#avia speaks

[aidaita]

Nothing stresses me more than the possibility of being forced to put my cat to sleep because I couldn’t afford to pay for his emergency bladder blockage situation

I hate this

[crows-of-buckets]

I love how many arguments I know for a fact Aviae and Morrigan had. Some ocs I really struggle figuring out what they would bicker about but with those two it's more of what WOULDN'T they bicker about

[toestalucia]

i need to talk about relink spoilers sooner rather than l8r but i feel i need to rewatch cutscenes/grab screenshots for that and im. aurgh. its about all the blue stuff btw<3

[furysprodigy]

Tag Drop!

乱 One-Eyed Dragon ;; Self 竜 乱 Loyal Retainer ;; Kojūrō Katakura 竜 乱 Mister Playboy ;; Magoichi Saika 竜

乱 Asks 竜 乱 Threads 竜 乱 Headcanons 竜 乱 Beckowsky Speaking! 竜

乱 The Warlord of Avia ;; Pokemon Conquest Verse 竜

[ppgsalternativeorigin]

Ask the Former and Current Townsville Villains Questions | Ch. 5 - Ramen Noodles, Gorillaz

Link

The next day, in the therapy room, Rob began arranging the chairs for another group therapy session with the former and current villains. He glanced at the clock on his Apple Watch, momentarily breaking the fourth wall as he did.

"Another day, another group therapy session," Rob exclaimed.

One by one, the former and current villains entered the room and gathered in a circle for the session. Rob, clipboard in hand, prepared to check the attendance chart, ready to ask the first person to speak.

"Princess Morbucks?" Rob asked.

"Here," Princess Morbucks replied, dressed in her private school uniform.

"HIM?" Rob asked.

"Here," HIM responded, dressed in a red jacket and skirt with pink tulle at the collar and hemline, a black leather belt with a bronze buckle, and black thigh-high, spike-heeled boots.

"Sedusa?" Rob asked.

"Here," Sedusa answered, wearing a charcoal gray pantsuit and black pumps.

"Ace?" Rob asked.

"Here," Ace said, dressed in a black tee shirt, gray skinny jeans, snakeskin boots, and black shades.

"Arturo?" Rob asked.

"Aquí," Arturo replied, wearing a white tee shirt, black joggers, and white/black Nike Air Force 1 sneakers.

"Big Billy?" Rob asked.

"HERE!" Big Billy yelled, dressed in a green t-shirt with yellow stripes on each sleeve, blue jeans, and white/navy blue Avia Quickstep Sneakers from Walmart.

"Grubber?" Rob asked.

"Pfffffhhhttt," Grubber responded with a raspberry, wearing a white buttoned short sleeves shirt, navy blue pants, and white sneakers from Primark.

"Snake?" Rob asked.

"Here," Snake said, dressed in a black tee shirt, khaki shorts, and black Vans SK8-Hi sneakers.

"Fuzzy Lumpkins?" Rob asked.

"Here," Fuzzy Lumpkins said, wearing denim overalls and a red cap with a "Make America Great Again" slogan.

"Brick?" Rob asked.

"Here," Brick replied, dressed in a heathered gray t-shirt and sweatpants, with white slides from the residential treatment program.

"Boomer?" Rob asked.

"Here," Boomer answered, wearing a heathered gray t-shirt and sweatpants, with white slides from the residential treatment program.

"Butch?" Rob asked.

"Here," Butch said, dressed in a heathered gray t-shirt and sweatpants, with white slides from the residential treatment program.

"Femme Fatale?" Rob asked.

"Here," Femme Fatale replied, dressed in a white top, light wash straight jeans, and Cognac Woven Mary Jane Ballet Flats from Target.

"Mike Brikowski?" Rob asked.

"Here," Mike Brikowski said, dressed in a heathered gray t-shirt and sweatpants with white slides from the residential treatment program.

"Lenny Baxter?" Rob asked.

"Here," Lenny Baxter replied, dressed in a heathered gray t-shirt and sweatpants with white slides from the residential treatment program.

"Harold Smith?" Rob asked.

"Here," Harold Smith said, dressed in a heathered gray t-shirt and sweatpants with white slides from the residential treatment program.

"Berserk?" Rob asked.

"Here," Berserk answered, dressed in a heathered gray t-shirt and sweatpants with white slides from the residential treatment program.

"Brat?" Rob asked.

"Here," Brat replied, dressed in a heathered gray t-shirt and sweatpants with white slides from the residential treatment program.

"Brute?" Rob asked.

"Here," Brute said, dressed in a heathered gray t-shirt and sweatpants with white slides from the residential treatment program.

"And Mojo Jojo?" Rob asked.

"Here," Mojo Jojo answered, dressed in a light gray tee with "Louisiana" printed on the back, navy blue twill shorts, and Navy/Cobalt Nike Air Max 270 Sneakers while drinking his Owala bottle and holding his iPhone.

Rob stood up and addressed the circle of former and current villains.

"Happy Wednesday, everyone!" he exclaimed. "This Saturday, I’m taking all of you to Georgetown for a little leisure activity on how to reconnect with yourselves after all those years of villainy."

Big Billy stood up and raised a question. "What is Georgetown?"

Snake chimed in, slithering with excitement. "Ssshopping and dining along M Street and Wisconsin Avnenue, near the Potomac River and Rosslyn. My parentssss and older sssisters love it there."

"My sisters would totally love that," Mojo Jojo added with a shrug. "Especially Bubbles. She’s been dying to go to Sephora and Lululemon and spend her own money."

Princess Morbucks’s eyes lit up. "Mojo, I’ve got an idea! Can I meet with your sisters?"

"Sure thing," Mojo Jojo said with a smile.

Rob then turned to Harold Smith. "And for you, Harold, you’ll be released from the treatment program tomorrow. That means you’re free to join us this Saturday. I’ve already spoken to Marianne about your kids—they’ll be reunited with you this weekend."

Harold’s eyes widened in shock, a big grin spreading across his face. "Julie and Bud? I’ve missed them so much since I got admitted to the residential treatment program. This is the best news ever. I can finally be with my kids again after losing custody of them."

"Congrats, Harold," Fuzzy Lumpkins said, giving him a hearty pat on the back.

"Thank you," Harold replied, his smile beaming with gratitude.

Rob observed the exchange between Harold Smith and Fuzzy Lumpkins for a moment, then stood up, holding an index card with an anonymous question for the next participant.

“Mojo Jojo, we've noticed that you wear many different pairs of shoes, unlike the pair of white boots you wore when you were a supervillain. How many pairs do you actually own?” Rob asked.

Mojo Jojo scoffed but smiled. “That’s a personal question, but I’ll humor you,” he said. “I’ve owned ten pairs of shoes: Navy/Cobalt Nike Air Max 270 Sneakers, Navy/White Hoka Sneakers, White Adidas Ultraboost DNA 1.0 Sneakers, Blue/White/Grey Nike Air Max 90 Sneakers, Brown Birkenstock Arizona Sandals, Tan Birkenstock Boston Clogs, Black/White Adidas Pureboost Light Sneakers, White/Black Nike Blazer Mid '77 Sneakers, Tan TOMS Fenix Mid Sneakers, and White Crocs.”

Ace raised an eyebrow. “Mojo, damn, you own more pairs than I had shoes when I was a teenager.”

“At least now I own the Nike Air Force 1 Sneakers I wanted back when I was in the Gangreen Gang. At that time, I couldn’t justify buying a pair when I saw them at Pentagon City Mall,” Arturo said.

Snake slithered in, grinning. “I remember barely being able to afford a pair of Vansss Sneakersss. I used my credit card until my parentssss locked it.”

Mojo Jojo raised an eyebrow. “Snake, why did you bring your credit card to the Gangreen Gang?”

“I came from a wealthy family,” Snake replied.

After that, Rob stood up, holding an index card with an anonymous question for the next participant.

"Alright, Ace, you’re next. Why did you choose the villainous path?" Rob asked.

Ace sighed before responding. “Well, I grew up in poverty in the Bronx, New York. My parents had a tough life. My estranged father gambled at casinos to put food on the table for me and my sisters, especially after our food stamps ran out. My parents were undocumented immigrants from Italy, and they struggled to find stable work. They had to rely on government assistance to survive,” Ace explained, his voice heavy with memory.

