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polyhexian · 9 months ago

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Collected thoughts on the Grimwalker Ghost Zone:

Poor Caleb's experience as a dead person is just. Not normal.

Most dead people are gonna keep an eye on their friends, their kids, their grandkids, and MAYBE their great-grandkids. And then there's no direct ties left to worry so much about the living anymore and you can get on with your afterlife.

And then we have Caleb.

So it's like. The average dead person keeps an eye on the living for 100 years after their death, at most. Caleb Wittebane, who's been cloned 200 times in the last four centuries and feels personally responsible for his still-living brother trying to enact a genocide--

In undefined characters-watching-from-the-afterlife scenarios I usually default the watching happening via TV unless stated otherwise. But it's TOH so I'm imagining Caleb slouched on the couch in front of a big crystal ball. He's not alone of course, Evelyn is there, she checks on him often like, uh. hey sweetie. you doing okay?

Caleb: Evie, meet Virtue! HE ONLY LASTED 11 MONTHS

Evelyn: …you know you COULD stop paying attention to--

Caleb: NO I CAN'T

Evelyn: *sigh* No, you can't.

And of course all the Grimwalkers are there, cuz, like. Where else are they gonna go? They barely had lives, wtf are they gonna do with their afterlives? Might as well wait for Belos to croak, they'll figure out what to do next AFTER they've gotten some closure.

So they're all just in this house together. It's the afterlife, stuff just gets provided, and the afterlife saw fit to provide them with a big stupid house. There's plenty of space and the crystal ball somehow gets repaired every time it suffers an anger-induced shattering and the liquor cabinet is always well-stocked.

Caleb's watching the living with the same energy as someone who's been watching a show since its premiere, but then the writing started going downhill and the plot jumped the shark and now they can't STOP watching because they intend to see this through to the bitter and disappointing end. When he first died he was so upset he refused to even THINK about Philip for a decade and just paid attention to his wife and kid. At some point he checked on Philip out of morbid curiosity, which led to morbid realization, which led to him thinking he should check on Philip more. And then there's clones and this Collector kid and Philip is obviously planning SOMETHING and then Evelyn dies of old age but Philip apparently has no intentions of dying anytime soon and then Caleb's KID is dead and Philip is still alive and Caleb's GRANDKIDS are dead but Philip isn't and there's been 20 Grimwalkers so far and Philip shows no signs of stopping either living OR making and killing Grimwalkers and OH MY GOD WHAT IS HAPPENING??

When Evelyn dies she's so ready for her reunion with Caleb. "I'm so glad I can finally rest in peace with my beloved--Caleb what are you doing?"

He's standing in front of a conspiracy board like "Philip's spent the last few decades cloning me and killing the clones and I don't like where it's going."

Evelyn: What. WHAT? Philip's ALIVE? I haven't seen him since he killed you, how the fuck has nothing eaten him??

Caleb: Btw meet Caleb 2, Hunter, Hunter 2, Hunter 3, and Nameless Vivisection Experiment (he's working on a name).

Assorted Grimwalkers: *awkward wave?*

Evelyn: CALEB WHAT?

Caleb's just like, Evie, you have no idea how glad I am you fell off Philip's radar, we're lucky all he did was steal my corpse. I'm being completely serious, unfortunately.

And then the Grimwalkers start coming and they don't stop coming, and they're just stuck in this together because what ELSE are they gonna do? Caleb staring at the crystal ball like "This is Hell. The Puritans were right. Hell exists, and this is it." Evelyn's like "Hell isn't a place, dear. It's just a situation. Our neighbors are resting in so much peace, they'd probably think they're in your Heaven if they knew what that was!"

Everyone isn't watching at all times, cuz that'd be ridiculous. It's kinda like when you're having a party for a sports game, not everyone's paying attention to the TV. You'll have people hanging out chatting and eating and chilling and then there are the people who are intensely paying attention to the game.

Caleb's the one intensely paying attention. Everyone else kinda pops up like "so is he dead yet? is he close to being dead yet? no? bummer. who's this? nice to meet you Virtue. 11 months? yikes"

And it's not like it's just them! It's the afterlife, everyone else who's ever died is perfectly capable of dropping by for a visit. Not that many people do, because the Grimwalker Ghost Zone has a bit of a…reputation. Like. Those people are NOT having a normal afterlife. Let's just. Leave them be.

Sometimes the Witteclaw kid comes to visit. Hi Mom! Hi various tragic brother/uncles (brouncles?) who are literally and figuratively younger than me! Oh, hey new guy, welcome! 11 months? Yikes. Hope you're settling in alright! Mom, what state should I expect Dad to be in when I go say hi? Last time he was manically planning which part of his brother he was going to punch first upon arrival. Ah, depressive episode? Got it, I'll be gentle.

Evelyn's family come to visit like yeesh you and Caleb are still paying attention to the living? It's been like. 400 years. No one stays this invested this long.

Caleb, gesturing at the CB: MY BROTHER IS STILL ALIVE AND IS LITERALLY BEATING A CLONE OF ME AT THIS VERY MOMENT

Relatives: Okay but have you considered, like. getting over it.

They're not even wrong. Continuing to watch the living for this long is, like, the same energy as keeping tabs on your high school friends that you haven't spoken to in 30 years. This isn't healthy. You need better hobbies. Okay it's KIND OF understandable since Caleb's brother and clones are involved, but like. You realize this is entirely optional, right?

Evelyn: Caleb, honey, please, you PROMISED we could have dinner with my parents tonight.

Caleb: ENOCH JUST KILLED A BIRD WITH HER BARE HANDS

Evelyn: We've all killed birds with our bare hands, darling. Come put your shoes on.

When Tell pops up he turns out to be just as invested as Caleb is, on account of the wife and kid situation. So Caleb actually has consistent company for 15 years while they both basically live through the same hell.

Tell walks into the kitchen for a beer and finds Caleb face-down on the floor and Tell's like "what's up man" and Caleb's like "Virtue died" and Tell is like "isn't he like eleven months" and Caleb just nods and Tell's like "cool I'm gonna go meet him" and just leaves Caleb on the floor. Caleb's like "wait didn't you hate him" and Tell's like "yeah but I mean. he doesn't know that."

At some point someone tells Virtue "Y'know Tell literally hated you" (Miles? my money's on Miles) and it starts a whole sibling fight that Evelyn has to break up.

"MILES SAID TELL HATED ME!"

"I didn't hate you I just hated the idea of you! It wasn't personal!"

"Yeah he was always really smug when another Grimwalker would rot in the ground."

"MILES DON'T TELL HIM THAT!"

Caitlyn and Dust die and Dust is like "what is WRONG with your daughter?" and Tell is like "ouch, but fair" and Virtue's like "she probably gets her penchant for not caring about Grimwalkers FROM HER DAD" and Tell is like "HEY." At this rate Caleb's gonna be the first dead person to have an aneurysm.

Evelyn's just glad to have Caitlyn around. Sure, she's dealing with the shock of her death after over a decade of dissociating, but Evelyn's just like FINALLY, someone who isn't a Grimwalker, and she's family to boot!

Caitlyn: Wait, family? I guess you look like a Clawthorne but I've never heard of you. How are we related?

Evelyn: Haha well I'm your many-great-grandma who Belos had very personal beef with 400 years ago and I may or may not be the reason why he decided to enact his sick game of house with you. I would say I'm sorry but literally none of this is my fault.

Caitlyn: Oh my god.

Evelyn: Haha yeah watching you and Enoch over the last 12 years has been extremely horrifying on a deeply personal level. What's your favorite alcohol? I promise we have it.

When Enoch dies Tell's like "well it was nice hanging out Caleb, thanks for all the screaming sessions, I'm gonna go get some quality time with my dead family now, peace" and Caleb's just like haha cool. fine. GLAD YOU CAN FINALLY REST IN PEACE, TELL. how many of my bones are left? there's no way this can continue after they're all used up, right? They're down to a ribcage and he's counting down the ribs.

Jasper dies and gets greeted by Tell who's like "howdy, normally our ortet would greet you but he's a little busy dealing with emotions right now"--*muffled screaming down the hall*--"so it was decided I'd be the best one to explain things since we've got some things in common." Jasper's kinda dazed like "uh…I didn't really think anyone was gonna greet me" and Tell's like "HAHA YEAH none of us ever do."

Jasper becomes just as invested as Caleb is and Tell used to be, because Hunter. So Caleb has a new bingewatching buddy! Yay?

Belos: *about to punish Hunter*

Caleb: *dragging Jasper away* Y'know what, you don't need to see this, let's go outside and get some air or something--

Evelyn: WHAT'S THAT, CALEB? YOU THINK IT'S GOOD TO TAKE A BREAK FROM WATCHING THINGS THAT UNNECESSARILY TRAUMATIZE YOU??

At some point Manny Noceda shows up, all cheerful and polite on the doorstep like "Hi! I heard there might be some people here who're watching someone who's involved in my daughter's life? She kinda stumbled into your world, see, and I was thinking--"

Evelyn's just blocking the doorway staring at him like "Listen. Before I let you in here. I NEED to make sure you understand the centuries of bullshit you're about to step into."

"Haha yeah I get it, family drama sure is--"

"SIR NO YOU NEED TO UNDERSTAND THIS."

Manny thinks he understands what he's getting into. Manny does NOT understand what he's getting into. Manny takes it in stride and enjoys these people's company anyway. Evelyn is happy to have another person around who she can count on to not be a constant mess. Manny/Evelyn BFFs 4afterlyfe.

Of course Manny also now has a VERY in-depth understanding of the 4-century clusterfuck Luz has gotten tangled up in and that is. Kinda anxiety-inducing. But like, he's pretty sure she's got this! That's his daughter! She's genre savvy, she'll be alright! Even if this situation is…way more horrifying than he realized at first.

His own dead relatives call him up like "Hey Manny! How's the watch party going? Luz still in that weird fantasy world she discovered? She having fun living out her own personal adventure story?"

Manny thinks about that time last week when Caleb and several Grimwalkers got drunk and tried to make a definitive list of the Top 5 Worst Things Belos Has Done and half of the entries were 3-way ties and there were WAY too many Honorary Mentions, and he just forces a grin and goes "Yep! Luz is doing great! She's having a blast! My new friends are super cool!"

"Oh, that's great! Could we meet th--"

"NO."

Manny tries to find things to do with his weird new friends but like. He's a 21st century sci-fi nerd. He has no idea how to relate to 400-year-old witches. But he thinks, well, I lived in New England, and Caleb lived in New England. So he's like "hey do you guys wanna do Thanksgiving together?"

Thanksgiving wasn't an official holiday until the 1800s, but Caleb knows what a feast of thanksgiving is, it's even a Puritan-approved party (ie the Pilgrims) that they'd do when they wanted to show God their gratitude! So he's just like, Manny. WTF. This is NOT the time.

Manny: Well, I mean, we're halfway through October so now's the time to start planning--

Caleb, gesturing to Belos gooping on various woodland critters: YOU THINK THIS IS WORTHY OF GIVING THANKS FOR???

By the time Luz becomes relevant, EVERYONE has started watching religiously. This is like. The final minutes of the big sports game. The series finale of their lives. But after Belos is dead (and summarily punched by everyone) most of the Grimwalkers stop paying any attention to the CB at all. Like. There's nothing else tying them to the living now. Whew. Cool. Vengeance is had! No need to pay attention to the living world ever again!

Except Jasper, of course, who figures he's just gonna watch Hunter by himself.

And then Caleb collapses next to him on the couch with snacks like "sup" and Jasper's like "oh, you uh, you wanna keep watching with me?" and Caleb's like "I suffered through four centuries of this, what's one more? and after watching every season of my brother's bullshit Grimwalker Trauma And Murder Show, I deserve to watch one of you live a decent life in the infinitely happier sequel series"

Manny's like "Yeah I'll stick around too, it looks like Luz is gonna be spending a LOT of time in your world and I'm really gonna need people to explain things to me. Anyway, I know this is a little late, but things have calmed down now and we have time since it's still just the START of November, so…Thanksgiving?"

