#and she found someone who knows how to create the illusion of life

[kinoshi]

Basically, I bet you'll see

At first, I'm not quite what I seem

Every day is just the same

(Picking names, repeating faces)

Everything is show and tell

And things are played off somewhat well

Holding hands, we're rather bored

Nothing lines up anymore

The Chattering Lack of Common Sense

Это сигнатурка Недотеп в масках, я уверена

Just... accept the mask

Пыталась написать небольшую предысторию, но так как я не писатель то,что вышло мне не понравилось. Как к этому все пришло-история умалчивает.

[wakkass]

Katara's Lightning: waterbending technique

Part 2

By a happy coincidence, one firebender who just knows how to redirect lightning joined the Gaang. You have no idea how excited I was when I realized the potential for Zuko and Katara's interaction in this concept.

Two benders of opposing elements turn to each other's elements to master one phenomenon: lightning. She's a waterbender who creates this lightning, and he's a firebender who repels it. One draws these skills from the other's martial art: lightning redirection is based on the concept of waterbending, while lightning is a firebending technique.

This is not just a combination of elements, it's their unification into something whole. Mix water and fire! It would seem impossible, but Katara and Zuko are people who have always gone beyond human capabilities to achieve their goals. If they can't do it, no one can.

Thus, by blurring the boundaries between fire and water, they destroy the illusion of difference between peoples (if you remember, this topic was raised by Guru Pathik in book 2). People of water and fire can work together, help and even complement each other.

After all, in fact, each of them makes up for the lack of the other. Katara can't control the lightning, and Zuko can't create it to further deflect it. They need each other for the balance of power. Like Yin and Yang, like day and night, like the sun and moon. How beautiful it is, I can’t.

I think the whole idea of Katara personifying anger would have continued with Zuko joining the team. When he appeared, she found nothing better than to center her rage on him. He betrayed her, this is justified anger. He's the prince of the nation that started the war, he is responsible for these horrors. He's the son of the one who ordered her mother killed.

However, Zuko did something that no one expected, especially Katara: he allowed her to let go of the anger of her life. He achieved this by redirecting the power of her rage to the real culprit of all Katara's worries - the murderer of her mother. And the reprisal against him gave her inner peace and a solution to a problem that seemed unsolvable.

Her anger was just like lightning, which was eager to strike at least someone, just to throw out the accumulated energy. Righteous, but throwing itself at everyone. Zuko didn't hide it, didn't calm it down, but redirected it to where it was needed, finding the necessary target.

This is another metaphorical aspect of their joint technique. He learned to channel her lightning not just through training, but through interaction and strengthening their personal connection. And the result was that understanding at a glance, which formed the basis of their fighting style. I don't know about you, but I thought this summed up their relationship perfectly.

Thus, from now on, she can rely on Zuko and trust him not only with the emotional burden, but also with their lives in the midst of a storm, both metaphorical and literal. After all, she knows that he will always deflect lightning from innocent...

Remember this moment? Zuko and Katara fight back to back, showing their shared trust in each other and cooperation as warriors. But imagine if, on top of everything else, they trained a joint technique for generating lightning and then directing it. It looks so cool in my head, it’s a pity I’m not an animator and/or storyboard artist, I don’t know how to stage scenes (((

And then, when lightning seemingly brought Zuko and Katara together, it ended up nearly tearing them apart, taking his life.

Because Zuko will always deflect lightning from Katara…

< Part 1

[bubblez-bubble]

Wendy Marvell is the strongest character in Fairy Tail.

By the time she was 4, she had lost her birth family and was orphaned by dragons.

By the time she was 5, she was left to fend for herself by her dragon parent and thought she was all alone.

By the time she was 6, Edolos Jellal, who was taking care of her for a time, left her (after she begged him not to leave her alone, mind you) with a spirit who created an entire village just for her.

By the time she was 12, she realized that that entire village was just an illusion created to keep her from feeling alone, which was revealed as they all faded away, leaving her alone again.

By the time she was 13, she really had to say goodbye to her dragon parent for good with no time to make up for the 14 years (including Tenroes 7) that they hadn't seen each other, only having enough time to exchange a few words.

Following that, her new family disbanded without warning and the man she looked up to like a big brother was no where to be found and had just taken off also without warning.

At 14, she had to make the tough decision to leave her family at Lamiascale to be with her Fairy Tail family, or let Fairy Tail go forever.

This poor girl has been loved by many, and has lost most of them.

SHE IS A CHILD!

Yes they've all lost someone and yes they all lost Fairy Tail for a time and had to make the choice to leave the lives they've built to come back, but it was a no brainer for the adults who had spent their whole lives with the guild and it being all they've ever known.

But for Wendy, it seems every time she gets comfortable with her family, it suddenly gets taken away from her. And when her last family was taken from her and Lamiascale took her in, she accepted with the express understanding that Fairy Tail was no more and she'd be all alone otherwise.

You can argue whatever you want, but nobody in the series, other than maybe, MAYBE, Zeref, has lost more than Wendy Marvell.

Erza lost her eye, sure. But her artificial eye saved her from Evergreens stone eyes.

Lucy lost her family, okay. But she has her spirits who have been with her every step of the way and understand everything she's feeling because when Layla died, at least 3 of her spirits lost her too.

Natsu lost Igneel, found out he was a demon, and lost his only surviving family member, yeah. But he's found someone who can look past what he is and has found comfort in her and shares everything with her and he has Happy who marched with him every step of the way to find Igneel.

Gray lost his family and master to one of Zerefs demons, alright. But he has Lyon who experience everything the same as he did and Juvia would do anything to make him happy and help him feel at peace.

And you can argue Wendy has Carla/Charle. However, my argument to that is Carla doesn't seem to know how to comfort Wendy and seems to rely on others to do it for her. You could also argue that Carla is losing as much as Wendy does, but unlike Happy who was there for every loss in Natsus life after the dragons disappeared, Wendy still had more to lose between the dragons and Carla.

The poor girl can't catch a break.

If you think about it, all this makes her dragon force awakening even sadder than it was.

She was 12, TWELVE! She had already lost so much, and for an instant, she thought she was going to lose her best friend. She was going to watch someone else she cared about disappear from her life, and she snapped.

She is an amazing character, but this poor girl has lost everything over and over again.

And yet, she's still kind, she doesn't lose her temper, she's soft spoken, she's puts others before herself, and she still finds it somewhere in her heart to love others despite all that she's lost while loving others.

What's more?

She doesn't complain! She doesn't whine about how unfair life is. She doesn't bend and break and fall apart. She just keeps moving forward. She doesn't dwell. She doesn't throw a pity party for herself. She doesn't take off for a year without warning and nothing but a note to her friends. (Cough cough, Natsu. 😐 yes I'm STILL bitter. Bite me.)

She cries, picks up the pieces, and keeps going with a smile on her face.

I think a lot of the adults around her could stand to learn a thing or two from her.

[tartsinarat]

Pip: “…I know you will never think so, but I have always hoped that in another life, you had ran away with me that night.”

Hunter: “…”

Pip: “We could have actually been finally free from this gilded birdcage.”

So I’ve never actually posted anything deeper into how Hunter and Pip think about each other/ their dynamic other than silly sibling dynamic but it’s actually a lot more interesting than that.

Pip and Hunter actually have a complicated relationship that somewhat is like funhouse mirror on what Philip and Caleb may have been like as they both flip flop between the two roles but ironically Hunter predominantly takes Philip’s role while Pip takes Caleb’s. Which uh caused a lot of disagreements.

In the au canon, they see themselves as actually being siblings rather than cousins because the fake story that Belos made is a lot different from the og canon of the show.

So rather than being Belos’s nephews like how Hunter is in the show, instead they are his actual children that he had with a human when he supposedly visited the human realm. This is what Hunter believes is the reason why he has no magic but pointed ears and why Pip thinks he has magic but round ears.

The story that Belos created in order to explain why their mum mysteriously missing is that a group of wild witches killed her and the rest of their family. It’s also the fake explanation for how both Pip and Belos got cursed.

This also adds credence to why Belos hates wild witches to the public and why the day of unity is so important because they’ve all been told it’s going to properly unite the human realm and the demon realm.

I also find it much more interesting that instead of Hunter just knowing that his “family” died in a mysterious way like in the show canon that instead Belos actually created an extremely detailed false family history so those two wouldn’t go snooping around searching for any missing details

it makes it even more fucked up when these two later learn that everything was a lie because to further solidify the illusion Belos even implanted false memories so uh these definitely two struggle with the consequences of figuring that out.

But yeah properly onto Pip and Hunter, both of them were basically inseparable as little kids but ended up drifting apart because Hunter had started working as the Golden guard and Pip was too young to help out (and also Belos didn’t want to have to go through the long and tedious process of cloning himself again) so Pip was often left behind bored and alone.

This boredom has consequences because when exploring the castle Pip found out about something he really shouldn’t have…He inadvertently ended meeting the collector who was also really bored and wanted to play with someone who’s not old and boring like Belos. Uh safe to say Pip straight up almost died when Belos walked in on him and the collector chatting about titans.

Hunter also ended up eventually getting involved to try and protect Pip but ended up getting that wound across his cheek. They obviously both survived but they were both punished by not being allowed to use healing magic on their wounds and to be locked in their rooms for the foreseeable future.

Pip sneaks out and attempts to convince Hunter to escape the castle and run away because it’s not the first time they’ve been almost killed for a mistake but Hunter believes that they had both deserved it for disobeying authority and refuses to come with Pip.

Pip just ends up escaping by sneaking on to an airship but almost gets caught by Belos but just escapes in the nick of time with just a scratch across his thigh. Luckily the airship was being piloted Lilith who had no idea that there was a stowaway onboard as she was too busy planing on how to finally convince Eda to join the emperor’s coven.

Oh yeah Eda straight up slams the door in Lilith’s face and tells Hooty to eat any intruders, Pip sneaks out of the airship as it’s about to leave and while trying to get a grasp of his surroundings, Hooty sees him and its on sight. Eda saves him and ends up with a new roommate along side King and Hooty and patches him up because she felt bad for the little guy.

I’ll talk about Hunter and Pip’s familial relationship in the modern times in another post as this one got really long TwT

But yeah that’s the origin to this post of small Pip and why him and Hunter have bad blood until they met again like 7 years later.

[miifu666]

What are Suklha abilities would you say ?

Hellooo anon ♡♡♡

Im sorry for being a bit inactive for the past few days, im working on 4 college projects at once and im dealing the heavier parts 😭 a bit burnt out too.

Suklha's Abilities are mostly based off of a kowledge one has throughout their life, also acts more like a messenger.

Shapeshifting/Transformation. Suklha has the ability to shapeshift into something more Surreal be it a nonexistent creature with Grotesque attributes or a certain person. This also includes their tails, which they cab elongate and grow the size of they're inspired off of Kafkaesque, its only fair they have the ability to turn into something nightmarish.

In turn, She can shapeshift others into something too. Suklha has shapeshifted a couple of dragons into inanimate objects to teach them humbleness, she needs to have a logical reason to do this though.

She is rumored to have a venom that can destroy countless of villages, provinces even. A venom that can act as a plague, the ones who could eradicate dragons like tissue. Although this hasn't been seen done by her

Contracts, Suklha has the ability to form contracts that can control one's fate/destiny should the two party agree to it. If met with the proper condition, the contract might bend the reality of time.

Omniscience, being the creator of the cursed book. Known to change cover each time it's placed on a shelf, Suklha can give out the knowledge of the universe to anyone and anything. Besides the side effects it can bring, She has total understanding of hwo everything works. People's fates, deaths, etc. This comes at a cost in which she has to adhere certain "life rules" such as Equivalent Exchange, to be adapted in her way of living.

