#and yes i know the last world book said he doesn't like fighting no one knows what's going on with this guy i guess

[his-madness-keeps-him-sane]

I honestly think that the inability to understand the most basic ideas of ASOIAF characters comes from bad faith criticism, especially if they think that "long winter" is not a central plot point of the story.

Whatever about worldbuilding, I don't care about the freaking bees of Westeros (and the problem is again that Martin has a stick up his ass and should act more like Tolkien and embrace more the poetry and less the pedantry).

I understand and enjoy criticism (1- I think he deserves it, 2- I like to interact with different opinions of things I read/watch/whatever) but saying "winter is unimportant" explains why so many understand the books as a misanthrope story.

Because you have Jaime's journey after "being evil" or Sansa learning the game of thrones to survive while knowing that she doesn't want to become a Cersei.

There's a lot of dark and cruelty but the central conclusion is always the same: be clever!

That's where the TV show failed, in the book consequences matter!

Ned is not dead because he was "good", Ned is dead because he was DUMB!

Nobody said "oh but why did he have to die?" because we know why!

Every single death happens because someone didn't know how to play the game.

That's why Daenerys is doomed to become a fascist (the tv show was BAD but the general idea of Dany turning "bad" is there in the books too).

That's why I will always defend Sansa (arguably the biggest victim of fan's misogyny).

The characters, good or bad, are (usually) incredibly well written, with (usually) a lot of nuance.

From the anti chosen one/Prince Charming of Dany/Jon to the child soldier metaphors of Arya there's really a lot of though and care behind them all. And that's why the books have become impossible to finish. Too many complex pieces to play with.

Martin has A LOT to criticize and I wish he stopped with the bullshit (and the obsession with rape, and the racism, and the...) but I can't understand how someone can read those books and think "this author thinks humans are awful".

Everyone hates Cersei and then Martin goes "Take this, a Cersei POV chapter" and... Fuck.

Yes, she's bad. But suddenly she is a person, not a fairy tale evil queen. She has ambition, she's scared, she's a mother, she's a woman in a sexist world full of violence against women... And we learn all those fears and dreams directly from her, from the "evil queen".

One of the little things that the TV show did well was Joffrey's death.

I remember people being... Uncomfortable. Because while enjoying the death of a monster they realized "wow... He's just a 16 year old boy... Dying in his mother's arms..."

And that, and not "historical accuracy" or whatever Martin claims, is the true golden heart of ASOIAF.

That the world is awful and make us awful

And that it doesn't have to be like that.

That's why the winter IS central.

Because a looming doom should be enough to make them realize how dumb the whole "game of thrones" is (like, you know...the real world and climate change??? The pandemic and the totally insufficient collaboration between countries???) and yet they keep fighting for an ugly chair that kills you if you sit on it too hard because it's made out of the swords of a colonialist war.

IT'S NOT SUBTLE

For all its faults, what ASOIAF is saying (or should be if Martin stopped with the bullshit) is that the world is awful, but you don't have to, and that it's never too late to change.

That you can be good but you have to be CLEVER.

That the kids are the future and can be the change.

That the Starks were always right and the winter is coming.

And that the lone wolf dies but the pack survives.

And I don't think he's ever gonna finish the books, but I don't think it's a coincidence that the last book is called "A promise of Spring".

Say what you want about Martin and his stupidity and empty pride.

But ASOIAF, even if failing a lot in achieving it, is ultimately about hope.

Hope in spite of horror.

Btw, a disclaimer: I'm not even a fan anymore!

I haven't even read the last published book!

But to be a hater you have to admit the good parts too!

Listen to Orson Welles, the OG hater!

Jeez!

Disclaimer x2: I refuse to acknowledge any grammar or orthographic mistake, I can't read anymore 😌

Someone over on Discord asked, "I'm morbidly curious: How BAD is A Song of Ice and Fire in terms of the authenticity George claims it to be?"

My reply was straightforward:

The long and the short of it is that ASOIAF is basically a vehicle for GRRM to present both his rape fetish and his Hobbesian view on human nature and has less historical accuracy than Frozen or most other Disney movies.

That's actually a good way to think of it, now that I've said it--he's Family Unfriendly, they're Family Friendly, but both have the same relationship with History: just Pure Aesthetic with no consideration for how the worldbuilding would work.

[claire-starsword]

Shining Force Data Collection - May 1992

These are from a special on japanese magazine Beep! Megadrive. I haven’t translated most of it because it’s your typical character stat analysis and item/magic list, but there were some fun character tidbits as well.

Protagonist

Leave the finishing blows to him

Character: A typical man, doesn't talk much. Many warriors admire him and join his force.

Special skills: He's the only one capable of ordering the wild members of the Shining Force to retreat.

Mae

Daughter of the Knight Captain, running through the wide fields

Character: Super harsh. Though that's what you can expect of a knight that was also raised like a princess.

Special skills: Her father was the Knight Captain Varios. Her bloodline is as good as it gets for a knight.

Ken

This model apprentice is a guy that grows stronger real fast

Character: Honest. To the point where he comes off as rude to other people. Though it's also a good thing.

Special skills: His youth is his strength. As a knight in training, his growth upon getting real battle experience is extraordinary.

Arthur

The hidden power of a laundry worker

Character: Extremely earnest. His weak point is that he's quick to worry.

Special skills: He's a unique knight who can learn magic. Is that a given when you work on the laundry in Manarina?

Pelle

Are mercenary knights immortal?

Character: A hothead. Perhaps that's why he's easy to deceive, he's completely helpless when it comes to surprise attacks.

Special skills: Has the sheer determination to climb up from a precipice. His strong will beyond that of regular mercenaries isn't just an act.

Vankar

Never stops drinking

Character: Loves alcohol and freedom and fighting. Has an adult charm to him.

Special skills: Fights head-on, one-on-one, a fair clash of power versus power. He's a knight for hire with a lot of pride.

Earnest

A knight of the shadows living for revenge

Character: A man of conviction who won't turn back at any danger in order to attain his goals.

Special skills: Skilled at guerilla tactics, seeing how he penetrated a fort leading only a small bunch of soldiers.

Luke

A brat charging onward with a dumpling of a nose!

Character: A natural-born fighter who loves battling, However, he's usually a kind man.

Special skills: Great physical strength. Shows a fighting style distinct from the knights.

Gort

A hot blooded grandpa unmatched in the battlefield

Character: A kind warrior who loves his family and homeland. Has the charm of an unassuming master.

Special skills: Relies on skill more than strength, contrasting with the young Luke.

Hans

Talented archer who hates fighting

Character: A pacifist. Does things on his own pace and whines a lot, but when he decides to act he does it well.

Special skills: Precise as a machine with the bow. Never misses a target.

Diane

Sniper woman raised in the mountain country

Character: Having been raised as a hunter since a young age, she is very self reliant. Also full of vitality.

Special skills: Runs through hills and fields like a wild beast, chasing after her prey through any distance.

Lyle

Heavy firearm guy with a terrible sense of direction

Character: He's careless, but the kind of guy that's hard to hate. Even he admits his sense of direction is poor.

Special skills: Certainly strong. Carries around that heavy cannon without a single complaint.

Guntz

An inventor’s soul running through the battlefield

Character: A sensitive guy despite his appearance. Seems to be very watchful of his surroundings.

Special skills: Has dexterous hands. Does maintenance of the steam suit by himself.

Tao

The burning woman was devoted

Character: Seemingly meek, but strong on the inside. As expected of a fire mage.

Special skills: Cooks the undead of monsters well-done. A monster chef.

Anri

The princess is a silver haired mage

Character: She is a princess yet has lived in Manarina for a while, perhaps she's good at adapting to other environments?

Special skills: A princess who attacks with ice magic, it's a bit of a scary image to conjure.

Domingo

An impertinent creature since the day he hatched

Character: Talks way too much. Perhaps his egg was hatched in a bad way.

Special skills: His gelatinous body is hard for enemies to damage. Very resistant.

Alef

The magician of lightning attacks hates Lowe?

Character: A woman (?) with a unique adult vibe among those in the force. Quite attractive...

Special skills: The Bolt magic that makes one's fur stand on end and summons lightning. Its power is outstanding.

Lowe

The one who saved a life is a priest in training

Character: Very nosy and curious. Yet has a vibe that's hard to dislike.

[idk book did you read the previous character]

Special skills: Being a priest, that is healing magic of course. Especially eager to treat the girls' wounds.

Khris

Has hidden strength very unexpected of her looks

Character: Because she has served a princess for a long time, she's mild mannered and very quiet.

Special skills: With experience she becomes quite strong, even in close combat. She also looks kind of lonely.

Torasu

The best when it comes to Aura

Character: The eldest in the force. Has a surprisingly funny face.

Special skills: Thanks to his long life, he has learned plenty of healing spells. Very knowledgeable.

Gong

The peak of body training

Character: He wanders about while training himself. A monk with strict discipline.

Special skills: Summons the healing fairies with a strong proper fist. You have to see it.

Balbaroy

Dances like a butterfly, stings like a hornet

Character: Has a deep sense of honor. Fought to protect the priest in Shade who took care of him.

Special skills: A valuable member who can fly. Can't anything be done about his kinda low strength...?

Amon

Do you understand how to use the birdmen couple?

Character: A gentle wife who cares dearly for her husband. You want to answer her pleas no matter what.

Special Skills: Another flying member along her husband. You can leave the battlefield scouting to them.

Kokichi

Flying is his life

Character: He has persisted for fifty years on experiments with flying machines. That says all you have to know about his personality.

Special skills: Kokichi is the only human in all of Rune to have flown. It's an amazing feat.

Bleu

Is this a legendary Sacred Dragon?

Character: He's a crybaby, but his care for his friends might be beyond that of humans. Likes Karin.

Special skills: Bleu is still only a child. He's just starting to develop his powers as a sacred dragon.

Zylo

The only option when it comes to forest battles

Character: While a beastman, he is the king of Bustoke. A noble and kind ruler.

Special skills: A forest spirit. In a forest, no one can match his power.

Adam

Robot given a duty

Character: Loyal servant to the protagonist. He was created for this role. A long. long time ago.

Special skills: His whole body is weaponized. By getting experience, he may be able to unlock its abilities.

Musashi

A strong warrior visiting from an eastern country

Character: The embodiment of the samurai code. He cannot ignore evil, no matter how small.

Special skills: With a single swing of his katana he can tear apart even air! Such skill might be above even the protagonist's.

Hanzou

This user of ninja arts holds his sword in a backwards grip

Character: A complete mystery. His nature, his personality, all unknown. A literal fighting machine?

Special Skills: The secret art of hiding in the shadows. Now, let's look out for him thoroughly.

Yogurt

Why does he fight?

Character: "I don't get it..."

Special skills: He runs. Has a helmet. Tumbles down. Apparently has a lot of unexpected skills. Really unexpected.

[strawberries-and-summer-days]

DATING PERCY JACKSON HC'S

paring: percy jackson x athena!fem!reader

warnings: swearing

a/n: this is my first time doing hc's so i decided to get it out of the way! (its scary cause like i don't wanna disappoint 😭) so if you have any tips or anything lemme know!!

you and percy are like the it couple of camp

like seriously when you two finally (key word being finally) got together the entire camp was rejoicing that you two idiots finally admitted your feelings

you were the two most oblivious people on the planet (percy mostly)

but now you're together its no longer stealing glances in secret but openly gazing at the other and getting distracted in the middle of sparring *cough* percy *cough*

its stealing kisses in between activities

curling up in bed with stolen snacks from the camp store and books

BOOKS

percy's battle against your love for your book boyfriends is a constant war...

and when he introduced you to sally via iris message sally LOVED you on sight

you basically spent the entire time talking to her trash talking percy

percy who had a scowl on his face the entire time

you guys are iconic

if the campers were asked to think of their fav couple in the modern world they'd instantly think of you two

percy and y/n, y/n and percy, you're a package deal

you're like the mom and dad of camp honestly

whenever you fight (which isn't often) the campers whisper to each other "mommy and daddy are fighting again"

the campers knowing smirks whenever they see you both leaving a cabin flustered and dishevelled after making out do

ABOSLUTELY NOTHING to stop you both

percy offers to bring you home for christmas knowing your history with a non-existent family

you had excitedly thrown yourself into his arms squealing "yes!"

you had been a ball of nerves for the last few days of camp

when percy brought you home for the holidays you were ecstatic

so was he really

percy being the lovesick puppy he is, basically just followed you around where ever you wanted to go

that included nearly all the bookstores in the area.

you had happily strolled through the store and passing percy every book you wanted saying

"omigoshpercy! look at this cover!" and then scurrying over to the next book "i've been wanting this one forever!"

percy has a shit eating grin on his face the entire time

he's just happy you're happy

sally was overjoyed when you arrived whipping you into a flurry of warm hugs and smiles

you'd honestly never felt more at home

one night you and percy are curled up on the couch under a blanket reading a book with percy muttering how he was clearly much better than this dumbass

who both stay that way for a while, percy occasionally placing kisses on your temple.

that is the night you first say i love you.

when you say it out loud percy's eyes widen and he flips around so he's facing you

"I love you."

now you've never felt more at home

percy thinks of you as a literal goddess

he worships the ground you walk on

and when you said i love you, that practically just cements his obsession with you

when sally walked in on you two to offer you some dinner she smiles when she sees you asleep on percy's shoulder, percy mouths

"what?" so he doesn't wake you up.