And Caleb looks at Hunter, alive and free on the CB, and then glances out the window where Enoch is kicking the shit out of Belos in the backyard, and says, "Alright, yes, a celebration is in order. This is indeed worthy of thanksgiving."

"Oh, awesome! Uh…important question, what kind of cranberry sauce do you like?"

"What the fuck is cranberry sauce?"

JFJEJAJJFJRJWIFF ABSOLUTELY LOSING IT OVER ALL OF THIS

I feel like miles is back there too if only because he and Enoch are nasty little rude children and friends because of it.

Also don't forget flapjack AND hawk hunter are there. Flapjack sitting on Caleb's head and pulling his hair until he passes him a piece of popcorn or a peanut. All of them going completely apeshit for hunters first kiss. Camila appreciation club. Jasper and Manny both delighted by the fact Camila being mother to their child makes them like. Fathers in law? Mutuals? Proxy???? Something. there's a kinship there and it's funny. Hunter carves waffles and flapjack gets so excited he flies into the TV and knocks himself out

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mdhwrites · 1 year ago

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Saw the TOH Finale in Its Entirety.

I think I need a little time away from talking about TOH after it. I have some blogs prepared but I may just let myself breathe a little bit. This isn't me suddenly calling the finale good. No... No. Like For the Future, it was an episode I'd always seen and heard enough to know I wouldn't like it. I'd watched enough of it to know it was bad. I had to watch the Collector's redemption for a different blog though and when that portion was done, I decided to watch the last fifteen minutes I hadn't seen.

And... I could say a lot about it but this picture is all I need to focus on.

This was the end of the series.

Oh yeah, there were six minutes after it that showed them in the future but this was the end of the series. They had just spent 3-4 minutes with epilogue narration, a curtain call saying farewell to everyone and showing they were safe, showing us that the Isles would heal and then it came to this. Luz thinks about how she'll miss magic but grew as a person and how all of this will have made her better. Made her able to face the future and then you get this shot.

That is the end of a story. Period.

But then TOH wastes six more minutes running it back and doing the exact. Same. Thing but worse. Because it doesn't end on the thematic focus of Luz's journey, growth, and what you can take away from it. It ends on self indulgence, takes EVEN LONGER, and on a forced group shot that includes villains and one off characters for some reason. It's much worse composed than this, it's much less meaningful but they decided not to cut it. They decided they couldn't choose one of two endings and so did both.

All while the Collector fails to properly finish his redemption arc or admit that what he'd done was wrong. While Luz dies in a sequence of like five plot beats and reveals that happen in like a minute's time. While the episode is repetitive and contradictory in the most infuriating ways and even when it's looking good, the story boarding and choreography and lack of real creativity is holding it back. All while claiming it's so much better than other media while doing exactly what it's mocking.

In other words... It was indeed a finale to TOH.

But it's a finale that makes me feel worried about being able to kind to it. After all, the creators of this show complained about being shortened. Claimed they had so many ideas. So many they never got to tell. But then... Then they made this finale and spent a fifth of the time on two different endings rather than actually completing and fleshing out their story.

I don't think Dana's name will do anything but turn me away from a project now. Not unless I know she's not a part of the writing team. And... While that may still just be due to the quality of her work, I do not want this thought so fresh in my mind. Not when my analytical roots sadly still stem from an angry part of me and was first birthed out of an angry part of the internet. It doesn't change my opinion but like I said, I think I just need some time and I have some blogs cued to post in the meantime, as well as some Amphibia asks I can get to instead.

See you all next tale. Hopefully I find a new one to get stuck into properly soon.

#the owl house criticism #toh critical #toh #the owl house

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rainynightmoonlight · 2 years ago

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Hunter angst?? The main idea is basically everyone got a happy ending, except the "right person, wrong time" character. And that character would be y/n?

It's not my time (TOH Hunter x M! Reader)

Apologies if this isn't what you wanted exactly but it was the best I could think of! Also sorry for the cliffhanger.

Characters: Hunter

CW: Angst, Internalized homophobia (from hunter)

Theme: Hunter Angst

Reader: Male reader

A/U: None

Premise: Hunter loves Y/n but he has no room for a relationship, or well he's not ready for one

THIS IS SFW BUT ANGSTY

...................................................................................

It was hard for him to realize why his heart felt the way it did. Why it would pound louder and beat faster than normal, Hunter couldn’t place a word for it. At first he thought he was dying when he saw him. The boy that changed Hunter’s whole world view, it was odd. Hunter soon fell in love with the feeling that he felt when he saw that h/c haired boy walk by his jurisdiction that Hunter was in charge of.

It was hard for Hunter not to watch that boy walk by. But with that love and admiration for this boy, whom Hunter didn’t even know the name of, came sadness. Hunter often rationalized a lot of his thoughts when it came to this boy. Often thinking of the pros and cons of even introducing himself to this mysterious boy that has seemed to capture his heart.

Hunter often spent a lot of sleepless nights over thinking a whole interaction between this boy and how it would go. However, any time Hunter tried to confront this boy either Hunter would become really harsh as if he were talking to someone breaking the law or he would chicken out and just apologize. Hunter did learn of this boy's name though, and it was thanks to Luz.

It was during the first time Hunter met Luz, during the Selkidomus hunt. Y/n did go with Luz during this, and Hunter had taken capture of the boy along with King as a way to get what Belos needed. Y/n didn’t talk much but Hunter did oddly enjoy the boy's company. This was when Hunter’s feelings for Y/n developed. It was weird for him to take such interest in someone that wasn’t Belos and much less a human.

A human that wasn’t from Hunter’s world. That was one of the downfalls of his crush. However Hunter didn't even place it to be a crush at the time. Only ever thinking of the feelings that Y/n caused was admiration or some sort of feeling that was the same. Hunter knew that Y/n wouldn’t stay forever, much less stay in the Boiling Isles with him.

Hunter spent his days in daydreams of Y/n and what might happen if he even just said hi. All he wanted was to befriend Y/n. So why couldn’t he? What was stopping him? He always wondered and berated himself for becoming so scared about even just interacting with Y/n.

He was the golden guard. He’s fought monsters that were bigger and stronger than him. But his weakness was this h/c h/l boy. It made no sense to Hunter. And he really couldn’t go to anyone for answers, other than Luz. He wasn’t on good terms with the girl however.

So in all Hunter was alone. He was alone and he couldn’t find a way to go about even befriending Y/n. Y/n however, always admired Hunter. That admiration settled when he talked to the blonde a bit during his short time of being captured. Hunter somehow opened up to Y/n, even when he was a stranger to the boy.

It was odd for the two. Y/n learned about Hunter’s dedication to Belos and seemingly managed to understand that Hunter really couldn’t discover himself as a person during his time as the Golden Guard. Y/n learned that Hunter was just a blind follower and made himself to be whatever the others wanted him too.

It hurt Y/n a bit, he could only guess how old Hunter was just by his height alone. Y/n had never initiated any conversation so as not to disturbed the working Hunter. This displeased the blond guard a great deal. What hurt Hunter the most though was seeing Y/n with someone else.

Someone who wasn’t him.

It was a normal sunny day in the Boiling Isles, chaos was everywhere and there were wild witches to catch. Hunter was tasked with this near the town center. Just his luck because this was where he saw Y/n most of the time.

Today was going to be the day he was going to say hi and introduce himself. No more running away. No more being a coward. Here and now Hunter was going to befriend Y/n. His body stiffened when he heard a familiar voice.

“Oh yeah! I love doing that!”

Hunter felt his face heating up. What was this? Hunter felt weird that even hearing the melodic tone of Y/n’s voice had caused such a reaction from him. This wasn’t normal. The very few times Belos told him stories of love it wasn’t like this.

This sort of guilt settled in his heart. Hunter had turned around to find the familiar boy he had been seeing in the area for a long time now, even after the small capture. It was as if fate was giving him something good after years of torment, but with that good feeling settled more guilt. But then he heard an unfamiliar voice that followed Y/n’s.

“It had me rolling over on my side! That’s how funny it was!”

Hunter ignored whoever was speaking to Y/n. They weren’t important in his mind. He was wracking his brain to find an answer for his feelings, for why he was acting like this. This jealousy in him wasn’t uncommon but the reason for it was new.

He didn’t expect to have fallen so hard for a human that wasn’t even from this world. So much so that there was this possessiveness in him for Y/n. He wasn’t even sure why he felt this way.

What made Y/n so likable to Hunter?

That question in his mind was the least of his worries. He was in love with Y/n! It didn’t feel right to him. He was making himself sick. But this sickness didn’t stem from his thoughts on him liking another boy. No. It was from the one who cared for him most of his life.

Belos.

Belos put this self hate in Hunter, even when he tried his hardest Belos seemed to never be pleased. With those thoughts of not being good enough for Belos added to the thoughts of Y/n didn’t work well.

Under his mask Hunter was crying. Tears welled up in his red eyes, his vision blurring in the process. Y/n noticed a familiar figure that he had grown to be able to recognize from anywhere. Hunter froze as he saw Y/n walking up to him.

‘Why now?’

Hunter’s mind was close to exploding. He didn't want to misplace this anger and hate to Y/n. So he did what he said he wasn't going to do. He ran. He ran from the one person who made him feel so many good things.

He blamed Y/n for how he made him fall in love with him. Part of Hunter wanted to hold Y/n's hand but those thoughts were suppressed. He couldn't go to any one, he didn't want to be labeled as something unpleasant.

Y/n was left alone. It would be a lie if he didn't admit that he was a bit hurt. The friend Y/n was walking with had approached him.

"Hey you okay dude?"

Y/n didn't respond. He only stared to where Hunter had ran away.

'What am I doing wrong?'

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Do not repost or translate without my explicit permission! Reblogs are welcome!

#x reader #x male reader #toh hunter x male reader #toh hunter #the owl house hunter #the owl house #hunter angst #angst #toh x male reader #toh x gn reader #toh x you #toh angst

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nikos-oneshots · 2 years ago

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could you write a oneshot where the reader helps hunter feel better on his period? (i hc hunter as transmasc but if this isn't allowed feel free to ignore! don't want to make you uncomfy /srs)

Transmasc! Hunter & A Helpful Reader

Warnings: Period/Menstruation Mentions, TOH Spoilers Word Count: 0.3K Pronouns: N/A Notes: Sorry this took so long! Also I hope you don't mind it being switched to a longer drabble.

You heard slight sobs as you walked by the basement door. When you got home, Camilla left a note on the kitchen counter that said everyone has gone out, but apparently either that wasn't true, or somebody had broken into the house.

You scaled the stairs carefully, but you soon let your guard down when you noticed that familiar, yellow sweater. Your heart began to quickly ache as you rushed down the stairs to comfort Hunter. He had his face in his arms as his knees were pulled up to his chest, but he quickly turned as he noticed you rushing up.

"Hunter! What's wrong?" You asked, clearly a little panicked, but trying your best to keep calm.

He didn't reply, he just looked away. You noticed his fingers fidget with each other as he began to sweat. You began to hear Flapjack's chirps as he jumped up to your shoulder. As if you could understand him, you suddenly knew. You carefully looked at Hunter with a pained expression.

"Are you on-"

"Stop." You try to say before Hunter cuts you off.

You hit a nerve. You quickly realized that he didn't want anybody to know, or maybe not to be reminded of it himself. You saw his legs squish closer to his chest as a sob escaped him. You wanted to help him feel better, but you didn't know how, but you soon got an idea after you heard his stomach rumble.

"It's okay! It happens. If you don't want to talk about it, that's fine, but you seem hungry. Let me make you lunch." You offer as you hold out your hand.

He seemed hesitant, but after a little bit of pushing from flapjack, he offered it. He stood up slightly, but soon hunched back in pain and groaned. His cramps must be awful. It took a lot of strength to keep him up, but you managed to walk him over to the stairs.