Bastard of Immortality, Suklha was supposed to be a symbolism the rotten side of immortality, a symbol of Rotting. She has the venom that can cause plagues, to turn a whole village into a rotting flesh. Burning the scales of even the dragons. She's the patron of a chaotic primordial god, of course She's bad news.

Immortality, Suklha can't age or die from natural causes. As long as the link between the god and Suklha is still ongoing, she's immortal by any means. She's able to regenerate her own body, but somehow guardians from the underworld found a way to scar Suklha's vessel

Astral projecting, i guess this also counts as Telepathy? Like in LMK im sure every non-human beings can do this to communicate to one another. But they call it astral projecting.

Probability, Suklha can create certain chain reaction sequence of events in order to make her goal come into fruition, this can come from the simplest of action. Since Suklha has a total Understanding of the universe's knowledge, i feel like this is more of a softskill instead of an ability but ill put it just in case.

Illusions, Knowing how magics and Yaoguais work their way around. Suklha learned some advanced spells from the spider sisters, giving vivid illusions that might be too realistic. Like a loop of walking through the forest once or twice more than you should.

Besides these, she's probably more in tune with using Artifactss. Whether its made by their own hands or someone elses. I would List Suklha's softskill too but im guessing anon is asking more about her supernatural ability.

I think Suklha prefers to utilize the powers of other beings who are either cooperating with her voluntarily or under her direct control. Influencing their powers rather than using her own directly.

[dokidokitsuna]

Goldilocks in Grimmland

This is so, so premature...but my muses have been with me from start to finish on this idea and I adore it, so I'm talking about it now! :D

So in the RWBY NeverFell AU, Yang's little mishap during the Vytal Festival actually follows her around for quite a while; with pretty much everyone but her closest friends whispering behind her back about what she did to Mercury. This is very isolating and frustrating for her, especially since she knows from Ruby's eye-witness account that Merc was definitely faking his injury. She's determined to figure out how and why she saw that illusion, and also kinda wants revenge against Mercury for low-key ruining her life. ^^; And her investigation eventually leads her back to him...except, he looks a bit different now. Shocked by his Grimmification and eager to know more, she dives even deeper into the mystery.

Unfortunately, by this time, Salem has arrived at Beacon, parking her giant whale outside the premises similarly to the way she did in Volume 8. ^^ And upon landing, it creates a Grimm-based ecosystem-- a dark forest that gradually spreads outwards the longer it stays there, only adding to the population of Grimm overrunning the area. That's a whole other issue, that the rest of Team RWBY will probably be helping with. For Yang, it's mostly just a giant hindrance to her investigation. She's got suspicions about Mercury (and knowing he's a silver-eyed warrior, suspicions about her deceased mother) and she's sure that the answers are somewhere in that Grimm-whale. But with the death-forest of Grimm surrounding it, it seems impossible for her to get there.

Until, she remembers she knows someone with a semblance that's perfect for the job. ^^

+++

There are several reasons why I love this idea: it gives Yang the spotlight for once in her life; it makes Mercury relevant; it provides an opportunity to get members of the main cast close to Salem.

But the biggest one is: IT GIVES ME AN EXCUSE TO USE REN!!!!! (≧∇≦)ﾉ

I've always loved Lie Ren; like Penny, he's one of those characters who's just impossible to screw up (in basic concept, anyway...). Across RWBY's many adaptations and spinoffs, he's always adorable and always looks cool in combat.

The only problem with him, and the reason I've rarely spoken about him, is that...people don't seem to care about him?? ;_; Specifically, in the source material, he's given so little to do that there just isn't much of a reason to care about him. He barely has any motivations that don't boil down to some variant of "protect Nora". Even Nora herself is given character connections and talking points outside of "her man", but Ren has no one and nothing else. He gets a couple episodes of spotlight in Volume 4, and that's it for the whole series. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I mean, just think about this: Ren is the only member of the main cast who doesn't have a character song. o_o Look it up, it's true. I had to look it up just to make sure, because I found it appalling...this is a character who was originally voiced by the creator of the show; why is he such an afterthought???

So I decided, if I don't like this, I gotta do right by him in NeverFell, somehow. And it was REALLY hard to think of a place to put him, until I suddenly struck gold with this idea. ^^ Yang's little 'detective story arc' had been a thing for a while, and although I wanted her to be separate from Team RWBY, I never really liked the idea of her being alone. A character like her works best with someone to bounce off, and Ren's coolness is a great contrast for her bubbly personality.

Plus, I think putting Ren in a position like this could service him, too: not only does it give me an opportunity to add his semblance, backstory, and maybe even a Nuckelavee fight to the plot in the absence of a V4 timeline; it could give him a chance to "flesh himself out" the way Nora did in V7. Y'know, allow him to really connect with someone besides Nora-- and then, maybe seeing how similar-yet-different Yang is to his childhood friend is what'll get him to realize that he's never done this before. That maybe he's stuck to the familiar dynamic of that early relationship for so long, that there are different sides of his own personality that he's forgotten about. Sides that are coming out now that he's on this new adventure, with a new friend~.

[lucianalight]

Magic, storytelling, Time and Death

or my scattered thoughts on Agatha All Along 1x07

"The felow of time is an illusion."

"Your path winds out of time."

This is consistent world building. Sth mcu lacked for a long time. Now I don't know whether this was planned or not. But the way they handled Lilia's connection to time, is consistent with Loki Series and general world building of mcu.

For someone out of it, time is an ever changing chaotic tree. The flow of it is only felt by people who live in it. And for each of their choices a new timeline appears. And if someone go back in time, they can't really change their past because then their future becomes their past and a new timeline appears which wouldn't be theirs.

I spent some time thinking about whether what happened to Lilia was time slipping the same as Loki. It's not. Loki could move through time and space and could cause changes and control the events to a certain point.

Lilia's task is not to control but to see. She can glimpse through her life but can't change anything. Which brings us to one of the central themes of Loki series this episode touched: The connection between magic and storytelling. The safe passage spread is basically a cycle of hero's journey. And in this trial the hero is Lilia. As the coven are the travellers in the Road and as Agatha is the protagonist of the story.

What makes Loki the god of stories in mcu is his ability to rewrite the story, the story being the singular "sacred timeline", by letting everyone write their own stories. Therefore what a divination witch can do is reading others' stories as well as writing their own.

This connection to stories also shows itself with the theme of the trial. Sure it's because of the stereotypes Lilia hate too but it also speaks of the power of stories. I found it interesting that all of them were cosplaying as classic evil witches except Lilia who I assume is Glinda. A hint to their personality? Like the new Maleficent movies show her as a character who is both a hero and a villain. Perhaps hinting at the same potential for Billy/William and his identity issues? Not to mention there's sth weird going on with Billy and the Road as others mentioned before. Billy starting all the trials. Lilia appearing just a he wished she was there. The blue lighting in the road. Lilia's cryptic "because you need me now". It could simply be sarcasm but it could mean sth more.

But then this means Jen would be evil? And I'm highly doubtful of that. She isn't set up like that. It would be a good twist though. What is certain about her is that she is the path ahead. Seems like she plays a vital role in future episodes and possibly gets her powers back. (She's also Lilia's sister in craft. Not just as a witch. I think that broom exchange possibly creates a deeper bond. Another evidence against her being evil).

The destination is Death. I'm curious about how they're going to explore the concept of Death as the original green witch. She's set up to be an antagonist and seems like to be the big baddy at the end. I have some doubts though. All roads lead to Death(unless you're Loki :D) but it's not necessary a bad thing. Why Death would be the antagonist? Isn't meeting it what we all have in common as Lilia's teacher said? And that in a larger scale makes all of us, all the living, a coven? "We are one" etc? Someone said Rio Vidal means the river of life. It is such a poetic take on Death to make it what brings everyone to the hypothetical sea. I don't know why she would be a villain and not a neutral entity.

Speaking of Death, is Wanda really dead? Yes, no, maybe(Thor's answer every time someone asks him whether Loki's dead :P :D ). The only other person aside from Agatha who we are sure saw her body is Rio. But she never said Wanda's dead, she said "that witch is gone". Maybe this means the scarlet witch is gone but Wanda survived?

If she returns though she's going to have to deal with Billy's new mom, her ex bestfriend turned enemy turned adoptive mom to her son and Billy's mommy issues with two of his moms.

Before the destination though there will be a great transformation. It was about Lilia in this episode but also it's about Agatha our main protagonist who is being more truthful and visibly protective and lowering her walls and yet Billy doesn't trust her and questions everything and it hurts her. She represented the obstacles in tarot. Her grief, sorrow and heartbreak are her obstacles.

The episode takes us through the story of its hero in a nonchronological order as she experienes it. And the hero goes through her journey and bravely faces her fear and overcomes it as she forshadows what's about to come. It's starts and ends with falling. A full circle. A story arc within a story arc.

[ecstaesykiss]

Stop Pretending You Know Kim Taehyung / BTS V:

We need to talk about how fake this whole idea of "knowing" idols really is — and how much damage it's doing to someone like Kim Taehyung.

BTS’s content (Run BTS, Bon Voyage, In the Soop, all the VLives) gives fans the feeling that they’re getting some kind of “real,” behind-the-scenes look at the members. but the truth is, it’s all carefully packaged and curated. it’s not some open diary, it’s selected highlights from hours and days of footage. Hybe themselves call it a "curated ecosystem". they're literally telling you: you're only seeing what we allow you to see.

and yet fans and anti fans act like 5 minutes of an edited clip gives them the right to decide who Taehyung is as a person. It’s pure delusion.

the entire system encourages parasocial relationships, fans thinking they personally know an idol who has no idea they exist . it's often a one-sided relationship, built on illusions. then when we add the toxic K-pop culture on top (where idols have to be perfect at all times) and it becomes hell for anyone who dares to be real. Idols who have show emotion or complexity get punished. the second Taehyung shows even a sliver of something that doesn’t fit the "perfect doll" image, people act like he’s betrayed them. it’s disgusting.

Created a Fiction to Hate Him

Tae is one of the most sincere, soulful artists BTS has. And yet the fandom loves to twist everything he does into something ugly.

His love for jazz is mocked like he’s some pretentious wannabe. meanwhile, Taehyung played the freaking saxophone as a kid. he fell in love with jazz as a child. It's not some trend he picked up last week . It's part of his soul. nut fans who only understand pop music and chart-chasing mock him for it, because he doesn't fit their shallow standards

His love for his family is twisted into memes and nasty gossip. The man lost his grandmother (the woman who raised him) and honored her memory while quietly serving his country. And fans still found a way to twist that into something ugly. How dead inside do you have to be to mock someone’s grief. His mother is not a public figure and jet she is used to hate him for loving her to much? when the only time he has adressed her is being thankful for feeding the bts members and being supportive and visiting the members concert.

His natural personality? If he’s shy, if he’s tired, if he’s serious, it’s turned into fan theories. "He's distant!" "He’s arrogant!" "He’s changed!" No, you freaks he's human. Not every second of his life is a performance for you.

and the gaslighting is out of control. rvery time someone gets called out for being cruel or unfunny they hide behind "it's just jokes" or "it’s just memes" ans it's not funny. it's not harmless. it's public humiliation, disguised as “fan culture.”

Hybe’s Editing Games

fans are given only pieces of the puzzle and still assume they see the whole picture. Tae is being judged on 30-second snippets of heavily edited shows and out-of-context memes. and yet Hybe sells these snippets as if they were raw truth.

Just remember: genuine authenticity is not what the cameras capture; it’s what happens off-camera. but fans rarely get to see that unfiltered reality. the difference between true authenticity and Hybe’s marketing is huge

Tae can release a solo album, speak humbly about his life, or smile quietly, and some in the fandom will punish those things because they clash with the caricature they’d built in their heads.

