#baby is no longer baby but still acts like baby outside of battles

[sugudoe]

➥ ──── MOMMY MILKERS ‼️ BITCH. ღ

gojo satoru is the greatest mind behind MIB, also know as MU IOTA BETA, although is a inside joke the name Mommy mIlkers Bitch, because he thinks there is a large amount of members with huge breasts. Satoru is filthy rich and spoiled, he was a rainbow baby and an only child for some time, everything he wants he can have. his parents only asked him to go to college for business administration, so one day, gojo’s enterprise can be in his good hands. he doesn’t mind, had no plan of life instead of just enjoying it, but he hopes he can still have a lot of vacations all around the world. that’s actually his favorite thing to do, just get up from the bed and travel. gojo and the MIB were pretty popular on campus, but what took their social medias sky rocketing was the brilliant idea to create a tik tok account for their fraternity, showing their parties and random funny moments. of course, what everyone really wants to see, is their fucking beauty. he is the older adoptive brother of megumi, who is too young for fraternities, but gojo thinks he can bend the rules if megumi wants to get inside (gojo can’t & he doesn’t).

geto suguru is studying graphic designer by his choice, although his parents disagree, they can’t say no to him — after all, they are scared for their son and want him to be happy. truth is, geto and gojo had been best friends since high school, and it’s no secret that suguru tries to hide about his long battle with depression. things are getting better as of lately, specially now that his two younger sisters, mimiko and nanako, are allowed to have a cellphone and had been calling him daily. geto can be found in three different places, besides the MIB’s house — the art room of college, choso’s tattoo parlor and in the garage with sukuna, although for only a few minutes before he himself leave with his bike, that he calls his love. he is the vice-president, and helped gojo with the ideas to create the house, he also is the reason why nanami got inside because suguru knew they would need someone that knows how to be an adult, he got surprised with nanami’s true personality later, but hey, he is doing a good job, no complains. his favorite companions outside of the members are the pets and shoko, he adores her very much, she is also a best friend from high school that cared for him in his most vulnerable depressive episodes.

zen’in toji comes from the respected family zen’in, but unlike his relatives, toji does not give a fuck about reputations and traditions. that has casted him aside, something he is no longer sad about, he actually loves that he can do as he pleases. he study physical education, has always had a talent for fights and training, and likes the idea to be able to teach others some day. his first students was his two little cousins, maki and mai. he used to work as a partial time private trainer, but after tik tok found out, it was getting too uncomfortable with those new clients, so he started to train his friend sukuna and his little brother, yuji, the payment is extraordinary. he has a pitbull puppy named kitana and she is one of the pets at the house, and his pride and joy. he got inside MIB because gojo wanted to have him, toji refused at first, until satoru showed him the private gym of the house and toji was sold right away. he gets weirdly along with megumi whenever the boy comes visit, they bond over their dogs and strangely looking resemblance.

nanami kento is not the MIB’s president, but he stills acts like it, and gojo is more than happy to let him have that unofficial position. gojo makes the parties and pick the box with candidates names, nanami takes care of the expenses and pick the best to get into, to avoid fame seekers and people with bad reputation — some thinks he started that after gojo put sukuna inside the house. nanami takes care of the formal parts, that’s mostly influenced by his finance majoring, he spends most of time inside his room studying or bakery hopping to experiment new pastries. don’t let this take you away from the truth, this man is not a calm, educated and study inclined person, he is half-french and therefore gojo has to be careful, or nanami will start a revolution and put satoru out of the house. he easily gets distracted by his interests and his anger, and since MIB becoming a hit on the internet, he is extremely mad. nanami cares a lot about his private life, he blocked gojo on twitter after satoru quoted kento’s account and he gained a lot of weird followers — he blocked most and went private. nanami is very found of ino, and as the initiation process of complying to the older members’s request, he had to shave his head (suguru demanded as a revenge for cutting his waist long hair to his shoulder) ino was quite sad, but did it, nanami did as well to support the youngest. surprising everyone, because nanami loves his long blonde hair as well. everyone was touched, so gojo cut his as well, kinji dyed on ino’s choosing color (purple) and even sukuna did as well, but red — all was done by kinji’s partner, kirara.