He paused for a moment, his expression darkening as a flashback took hold of him.

In the late 2000s, a young Ace lived in a public housing apartment in the heart of the Bronx, surrounded by his parents and two sisters. His parents, desperate for a better life, had immigrated from Italy. They applied for hundreds of jobs across New York City, but none of them panned out. When their savings ran dry, they turned to government assistance.

His mother often made ramen noodles for dinner, stretching every dollar as far as it could go. It was the cheapest meal she could afford, especially when their food stamps ran out. At school, Ace relied on the free breakfast and lunch programs just to fill his stomach.

One evening, as his mother prepared yet another pot of ramen, young Ace entered the kitchen and asked, “Ma, why do we always have ramen for dinner every night?”

His mother sighed, wiping her hands on her apron. “Sweetie, I’ve told you before. We’re broke. We can’t afford the nicer groceries. Our food stamps are out, so I make do with whatever I can get from Dollar Tree.”

Just then, Ace’s estranged father, Alessandro, entered the apartment, looking disheveled and empty-handed. His mother’s gaze hardened.

“Alessandro, where have you been?” she asked, her voice tinged with suspicion.

“I... I went to several casinos,” Alessandro admitted, his voice low. “I was trying to win some money so we could feed the kids... but I lost it all.”

“Alessandro, why would you go to the casinos instead of spending time with your children?” Francesca snapped, her voice rising in fury.

A bitter argument erupted between the two, their voices sharp and angry, echoing through the small apartment. For young Ace, it was the breaking point.

As the shouting continued, Ace retreated to his room, feeling the weight of his broken home closing in on him. He packed a small bag with the few belongings he could carry and slipped out, desperate to escape the chaos.

He walked to the bus stop, using the few dollars he had saved up, and rode the bus to Penn Station. There, he swiped a passenger’s train ticket and boarded a train to Washington, D.C.

When he arrived at Union Station, Ace began panhandling, hoping to scrape together enough to survive. Most people ignored him, but a few offered change, their sympathy momentarily easing his hunger. He slept in the station, scavenging for food in trash bins.

One day, a social worker noticed him and immediately took him into the foster system in Virginia.

The flashback faded, and Ace’s voice returned to the present.

“See... My father’s argument with my mother in front of me led me to run away from that apartment. That’s when I chose the villainous path. I wanted to escape the poverty, the dysfunction. After a few years in the foster system, I ran away again. This time, I found a shack by the Townsville Dump to hide out in—so no one could find me,” Ace said, his voice quiet but resolute.

The former and current villains listened intently as Ace opened up about the painful reality of his childhood in the heart of the Bronx, New York. His words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of his past. As he spoke, a wave of shame swept over him, leaving him feeling vulnerable and exposed in front of the group. After a moment of silence, Rod stood up, holding an anonymous question for the next participant.

"Here’s a question for all of you: How do you manage your finances and live your life after your days as villains?" Rob asked.

"I've made a lot of money through successful marketing in the beauty industry," Sedusa said. "Now, I’m living in a luxury apartment in Rosslyn, a neighborhood that straddles both Townsville and Arlington."

"I moved to Silver Spring, Maryland, after I was released from the residential treatment program," Arturo shared. "I signed a lease for an apartment there with my family and landed a job as a line cook at a Mexican restaurant. I make money from the restaurant, and on my days off, I drive for Uber/Lyft. I’m still relying on food stamps and Medicaid to get by."

"I’m currently living in Washington, D.C. because I needed a break from Townsville," Femme Fatale explained. "I rent a studio at Dorchester House, and I work two part-time jobs to cover the rent. I’ve also been relying on food stamps since I was out of work during my time in the residential treatment program."

“Big Billy lives in a group home.” Big Billy said.

“I am living with my parents.” Princess Morbucks said.

"I moved back to my parentsss' mansion in the early 2022 after completing a year in the residential treatment program," Snake said. "I earned my GED in December 2021, thanksss to Mojo Jojo tutoring me. Now, I’m a full-time ssstudent, a third-year ssstudent at Ssstanford University, working towards my bachelor’s degree in biology with the goal of becoming a herpetologissst."

"I left the residential treatment program early to sign a contract with Gorillaz," Ace explained. "When I joined the band, I made enough money to cover the rent for my apartment, which I share with Murdoc. On my days off, I drive for Uber/Lyft.  I’m currently working on a single that I plan to release on Apple Music."

"After I was released from the residential treatment program, I moved back to the Utonium residence since my lair was destroyed," Mojo Jojo said. "I’d rather live with my surrogate father than be alone. I support myself with two part-time jobs while saving up for my education at Virginia Tech. Sometimes the Professor sends me allowances since, technically, I’m still considered a teenager." He paused. "I’m a freshman in the bioengineering program at Virginia Tech."

After that, Rod stood up, holding an index card with an anonymous question for the next participant.

"Alright, this is the last question before we wrap up our third group therapy session," Rod announced, looking around the room. "Ace, this one’s for you. How do you get along with your band members from Gorillaz?"

“Yes, my band members are like a part of my family.” Ace replied with a smile.

After the group session ended and the former and current villains had left, Rob began folding up the chairs, momentarily breaking the fourth wall as he worked.

"Tomorrow will be the fourth group therapy session," he said, casually, as he continued to clean up the room.

-----

Outside the residential treatment program, Femme Fatale approached Ace, Snake, Mojo Jojo, and Sedusa.

"Hey! If you’re free, want to try the diner in Adams Morgan?" Femme Fatale asked.

"What the heck is Adams Morgan?" Ace asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Adams Morgan is a multicultural neighborhood, known for its vibrant nightlife along 18th Street," Mojo Jojo replied. "The area is full of eclectic bars, music venues, and international restaurants, from Vietnamese to Ethiopian. It’s got late-night pizza and falafel spots too. Plus, there are independent bookstores, artisan cafes, and quirky murals all over the place. It's one of my favorite spots."

"Oh..." Ace said, blushing slightly.

"Sure, we'd love to!" Sedusa said with a smile.

"Let’s call an Uber to Adams Morgan," Femme Fatale said, opening the Uber app on her phone.

Femme Fatale called the Uber for herself, Sedusa, Mojo Jojo, Ace, Snake, and Arturo. They stood together, waiting for the Uber driver to pick them up and take them to Adams Morgan. As they waited, Mojo Jojo pulled out his phone and called his surrogate father, Professor. The call was answered quickly.

"Hey, I’m off to Adams Morgan with my friends," Mojo Jojo said into the phone. "Can you Venmo me for dinner and a Target run? Let me know what you need from there."

"Sure thing, son," Professor replied. "I need dish soap, ELF Lip Oil for Bubbles, paper towels, bananas, apples, and Cheez-Its."

"I got it!" Mojo Jojo said, making a note on his phone. "Can I grab a few things for myself while I'm there?"

"Of course, just don’t go overboard on the debit card," Professor cautioned. "Remember, you’re on a joint account with me and your sisters. Enjoy your dinner, but call me when you’re home."

"I will," Mojo Jojo said, before hanging up the phone.

FEEL FREE TO ASK Townsville Villains Questions on the "reviews" section; Mojo Jojo, Fuzzy Lumpkins, HIM, Sedusa, Princess Morbucks, Gangreen Gang, Amoeba Boys, Femme Fatale, Boogie Man, and more...

[beardedmrbean]

Helsingin Sanomat follows up on its probe into Lithuanian billionaire Gediminas Ziemelis, the new owner of the Helsinki Seagulls basketball team. HS reported on Thursday that the tycoon has been identified as a national security threat in Lithuania due to his connections with Russia. The report also highlighted his company, Avia Solutions Group, which provides ground handling services at Helsinki Airport.

Flag carrier Finnair is one of Avia's biggest clients.

Now HS reports that the Finnish Aviation Union IAU two years ago warned Tytti Tuppurianen (SDP), the minister charged with state ownership steering at the time, twice about Avia. These warnings, sent via email, however, did not lead to any action, according to the paper.

"[We] request that you ensure that neither state-owned Finnair nor Finavia, responsible for Finland's airports, engages in cooperation or enters into agreements with any entity that directly or indirectly supports Russia's sphere of influence," said one of the IAU emails sent to Tuppurainen and her state secretary.