The Reality You Refuse to See

Kim Taehyung is gentle.

He is thoughtful.

He is creative in ways that words barely do justice.

He makes music not to dominate charts, but to heal.

He loves his family not for the public eye, but because they are the core of who he is.

He chooses to remain soft in a world that constantly punishes softness.

And yet, for all this beauty, he is still treated like he’s wrong.

You criticize him for being too real.

You punish him for not playing into the idol fantasy 24/7.

You tear him down simply for breathing in ways you can’t control.

But the truth is:

Taehyung never owed you a damn thing.

Not his smile.

Not his vulnerability.

Not his endless patience.

Not his art.

Not his soul.

[dragon-creates]

A Good Luck Charm (for funnybunny writing week)

Read on AO3

In a world where the fae walk among mortals, a disguised jackrabbit named Jax finds a mortal named Pomni alone at a park. Feeling sympathy for her struggles, Jax casts a small good luck charm for a few hours to help her. However, even if the charm lasted for a day, it wouldn't be the last time that the fae saw the human.

IMMA BETA READ THIS IN THE MORNING I PROMISE JUST PLEASE TAKE THIS ITS BEEN SO LONG SINCE IVE WRITTEN ANYTHING!!!!!

The fae had always existed. They have been right in front of you, yet you never even spared a glimpse. Whether it was a siren hiding beneath the murky waters, or a pixie hopping from flower to flower, they’re not so human features were hidden from the everyday mortals.

Years ago, the king and queen of the fae realm had discovered a portal to the worlds of mortals. They had considered keeping this secret to themselves, knowing that they were some fae with tricks up their sleeves that aimed to do more harm than good. However, they know someone would find out eventually, and cause more uproar.

And so, a law was stated: those who wanted to enter the fae realm were to use a glamour to hide their magical forms and use minimum to none of their powers unless it was an emergency. The law had been strict and for good reason, many fae had tested to see what they could get away with and had found themselves behind the prison walls of the castle prison.

It wasn’t to say no magic could be use. Whether it was the glamour spells themselves, or a chant to help them through everyday tasks like cooking. But under no circumstances could they perform curses, hexes, or use a spell to own a human’s name and soul.

It was surprising to everyone that the fae that strongly agreed with the king and queen’s law was none other than Jax the jackrabbit.

The werebeast had proven many times how mischievous he could be with his spells. Whether it was using it to replace hair cleanser with syrup, temporally turn his fellow fae into different species using illusions, or creating booby traps with the magical material he had. It was definitely whiplash with how much Jax approved of the royal couple’s decision, not even their own son Prince Caine agreed.

Yes, Jax was well… an ass. But he knew that interfering with mortals was an unfair power imbalance, and he himself knew all too well about that. Werebeasts were always looked down upon by other fae, especially jackrabbits and how so many fae saw them as ‘weak’. Maybe it was why Jax acted the way he did, to prove those stereotypes wrong. But he knew from experience the type of entitlement people felt when seeing something they saw as insignificant to them.

While he did pull a few tricks here and there in the mortal realm, it was usually something small like spilling a drink on someone’s clothes or turning a possession they had invisible – it was always funny seeing them run around looking for it. And he always made sure to do these misdeads to people who actually deserved it, whether it was overpowered rich man talking down to a waiter, or an entitled customer demanding a refund at Ragatha’s bakery.

Speaking of which, was where the disguised jackrabbit found himself. Many fae had started up their own lives in the human realm, whether it was falling in love, starting a business or even wanting a change of pace from the chaos of the fae realm. Once of those being Ragatha, an enchanted ragdoll come to life. Her kind and gentle nature had to be even sweeter than the treats she baked for the mortals who visited her shop.

She and Jax had been friends throughout their childhood, with the former acting like an older sister to the rabbit. At times they butted heads, with Ragatha often times being quite overbearing and Jax too mischievous. But when push came to shove, they always supported one another, just like how any sibling would.

The ragdoll handed a small paper bag to Jax over the counter, her glamour hiding her plush form and instead showed a tall woman with curly red hair and an eye patch covering one of her deep brown eyes.

Jax nodded to her in thanks, handing over his cash as well as putting a few paper notes in the tip jar beside her cash register. His usual purple fur was replaced with dark brown skin, along with brown eyes and black dreads pulled into a short ponytail. It was nearly Ragatha’s lunch break, so Jax liked to use that time beforehand to make sure that no ill-willed mortals bothered her with useless demands or complaints they made up on the spot.

The day had been peaceful, the customers pleasant and Ragatha been sickly sweet as usual. She had even prepared Jax two ham and cheese croissants for his own lunch. “Sorry about the extra one, I overdid in the kitchen earlier but at least you’ve got something to eat,” her smile was apologetic.

Jax waved his wand in dismissal, “All good rags, I’m sure Zooble wouldn’t mind trying this.”

“Yeah. I think I’ve gotta put out some job applicants soon. It’s getting a little hard baking and sorting out the register” she huffed tiredly, untying her apron. “Well, I’m closing up for the lunch hour. Are you gonna be okay?”

“I’ll be fine,” Jax grinned. “Besides, what could I possibly do while I’m alone dollface?”

Ragatha whipped round with a scowl, “Jax you better behave! And I told you not to call me that!”

The man snickered, pointing a finger to his cheek, “Come on! You like that nickname! Besides, you always know I don’t get caught.”

Ragatha growled, her face softening with concern, “Not yet. You don’t know who might catch you when you least expect it. I know the law says to use minimal magic, but I don’t want you to push it.”

“Hey, I practiced my spells for years now. I’ll be fine,” Jax gave her a reassuring smile. “Besides, the ones I do it to are too self-absorbed to notice anything.”

“Just be careful, please?” Ragatha’s brows furrowed. “You never know who might catch you, mortal or not.”

It wasn’t a paranoid fear. Both of them knew what would happen if the wrong person would catch fae magic. Whether it was a mortal who could abuse that knowledge, or another fae who could use it for blackmail and benefit themselves while the recipient suffers. Jax knew this all too well and was why he well versed himself with magic and the concerns that came with it when entering the mortal realm. Despite his pranks, he was always careful.

“I’ll be fine rags, nothing has stopped me yet, besides,” Jax smiled, turning slightly darker with his next sentence, a hint of his true form’s Cheshire grin behind the glamour spell. “They don’t know just how dangerous I can get.”

“Ew, put that away,” Ragatha squirmed with a laugh. “That smile always freaks me out when you use it with your human face.”

Jax snorted, his smile returning to pearly teeth once again, “Sorry dollface, you know I like messing with you.”

“Alright, out!” Ragatha chortled, throwing a damp towel at him.

Jax let out a yelp as he rushed out of the door, unable to wipe the smile off his face. For all the teasing, he did care for Ragatha like she was truly his sister. Jax shook his head, bringing the paper bag up to his nose and breathed in the delicious scent of the croissant from inside. Ragatha always outdid herself when it came to cooking and baking. With just a sprinkle of magic and a ton of hard work, she made the best pastries on both the fae and mortal realm.

Rolling his shoulders back, he set off towards the town’s park. It was the place that reminded him the most of home, with winding paths, beautiful flora and the sun peaking out of the autumn tree leaves that felt oh so similar to the magical feeling of wandering the enchanted forest back home. It might not be home, but it certainly was beautiful.

It was where he liked to take refuge and eat when he wasn’t pranking anyone, on his usual bench in front of the rippling river. Although when he was walking towards it, it seemed that his usual spot had been occupied instead.  

A short young woman, perhaps in her twenties, with short brown hair and dressed in a long-sleeved blouse and pencil skirt. Her hair was frizzy, sticking out in places, food stains on her shirt and bags under her eyes. She looked exhausted.

However, her eyes were focused on a pencil and paper she clutched in her hands, sketching away without paying mind to any of her surroundings.

Jax raised an eyebrow, now this was certainly new. And whenever something new was plopped onto his lap, he needed to grasp the opportunity to explore it. He slowly stepped towards her, making sure she couldn’t hear him coming before speaking in hushed whisper, “I see you’ve stolen my spot.”

A strangled gasp mixed with a scream left the woman’s mouth, scowling when she found the culprit to her fright, “Dude! What the fuck is wrong with you! Don’t sneak up on people like that!”

Jax couldn’t help but laugh. It was the cheapest trick in the books, but it was still funny as hell. He cleared his throat as he calmed down, “Sorry, couldn’t help it. I don’t think I’ve seen you around here before.”

The woman sighed, the frustration leaving her as she mindlessly returned to her drawing, “I haven’t been here in a while. I used to come here all the time before starting my job. Seems like forever ago.”  

The fiery nature that she had displayed fizzled out quickly, like a cheap sparkler from a supermarket. Jax’s brows furrowed, usually someone with an inner fire such as the woman wouldn’t have let out that spark so suddenly. It wasn’t really fun when someone was like that, it took the fun out of it. “Can I?” he pointed to the empty spot beside the bench.

The woman looked up to see what he was doing, giving him a curt nod before Jax sat down beside her.

“So what brings you here now?” Jax asked, becoming more curious for the human.

“Nostalgia and self-pity,” she replied with blunt honesty. Jax had to bite back a laugh, it didn’t feel like the time or place. “It was always my main inspiration for art. I’d get so many ideas and then draw them out the minute I got them. It was always my passion that passed me through my art classes. However art commissions and a childhood dream alone doesn’t help you through college debt. It’s a good thing I’m good with numbers, even if the job that comes with it is soul sucking.”

Ah yes, the average mortal office job. From how others described it, Jax would have been convinced that it was an unholy cursed fortress that stole the spirits of anyone who entered. And while it wasn’t quite what he thought it would be, he didn’t want to spend time in one of those buildings to find out. This woman had the heart of a warrior for making it this long. “Why not try and continue your passion for art if you love it so much?” Jax asked. “Why let this job stop you?”

The woman sniffed, “As if I haven’t tried before. But corporate greed is a strong foe. They’ll try and do anything than hire and pay genuine talent these days. You have no idea how disheartening it is to see something you’ve poured your entire life into be thrown away just because someone is too entitled to give you a chance.” She groaned, wiping away a frustrated tear. “God I’m insane, why am I telling a random stranger this?!”

“Why wouldn’t you? I’m very charming,” he gave her a grin, trying to bring back some of the charm to see if it could lift the situation. Judging by her growl it didn’t. “Ignore what I just said. Look, the point is, you’ve sunk yourself to the lowest point that you could ever imagine by venting to a random guy you’ve met at the park.”

“Wow, yeah, thanks for the reminder,” she rolled her eyes.

Jax cringed, yeah he understood how that sounded, “Okay, ignore that as well. Right now, you’re at a point in your life where you’re letting yourself be miserable. That doesn’t sound like a life worth living.”

The woman sighed, her face softening as she brought her knees up on the bench and hugged them, “Yeah, I know. But what other path is there for me to take?”

“One that makes you happy,” Jax stated.

“Easier said than done,” the woman looked towards him.

“Is it?” Jax tilted his head. This mortal was definitely stubborn. “Or have you wallowed so much to not realise that a better path is there for you?”

That seemed to have struck a nerve if the look on the woman’s face said anything. She looked back down to her notepad, the flow of lines weaving together to begin a possible masterpiece. “I don’t think I’ve actually finished a project since my job,” she whispered.

Jax heart panged. The only downside within the mortal world was the way that some humans would tear others so low to the point of being destroyed all for an extra coin. It was extremely disruptive to his carefree personality and made him feel sympathetic to random strangers. Like this woman.

Although it seemed that his words were getting through to her, with the way her eyes started to gleam as she looked over her sketch. Jax wasn’t one to interfere with mortal lives, but this woman…her sad eyes was something that pulled on his heartstrings in way he never felt before.