"you really like her, don't you?"

percy nods staring adoringly at you. "yeah i kinda do."

a/n pt2: i actually had so much fun making these so let me know if you'd ever want more hc's!!

[us-the-voices-and-more-voices-2]

Jason with his time in the league of assassins

Talia walks into the small modest room where Jason is livening in while he gets back on his feet, having a bunch of brain functions recovered takes a while to get used to. he's been doing physical therapy and occupational therapy for the last couple months, his dexterity isn't exactly back yet.

Talia: Jason? what are you doing?

Jason: well there's this thing I always wanted to try called stop motion animation, and well you got some lego's for Dami but he's a bit too small for them so.. I took them and have been animating. I was bored in-between everything, you don't have any good books I haven't already read.

Talia: well that is an acceptable pass time, what are you making?

Jason: oh it's a weird comedy spoof for kids about batman and the joker being nemesis's, I wanted to make it for Dami since well he doesn't know much about him or the other ones and he's only 3 and well it doesn't seem like much but the time I'm done he'll be 5 and be able to enjoy it. i don't know talia I'm bored and want to make something for him.

Talia: very well, if you so wish. I can get some people in to help you make it if you wish.

Jason: really?

Talia: yes, I can. it does sound like a nice gift.

Jason: oh thank you!

Many months of therapy complete, he starts to retrain and regain all the fighting skills he lost and learn some new ones. in the meanwhile, Jason and 3 other people have been making a complete feature film for Damian who's just turned 4, they were about halfway done and it was looking good.

Talia: so how's it coming along?

Jason: it's been hard and hurts like a bitch, but I'm getting better at flips!

Talia: no. not that, I mean the movie?

Jason: oh it's halfway done! me and the one man and 2 women are doing great we reshot the opening, and we are more than 68% done! so it will be ready by Dami's birthday.

Talia: he will enjoy it I believe.

Jason: of course he would, it's his first ever kids movie!

Talia: why yes it is!

many many many more months pass and it becomes Dami's 5th birthday and Jason and his crew had wrapped up, the voice acting was done mostly by himself, and the crew but he asked some of the league for other voices. eventually after scoring and mixing they met the deadline. they set up the league theatre and put the movie on.

lego batman: [voice over] Black. All important movies start with a black screen... And music... Edgy, scary music that would make a parent or studio executive nervous... And logos... Really long and dramatic logos... Warner Bros. Why not "Warner Brothers"? I don't know... Hmm... Not sure what LOA does, but that logo is macho. I dig it... Okay. Get yourself ready for some... reading. "If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make a change. Hooo." No. I said that. Batman is very wise. I also have huge pecs and a nine-pack. Yeah, I've got an extra ab. Now, let's start the movie.

Dami: momma? what's the movie about?

talia: your father

lego Alfred Pennyworth: Were you looking at the old family pictures again?

lego Batman: At the what? The old family... Oh, yes! I see what you mean. Look at that! The old gang. Yeah. No, I wasn't.

lego Alfred Pennyworth: I see. Sir, if you don't mind my saying, I'm a little concerned. I've seen you go through similar phases in 2001 and 2006 and 2008 and 2005 and 1997 and 1995 and 1992 and 1989 and that weird one in 1999. Do you want to talk about how you're feeling right now?

lego Batman: I don't talks about feelings, Alfred. I don't have any, I've never seen one. I'm a night-stalking, crime-fighting vigilante, and a heavy metal rapping machine. I don't feel anything emotionally, except for rage. 24/7, 365, at a million percent. And if you think that there's something behind that, then you're crazy. Good night, Alfred.

lego Alfred Pennyworth: Sir, it's morning..

Talia: *laughs*

Dami: *chuckles*

Jason: *smiles with accomplishment*

lego Batman: [Batman's song] Who never skips leg day?

Chorus: Batman!

lego Batman: Who always pays their taxes?

lego Batman, Chorus: Not Batman!

Talia: *wails with laughter*

Dami: what are taxes?

Jason: you'll know when you get older don't worry about it

The lego Joker: Are you seriously saying there is nothing, nothing special about our relationship?

lego Batman: Whoa. Let me tell you something, J-bird. Batman doesn't do 'ships.

The lego Joker: [Confused] What?

lego Batman: As in "relationships." There is no "us." Batman and Joker are not a thing. I don't need you. I don't need anyone. You mean nothing to me. No one does.

Talia: that is your father's arch-nemesis the joker

Dami: oh okay

Jason: please kill him for me

dami: okay Jason, i will avagange, e-venge, avenge your honour!

Jason: you have no idea what that means to me buddy *wipes away a tear*

Lego Robin: My name's Richard Grayson, but all the kids at the orphanage call me Dick.

Lego Batman: Well, children can be cruel.

Jason: when I first heard dick's name I unironically thought everyone was just calling him a dickhead so much that the name dick stuck, but nope turns out it's short for Richard. he even changed his name to dick, I personally would never. but he pulls it off flawlessly. *chuckles*

talia: I did not know mr Grayson preferred to be called Dick.

Dami: who's dick then?

Jason: oh he's your older brother.

Lego Robin: What? [Sees Batcave]

Lego Robin: It's the Batcave! Ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygooo-! [Bumps into Batman]

Lego Robin: Batman, woah!

Lego Batman: You're darn right, woah!

Lego Robin: Wait, does Batman live in Bruce Wayne's basement?

Lego Batman: No, Bruce Wayne lives in Batman's attic.

Talia: *DIES OF LAUGHTER* oh Jason this is amazing.

Jason: I wish to impress!

Lego Robin: Hey, I was thinking. If I'm gonna be a superhero, and go on awesome superhero missions like this one, can we use code names? Mine can be Robin.

Lego Batman: I'm sorry, say that again?

Lego Robin: Robin.

Lego Batman: As in the small, Midwestern frail bird?

Lego Robin: Yeah, and I already have a catch phrase. Tweet, tweet, on the street.

Lego Batman: Hard pass.

Lego Robin: And a song. [singing]

Lego Robin: Fly, Robin, fly.

Lego Batman: Harder pass.

dami: *laughs so hard he coughs*

talia: habbibi careful, don't laugh so hard you will hurt yourself

Jason: honestly yeah you can hurt yourself badly.

LegoRobin: Wow! Look, it's the Bat-Sub!

Lego Batman: Wait, don't touch that!

Lego Robin: Over there! It's the Bat-Space Shuttle!

Lego Batman: Please keep your hands off that.

Lego Robin: Look, it's the Bat-Zeppelin!

Lego Batman: Don't touch that, either!

Lego Robin: It's the Bat-Train!

Lego Batman: No!

Lego Robin: It's the Bat-Kayak!

Lego Batman: No!

Lego Robin: It's the Bat-Dune Buggy!

Lego Batman: No!

Lego Robin: It's the Bat... Shark Repellent?

Lego Batman: [pause] Uh, actually, you can touch that. It's completely useless.

Talia: shark repelent is actually a quite useful invention why is bruce beloved not recognising it's full potential?

Jason: keep watching

Dami: does father have all those things?

Jason: sure does!

Lego Batman: We are gonna steal the Phantom Zone projector from Superman.

Lego Robin: [frowns] Steal?

Lego Batman: Yeah. We have to right a wrong. And sometimes, in order to right a wrong, you have to do a wrong-right. Gandhi said that.

Lego Robin: Are we sure Gandhi said that?

Lego Batman: I'm paraphrasing.

Talia: *laughs*

Dami: *laughs so hard he starts coughing AGAIN*

Jason: ghandi so said that btw.

lego Jim Gordon: [sees Robin for the first time] Who is that?

lego Robin: Hi, police man!

lego Jim Gordon: Is that your son?

Lego Robin: Yes, I am!

Lego Batman: [laughs nervously] Is that my son? No, that's just weird.

Lego Jim Gordon: It's weirder if it's not your son.

Jason: this interaction is based off an actual interaction between jimmy and Dick.

[batman and robin arrive at the fortress of solitude]

lego Batman: Hey, kid!

lego Robin: Yes, sir?

lego Batman: You're super nimble, right?

lego Robin: I sure am!

lego Batman: And small?

lego Robin: Very.

lego Batman: And quiet?

lego Robin: [whispering] When I desire to be.

lego Batman: And 110% expendable?

lego Robin: I don't know what that means, but okay!

Jason: bruce really did not know how to deal with a 11 year old child hellbent on murdering a mob boss, so he kept bringing him along on incredibly dangerous missions, it was always fine in the end but this sort of situation happened once.

Talia: really?

Jason: the expendable part was from a wayne tech family event, and they crushed it. but dick had to sacrifice himself to help bruce win, it was so funny. I was there.

Lego Batman: White. All important movies end with a white screen.

Talia, jason, the other 70 league of assassin members and Damien break out into applause for the movie.

Jason: THANK YOU ALL, but special thanks to Gerald, and lily and Rin!!!! I WOULD HAVE NEVNER FINISHED IT WITHOUT YOU THANK YOUUUUUUU

the audience bursts into a large uproar of applause.

Prev | current | Next

[yaut-jaknowit]

I’m back to pester you again

Okay so, angst idea (I think i’m a genius) but reader being forced to kill and shoot one of his family members to save his mate because said family member works for the government and was the last thing standing in the way of freeing readers mate

They Both Reached For The Gun

Pairings: Wolf (Male Yautja) x AMAB!Reader

Word Count: 4217

Summary: This was meant to be a simple meeting with your sister. After time and time again, she just doesn't like Wolf. You have tried to get the two of them to at least tolerate each other. This is your family you're talking about. But, your sister won't come to terms with him.

Author Note: Bruh, you are a genius.

Masterlist

Ao3

This was all your fault from the beginning to the end. To the one person you thought you could trust… your sister. She’s been at your side through thick and thin. You encouraged her when she joined the government. A good job with the ability to earn plenty of money. It set her off on the right path. You no longer had to worry about your little sister.

Both of you shared plenty of secrets. Of course, her job prevented information and intelligence to be spilled. But you still talked often.

Such secrets that your mate was opposed at first. You refrained from spilling something like that to her until if or when he gave you permission. To show her the love of your life that you held near and dear to your heart. Someone you’ll defend till your last breath and your heart stops beating. He is yours as much as your are his.

When the day came, you thanked him wildly and showered him in plenty of kisses. As the stoic male that he is, he allows for the affection to rain down on him. That same day, you called up your sister to come visit you at your home. Your shared home with Wolf. She was confused on why you wanted her over so badly but came over anyhow. Anything for her older brother.

All went well during the meeting. Well… for the most part.

When Wolf walked out of the bedroom, your sister, Kara, whipped out a gun and pointed at him. That nearly sent Wolf into a spiral. You stepped out in front of the gun to prevent bloodshed. Wolf was on the verge of tearing Kara’s head from her body for daring to point a weapon at his mate. It took a lot of yelling and talking to get the two of them to calm down finally.

Everything was at a tense peace for the moment. Kara put away the gun you didn’t know she had back into her waistband. You timidly walked up to her with a nervous smile. The woman kept staring at Wolf, eyes wide but not with fear. There was something else you couldn’t pinpoint on.

From that first meeting, everything seemed alright. You would offer for her to come over when Wolf was around. All you wanted was for the two of them to get along. There was no need for fighting or hatred or fear. Wolf wasn’t going to harm her… unless she harmed him or you. Not that she would do that anyhow. This was your sister you were talking about.

Months passed on. The two came to a standstill that was decently peaceful. Despite Kara trying to hide it, you could read her like an open book. She would glance at Wolf when she thought you weren’t looking and gave him disgusted looks. You knew it would be hard to convince her there was nothing wrong with him. He’s different, yes. But, he was an amazing mate. Things like that, you tried to reason with her with.

None of that mattered in her eyes. She shot down your words with the same old ‘he’s a monster’. Words that hurt your soul.

Wolf was far from that. He saved you. He’s the love of your life. You share your soul with him. He deserve the world for what he’s done for you. Here is your sister, saying nasty things about him no matter what you did to explain to her.

Then, you tried one last time to give her a chance. You invited her over for dinner again, making all of her favorites. Anything to sweeten her up.

“It’s not going to work, little one,” Wolf rumbled from his seat at the kitchen island. The seat was barely holding his weight and groaned at each small movement. “She does not like me. I don’t care that she decides I’m the bane of her existence.” He looks up from his wine glass. “I’m only doing this for you. I wish to see you happy. Clearly, her actions aren’t despite what you originally thought.”

The spatula was set down off to the side of the stove. Your hands gripped the edges of the counter, head bowed with the knowledge of defeat. “I know…” you trailed off and shook your head. It was hard to come to terms with the fact your sister doesn’t even tolerate your mate. She hates him. That was clear as day.

You dragged a hand down your face with a groan. Today was the day you were going to give it one more attempt before calling it. If nothing comes out of it, you’ll won’t bring Kara around anymore. There was no point. Not if she brought you down like this and disrespected your family.

“One last time,” you told him with a glance over your shoulder. It was comical how this hunk of a man could perch himself on a stool not strong enough to hold his weight. Yet, the Yautja made it work.

From behind you, the chair made a scrapping noise across the wood floors. The soft, familiar pitter-patter of steps rounded the island. Wolf’s body heat washed over your back as he crowded you into the counter. He leaned down enough so his mouth hovered next to your ear. “Okay, sweetie,” he rumbled and rested his heat on your shoulder. “But then, that’s it. I will not allow her to make you feel terrible about this. It’s not your fault.”