Tuppurainen, who now serves as the chair of the Social Democratic Party's parliamentary group, said she has no recollection of these emails or the matter.

"I can't say what this is about. I have no further comments," she told HS.

Conversion therapy

"Totally unacceptable," is how Finnish author Kaj Korkea-aho describes plans for "ex-gay" Ray Baker to convene a gathering of Swedish-speaking Lutheran congregations in Kokkola next month.

According to Baker, homosexuality and Christianity are incompatible, which is why he married a woman — despite being attracted to men. This is a topic he plans to address, Hufvudstadsbladet reports.

Korkea-aho, whose recent book about a gay couple's journey to fatherhood has sparked a lot of interest in both Finland and Sweden, told HBL that he remembers similar lectures from his youth. "It stirs up a lot — many memories and a lot of discomfort."

Several citizens' initiatives have recently sought to ban conversion therapy in Finland.

Storms ahead

Forecasters say August will go out with a bang. Not only is there a risk of thunderstorms causing flooding in some areas, but Friday is also expected to be unusually warm for this time of year, reports Ilta-Sanomat.

The Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) warns that thunderstorms may cause damage on Friday and Saturday, increasing the risk of urban flooding.

Forecasters expect severe thunderstorms in southern and western Finland on Friday, with the weather front moving on to the eastern part of the country on Saturday.

[fallen-angel-92]

Rated: M

Warnings: Swearing

Summary:

Twins. Children created from her blood and the blood of a creature that was only legend. Avia Harker must now begin an arduous journey to protect her children from dark forces, but her heart as well, least she fall prey for a being that once insnaired her grandmother.

“Know thy self, know thy enemy. A thousand battles, a thousand victories.” - Sun Tzu

“Why are you sitting outside?” A blue eyed girl asked with a hint of curiosity. 

“Does it matter? I like sitting outside where the moon is shining brightly,” she replied, her brown eyes staring up at the full moon.

“Avia Harker! It's time to go home!” Her father called out, causing her to stand up from where she was sitting. Her long black hair danced behind her as she turned to the blonde haired girl, speaking,

“It's nice to meet you, Integra Hellsing. I hope we can one day be friends.”

“Is this it?” A female asked from behind her, causing her to turn to face the red haired nun, her bright green eyes looking up at the rundown building that was in front of them.

“Yes, Sister Nora. This is where the feeling is coming from.” Avia replied back softly as she returned her attention to the building.

Avia approached the termite infested door, gripping the edge of the crooked door and shoved it to the side. As she entered, she took note of how decrepit the building was, but she pressed on ignoring the roaches and rodents that ran across the floor.

“May God have mercy on those that remain here,” Nora softly prayed as they approached a door that seemed like it was a simple wooden one, however, there was some type of hey card that was near the door. 

 Letting out a soft huff as she reached out gripping the door knob before applying a bit of force causing the door to break open. Avia let out a hum as she muttered out,” What a pathetic door.”

Once the door was out of the way the two women entered the door and proceeded down the stairs. As they got to the bottom of the stairs they came into a long decrepit hallway, slowly they made their way down it, each one of them glanced at the decrepit rooms they passed. Upon their arrival at the room at the very back of the hallway, Avia instantly noticed that the door was already adjar.

“Prepare yourself, Sister Nora. We may have some uninvited guest going to crash the party,” Avia said as he glanced over at the red haired nun.

“I'll follow you, Mrs. Harker,” Nora replied with a small grin.

With a slight smirk, Avia reached down to where her Eveningstar, a white bullwhip enchanted with her family's old magic, rested within its holder that sat upon her right hip. Slowly, she opened the door, revealing a large laboratory-like area, however, it appeared to have been ransacked in some type of battle. As the two women moved further into the room the two women looked around until Avia noticed two crib-like beds that were near the back of the laboratory, slowly she approached them with her hand still on the handle of her whip. 

Avia's eyes widened slightly at the sight of two small babies that appeared to be sleeping serenely. Avia removed her hand from her whip, gently placing her hand near the noses of the babies, letting out a soft huff when she felt their breath on her fingers. She reached up to the long scarf that was curled around her neck, she removed it and managed to make two makeshift holders for the babies. Gently, she picked up one baby at a time, placing them into her scarf, and as soon as they were secure, Avia turned to face Nora, who was flipping through files. As she approached Nora, she asked softly,

“Find anything on these precious ones?” Nora glanced at her as she replied back with a hint of worry,” These two littles ones appear to have been experiments.”

Avia frowned as she replied back seriously,” What type of experiments?”

“From what I could see they were meant to be used as weapons against some type of strong foe,” Nora shook her head as she continued,” None of these documents specify what type of foe or even a name for it. Though these two appear to be Dhampires.”

Avia instantly noticed a slight hesitation in Nora’s speech,” What's wrong?”

“They… are your children, Ms. Harker. They somehow managed to obtain your blood and used it to help create these children. I believe it is due to your Harker bloodline that they chose you.”

“Fucking bastards. Just because I share blood with that damn woman,” Avia gritted her teeth as she took a breath in and released it,” Doesn't matter now. Let's take all the documents relating to this matter. Then we will fucking blow this damn building to hell.”

Nora nodded her head as she quickly began gathering the files while Avia began to walk back out the way they came. Once she exited the building, she looked up at the full moon and then down at her children allowing a small smile to appear on her lips.

“What will you name them?” Nora asked as she walked up next to her as she handed Avia a controller.

Avia let out a soft hum, as they walked a bit away before she replied back with a slight smile,” I'll name them Micheal and Melania Harker.”

“Those are wonderful names. I'm sure Akagi and Kaga will be excited to have a new brother and sister to protect,” Nora replied with a soft smile as they began to walk away.

As they did so Avia raised the controller and pressed the button causing a large explosion to go off behind them. As the building burned behind them, Avia glanced over at Nora as she spoke once more,” Let's see if there has been any word of increased attacks anywhere in the world. Be it a vampire or other supernatural entities.”

“I would assume we should look more into the vampiric realm since the children are Dhampires,” Nora replied with a hum causing Avia to chuckle,

“Let us see what we can come up with and if worst comes to worst I'll give my dear friend a call.”

“Oh? A call to Mrs. Hellsing? That should be interesting,” Nora said, her eyes gleaming with interest.

“I would rather call her than have you go and deal with Iscariot,” Avia teasingly replied, causing Nora to make a face.

“Yes I would rather not deal with them if I can help. Especially since he still resides with that disgusting organization,” Nora replied as her face turned into one of a pained one.

Avia was silent for a moment, until they came to a large black truck and she reached down, taking out her keys from her pocket. She tossed them to Nora as she spoke again,” Let us return. Hopefully you won't have to see that man again.”

Nora gave Avia a smile as she managed to get into the truck while being mindful of her children. As soon as Nora got in the women left the area and began to return to their home where their fates will soon become intertwined with England.

(Thank you for reading! This is my first Hellsing fic I have written in a while so I hope you all enjoy it!)

[insomniac-jay]

I should reboot the Kingdom Come universe since DC won't because the characters and the story (minus the incest between Damien and Mar'i) are so cool. Like the cast is so unhinged when we have:

A John Constantine x Zatara child that literally speaks backwards. Imagine being a bad guy and getting your ass beat by a funky magician guy that speaks backwards. I would simply kms.

Donna's son Darkstar who is blonde for some reason??? Also him and Jon are allegedly cousins???

Big Barda and Mister Miracle daughter Avia who's dating John and Zatara's son. She's named after Scott's mom and she (Avia) has such a great look.

Red Hood!Lian

Flash!Irey

And ofc our girl miss Mar'i Grayson

Also they're the succeeding Titans. Like this is such perfect material.

[mydisenchantedeulogy]

Legends Never Die [Chapter Two] Ignorance [Link]

A/n: this chapter is a bit dark. There is no set game that this follows as it's sort of its own thing, but it does take elements from certain LoZ games. Please enjoy.

Warning(s): death, violence, anger, mentions/implies discrimination, murder, LoZ lore, sickness.