He quietly snapped his fingers, the branches and leaves parting above the little wooden tree canopy above them to reveal the sun sparkling on the lake in front of them. Jax’s pulse quickened when he saw how the woman’s eyes shone, gripping her pencil tighter as she began to draw again, quicker than before.

It was just a simple good luck spell, nothing more and nothing noticeable. Just something to help her out. He was only doing it because it wasn’t fun when humans were sad. Yes, that was it. Nothing else at all. It didn’t stop him from pulling the spare croissant out of his paper bag. “They gave me an extra with my order,” he said, holding it out in front of her. “Want one?”

She shook her head, “No thanks, I’m not hun-” The growl of her stomach interrupted her, making her blush.  

Jax snickered before breaking out into a full belly laugh, making the woman’s face flush even more red. “What’s that about artists never taking a break? I always thought that was a myth,” Jax snorted.

“Oh haha,” the woman furrowed her brows, but wasn’t able to hold back her smile.

Jax froze. Oh gods…her smile was more beautiful than a charm itself.

“Hey, you gonna pass that croissant or what?” she giggled.

“U-uh yeah,” Jax gulped, blinking before handing it to her, taking his out first so she could hold the bag and not get her fingers dirty. “By the way, can I ask what your name is?” Jax always had to be careful when asking a mortal’s name, just so it didn’t result in an ownership spell. He always despised fae who used those spells.

The woman wiped away a crumb from her lips before replying, “I’m Pomni.”

“Pomni…it’s nice to meet you Pomni,” Jax smiled.

“Nice to meet you too…uh what’s your name?” Pomni asked.

“Jax,”

“Well then, Jax, it’s nice to meet you too,” her eyes sparkled before biting into her croissant. She let out a groan at the taste. “Oh my god this is amazing! Where did you get this?!”

Jax’s stomach fluttered, as though she had performed her own spell on him, “Um, my friend Ragatha own a bakery up the street. You should visit it sometime.”

Pomni hummed through her bite, “Maybe I will.”

The two continued their meal in silence. Jax smiled one more time, this mortal surely was interesting. Maybe fate would let them meet again one day.

And it seemed fate was listening, for when Pomni looked at the name of the bakery on the paper bag, she recalled Jax’s words. Or have you wallowed so much to not realise that a better path is there for you?

Maybe he was right. Maybe there was a better path.

.

.

.

It had been a few days since that day at the park, yet Jax couldn’t stop thinking about Pomni. She was like the first chapter of a book, introducing a story that lured him in yet there were the only pages he was given, leaving behind curiosity. But he knew that it wasn’t likely that he would see her again. She was only one mortal out of many.

But still, she was nice.

It was another day, the wind was getting colder and nipping at his cheeks. Winter was getting closer, so he was on his way to Ragatha’s to warm up with food and drink. The bell on top of the door jingled once it Jax opened it, rubbing his hands to try and warm them up, “Hey Rags, I hope I’m not to early. Am I good to have my usual-” He paused, it wasn’t Ragatha behind the register, “Pomni?”

 The woman looked up from the register, pausing from sorting out paper bills to see the familiar man in front of her, “Jax?! Hey, it’s good to see you again.” She wasn’t in the office blouse and skirt like the last time he saw her. Instead, she was in a long cotton skirt with a blue and white checkered shirt with small fluffy sleeves, all tied together with an apron.

Jax wanted to burst, she looked so fucking adorable, “Pomni?! What brings you here?”

“Well, I kinda thought about what you said the other day,” she told him. “And I wanted to come here to see what else they served here. Maybe I was impulsive, but when I heard that Ragatha was hiring someone to take care of the finance part here, I decided to put in my application. Long story short I got the job, quit my old place and now I’m here. The pay is actually really good!”

All part of the fae abilities Jax spoke internally. He knew hat the fae were financially secure, the hobby that came with the job was just a perk. So that meant that most of the pay that was made all went to Pomni, no wonder it was better than her last job.

But she seemed much brighter than last time, no bags under her eyes and her beautiful smile was on full display once again. His heart skipped a beat, she may be mortal but her smile was pure magic.  

“Hey Jax, your order is nearly ready,” Ragatha came out from behind the kitchen, wearing a red version of the shirt Pomni was wearing. “Have you met Pomni? She’s made my life a hell of a lot easier being here. She’s so good with numbers!”

Pomni blushed, shaking her head, “She’s exaggerating. But yeah, we actually met last week at Circlevale park.”

“Oh, you did?” Ragatha turned her head to Jax, raising an eyebrow at him.

“Yeah, I was having a rough day but this guy gave me the courage to find a new job,” Pomni gleamed. “Even if he decided to scare me first.”

“Jax!” Ragatha exclaimed, scowling as she put a protective hand on Pomni’s shoulder.

“Hey this is me we’re talking about! What else did ya expect?” His usual Cheshire grin returned.

Pomni turned to Ragatha, “I take it that he’s always like this?”

“Oh you have no idea hun,” Ragatha deadpanned. “He’s lucky he hasn’t been thrown in a ditch yet.”

“Ppphh!” Pomni put a hand over her mouth to hide her laughter, even if it was a poor job doing so.

Even her laugh felt like a chant to him.

Ragatha looked between the two, her face becoming serious as she analysed the way the disguised jackrabbit looked at the human, “Hey Jax, could you come to the back to collect your order? We need to talk.”

Her teeth were grit together. Jax gulped, he was in trouble.

“I’ll be right back Pomni, you just keep doing what you’re doing,” she smiled softly at the girl.

The brunette grinned back, focusing on the register again.

Jax sucked in a breath as Ragatha led him to the kitchen, having a feeling that he knew exactly what she was going to say.

She stopped behind the flour dusted countertop, turning round to him, her face stern like a mother about to scold her child. “You wanna tell me why a human who met you spontaneously quit her job just to work for me? This better be a coincidence and not you trying some new prank on this poor girl!” Ragatha hissed, her voice low and dangerous.  

Jax felt the hair rising on his neck, the ragdoll could be terrifying when she wanted to be, “Okay, I know how this looks. Just hear me out, please.”

Ragatha crossed her arms, motioning for him to continue.

The man let out a sigh of relief, “We did meet at the park the other day, but I swear this isn’t a trick!” He held his hands up in defence. “All I did was a small good luck charm, but nothing that would lead to this! Just to help cheer her up!” Ragatha raised a brow at him. “I swear!”

The redhead crossed her arms, concern lacing her features, “I’m just worried that you might slip up. And I know, I know. You’re always careful. But you’ve met this girl and have casted a luck charm on her, you’ve never done that for anyone before. Even if luck charms aren’t deep spells or dark magic, it’s the fact that you were vulnerable towards this mortal to feel like you had to cast this for her.”

Jax scowled. He knew she wasn’t doing this intentionally but it felt like she was comparing him to Prince Caine. Jax grimaced, just even thinking about Caine made his stomach churn. He was nothing but a leach who felt entitled to owning anything and anyone to do whatever he wanted, disguised over his overly positive persona of a naïve prince who didn’t know any better. At least Jax was upfront about his flaws, and not hiding behind a mask like that disgraceful heir.

“I know you think that, but you’re wrong,” Jax stated. “I cast a luck charm because I don’t believe anyone, mortal or fae, should be oppressed by those who deem themselves above them. I cast the charm, but she left that job on her own accord. She chose to work here on her own accord. She chose to be happy on her own accord. All I did was give her the option and the push.” He placed his hands on her shoulders. “I know what I’m doing, please. Trust me.”

Ragatha sighed, there was still a voice in the back of her head telling her that something was going to happen, but she didn’t want to be clouded with judgement in case it affected Pomni or Jax. “Ok,” she looked up. “But if anything happens I will chop you up and serve you as rabbit stew. Are we clear?”

Jax went stiff, a bead of sweat rolling down his temple, “Yes ma’am”

“Good,” Ragatha picked up a scone and placed it into a paper bag, handing it to Jax. “Now go pay up with my new assistant. And don’t forget to leave her a tip.”

“You wound me Rags, I’m decent enough to tip,” Jax put a hand to his chest in mock hurt.

Ragatha rolled her eyes, pushing him back out to the front before going back to baking.

Jax exited the kitchen, stepping back out into the main area as he faced the brunette once again. She was serving another customer once of the desserts in the display area before typing up his check and sending him on his way. The way she was quick to piece together the math of the items picked, not even needing to use the automatic calculator on the register, relying on her mind alone. Ragatha was right, she was good with numbers.

Pomni turned to him, “You all figured out?”

“Yeah, yeah,” Jax nodded. “Ragatha just needed me for something.”

“Okay, what’s your order for today?” she asked, straightening her back professionally.

“Just this scone,” Jax placed the bag on the scale next to the register.

“And your total is…two dollars,” she told him. “Are you paying cash or card?”

He fished out his card from his bag, maybe sure to place a ten inside of her tip jar. Pomni smiled one last time at him. At that moment, when his heart skipped a beat when seeing that smile did he decide that he wanted to see her again, “Um, are you busy this week? By any chance?”

The mortal was caught off-guard by the question, but still answered anyway, “Oh, well I do have my shifts here Monday to Friday, but I have weekends off.”

“Well, would you like to…um,” Jax rubbed the back off his neck. Mortal movies made this look so easy!

“Would I like to what?” Pomni grinned, slightly mischievous.

Little minx, “Hang out?” Jax suggested. “Grab a coffee? See a movie? Go back to the park again?”

Pomni’s cheeks turned pink at the implication of the question, “Are you asking me on a date?”

Jax cleared his throat, “Would you like it to be a date?”

“I don’t know, do you?” her grin was back.

Jax smirked, two can play at that game, “I do actually. I wanna take this beautiful girl in front of me on the date of her choice and treat her with the respect she deserves.” He leaned down, his confidence returning. “How’s that little lady?”

Pomni flushed, not expecting the sudden boldness, “I-I can go to the park on Sunday afternoon.” She smiled shyly, yet excited at the same time.

Jax felt his heartbeat quicken, this was really happening, “Great. Would you like to give me your number?”

She held out her hand, with Jax placing his phone into it as she typed the number into his contact. He had to stop himself from jumping for joy as he placed it back into his pocket. “I’ll see you Sunday.”

“See you Sunday,” Pomni repeated, folding her hands together.

Jax waved to her as he stepped out the door, a new warmth rushing through him despite the winter chill. Sunday couldn’t come fast enough.

.

.

.

They spent the entire winter together, visiting each other, finding out their hobbies, making messes in the kitchen whenever Jax tried to teach Pomni to cook (yet failing every time), but their main spot had to be the very park they met in.

Jax couldn’t deny it, he was falling in love with Pomni. And he was falling hard. But he couldn’t help it, she had him under a spell, and he didn’t care one bit.

When spring finally came, they found themselves more at the park and on the bench where he first found her. Overtime, Pomni had become more comfortable with touch around Jax, with her currently resting her legs over his lap and resting her head on his shoulder and Jax wrapped his arms around her.

“Can I tell you something?” Pomni murmured, picking up his hand and playing with his fingers.

“Oh yeah, what’s that?” Jax intertwined their fingers together.

“I think you made my life better by meeting you,” she admitted. “I can’t describe it, but after meeting you, everything just felt so much clearer. I think you’re pretty amazing.”

Jax chuckled, holding her closer, “I think you’re amazing too.”

“And I think my art has become more special,” she told him. She sat up, “I have something else to tell you…I’m submitting my art into an art exhibition next month.”

Jax’s eyes widened, still holding her in his arms as he stood, “Pomni that’s awesome! You did it!”

“Jax oh my god! Put me down you idiot!” Pomni laughed, wrapping her arms around his neck, unable to contain their shared excitement.