Those words. You needed to hear them. The guilt was eating you up. You weren’t expecting them to be buddy-buddy, but you hoped for some mutual respect. From one family member to the newest one joining. Expect, Kara didn’t even treat him like someone who commanded respect on daily bases by unruly unblooded. There’s a reason he left the teaching academy long ago. He couldn’t deal with children every day like that. A fact you loved to tease him about.

His warmth was comforting. You leaned back and gingerly closed your eyes. “Thank you, love. I appreciate everything you do for me.” Including with dealing with your upset sister whenever she came over. That took a lot out of him.

Wolf grunted and let his hands rest on your hips. The pot of pasta in front of you cooked away, steaming up into the vent over the stove.

A sharp knock on the door alerted you to the appearance of your sister. Wolf growled, hands pinching your waist before he pulled away. You patted his cheek before strolling over to the front door. The Yautja huffed while crossing his arms firmly over his chest. He looked threatening in all of his glory. You gave him a pointed look to calm it down. Wolf just lazily stared at you.

With that fail, you opened the door with a bright smile. Your sister happily greeted you by throwing her arms around your neck and drawing you into a hug. A squeal surged past her lips.

“Oh, it’s so good to see you again!” she cheered and pulled back to get a good look at you. “It feels like forever since I last saw you. How are you doing? Have you dropped any luggage?” Your head jerked back at what she was insinuating. Hurt broke at your already fragile heart about the matter. Her eyes flickered over your shoulder to see the towering form of Wolf still here. “I guess you haven’t.”

Kara strolled into the house with a sneer directed at Wolf. Like the male has dealt with plenty of times, he peers in her direction calmly but as if she wasn’t a threat. Just another annoying child or pest in his way.

“Yum, that smells delicious!” Kara took a deep breath of the air and spun around to face you. You were still standing at the front door, slowly closing it. “What are you making?” You finally follow after her into the living room. She was completely ignoring Wolf. You walked over to him and leaned on the counter next to him.

“Chicken alfredo.” Easily. Simple. But, you made it the best way. Even Wolf liked what you made. You took that as a big compliment since Wolf mainly ate raw meat. Said Yautja purred lightly.

Maybe, it was his favorite at this point as well.

Her brows jumped before falling. “Oh, wow, that’s like the best out there.” The woman took a seat on the couch. “So, do you got anything exciting going on? See our parents? Going out with friends?” You found it slightly weird that she was asking such things. They weren’t normal in your mind but you brushed it off in hopes to keep the conversation light.

A slight shrug answered her. “No, not much. Wolfy here wants to take me out on a hunting trip next weekend. He’s gonna show me how to hunt.” That, you were actually excited about. To see the stars again. He’s taken you out there with his protection at all times. But, this time, to let you go out with him and be taught the Yautja way. God, you couldn’t wait for that.

A look of uncertainty passed over her features. “Are you sure you want to do that? Space seems scary and vast. What happens if you’re alone and a monster comes after you? He can’t always be there to save you,” she disagreed with this trip. Your face dropped with a flash of hurt. “I mean that in a caring way, big bro.”

At your side, Wolf’s aura changed. It grew tense. You didn’t need him to say a word or move a muscle to know what he’s feeling. The two of you are that close. Plus, he freely allows for you to sense that. Otherwise, he’s as closed as a vault.

You shrugged and grasped Wolf’s hand for reassurance. At this point, you were completely regretting this whole interaction with Kara. She seems ten times worse than normal. “I’ve got my partner. He won’t let anything happen to me. Not if he still lives,” you stated firmly and nodded your head. She really needed to get it through her thick skull, Wolf is here to stay.

“And what if he no longer lived? What would you do then?”

The air suddenly turned ice cold. Fear gripped your heart in a steely grasp. Your nails bit into the back of Wolf’s palm, creating crescent shapes in the skin.

Wolf abruptly stood from his chair, easily towering over the woman you once thought so dearly about.

“It’s time you left,” he grounded out and continued to hold your hand. Wolf positioned himself a step ahead of you, shielding you with his body.

From bad to worse, the situation turned for a down hill fall. Her face soured. A hand reached behind her back. “No, I don’t think so. He is my brother, and you are nothing but a monster.” Her eyes found yours. There was something dark in them. “I’ve tried so hard to get you to step away, to break up with him. I didn’t want to hurt you, but you left me no choice, brother. I’ve come to my deadline.”

Everything she was saying, didn’t make sense. You wanted to ask, to beg her for an explanation. Any reason to why she’s acting this way. Wolf didn’t allow for time. He stayed stationed in front of you but let go of your hand. His own were flexed, prepared for whatever Kara throws at him. Something he could else defeat and kill her for.

“W-wait, hold up! Please, don’t,” you begged Wolf and even latched onto his arm. You knew from his words and stories alone; if Kara presented herself as a threat, he had every right to take her down. Your own sister, about to be slaughtered before your very eyes. “This is my sister, Wolf!”

Underneath your grip, Wolf was tense, muscles coiled in preparation of an easily won battle. He does not waver. “Your sister wishes harm on you. She presents a threat to you. I’ve stood off to the side long enough,” he growled out in voice you rarely hear from him.

“Hear that? He’s going to hurt me. You want that? You’re going to let your mate, a monster, hurt your sister.” She played that card really well, pulling at your heart strings. She tried to sway you to her side by playing the victim. “I told you from the beginning: he cannot be loved. They are known for killing and maiming humans. I can’t believe you decided to date such a thing.”

The disgust in her voice hurt a lot.

This wasn’t suppose to be happening. This was the last try to make everyone be content with another. You weren’t going to force them to like each other. Just tolerate. Hopefully tolerate each other.

Then, her last words hit you like a train. You stepped out from behind Wolf. “What? What do you mean?!” Kara is acting as if she knew of his species more than what you told her. “Why are you acting like you know the Yautjas?”

When it came to Wolf, he was up front about everything he’s done. He’s not ashamed. Far from it. He freely let any information you wanted from him. Wolf wasn’t going to hide anything from you. Not when you’ve dedicated your life to him. The least he could do was the same thing.

Wolf used a hand to pull you safety behind him again, despite you fighting him on it. You still peeked around from his back to find your sister’s emotionless, cold eyes.

“I was given a great opportunity when I left a few special people know what you harbor in your basement. You can thank me for not letting them storm your house the moment they knew.” Her arm that was behind her back slid out.

A gun. She was holding a hold.

“I told them to let me study you and him. A great way to see the inside of what makes the two of you tick. Why on God’s green earth would a person go after a murderer?! I still haven’t figured it out.” She lifts the gun, barrel pointed at you. “But, the deadline has come upon us. I’m all out of time.”

A deadly growl pierced the air. Wolf lowers himself down a little, ready to spring across the space for an attack. “Either you willingly give in, beast, or else I’ll have no choice to shoot my own brother. Either way, you are coming with me. In chains or willingly. Make up your mind.”

And that was a threat Wolf would never let stand.

Not even a sound escaped him as he darted forward as blur of moss green. Two shots ring throughout the air, piercing the tension. You didn’t even see what happened even after Wolf tripped over his own feet and slid across the floor. He stopped just shy of her feet, slightly curled up and twitching.

Kara grinned down at him. “We’ve dealt with your kind before. Didn’t you think we had measures to defend ourselves against you?” The barrel aimed down at him. For good measure, your sister shot him again and sent another shot straight through his chest. It wasn’t designed to kill, just stun long enough for extraction. The Yautja grunted and stayed useless at Kara’s feet.

Your jaw dropped, hands shaking at your sides. It felt like you had been taken to a different universe. Surely… surely this had to be a horrible dream.

“Wolf…” you softly whined his name and finally took a step forward to him. Kara snapped the barrel at you. Betrayal was evident in eyes that held loves towards you.

“Not another step, traitor. I’m not afraid to use this on you. Remember, it’s meant to take things like him down,” she warned with a cold tone in her voice. Tears prickled the corner of your eyes.

The distraction you offered allowed for Wolf to swipe his claws at any part close to you. He could’ve purred at the sight of blood staining her pant legs.

She shouted, hand letting go of the gun. It precariously tumbled to the ground and was knocked closer to you. Your eyes darted to it, flickering up towards Kara again before you lunged forward. Kara saw a moment too late and tried to beat you to it. Your hands gripped the unfamiliar warm metal. The barrel trembled as you pointed it at Kara.

The woman put up her hands. “Are you seriously going to shoot your own sister?! I had to do what needed to be done. His kind and himself are responsible for many, many deaths! They need to know we will not let them walk amongst us, not let them walk all over us. We are no longer prey to them!” she reasoned with you. Her looks softened and pulled an innocent look you weren’t taking.

Every word made the crack in your heart worse and worse. You refused to take your eyes off of her, observing her closely. But, you could see the fragile state she had put Wolf in by shooting him. With that knowledge, this gun could be lethal to a human. Now, was the decision on whether or not you were going to kill her.

And she tried to kill your mate.

“Shut the fuck up!” you screamed at her. Rage overtook every emotion in your entire body. Heat raced throughout your veins, filling every available space. “You… I tried with you. So hard. But it was destined from the beginning to fail. You knew. You knew from the near beginning. This was your plan, wasn’t it?”

All the pieces were finally coming together.

At first, she just watched you, face turning darker. She nodded, nevertheless. She knew she was in the wrong.

The dams broke.

It took only a slight pressure for one bullet to release from the chamber. Then, another. Until nothing fired. Until every bullet had left the gun and entered her body. You wanted her dead. She deserved this painful death. Nothing more than the pain she has caused you. It could’ve all been avoided.

Amidst the ringing in your ears, Wolf became your priority. You shakily stepped forward then fell to your knees at his side. The Yautja was heavily trembling, unable to under a word. You were able to get him rolled onto his back to see three entrances to the wounds. The sight made you want to tear Kara’s head straight from her body. But… she was dead. There was nothing more you could do to make her suffer.

You leaned over him. Wolf’s bright eyes snapped to you. His acknowledgement calmed a small portion of your racing heart.

Grunts and choked noises came from him. “S-sh-ship. Go!” Your brows furrowed. As if you were going to leave him to suffer. Over your dead body. “Com-coming. Pe-p-eople.”

The cold wash of fear instantly froze your veins. It only took a second to connect the dots. Your sister was part of the government. She told them. This was a set up. People were coming to take him away. You gritted your teeth and let the rage come back in full force.

“No.”

In total, he had to be at least four hundred pounds without armor. There wasn’t time to either pull out the bullets in hope of stopping whatever they were or hide. Instead, you grabbed a leg and started to tug him towards the backdoor. The backyard offered enough space for him to land his ship.

Wolf could only watch in anger at your blatantly disregard for your own health and safety. Whatever that scum had shot him with worked fast and easily render him useless. If they made it out of this alive, he would immediately go straight to the ancients and let them know. They’ll survive this.

Barely through the night, you could see the outline of his ship. A sight for sore eyes. A place of refuge for now. You began to drag him again; down the steps into the backyard and onto the grass. The alien was heavy, bulk with muscle and dense bones. You strained to even drag him at most thirty yards from where he fell to the ramp of the ship.

It happened when you were reaching down to touch his gauntlet to open the ship’s ramp.

Cars and SUV’s roared into your driveway. You froze for a moment, blaming it on human instinct before pressing the button.

A hiss came from the craft, steam releasing into the air. Then, a slab of metal connected by hydraulics began to reveal the inside of his ship. You nervous shifted from foot to foot all while glancing over your shoulder. There was a loud bang that came from your house. You needed to get inside and close the door. That’s the only way you could be safe.

Nearly all the way down, a shout from behind you startled you. “There! Outside!” They had found you.

“Stop or we will use deadly force,” someone commanded and lead a group of soldiers dressed in all black into the yard. It wasn’t large by any means. Just enough space to enjoy. You scrambled to pull Wolf to safety.

When his body was halfway onto the ramp you slammed a hand into the keyboard attached to a hydraulics. It started the rising process as you continued to pull Wolf into his own craft. It was more than struggle. You were breaking out into a terrible sweat, heart racing in more ways than on. This was nothing other than a life or death situation.

And you were staring death in the face.

Shot echoing throughout the night air. You gasped and ducked out. They hit the metal, tinging off and heading somewhere else. You nearly lost your hold on Wolf and sent him tumbling back towards the ground. Your grasp tightened around his ankle, white knuckling it.

Halfway up, you finally got his body completely inside and felt relief. The two of you were safe now.

Sudden, one of the soldiers flung himself onto the closing ramp. His legs kicked wildly to propel him upwards. He clung to the groves in the metal, trying to crawl inside. But, he made no such luck.

Nothing needed to be done. The ramp continued to close. It stopped when his back hit the top only for the hydraulics to whine, fighting against the wedged person. The solider cried out and slammed his fists against the metal. You watched as he was sheered in half from the ramp.

Numbly, you stood there as the man just laid there at the end of the ramp. Dead. Lifeless. Blood staining the floors everywhere. You had to swallow down the bile in the back of your throat before stumbling your way through the ship. Wolf’s taken you here many times before. You knew the way to the cockpit.

All the gadgets and controls lit up at the press of a button. Life was breathed into the ship. You remembered the process from watching Wolf do this many times before. Each move nearly mirrored his own. It didn’t take more than five seconds to get the engines online. You gripped the joystick and power lever. With some ease, you were able to fed power to the engines and guided the ship into the air.

The original take off was terrible. It was bumpy and unsteady at first until you got yourself into the air. You took it fast, anything to get away from the danger that threatened Wolf.