For an instant, as the plaza shook and the cobblestone cracked, Lilya wondered if her eardrums had ruptured. Her surroundings moved in utter and eerie silence. She sat on her knees in shock as the inhabitants of Avia ran for their lives. 

The Hero's statue, a beacon of faith and a memento of the past crumbled to the ground along with the nearby houses that were caught up in the aftershock, stirring clouds of dust that had yet to clear from the air.

Lilya had never seen anything so dreadful in her entire life. It was unreal; a true nightmare.   

Was this war?

When the ringing in her ears started, the sound of screams grew clearer. Lilya raised her shaking hands and blocked out the noise the best she could. Her right ear felt congested and the palm of her hands stung terribly for some reason; a warm and wet substance fell in drops down her heated face, but she assumed the substance to be tears as her vision blurred from both the horror and from the smoke. 

Please…I beg. Stop this. 

 

She could not fathom what was happening. But somehow a voice reached her.

A comforting hand grasped her wrists, easing them from her ears. Lilya noticed in shock and fear that her palms were covered with blood and deep scratches. 

"Sister, be at ease. You are hurt," Amariel ordered. Her tone was much steadier than usual, but in Lilya's right ear, her voice was muffled. 

The green-haired teen turned her head a bit to hear her better and watched as Amariel eased Lilya's hands into her lap with the underside facing up, then hovered her own over them. A sudden warmth consumed her pale skin, followed by a tingle, then all at once the strange sensation ceased.

"I can only do so much," Amariel claimed with a gentle smile. "But I hope it has helped."

Lilya's bottom lip quivered as she opened her mouth to speak. 

"It h-has. Thank you."

Amariel rested her hands on Lilyas, squeezing them. Her blue eyes filled with tears. 

"I am not brave, sister. Please come to."

Her words were like a burst of icy water. Lilya took a deep uneasy breath. Even as the retainer of Farore, it was hard to find her courage, but she needed to for the sake of the town. 

"We must help the fallen," she stated. 

Amariel agreed with a hesitant nod. She dried her tears and stood, helping Lilya up as well. The two quickly surveyed the damage and then chose to separate, rushing into the plaza. 

In her haste to help an injured man with a gash on his leg, Lilya noticed Raina standing in the chaos, facing the remnants of the statue; her keen eyes stared in annoyance at something the teen could not yet see.

Then out of the smoke and dust sauntered a figure wearing a cape that resembled the wings of a bird made of thin panels of gold-painted leather and adorned with gold bugle beads. Their armor was strange to Lilya, made entirely of black plates and leather with gold accents; their winged mask even matched the scheme. It was neither feminine nor masculine. 

With a snap of their fingers, two matte black canine-like beasts with bony armor came leaping out of the smoke, running at the two guardians.

Raina clutched her hand into a fist and shoved it towards the ground. A beast was pressed down by the force of her gravity and crushed, dissipating in a cloud of black smoke. But another soon took its place. She groaned in annoyance and quickly repelled the two at the avian-like figure, but with ease, they materialized a katana with a tempered blade from the shadows and slew them. 

Who was this person? Their battle prowess was incredible, able to withstand every move Raina used against them. Raising their arm, covered by a clawed gauntlet accented in shimmering gold, more of the shadow beasts emerged. 

As a fellow guardian and retainer of the Golden Goddesses, Lilya could not allow her to single-handedly defend the town. She shouted for Amariel to heal the injured man and tried to weigh her options. Which of her three summons could take on the avian figure? 

Apus, her gorgeous Lancewing was not suited for battle, despite being an intermediate-ranked summoning, and the Great Sage - the lowest tier - was too stubborn to assist her without payment. 

I have to call on her, Lilya thought. Arachne,  The Skulltula Queen.

The blood on her palms was dry and blotchy, not fresh enough to appease Arachne, so Lilya had to improvise. She took out one of her silver hooped earrings and rested the point against her palm, clasping her hand shut as hard as she could. The post impaled her skin, inciting a groan of pain from her, but she pressed through it and drew as much blood as she could, then raised her hand out. 

The summoning circle appeared before her. 

"Come forth, Ara––"

"Lilya, you must not!" Raina shouted, interrupting her. 

The said teen raised a brow in confusion. Was she serious?

"Now is not the time for you to be self-centered!" Lilya argued in annoyance. "You can not do this alone! Let me help you!" 

Raina shook her head in disagreement. She opened her mouth to rebuke but a silver arrow suddenly pierced her left shoulder. Her bright eyes widened in shock. No one had ever been able to reach her before. The shaft looked eerily familiar to Lilya, made of a unique metal utilized by the Zora, aquatic folk who possessed fish and amphibian-like traits. But how could this be? The Zora were integrated and although moved from their domain in the Lanayru region they were on good terms with the Hylian race. 

Or so she was made to believe. 

Several more arrows whizzed through the air over the avian figure toward Raina but she was able to stop them mid-flight, allowing them to drop to the ground with a ting. 

As the dust cleared, Lilya could make out the decrepit forms of the Zora in the distance; their light blue skin was covered in white dots, and their fins were either rotted or hemorrhaged. They looked ill. She could not believe how bad things had progressed for them. Their cloudy eyes blazed in hatred as some of them fired upon the inhabitants of the town. 

"What have we done?" Lilya asked herself. 

Her mind was so distracted that she didn't notice an arrow flying toward her, not until Raina shouted her name. Lilya noticed it was too late to defend herself but the red-haired retainer had her back. She used her gravity to stop the arrow, allowing it to fall soon after; the teen was relieved. 

"You have my gratitude!" She shouted. 

Raina offered her a kind smile in return, but no sooner than she did, an arrow broke through her defenses and pierced her stomach. She let out a low gasp and then lowered to her knees. 

Lilya was terrified.

This isn't possible. 

How can someone like Raina be brought down by an arrow? She fought through an entire war and never received a scratch. Her ability made her untouchable.

It is my fault. I…I should have–

Warm tears filled Lilya's eyes. She could be saved, couldn't she?

"Amariel?! Amar— Where are you!?"

In a panic, Lilya searched for the blue-haired healer. When she found her, she waved her down, shouting her name. It took her no time at all to catch on after seeing the condition of her fellow guardian. But as she attempted to run to her, the avian-like figure appeared in front of Raina in a cloud of black smoke, placing their katana against her throat; her eyes remained on Lilya. 

"I am sorry," she uttered weakly. 

"Sister, please," Amariel begged. "You are not beyond saving."

Ignoring her pleas, Raina kept her eyes on the teen. 

"Save your courage. Flee and live today."

Lilya couldn't believe what she was asking her to do. She tightened her jaw and averted her eyes to Amariel. As much as she hated the idea, Raina was right. If they didn't retreat, they both might die. 

"Of all the times to be self-centered," she uttered, nearly sobbing.

Picking up the arrow, Lilya darted toward Amariel and grasped her hand, shouting at her to run despite her pleas to help. It was too late for Raina, Amariel knew it. Her power could not heal fatal wounds. They turned their backs on her and ran, heading toward the edge of town. 

"Where are we going?" Amariel asked. 

 "The shelter inside the Conservatory," Lilya answered in haste. 

It was the only safe place left in the city. The inhabitants of Avia knew to go there in case of an emergency. Though not constructed with safeness in mind, there was a storm shelter that led deep beneath the greenhouse. 

The two darted down the back streets, ignoring the scent of smoke permeating the air. The city shook and crumbled as another bomb ignited somewhere far from them, likely the main street; the sound of screams soon followed, as those less fortunate were caught in the aftermath. It infuriated Lilya, but she made a promise to flee. Once Amariel was safe, she would do her best to fill Raina's shoes. She owed it to her to not let Avia fall. 

Clutching the Zora arrow in her hand, she pressed on. But as the two neared the Conservatory, a large and impressive ornate structure with a glass roof and walls, used as a greenhouse and as a classroom to educate the younglings, a bomb went off and knocked them off their feet. 

For a moment, time seemed to slow down. Lilya lay on her side and watched as black smoke rose into the air. The glass on all sides of the structure had shattered with the explosion, leaving nothing but the panels. Her entire body was in pain. She allowed her exhausted eyes to close a moment, wanting nothing more than to drift off peacefully but the panicked tone in Amariel's voice reached her, begging her to get up.