Jax had fallen so deeply in love with her. He wanted to do everything with her, help her build her dreams, smile as they fell asleep together, kiss her as though she was his last breath of air. But first, he had to tell her about his true origins. But not now, they would enjoy this moment now.

Both of them giggled and cheered, so wrapped up in their own little world of joy. Their own little magical bubble…

That neither of them realized a pair of eyes watching them afar…

.

.

.

Jax looked in the mirror as he fixed a stray piece of hair back into place. Today was the day he was going to tell Pomni the truth about himself. He wanted to tell her how he felt so badly, but he knew he couldn’t have an honest relationship with her without mentioning the fae part of himself. All he had to hope was that she still saw him as who he is, without panicking about his rabbit features.

She would be here any minute, he had already had the coffee machine turned on as well as her usual snack whenever she visited. He wanted to make sure she felt comfortable before saying anything. To take the pressure off her.

Knock, knock

Jax sucked in a breath, she was here. He brushed off his shirt one more time before answering the door. He opened it, expecting to see the same smiling brunette before welcoming her in, but this time, she looked terrified.

“Hey,” he reached a hand towards her, pulling back when he saw her flinch. “Is everything okay?”

“I-I,” she stammered, walking into the apartment. “It’s hard to explain. It all happened so quickly and I didn’t know what was happening and I don’t know what to do or where to go and I’m freaking out I’m really scared right now-”

Jax shut the door, leading her to the couch and sitting her down. “It’s okay, breathe, I’m here,” he started a breathing exercise, one that would help her calm down. Once he saw her repeating them, he got up to make her usual coffee, grabbing a small bag of popcorn before sitting bag down again.

He placed the warm mug in her hands, letting her take a sip as her nerves became steadier, “Feeling a bit better?”

Pomni nodded slowly.

“Good, take another breath and tell me what happened,” he told her, already listening.

“It’s gonna sound stupid,” she muttered.

“Don’t worry, you’re talking to the king of stupid here,” Jax nudged her shoulder lightly, that got a quirk of a smile from her, but it disappeared as quickly as it came.

“You won’t believe me,” her voice was barely a whisper.

“Hey,” he took her hand in his. “Trust me when I say I’ll believe anything you say.”

She gulped, taking a breath, “I was walking through the park yesterday and I saw a man by the lake. I though nothing of it at first before he reached out to me, asking for help. I went over to him and it looked like he was crying. I got scared, I didn’t want to leave him so I asked if he was alright. He then asked for my name, so I told him…that’s when he smiled. Then he wasn’t a man anymore, but he was a body with teeth and eyes for a head!”

Jax heart plummeted, no.

“I looked around but it was like no one could see us,” she sniffled. “That was when he told me that he owned me, that I was his…fiancé. I thought this was a weird dream, that I would wake up soon. But then I saw this ring on my finger.” She showed Jax. “I tried getting it off, but each attempt was so painful, and it kept proving that I definitely wasn’t dreaming. He said I had some time but he’ll be back for our wedding.”

She looked back up to Jax, his eyes wide and mouth slightly open.

“Jax you have to believe me!” Pomni’s voice trembled. “I don’t know what to do! I don’t know if he’s watching me right now! I’m so scared!”

“Hey, hey,” he cradled her face in his hands. “I believe you.”

“Y-you do?” Pomni’s voice trembled. “How?”

“Because…” Jax grimaced. Of all the ways he wanted to tell her, this was far from what he had in mind. “Because I’m one of them.”

Before Pomni could say another word, Jax’s human features melted away. In his place and clothes stood a tall, fit rabbit like man stood in front of her. Pomni’s words were stuck in her throat, the feeling of his fur hands on her cheeks was the only thing helping her stay grounded. “T-that day in the park…did you trick me too?!”

“No!” Jax winced as she flinched at his volume. “No, all I did that day was cast a small good luck charm that would last a few hours. But that was it. Pomni, everything we have done together was all your choice. I know you’re scared and confused and you have every right to be. But everything we’ve done together was the truth. I was gonna tell you, believe me I was. But not like this, and I’m so sorry you had to find out this way.”

“T-the man who did this, who was he?” Pomni asked.

Jax’s eyes became turn, a bitter taste on his tongue, “Caine. He’s the prince from my realm. The reason why no one could see you was because of a cloaking spell. That’s how he managed to force the engagement on you.”

“Your realm?” Pomni tilted her head.

“The fae realm, where people like me reside,” Jax explained. “Caine is the prince there. But he shouldn’t have the authority to do this.”

Pomni trembled, tears leaking from her eyes again, “Oh god, am I trapped?”

“No,” Jax’s voice was low as he shook his head. “I’m gonna get you out of this, there has to be something going on. I’m not gonna let Caine do this to the woman I love-”

He froze.

He said it.

Pomni’s tearful eyes widened, her breath hitching.

Jax’s didn’t move, he didn’t know what to do. But he had said it, and that word wasn’t something he could reverse like a spell. He wanted to apologize, for adding more stress onto her shoulder. But he was interrupted by a pair of lips on his.

Pomni’s kiss was quick, like she was testing the waters, “I’m still confused, scared and mad. But…I love you too.”

Jax let out a shaking breath of relief mixed with joy, pressing his forehead to hers, “I’m getting you out of this engagement.”

“But what if Caine-”

“Caine isn’t going to do anything, he isn’t going to get away with hurting you like this,” Jax told her firmly. “I love you Pomni. I’m gonna fix this.”

Pomni let out another sob, pressing her lips to his again.

Jax sighed, kissing her was like breathing new life to him. He didn’t know where do start with getting right of the hex that Caine placed on her. But he did know this for sure. No one was going to take Pomni from him.

He was going to set her free.

But first things first, they had to get to the fae realm…

[stranger-things-yapper]

I would have really loved it if they had just... Reversed El's story.

Like, we had her having powers in S1, finding someone else with powers that helped her control them better in S2, overexerting herself and losing her powers in S3. What if S4 was NOT the same old "superhero has to find themselves to find their power"?

What if in S4, she was found not by fucking goddamn immortal piece of shit Dr. Brenner, but by a different experiment with different powers? What if it was an Frozen 2 situation, where someone just starts communicating in secret, maybe speaking in her head or smth, and guiding her to them? What if she encounters them, and she tells them about Kali and her power to create illusions, and now they know there are 2 powered people to help El in her journey, so she and this new person go to find Kali?

So we still have El "kidnapped", and the Cali crew looking for her, but this time El is not surrounded by people who want to take advantage of her and keep her isolated forever. She has people who have things in common with her, people who have been through the same things she has.

What if they spend the entire season tracking someone else down, and then in the next season, they have to find Henry Creel, the only other powered person that has matching powers to El? And then we find out that Eleven was in fact the government's eleventh attempt at recreating Henry's powers, because he got lost/escaped/was taken to the Upside Down way before El opened the portal?

What if S5 was a group of powered people trying to find/rescue Henry Creel to get his help in defeating The Mindflayer, because El still hasn't gotten back her powers yet, and she spent a long time bonding with him like a brother? And in the final act, El seeing everyone, all the people she has come to know and love, come together to help her fight this threat and end this suffering, is how she gets her powers?

Because she understands the weight of protecting everybody is no longer on her shoulders alone, but on everyone that came together around her as well? And then, with that insurmountable responsibility lifted and shared with her friends, her family, she finally can use her powers again and give the last push needed to finish The Mindflayer once and for all?

What if El finds herself not as a lonely kid surrounded by scientists, but as a girl who has a family and friends and a life, now, and that's what it actually takes?

What if she got her powers back not through fearing for her life and freedom, but for loving and being loved by everyone around her?

I might be cooking. If anyone wants to write a fanfic with this idea, feel free - I might write one myself if I ever finish my 4 WIP that are consuming my mind.

[grangerhater]

he hit me and it felt like a kiss

tom riddle x fem!reader

(no y/n so it can be any female character)

warnings: violence, implication of abuse, toxic relationships, i am not romanticising such relationships and please seek help if you or someone you know may be in such relationship

hurt no comfort

inspired by

The halls of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry were filled with whispers and rumors, but there was one person who stood out among the rest. Tom Riddle, a charismatic and enigmatic young wizard, had captivated the attention of many, including her. As the days turned into weeks and the weeks into months, their paths intertwined, leading to a trusted friendship that would ultimately be tested.

She had always been a kind-hearted and gentle soul, often feeling overlooked and invisible. But when Tom Riddle entered her life, everything changed. He saw her, listened to her, and made her feel seen in a way she had never experienced before. It felt like a dream come true, a love story unfolding before her very eyes.

As their connection deepened, she found herself falling deeper into the illusion that Tom had created. He showered her with attention, whispered sweet promises, and made her believe that she was the center of his universe. She felt an all-consuming love, a love that was both exhilarating and terrifying.

But as the days went by, cracks started to appear in the facade of their relationship. Tom's possessiveness became more apparent, his demands more controlling. Yet, she remained blind to the red flags, convinced that this was the price she had to pay for the love she had always desired.

One fateful night, Tom's darker side emerged, shattering the fragile trust that had been built between them. In a moment of vulnerability, she had confided in him about her fears and doubts, hoping for reassurance and comfort. However, instead of solace, she received scorn and indifference.

Tom shattered her trust by revealing his true nature, the very darkness that had lurked beneath his charming exterior. He had the power to protect her, to shield her from harm, but he chose not to, he shattered it with a slap across the face. She was devastated at first, but ultimately reasoned that it was done out of affection, and that Tom's actions could be overlooked. In a way, her love blinded her from seeing any red flags, and she chose to ignore any wrong-doings from Tom. The pain of betrayal cut deep, but her perception had been clouded by her unwavering belief in his love for her.

But she couldn't bring herself to leave him. She was blinded by the fact that someone could actually love her. She ignored all the bad, cruel things he did, convincing yourself that it was just his way of showing his affection.

She was trapped in a cycle of abuse, unable to break free. Tom had complete control over her, and she couldn't resist his charm.

One day, Tom took things too far. He hurt her in a way that she could never forget. She were left broken and alone, wondering how she could have been so blind.

But even then again, she couldn't bring herself to leave him. She were addicted to the pain, the hurt, the love. She craved it, even though it was slowly destroying her

In her eyes, his actions were simply a testament to the depths of his affection. She saw his neglect as a twisted form of devotion, his indifference as a sign of his overwhelming passion. Each hurtful word and cruel action only reinforced her conviction that this was love, that she was lucky to have found someone who cared for her so deeply.

Friends and loved ones tried to intervene, to open her eyes to the toxic nature of their relationship. But she, blinded by her own yearning for love, turned a deaf ear to their concerns. She believed that they couldn't possibly understand the depths of their connection, that they were simply envious of what she had found.

[stargazer-sims]

Journal Entry #23 (part one)

previous // next // story index

__________

Yuri

Complacency is dangerous.

I’m sorry to say, this week I’ve learned that lesson the hard way. More than sorry, in fact. I bitterly regret that yet again I failed to see something which should have been obvious, because I was so wrapped up in the illusion of my perfect little life. That’s my weakness. I know it now, and I know I have to change, not just for myself but for Victor too.

The problem is, I think I’m scared of the real world. The one I’ve been believing in is so much better. In that one, there’s always someone to take care of me, shower me with affection, protect me and shelter me from everything that’s bad. But in the real world, there’s pain, stress and complex interpersonal relationships, and there are no heroes who'll swoop in to save the day and create a happy ending.

Even the strongest people are fallible. Even the ones who love us most can still hurt us. Even the ones we feel safest with can’t shield us from everything. Unfortunately for me, I’ve often forgotten those truths, or chosen to overlook them because they were too hard to face.