Once in the safety of space, farther than the moon, you didn’t stop. You were going back to the cargo hold with a med pack you had snatched along the way and falling to Wolf’s side. His breathing was ragged and frightening.

“Shit. Wolf, baby, I’m so sorry,” you sobbed and shakily pulled out a pair of tweezers. The bullets were still inside of him. They had to be removed.

A process that took you longer than you had wish, but three bullets were set off to the side. Wolf was laid out in the cargo hold, taking deep breaths to calm his thundering heart. His entire body ached down to the bone. Whatever those bullets were, they were dangerous weapons against his kind. His first mission was to head straight back to Yautja Prime. He’ll have to take you with him. You couldn’t go back home anymore. A target had been put on your back because of him.

Wolf slowly sat up with a resonating groan. You cupped his cheeks and pulled his head to look him in the eye. “I should’ve known. I-I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have let her come back.” Words spilled from your lips like a dam breaking. You felt incredibly terrible for all the heartaches and pains you put him through. The Yautja leaned into your touch, eyes half closed.

They snapped open. You were surprised when his hands went for your side. When his rough finger pads touched that spot, you jolted away with a gasp. He pulled away enough for you to glance down.

Red painted them.

[apoloadonisandnarcissus]

Why am I still reading so many people believing that Galadriel actually “shut the door” on Sauron!? Did you all miss the part where he stabbed her above her heart with Morgoth’s crown and, in the next scene, he’s mind communicating with her!?

This is the scene that starts Sauron’s “grouping” of Galadriel’s mind not her “closing the door” on him.

‘I know what it was that you last saw,’ she said; ‘for that is also in my mind. Do not be afraid! But do not think that only by singing amid the trees, nor even by the slender arrows of elven-bows, is this land of Lothlórien maintained and defended against its Enemy. I say to you, Frodo, that even as I speak to you, I perceive the Dark Lord and know his mind, or all of his mind that concerns the Elves. And he gropes ever to see me and my thought. But still the door is closed! The Fellowship of the Ring, Book II, Chapter 7: "The Mirror of Galadriel"

This only happens in the Third Age, thousands of years after Season 2 finale. Galadriel can't "close the door" on Sauron, on her own. She doesn't know how. She didn't even kick-out her magical arc, yet. And when she says “the door is shut”, Sauron wrecks that door wide open by having them bind together via Morgoth’s crown.

And why is everyone ignoring "Dark Galadriel"? In the Third Age she can walk between the Seen and Unseen world, and is a powerful elf-witch. Did you all see any of this happening in "Rings of Power", already? The correct answer is: not yet.

Tolkien describes Galadriel "dark form" in "The Mirror of Galadriel" chapter: [she] stood before Frodo seeming now tall beyond measurement, and beautiful beyond enduring, terrible and worshipful.

Peter Jackson took this to the next level, and drew inspiration of Glorfindel's form in the Unseen World, when fighting the Nazgûl (in the "Fellowship of the Ring", his role is taken by Arwen), and we see it again when she fights Sauron in Dol Guldur:

Caught between fire and water, and seeing an Elf-lord revealed in his wrath, they [the Nazgûl] were dismayed, and their horses were stricken with madness.

I thought that I saw a white figure that shone and did not grow dim like the others. Was that Glorfindel then?' 'Yes, you saw him for a moment as he is upon the other side: one of the mighty of the Firstborn. He is an Elf-lord of a house of princes.  Gandalf and Frodo talk about Glorfindel's form in the Unseen World (Frodo was able to see it because he had the One ring on). The Fellowship of the Ring, Book II, Chapter 1: "Many Meetings"

[kirbybecomesastarwarrior]

So how evil would you say Morgan is?

In Morgan's last post, I mentioned one of the biggest changes in KBASW AU (to mix the anime & game lore...) is Dame Morgan the one who gave Hyness the Jamba Heart.

(I hinted at her ability in this post... when I said she's a black hole, I meant that.)

She was the one who created the dimensional rift that dropped the Jamba Heart at his & the cult's doorstep. Dame Morgan being very well aware that Hyness was in the position of the book of Legend made sure the circumstances a line with everything the book says.

And of course, she waltzes right in (pretending she just happened to pass by), "Could it be the Jamba Heart, and it's chosen you, imagine the great power you can do with that, only you could, this is your destiny... "

And presents herself "as a former star warrior who's become weary lost soul after the war just trying to find purpose." Needless to say, Hyness welcomes her with open arms. The raw power of an ex-gsa-soldier, he couldn't pass up this ...

The events of Star Allies are very different... The best way I can describe is (without spoilers/ this is a reference to Kirby Star Allies' game). The "Story Mode" doesn't happen but Star Allies Guest Star mode is happening... (Minus the boss battles MK & King Dedede since aren't there ... they have someone else to fight ~)

"Where's Kirby & the main gang during this..."

"Forgotten Land" is happening... and when Dream Friends are confronting Morpho Knight so is Kirby in the Isolated Isles (the Extra Mode), Morpho is testing Kirby and his friends all at the same time.

Basically (this Boss battle is happening), while everyone was fighting Morgan snatched the Jamba Heart away. However, one person notices and tries to stop her... Leading to... this zesty confrontation with Zan Partizanne and Dame Morgan.

Keep reading for spoilers~

Zan Partizanne was able to realize that it was Morgan who delivered the Jamba heart to their doorstep once she saw (Morgan) create the dimensional rift to snatch it away.

And as any true villain does... Morgan comes after Zan Partizanne's entire life & entire existence ( as well as the hypocrisy of the cult) and rubs her mistakes in her face leaving no crumbs.

And this is why Morgan's so dangerous. She takes advantage of everyone's very human flaws and calls people out on them... she knows how to play a good mind game. (via. Joker in the Dark Knight)

THE THREE MAGE SISTERS ARE MEANT PARALLEL TO UTHER'S & HIS THREE STUDENTS: Zan Partizanne - Sir Arthur/ Flamberge - Dame Morgan/ Francisca - Sir Nonsurat...

With a very key difference, the Mage sisters genuinely care for one another, Uther's students hated each other. Which is why the blind loyalty they put into Hyness sickened her (at least Uther had class but this bumbling moron's way to scrap at the bottom of the barrel.)

Dame Morgan is one of the most complex characters in the story. (Uther & Morgan's dynamic is basically Azula & Fire Lord Ozai...) She's very much out to get what she deserves, in a sense she played by the rules of the world but it was never enough.

Now she's out to make her own way, rule her own life... TO TAKE IT!

She's evil yes but you get why she's like this.

I also want to explain a bit more her power with the Jamba Heart, and how she was able to negate "insanity..." She's the middle man of the deal... that reaps the benefits. Getting that generated dark heat energy for herself. And it also helps that now she has her own personal sponge for that (*cough* Dark Matter *cough*).

And of course, after this, she departs for Dreamland... And this is where things get really interesting!~

I hope you all enjoyed Dame Morgan aka Morgan Le Faye.

[vertigoartgore]

Dave Johnson : "Blah,biddy,blah,blah,blah. What's there to say ? I did design the new Punisher logo. Pretty happy with it. The cover itself is OK. Not my favorite by any means. But then they can't be all my favorites."

Dave Johnson : "Tried to get that quiet mean vibe. The 'he's so bad, he doesn't need a million guns to kill you' look. And yes, after doing it I realized the Venture Bros. skull thing going on. Wasn't my intent. But what are you gonna do? It was bound to happen.

100% real paint on rough watercolor paper."

Dave Johnson : "Half traditional/ half photoshop."

Dave Johnson : "This one feels a bit like Steranko. I guess I could have sealed the deal by adding a swirling , hypno graphic to one of the backgrounds to really drive it home, but that really wasn't what I set out to do. I'm really enjoying the fact that since I re-designed the logo, I can now use it in the overall design as opposed to letting it just sit there on top of the page getting in my way like most comic cover trade dress. Too bad I still have to deal with the horrible scourge called the UPC box. I mean, seriously !?! Does it have to be so freaking BIG ! Not at all. But nobody wants to rock the boat in the name of beauty."

Dave Johnson : "Red, red, red. Why do I love that color so much? It dominates my work like skulls dominate Mignola's work. My chair is red, I got 2 cars that are red. Devilpig is red. My homemade Samurai armor is red. 

Oh well, why fight it. We all like what we like. It's just that simple.

Damn Equis !

*note* X-Ray is a photo that was manipulated to show all the broken bones. Except the pinky. Because Punisher can kill you with just his pinky. He's just that bad ass."

Dave Johnson : "Ahhhh, Bullseye. You really know your way to my heart."

Dave Johnson : "What a crazy cover. To me, it just screams "insane" ! Maybe I was inspired by a certain DA member that entered into my life recently. Even though I did it before he started sending me death threats (haha) I guess I had an episode of fore sight."

Dave Johnson : "Even though I haven't posted the cover to no.7 yet (because I still need to finish it) I'm posting this. It's a 5 issue story arc involving the character Bullseye. So, I'm trying to do 2 things.

To have every cover involve a bullseye graphic element (so far, so good)

To do all the covers using a blue color palette to reference the original costume of Bullseye (even though the character in this story never dons the outfit)

Also, I realize this cover is kind of a book end cover to an earlier Punisher cover. This one… [link]

But hey, it just worked out that way. If I'd have know that Bullseye was coming up in my future I might have not done the earlier cover. But that said, I wasn't about to NOT do this cover because of that. It fits to well with the story.

But maybe I'm thinking about it too much because the reality is, that it's a stupid comic book cover and the world will go on as is, no matter what I do, haha."

Dave Johnson : "I really had a good time on this one. Bullseye looks like he's really lost it and has become obsessed with getting into Punisher's head.

I gotta say, in some ways this cover assignment has been more fun than 100 Bullets covers. And that's saying a lot. Plus, about a week ago, I was talking to Tim Bradstreet. He said that if I ever needed a fill-in he'd be happy to do so. I told him 'he's have to pry it from my cold, dead hands'. Hahaha."

Dave Johnson : "Ahhh, the Bullseye motif is in effect for one more cover. Actually, I have one more to do with this story line. The writer (Jason Aaron) said that Frank wears a gas mask in this issue. Which is crazy timing because I had started to write back and forth with this guy :icondarkasylumxxx: about a trade. Art for a gas mask. He had asked if I could use his gas mask design on a cover, and I told him that kind of stuff was in the writers hands not mine.

Crazy how the universe works like that."

Dave Johnson : "Hot of the presses. The last cover for the "Bullseye" story line. The bullseye motif was fun to play with. And I can't wait to see what comes next for ol' Punisher. I'm willing to money on the fact that whatever happens, it'll be mondo violent."

Dave Johnson : "Man, this cover fought me all night. I started around 11pm with a basic idea of Punisher holding prison bars so tight that blood was coming outta his hands. But the execution eluded me until 4:30am. The angle I liked, but how to make it say 'Punisher' ? Then the idea of the key brought it all home. Finished it up by 6am and off to Marvel on the East coast just in time for them to get it when they open up the doors. Yeah me!

I think this is my favorite Punisher cover so far. Not sure what you'll think, but I'm sure you're tell me, haha.

Going to go to bed now. I feel like a vampire.

Update Got this response from :iconprimeless: "I'm nobody, so I guess my words will mean nothing to you. Also, my art won't ever be as good as yours. I love this cover as I'm fan of your work, but I continue thinking that your work for 100 bullets is the best you ever did.

The reason is that i find that the Key is saying that "Punisher got somebody into jail" not that "punisher is in the jail".

Sorry. My english is not very nice."

And here's my response: "The cover is not meant to be taken as a literal statement. It's main purpose is to tell you 1. It's a Punisher book 2. It takes place in prison. Obviously, the key isn't a real key. It's a story telling device. Whether or not you personally see it "Punisher got somebody into jail" or "punisher is in the jail". Without the key, it's just a guy holding onto prison bars. With it, it's a guy who, may or may not be Punisher. The goal is to make you pick up the book and find out."

Posting this because I thought it would clarify any future questions. Thanks"

Dave Johnson : "It's a simple cover with a simple idea. Punisher is prison, prisoners not happy about it. Rinse, repeat. Call me in the morning."

Dave Johnson : "You know what sucks ? The way I work. I agonize for 2 weeks to come up with a cover design that I don't hate, and then it only takes me 1 day to do it from start to finish. Imagine if that were the other way around? I'd probably be over rendering and adding so much detail it would make your eyes bleed. But instead I wait until one day before the deadline to force me into doing something. 

Bah! I guess it is what it is. 

This one was hard because I've already done a Punisher cover dealing with Frank's origin story. Seen here [link]"

Dave Johnson : "Mmmmm, Electra vs. Punisher. Sure, why not."

Dave Johnson : "This cover kind of turned out to be a little partridge family bus art style or if you please the art that inspired that art style on the bus [link]

Well, it's not my best cover, but it's not my worst. I really dig how Punisher's face turned out though. But maybe you hate it.

Discuss."

Dave Johnson : "Punisher cover time. Mostly photoshop if you're wondering. No real paint was harmed in the making of this cover."

Dave Johnson : "Another Punny cover. Enjoy.

*note* if you notice, no blood on Frank in the photo. It's the little things."

Dave Johnson : "Sadness."

Dave Johnson's cover run (+ commentaries for nearly each of them) on Aaron/Dillon's Punisher Max Vol.1 #1-22 (2009-2012). Source

[bontu-the-l0ver]

Ik Villains if they had children.

Victor

He has a daughter, just like Victor she will have long hair but she cut it during a rebel phase to make Victor cry but now she enjoys taking care of her hair and takes care of Victor's hair as well.