Upon opening them, she saw an enormous rocky figure verging on them from the Conservatory; the smoke at its back made it look demonic, almost as though it had crawled from the red earth. 

Is he a Goron?

He looked nothing like Lilya had read about. While he was large with a hide of ridged stones on his backside, he looked ominous. His light brown skin was covered in moss, cracked in some places, and when he opened his mouth, broken and jagged teeth could be seen.

"Lilya," Amariel uttered in fear. She eased closer to the teen; burns from the pavement marred her face. "W-we need to move."

Reacting to her, the Goron leaned down and tucked his head. Lilya immediately recognized what he was doing and stood up, despite the pain in her side. She had heard that the Goron were slow with their short legs, but to make up for this, they often tucked and rolled. Quickly she pulled the healer out of the way and began to backtrack through the streets; the sound of rocks tumbling and tearing up the cobblestone followed them. 

"Where do we go?!" Amariel shouted. Her breath was heavy and loud. 

Seeing the wooden three-tiered deck in the distance, Lilya brought up her hand and created a portal. 

"We are going to jump!"

"You can not be serious!" Amariel rebuked. 

Lilya had no time to assure her. At the edge of the city, she and the blue-haired guardian leaped, plummeting into the abyss. All the while Amariel screamed in terror, a whisper compared to the whip of the wind and the flutter of wings that soon followed. 

As she had intended, Apus caught them. 

"You have my thanks," Lilya uttered in relief. She ran her fingers through the creature's feathers. Despite having her faith in it, her heart was pounding out of control. 

"I love this bird," Amariel declared with a sob. 

Lilya snorted in response. Neither of them was out of the frying pan yet, however. 

"We must go to the temple. Please hurry," she ordered the Lancewing. 

Apus chittered in response and flew them down to the forgotten town toward the temple. It was selfish of Lilya, but she could not leave her father to die; her mother had long since passed, a notion that she hadn't the time to dwell on at the moment. 

As they approached the remnants of the temple, her father, Alaran, was standing in the courtyard, staring in horror at the clouds above. Lilya leaped from Apus and ran to him. 

"Father. Avia is under attack."

"I heard the bombs from here," he uttered in disbelief. Averting his eyes to her, he looked her over. "You are hurt."

Lilya didn't know the extent of her injuries, but her entire body was in pain and she was certain that her right ear drum had withstood some sort of damage. If not for the adrenaline, then she would be a sobbing mess.

"I know…but we haven't the time to debate it. Raina is– she is gone. We h-have to leave this place."

It was harder than she thought to admit that her sister-in-arms was gone. Tears blurred her eyes but she fought back the sobs. Now wasn't the time to break down, even though she had every right to. 

"How can that be?" Alaran asked. He turned his keen eyes back to the clouds. "She can not be dead."

Lilya rested her hand on his shoulder; the other clutched the arrow tight. 

"We saw her die."

Alaran believed his daughter but he was having a hard time accepting the sudden news. He ignored the questions cycling through his mind and glanced between her and Amariel. A switch flipped and he widened his eyes.

"I nearly forgot. Come…both of you. I have something to show you."

"We haven't the– Father!" Before Lilya could finish her sentence, her father darted back into the temple. She growled in annoyance and raced in after him. 

Joining him in front of the locked chamber near the base with the missing orbs, she watched as he walked up to the stone door; Amariel soon appeared, standing beside her. An excited laugh from him made her raise a thin brow. 

"It's as I thought. I knew it," Alaran declared. 

"I do not follow," Amariel retorted. 

Honestly, neither did Lilya. She took an uneasy breath and approached her father. 

"Please. Whatever is on your mind can–"

"Have some respect, Lilya," Alaran interrupted, raising his voice a bit. He took a deep breath. "Let me finish."

Lilya tightened her jaw in remorse. Whatever he had to show them was more important than his life, she assumed. 

"Do you remember the theory I told you about earlier?" He asked.

She nodded in response. He claimed to know where the orbs to open the chamber door were. But what significance did this information have now? 

"I did not notice it before, but when you came here, the symbol for Farore began to illuminate. And when you left, it lasted but a short moment before it faded," Alaran explained. 

To emphasize his point, he pointed to the symbol on the chamber door. Sure enough, it was glowing, along with the mark of Nayru. 

"It is you, the retainers of the Goddesses who are the keys to opening the time chamber," the elder explained. 

Amariel widened her eyes. For a lover of history, she was awestruck. 

"This is phenomenal. The scholars of Avia had been searching for decades on how to open the chamber door and all along it had been under our very noses. The three retainers."

"We are not all here," Lilya uttered. Her ears jerked in response. 

She was thrilled for her father for proving his theory but without all three keys, the door would remain forever closed to them. 

A comforting hand rested on her shoulder. 

"Some doors, no matter the temptation, my dear, are not meant to be opened," Alaran stated. 

Lilya knew that he was let down but he was right. Time was not a concept to be toyed with.

At least now we can–

Before she could finish her thought, a strange force yanked her back and slammed her to the floor. It took Lilya a moment to realize that her father and Amariel were also knocked back by the same force. She had never felt anything like it before. 

The sound of soft footsteps filled the chamber, and as she sat up, she saw the person in the avian armor saunter in. Her eyes widened in anger. Fresh blood stained the blade of their katana. Tossing up her hand, she opened a portal. 

"Come out Ziegmeyer!"

Bursting from the portal, an anthropomorphic turtle doll with an aging figure and a drawn–out neck, stood in front of her, staring at her with beady eyes. His body was dark brown with a beige underbelly. 

"You again!" He shouted. "Didn't I tell you not to call on me unless you had a fair amount of rupees on you? I don't work for free, brat." 

Upon seeing the angry tears in her eyes, he lifted a short arm that was connected to his main body by a button and scratched his face. Over his shoulder, he noticed the figure and hummed. 

"I see. But it won't be cheap."

Ziegmeyer faced the figure turning his back to Lilya. A small tail hung from his lower back, beneath a moderately large shell with the Hylian shield painted on it.

"Is that agreeable, brat?" He asked. 

"Take everything I own. You can have it."

Ziegmeyer sank into his shell, rolling swiftly toward the attacker. Once he was close, with an unexpected increase in speed, he shot into the air like an arrow and bounced off a nearby pillar ramming into their side, hard enough to make them falter a moment. He used that momentum to shoot back and strike at them again but this time, they countered with their katana, tossing him back.

"Do not let up!" Lilya shouted. 

Like a ball, the turtle ricocheted off the nearby pillars at lightning speed, colliding again and again into the avian figure, who did their best to block with the katana, managing to get hit a few times. 

With a growl of annoyance, they tossed their hands out and an unseen force tossed Zeigmeyer back. 

Lilya leaped onto her feet and managed to catch him, turning him upright. 

"Are you OK?"

"More than OK, brat," he answered from within his shell. "I can do this forever if your wallet can take the hit."

She was broke, but also certain he knew this.

From the shadows, two canine-like creatures, the same as the ones Raina fought on Avia, darted towards them. But before they reached the two, a tremor rocked the temple, making them halt. 

What is that? 

Lilya glanced over her shoulder to watch in shock as the chamber door began to open, revealing nothing but inky black as far as she could see; the symbols on the outside were all lit up. 

But how?

She didn't have much time to figure out what caused the chamber to come open because once it did, a strong current of air yanked her onto her back, and no matter how much she struggled, it sucked her, along with the canine-like creatures into the opening. 

Lilya clutched Ziegmeyer in her arms, not certain if Amariel and her father were pulled in with her, soon consumed by darkness. In her heart, she knew that this was goodbye. 

[aidaita]

Oreo’s urgent Vet Bill

Hi everyone, this is the proper post I promised a few days ago and I apologize for the delay, the last 2-3 days was stressful but I’m emotionally stable to type everything down.

I’ve made an update post on my Ko-fi a few days ago if you haven’t seen it.