All I’ve ever wanted is to be happy and safe. Until I met Victor, I didn’t know what happiness or safety felt like, and once I understood how good it was not to be sad and afraid all the time, I never wanted to experience anything that challenged or scared me ever again. I was sure I’d found a willing protector in Victor, and I’d selfishly placed almost all the burden of responsibility for my happiness and safety on him, and took on very little for myself. Worse, I don’t think I’ve ever taken nearly enough responsibility for his happiness, much less my own.

That position is unsustainable, and I wish I would’ve figured it out sooner.

If I could rewind time and go back to last Wednesday morning, I would, and I’d make different choices. The first thing I would do would be to insist that Victor call in sick from work. We might’ve avoided a lot of trouble if he’d stayed home. I might not have learned anything in that case, but at least no one would’ve gotten hurt.

Victor hadn’t been feeling well when he woke up on Wednesday. I may actually have realized he was getting sick before he did, because he was coughing through the night and it woke me up. As I was trying to get back to sleep, I noticed his breathing sounded different than normal. Most people might not even pay attention to that, but I’m ill so often myself that I think I’ve developed some sort of hyper-vigilance for signs of illness in others.

In all honesty, I’d actually expected him to stay home on Wednesday and was surprised when he chose not to. He did stay home on Thursday and Friday though, and as much as I dislike not being close to him, we mostly avoided each other in the hope that it’d lessen my chances of catching his cold. Maybe that’s something I’d want us to do differently if given a second chance as well.

On Saturday morning, I answered my phone to a woman who introduced herself as Tomiko Izumi, Victor’s boss. The fitness center is open seven days a week, but Victor only works from Tuesday to Friday, so I was a caught little off guard by the call. I don’t know why, but for some reason I’d assumed he and his supervisor would work the same shift.

“I tried calling Victor’s phone, but he isn’t answering,” Tomiko said. “This number was listed as his emergency contact.”

“Yes,” I said. “I’m Yuri, his spouse.”

I'll confess, I like saying that. It requires less explanation than ‘soulmate’ and seems to carry more power. We’ll always be soulmates, but in certain circumstances, following the path of least resistance is what’s called for.

“Well, I guess you’re best placed to know when he intends to come back to work,” Tomiko said. “That’s what I’m calling about.”

“I’ll have to get him to call you,” I told her. “I’m not sure when he’ll be ready either. Hopefully by Tuesday, though.”

Tomiko and I chatted for a couple of minutes, and she gave me some instructions to pass along to Victor.

“I hope he gets well soon,” she said. “Everyone at the centre misses him.”

“I’ll let him know,” I said, and then we exchanged goodbyes, and hung up.

After getting off the phone with Tomiko, I went to Victor’s room to check on him. I hadn’t been in his room more than twice since Wednesday evening. It felt a little strange to simply walk in, even though that’s what we both typically do when we enter each other's room. As I crossed the threshold, I wondered if I should have knocked.

The first thing I noticed was that he had his normal colour back, not pale like he’d been on Wednesday, and not flushed with fever like he’d been overnight on Thursday.

His eyes were closed, but I could tell he wasn’t asleep. I knelt beside the bed and touched his arm. "Hey,” I said. “It’s almost ten o'clock.”

It took him a second to acknowledge me, but finally he said, “Okay.”

“You’re looking much better,” I observed. “How are you feeling?”

He made a sound that was like the vocal equivalent of a shrug. “I don’t know.”

“Do you feel like getting up?”

“No,” he said.

“Do you want some tea, or something to eat?”

“No.”

“Your boss called,” I told him.

“Uh-huh.”

“She wants to know if you’re still sick. She says if you’re not going to be back by the time your shift starts on Tuesday, you’ll need a doctor’s note.”

“Okay.”

“So, do you want me to take you to the doctor, or do you think you’ll be better after the weekend?”

“I’m not going to the stupid doctor,” he said testily. “I probably won’t be better, but if my boss wants me at work on Tuesday, I’ll be there.”

“If you’re not better, she’s not expecting you back,” I assured him. I reached out to caress his cheek. “It’s okay. I can take you to the clinic. It’ll be—”

He nudged my hand away from his face. “Yuri, I said I’m not going to the doctor,” he snapped. “How many times do I have to say it?”

His tone was like a slap. Victor had never spoken to me like that before, and the shock and hurt I felt seemed almost physical. I was willing to accept a little irritability, considering that he wasn’t feeling well, but I was not at all prepared for such an irrationally angry reaction over my simple suggestion of going to the medical clinic for a quick examination and a doctor’s note.

“I… I’m sorry. I heard you the first time,” I said, my voice small and shaking. “But I’m worried. If you’re really that sick, I think you should see a doctor.”

“Can you just leave me alone, please? Stop harassing me about it.”

“I’m not trying to harass you,” I said. “I only want to be sure you’re all right. You’ve barely been out of your room for the past three days, and you haven’t been eating, have you?”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“Yes, it does. If anyone should know that, it’s you.”

“Yeah, I know, but maybe I don’t care.”

“Why?” I asked.

“I don’t want to talk about it,” he said. “Can you please just do as I asked, and leave me alone?”

“Fine,” I said, trying to force down my own sudden spark of anger. “You can have the whole house to yourself. I have to do the grocery shopping and go to the post office anyway. Then, I might see if Takahiro and Seiji want to do something. I can be gone all day if that’d suit you.”

I got up and started to turn away, but Victor caught me by the wrist. “Yuri, wait.”

“Let go of me,” I said.

Instead of releasing me, he tightened his fingers around my arm. “You can't go out. Stay here.”

I tugged against his grip. “Victor, let go!“

“You can’t go out by yourself,” he said. “Please.”

“Make up your mind!” I exclaimed. With a backward lurch, I succeeded in freeing my wrist. Unluckily, inertia continued to propel me, and with nothing holding me in place any more I stumbled and landed on my backside on the floor.

After that, It was like time stopped. The look on Victor’s face was one of absolute horror, as if something from his nightmares had become real. As for me, I gave up trying to maintain any semblance of emotional control.

“Yuri, I…” Victor began, but didn’t seem capable of getting beyond that.

“What do you want?” I shouted at him. “Do you want me to leave you alone, or do you want me to stay here? Tell me, or I’m making my own decision, and it’s not going to be to stay in this house with you!”

Victor stared at me, and not unpredictably I saw tears starting to leak from the edges of his eyes. I shouldn’t have been surprised. He cries over everything.

He climbed off the bed and started to move toward me. “Yuri, I’m sorry. I… I didn’t mean… Are you hurt? Can you get up?”

“You’re supposed to protect me,” I said. “You promised.”

“I know,” he said, his voice already strained and diminished by his tears. “That’s what I was trying to do.”

“What?”

“I want you to be safe,” he said. “But… I don’t know how to protect you. Not this time.”

“This time? What are you talking about?”

He moved closer, “Come here,” he said, holding his hands out. “Let me see if you’re okay.”

Let me see if you’re okay.

Something about that phrase made my chest constrict in instant fear. My mind flashed back to a moment over five years ago, when someone else had hurt me and had said those same words, exactly like that.

One of Ren’s favourite things to do was to trap me in the corner of a room or against a wall, a door or the refrigerator; any place he could hold me with only one arm and prevent me from moving. He’d use the other hand for… exploring.

This one time in particular, Ren had pinned me on the wall in his bedroom. He’d held me there with one hand pressed into my collarbone, while he tried to unbutton my shirt with the other. When I’d struggled a bit too hard, he let go of my shirt and used both hands to push me into the position he wanted. He shoved forcefully enough that the back of my head struck the wall. I cried out and he let go of me, and I slipped right through his grasp and ended up sitting on the floor.

I’m sure he hadn’t planned to injure me, and I think for a fraction of a second he’d been scared. He’d knelt down in front of me, and in the soft voice he usually reserved for apologies, he'd implored, "I didn't mean to hurt you, Yuri. Let me see if you’re okay."

"Don’t touch me,” I said to Victor, just as I’d said to Ren on that day five years ago.

Victor stretched his hand out toward me, not touching, but looking like he wanted to. He said, “Yuri, I didn’t mean to—“

"Don’t touch me!” This time, I yelled it so loudly my voice cracked.

Victor’s face went white, and he snatched his hand back, clutching it to his chest. ‘Dismayed’ would not have been a strong enough word to describe his expression. I saw in his face the precise moment that something inside him shattered. He inched away from me, as if now he was the one who was afraid.

Of course, I’m remembering all this in hindsight. I was experiencing it then, but I wasn’t processing it. I’m sure I was operating on pure reflex in that moment.

As soon as I judged the distance between us to be enough, I scrambled to my feet and dashed out of the room. I didn’t stop until I was shut securely behind the door of my own bedroom.

Across the hall, only slightly muffled by the closed doors, I could hear Victor sobbing; huge, noisy, anguished sobs that would normally tear at my heart and have me rushing to comfort him. But this time, I told myself I didn’t care. I was angry and scared, and it was his fault. He could console himself.

I didn’t cry. I lay on my bed and stared up at the ceiling, my mind racing frantically to interpret what had just taken place.

Calm down, Yuri, said the rational part of my brain. You have to calm down. You need to think logically and then decide what to do.

My instinct was to run as far and as fast as I could, but the rational part quietly questioned whether that was necessary. It said running would be an overreaction. I felt as if my instinct was shrieking at my rational mind to shut up, that running would be the only way I’d be safe, but eventually the thinking part won over the feeling part.

For a long time I lay still, breathing deeply in the way Victor had taught me. Fifteen-second breathing, he calls it. Breathe in slowly through the nose for a count of five, hold for three, and exhale through the mouth while silently counting to seven. The technique is meant to help manage pain, but I’ve found that it helps me settle just as effectively when I’m feeling anxious or frightened.

After several repetitions, the haze of fear and anger in my brain cleared. I still wasn’t completely calm, but at least I was once again capable of thinking logically.

I raised my arm to inspect my wrist and found myself gazing at my beautiful snowflake bracelet. It was undamaged, and when I carefully slid it higher on my arm, I saw there wasn’t even a mark on my skin beneath it. I took a moment to mentally assess the rest of my body. Other than a growing ache in my stomach, nothing hurt. I was fine.

I lowered my hands and covered my face, feeling completely foolish.

Victor wasn’t trying to hurt me, hadn’t harmed me in the least, in fact. The truth was, I’d been utterly terrified by the prospect of being restrained and I panicked. That, and I was upset and confused by Victor’s inexplicably hostile behaviour and had somehow read my own meaning into it.

I thought I’d managed to purge my mind of all the fear, pain and anger I’d lived with when Ren and I were together. I’d convinced myself that Victor’s gentleness and unconditional love for me had healed me somehow, and that my wounds had disappeared. Of course, that was a convenient lie. I'd let myself be lulled into a belief that couldn’t possibly have made sense if I’d had the will to think about it.

My scars weren’t gone. I’d only been ignoring them. In a world where I was sheltered and spoiled and adored by my loving, gentle protector, setting aside thoughts of my past trauma became easier, and instead of getting the help I probably should’ve gotten, I chose to tell myself everything was all right.

But everything is not all right.

Up to this point, I’ve been fortunate. I’ve never had any reason to fear Victor and nothing he’s done has ever triggered a memory like the one I had just relived. Victor and I frequently disagree and we do raise our voices sometimes, but he's never acted aggressively toward me in any way.

I wanted to believe he wasn’t capable of it, but now I realize he’s as susceptible to emotional outbursts as anyone else. He isn’t immune to mistakes. He’s human just like me. Stupidly allowing myself to accept the fantasy I’d created about my perfect hero led me to a place where I not only felt hurt and betrayed when the slightest thing went wrong, but also to where my complete overreaction to that imaginary betrayal had likely done very real harm to Victor.