(Rumors said she has a curse as well)

William

He has son, he looks just like him and has his same personality, William is okay with just one child.

(doesn't have a curse)

Liam

Liam has a daughter, yay! She has his same hair and eyes, she is also a cheerful person but hates when people try to take advantage of him

(Does have a curse, she can see through walls etc... But her vision is very blurry after using her ability for too long)

Harrison

3 children yaya! His first child is the son, he is just like him, Since he was a baby he followed Harrison but sometimes he doesn't get any sleep trying to solve the case of a mystery book

(Doesn't have a curse)

His second child is girl Yaya, she is also similar to Harrison, they sleep a lot, when she was a baby she didn't woke during night and now she is more close to her mother but enjoys time with Harrison

(doesn't have a curse)

His last child, a little boy, he is so sleepy even more than his sister or Harry.

( he has a curse, he can see the emotions a person has even if they aren't showing it or they aren't aware)

Jude

Another daughter yay. She has Jude's temper and the same way of talking even when Jude told her to be a "lady". They are too similar and sometimes they have fights but Jude us still proud of her, and yes she has Mc's hair color

(she has curse but doesn't tell anyone just Jude knows)

Ellis

A pair of twins~~

The first twin is almost the opposite of Ellis but they get along, but he doesn't with his twin.

And the second one is very similar to Ellis but he actually very sane, both of them are sane.

(they do have curse, they share their minds so they are constantly sharing tougths even when less wanted)

Elbert

He has a daughter yappu! She is an exact copy of him but Elbert made her best to give her a happy life, he considers his daughter and Mc are the most beutifull in the world and yes he probably spoils her too much

(Doesn't have a curse and Elbert is thankful for that)

Alfons

He has a daughter (because I don't see him having a son idk why) she has the face of Alfons but Mc eyes, Alfons tells dad jokes and his daughter actually enjoys them. Elbert's daughter would get along with her maybe too friendly~~

(no she doesn't have a curse)

Roger

3 bastars and a little princess lol.

The first son has Mc personality but looks like Roger, even has his bad vision lol

(doesn't have a curse)

The second son is a bit grumpy and only wants Roger to treat him when he is sick and he is almost always sick, he actually has good vision.

(he has doesn't have a curse)

The third son was Bron to be a rebel and has the same cooky personality as Roger. He does need glasses but refuse to use them.

(doesn't have a curse)

Finally a daughter, last attempt to have a girl and she succeeded, she also has bad vision and looks like Roger, she always tries to eat whatever Roger is working on.

(doesn't have a curse)

[samofmine]

thank you anon i had a wonderful time writing this

Sam is Dean's. One way or another, that's pretty much the only thing Dean is certain of now.

Now.

It hasn't always been like this.

Back when they were younger, Dean was always anxious, always worried Sam would leave him one day. He was too different, too silent, too much in his own little world and as much as Dean prouded himself in being the only person Sam would allow to enter his world, he also knew one day this would change and he'd be locked out forever.

So it wasn't much of a surprise when he announced he was going to leave. Stanford.

But even though he saw it coming, it still felt like something died inside of him, a light going out.

And later when they eventually found their way to each other, Dean was certain Sam would leave again. He never wanted the life, never wanted to be part of a fucked up family. He wanted to be normal.

Now, Dean knows Sam has forgotten about that. He finally understands he's never gonna be normal.

Most importantly, he understands Dean is as much of a freak as he is. They're in this together for life.

And, yes, Dean knows Sam is his. In every way he wants him.

This... Thing between them, the thing Dean never knows how to name, has only started a couple years ago. Yes, Dean still feels a longing for his brother rooted deep inside his chest that will never go away, even when Sam is in his arms, moaning his name, panting against his lips, he still longs for him. He thinks this is the result of all the years they lost trying to fight against... this.

Last night, they were bored out of their minds and decided to get hammered together, like they hadn't done in a long time.

Dean loves to see Sam drunk, loves how easily he laughs, how carefree he seems. They could talk about anything and laugh it off.

So, these are the only moments Sam really talks about his time in Stanford. Dean doesn't complain, really, talking about that time only makes the longing grow inside him, but he can handle it from time to time.

Yesterday Sam started to list the people he hooked up with while at college.

At first, Dean was laughing it off.

But then he mentioned someone. A guy.

Dean doesn't care to remember his name. But he does remember what Sam said about him.

The guy was the first one to fuck him.

Sam lost his virginity to a college no-name boy.

And Dean couldn't laugh about that even if he tried.

Which brings him to where he is now.

He found a spell in one of Rowena's books and spent the entire day getting things ready. If it all goes according to plan, Dean will go back in time.

He will reclaim what's his.

He finishes drinking the purple, oddly glowing liquid that tastes like metal and cheap grape juice and says the magic words.

He feels dizzy at first, like he lost consciousness for half a second and came back, and when he realizes... It worked.

Hell yes. Now he has to go find Sammy.

-

Sam is in bed, it's been an overwhemingly long day with too much to do and he really needs to rest.

But, of course, not even this goes according to plan.

He hears a loud noise coming from the apartment's kitchen and jumps out of bed.

He's terrified, hands shaking, and a million thoughts run through his head as he tries to remember what he should do. What he was taught.

He enters the kitchen with a baseball bat in hand, but, before he can see anything someone tackles him to the floor.

His eyes finally adjust to the darkness and he sees him - Dean.

"Easy, tiger!" He says.

Sam frowns.

"Get off me!"

Sam frees himself from Dean and walks to the light switch.

Now, with the lights on, he can see the boy - well, the man - clearly.

It's him, but it's not him as Sam remembers him.

"What the hell?"

"Missed you too, little brother." Dean smirks.

"How the- You-" Sam blinks, trying to gather his thoughts.

Did he fall asleep? Is he dreaming?

What kind of a weird ass dream is this? An old version of Dean breaking into his apartment?

As he thinks, Dean starts going through the kitchen's fridge, grabbing two bottles of beer.

"When you're done freaking out," Dean says, walking to the living room, "Come have a drink with me."

Sam takes another five minutes before he gets himself to follow Dean.

Dean explains everything to him. He explains how he came from the future. How Sam left Stanford, for a reason he won't mention, and they're together a few years from now.

Sam sips on his beer, feeling dizzy.

"But- why? Why would you come here talk to me?"

Dean's eyes darken.

"I know a secret of yours, Sammy."

Dean's voice is so different, even deeper than it already was. His eyes are still a green that seems to spark like a gemstone, and the crinkles by it only make him more good looking.

So, Future Sam probably still hasn't gotten over his crush.

"What secret?" He asks skeptically.

Dean smirks and scoots closer to him, throwing an arm around his shoulder.

He leans in to whisper on his ear.

"I know you've been thinking about me. In ways you shouldn't."

Sam widens his eyes and backs away from Dean on reflex.

"W-What?"

Dean's eyes are even darker now and he looks so sure, so confident, it makes Sam shiver.

"I have a secret, too." He says. "Few years from now, we're gonna be all over each other. I can't get enough."

Sam blushes at the words. He swallows dry, thinking of what to say. Dean's hand finds his thigh, traveling up, stopping on his hip.

Dean pulls him closer.

"Tell me, Sammy." He says, "Tell me how much you want me."

Sam takes a deep breath. Dean starts to kiss down his neck, pulling his hair lightly in a way he only now realizes he likes it, and yeah, there's no way this isn't a dream.

Sam lets out a whimper, getting lost in the feeling. He has wanted this for so long, so damn long, and he hated himself for it.

And now, Dean - older Dean, but still Dean - is right here, giving him everything he always wanted and more.

"Dean..." He says, blushing harder over how needy he sounds.

Dean nibbles on his ear.

"I want you, little brother." He says, "Want you so bad."

He turns Sam's face to look at him and Sam gets lost inside his eyes before he leans in, kissing him with so much desperation he feels himself losing his breath.

He straddles Dean's lap and of course Dean holds him, urging him to take his shirt off and attacking his nipples as soon as they're bare. Sam is already a mess, whimpering and gasping and moaning Dean's name, painfully hard in his pants.

Dean's hand touches him through the sweatpants.

"Tell me." Dean demands, and Sam can't even think of not answering.

"Want you." He breathes out. "Always wanted you, Dean. So fucking bad."

That turns a switch inside Dean and he groans, lifting Sam's body and laying him on the couch, taking off his pants and hovering over him as he takes off his own.

Dean steps back and looks at Sam, naked on the couch. Sam feels his entire body burn.

"You're so beautiful." Dean says, closer now, his hand travelling Sam's body with adoration. "So damn hot, made me lose my mind back then. Still does."

He kisses down Sam's torso and oh, finally, he touches Sam's cock, pumping it twice before taking the head in his mouth, eyes locked with Sam's the entire time.

Sam feels like his brain is melting, he can't do much other than whine and moan Dean's name, so he leans back and watches Dean, leaking precum inside his mouth.

When he's getting close, Dean lets his cock go with a pop. He whines louder.

"It's okay, baby brother. I'll make you feel real good."

Dean rubs the head of his cock, squeezes more precum out and coats his finger with it.

Sam knows where this is going.

Dean starts rubbing his fingers against his hole.

Sam lets out a gasp.

"De- Dean!"

"Shhh, it's okay, baby. Let me take care of you."

"No, Dean, I- I never, I mean, I haven't-"

Dean lets out a groan, tip of his finger entering Sam, and Sam shivers at the feeling.

"I know, Sammy." Dean says, "Gonna be your first. Gonna be the first cock you take in your virgin, tight little hole."

Dean's words are dripping with want, hunger even, and Sam all but melts under his touch.

His finger is all the way in now and he's thrusting it in and out, slowly.

"Ask for it, Sammy." Dean says. "Tell me you want me to take your virginity. Tell me you're mine."

Sam feels shivers running down his body as Dean starts to lick his hole while he thrusts his finger, overwhelmed by how gentle he's being.

"Want-" Sam mumbles. "Want you. Want you to be my first. Please, De-"

Dean adds another finger, this one covered with spit, and starts thrusting in harder. Sam feels weird at first, stretching around his brother's fingers, the burning pain too unfamiliar, but then Dean hits something inside him that makes his body jolt with pleasure and Sam hears himself begging for more of this, more of Dean.

Three fingers in and Sam is almost crying, hips moving trying to meet Dean's thrusts, wanting more of that feeling.

Dean takes his fingers out and leans down to kiss Sam, this kiss filled with passion and want and Sam feels the safest and most loved he's ever felt all his life.

"Gonna fuck you now, baby brother."

Dean says, and Sam feels him coming in, stretching him so much more, he feels like he's going to break, but Dean goes slow and kisses him the entire time until he's fully in.

Sam feels so full his body is taken over by an overwhelming bliss.

He wraps his legs around Dean's waist and pants against his mouth.

"Fuck me." He whines.

And oh, Dean does.

He thrusts inside him, slow but increasingly harder, groaning and giving Sam kisses and bites down his neck.

Sam can't put his mind to understand what Dean's saying, but he gets bits and pieces of it, like "So tight, so fucking tight" and "So perfect for me" and "Made for my cock".

Dean starts thrusting harder and Sam's cock is throbbing against his stomach, almost painfully. He reaches to touch it but Dean stops him, grabs his hand and lifts it, holding it on top of his head.

"Please- I need-" Sam whines, Dean hitting the spot inside him hard with every thrust. He feels like he's going insane from the feeling, too overwhelming, too new.

"You can come like this." Dean pants on top of him, "Come on my cock, Sammy."

Sam whines at the words because fuck, this is too much, Dean fucks him even harder and Sam feels it building up inside him, painfully slow with his neglected cock twitching and leaking, and then it hits him. He lets out a broken sob as he comes all over himself and Dean.

"That's it, Sammy. So good, such a good baby brother for me, fuck." Dean fucks him through his orgasm, groaning as Sam clenches around him, and it's not long until he's spilling inside him, warm and deep and Sam whimpers at the feeling.

When Dean pulls out Sam feels incredibly empty, and he grabs Dean's arms and pulls him down towards him, kissing him passionately, like he's still hungry.

Dean's hand finds his cock while they're kissing and Sam flinches, too sensitive, but his cock is twitching on Dean's hand.

He pumps it slowly until Sam is moaning against his mouth.

"That's it. You did so good, came so good just from my cock." Dean praises him, "Gonna make you come again, baby."

Sam is thrusting up in Dean's fist before he realizes and he comes with a scream this time, entire body shaking.

He falls asleep right after, exhausted.

He doesn't see Dean licking him clean afterwards, and he doesn't see Dean kissing his forehead and saying goodbye.

When Sam wakes up, he wonders if it was all a dream, but his body is still sore and he doesn't know how this is possible.

Years later, when he's back on the road with Dean, older Dean's words still haven't left his mind.

"Few years from now, we're gonna be all over each other."

So, Sam waits.

And he knows damn well it will be worth the wait.

[greenerteacups]

forever grateful to you for sharing your musings, as if the book writing weren't great enough and hard work enough, you truly spoil us and i love you.

I'm popping in here to ask if you would like to talk about how you see Dumbledore. Sometimes I feel his manipulative side is abused in fanfiction, depicting little more than a heartless chess master.

And well, I guess I'm curious to find out if Lionheart Albus has a heart and will we get to see it. Maybe the more generous glimpses you give us of Snape and his interactions with him will shed some light on his hidden depths? Or will his appearances remain fleeting and enigmatic, always far and above all the little people we do know and adore?