"Maybe a Heating Pad and some Midol too. Luz told me that's what helps her." You suggest as you walk with Hunter upstairs. He gives you a nod.

"Thank you…" He whispers.

As a period haver, I can tell you that Midol works wonders. Anyways, I hope this is satisfying! If there is anything inaccurate about transmasc periods, please lmk so I can change it!

Lots of Love - Niko 🥞

#🥞💡= niko answers #🥞💡= niko writes #hunter x reader #owl house x reader #the owl house x reader #toh x reader #toh hunter

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apocalypticavolition · 1 year ago

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Let's (re)Read The Great Hunt! Chapter 2: The Welcome

Spoiler alert: I forgot to discuss chapter icons last time. It's terrible, breaking such a successful streak. I have toh. If you don't know what that is, be aware, because I'm perfectly happy to spoil everything about this whole damn series if you're not careful. Look away if that bothers you.

Anyway, chapter icons. Last time was another wheel and serpent, which probably reflects both how Rand is being pulled by the Pattern to stay put despite his desires and how the Dark One's touch is beginning to corrupt it more blatantly with the proto-bubble. This time we get the Flame of Tar Valon, because the Amyrlin Seat is visiting.

“Ho, southlander! The Amyrlin’s here. Come for you and your friends, I suppose. Peace, what honor for you! She seldom leaves Tar Valon, and she’s never come to the Borderlands in my memory.”

A) This and several other bits of dialogue is a delightful way for the denizens of the fortress to be tormenting Rand about the trap that he's found himself caught in without realizing it (one of my favorite kinds of dialogue).

B) I can't help but feel that this is another bit of failure on the part of the Tower. An Amyrlin who tours the continent regularly and brings a retinue with her would be yet another way to be building positive relations with the populace, helping them and encouraging them not to see the Aes Sedai as wicked witches. Hopefully it's something they pick up on as the Fourth Age goes on.

The women barely glanced at him, and went right on clearing his clothes—and Mat’s and Perrin’s—out of the wardrobe and replacing them with new. Anything found in the pockets was put atop the chests, and the old clothes were bundled up carelessly, like rags.

I don't know if this is Moiraine's outright shittiest act as mentor, but damn if it's not up there. You know who else pulls this crap in this series? Tylin, because it's abusive as all hell. Moiraine had a fucking month to get the boys fancier clothes in less coercive ways and if she'd done it shortly after the Eye it wouldn't have even been a hard sell because Rand and Perrin would have been happy to wear comfy new clothes after the hell month they went through (Mat would have been an easy sell regardless once he saw something with lace; would have been harder to get him not to empty Moiraine's purse at that point).

It could be a scullion or the Lady Amalisa, Lord Agelmar’s sister herself—the baths were one place in Shienar where there was no rank—expecting him to scrub her back in return for the same favor, asking him why his face was so red, had he taken too much sun? They had soon learned to recognize his blushes for what they were, and not a woman in the keep but seemed fascinated by them.

We're supposed to laugh at the provincial bumpkin for not understanding how awesome it is that he's getting to bathe with regulation hotties, but really between this and the maids expecting him to change out of his underwear in front of him (and making a point to look) is just way too skeevy.

His boots, at least, were certainly still good, made by Alwyn al’Van, the cobbler back in Emond’s Field, and well broken in and comfortable. But if giving up his boots would make the shatayan leave him alone so he could go, he would give her the boots, and anything else she wanted. He had no time.

It is way too early in these books for me to feel this bad for Rand.

Light help me! Was it Amalisa had this made, or Moiraine? How many saw it? How many know what it is, what it means? Even one is too many. Burn me, she’s trying to get me killed. Bloody Moiraine won’t even talk to me, but now she’s given me bloody fine new clothes to die in!

It's absolutely incredible how badly Moiraine is handling this. Is she just conceptualizing this as being the same as how she had to wear novice robes as a girl? Did Elaida's personal tutoring before Moiraine's becoming an Aes Sedai get a nice cycle of abuse going for her to perpetuate?

Muttering under his breath, he dressed hurriedly. He would not put it past any of them to find some excuse to come bulling in anyway.

Just like Donald Trump.

He had seen women picking out embroidery when they had made a mistake or changed their mind on the pattern, and it did not look very hard.

Rand, you spent your entire childhood including your most significant growth spurts living in the backwoods of the ass end of nowhere with no one except your dad. I can understand embroidery not being your thing because it's not utilitarian, but you should damn well know that there's a difference between fixing your work before it's done and ripping out embroidery after the fact.

Thom Merrilin had taught him to play that flute, before the gleeman died. Rand could never touch it without remembering Thom, with his sharp blue eyes and his long white mustaches, shoving the bundled cloak into his hands and shouting for him to run. And then Thom had run himself, knives appearing magically in his hands as if he were performing, to face the Myrddraal that was coming to kill them.

Dammit Rand, Moiraine told you that the odds of Thom being dead were literally zero in infinity, stop thinking he's dead.

His unstrung bow stood propped in the corner with Mat’s and Perrin’s, the stave two hands taller than he was. He had made it himself since coming to Fal Dara, and besides him, only Lan and Perrin could draw it. Stuffing his blanketroll and his new cloak through the loops on his bundles, he slung the pair from his left shoulder, tossed his saddlebags atop the cords, and grabbed the bow. Leave the sword-arm free, he thought. Make them think I’m dangerous. Maybe somebody will.

The funny part is, Rand actually does look dangerous now. Lan told him that bullies would leave him alone. He never believes anything anyone tells him, it's no wonder no one tries to communicate with him later on.

He would never see legendary Tar Valon—he could not afford that risk, now or ever—but he might catch a glimpse of the Amyrlin Seat before he left. That would be as much as seeing a queen.

Rand's getting pulled around by the Pattern again, since he's already met a queen in person and you'd think he'd have learned his lesson from that.

He could easily see over the heads of most of them, enough to make out clearly what was going on in the courtyard. Just inside the main gate, a line of men stood beside their horses, fourteen of them. ... A dozen paces in front of the Warders, a row of women stood by their horses’ heads, the cowls of their cloaks thrown back. He could count them, now. Fourteen. Fourteen Aes Sedai.

Funny that there's an equal number of Warders to Aes Sedai, since that isn't a guarantee. We don't know all the Aes Sedai among the ranks, but we do know that at least two (Liandrin and Carlinya) didn't have Warders, possibly three (Serafelle's never clarified either way). Alanna is the only green we know about and she has two Warders, which covers for one of the gaps. Possibly Siuan's Warder is in the ranks here as well, which covers the other gap for certain. Also note that Leane is not one of these fourteen Aes Sedai, which means that sixteen came altogether counting her and Siuan. Regardless, I'm not tagging anyone except those mentioned individually.

Suddenly Ronan rapped his staff loudly three times on the broad paving stones, calling into the silence, “Who comes here? Who comes here? Who comes here?” The woman beside the palanquin tapped her staff three times in reply. “The Watcher of the Seals. The Flame of Tar Valon. The Amyrlin Seat.” “Why should we watch?” Ronan demanded. “For the hope of humankind,” the tall woman replied. “Against what do we guard?” “The shadow at noon.” “How long shall we guard?” “From rising sun to rising sun, so long as the Wheel of Time turns.”

We see so little of pomp and circumstance in these books despite humanity's love of silly rituals that I gotta quote in full the stuff that does show up. Also note how the ritual emphasizes the shadow as something wrong and fundamentally against the natural order. It's understandable why Rand came to the conclusion he had to kill the Dark One.

The tall woman drew back the curtain of the palanquin, and the Amyrlin Seat stepped out. Dark-haired, ageless as all Aes Sedai were ageless, she ran her eyes over the assembled watchers as she straightened. Rand flinched when her gaze crossed him; he felt as if he had been touched. But her eyes passed on and came to rest on Lord Agelmar.

Rand honey, you're the only Aielman in two hundred miles and you're the tallest man in the room. Of course she saw you.

He did not want to think of what would have happened if she knew who he was, what he was. What would happen when she finally found out. He wondered if she had had anything to do with the wind atop the tower; Aes Sedai could do things like that.

Rand is so completely wrong about Siuan on every level that it wraps around from stupid to adorable to stupid again. No Rand, the Amyrlin Seat didn't try to assassinate you from a distance through her magic scrying mirror. That's not even a thing.

It was his name that caused the problem, and a similarity. Rand al’Thor. Al’Lan Mandragoran. For Lan, according to the custom of Malkier, the royal “al” named him King, though he never used it himself. For Rand, “al” was just a part of his name, though he had heard that once, long ago, before the Two Rivers was called the Two Rivers, it had meant “son of.” Some of the servants in Fal Dara keep, though, had taken it to mean he was a king, too, or at least a prince.

No doubt in Manetheren "al" did mean royalty and only transferred to "son of" once the interbreeding led to it being so common a name.

“Yes, my Lord. The order came down only a short time ago. Only moments.” Tema’s voice picked up strength. “All the gates are closed as well, my Lord. None may enter or leave without permission. Not even the city patrol, so Tema has been told.”

Poor Rand, if he'd only controlled himself he would have arrived before the order and could have escaped. What a horribly unlikely coincidence!

Rand broke into a run. He just had time to see the surprise on Tema’s face, and then he was gone. He did not care what Tema thought. She will be sending for me now.

Rand, you know what would really make Tema think you were normal, unremarkable, and definitely not the Dragon Reborn? If you spent some time muttering to yourself or maybe burst into tears for no reason. Not a single male channeler in the world does that.

Ah well. Next time, we'll watch Rand try and fail to escape his date with destiny.

#let's read #wheel of time #wot #robert jordan #wheel of time spoilers #wot spoilers #rand al'thor #leane sharif #agelmar jagad #siuan sanche

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wackulart · 2 years ago

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Oooo I saw the reblog of the Oc ask postcand now I am intrigued, can you please tell us about them!

-♪Anon

AAAAA!!

I have A LOT of ocs some for my own original series but since this blog is covered in owl house content I'll tell you about my TOH OC!

Lunas De Mise

Age: 1450 years old Gender: He/Him Height: 7'8 feet Species: Lunar Salamander (He's like a moon lizard but also a cyclops) Sexuality: Pansexual Trivia: His species can grow to 1500 years old Voice Headcanon: Death (Puss in Boots 2: The Last Wish)

I'm gonna put his backstory under the cut because it is PRETTY LONG

But yeah! He was my first TOH OC and ofc he's associated with Belos bc I had to project some how

I'm also working on another one but they are still in the concept phase

[Also I have a bunch of fan kids so I guess they count as OCS too but I'll post about them tomorrow]

Backstory: Lunas comes from a clan that have very strict rules about 1. Promises and 2. Power. They all come from an Island just a bit off of the Titan. Each member of their clan gets tasked with a crystal that they need to return to the greater crystal after a trip off the island as a sign of coming of age. The crystal is to show love to the memory of the Titan.

Lunas was reaching the age [1000-ish] where he was going to have his chance to do so. With that he left his Island for his trip and came around the time where Belos was going around and preaching to towns.

He meets Belos and they get along decently, Lunas travels with him to learn from Belos as well as to protect him on his journey. Belos tells him about his mission for the titan and Lunas tells Belos of his Island.

Two things that Belos focuses in on was that Lunas was unable to break a promise. It is like a law that is made and it is so important to them, to break it would be to betray everything you were. The only way to get out is if the other person breaks the promise first, then you are unbound.

The second thing was that this crystal had the power to contain magic properly.

With his current issue with sigil magic this seemed like a great opportunity, but he couldn't manipulate it out of Lunas hands because Lunas already believe it was going to the Titan. So the next best thing?

Steal that crystal.

SO-

One night after Lunas and Belos have known eachother for at least a year, at most two, they're together all romantic like and Lunas tells Belos that he has feelings for him since he would have to leave for his island soon. Belos pretends to agree, not that he didn't think of Lunas an asset to him but yknow.. demons. How could he ever?

Lunas is happy and then Belos proposes a promise.