With that revelation, the last of my anger dissipated. In its place, I was flooded with shame. How could I have been so selfish and careless?

I’d accused him of not keeping his promise to protect me, but what had I done to protect him? What had I done to even acknowledge he needed protecting? I’d realized on Wednesday that something other than a cold was troubling him, but I hadn’t pursued it. I hadn’t tried particularly hard to find out what the problem was or offered to help him fix it, and the situation had evidently grown to a breaking point.

I’ll admit, I didn’t know what to do next. I didn’t think Victor would want to talk so soon after what had happened between us, but I wanted to say I was sorry, at least. And I wanted to be near him, even if that meant I had to sit in a corner of the room while he gave me the cold shoulder.

Slowly, I dragged myself off my bed and made my way across the hall. I knocked lightly on his door.

“Victor?” I called out. “Can I come in?”

He didn’t respond, which I suppose I should’ve expected. What I didn’t expect was to discover the door was locked when I attempted to slide it open.

I tried again. “Victor?”

Several seconds passed, and then came his quiet reply. “Stay away from me.” It sounded as if he was right next to the door.

“Can you open the door, please? I want to see you.”

“You didn’t want to see me before. Why would you want to see me now?”

Because I love you. Because I was wrong. Because I’m sorry.

Those are the things I should have said. What I actually said was, “Please, don’t be like that.”

“Like what?" he demanded. "Like somebody who’s upset because he always tries his hardest and still isn’t enough?" "

"You're more than enough," I said. "You're everything."

"Whatever," was the dismissive reply. "I don’t want to see you right now, and I don’t feel like doing whatever you expect me to do to make you feel better. Just for once, let's not make it all about you, 'cause I have feelings too, you know."

“Victor—“

"I’m not opening the door, Yuri. Go away.”

“I’m sorry,” I said, but it was evidently too late in the conversation for that, because my words were met with nothing but silence.

I slid down the wall and curled up on the floor, asking myself desperately how everything had spun so far out of control.

[howlingday]

...it's time. Time for another rewrite profile for (if I may indulge myself) THE best duo in RWBY villain history!

Roman torchwick and Neopolitan

Here they are my good man. You can tell I had fun with these.

Roman Alexander Torchwick or “Romeo”

Age: 35-36 (before being eaten by a nevermore)

Sex: male

Aura color: none

Semblance: N/A

Weapon: Madam Melody (a cane that has two primary functions, functioning as both a flare gun, and a reinforced hook that Roman uses for occasions that he calls “an eye for an eye”)

Background: “suave”, “debonair”, “brutal”, “sadistic”, “mobster wannabe” there are many words associated with the Torchwicks, and one specifically for Roman. “Bastard”. Roman is both arrogant, and annoyingly charming while nowhere strong enough to go toe to toe with a Grimm, Roman is incredibly intelligent.. if it wasn't for how arrogant he is he might have been a rather stand up individual. People know little of who Roman is, many believe he's a petty crook, including his criminal record. But Roman is as he would put it. “An atlas compared amongst children books”. He is notorious for the disappearances of people, some faunus, some humans, but most are people he personally does not like. As anyone he doesn't like, vanishes, only to be found dead later. But above all Roman is someone who stays low to the ground, uninterested in grand heists and more interested in “subtle” ways of control when it comes to his current home kingdom, Vale. However soon he will be pulled into the line light, along with his apprentice… may whatever death awaits him be slow. For a bastard deserves no reverence.

Trivia Juliet Vanille or “Neopolitan”

Age: 17-19

Sex: female

Aura color: soft pink with hints of brown and white.

Semblance: “smoke and mirrors” neo has the ability to create physical illusions that can be perceived by all, these illusions cannot talk and are extremely fragile, as they shatter like glass if attacked or if neo goes unconscious or chooses to remove them. Neo’s semblance is simple but the best part about simplicity? It's easy to adapt with.

Weapon: Hush (a parasol she modified to hold a hidden blade.. as well as the parasol itself has repulsion dust crystals sewn in to act as the perfect shield.)

Background: Trivia vanille, is dead. Neo made sure to bury the girl her family hated, the girl she hated. And neo is what came after, a confident girl who uses her wits and deceit to trick her foes and allies into a web of falsehoods, all for her own interests… but there was one man.. one person who saw through her, and taught her how to be something better than just a petty crook. Her mentor, Roman. While Roman is unaware, Neo views him as her hero, the one person who values her as an individual and trust her above all other, and while that is true, Neo may be exaggerating just a little. However regardless neo and Roman work In tandem having total faith in one another during a job, Roman handling the business side while neo handles the parts she particularly enjoys, fighting, despite how meek she appears Neo is deadly, far more deadly than Roman ever could be, and she takes joy out of watching the light leave her opponents eyes… but when Roman dies, Neo is forlorn. She survives yes but everything becomes quiet to her. no schemes are concocted, no joy is taken in successful missions.. no ice cream runs.. Neo becomes not enraged.. but tired, tired of living a life knowing the one thing that gave her joy is ripped away, so she decides that if she's going to keep living.. it's going to be for killing the people who lead to romance dying.

Honestly, probably the only RWBY characters I don't think anyone has a problem with how they're written.

So his cane is the same, just with a little more flair. Also, correct me if I'm wrong, but the original name was a reference to A Clockwork Orange, right; "Melodic Cudgel"?

OKAY! SO! I like your take on Roman, HOWEVER, I think I like the Roman Holiday version better. Nothing wrong with what you've done, but I personally enjoy the "gentleman criminal" and "petulant child" combo style Roman has in almost every story... except for the manga, where they make him REALLY gangster and have him as the final boss. ANYWAY, I like what ya got, though I prefer the other. Ain't nothin' wrong with making a gangster a gangster.

So semblance is pretty much the same pre-V9.

Ooh~! Repulsion~! Also, and let me check this, I believe the hidden blade parasol is called a... Oh! There's three references! The Roman "Dolon", the Japanese "Shikomizue", and the Indian "Gupti". Overall, the weapon is just called a swordstick or a swordcane.

So Neo is essentially the same, even to the Roman Holiday standard, EXCEPT instead of going on a vengeful rampage, she just... floats through... until she finds Ruby, that is.

Overall, I like what I see!

[melanieph321]

Ruben Dias - The Award Part 4/15

Prologue Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 5 Part 6

I want Ruben to cook for me too! 🙏🧎🏿

Kiera Reed, upcoming superstar, the new it girl, multi Grammy Award winner…or so she wants to be. Realizing that the music industry has little to do with talent and a lot to do with status, Kiera is willing to do it all to give her music the recognition it deserves. Even if that means fake dating the stubborn, inconsiderate and undeniably arrogant football player, Ruben Dias. It is through lies, schemes and hurt that the "couple" comes to know each other. But through passion, love and sacrifice Kiera and Ruben go through lengths to help each other achieve their dreams.

Enjoy! ✨️

"Faith, why do you waste a good day weeping in my daughter's bed?"

"Mom, you know she goes by Kiera now."

"Kiera." Aunt Tamika laughed at the name. "Who is this Kiera Reed? Why trade your god given name for the one of a white woman?"

"Mom." Cousin Angie hissed at her phone, her mother beaming in the frame of it.  "Can't you see how upset you're making her. We're supposed to make Kiera feel better, not the opposite."

Aunt Tamika scorned Angie's words with a pout of her lips. "I am calling your mother, Faith. You will not be crying over a man in some university dormitories."

"Alright, I'm hanging up now. See you next sunday mom."

Upon her retreat from the stadium, the last thing Kiera wanted to do was to go back to her hotel. Odell would come looking for her there and she had no desire to see him right now. Cousin Angie lived near the University of Manchester City campus, where Kiera arrived by bus. She found her cousin in her dorm in the middle of a virtual prayer group with some women from their church in Birmingham, led by her mother.

"I'm sorry." Kiera squealed, her voice inaudible under the depths of Angie's pillows, her head slowly emerging. "Aunt Tamika is right, I should go back."

"Back to the hotel?"

"Yes, we're supposed to check out tonight. But I'm not going back to London with Odell. Not until he tells me that this was all a fucking joke."

"I dunno Keke, I can see where he is coming from with this idea of you fake dating someone just to spark rumors in the press."

"You do?"

"Don't get me wrong, it's ludacris, it really is. But don't other celebrities do it all the time to promote movies and such?"

"Celebrities, yes…." Kiera stood from the bed, throwing pillows to the floor. "I'm very serious about my music Angie. It's not all about fame and fortune to me."

Angie chuckled. "Girl, calm down." 

Keira did what she was told, plopping back down on the bed. She shifted her head towards the window that overlooked the campus below. Night was creeping in and students were moving across the grounds, retreating after another day of fine education. Kiera wondered if not music, would she be a student herself right now, discovering life through books and theories instead of contracts and agreements? Would that life have satisfied her?

"Tell you what." Angie spoke, after a moment of silence. "Odell is obviously not telling you to fuck your way to the top."

"Angie."

"What? Don't act like that isn't what's got you riled up. I'm sure that this relationship he wants you and Ruben to have excludes sex, otherwise he would be pimping out his girlfriend, which I'm certain is illegal in this country."

"Go on." Kiera said, waiting for her cousin to make a point like the proud scholar that she was.

"If anything he just wants the world to see you and Ruben out and about together, creating the illusion that there is something going on between the two of you. I mean there's obviously rules to these things."

"What things?"

"Fake dating."

Kiera looked deranged. 

"Hear me out." Angie scooted closer on the bed. Kiera had a bad feeling on where this was going. "What if you and Ruben just set things straight from the get go? It's an agreement between the two of you, you might as well treat it as such."

"Okay and what exactly are we agreeing to?"

"I dunno." Angie shrugged. "That's for you and Ruben to figure out. You're obviously in it to make yourself a bit more relevant in the industry. How would Ruben benefit from this agreement?"

"I'm not sure. I should ask Odell, but—"

"Why don't you just ask Ruben?"

"Pardon?"

"Yes." Angie nodded, proud to have thought of the idea. "Like right now, let's DM him."

"What?" Kiera watched her cousin lunge for her phone. "Wait Angie. No!"

***************************

Ruben made too much food again. 

He could always divide the leftovers into lunch boxes and eat it throughout the week. However, being out of training due to injury left him with no need of that much nutrition in a day. He brought out his phone as he stood in the kitchen and made the notion to text Bernardo to come over. Ruben hesitated however, knowing that he would substantially be made fun of for not knowing how to follow a simple recipe.

"Fuck that." He sighed, tucking his phone away. Ruben settled with covering the pan with some aluminum foil, leaving it to cool on the counter for now. He then wandered into the living room with the plate that he made for himself, Simba raising his head upon his entrance.  "Sorry, buddy. I'm too tired to take you out for a walk at this hour. You'll have to settle for your own food tonight." 

He settled down in front of the TV and scrolled through the guide in search of a show to keep him company. It was silly really, to have his meals like this. Ruben's mother would certainly have a thing or two to say about it. But ever since his brother, Ivan, moved back home to Portugal after living with him for sometime, Ruben's apartment in Manchester was becoming the place where he felt the least at home. More than anything Ruben longed to get back to training with his teammates. Missing out on all of the banter was something that definitely messed with his head a bit during an already difficult period in his life.

A buzz from his phone drew Ruben's attention away from the TV and his food. He was hoping that it was Berandro checking in on him again. Perhaps then Ruben could send a picture of his plate and tempt his friend to come over and join him for dinner. Who knows, maybe he could bring Ines and the baby?

Ruben unlocked his phone, raising an eyebrow at the latest notification. Apparently a Kiera_Reed98 was his newest follower on Instagram. And after skimming through her checkmarked account he became her newest follower as well. To think that he never thought of doing that before. After the award show. 