Sorry, I know you can't possibly be completely balanced in your portraying of the whole cast, or they would spread too thin. I am here for the plot, for the Dramione and the Blacks, but I deeply enjoy all the character building (I truly live for all of them, not only our loved ones, I even cherish Warrington with sincere hate and am waiting for his comeuppance ) so I thought I would ask if you wouldn't mind a few comments on our opaque headmaster.

Thank you, friend! You're really kind.

Dumbledore has a relatively minor role in Lionheart for a few reasons — chief among which is, as you point out, that we just don't have time for everybody to get the same level of characterization the mains do. I have plot justifications for that, but it'd be disingenuous to suggest otherwise: Dumbledore's minor because I'm less interested in him than I am in Snape and Narcissa, and Lionheart is much more about Draco's sphere of the world than Harry's. That being said, I think some people forget how small Dumbledore's role is in the original books. He pretty much exists to deliver exposition and tell Harry how to beat the final boss; dude doesn't even get a gesture at a backstory until he's already dead. In fact, it's kinda weird to me that everyone (including a lot of people in the series) treats Dumbledore like he's some kind of guardian for Harry, especially with respect to the decision to keep him at the Dursleys. I know it's set up in the prologue, but if I'm Dumbledore, and I'm catching strays for Vernon Dursley being a piece of shit, I'm gonna be like:

The TLDR on Dumbledore is he's blamed way too much for stuff he doesn't do instead of the stuff he does. People seem to blame him for everything bad that happens to Harry because he's a competent adult in the general vicinity of the kid. But with the possible exception of hiring Lockhart — a bad decision I attribute to Early Installment Weirdness and, just maybe, a certain scarcity of applicants for a position where the last dude Literally Fucking Died — there's not a whole lot of shit that happens to Harry in the first few books Dumbledore could've prevented. Plus, he does in fact have Other Shit to be Doing. Is he a really powerful wizard who probably could've saved Harry's ass in a lot of the fights he gets into? Yes. Does he also have a whole school to run, a secret guerrilla group to direct, a Ministry full of political enemies to placate, and — oh yeah — a snake-faced immortal evil sorcerer he's playing 4D chess with at all times? Yes!

The whole lamb-to-slaughter thing with Harry is admittedly quite dark, but I don't read it as machiavellian. For one, Dumbledore obviously comes to this conclusion after a lot of deliberation, and to his death, he refuses to tell Harry about it, because (one assumes) he never intends to kill Harry himself. He's willing to hinge the fate of the free world on his respect for Harry's autonomy and/or his faith that Harry will make the "right" choice. That's pretty humane, given the circumstances. And he holds off on telling Harry about the horcruxes because... he doesn't want to inform a literal child that he'll eventually have to kill himself for the war effort. Oh, GOD, what a SCHEMING MONSTER. Surely this is motivated by menace, and not the grieving reluctance of a seasoned veteran who wants to preserve whatever few years of happiness this kid can eke out of life.

The areas where Dumbledore is morally shady come out most in his interactions with other adults. His conversation with Severus in 1981, for instance, is the one time in the books where I was legitimately frightened of him, because it's a rare time he's completely without mercy or grace. "What will you give me in return, Severus?" is a character-defining line, because Snape has just told him that two twenty-somethings and their infant child are about to be murdered, and Dumbledore's hit back with the subtextual equivalent of: "Tough shit. Why is it my problem?" Which is COLD AS FUCK! And we can kind of infer that he's not in earnest here, that he's manipulating Severus by making him think Dumbledore won't protect the Potters (even though they're Order members, which this theory requires us to assume Severus doesn't know) so that he can get him to work as a spy — but we don't know that for certain, right? It's all inference. We hope that his implicit threat isn't genuine, but what would happen if Severus said no, and walked away? How much did Albus understand about Snape's feelings for Lily, and what kind of person does it take to bluff like that in front of a known Legilimens? That line is intimidating as fuck whether or not Albus means it.

It's bits like these, where he's talking to people that he actually dislikes, where we get hints of the real Machiavellian Albus Dumbledore, and it's absolutely fascinating. He's the veteran of two wars, going on three when he dies, and you can tell in how he conducts himself. That includes, by the way, his gentility with children and his respect for innocence. But he's not just Good Funny Grandfather Dude or Crafty Mastermind. He's a general. He's been waging wars from the back lines since his twenties. That does something to your brain, and it doesn't leave a lot of you left over for anything else.

[wolfinshipclothing]

Rewatching Avatar: the last Airbender (WITH MY MOM!)

Ok so i convinced my mom to watch ATLA with me. she's 68, but with the mind (and the looks mind you) of a 40y/o woman who loves cartoons, so it was quite the blast.

i'll go Book by Book and tell you guys her very amusing (and accurate) thoughts.

So here i go.

MY MOM WATCHES ATLA: BOOK I

-first coment is when she saw Zuko and it was like "ooh, he's hot!" and i was like "he's a teenager" and she was like "he's also not real" so point for her.

-IMMEDIATELY after learning the Avatar has to learn the four elements, she already knew Zuko was going to chance sides and teach Firebending to Aang.

-First episodes were a bit slow but she caught onto it because of the fantasy elements. she had a bit of a hard time picking the whole bending thing. not the bending itself, but the fact that not everyone who lives in the earth kingdom or wears green is an earthbender, but she catch it up quickly.

-she pointed out that Aang's airbending is not very consistent. "Why doesn't the Avatar just blow them away?! he did so in that other episode" and well, its kinda true.

-when it was Haru's episode i said "you're gonna like him". and when Haru showed up she was "ooooh i like him! not as much as the prince tho."

-"you realize its the brother (sokka) who things all the plans, right? he's the brains" she said, halfway through Book One. she's a smart one my mom.

-"when is the earth master going to appear?" "aang has to learn waterbending first" "well but he could appear!" "just wait, mom -.-"

-she is dumbfounded and amazed at the creatures of the Avatar World. "i don't know what the heck that is but is cute/ugly as fuck".

-"this girl Katara is gonna end up with the prince right? Fire and water, perfect match" oh mom. you're in for a dissapointment.

-in the fortune teller episode "but aang's too young for katara! he's twelve right? and she's, fifteen or something?" and i said "yeah, it was kind of a thing at the time" and she said "makes no sense. also, the Avatar is like a superhero. those people... belong to the world, you know? they cant be with anyone". she's pretty wise my mom.

-"I LIKE JET!" then Jet tries to kill the old man "i dont like Jet" then Jet tries to blow up the dam "i hate Jet."

-She thinks Uncle Iroh is the best, specially after he was kidnapping. "He sure knows how to fight" she said. "he's a bit of a goof chummy guy but he gives good advice" (remember this is still Book One).

-she was mindblowed by "the storm". "poor prince. no wonder he's always so mad. still, i like his scar. it looks like a flame."

and i was like "what?" and i realized that, yes, zuko scar sometimes looks like a flame when looked from the side. my mom had to point that out to me T.T.

-"WHY IS KATARA PRACTICING WITH THE WATER IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT-?! AND SHE SCREAMING TOO! SHE'S GONNA BE FOUND!" right you are, mom.

-after roku's episode "poor aang. he's gonna do all that, learn all the elements, fight that son of a bitch, and all that before summer? its too much" :(

-during Bato's episode "nah. nah, you can't do that Aang, come on." "he feels left out" "but that scrolls is important right? its about the guys father!" right she was. also she didn't stop laughing at Uncle Iroh flirting with the bounty hunter girl.

-she was having none of Master Pakku bullshit. when katara confronted him she was "hell yeah, show him whats good!" and when we found out master pakku was gran gran old 'boyfriend' "OH, now he's gonna teach her just because she's the grandaughter of his lost love. right. -.-" and i was laughing mad because dont we all know its the truth? XD

-when she saw the fire nation armada she was like "O.O HOW DO YOU EVEN BEAT THAT?"

-and when zuko ship exploded "noooooo! dont kill my princeee, he's so preety! :("

-she doesn't know why sokka felt in love so fast with Yue, and neither do I.

-she got repeatidely frustrated by Aang not taking serious the situations that should be serious, but she shrugged it as "he's twelve".

-at the end of the season, when we see Azula for the first time i told her "i cant BEGIN to tell you how long we had to wait to see how this turned out, because season two took forever to air (we live in latino america)". she was just as excited as i was and wanted to see more.

-as a personal note, i watched this series as a kid and its wild to rewatch it as an adult becase, like, you can apreaciate how well paced and well thought everything is, and how the characters actions NOW reflect what we will learn from them later.

All in all , my mom liked it Book I A LOT, and we waited little in watching book II.

its late so i'll talk more about the other books in other posts. let me know my thoughts so i can pass them onto my mom! :D

[sexualtensiongrowing21]

As The Sun Set // Amortentia // Part Three

TW: Physical abuse

Part Four

In the beginning of Slughorn's lecture I am standing next to Hermione in the front of the class. A loud bang comes from the door to the classroom Slughorn abruptly stops to address the two boys making the commotion, Harry and Ron come stumbling into the room. Making their way to the book cabinet they are fighting over the last two books. Hermione rolls her eyes next to me as I start to snicker.

“Now, as I was saying, I prepared some concoctions this morning. Any ideas what these might be?” He asks searching around the classroom for an eager student. Of course Hermione is the only one raising her hand. Swot. “Yes, miss…”

“Granger, Sr.” she clears her throat. “That one there is veritaserum. It's a truth telling serum.” She says matter of factly.

“Yes Miss Granger, That is current. How about you miss….” he points to me

“Oh uh, Johnson, Sr.” I stutter over my words. Why on Crices name did he pick me?

“Ah Miss Johnson. Go on. Do you know what potion this one is?” He gestures to the cauldron on the right. Pink mist slowly evaporating out the top.

“Yes. This one here is Amortentia. Terribly tricky to create. It is the most powerful love potion in the world.” I look around me. Hermione is smiling in my direction indicating that I took the words right from her mouth.

“It is rumored to smell differently to each person according to what attracts them.” I lean over just a step to be able to smell the potion. “For example, I smell fresh limes, violets, and tobacco.” I blush while taking a step back to aline with Hermione.

“Very good Miss Johnson.” He claps his hands together. “This last one here is Felix Felicis. Otherwise known as liquid luck. The rest of the class you will be brewing an acceptable Draft of Living Death. Recipes can be found within your textbook. You may begin.” He dismisses us students back to our table to proceed with the brewing of the potion.

Getting all the necessary ingredients to my table next to Theo I start to brew the potion. Typically am great in potions. It is one of my favorite classes. Draco, Hermione, and I are the highest scoring students in our class. But for some reason these instructions seem off. Looking around the room I see that both Hermione and Draco are also having issues brewing this particular potion.

“Scar, are you having some trouble?” Theo asks snidely from next to me. My forehead is starting to sweat. Theo has a huge grin on his face next to me.

“This just doesn't seem right… I cannot get it right.” I am frantically looking around the classroom.

“Maybe you're just not as good in potions as you thought” He laughs.

I shoot a death glare at him. “Well if that's how you feel you’re more than welcome to get a new partner.” Theo is a great potions partner. Though I'd rather work with Draco or Hermione, Theo listens to my instructions and does what I say. So I cannot complain much.

“No, no. I would much rather keep you as a partner. You are much nicer to look at all of class compared to Drakey over there.” He snickers. I blush as my glare softens as I continue to try and brew my potion.

Fresh limes and violets. Adrian smells like grass…. so that doesn’t makes sense. But I have never been around him when he smelled like limes or violets. Theo though.. He smells of limes. Is it possible for my Amortentia to smell like more than one person?

“So, Pans told me she found you and Adrian in bed together last night. Does this mean you two are back together?” Theo asks as he stirs his potion.

Damn Pansy. I knew she couldn't keep her mouth shut. “Of course she did.” I say rolling my eyes. “I think so? He apologized and said he loves me. I love him too, you know. It's just hard to forget those feelings.” Talking about my relationships with Theo has always been sort of uncomfortable. Not because I am uncomfortable around him, but because of the crush I have had on him the past couple of years.

“Well, If he makes you happy love, then I am happy for you… Even though I hate the git.” he smiles at me as he grabs my hand and gives it a reassuring squeeze. “I will not hesitate to curse him if he hurts you though” I laugh, protective as always.

As the class ends to everyone's surprise Harry is the one who finished first and received the vial of liquid luck. I walk up to Harry confused but I congratulate him nonetheless and make my way to my next class with Draco giving Theo a smile goodbye as we walk the other direction.

“Scarlet, I was wondering… Would you be able to help me tonight? With my DADA assignment.”

Draco asks as we are walking towards herbology. He has his hands in his pockets staring straight ahead.

“DADA assignment? I didn't remember Snape assigning any-” I stop myself mid sentence. Snape did not assign anything for DADA. Draco was referring to the task that the Dark Lord gave him. I told Draco before we left the manor I was going to help him with his task. “Of course I will.” I say putting my hand on his shoulder trying to be comforting. I know he has been stressing himself out over this task since he was given it. Fix a broken cabinet so that the Dark Lords lunatic followers may invade Hogwarts and potentially kill our professors? Sure why not?

“Okay, after dinner maybe? I don't have practice tonight. Blaise and Theo are going to help Pansy with her flying so they will be busy.

“Oh, uh can we meet in the common room a little after dinner? Like an hour or so… I have plans to study in the library.” I have plans to snog my boyfriend for a good hour after dinner.