The promise was that they would be loyal to eachother, no matter what.

Afterwards, they fall asleep underneath the stars, not Belos though. He stays up to steal the crystal from him and replaces it with an illusioned rock that he had prepared to look similar.

It's time for Lunas to head back, but when he does the clan notices the crystal isn't the right one. When his clan finds out he's lost it, he's banished and exiled from them and the Island.

He returned back to the Boiling Isles, alone and unable to find Belos. Unsure of what else to do, he hermits himself in a cave and blocks off the outside world completely.

Lunas lived on the far side of the titan and took care of the flora and fauna around his cave but ultimately avoided any other people.

One day, he does leave his cave and he does hear about all of this coven, day of unity business. He isn't sure what to make of it, but he is sure that he made a promise to Belos that he would have his loyalty and since Lunas never knew what happened to his crystal, that promise has yet to be broken on Belos' side, so he wasn't going to break his promise.

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neotriobrainrot-reborn · 2 years ago

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I kinda wanna talk a little about how Epithet Erased sort of helped me at least start my journey towards finding out what kind of writer I am

I think, or at least hope, that I'm slowly understanding myself as a writer and realizing what type I am.

I'm not a complete Gardener, or at least one that falls extremely onto a gardening writing method

When I used to write, I had no worries or issues with writing characters when I first started writing(well I did, but the characters were the LEAST worst thing about my old writing), but the plot fell apart after a few chapters when it came to anything I tried to write

[Example: When I tried to write "Everything's (not) okay", I set the chapter count as 20 and started writing. But two chapters in, I realized that I literally couldn't write 20 chapters on a story where I don't even have it structured.

#2: I tried again with AmphibiaErasedNeo, but then I realized I've written myself into a corner as early as the first chapter, because Trixie & Phoenica would have every reason to grill Molly the second they saw her again and the cat would be out of the bag in terms of her involvement with the music box to them a lot sonner than I'd like for the two. I underestimated just how impactful & important the scenario was that lead the Calamity Trios to Amphibia, and I met a massive wall when trying to bull rush scenes that were subtly affected by that.

Another smaller example is an TOH x Epithet Erased fic idea I had Scrapped that fell apart at "what would stop Phoenica from just leaving as soon as she met up with Luz again?"

Say to say, I kinda sucked at writing. Well, I still do kind of suck and have a lot to improve on, but I suck significantly less now than I did about a year ago, give or take.

And this isn't to say this was because of the gardener method, not even slightly. All of these flaws I found with my writing were a combination of my lack of foresight for how scenes affected other scenes & poor revisioning. The gardening method isn't bad. It's just not something that completely applies to me. The same can be said for the architect method. I can't just go into it without any foundation since that just leads to me barely doing anything, but if I go too far into outlining & try to plan every ounce of how everything will happen through each line in the story, I won't even get halfway before I lose the motivation to even write the thing.

Hides away my docs of unfinished stuff

All in all, I feel like I'm more of a hybrid(or in other terms, a plantser), but at the same time. I still don't know completely. I know I'm not a gardener or Architect, but I still got some distance to figure out what kind of Writer I am and what stuff fits me, but what's important is that I'm at least a little bit closer to figuring out myself not just in terms of writing, but getting a leap closer to becoming the best version of myself, even if I'm nowhere near there yet.

And I have Epithet Erased to thank for that

#epithet erased #fungireborn.post

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parkweylyn · 2 years ago

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I don't understand, But I LOVE you.

Part 3

You found yourself next to Taehyun, snuggled on his bicep, you got out and took a shower, you attended a meeting regarding the business and went down for breakfast, you found Yeonjun there and started to help him preparing brekfast, not going to lie you hit off pretty good with Yeonjun.

Then you heard the doorbell,

"I'll get it, I ordered some food from outside too" Yeonjun said and qent to open the door, after sometime you heard some noises and turned around to see Soobin.

He look at you,being awkward and greeted you morning, you wish him the same, ignoring his presence you focused on the breakfast, while Soobin thought why weren't you reacting in any way, well if you could answer this question, you had always been very calm and collected, that's what business taught you to be.

While Yeonjun decided to take a shower, you went ahead and woke up the other members to join you for breakfast.

Upon reaching Taehyun's bedroom you knocked but did not get any response, so you went in, but he was not there, your eyes fell on your glasses, you had completely forgotten about it, after wearing it, you heard a door unlock, turning around you saw Taehyun in just.....a towel!

You greeted him morning and asked him toh join for breakfast. He nodded in acknowledgement. You went outside, and ket out a breath feeling hot. While Tehyun thought you looked wo good with your hair opened and with glasses on.

While having your breakfast, you had a very awkward vibe coming from Taehyun and Soobin, they did not speak a word to each other. Soon they all heard the doorbell, you opened the door and saw Bahiyyih,

"Y/N -ah-"

You ignored and went inside, sitting next on your seat, which was kinda next to Soobin. Hiyyih entered and sat next to Tarhyun on the empty seat.

"Wraya could you please come sit in my place?"

"I can, but where will you sit?"

"I'll sit next to you"

You couldn't understand, But you did as he said, and then he asked Bahiyyih to sit in your place, while Taehyun sat in Bahiyyih place, so now you were currently in between you ex-bestfriend and her ex-boyfriend.

3 days later you shifted in your house, and today your aunt asked you to meet up, you went to the place,

Had some chit chat. Then she came to the point

"I want you to get married"

"What?"

"I've selected the groom and he agreed"

What....?

"The preparation have already started you'll have your marriage in about 3 weeks"

Well. Shit. You can't even say no because you aren't in a relationship, so you agreed.

3 weeks went by, today was the wedding, you hadn't met you husband to be till now

, so when you reached towards your husband and the priest you looked up and saw....Taehyun.

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arcane-ersana · 1 year ago

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13/01/2024

Last night I had a panic attack while lying beside my mother, I somehow tried to control it and she was watching tv so she didn't notice much and then I came to my room. I was crying and shivering whole night; my chest was hurting, I was feeling dizzy and was facing shortness of breath. I slept while crying. I woke up in the morning prayed fajr and tried to sleep again with that chest pain and dizziness but the trouble in breathing made me to take my meds... Finally! after so many days I took my meds. she texted me on 11th Jan at 11:59 AM. The tears were falling from my eyes as soon as I saw that text on notification bar. Her next test was at 12:00AM, 12th Jan 'kesi h' I didn't tell her about my actual condition. It was her who stopped talking to me, it was her who ignored me and it was her who left me on seen; and she said 'aur bta kahan thi itne din koi contact nhi'

She blamed me for whatever happen. I said sorry and she replied 'sorry is just a tape for crack'

Was it really my fault?

I don't know what's my fault and what's not my fault. I think everything which is wrong or bad is because of my fault.

Are they really suffer because of me? Am I really the cause of their sufferings?

But what about my sufferings?

She told me 'thodi naraz hu tujhse narazgi nhi chupaungi'

Khair.....! mujhe khudse hi shikwe yahan, kisi aur se kya gile yahan...!

I thought she will contact me on my birthday...I was waiting for her text or call but she didn't.

main toh is waaste chup hun ke tamasha na bane, tu samajhta hai mujhe gila kucch bhi nahi.

#diary

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deweyduck · 2 years ago

Note

how are you feeling about BI HUNTER AND PAN WILLOW being confirmed as canon?! i've been going nuts over bi hunter in particular because he's my fave and i'm bi, and i was so sure he was too as soon as we saw that bi rainbow on his sweater!! but i didn't think we'd get confirmation of it from dana herself omg. also, i hope you've been enjoying your overseas trip! 💖

FEELING GREAT!!!!! SO HAPPY FOR THEM!!!!!! IT JUST MAKES HUNTLOW THAT MUCH MORE POWERFUL!!!!!

i really love that the main toh ships depict 3 different types of relationships bi people can be in (fxf, fxenby, mxf). and also they're all just such good ships???? dana just knows how to write Romance 🥰

also thank you!! i just got back and i had a lovely time 💞

#ask #riddlerosehearts

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renon4224 · 2 years ago

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Find The Word Tag

Tagged By: @gummybugg

My Words:

Smell

Drop

Lip(s)

Snippets:

WIP 2: Fire On Fire (MHA fanfic, background info, Chapters 1 and 2 are out)

“I don’t have Bakugou’s number, and she wouldn’t stop throwing up and gagging and-” Tears pricked her eyes, “I didn’t know what to do, she needed someone other than me. I-I failed.” She bit her lip, a sign of intense resentment.

“Do I? He keeps looking at you like that, it’s a surprise I’m not the only one to notice.” Her voice was sharp, lips tight and eyes narrowed at the quickly fading figure of Katsuki.

WIP 6: In The Woods (Unpublished)

When Milly opened the door she could smell something foul before tripping and landing on someone.

WIP 9: Angel Wings (Unpublished, but I'll try to post chapter one soon. MHA FANFIC)

“You don’t know me, we haven’t even met until six days ago,” Her voice was small, she was scared, she was trying to remember the night she was saved, “You don’t smell like caramel.”

“Actually, he does,” Uraraka piped, wait, how does she know what I smell like?

The messed-up Bakugou let go, The smell of caramel returned, I was being crushed, but it was a soft embrace, I still saw the messed-up Bakugou, but he couldn’t hurt me anymore.

I woke up to feel rather than see Bakugou, my head was on his shoulder, and Uraraka was right, he did smell like caramel.

“I smell like caramel.” I cringed, it was the only thing I could think of, it was the thing that bothered her most.

He was letting me rest on him, my head in the crook of his neck, he really did smell like caramel.

His hair was soaking wet, a drop went down his shirt, “Ow!” I accidentally bit my finger.

Her lips were lightly touching my bare neck, her head tilted into me, but she was crying.

“I’m sorry for causing problems with your friends.” I bit my lip and closed my eyes, expecting Bakugou to leave.

“.......What if the girl I want, doesn’t want me….?” I bit my lip, what if she hates me now?

I bit the inside of my lip, it was just like what I had drawn in therapy, a girl being carried in someone’s arms, they had wings drawn, one was draped across the savior’s back and the other was on fire.

I bit my lip and looked around, was nobody even gonna comment on this, no one gonna tell him to knock it off?

WIP 12: Darkness (Unpublished)

He let the link drop, inducing more pain in his head, if I kept at this he’d end up with a killer migraine which could distract his driving, so I stopped trying, he could feel exactly how I felt about this whole situation, he knew I hated it.

WIP 17: Blood Is Fun (Chapter one is published, TOH fanfic)

“Uh, no, stop overthinking.” I smoothed her brows with my thumb, a light kiss on the cheek, barely missing her lips.

WIP 23 (Dnd campaign, unpublished. Dm is @fakegingerrights and it's the prequel to Love Letters, my other dndcampaign fanfiction)

“Hmm, a safeword is Dragon, and we drop the act when we’re alone and nobody is listening. We need a game plan, too. Like how to tell them about the ‘joke.’”

“Yeah, I kinda did, didn’t I?” She didn’t notice how tense Caleb was, or that he only had one arm wrapped around her when he used to drop everything to hold her as tight as possible without breaking her ribs.

WIP 25 (Sirius fanfic, unpublished)

“Yes, but,” This time, he sniffed the air, “You smell like a Sirius and a vampire, why?

WIP 26: Spies Can't Fall In Love (Spy x Family fanfic, AGED UP, unpublished)

"Do I smell?" It was so sudden I didn't know he even said something until he started thinking about why I didn't answer.

You'd only be able to smell it if you were very close to him.

He liked how she said his name, the way it came so naturally to her lips, "Why not?" He saw her blush, her eyes were a deep brown, tints of yellow flickered throughout.

WIP 28: Midnight (unpublished)

I awoke to the faces of my Father and our Luna, Ninurta, the smell of blood suffocating.

If they were searching for a wolf, they'd only smell gross semi-solid water. The wolf went father and farther until I couldn't smell it anymore, so I got out and walked towards the waterfall, munching on a strip of rabbit I had caught yesterday.