To start off, Oreo is my male cat son I’ve take care of for the past 9 years since that fateful day I encountered him 8 years ago. At the time, I was in a dark place mentally as I was heavily depressed from losing a dear friend and in an effort to cheer up, I went outside for a walk with a close friend to the canal two streets down from where I live, and that was where I saw a pair of eyes staring at me. A month old kitten I named Oreo and from that day, Oreo has brightened my world and I’ve taken him in as my precious fur baby ever since. My family unfortunately lost our other cat, Blueberry, last year to cancer for the medicine and treatments weren’t enough to ease her suffering from the cancer, so when Oreo’s second blockage on the evening of February 28, 2025 occurred, I was absolutely terrified.

That night, I skipped dinner, I stayed up half the night watching over Oreo and had a fitful sleep of a few hours, waking up in between the few hours to the noises Oreo was making from the blockage. And so on March 1, I went directly to an animal hospital I normally go to for his check ups, exams, previous surgery he had, but unfortunately they had to turn me away for being fully booked, so I was forced to go to another vet clinic that accepts emergency visits and that’s where I ended up in VCA Knowles Snapper Creek pet hospital and the very expensive vet bill.

The initial estimate is the one I originally posted on my other post which I’ll upload here for 48 hours observation.

I was also given an estimation for 24 hr observation but in both estimations, it was super expensive and I work at a $13 part time retail work shift and I could not afford it whatsoever. The last surgeries were paid for by my mom but this time she could not pay for this, and she has other health-related financial payments to recuperate financially and that was when I begun to get very stressed and panic. It was made worse and broke me into an emotional panic when my mother suggested that we may have to put him to sleep as we cannot keep paying $3k every time he gets a blockage.

My heart sank, I was not ready to let Oreo go yet. I became so distraught.

What can I do to save Oreo?

I’ve been frantically looking online what to do, looking into pet insurance, frequently asking for payments plans, asking what they can do to reduce the prices, etc. all while I’m on a time limit as I had a work shift in the next 2-3 hours and with this emergency situation, I absolutely needed every hour I can get. It was the most horrible position to be in the middle of.

Oreo could not qualify for pet insurance because it does not cover for pre-existing conditions/treatments (this is his second blockage), the pet hospital (both the first I went to and the second) do not have payment plans, every new estimations they gave me in an effort to help me and Oreo came with high risks such as one that is the bare minimum (just unblocking Oreo) but there’s a big possibility he could be blocked later that day or the next day.

Secondly, Oreo has already been on a treatment plan with his strict diet of prescription Urinary Care food with Science Hill’s ever since his first blockage sometime last year (or 2? I’m not sure, I don’t have the papers from the first one as my mom took him to the vet that time). And the doctors told me that it seems despite the strict diet he has been in, he still got the blockage from built-up sediments. On top of that, in the last vet visit on January 25, 2025 with the first pet hospital, Oreo has IVDD, or at least the beginning of it that the doctors told at the time said “it’s not a big deal right now,” so it will be a problem to look out for as he’s still young.

My mother’s comment of possibly putting him to sleep loomed over my head over all this…

And that was when I decided I can’t do this alone, I’m not ready to let Oreo go yet, not like this, not so soon. So for the first time, I’ve come to you all on the internet for help.

Due to the time constraints, I have no choice but to open a credit line with CareCredit just for this bill for Oreo but the fact he could get blocked again, issues with IVDD possibly rearing its head more urgently so soon, and with this massive bill to pay with my $13 part time retail shift, I knew that if another emergency or urgent vet visit occurs, I will have no choice but to put him to sleep.

That is why I’ve come to you all for help with the emergency vet bill on March 1, 2025 and… my goodness, within 24 hours, we have reached a little more than 1/3 of the $4000 goal (41% reached as I post this) and I could not be anymore thankful and grateful for all of you kindness and generosity to save my baby in this difficult time.

Yesterday I got to visit Oreo, he’s unblocked and appears to be urinating fine, recovering seems to be going well although he does have UTI so there’s a bit of blood in his urine (doctors reassured me that the UTI and blockage are not linked) so he’s getting treatments for that as well.

Today, Oreo will be discharged later in the afternoon or evening so he’ll be coming home soon.

The bill is still stressful but with all of you kind words, encouragement, generosity, and advice, it doesn’t feel as heavy as before. It is still a lot left to pay off so if you can, please donate to my Ko-Fi here so I can focus solely on strictly ensuring Oreo stays with me much longer such as wet food, running water fountain, new litter box, etc.

All donations received will be used solely for the bill and any additional expenses that may come up in the last few hours as I type.

And to everyone who donated so far, thank you… Truly, thank you. The tears I’ve shed the past 2 days were of stress and huge relief.

I will keep posting updates as they happen.

[crows-of-buckets]

I like the idea of an extremely pro mage/ anti chantry warden getting watered down and basically propagandatized by the chantry

Like Aviae hates the circles with a passion, and is actively outspoken about that. Shes killed templar's by the end of awakening, and has almost zero remorse about doing so because they hurt her best friend! Her whole life has been spent under Templar control and she's angry and pissed off about it. She may have played the perfect pupil in the circle (only because she was terrified, she was so scared of the brand that it made her sick to her stomach) but now that shes out? She refuses to be quiet about it

However. The chantry can't have someone that important speaking ill about them, can they? Luckily, Aviae has a distaste for politics (even if she becomes fairly okay at them out of necessity), and generally avoids the public eye so the chantry does what they do best (and lies). The hero of Fereldan? Oh yes, she was a Circle mage. Yes she was the epitome of a good mage; she followed the rules and did as she was told. In fact, her success just proves how well the circles work! If it weren't for her years of discipline, surely Fereldan would have been doomed to fail.

Idk I really like the idea of the hof being used as a form of propaganda by the circle, especially non human and mage origins. Even better if they died killing the Archdemon because what are they gonna do, contradict them? They cant! They're dead and their image is being used as propaganda

[seitmai]

"Did you love her when you first saw her? Like Avus Acacius and Avia?" Maximus asks eagerly. "Avus Acacius said it was like...a bolt from Jupiter!" he adds, eyes wide with excitement. You glance at Acacius beside you, who can’t help but grin, his chest puffing out with pride. It's clear he's still pleased by the story he shared about his and Lucilla’s first meeting. “I thought you were a soldier, not a poet,” you whisper to the man beside you, amused. “I have hidden depths,” he replies with a playful wink. “And I love entertaining my grandson.”

I have a feeling that Acacius thrives in his role as storytelling grandpa🤭

“Maybe,” he says, his voice thoughtful. “But you thought Momma was very pretty, did you not?” To your surprise, Lucius looks up at you then, his gaze steady and warm, locking with yours. A soft smile forms at the corners of his lips, barely visible beneath his thick beard. “More beautiful than I have words for,” he says.

🥰🥰🥰

Lucius gives a long suffering sigh as he shoots a look at his stepfather. "Avus Acacius likes to exaggerate.” “I do no such thing!” Acacius declares with a wide grin, his voice booming across the courtyard as he steps from the shadows. You follow him into the sunlit space. “I speak only the words Veritas commands me to!”

Hahah as I said, he loves his new role🤭

Maximus pouts for a moment, clearly disappointed, but then his face brightens when a new thought occurs to him. “Well, a brother would be just as good I suppose. We can play gladiators together.”

Both has its perks 🤷🏻‍♀️ but I feel like kids sometimes feel what their sibling will be

“It has been too long since I have felt your warmth,” he whispers.  Your chuckle of amusement turns into a moan as he lines himself up and sinks inside you slowly. Pleasure blooms in your chest and you roll your hips in response, needing him deeper. “You had me this morning,” you remind him breathlessly. “Twice.”

🤭🤭🤭

“Only if my Emperor commands it,” you reply with a playful smile, laughing at the intense look Lucius gives you in return. “Perhaps he does,” he murmurs, rubbing his nose against yours. “Perhaps he also commands you to spend the rest of the day relaxing with him.” “Oh, well if he commands it, I must comply,” you whisper, kissing him again.

Love these two 🤭🥰

nunc scio quid sit amor

Summary: Lucius tells your son the story of how he fell in love with you.  Pairing: Lucius Verus x F!Reader Word Count: 1.7K Rating: 18+ only.  Explicit smut (PIV), mentions of breeding kink and pregnancy, and just a lot of fluff and happiness.  A/N: Thanks to @ryebecca of beta’ing. This is part of Lucius and the Fisherman’s Wife Series. Based on this request. Please comment or reblog if you enjoyed this and want to see more. Or scream at me in my inbox. That always makes my day.