Eyeing me suspiciously, “I guess so. Who are you studying with? Maybe I can join and we can go after?” Damn Draco is really trying to cockblock me right now.

“Uh…” Quick who would Draco hate most to study with. After a second or two I finally respond “Hermione. I am studying with Hermione.” I say as my green eyes graying slightly as I increase the locks on my occlumency doors.

“Scarlet… You forget that I know you more than anyone else. I know when you’re lying and when you are occluding. You can’t hide it from me.” Draco can always tell when I'm lying. I've never been able to keep a secret from him. All of a sudden he stops and pulls me into an alcove just before we reach the Herbology classroom.

“You're meeting Adrian.”

Not a question.

A statement.

Extra locks.

I try to pry his hand from around my forearm. His grip only tightening. “I thought I told you to stay away from him.”

Another statement.

Eyes dull. Fully gray now.

“He’s a prat Scarlet. He cheated on you once, what makes you think he won't do it again?”

His grip is hurtful. He is hurting me though it isn't his intention, but his fingers are digging into a burn that has yet to heal properly. I wince away from him and his entire demeanor changes. He lets go of his grip on my arm, to wrap around my shoulders pulling me into a hug.

“I love him, Draco. He's the only other boy who has loved me besides you. I forgive him.. Why can't you?” When he finally lets go he notices all emotion leave my face, his own walls come down a little and his face gets softer.

“He will never be good enough for you Scarlet. But I will not say anything more about him. I do not like him and never will. We are not friends. But, I will tolerate him. For your sake. But if he hurts you again. He will answer to me.” he says with one last squeeze of my shoulders and a slight smile on his face.

“Loud and clear.” A smile creeping back on my face. As Draco walks to the class room I quickly fix my make up and the puffiness of my eyes and follow behind him. Draco doesn't like Adrian and that's okay. At least he can be civil.. I hope.

—————————————————————————————

Tonight's dinner is roasted chicken, carrots, broccoli, mash potatoes, rolls and salad. As I am putting food on my plate I spy Adrian walking in and wave him over. Now that all my friends know we are back together might as well try to integrate him back into the group.

I scoot closer to Pansy allowing him to sit next to me. Draco, Theo and Blaise are across the table from us. All of them are wearing a similar face of disgust. I kick Theo under the table and give him a look that says ‘play nice or I will kick higher next time’. He seemed to understand as we whispered to the other two and the looks morphed into disinterest.

“Hello Angel” Adrian says as he plants a kiss on my head while sitting down next to me.

Theo continues his conversation of the ridiculous potions assignment while Adrian starts to pile food onto his plate.

“You should have seen her hair! It grew 4 times bigger than usual! Scar was getting all flustered and Draco! He looked as though he was going to tell the cauldron “his father would hear about this’. Best class ever!” Theo says, clutching his side as he laughs.

“Oh whatever. I am just glad that Slughorn didn't make me smell the Amortentia. No Idea what I would have said but I rather not have my deep secret crush be revealed.” Draco adds, quirking his eyebrow up at me, as if he is insinuating something.

“My amortentia would smell like grass, broom polish and sugar quills.” Adrian says as he is shoving his face with his chicken.

Pansy eyebrows are furrowed in confusion as she looks around the table. “That’s funny. Scarlett doesn’t smell like any of those things” She says matter of factor.

“What did your amortentia smell like Scar?” her face now turned into a smirk as she studied her nails.

“Oh. Uh it smelled like fresh limes, violets,, and tobacco.” Pansys’ eyes grew wide as she looked at me. I quirk a brow up at her as she starts to silently giggle and she makes a quick look towards the boys.

“Those smells sound awful together. I don't smell that bad do I?” Adrian asks as he snakes his arm around my waist to pull me closer. I rest my head on his shoulder. “Of course not darling.”

As dinner continues they are all talking to Pansy about her flying lessons. Draco's eyes are fully gray. He's occluding. Does he really hate Adrian that much?

As dinner starts to wind down and everyone is getting ready to leave we wave the group goodbye and make our way down to the dungeons to be alone in his dorm.

—————————————————————————————-

Draco is spread out on the black leather couch in the common room. Potions book perched in his hands. Fully immersed in the section that he is reading.

I walk around to stand in front of him. “Nice to see you can pull yourself away from sucking face to meet me.” he says not looking up from his book.

I roll my eyes and put my hand on my hip tapping my foot against the hard stone floor. “Well I'm waiting.”

Adrian and I started a heated make out session which then led to him trying to shag me. Seeing as I had to meet Draco soon we didn’t have enough time. This sent Adrian into a right fit.

Which, incidentally led to me fighting back tears the whole way down the hall to the common room.

After a minute or two he finally finishes whatever section he was reading and puts the book in his bag and leads us out of the dungeons.

“How was flying lessons with Pansy?” I ask as we make our way to the room of requirement.

“She's getting better. Still trying to figure out who she is trying to impress. I bet 20 galleons on Goldstien.

I snort at his answer. “Why would it be Goldsien? He's a Hufflepuff!”

“Well I know it's not me. I do not think it's Blaise, and it's definitely not Theo. No one else would make sense.” He says as we round the corner at the end of the hall.

“I don’t know. Maybe I will ask her.” I say following behind him as we near the door. “She originally asked to keep you boys distracted while I talked to Adrian, but I have no idea why she is still making you all help her.”

I am lost in the thought of who Pans is actually trying to impress with flying skills, as I wait for Draco to make the door to the Room of Requirement. As soon as it did he put his hand on the small of my back guiding me inside. Only once the door shuts do I stop to take in all the room has to offer.

While looking for the cabinet I keep talking. “Wait. Why ‘definitely not Theo’? He's cute and funny. Plus he loves to fly!”

“Theo is very complicated. Unfortunately, his thoughts are very loud. Pansy believes he fancies another, and I agree.” Draco says while walking in front of me searching for the cabinet.

“What? I didn't know Theo fancied someone? Since when? Who is it?” I rush out as I am trying to keep my cool.

Theo hasn't fancied someone in a long time. He's had hookups every now and then and is very flirtatious with loads of girls but hasn't fancied anyone for two years, and even then he wouldn't tell anyone who it was. He was quiet for most of last year. Distant. I really missed my friend.

“Look, over here.” Draco says while ignoring my question and leading me to the reason we came here in the first place.

Pulling the sheet off, a large oak cabinet with brass embellishments stood in front of us.

For the next two hours me and Draco spend our time trying to understand the spells that are written within the structure in order to try and figure out why it's not working.

After Draco nearly pushes the thing over while slamming the door closed out of frustration. We take a break and try to come up with a plan for killing Dumbledore..

We decided on cursing a necklace we found in the room and wrapping it neatly in parchment to be delivered. As much as Draco wants to please his father and Voldemort, he doesn't have what it takes within him to kill someone…

Once we finish cursing the necklace and he carefully wraps it in brown parchment and places it in his bag we head back down to the dougeons.

Being so exhausted once I finally reach my room I put on my pajamas and crawl into bed. Finally, allowing myself to fall asleep.

Outside the air feels warm. Letting the sun shine on my face as I lay in the garden with Ditty the house elf. It took alot of coercing for him to come lay out here with me. But father and mother are away god knows where, so I decided that Ditty can take time off and just relax. Letting the smell of the grass and the violets flood my nose. Ditty is giggling at the shapes of the cloud above us. All of a sudden his giggle stops and I feel the pull of magic as he apparates away.

“And what is it that you are doing here on the ground little girl?” Bellatrix asks as she sneers at me with her yellow crooked teeth.

“I'm sorry. I was just… Um, enjoying the sunset.” I say as I hurry to my feet.

“Rodolphus requests you in his study for your afternoon training.” She says as she watches me very closely. “NOW.” Pushing towards the house.

In his study, father is sitting at his desk. Cigar in hand. “Scarlet. It has come to my attention that your occlumency is weak.”

With shaky hands I look down at the ground. “I am working on it, father.”

He lifts his head up to look at me “It's pathetic, just like you.” He slams his chair back when he stands up. “Maybe I just need to give you some motivation”. “Give me your arm.” He holds out his hand waiting for me.

“No... Please father...Please don't…” I choke out holding back a sob.

“Look at you already shaking and I haven't even begun. Pathetic. You can never get a hold on your emotions. Now I will NOT ask again. GIVE. ME. YOUR. ARM.” he roars.

In one swift motion he takes ahold of my arm, and slams it down on his desk. “Now hold it in.” Slowly he takes his cigar and presses it in the crook of my elbow. I internally hiss. He picks it up again, takes a drag and presses it into another spot on my arm. This repeats for 5 more burns.

Finally when he's satisfied and I have made no noise he lets go with a forceful push. I pull my sleeve of my cardigan down and stand there and wait for further instruction.

Suddenly I hear another presence in the room. When I look over I see bellatrix. Her grin is wide as she holds an old knife between her fingers I've never seen before.

“Is it my turn dear? I have something very special for her.” She says trying to be sweet but her eyes are filled with hatred.

“Of course. Let's see if she's as strong as she pretends to be.” He says using a spell to throw me to the ground.

My head slams on the floor, pain blurring my vision. I feel the hem of my dress is pulled up just enough to expose my right upper thigh.

“What were you calling her love? Pathetic?” The tip of the knife digging into my thigh. P “That's fitting.” A “Aching for our love.” T “Our approval.” H “Nothing you do will be good enough.” E “You’re worthless” T “Nothing but a useless whore” I “You are path-----”

Gasping for air I spring out of bed. Looking around the dark room I see no movements so I try to ground myself. I see Pansy in bed. I see my wand on the ground. I see a grindylow swim by. I hear the lake hum against the window. I hear the light inhale of pansy across the room. I hear footsteps of students walking by. I can move my fingers. I can move my legs. I can move my hands.

In.

Out.

In.

Out.

In.

Out.

Once my breathing has settled I slowly pull off the blankets and look at the word marked onto my skin “Pathetic” I trace over every letter. Severe distress or pleasure causes the disillusionment charm to wear off. I charm away the cut that goes across my left eye and the light bruising on my right eye, wrap the rest of my body under the blanket Molly made me and get out of bed to head outside.

While walking to the lake I see another figure sitting by the water. Familiar curly brown hair and broad shoulders sit with their legs spread out in front of them. Smoke rings floating above.

“Fancy seeing you here. Dracos snoring keeping you up?” I say, as I settle in next to him, ensuring my blanket stays closed. “His snores are the worst. Can hear them across the hall back at the manor.”

“Well hello to you too, bed head.” He bows from his position on the grass making me giggle. “Our little Dracy was quietly sleeping when I slipped out. Though, that more than likely isn't the case anymore.” Walking around him to sit on his left he continues

“What are you doing out here at this hour?” Theo asks while looking at me with a smile.

I try to smooth my hair out while keeping the blanket wrapped around my body. “I couldn't sleep.”

“Couldn't sleep huh? Looks more like you woke up from a nightmare.” I furrow my brows confused. How would he know that?

“Your eyes. They aren't as green. You’re occluding again.” he points at my eyes the cigarette gently nestled between his index and pointer finger.

“Right…Um yes I guess you could call it that..” I gestured for him to pass the cigarette to me.

“Want to talk about it? You know, instead of locking it up?” He gave me a sympathetic smile. Theo had known about my system of locking up my emotions ever since he had asked me to help him learn occlumency.

“I'd rather not… I'm fine though, really. Just a silly dream.” I say trying to give a reassuring smile back but it faulters some. Placing the stick between my lips and inhaling the smoke.

“So, where do you stand on the whole Pansy Goldstien debate?” I ask Theo, changing the subject from me and before handing him back the stick.

“Draco got you on his side too? I think it's a female. Or rather I want it to be.” He raises his eyebrows seductively. “Weslette is rather fit nowadays and a fantastic flier.” He says while smirking at me.

“While it wouldn't surprise me that pans would swing both ways, I think it's someone closer to our group. Perhaps a certain curly haired brunette?.” I say while giving him a wink.

“It is not me. Trust me Scarlet. Besides, I would be a horrible boyfriend. ” He chuckles lightly.

“Any girl would be lucky to call you their boyfriend, you're a great guy. Even if you don't think so. I have met a lot of terrible guys.. You, Theodore Nott, are not one of them. You're one of the good ones.” I grab his hand and squeeze it reassuringly, he blushes a little at my comment.

Once the cigarette is put out I reach over his lap to grab the pack and pull out another one. While lighting it the movement causes the blanket to shift some.

Unbeknownst to me, my right thigh is visible now along with the inside of my arm through a crack in the blanket. From the corner of my eye I feel him tense with his vision on me.

Taking an inhale I hand him the stick as I joke “I have heard that you fancy someone as well. Are you gonna tell me who this time? You must know, they need my approval to date my Theodore.” While bumping my shoulder into his.

Looking up to his face I see that he is staring straight ahead. Vision unmoving. His jaw tensed. His fist is clenching and unclenching.

Clearly my question made him uncomfortable. “Hey, I’m sorry Theo. I was just joking. You don't have to tell me if you don't want to.” I say watching him take a large inhale.

Holding it in some before finally letting go. His entire demeanor changed within a matter of seconds… Did I do something wrong? We always joke around. I try to back track but before I am able to say anything he hands the stick back to me before standing up dusting off any left over grass from his trousers.

“You're not pathetic Scarlet.” He says barely a whisper as he looks directly at me then down towards the ground where my wand rests in between my legs.

Did he just say pathetic?