I drop all pretenses and ask why he’s here, he tells me that he wanted to pay his respects, he looks like he’s talking about a dead relative.

I'm too tired to do the rest...

My tags: @conquerius37 @fakegingerrights @justanauthorwannabe21 @justanauthor17

My words:

Blood

Death/dead/died

Hope

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terra-kha · 2 years ago

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9th Day- RAIN (Scene 8)

There's no time to think. I can still move my legs and arms. Then I just need to move forward and pull Tohsaka――――

"Tohsaka――――!" "What?" Tohsaka doesn't even budge when I grab her arm and pull. It seems she's heavier than she looks.

"Damn, you're heavy――――!" She doesn't move even when I pull with both my arms. Then all that's left is… "Damn, just move――――!" I charge at her to push her away…!

"――――Ow." I hear a dull piercing sound.

"―――W-What are you doing!?" "Toh――――" I can't hear her voice clearly.

…My body is burning. Everything is hazy, as though I have a high fever.

"――――Senpai?"

…A familiar voice from a distance. My sense of reality is fading. My mind whites out and my left arm bleeds red, mixing like paint.

"――――No."

I see Sakura staring at me as I fall to the floor.

"Nooooooo…!!!"

And she falls to the ground like a puppet with its strings cut.

"How do you feel? Have you calmed down?" "―――――――――" Sitting on the church's long bench, I nod silently.

"I see. Then there's no need for treatment. Your wounds should all heal as your energy returns, so just rest for now."

Tohsaka sits a bit away from me. …The distance between our minds is much greater than this. There's no idle conversation as we wait for Kotomine.

"―――――――!" My left hand screams with pain when I clench it. It feels like there's a nail driven through my palm. The cut from grabbing the knife hurts more than the bruises from Rider or the stab wound from Sakura.

The dark clouds block the view of the night sky. The rain clouds tell me that it's going to rain soon.

"……" …I guess the spear-like thing that attacked Tohsaka was Sakura's magic.

The magical nature that the Matou household inherits is "absorption". When lack of magical energy made Sakura suffer, she unconsciously cast the spell. She probably aimed at Tohsaka because she had the most magical energy there. It stabbed and entangled around my arm because I pushed Tohsaka away, and it sucked all the magical energy out of me.

Magical energy is life force. It's natural for me to lose consciousness when it's sucked out of me. I'd already used up my energy when I fought Rider, so I easily fell unconscious, and Tohsaka brought me to the church after that. …I hear Sakura fainted when she saw me fall.

"―――She attacked herself." Tohsaka murmurs and explains to me that she's getting treated in the back right now.

It seems Sakura is in critical condition. The liquid that came out of her earring was poison, and Kotomine is purifying it now.

Tohsaka doesn't say anything. Neither Archer nor Rider are here. Only the two of us are in the church, waiting for Kotomine's return.

"――――Tohsaka." Still sitting down, I call out to her. "What?" "I want to ask you something."

"……I thought so. Fine, I'll tell you. It's no use hiding it from you, and it's meaningless to do so now. So you want to ask about Sakura?"

I nod. Tohsaka takes a deep breath and starts to talk in her normal tone.

"―――It all started quite some time ago. The Matou blood started to run thin, and their children were born with fewer and fewer Magic Circuits. The family is originally from another country, so I think the land of Japan didn't suit them. Their decline started when they started living here, and the Magic Circuit finally disappeared in this generation when Shinji was born."

"…The history of Matou ended with that. They should have taken an apprentice or something if they'd wanted their quest to continue. But the Matous are a distinguished family, and to the last, they refused to take in an outsider.

"As a result, their successors had less magical energy, and it finally ran out in the end. …They finally started looking for an apprentice when that happened, but no magus would come to a fallen family. Hundreds of years of Makiri history should have ended at that time."

"But they weren't people who could give up then. Shinji's father adopted a child and taught the child magic."

"―――So. I expect you wouldn't know because your family is a special case, but a family of magi hands down its secrets to only one child. They don't teach magic to any other children. Zouken said this, right? If there is a sibling, one is your successor, while the other is raised normally or put up for adoption."

"――――――――" There's no need for two successors. In a case of siblings… no, "sisters", what would be done to the one who wasn't needed?

Some may raise her and hide from her the fact that they are a family of magi. But that's difficult and inefficient. If they trained their Magic Circuit over many generations, it would not be their wish to waste the excellent gene even if she is not chosen as the successor. Then――――

"Tohsaka." "Yes. I had a sister a year younger than me. …The declined Matou family had no hope of someone giving them a child for adoption. It's only natural for them to rely on the Tohsaka family, the ones they held a pact with for a long time."

"I don't know which one of us my dad intended to make his successor. But I remained a Tohsaka, and she was taken to the Matou family. That was eleven years ago. I couldn't go see her much after that. It was an agreement made with Matou, and I couldn't readily go see the successor of the Matous."

"I see. Then you and Sakura are…" "Real sisters. …Well, we never called each other like that."

…I don't know how much emotion is contained in those simple words. But that makes me understand. Why she always asked about Sakura. Why she didn't let Archer use his Noble Phantasm.

"…That's good. You're on Sakura's side." A dim light shines into the gloom of my mind. …I don't know what's going to happen to Sakura, or what she's going to do from now on. But if Tohsaka cares for Sakura, there just might be hope waiting on the ominous path ahead.

"No. I'm not her ally or anything." ―――But… Tohsaka denies me as if reading my thoughts.

"Not her ally…?" "Right. If Sakura can't be cured, I'll dispose of her, just like I would with any other Master gone rampant. I can't sit idly by while a magus indiscriminately attacks people. If Kirei can't treat Sakura, then I'll just have to get rid of her myself."

"W―――What are you saying…!? Sakura's your sister, isn't she!? Don't ever say something like that…!"

"Sakura is a child of the Matous. She stopped being my sister eleven years ago." "Tohsaka, you――――"

"…Hmph. The outcome won't change even if Sakura is my family as you say. It wouldn't change anything. In fact, that would give you even less right to interfere." Tohsaka speaks as if it's a matter of course.

"―――――Then you're…" No different from Shinji. But before I can say the worst thing possible…

"What are you doing? The operation is complete, but she is still in critical condition. If you want to make a commotion, go do so outside." …Kotomine Kirei emerges from the back of the church.

"…Hmph. I can't tell if you two are on bad terms or in good harmony."

"Oh――――" "――――H-Heh. You're just mistaken."

"I see. Then sit down. I shall explain the state Matou Sakura is in."

"――――――――" "――――――――" Taking our separate seats, we listen intently to the priest.

"To put it simply, there is a poison, a worm, in Matou Sakura's body. The worm is called crest worm. It is like an artificial sanshi, the three corpses. Do you recognize this name?"

…I shake my head. Sanshi―――a bug said to inhabit a human body that reports the person's evil deeds to the Judge of Hell. I've heard of sanshi, but I've never heard of a crest worm.

"So you do not know. Well, it was originally just a harmless parasite. It's a familiar that lives off of its host's magical energy. It is of the lowest rank of familiars, as it does nothing beyond telling its master whether or not its host still lives."

"……I see. So it's like a monitoring device. So Zouken's monitoring Sakura with that?" "Oh. When was it decided that Matou Zouken is the master of the crest worm?"

"―――I'm sorry, but I'm in no mood for your long talk. Who else but that old bastard would do something like that to Sakura?" "I see, that is certainly true. Matou Shinji cannot use crest worms. So it can only be that vampire."

"Right? Just go ahead and tell me the result. Can Sakura be saved or not?"

"―――You are being hasty, Rin. You seem to understand her condition, but the boy does not. We should explain for his sake, right?" "……!" Tohsaka looks away awkwardly. Judging by her expression, she doesn't want me to find out.

"Well, what shall we do, Emiya Shirou? Rin says she just wants to know the result." "……No. Please explain things in order, Kotomine."

…I'm sorry for Tohsaka. But I can't yield to her about this. If this has to do with Sakura's life, I have to know everything about it.

"Then let me continue. The crest worm I explained earlier is undermining Matou Sakura's nerves. It must be the result of eleven years spent growing within her. The crest worm has turned into a nerve, like a Magic Circuit, and it has entangled with her own, swarming all throughout her body. It has transformed into her Magic Crest. Under normal circumstances it is suspended, having no effect on Matou Sakura's body."

"But once activated, it will violate Matou Sakura's nerves and will keep moving using her magical energy. That's what happened earlier. The crest worm roamed through her body, absorbing her magical energy."

"Had she remained in that state for half a day, she would certainly have died. The crest worm would suck all of her magical energy as its power, then eat her flesh as nutrition. It means she would have her body consumed after her magical energy was sucked dry."

"If you have a Magic Crest, you should well know how painful it is. Even the faintest trace of a foreign substance puts a human body through discomfort, and can even be life-threatening. Having another creature entwining its nerves with your own, moving within you, would easily be enough to kill you."

"……In that regard, I'm surprised Matou Sakura was conscious until just now. I do not know if Matou Sakura has a strong will, or if she is just used to the crest worm's activation. We will need to ask her if we want this answered."

"――――――――" I hear a sound. It's the sound of my teeth grinding. 'If you have a Magic Crest, you should well know how painful it is'?

I couldn't possibly know. I cover myself in sweat just to insert one Magic Circuit into my body. Sakura has it several times worse. I couldn't even guess at her pain.

"…Hold on. You said if it's activated, right? Then the crest worm isn't usually active?"

"That is correct. The poison put on her only awakens the crest worm. The crest worm is only an observation device. It is only activated as punishment for the host, Matou Sakura, when she breaks a 'certain condition'."

"――――――――" Just listening to his words makes me go crazy. I know it's not something Kotomine did, but I almost attack him for saying that.

I suppress my selfish emotion and… "What is the condition?" I urge him to go on and tell me the heart of the matter.

"Matou Sakura fell, and Rin tried to save her. But Rider prevented her from doing so. Then the condition is obvious. To abandon the battles as a Master. That should be the restriction of the crest worm."

"She has approved of the battles by entrusting Rider to Shinji. But the crest worm will torment her as she refuses it now. It has calmed down for now, but the crest worm will keep tormenting her. It will tell her, 'What are you doing? If you are truly a Master, then go kill the other Masters. If you cannot, I will eat you and kill you'."

"――――" My mind almost breaks down. Just hearing about it makes sparks flash in my vision. More than anything, I want to kill that old man.

"…That's the condition Sakura must follow?" "It seems so. Nothing else seems likely." "Then――――! Can't she just not be a Master? If she uses up her Command Spell and cancels the contract with her Servant, she won't be a Master anymore―――"

"I would not recommend that. I told you that the condition of the crest worm's activation is to abandon her duty as a Master. If she cancels her contract with Rider, the crest worm will consume her for sure."

"I see. So she can fight and survive, or refuse to fight and be killed by the crest worm. Those are the only options Sakura has, right?"

"Right. The crest worm will torment its host for as long as the Holy Grail War continues. If her condition keeps up, her body will not last long, and her mind will be destroyed. She has a Magic Crest all over her body, after all. You should understand how absurd that is, Rin."

"…Yeah. Even though it should be familiar with my body, I still periodically get the urge to cut off my arm. I'm like this with one arm, so her function as a human being should be violated if she has it all over her body. She's no magus, but a cluster of Magic Circuit. The human mind should be overwritten by the wave of magical energy."

"Wha―――then Sakura is…" "She is in danger if her condition keeps up. I don't know how many more days she can last, but the crest worm will spread further with each successive day. She will die if we cannot remove it before it infects her whole body, but her body will not last that long in any case."

"The only thing I did was to purify the poison. The surgery to call back her lost magical energy and mind is after this, but the chance of success is very low. ―――That is all. To sum everything up, Matou Sakura cannot be saved. Are you satisfied now, Emiya Shirou?"

"――――――――" There's no way I'm satisfied. Sakura can't be saved? That's ridiculous. She was doing so well until yesterday, so why are things like this now…!?