Gladiator Masterlist ♡ Masterlist

“If I have to listen to Senator Aelius drone on about the price of grain one more time, I will lose my senses,” Acacius mutters. “I grow tired of their endless petty quarrels.”

“I know,” you commiserate, thinking of the day-long session you both endured with the senators. Your back aches from sitting in the stiff marble chair in place of Lucius. “They need to come to a decision about the aqueduct repairs soon. It has been delayed far too long already.”

Acacius lets out a heavy sigh. “Lucius could always issue a decree...”

You shake your head, knowing full well that your husband would never override their authority. He agreed to take on the mantle of Emperor only until the Senate could function properly on its own, and despite the inevitable bumps along the way, they have indeed made progress under his and Acacius’ guidance.

“Yes, yes,” he grumbles dismissively, waving you off. His frustration is palpable and you share it, rubbing your belly absently.

You take his arm as the two of you continue walking, the familiar comfort of his presence settling over you. Felix, ever your loyal shadow, follows just a few paces behind. While there is no need for his protection in the palace he never strays far from you. He’s been by your side since the days when you and Lucilla were hidden away on the coast, and though you don’t truly need guarding now, you always feel safer with him nearby. Still, you can ask for no better protection than Acacius, even if today he wears the Toga Praetexta of a senator and carries no sword.

You pass through one courtyard and then another, the sound of your husband’s low baritone and your son’s light, rising voice filtering through the air. Acacius catches your eye, a smile shared between the two of you as you stop to watch the scene before you. Maximus, your son, is seated on the edge of a shallow pool, his small hands trail the surface of the water, leaving ripples behind. Silvery fish glide lazily beneath the lily pads, vanishing into the shadows each time the water stirs.

“Tell me again how you met Momma?” Maximus asks, his ever-inquisitive face intent on your husband

"That is a complicated story," Lucius replies.

"Did you love her when you first saw her? Like Avus Acacius and Avia?" Maximus asks eagerly. "Avus Acacius said it was like...a bolt from Jupiter!" he adds, eyes wide with excitement.

You glance at Acacius beside you, who can’t help but grin, his chest puffing out with pride. It's clear he's still pleased by the story he shared about his and Lucilla’s first meeting. 

“I thought you were a soldier, not a poet,” you whisper to the man beside you, amused.

“I have hidden depths,” he replies with a playful wink. “And I love entertaining my grandson.”

The two of you stand in silence, watching Lucius, who seems to be carefully measuring his words. One day you'll tell Maximus the full story of how you and Lucius came to be, but not yet. He’s still too young, his world still so simple, untouched by the complexities that shaped your lives.

 “It was not quite like that for us,” Lucius finally says.

The answer clearly disappoints your son who deflates, a small frown tugging at his sweet features.

Lucius glances down at him, his expression softening as he continues. “Our love was more like a seed — one we didn’t even know we had planted. It was nurtured slowly over time, carefully, until one night, it bloomed unexpectedly.”

“Ugh, that is boring,” your son replies. Then he jumps to his feet, suddenly energized by a new idea. “I want to be struck by Cupid’s arrow!” he announces, mimicking the gesture and flopping dramatically onto the floor, hard enough to make you wince in sympathy.

“Sometimes the best kind of love takes time,” Lucius says, “growing inside you so slowly you don’t even realize it’s there.”

Maximus pauses for a moment, considering his father's words. Finally, he nods and sits up with renewed curiosity. Resting his small arm on his knees, he looks at Lucius with wide, innocent eyes. “Maybe,” he says, his voice thoughtful. “But you thought Momma was very pretty, did you not?”

To your surprise, Lucius looks up at you then, his gaze steady and warm, locking with yours. A soft smile forms at the corners of his lips, barely visible beneath his thick beard. “More beautiful than I have words for,” he says.

“Tell me about being a Gladiator!” Maximus demands suddenly, clearly growing bored with this topic. "Avus Acacius says you were the best."

Lucius gives a long suffering sigh as he shoots a look at his stepfather. "Avus Acacius likes to exaggerate.”

“I do no such thing!” Acacius declares with a wide grin, his voice booming across the courtyard as he steps from the shadows. You follow him into the sunlit space.“I speak only the words Veritas commands me to!”

He lets out a playful growl and suddenly charges toward Maximus. The moment catches your son off guard, and a burst of delighted laughter escapes him when Acacius scoops him up into the air, lifting him high above his head.

“Momma!” Maximus suddenly shouts, his voice ringing out as if noticing you for the first time. 

Without a second thought, he rushes over to you once Acacius sets him down, his tiny feet thumping against the stone floor. You bend down slightly, kissing him on the top of his head. He smells of sun and sweat, the familiar scent comforting. He pats your belly, your bump still small but growing every day. 

“Hello little sister,” he declares. 

“We do not know if the babe will be a boy or a girl,” Lucius reminds your son. 

Maximus looks up at him with wide, serious eyes, his small chin jutting out in defiance. He stomps his foot with determination. “It will be a girl,” he declares, his voice confident and unshakable. “I have asked Juno Lucina.”

A small, amused smile tugs at the corners of your lips, and you exchange a fond look with Lucius, who raises an eyebrow.

“The gods do not always grant our wishes,” you say gently. “We must wait and see what the fates have planned.”

Maximus pouts for a moment, clearly disappointed, but then his face brightens when a new thought occurs to him. “Well, a brother would be just as good I suppose. We can play gladiators together.”

“A fun prospect,” Acacius agrees, taking hold of his wrist. “Come, let us practice so you will be prepared to best him once he arrives.” Maximus follows his grandfather eagerly as he chatters with excitement about the gladiator battles he would soon win.

When they move further into the courtyard Lucius steps closer to you, his presence solid and warm. Without a word, he draws you into his arms. You rest your head against his chest, and he leans down to capture your lips in a soft kiss. The touch is gentle at first but it soon deepens, becoming more insistent, a slow burn that ignites something within you. Lucius groans, his tongue seeking entry to your mouth that you permit with a little gasp. 

“Maximus will be entertained for quite some time,” he whispers, pushing you back until the warm light of the courtyard fades and your figures are swallowed by the shadows of the hallway. 

These are your private quarters, and with Felix guarding the door, there is little risk of being discovered. Yet, despite the security, it still feels wrong to let Lucius have you here. Your weak protest is quickly silenced by your husband’s insistent fingers parting your dress and dipping between your thighs. These days it takes so little to make you ready for him and you groan, the cool stone a relief against the heated skin of your back. 

“It has been too long since I have felt your warmth,” he whispers. 

Your chuckle of amusement turns into a moan as he lines himself up and sinks inside you slowly. Pleasure blooms in your chest and you roll your hips in response, needing him deeper. “You had me this morning,” you remind him breathlessly. “Twice.”

“It is not enough,” he groans, urging you to wrap a leg around his hip. You teeter on one foot, your balance already unsteady with your growing belly, and clutch his shoulder for support. “I should be inside you every hour. Every minute.”

His words make you shudder and the burn of desire and pleasure intensifies within, an inferno that threatens to consume everything. You work with his rhythm, feeling frantic.

“More,” you gasp into his mouth. 

His next thrusts nearly lift your remaining foot from the floor and you throw your arms around his shoulders. His warm breath fans across your face and you exchange a desperate kiss, holding on while he jostles your body with each eager snap of his hips. A moan, loud and wanton, bursts from your chest as you come undone, your vision fading out. Lucius growls and his hand falls to your backside. He grabs your flesh and pushes himself deeper than you thought possible, the action edging on painful if it weren’t for the powerful waves of pleasure washing over you. 

“My love,” Lucius groans. 

The shudder that passes through him as he comes makes you throb around him, sparking another wave of pleasure. You hold on to one another as your ecstasy ebbs away, sharing the same warm air. When Lucius sets you back on your feet you tremble. He slips from your body and eases a hand over your belly before capturing your mouth in a long kiss. Your thighs are sticky and sweat gathers at the back of your neck but you’ve never felt more content. 

“Perhaps we should retire to the bathhouse,” he suggests. 

“Only if my Emperor commands it,” you reply with a playful smile, laughing at the intense look Lucius gives you in return.