How-

Wha-

Eyes wide at what he just said trying to ask him where that came from but my voice is caught in my throat. I follow his line of sight to see that my entire right thigh is out in the open as well as my arm. I didn't disillusion any of it as I planned on being alone and was covered by the blanket… I rush to cover myself once again.

Slamming the doors shut.

Locking them.

Adding extra locks.

“Yes. Yes I am.” I whisper back, so quietly I know he didnt hear me as he started to head back into the castle.

Fuck

[pianapplez]

Hello there 👋👀,

So I just found your blog and had a lot of fun scrolling through all the pjo show crit😂 I couldn't help but notice that one tag you left on a post where you said you had some beef with Annabeth's portrayal in the books 👀 Would you mind elaborating on that if you're comfortable with it🙈? Because I absolutely share that sentiment, but it's sooo veeeery rare that I see other people express anything like it... I've found that trying to be a part of the fandom can be pretty alienating most of the time, if you're not exactly the biggest most devoted Percabeth shipper...😅 And often any criticism leveled at Annabeth just gets you a smack with the "internalized-misogyny" hammer... it's even worse in the tv show now due to... obvious reasons...

Again just if you're comfortable with answering of course🙈 There is a reason I stayed on anon after all...😅😂

Really glad you asked because i finally get to ramble about this heheheh (going forward, know that i skimmed over The Last Olympian to have a clearer sense of what I meant because that's the book where Rick fumbles her character more than the others)

i'm gonna try to make as much sense as possible but short answer would be, she's underdeveloped. Long answer:

She really got on my nerves in the last two books, with the whole Rachel debacle and then the Battle of New York. I can't really remember a single moment in those books where she and Percy aren't bickering or having heated discussions, which really made me question their friendship status. Of course, it's not like friends can't fight and it obviously builds up the (romantic) tension between them, but it got unbearable at one point.

I understand she's a teenager in an incredibly stressful situation that didn't even get to have a normal upbringing- she grew up way too fast (run away at 7, head counselor at 12) while also not really maturing, which is not a problem for a character, if it is handled properly. Given the fact that I am writing this, Riordan did not.

On the surface, my biggest beef is that Annabeth is not exactly held accountable for her actions (ie. treating Rachel a bit like shit and going off on Percy for a bunch of stuff.) I know Percy is to blame a bit here: as far as we know, in TLO he basically cuts the greek world out of his life as much as he can as a coping mechanism. And while yes, he never apologizes either, he doesn't give her nearly half the hard time she gives him: always either giving him the cold shoulder (there must be at least one example of this in the entire series but i cant be bothered to look it up sorry) or starting an argument only to then storm off (see the "you're a coward, Percy Jackson!" scene, which is not the fairest example since she was confronting Percy about ignoring camp but also was a bit too harsh about it) (especially after finally reading the prophecy and being under the impression that he was absolutely going to die when he turned 16 lmao) or just straight up storming off (see, Annabeth reacting when Rachel shows up for the first time during the battle of new york). While most of these feel, at least to some degree, fairly justified given how the entire situation does an absolute number on her emotions, she comes off a bit brattish and like she's trying to rile Percy up, especially when it comes to Rachel, which in the context of a battle that could mean the destruction of the world.... Well, it reads as a bit childish to me, and i wouldn't exactly have that much of a problem with it if it was dealt with in some way (a two-way apology would be nice).

After that first impression, i realized that Annabeth is barely ever anything else other than a plot device (when relating to Luke) or a love interest (when relating to Percy). This might be because the books are on Percy's POV. Hell, on the third book he's even conflicted when Annabeth is considering joining the Hunters of Artemis, aka, when making a choice for herself would mean he loses her (which is fine and dandy but it feels like Percy is more upset about her choosing her own path rather than being sad about not seeing her as often); we really only get a few glimpses of her, as in, actually her when she's on her own.

Obviously it's impossible to talk about Annabeth without touching on percabeth, which also is, in my opinion, what hinders Annabeth's character the most. On paper they sound great. The guy whose fatal flaw is loyalty falls in love with a girl whose been let down by people over and over, and she decides to never give up on the boy whose always had people give up on him (can't find one of the million posts that talks about this right now but it always goes something like that) And yeah, the bickering is really well written! But that's literally as far as it ever goes: they don't ever seem to have fun together, because 8 times out of 10 the bickering ends up being passive aggressive, and mostly done by Annabeth. My biggest gripe about percabeth is that their friendship seems to be based off... shared trauma. Literally. Other than going on quests together we are given no examples of them hanging out, nor a reason why they would want to spend time together in the first place, not even a shared hobby. Yes, in the fourth book they had a movie "date" planned but of course they didn't even get to it, and surprise surprise, they had a minor discussion, and surprise surprise, Annabeth was passive aggressive again. It's hard to picture them having fun together when even the author doesn't write in any scenes in which they get along smoothly (and before you say anything, a scene in which they get along where neither of them is about to die, and they're not talking about previous adventures. Gets a bit hard then, doesn't it?) It's even harder to picture them as a couple when the moment she gets upset about something, she starts coming off as emotionally manipulative (see, again, literally any conversation with Rachel or about Rachel)

To be fair, the books are relatively short and don't allow many "filler" chapters, if you will; there's always something happening to keep the main plot or a minor plot point moving forward, but it's not like there is no room to develop the characters' relationships, especially when we're talking about the main char and what is essentially his endgame. As an example we have Percy and Clarisse, or Percy and Beckendorf. Their interactions are brief but still hold so much weight.

Worst of all, Annabeth could be one hell of a character; what's most interesting of all is how being a daughter of Athena she is still incredibly emotionally driven, which is displayed very clearly with her fatal flaw being pride: her telling the Sphynx that her questions were too easy was not smart nor strategic: it was completely impulsive. I seriously think she wasn't far from being the best character in the series had she been given more time.

I guess i have as much beef with Annabeth as i have with Rick for doing her dirty. I really could sum this up with: while her emotions are justified, she acts upon them quite poorly. And this is what i mean when i say she's underdeveloped, because it would've been nice to see her come to her senses a bit.

Would love to read anyone's opinions on her character though, feel free to comment, even (or especially) if you don't agree with me!

[lovemyromance]

What would a gleeriel book even be about??

Ginger is gonna be girlbossing Az around and she (a white woman) is gonna deal with Illyria 😑

her and azriel are gonna be singing and gleeing all around the night court?🤢 (this one’s my favorite)

more training?!!??����

And thats it.

Because Ginger has no connection to the troves or anything.

this book sounds Cringy and Dumb. Staring at a wall sounds more interesting than reading this mess.

Gwyn just isn't a main character and I really don't understand how people think she is. Azriel is barely a main character, even.

Their book straight up wouldn't have a plot. As much as I love the idea of Azriel (because let's be honest, mans said like 8 sentences total in the books so we don't know much about him), he isn't tied directly to the overarching plot.

And when I say overarching plot, I mean the next Big Bad Problem in the ACOTAR world: Koschei. ACOSF set up an initial threat/problem/encounter with Koschei that will have to be resolved by the end of the series. Amarantha/Hybern took up the first half, and now Koschei will be the main conflict in the second half of the series.

I don't think anything about Illyria is relevant to the main plot. The Illyrians are not tied to Koschei. Unless they ally themselves with Koschei somehow, I don't see how that plotline would be relevant. Yes they are super culturally behind and treat women unfairly but that's not like ... THE main conflict, especially in a fantasy novel. Besides, Azriel doesn't even care about Illyria so why would that be a relevant plotline for him?

Autumn court power struggle... also isn't really the main plot because it's literally just Beron has to die somehow and Eris will takeover as high lord. What is there to explore? What is the mystery? I guess Beron could also be full allies with Koschei but again, how would that tie in Azriel or Gwyn? It would really only affect Eris. So unless he's getting a book now too... I don't see SJM writing much about the "autumn court power struggle" plotline

Back to Koschei. Literally the only one that could face him right now is one of the Made Archeron sisters. The ones who have incredible powers and can use Made weapons. Nesta already got a book. Therefore the next book... literally has to be Elain's? Why is there any confusion or debate on this? Elain is the last sister. She is also the only one who could actually find information of Koschei and potentially see him. She is Made. She has a mating bond she doesn't want and a love interest who has been forbidden away from her.

THAT is a story. Elain could have a book by herself where she trains her powers and fights Koschei, even without the love interest drama. She does have a love interest (2) which makes it even better, though.

Out of her two love interests, she doesn't want Lucien and she wants Azriel. She has a mating bond with Lucien, but a rejected mates storyline is something SJM has literally talked about wanting to do. What's not clicking folks?

On top of that, Azriel is literally the only one who would know how to train Elain's powers. Apart from Amren who could've helped but now she lacks her "mysterious powers", he is the only one with any powers even remotely similar to hers. He is her love interest, I am sure of it.

Plus, having Elriel get together would also pave the way for Lucien's story. With Vassa. The last remaining puzzle piece on the Koschei conflict.

There are 2-3(?) books left in ACOTAR. 1 conflict left to stretch across both of them as the "finale" so to speak. Elriel is the first missing puzzle piece... Vassien will complete the puzzle.

No other couple will close out the series in a way that makes sense. A book with Gwynriel would just be ACOSF 2.0, and it would not move the plot forward even with both Azriel and Gwyn. Nesta would need to be involved just to tie it back somehow to Koschei/The Cauldron. Then the only book left would be Elucien, in which, woo!another accepted mates but this time by default storyline.

I wish people just saw the big picture here. There's a clear way the books have been written, and all the writing on the walls points to Elriel

[acourtofthought]

Also, Nesta sleeping with a bunch of different males after the war and after what Cassian said to her, wishing he could’ve had more time with her… Like Nesta already had that pull towards him, and slept with many others, lost her virginity to another male. Yes, it was part of her self destruction, but could it not also have been to just forget about Cassian and those feelings towards him?? Who is to say that is not exactly what Elain is/was doing with Azriel?? To try and deny what she feels towards Lucien??

We still have no idea how Elain truly feels about anything, what her inner monologue is like. Could she be head over heels in love with Azriel? Yeah, it’s possible. Could she be fighting against the pull towards Lucien? Also possible. We literally have no idea what’s going on inside her mind. We know Elain by other peoples observation and thoughts about her, but have yet to learn what she is actually like and how she feels, besides the little sneakpeaks of her in SF and how she talked to Nesta.

And going off that, I very much doubt Elain would be happy and content in a relationship with Az—who does not believe she is strong enough to face the Dread Troves. That’s my interpretation of it all at least. I could obviously be wrong, and maybe it’ll be E/riel as an endgame. We don’t know, but I very much doubt it, but I don’t doubt the fact that Sarah has a plan and if she decides that they are endgame then I trust their story will make sense once we have more of Elain’s pov. I’d much rather have Gwynriel, for so many reasons, but if it’s not… well, they’re not my characters and Sarah will without a doubt explain why any characters end up together, and I’m positive it’ll be a good book.

I feel like that’s a big difference, that E/riels are so set on them being endgame, that they can’t even see the crumbs left by Sarah that started the Gwyn x Azriel ship from start. We didn’t ship them out of nowhere. It’s like nothing else is possible in their heads and that is the biggest reason I think a lot of them will be very surprised when we get to see into Elain’s head at last. Because, there is a reason why we haven’t yet, and it’s not because she is a secret spy in training.

And that is a very insightful hypothesis that delves deep into the character's emotions rather than keeping everything so surface level. These are mating bonds and it's very silly to assume it's truly that easy for Elain to ignore, that she really has no interest in Lucien, that she's not even a little attracted to him when he's canonically hot and she has a link to his soul. Elain has gone through a ton since the start of the series and she lost the future that she thought she truly wanted. It's not like Feyre who kind of hated her life, like Nesta who also despised many of the humans herself, Elain was happy. She is the only one we saw flushed and brilliant and surrounded by friends in the human world, with the cook doting on her and someone she loved and wanted to marry. Then she lost her father on top of it? Who she loved versus Feyre and Nesta who were much less fond of him? Yet somehow within a year she's peachy-keen? Loving her NC life and so into Az? It doesn't ring true no matter what certain lines of text say especially when many other lines of text contradict it.

Sarah could still write Elain with Az of course but I'd bet money on the fact that her behavior around Lucien is not because "she has no interest in him". I would bet more money that her shrinking back into herself is a result of her being overwhelmed or scared how he can see her despite her attempts at convincing everyone she's fine. Elain isn't fine because if she were she'd have no story to tell. If she truly is happy in the NC, truly BFF's with the wraiths, truly wants Az and truly has no interest in Lucien then why was Az given a POV instead of Elain? Why did we not witness their almost kiss from her perspective or get her thoughts immediately following? Why didn't Sarah write her anguish at returning the necklace, how it pained her to do so but it pained her more to continue seeing it? Would that not have cleared up the confusion so readers could say with certainty "Elain isn't over Az, she's just sad" rather than "Elain gave that gift back and didn't spare him a single look the rest of the book." If everything Elain wants is so obvious then why did every other character likely to have a book receive a POV but her? Lucien, Cassian, Mor, Az, Nesta. You're right, there was no need for Elain being a super secret spy to be brought up during the events of Solstice in her POV so that's not a great excuse for why we're not in her head which means there's something quite damning in her thoughts that Sarah is hiding. Something like she's not all that happy in the NC, she's not as into Az as some thing, something like she's all atwitter anytime her mate is around and it drives her wild so she's trying to avoid looking his way. I still can't get over the fact that some think Gwynriel is a fandom created ship rather than there being very strong evidence to support a mating bond between them while they'll claim Vassa and Lucien are a sure thing.