"―――What about removing it? Can't you extract the crest worm? If you know it's there, you should be able to take it out, right!?"

"Extraction would be difficult. The crest worm has already integrated itself into her Magic Circuits. Even the one who implanted it wouldn't be able to extract it now. …Yes. If you wanted to extract it, you would have to rely on a miracle, or the Holy Grail."

"――――!" The Holy Grail. So that's where it ends up, huh? Sakura's only choice is to keep fighting as a Master, and the power of the Holy Grail is the only thing that can save her――――?

"I understand the situation now, Kirei. Let me thank you." She bows without showing much gratitude and confronts the priest.

"But isn't this too sudden? The crest worm wasn't implanted in her yesterday. So why did she suddenly reach her limit?"

"Why do you ask that now? Matou Sakura's body was tampered with many years ago. The changes were so extensive that even her hair and eye colors no longer reflect her heritage. This did not start recently."

"Well, it seems it was never intended to kill her as it's doing now. It seems Matou Zouken did not intend to use Matou Sakura in this war. She is not adjusted to fighting. I would assume she was treated that way because unexpected conditions were met."

"Unexpected conditions, huh? …I don't know what those are, but that means Sakura suddenly won Zouken's confidence?"

"Probably. I would assume some change occurred within her that Zouken did not expect. But that is only one factor. There are other reasons for her drastic change. She is now constantly using magical energy to maintain her Servant. If she cannot spare any for her crest worm, what will the starving worm do?"

"…I see. Regardless of the conditions, it'll drain her body to acquire the magical energy it's not getting――― But she wouldn't lose magical energy if she doesn't use Rider, so――――"

"Yes, she should be able to live as before, for a while. But I don't think the old man will let Matou Sakura do as she wishes."

"……Right. He wouldn't plant a creature like that in her otherwise. The worm will kill her if she doesn't fight, and her body will also be destroyed if she fights and uses up magical energy. No, not only that, but Zouken can do anything he wants with Sakura because he's the one who planted the worm in her."

"―――He can do anything he wants with Sakura…?" "Yes. Zouken is holding Sakura's life in his hands. So defeating Zouken is the only way to save Sakura. ―――But Emiya-kun. You have to defeat Sakura before you can defeat Zouken. She's his puppet. I'm sure he would use her as his shield if you corner him."

"Exactly. Matou Sakura is a convenient tool for Zouken. He will control Matou Sakura as he instigated Matou Shinji. In fact, she is superior as a Master. She is urged on by her worm, and she will run even wilder than Matou Shinji, just like Zouken wants." "―――――!"

"…But I will be a bit irritated if everything goes his way. I will perform the surgery on Matou Sakura. I have purified her poison and anesthetized her. The healing and the extraction of the crest worm will be performed next."

"Huh…? Hey, Kirei…" "It is hopeless, but I will do my best. I cannot simply allow Matou Sakura to die. And what sort of priest would I be if all I could do was rely on the Holy Grail?"

"――――――――" Tohsaka's surprise is natural. His words are surprising even to me, and I've only known him for a short while. …This isn't a guess, but a conviction. Kotomine is seriously trying to save Sakura. It might just be because he's a priest, but this is too much even for that.

"…What's going on? This is the first time I've seen you support someone like this." "It's not just a whim. It is simply too wasteful to let her die. Well, I suppose it is better for the two of you to have another Master eliminated."

The priest's response is plain. Tohsaka glares at the priest… "―――――I'll leave her to you. I'm going to come back when the surgery should be over." …And leaves the church with those words.

Tohsaka leaves, and the church regains its silence. The priest silently sees Tohsaka off, and I can't even stand up because I can't think of anything.

"What are you doing? You are of no use to me here. I want no distractions. Go kill some time until the surgery ends." "――――I won't bother you. I trust you when it comes to surgeries. You helped that woman before too."

"Hah. The scale of this surgery is much greater than before. Matou Sakura stopped herself by shooting herself. She is suffering from autointoxication probably because she harmed you. To put it simply, she killed her own mind to stop herself since she was controlled by Zouken."

"The procedure I'm about to perform is like starting a heart that has stopped. …Well, the crest worm has kept her body alive. If all I have to do is recover her mind, it should succeed."

"But your presence here is a liability. If you come barging in when you hear her scream, I will certainly fail. In any case, you bear no responsibility for her sufferings. You and Matou Sakura are strangers now."

"――――Strangers?" "I am telling you not to have any sympathy for her. There is nothing you can do. Leave, like Rin has done."

"―――Why? Can't I pray for her sake here if I can't do anything?" "That is a crime. You have no right to share her pain. Do you not understand? I am telling you the surgery will fail if you are here. You are only a harmful enemy to Sakura right now."

"Wh――――" I can't finish my sentence. His words are heavy, and they are pointing out the crimes I didn't know I had committed.

"Matou Sakura feels some kind of guilt towards you. If you are near her, she may refuse to wake up." "…Guilt towards me…?"

"Yes. It is more like repentance than guilt. ―――She is a victim of sexual abuse. It is easy to imagine the kind of training Matou Zouken imposed on her. To state the fact, Matou Sakura is not a pure virgin, but a woman who knows men."

"――――――" I'm not surprised. I know this feeling. It's just like when I found out Sakura was a Master. I silently accepted the truth when I saw the Command Spell on her hand.

"The girl tried to hide that fact from you, but always sought salvation. I don't know how long the abuse called inheritance of magic lasted."

"But―――what do you honestly think you can do now, when you stood by her side, completely oblivious, for all that time? That's what I mean by you not having the right to pray here. But if you still care for Matou Sakura, leave. That's all you can do for now."

"――――――――" …I get up. ̊ It's not that he's talked me into it. It's just that―――what he's saying is correct. I shouldn't be here if I really care for Sakura. I shouldn't be allowed to care for Sakura when I can't think at all.

I turn my back to the priest and head for the door. "Oh. I do not think I even need to mention this, but…" I don't have the composure to turn around. I stop, still facing the exit.

"That incident you mentioned earlier. A woman was attacked when Matou Shinji still controlled Rider. She was saved thanks to you, but she would have died under normal circumstances."

"――――――――" I'm pissed. Somehow, I understand why he's bringing this up now.

"That's right. I need not mention who is at fault here. When Servants attack people, the responsibility lies on the Master."

"Are you saying Sakura's at fault?" "Of course not. I am only talking about the responsibility. I am not talking about good and evil. In reality, that woman is alive because of you."

――――But… If I made a wrong decision back then, Rider would've killed that woman.

That means―――― "Yes, this is about the future. If Matou Sakura recovers, it will be the same in the end. The same thing is bound to happen again even if she regains her consciousness. Which one will you protect then?"

―――We don't know when Sakura might do the same thing.

"――――――――" I have nothing to say to him. I quickly make my way to the exit as if to run away from his words.

"Emiya Shirou. Do you remember why you became a Master?"

I grit my teeth and walk on. His words are an ultimatum.

"You said you would be a superhero. Then make your decision. Will you, or will you not cast aside your own desires like Emiya Kiritsugu―��―to protect your ideal and your belief."

I shut the door. The door to God's house is heavy like the cross.

―――I smell rain. The plaza is empty, and no one is visiting the church. There…

Stands a man, waiting for me without his master.

"―――Archer." I strangely don't wonder…. Why he's here and why he's waiting for me.

The red knight silently stares at me and closes his eyes once as if to part with something. "You know, right, Emiya Shirou? What you are fighting against, and who you must kill."

He clearly states the question I must answer.

"――――――――" His words freeze my heart. …I know. I vowed to fight to stop the war, to stop Masters who involve innocent people.

That was my decision, and that's why I asked for Saber's help. I can't go back on my word. Then―――Sakura is the Master I should be stopping first.

"――――――――" I know, but I can't say anything. "――――――――" The knight in red remains silent. We stand there staring at each other under the gray sky.

"……Then do as you wish. My goal has changed. Now that the thing has appeared, it is not the time to be caring about personal grudges." "What……?"

"…This is a warning. If you're going to protect the belief you've had until now, that's fine. But―――if you choose another path, there will be no future for Emiya Shirou." "―――Does that mean I'm going to die?"

"If you equate self-imprisonment with death. Isn't that right? You have existed until now to let people live. How can you throw away that oath and discard everyone to save one person?"

His declaring words contain no scorn. Archer's words contain determination and emptiness.

"I don't know which path Emiya Shirou will choose. But if you are to deny everything you've done to save one person―――the crime will definitely judge you."

…Archer leaves. Unable to stop him, I start down the hill, paralyzed by indecision.

When I finally come back to myself, I'm sitting on the bench in the park. I don't feel like going home, and I can't wait at the church.

This park is far away from both. …It's been a few hours since I found out Sakura is a Master. Its location suits an indecisive guy like me.

"――――――――" An answer. I have to come up with an answer, but my brain is so messed up that I can't even come up with what I should be thinking about.

―――She has suffered sexual abuse. It is easy to imagine what kind of training Matou Zouken imposed on her. To be blunt, Matou Sakura is not a pure virgin, but a woman who has known men―――

"………Shut… up." Don't repeat it. I understand. I'm a magus, even if I'm just an amateur. I know what it means, and I can tell what Sakura has been through――――

―――That girl tried to hide that fact from you, but always sought salvation. Someone who sat by, oblivious, has no right to care for her―――

"Shut up, shut up, shut up…! I know. You don't have to tell me such a thing――――!" …Such a thing… Why couldn't I notice it?

"……!" One of my back teeth cracks. I grit my teeth too much today. It's a wonder it didn't break until now.

"Damn――――Damn, damn, damn――――!" I grind on the bare nerves. Pain assails my brain. But it can't even drown out the hatred in my brain.

"――――――――" A fire ignites inside my head. Now that I know the truth, thinking about our time together drives me crazy.

Sakura was smiling. She was always smiling gently. I never knew what kind of pain she went through, and I accepted her as a matter of course.

…I don't care if her smiles were real or fake. It makes me want to kill him, just thinking about what kind of pain was hidden behind her smiles.

"Matou Zouken――――!" I can't forgive him. I don't need recompensation. I want to eliminate him and remove him from Sakura's life.

Because everything is his fault. Sakura would've been able to live as a normal girl, and she would've never had a crest worm in her body if it wasn't for him. She wouldn't have become a Master, and Shinji wouldn't have lost himself if Zouken didn't exist. So… If he had never existed, none of this would've happened――――!

I punch the bench. The wound on my hand opens up, and blood drips down onto the white bench. The clear colors transfer into my head.

"How stupid―――what would've happened if he didn't exist?" I'm disgusted with my own foolishness.

"…That has nothing to do with this. Why am I pushing the responsibility onto someone else?" Why am I trying to make myself feel better? I won't deny what Matou Zouken has done to Sakura. Just thinking about it disgusts me. It makes me jealous, as if something important has been taken away.

But it doesn't lessen my guilt. I'm the one who didn't notice. No matter what Zouken did, it's my fault for not noticing.

"――――No. It's not that I didn't notice. I…" I just didn't try to notice. The night when I confronted Zouken. He said Sakura was unrelated, and I believed him.

…How stupid of me. Why did I believe his words? There's no way she'd be unrelated when she's of the Matou family. On the night I lost Saber, I realized Matou Zouken is a monster who doesn't care about other people's lives.

If that monster gave Rider to Shinji, there's no way he'd do nothing to Sakura.

But… I believed his words because they were convenient for me.

I could've easily realized it. It's something I could've guessed with even a little thought. …That's why I wasn't surprised. I knew it was obvious when I found out Sakura's a Master and that she's been raped until now. But I didn't think about it because I couldn't keep going if I realized it.

If I realized, I'd have to fight. If Matou Zouken is evil… The superhero has to fight against him.

"――――――――" …No. It's clear what I must do. If Sakura is going to be Zouken's puppet and use Rider to indiscriminately attack people, it's clear what I must do.