Ruben found himself browsing through her profile in search for exactly that, images taken on the day of the award show, and within seconds he found what he was looking for. A shiver trailed down Ruben's spine as the image invaded his screen. Kiera, in that lovely silk dress with its back cut out, exposing her glowing skin. The sensation that struck Ruben seemed to settle in the pit of his stomach. Or was it further down? Nevertheless, he failed to contain the grin that spread on his lips. His thumb hovered over the Like button, hesitating to press it since the action alone might expose his irrational thirst.

Or was it really that irrational?

Squinting his eyes at the image, Ruben once again confirmed that Kiera was of another breed of woman. She had plump lips that remained proportionate to her button nose. Her eyes were of almond shape in the color of dark gold. Or at least that's what the image made them appear. And the shape of her….Ruben remembers how his hands had slipped away from him during their moment on stage. Although she deserved to slap him for the action, Kiera neither flinched or hissed at him for patting her down.  Just the thought of having her body pinned against him again had Ruben falling back on the couch, legs spread wide before him. That is until….

Message request from @Kiera_Reed98

"Whatta…" Ruben was confused to see a request to direct message him pop up on his screen.  Despite their awkward encounter earlier today, Kiera seemed to want to remain acquainted, Ruben thought. Or perhaps more than acquainted.

@Kiera_Reed98: Hi!

@Rubendias: Hey.

@Kiera_Reed98: Can we talk…about today?

"Fuck." Ruben raked a hand through his hair, regaining an upright position on the couch. Was this a notion from Keira and her team? What else was there to talk about? Kiera made her thoughts pretty clear at the stadium.

@Kiera_Reed98: Firstly I just wanted to apologize on the behalf of my boyfriend for being totally out of line.

"Boyfriend?"

Ruben's sudden outburst made Simba raise his head from where it had been resting against his paws.

"Sorry buddy." He whispered. 

To think that that dickhead wasn't Kiera's publicist but her boyfriend. Ruben had trouble putting two and two together, for in his world what was asked of Kiera would have never sat right with Ruben if she was his. If he hadn't mistaken Paulo's summary of the agreement, Ruben and Kiera would pretend to be each other's significant other for some period of time. Was this supposed to happen with the consent of Kiera's boyfriend?

"No way." Ruben chuckled, once again disturbing his dog. "Shit, sorry buddy." He tossed Simba some crumbs from his plate. That would keep him busy for a while. Going back to his screen, Ruben noticed the three dots moving in the left corner. An indication that Kiera was typing another message. Ruben surprised himself with the utter anticipation that he regarded those three dots.

@Kiera_Reed98: I had no idea that he had arranged a meeting with you and your publicist, and I certainly had no idea what that meeting would be about. I apologize for embarrassing you like that and for wasting both of our time.

@Rubendias: Don't sweat it Kiera. I mean, it was a pretty bizarre arrangement to suggest, however it wasn't your idea so don't feel too bad about it, okay?

@Kiera_Reed98: Okay. 😀

Ruben fell back against the couch with a sigh of relief. He had been typing fast, faster than his beating heart could comprehend. But then his phone buzzed again.

@Kiera_Reed98: By bizarre, on a scale from 1 to 10 how bizarre did you actually think this arrangement was?

"Huh?" He was lost.

@Kiera_Reed98: What I mean is, did you find the concept of the arrangement beneficial to a certain extent or not at all?

Ruben was really lost now. What was Keira on about? Nevertheless he did his best to give her an honest answer.

@Rubendias: Not at all, to be honest. Did you?

Ruben found himself so emerged in his phone that he failed to notice how his dog took the liberty to help himself to his plate of food. All he cared for was the three dots bouncing in the corner of his screen. Kiera was typing her reply, really taking her time with this one. 

@Kiera_Reed98: I did. Trust me I really did, however…This might really sound strange to someone like you, considering that our professions can not compare the slightest. But I really have been working my ass off to get my music career up and running. But no matter how hard I work the way the music industry is set up I can barely scratch the surface if my songs can't top the charts in certain countries. I really need to be heard more for this to happen and I believe that starts with being seen more.

@Rubendias: And by being seen more you mean….

@Kiera_Reed98: The eyes of the public, it needs to be on me. At least for a longer period of time, until they can see what I'm really about. I am about my music.

"Right." Ruben sighed, a sudden urged to toss his phone aside. Kiera's reply left him with a dent between his brows. It sounded like she was starting to consider going through with the arrangement, recognizing the benefits it might have on her career. Ruben couldn't give less of a shit, however. 

He understood Paulo's desire to get the eye of the public back on him, it was the same reason Ruben's sponsors had him dress up and drag his ass to an award show that he had no business being at. Ruben's  fans weren't seeing him on the pitch anymore and his social media skills were none existent, understandably Ruben's popularity stocks were plummeting right now, however did it affect his professional career? No. Not the slightest. Not in the same way that it would affect Kieara's.

"Shit, Kiera." Ruben lunged for his phone, having unconsciously set it aside. His screen lit up with yet another notification from Kiera.

@Kiera_Reed98: I really feel awkward explaining all of this in your DM's, is there a chance you'll meet me to talk things over?

Ruben stared at the screen with wide eyes. Meet Kiera? She wanted to meet him again. Surely this was a bad idea.

@Rubendias: Sure. I'm free tomorrow if you want to meet me at my publicist office in town.

@Kiera_Reed98: Tomorrow? I'm supposed to leave Manchester tonight 😣. Is there a chance that we can meet like, right now? I'll come to you if it's too difficult.

Ruben was on his feet now, phone in hand, pacing the living room. "Simba nooo." He stumbled upon the pup with a mouth full of his dinner. Now he'd be forced to take him out for a walk again. 

With a sigh of frustration Ruben typed in his address, forwarding it to Kiera along with a thumbs up emoji. Thirty minutes later Ruben got notified by the doorman that he had two young ladies awaiting him downstairs. And as he gave the doorman the green light to send them up, Ruben realized that he had no fucking idea what he was getting himself into.

Prologue

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 5

Part 6

[florawrites-blog]

"Right where you left me"

The quaint little café at the edge of town was a place frozen in time. Its worn wooden tables and mismatched chairs, the soft hum of chatter, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee created a comforting, familiar atmosphere. It was where you and Heeseung had spent countless afternoons, lost in conversation and each other. It was also where he left you. The memory of that day was as vivid as if it had happened yesterday. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the floor as Heeseung sat across from you, his eyes avoiding yours. There was a heaviness in the air, a sense of impending doom that you couldn't shake. "We need to talk," he had said, his voice barely above a whisper. You had known Heeseung since high school. You had grown from awkward teenagers into adults together, your lives intertwining in ways that felt destined. You shared dreams, secrets, and a bond that you thought was unbreakable. But sitting there, across from him, you felt something shatter inside you. He spoke of his career, the opportunities that awaited him far from your small town, and the need to find himself. "I need to do this alone," he said, his eyes finally meeting yours, filled with a mix of sorrow and determination. You had pleaded, argued, and cried, but nothing you said could change his mind. "You'll move on," he had said, his hand squeezing yours one last time. "You'll be okay." And then he was gone, leaving you sitting alone in that café, surrounded by the echoes of your past. The days turned into weeks, and the weeks into months, but you remained right where he left you. You threw yourself into your work, hoping to numb the pain with busyness. But every time you walked past the café, you couldn't help but glance inside, half-expecting to see Heeseung sitting at your usual table, waiting for you. The café became a shrine to your memories, a place where you could still feel connected to him, even if it was just an illusion. Friends and family urged you to move on, to let go of the past and embrace the future. But how could you, when every corner of this town held a piece of him? The park where you had your first kiss, the bookstore where you spent lazy Sundays browsing for new reads, the bench by the river where you talked about your dreams—all of it was a constant reminder of what you had lost. One rainy afternoon, a year after Heeseung had left, you found yourself back at the café. The same waitress who had served you so many times smiled warmly as she handed you a cup of coffee. "He's not coming back, you know," she said gently, her eyes filled with sympathy. You nodded, unable to find the words to respond. You knew she was right. Heeseung had moved on, and it was time for you to do the same. But how do you let go of someone who was a part of your very soul? As you sat there, staring at the empty seat across from you, you realized that moving on didn't mean forgetting. It meant finding a way to live with the memories, to carry them with you as you forged a new path. You took a deep breath, feeling a sense of resolve wash over you. You stood up, leaving the past behind, and walked out of the café into the pouring rain. It was time to write a new chapter, one where you were the protagonist of your own story, not just a character in someone else's. But no matter where life took you, a part of you would always be right where he left you, in that little café at the edge of town, holding on to the echoes of a love that once was.

Please don't steal or copy , thank you

[archer-kacey]

Joey Drew is Gay and there's no way around it (Pt 2)

In Illusion of Living, Joey claims that he was the one who created Bendy. In reality, Henry was the one who ultimately put pen to paper and created Bendy, Boris and Alice. Again, there's possessiveness over Bendy here, but that isn't all. Remember when I said in the previous part that Joey viewed Bendy as his literal son? So, the funny thing about that is...Henry created Bendy...and from Joey's perspective, his son.

Henry created his son.

And even if that's still a reach, Henry created the entity that was one of the most important things in Joey's life-his muse, messenger, and avenue through which he communicated his stories and ideas to the world. (Basically, his favorite OC.)

Things start off pretty swimmingly in terms of their friendship.

Joey was the one who got Henry set up working at the bookstore. (Apparently he also found him more complex than he initially thought.)

Things only pick up steam from here. When Joey finally does see Henry's art, he seems to have a strong reaction.

Joey has a "lightbulb moment" at the sight of Henry's cartoony style. He doesn't stop at the art, though.

(Joey, did he tackle what was right in front of him, or did you just want him to tackle what was in front of him? Be honest, now.)

Notice Abby's reaction. She sees how quickly he gravitates towards Henry's art, and the man himself.

Henry also seems stunned to silence by the high praise Joey gives him, which is a fair reaction to being told he might chart the course of the rest of someone's life.

Notice how Joey can't explain why he had such a sudden fascination with cartoons, he just "felt" it.

Pardon my french, but Abby seems to either be worried that he’s thinking with his dick, or not thinking at all. (Probably both.) Despite Abby's reservations, when Joey keeps his insistence that he wants to get into cartoons, she knows Henry is the man for the job.

And her intuition about bringing them together as business partners paid off.

Henry co-founded the studio with Joey, and by all surrounding context we're given, Joey seemed to be perfectly content with this setup. That is, until their eventual falling out.

We don't know the nitty gritty specifics of their falling out, but we know a few things. For one, it was brutal, which Nathan helps confirm via footnote.

Secondly, we know Henry moved to California. That's all the way across the US. Thirdly, we know Henry had a wife, Linda.

So the guy that helped him actualize his dream, created his SON/favorite OC, and was probably his best friend at the time, fell out with him and moved all the way across the country with his wife (and assumedly didn't talk to him again.)

I would find it hard to believe that Joey was solely using Henry similar to what he did with Susie, because there are very curt admissions throughout Illusion of Living that he can't entirely erase Henry from the narrative, as badly as he wants to. Joey couldn't get Henry out of his mind. Of course he didn't treat Henry fairly, and of course Henry had every right to leave. But he had a strong connection to Henry whether he wanted to admit it or not.

There's no proof that he felt romantically about Henry. There is, however, proof that Joey wanted a family, viewed Bendy as his son, admits he still admired Henry after the fallout, and seemed perfectly content living out his wildest dreams with the man who, from his perspective, created HIS SON.

But we're not done yet. See, Henry is FAR from the only man who had a great deal of relevance in Joey's life.

PART 3>>