirls around the outside of the otherwise white cake. A colourful design of a laptop is frosted in the centre, the keys outlined with green letters. Where the screen would be, in big blue frosting, is printed "Happy Birthday Rook!".

"It took three years for us to finally find your date of birth, so I apologise for the wait, but we hope this makes up for it. The classic big birthday party, with a Fallen Angel twist!" Jeremy cheers.

"So you mean, we eat cake, open presents and get blind drunk?" Rook questions.

"Exactly. So don't fear drinking tonight, Rook. We aren't gonna judge you on anything that happens. Cause tonight is your night," Nines says, patting her on the back. Rook nods, allowing Clair to direct her hand down, cutting her cake.

"Oops, she touched the bottom, time to kiss the closest boy," Clair says in true Clair fashion, her eyes darting between Rook and Nines. Jeremy sighs, before,

"Clair, let the poor girl go. Let's just eat the cake."

"Fine, fine. Well, come on Rook, I'm hungry," Clair whines.

"Clair, make yourself useful and go get our drinks, would you?" Ryan directs, pointing to the kitchen. Clair sighs loudly, before stomping off. Rook giggles slightly, cutting more slices in the cake.

"Alright, everyone come and take a piece as I cut them, otherwise we will be here all day," Rook says, placing piece after piece on plastic plates. As everyone starts eating, Clair wheels the cart into the room.

"Why is the kitchen so far away! Who designed this bloody base!?" Clair loudly complains.

"Well, it's only a couple of meters down the hallway, and to the left. At least it isn't in the helicopter room," Jeremy points out.

"That's another thing, we need to name our rooms better. 'TV Room', 'Helicopter room'? Can't we just have 'Gaming room', 'Movie Room', 'Landing pad', and fucking kitchen!?"

"Clair, shut up, calm down, and have some cake and drinks," Jeremy orders, not even looking up from his cake. Clair grumbles, poring herself a glass of red wine, grabbing a slice of cake and taking a seat next to Rook.

As everyone finishes their drinks, Clair softly hands Rook a medium size, rectangular box wrapped in cheesy wrapping paper.

"This one is from me. Thought you may want it, so you can," Clair leans down to whisper in Rooks ear, "bond more with Nines." Rook looks up slightly, before carefully tearing off the paper.

As the paper disappears, the content of the box is revealed. Rook holds up the box, the red writing on the black background displaying just what it is.

"A new laptop?" Rook asks.

"Top end gaming laptop. I'm not sure what it all really means, but you can see on the box what it has in it. I made sure the man at the shop gave me the best one they had," Clair says hesitantly.

"Clair, this... this must have costed a fortune... thank you," Rook says, carefully placing it down before hugging Clair.

"Anything for you Rook," Clair says, returning the hug.

"Hey Rook, here's mine," Nines starts, handing her a small, square box, "I know you aren't much of a girly girl, so I'm not sure if you'll like this, but I know you like cats, so, yeah." Nines rubs his head, glancing away as Rook takes the box. She opens it carefully to reveal a small cat pendent on a silver chain, with rubies where the eyes would be.

"Nines, this is wonderful. Thanks you," she replies, smiling up at him.

"No worries, Rook. It's all good," Nines says, walking off with a drink in hand.

"So Rook, like Nines said, we know you like cats. And we know you have been wishing you had one, so we talked it over. Clair, if you want to do the honours?" Jeremy gestures over at Rooks room.

"No... you didn't..." Clair disappears inside her room, before reappearing with a blue and white cat cage in hand. Rook covers her mouth with her hands, tears threatening to fall.

"Here you go Rook, she's all yours," Clair smiles as she hands the cage over as a small mewl sounds from the back of the cage. Hesitantly, she opens the cage and a small black kitten walks out calmly.

"What you gonna name her?" Clair asks.

"... Angel," Rook answers, her voice shaky.

"I get it, cause she's a black cat, and angel. Like a fallen angel, clever," Nines praises.

"So Rook, we didn't get you a lot in terms of quantity, but I do hope you enjoyed your birthday," Jeremy says. Rook shakes her head, tears flowing as she hugs Angel close to her.

"It was great, thank you all so much!" she cries. Clair wraps her arms around Rook, pulling her close as her friend cries on her shoulder.

"Alright, let's drink, and enjoy the rest of this day!" Jeremy cheers, raising his arm with his drink in hand. Everyone cheers, following his action.

"Thank you so much for this day Clair..." Rook whispers, calming down.

"You're welcome Clair. Now, go talk to Nines, find out what games he plays," Clair says, lightly pushing Rook towards Nines.

As the day goes on, and night begins to fall, the Fallen Angels keep celebrating Rook's birthday, drinking heavier as the night goes on. And the entire time, Rook did not take off the necklace given to her, nor did Angel move away from Rook, deciding that life with the Fallen Angels must be pretty alright. If only the rest of the world could see that as well.

[theotherrookie]

"Tetris 99 is a good game and it's a great twist to a legendary game." Rook said, "Getting pestered with demands for a battle royale game when we said we're currently not interested is what annoys me. Sure, I could just recycle assets from another game, slap random stats and colors on weapons and make a game. But our team doesn't work that way."

"Sometimes I linger long enough to read the messages of these people and they seem to find it funny to just be annoying that way." Rook's mother said, "Then they immediately switch to complaining about the camera glitching. Some people simply don't know how to appreciate the beauty of a lady."

"Funnily enough, it isn't even the camera's problem but the stream itself that can't handle mom's presence." Rook added.

Seeing as her mother didn't seem bothered by the topic for now, Rook figured she could go a bit further in detail while she finished her ice cream.

"It kinda was. I was just sitting on a tree and it still felt like I had to move the entire building with my own hands." Rook admitted, "Well, I got a hug from mom and one from Leofric too. I kinda asked for one, so I don't know if it counts..."

theotherrookie​:

The ghost lady seemed to get that she wasn’t being faulted not being there for Rook. It was something she would have to get over with time along with the rest.

“You’re kinda picturing Dead by Daylight there.” Rook said, “But at this point, making a new battle royale game would be truly evil.”

“See, I know what that means because she complained about those people in her stream asking for those games.”

“Yup. But snacks sound nice and we could watch something one of these nights.” Rook replied, “Yeah, I figured he liked the idea.”

The question made her go quiet for a moment. In a way, it didn’t feel right to discuss it in front of her mother.

“Well, I guess it left a mark.” Rook said a bit awkwardly, “It made me think, that’s for sure. And I realized that all I needed were mom and a hug.”

“I suppose I am,” Bill said, before he laughed a little bit, “Yeah, I admit, the market does seem a little bit oversaturated with them. Although I do like me a bit of Tetris 99.”

But then he smirked. 

“Now that would annoy most people to be fair,” Bill said, “I don’t let anyone tell me what to play on my channels. If anyone starts pestering me, they get muted.”

Usually, it only took once or twice before people learned.

“Yes, he could,” Bill said, before he briefly wondered if he had overstepped some kind of boundary. But it seemed that he had realised that perhaps this wasn’t the best time or place to go into detail.

So Bill nodded subtly.

“Fair enough. I can imagine it was an intense time,” Bill said, “And I hope you got her and that hug as soon as you got back.”