“Perhaps he does,” he murmurs, rubbing his nose against yours. “Perhaps he also commands you to spend the rest of the day relaxing with him.”

“Oh, well if he commands it, I must comply,” you whisper, kissing him again.

[sspecialtopic2023]

‘I cannot write a poem about Gaza’: a poem by Tusiata Avia

I cannot write a poem about Gaza because I cannot eat a whole desert.

I cannot write a poem about Gaza because I cannot go to bed with the stiff little babies and the bodies of children, there is no room for the little lost limbs, the disembodied arms yanked off like parts in a doll hospital.

I cannot write a poem about Gaza because if I speak up for the bodies of babies, for the pieces of children, for the women pulling out their own eyes, you will call me anti-Semitic and I must allow the blood of thousands to absolve me.

I cannot write a poem about Gaza because my fury and my grief will rise up out of my chest like a missile plotted on a computer in Tel Aviv, it will track me, pinpoint me and in a perfect arc, it will whine down out of the surgical sky, enter the top of my head and implode me.

I cannot write a poem about Gaza because Israel has a right to protect itself Israel has a right to protect itself Israel has a right to protect itself Israel has a right to protect itself Israel has a right to protect itself Israel has a right to protect itself Israel has a right to protect itself.

And Gaza does not.

I cannot write a poem about Gaza because behind every human shield is another human shield and another human shield and another human shield and another human shield and another human shield. And behind that human shield – is a human.

I cannot write a poem because it’s complicated, so complicated, very, very complicated. So, I cannot write a poem about Gaza until I finish a PhD in Middle Eastern Politics and the Holocaust, until I am reborn a Jew and live under the iron dome myself.

I cannot write a poem about Gaza because Tamar in Tel Aviv has got to get to the supermarket and the garden centre before the next siren. She’s putting plants in their bomb shelter and the kids’ favourite toys and treats, to make it less depressing.

I cannot write a poem about Gaza because Fatima in Gaza City has 58 seconds to evacuate her house with her babies before the missile strikes and the only way out is the sea. She has seen pictures on TV of babies thrown into pools and swimming instinctively.

I cannot write a poem about Gaza because there is an impenetrable iron dome that covers the entire state. It covers each mind and each heart, except for the few that line up and demand to be imprisoned.

I cannot write a poem about Gaza because of my friends: Tamar, Shira, Yael, Michal, Noya, David, Yair in Tel Aviv and Nazareth and Beersheva. Because every time I point to the blood-soaked I upset them, offend them, anger them, betray them. Let them go.

I cannot write a poem about Gaza because of my friend Izzeldin and his three exploded daughters and one exploded niece filleted across his living room.

I cannot write a poem about Gaza because I can do the maths. If two thousand one hundred and sixty-eight dead Palestinians divided by sixty-nine dead Israelis equals. Find the true value of one Palestinian.

[documentingmyocs]

Rowan/PR.23-18 🐇🤍💉 They/them Facts ⁃ doesn’t speak much ⁃ currently lives in NYC ⁃ dislikes medical environments/smells ⁃ favorite food is dark chocolate ⁃ jumps (“binkies”) when they get happy/exited ⁃ working at NYC animal shelter ⁃ has a lot of scars on their chest/back ⁃ knows next to nothing about their biological parents, but resents them anyways ⁃ friends with Avia but disliked her initially because she was the only experiment saved by the “intern” to their knowledge Backstory ⁃ made as an experimental human/rabbit hybrid by Eumerdix labs ⁃ their main caretakers (aka ‘parents’) Annalise Hampton and Davon Yates were also biologists at Eumerdix ⁃ for most of their life they lived in a simulated suburban home underground, and went to the laboratory on weekends ⁃ when they turned 10 they were living full-time at Eumerdix labs ⁃ after 3 years managed to escape during an earthquake caused by an experiment ⁃ currently living in an apartment with Daisy after they met in a online chat room asking about Eumerdix

[luanna-oli-lima]

SKALIXTALE-''Gaster entra na sala observa que sanes nao esta bem e que algo lhe perturba quando o mesmo chega perto ver que a alma de sanes possui um pequeno ponto que lembra muito as rosas do vento que tem em mapa.

-sanes o que ouve por que esta cabisbaixo ?

Sanes por sua vez prende gaster na parede e começa a grita irritado por ele ter mentido por tanto tempo.

- como ousa .....como ousa mentir para mim e fala que minha mae estava viva, voce e um mentiroso um de$gπaçado porque porque mentiu....

O mesmo suspira notando que nao avia como esconder mais e logo fala....

- porque sua mae e uma humana assim como eu sanes

Diz gaster voltando a forma humana e mostrando a sanes que o mesmo era metade humano e por isso ele podia vira humano e ir onde quisesse

-entao e verdade

diz sanes sumindo logo em seguida"

Inglês-''Gaster enters the room and observes that sanes is not well and that something disturbs him when he gets close to see that sanes' soul has a small dot that is very reminiscent of the wind roses that he has on the map.

-Sanes, what are you listening to, why are you downcast?

Sanes in turn pins Gaster to the wall and starts yelling angrily at him for lying for so long.

- how dare ..... how dare you lie to me and say that my mother was alive, you are a liar, a Bastard because because you lied ....

The same sighs noticing that there was no way to hide it anymore and then he speaks....

- because your mother is a human just like me sanes

Says gaster returning to human form and showing sanctions that he was half human and that's why he could turn human and go wherever he wanted

-so it is true

says sanes disappearing right after"

[trishacastover]

Second update to the Eldritch au! This is just going to be little fun facts and what he is called by the other aus! This isn't apart of Clown's work for the Welcome Home project he's working on, this is entirely fanmade and the other aus belong to their creators.

Okay first up is Avia! Avia can eat other things than rodents in her human form! Though she has a preference towards rodents, she loves boiled eggs! She enjoys peeling off the shell and tearing them open! Her favorite part is the yolk! Sometimes she'll even make egg salad or deviled eggs! The only reason she'll ever go to Howdy's is to get her own eggs since she doesn't want to impose on Poppy and take what's needed for her to bake. So Avia will go to Howdy's to get her own eggs! She even writes her name on the containers so Poppy knows that they're hers. Another thing about Avia is that she's scared of loud noises such as fireworks and thunder! Wally would hold her and cover her with his extra arms and with one of his wings. Although she tends to play off as someone cool who doesn't fear loud noises, which amuses Wally because he knows the truth. Avia is also the only one who can keep him on a leash so to speak, so everytime he comes to RF Wally's mansion (It is agreed upon in the RF discord server that the aus just come and go there at random.) he has to bring Avia with him because it's literally a rule for him to do so.

Now onto our silly Eldritch himself! Because of the show's runtime (Late 60s to early-mid 70s) any technological advancements made after the show was cancelled confuses him to no end. So he still uses a video camera that records things on VHS, those old photo cameras that spit out the picture that has to go through a ritual just for it to show, and rotary phones to call! He can easily use his powers to connect his calls to digital phones so it's never an issue.

Eldritch's in this au are genderless and formless, so they can assume a form and voice that matches their identity. Home doesn't identify as anything so Home goes by it/it's pronouns (Home is dead in this au as a reminder.). Wally still identifies as male so he still goes by he/him/his. He even has multiple voices he uses but there is one that he mainly uses (It's the voice of Tim Burton's Cheshire Cat.). Eldritchs can also fall in love with just about anything, a human, alien, or even a raccoon. As long as the relationship is consensual and the feelings are reciprocated, there's nothing wrong. If the object of their affections don't share the same feelings, then the Eldritchs have ways to win them over (Thus why Wally is a romantic rizzler in this au.). So in order to simplify things in human standards, Wally just says he's pansexual. Wally is still the children's show entertaining puppet at heart, so he does have a soft spot for children. He is also easily bribed with apples and has arachnophobia.

He's properly known as Eldi by the other aus! This only came to be because Baby! Wally can't pronounce the word "Eldritch", so he ended up calling him Eldi instead. It slowly caught on with the other aus and they call him Eldi every since.

I've also went into my settings and allowed questions/requests, I think that's enough in order to set up a ask/request box. Anyways, that's all I have for now.