That's why I learned magic. I've been able to live because I have to save people from unreasonable disasters.

"――――!" So it's clear. It's just like that red knight said.

―――Senpai. If I become a bad person―――

I don't want to hurt Sakura, and I feel sympathy. But there can be no exceptions. No matter how important it is to me, if it would create a disaster like that time…

―――Yes. I wouldn't mind if you do so.

"Uh――――, guh……!" …I just need to eliminate it. I shouldn't have to think twice, so why… "Haa――――, uh, guh――――!" Why am I desperately trying to keep myself from throwing up…?

"Ah――――haa… haa, haa, haa――――" I endure the nausea. …How long has it been? I don't have time to be worrying about stupid things. Tohsaka said she'd be back when the surgery ends. The town smells like rain. I have to go back to the church before it starts raining, find out how Sakura's doing, and――――

"Let's play, Shirou!" I'm suddenly embraced from behind.

"…Ilya." I can tell without turning around. The one I meet at this park is always this white girl.

"Heehee, were you surprised? I had to greet you because I saw you." Ilya laughs cheerfully.

"――――――――" Her innocence is painful right now. I know it's selfish of me, but I don't want anyone smiling in front of me right now.

"Oh. What's going on, Shirou? Why are you ignoring me? It's rude to keep looking down when a girl's talking to you." "……" …I wish she'd be quiet. I don't have the composure to talk with someone right now.

"Humph. Hey, Shirou! You have to listen when people talk to you!" "……Ilya. I'm sorry, but I can't afford to do so right now. If you want to play, you'll have to do it by yourself."

"What? I got to see you, so that's boring. You never came here after that day. If I let you go today, I bet you won't come again."

"…I didn't promise to meet you here every day. And it's night already. Don't Masters kill each other at night?"

My unkind words bring a renewed wave of nausea. …I hate myself so much that I want to punch myself. I'm driving Ilya away so that I can be at ease.

"Why? You're not a Master anymore, right? So I'm going to let you go for tonight." "――――'I'm not a Master anymore'… Ilya?"

"Hah. There's nothing I don't know about. You lost Saber, and Rin was almost defeated by Rider. But Rider's Master collapsed, so there are only two more left." Ilya speaks cheerfully.

"――――――――" It looks like she knows about Sakura's condition and…

"It's obvious now who's going to win. Rider's Master will self-destruct, and Archer isn't a big deal. No one can beat my Berserker now that Saber's gone. See, so let's play! You're not a Master anymore, so I'll specially invite you to my castle!"

Ilya hugs me without reserve. Seeing her innocent smile makes me so angry that… "Shut up…! I said I don't have such time! Go play by yourself if you want to play around!" "Kya…!?" I push Ilya away in a fit of rage.

"Oh―――――――" ―――It's too late to regret what I've done. Ilya is standing there in shock. I can tell without looking how shocking that must've been for her.

…I have pushed aside an honest, pure show of affection. It's like a parent rejecting a child. I have just ruined everything Ilya felt for me.

"――――――――" She stares at me in silence.

"……" Unable to hold her gaze, I look down――― "I'm sorry, Shirou." A small hand pats my head.

"…What?" I raise my head again. Ilya is looking at me with a worried expression.

"……Ilya. Aren't you going to get mad?" "No. You're about to cry, Shirou. I don't know what happened, but it'd be too bad for you if I hate you. So I'll be your ally no matter what you do."

"――――――――" My vision is covered in white. …It's just one phrase. But that phrase washes everything away from my head.

"My… ally――――?" "Yeah. It's natural to protect the ones you love, right? Even I know that."

Someone's ally. Ilya easily tells me the motive to be on someone's side.

"――――――――" …I know what's right and what's wrong. What I've protected until now, and what I want to protect right now. I know which choice is correct, and which is wrong. With that in mind, I――――

#votestaynight

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aldakat31415 · 3 years ago

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After the last episode I need some hunter content, and i have an idea.

Description: Hunter runs from the owl house into the woods, distraught from finding out the truth about his uncle. Only to be met by the one person he needed at that moment.

Hunter x reader TOH

After having had a fight earlier in the day you and Hunter hadn't spoken for hours. Which was odd, typically out of everyone in the emperor's coven the two of you got along the best. The coven heads somewhat resented you for paying so much attention to the blonde boy, but you didn't really care all that much. It wasn't your choice to be here, so why did you have to give a crap about any of the people who made your life miserable.

You didn't trust belos, you understood why Hunter did. You never had any reason to though, even if the emperor put up a false confidence around the boy he never treated you with the same.. civility.. if you could even call it that. You knew sooner or later he would kill you, you just hoped you could get Hunter out of that situation before he did.

A branch snapped under your foot as you walked through the forest, it was pitch black outside and you could see the clouds coming in if only faintly. You were worried, the rains were gonna come in soon.. you needed to find Hunter. You had searched the rest of the boiling isles to the best of your ability, somehow the only place left you could think of was The Owl House. You doubted he would be there, but it was worth a shot. No unlooked territory and all, you needed to find Hunter.

It was cold. Despite the rain on the boiling isles being.. well.. boiling, it was freezing. You could feel the wind in your bones, the errie sounds of the forest didn't help either, but you were certain The Owl house was somewhere around here. You just needed to make sure he wasn't there and then you could leave.

A screech, you turned your head. Looking up to see a strange bat-like bird creature. Just an animal, though not many animals here were very friendly, but you had to keep looking. You had to make sure he wasn't hurt. Then you heard it, a cry so familiar to you, you could have recognized in your sleep. Turning around, you saw something running through the woods.

"Hunter!" It stopped, the figure looking up. It was him. His arms were wrapped around his torso, holding onto his body and trying to stop the sobs he was holding in.

"Y/n..." he managed to get out, his voice cracking under all the emotion. "What.. wh-..what are you doing here.." the words were an effort.. but he barely managed to say a thing before his body collapsed beneath him, his knees giving way and him falling on top of you.

You wrapped your arms around him, unsure of what was going on, but ready to help no matter what.

"Hunter.. are.. are you ok?" You asked after a few minutes, lifting his head to look at you. His face was stained with tears, eyes red and snot dripping down his face. You had never seen him this disheveled.

"He.. he's gonna kill me.. he's gonna kill me.. " Hunter said inbetween sobs, looking down at you with a broken expression.

"Who's.. Hunter who's gonna kill you?" You asked, holding him closer to you.

"B-..bel-belos.. he's.. he's.. I.. he's.." He wept into your shoulders, barely being able to hold himself up.

"Shhh.. Hunter.. it'll be ok. I'm here.. we'll.. we'll figure something out.." you responded, unsure of what to say.

The two of you stayed there for a moment, a century, before you remembered the rain. "Hunter.. its gonna rain.. we have.. we have to get inside." You said, looking to the side at him leaning against you, his frame much bigger than yours. Your eyes met and he looked down, finally having stopped crying.

"..." he didnt say anything, just stood up and reached down to help you stand as well. The two of you walked in silence as you looked for some place to rest, eventually deciding upon an old burrow in a tree. Small, but big enough to fit both of you even if it was a tight fit. The two of you sat next to each other as the rain fell, and eventually, Hunter spoke.

"I was in his mindscape.." he admitted, looking down, unable to decide what to do with his hands and just staring at them.

"So.. you saw.." you didn't finish, unsure of what to even say. At this point he knew what was going on far more than you did, and he could barely speak.

"There were others before me.. clones of.. something.. he killed them all. And now.." he grimaced at the last word, tears falling down his cheek as he tried to continue. "And now.. Belos is going to kill me."

"This.. is alot.. Hunter.. are.. It's gonna be ok. We'll figure something out.. We'll.. keep you safe.. we just.. need to figure out what that is.."

He looked so tired from crying, his eyebags looking the worst you had ever seem them. His gaze fell to you, a deep breath and then turned away. "I.. hope so.."

So the two of you fell asleep there, listening to the sound of the rain and each other's heart beats.

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slonekaru · 2 years ago

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Hi!! Top 5 couples of the year, go!

Whats this? Making me interact with people on a regular basis! :)

This one is super easy!

PayuRain (BossNoeul) - Love in the Air

Easily my favourite couple from this year and definitely one of my favourite couples ever.

I found them fascinating. I know when the series was airing there was so much discussion around their D/s dynamic. I know I also mention it a lot. It was just interesting to see a couple engage in a 24/7 dynamic and how that works into everyday life. And they also showed sides to D/s that weren't the stereotypical types that are often shown in media. Pretty sure I want my own Payu.

Plus you know they had my soul at Noeul laying on a couch moaning Daddy.

Boss and Noeul also enter the very exclusive club of ships that I cannot decide who I am attracted to more. Currently BounPrem are the only other couple in there!

I repeat - I WILL CRY IF BOSS AND NOEUL DON'T DO ANOTHER SERIES TOGETHER

VegasPete (BibleBuild) - Kinnporsche

Well it's VegasPete. What explanations do we need?

I went into Kinnporsche knowing nothing about the storyline and so VegasPete kind flew under the radar because they didn't have huge interactions at first but by god did that all change. Completely took over the show for me. I was and still am obsessed with that sex scene.

The intricacies in their characters and the debates it generated were phenomenal. They had so many great moments and I'm so glad we got the post-credit scene.

Plus the Kinnporsche fandoms has to be one of the best fandoms I have seen in a long time.

BibleBuild were amazing and I hope I get to see them in something soon.

WinTeam (BounPrem) - Between Us / Until We Meet Again

Ah so glad Between Us is this year and I can include them.

I adored WinTeam straight off the bat in UWMA. I love a snarky/grumpy Team and a caring Win.

Between Us is building on their characters so much and you can really see how much love and thought Boun and Prem are putting into it.

So we are in the lack of communication phase of the story but you have to admit they do some of the best longing for each other and staring into their eyes looks.

Jang JaeYoung/Chu SangWoo (Park Seoham/Park Jaechan) - Semantic Error

The chemistry between Seoham and Jaechan is amazing. I can't believe we almost didn't get it. Kudos to Jaechan for sticking his ground and not letting his management team talk him out of it. (And really DKZ have completely profited from the show's success so even more kudos)

I don't know if the intention was there to play SangWoo as neurodivergent but either way that's how it came off and JaeYoung just taking that in his stride (for the most part) was brilliant.

I went into this show not knowing who either Seoham or Jaechan were and I remember thinking how beautiful Seoham was and unfortunately Jaechan didn't get a look in until that moment when SangWoo takes his hat off and shakes his wet hair, I was ah yes JaeYoung I'm right there with you.

LianKuea (ZeeNuNew) - Cutie Pie

This series truly sent me down a Thai BL rabbit hole for a while!

Zee and NuNews chemistry is outstanding. I really enjoyed the older/younger man relationship. Even though it was a relationship with problems (I guess going from friends to lovers comes with its own issues) and they both went about things in stupid ways I'm glad we got to see them communicate and work it out in the end.

I enjoyed the fandom going crazy each week.

I am thrilled at the announcement of ZeeNew's new series for 2023 and I think it's currently my most anticipated series for the 2023 lineup.

youtube

Couples I had to bump off this list but feel guilty at doing so:

AkkAyan (FirstKhao) - The Eclipse

Mostly I just loved Ayan and the little shit he was

PrapaiSky (FortPeat) - Love in the Air

I loved them and the storyline, truly I do.

SkyJao (HengSurprise) - Secret Crush on You

I loved how Sky just saw Jao for Jao

NueaToh (BillySeng) - Secret Crush on You

Hella messy but adored that Nuea accepted Toh

#love in the air #payurain #bossnoeul #kinnporsche #vegaspete #biblebuild #between us the series #winteam #bounprem #semantic error #cutie pie the series #liankuea #zeenunew #slone answers

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cathchicken · 2 years ago

Text

The Collector’s Relationship with the Titans (a toh theory/fanfic)

This is my first real theory I’ve made, so feel free to correct me if I make any mistakes!! Also, this got REALLY long and fanficy, so I apologize if my general storytelling stills are really bad. I am a drawer, not a writer!! :((

(Also I think the collector could probably walk on water, if that clears up any confusion in the last parts.)

Thousands of years ago, a star fell from the heavens and landed on earth (demon realm). In this era, Titans were the main species that inhabited it. The star happened to fall in a more distant land, in which it was seemingly all alone. It looked around, scared and confused in these dark and unforgiving plains. It tried crying out, helplessly. But no one came… for a little while.

Out of the shadows, a younger, smaller Titan approached the strange being. It attempted to quiet the star, but couldn’t seem to find a proper way. Suddenly, the star leaped up and dove at this titan. But instead of an attack, the titan watched as the star curled up in his arms, and finally rested once more. This titan felt an incredibly sudden sense of attachment to this poor child, and instead of leaving it satisfied, he decided to give it proper company.

Back at the titan’s somewhat measly home, he introduces the child to which where it would stay for the time being. The child was unsure of these bizarre contraptions, but was distinctly curious as well. Soon, it became a regular chore for the titan to keep little one from meddling with his things. He also noticed this child… had unusual strengths. He didn’t pay much attention however… this was an innocent creature!

The titan and the star continued to live for a long time together. The titan teaches the star all he knows about the demon realm, and about himself and his species. The child also teaches the titan a few things too, in the form of games he created. The titan asked how he thought of these games, and the child responds that he remembers some of them from his old home. “Your old home?” The titan asked. “I didn’t know you came from somewhere else… what was it like?” “I… don’t remember…” the child struggles to connect the dots. “I remember the games because they were really fun! But not much else.” The titan worries if the child really lived in a fond place, why would the child not remember other happy memories? It doesn’t seem to care, perhaps it’s for the best…

Later, the child inquires the titan for a similar question. “What about your family? Don’t you have other titans to play with? I see the others together all the time.” The titan flinched, but his voice remained calm. “I don’t have family… just you and me, ok?”

“Oh, ok!”

Longer time passes. The child grows older, and his skills sharpen. One day, the titan comes home from foraging to a big surprise. “Look!! I fixed your stinky old shack!!” The titan stared in awe as an elaborate stone temple was in the place of his leaky hut. As concerned as he should have been, he couldn’t thank the child enough. Their bond had never been stronger.

The titan spent the next while customizing his new home, adorning the walls with murals of himself (or at least, an ideal), which fascinated his friend. “Woah, you really fought that guy?? He looks smellier than you!” The titan laughed. “Ah yeah, just one of the many ferocious beings that stood in my way. Nothing too scary though… but maybe for little old you.” “What?! I’m not scared of anything!! I could EASILY rip out his heart… if he had one…” the Titan laughs, amused by his friends blind enthusiasm. “Don’t forget me too! I helped you make this place after all.” The titan pointed to a shooting star above the carving of himself. “I already did, you’re right there. Right by my side, of course.” “Why am I all glowy? I don’t even have my dashing smile.” “This is how I first saw you though, a streak of starlight in the sky…” the child squinted, not convinced. “Well… I also might not be TOO skilled in carving faces… but the rest is still true!!” “Aw you’re a liar, I knew it!!” The child giggled and tacked the titan. They tussled on the ground until the titan hurt from laughing.

“… is there anyone else you want to add? Maybe another titan. Not as great as you, of course.” The titans face fell, the laughter now gone. “Oh… oh! I forgot, you don’t have titan family… I’m sorry.” “No… I should have told you the truth before… but you’re right, I did have a family before. Before I met you, I mean.” “Did something bad happen to them…?” The child asked. The titan grimaced. “No… they… they weren’t good people. They… hurt me. They didn’t want me anymore. I was much fine on my own… even if sometimes… I miss them a little bit.” He sighed. “Don’t worry about them though, that was a long time ago. And ever since you came, life’s been-“ he turns toward the child to see a look of complete shock and horror. He’s never seen him look this way, the titan couldn’t say anything else. “What… but… they’re your family.” There was silence. “… not anymore. It’s unfortunate, but again. It’s best to leave it be.” The child didn’t say anything else. The titan hugged him. “Don’t worry… I don’t know what you’re thinking, but I wouldn’t hurt you. I promise. I’m not like them.” The child gripped his fur. “Of course I know that…”. The titan smiled. “Let’s get some sleep, ok?”

The titan awoke to the similar silence that he experienced the night before. He searched for his friend, but he oddly was nowhere to be found. “He needs some time to diffuse, I guess. I didn’t know that would shake him up so bad.” The titan was certain the child would be back soon, but it seemed as if he would have to get used to the silence.

Many years pass. The titan became independent once again, but still ever wishing for his companion to return. His friend, however, was not as at peace as the titan was. He wanted revenge. They couldn’t let the titan, THEIR best friend, be hurt in vain. He wanted all of the titans to be punished. It was THEM who were the only one good for him. “This will make him happy… he’ll be so proud of me!!”

It was a typical evening. The titan, now quite large and mature, was busy preparing a special room in his old home. Almost mystifyingly, he heard a familiar trill in the wind. “Hey!! Hey I’m back!” He turned around and saw a shooting star, almost blinding his vision. “….who…” but then he realized. “…wait! You… you came back! I thought I lost you!!” He wheezed. “But… why? Why did you leave me all those years ago? I missed you, so much has happened since. I have so much to show you…” his friend hovered excitedly, seemingly having a lot to say as well. “…do… you want to show me something?” “Yeah!! I spent really hard-well, I also brought you something you will really really like!! It took me a long time to do it…” the titan watched as the child snapped his fingers…

… and the skulls of all the titans he knew came crashing down from the sky.

The titan didn’t know what to say. He hardly even knew this many of his kind existed. But before he could speak, his heart felt cold, his fur shook with terror, he could barely stand…

“Remember when you told me about your stupid family? Well I sure got them, haha! It was a little tough at first, cause I’ve never really killed anyone before, but eventually I got creative…” the titan was silent. Where did his friend go? “… I even got a few friends too! Sorta gooney though, they even gave me this funny name: “the collector” or something like that, haha. I guess it’s because of all these skulls…” the titan was silent. Could he be the last one left? “…one even pulled this wacky magic nonsense on me, I was trapped in this weird rock for a few decades. Thankfully someone was nice enough to pull me out! But it was just another titan though, so I had to thank them later…” the titan was silent. Was this what he wanted…?

“… ANYways~ that’s pretty much what I’ve been up to. But what do you think?? Pretty cool, huh. Probably my best present yet.” The titan said nothing. “… I can see, you’re in total awe of my greatness. I KNOW, I know, technically I haven’t showed this kind of coolness in awhile.”

“You-“ the titan choked. He felt like vomiting. “You… why…” “Uhh, cause I thought you would like it…? So…….?” The titan couldn’t believe it. This being… he hated it. He couldn’t stand it. But it was his fault, right? He had the audacity to let it get away with these things. Why couldn’t he just be good. And let this monster-

…

He couldn’t. This child… his… friend… he meant well… but…

The collector frowned. “Are you… ok? This doesn’t feel like happy silence.”

“I don’t want this.” The titan finally said. He fell to his knees. He felt almost fearful. He shouldn’t. But… what’s in front of him right now…

“…what.”

“ I understand your motives, but this is too much. You should have never done this.”

It was the collector’s turn to be silent.

“Please… I love you… but you can’t stay here once more. You are not safe…” he looks over his shoulder at the old island with his home.

The collector has tears in their eyes.

“You have to listen…” the titan walks over to the little star, now almost microscopic. The collector sinks to the surface of the ocean. “I’m not angry…” the titan says. He bends over a bit, sheltering his old friend. “I’ll always miss you…”

“No.”

The collector sniffs and wipes away his tears. He stands up. “…liar.”

“I’m not lying, you know it.”

“…LIAR.” The collector few away, stumbling a bit as he landed. The titan could hear him stifle a sob.

“I would never lie to you! I am trying to protect you. You must trust me.”

“NO! You’re… you’re just trying to get rid of me!! You’re trying… you’re… you don’t like my gift… you…” the collector couldn’t comprehend the situation, or even sound out new words.

The titan was having difficulty himself containing his emotions. “I can’t wait for you. Please, go!” He couldn’t look at the collector. “Get away. You- hah- you are not welcome!”

The collector didn’t try to suppress his crying anymore. “BUT WHY?? I DID THIS FOR YOU! THOSE OTHER PEOPLE HURT YOU SO BAD! I SAVED YOU FROM THEM! HOW COULD YOU BE SO MEAN??”

“EVEN WE KNOW OUR LIMITS. YOU WENT TOO FAR. YOU’VE… BECOME A MONSTER!!”

….

… the titan did not mean to shout…

….

“I didn’t… I’m sorry…” the titan he wishes he could take those words back. The collector’s tears continue to fall, but he makes no sound. The titan cannot look at their face… he can’t take the pain he has caused, and see it reflected back into his eyes… the most precious thing… broken…

The collector bites his lip. He clenches his fists. He can’t think rationally.

The titan can’t say anything else. He doesn’t know what to say… but he never gets a chance.

The collector wails. So similar to the wail that called the titan towards him in the first place… all those years ago. Both times, seeking comfort… something he has failed to provide now.

The collector flies towards the titan. “I HATE YOU I HATE YOU I HATE YOU!!!” The titan leaps backwards, he does not want to fight with this child.

But the child wasn’t flying towards him… he was heading towards his old home. No…

The titan landed right before the collector. “You can’t take out your anger here. I told you, go somewhere else. I will make you…”

“Why huh?? What other lies are you hiding from me??” The titan hesitated. “JUST SPIT IT OUT”

“… I have a son.”

“WOWW…” the collector laughed, not having the energy to fully comprehend this information. “So you, like, replaced me too??”

“This has nothing to do with you.”

“You know what?? I’m not here for the lies! I’m… you can’t… you can’t have him.”

“Don’t make me do this. I can’t hurt you.”

The rage made it impossible for the collector to say anything else. The titan saw a blinding flash and felt a sharp pang in his chest as the collector made his first blow. Dazzling as ever. He dreaded the following events…

They fought for a few hours. Mainly offensive blows on the collectors side. He felt immensely betrayed, but could not comprehend his friends own ideals.

The titan wanted this all to be over. He couldn’t hurt his friend… but he might have to. He now had something far more precious to protect.

The collector was getting tired. He wanted to end this soon. “THIS… IS WHAT YOU GET…” he yelled, summoning all of the energy he had left into one last fatal blow. Even now, something inside of him stirred, telling them to back away. But their anger made him deaf.

The titan also knew to end this… but not just the fight, but this treachery… once and for all…

“MY SON…” he never finished.

The final blow.

The collector saw his own flash. Then… a familiar darkness…. What?

The titan timed it perfectly. The light darkened. The sorrowful hatred faded. He had done it…

His body ran cold. He felt an emptiness… but… not an emotional one…

He knew he didn’t have much time. The titan did what he could to protect this future of his… as he came to know it.

He could not bear to end his own friend… perhaps, even after all of this, there was a chance at redemption… but only the most generous person could offer their love to them.

And his son… his son who would never learn of this day. His son who would have to live alone, like him… like the little star…

“Please…” he whispered, not knowing if his son could really hear him. “Don’t give up… I will always love you… and you… will give my love back to my world… stay safe, strong one…”

The titan did not notice his limbs give way. He was staring at the sky, full of stars. He thought for the final time… please bless this land. And please protect my people. I am sorry I couldn’t protect your own…

His eyes closed. The collector waits.

Aaand!! That’s it!! Sorry for the long length, but I hope you guys enjoy it! I guess the collector could also just be killing off the titans as some sort of a game, or to their own dark enjoyment, but I really like the theory that they had a more personal relationship with the titans, or like here, King’s dad specifically

More art soon!!

#toh #the owl house #owl house #the owl house collector #the owl house fanart #toh fanart #toh collector #toh fanfic #toh theory #the owl house king #toh king #the owl house fanfiction #the owl house theory #the collector

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