kamo choso is the middle brother of sukuna and itadori, through their shared mother. he is studying computer science, but everyone knows he is doing just to get the degree, give to his mom and go do his own thing — tattoos! ever since high school, he started to work in tattoo shops as receptionists, then he started a course and now he owns his own mini parlor near campus, named garu’s tattoo, because he is often compared with the character (it has absolutely nothing do to with the fact he used to let his younger brother do his hair the same way, everyday for high school). choso doesn’t trust anyone but himself to make his own tattoos, but he folds easily when yuji asks to try, so he has a mini spider-man doing peace signs on his calf. it’s his favorite tattoo. he got into MIB because he started to be friends with his favorite client, geto, and suguru invited him. choso’s mom separated sukuna’s father and got with choso’s dad, then she left and met itadori jin, he accepted all her sons as his, and choso secretly hopes one day jin will adopt him. he likes that MIB went viral because now he has more clients, what he doesn’t like is how everyone views him as a bad boy, when he is clearly a sweetheart.

shiu kong is a transfer student from south korea, and just like nanami, he is majoring in finance, following his dad’s and grandad’s steps. his family is very rich and stoic, but shiu came to the world in a completely different way. he likes to crack jokes, smoke a cigarette every hour, and to make his family hair get white earlier. the last post he has on instagram is a video of him doing hearts, but purposely he posted because it looked like a middle finger. shiu is best friends with everyone, but mostly sukuna and toji, and outside of it he’s friends with shoko and uraume. he thinks it was bound to happen to be a hit on the internet, because of his funny and chaotic way! his twitter is where he shows his true self, actually, the header is his own picture from the day after fucking a neighbor before moving out of the apartment to MIB’s house. it’s been a month and a half and he’s feeling the effects of not getting laid in some time, not because he doesn’t have options, gojo says he wants someone to match his freak while doing a dance — he slapped gojo after that. the reason for he to be in MIB is because he thought it would be funny to piss off his dad, it worked.

hiromi higuruma is the most normal person in the house, which is something to worry about. his free time used to be spend traveling to rural areas of japan, now he stays in the sofa with achilles, his cat. he used his money to make a game room in the house with lots of pool tables and videogame consoles. he likes to bet with everyone, and he keeps winning. talking about that, everyone avoids to argue with him, at first he cared too much and would own all the discussions, specially when he would bring out the projector and show evidence of how he was right — don’t fucking argue with a lawyer. nowadays he is much chill, that’s obviously because he is in exam season and keeps inside the house or library, he left the group chat to focus on his projects and the court hearings he now attends. nanami is the one to send him all the messages he needs to see and to lend his phone in case hiro wants to add something to the chat. hiro was obliged to be part of MIB by his best friend, nanami. oh, the classmate in his twitter’s bio is utahime iori, she doesn’t now his twitter and he doesn’t know hers.

ino takuma is a lucky motherfucker. he is the youngest at the house and the newest member, out of many candidates, nanami chose him, and for that he is eternally grateful for his senior. majoring in history and having a talent for photography, ino likes to be outside all of the time, he takes pictures of every bright thing that seems to copy his happy aura, everyone finds him adorable. nanami tried really hard to keep him away from gojo, but it happened eventually, satoru is the one that matches his freak and they both kept adding fire to the other crazy ideas. they are the ones doing weird challenges and pranks on the tik tok account, and nanami keeps grounding them for it. besides hiro, achilles adores ino and is often on his lap. takuma introduced the movie “house bunny” to the boys once and now gojo wants to have the “sacrifice a virgin” party, after he found out ino is a virgin. he is embarrassed, but still thinks i’ll be awesome to slide down a fake volcano and kiss a pretty girl. . . maybe more.

ryomen sukuna is. . . something. everyone knows that one of the reasons MIB’s tik tok became a hit is thanks to his quick appearance, after all he was already know on social media before, ryomen is a professional boxer, as a way to let his anger issues dissipate and avoid hurting his brothers or friends, he punches sand bags with toji and later, willingly strangers. he is know as “one punch man” because one time he was seriously pissed with his dad, went to the ring and with just one punch, won the fight — he hated it, he needed more punches throw. ryomen is majoring in forensic science, when asked why he says is because he wants to know how to get away with a murder properly, of course he is joking but the stoic face sure scares everyone. adding to his curriculum, he also likes to repair cars, MIB’s garage is filled with everyone’s cars and there is space for sukuna’s three vintage babies, he always finds some problem in them whenever he needs to clear his mind. sukuna’s best friends are uraume, shoko and shiu, because they all don’t give a fuck about his anger issues and treat him normally. he is adored by kinji’s partner, kirara, and he actually adores them as well, but he avoids them because he can’t say no to kira, and they try to make ryomen a model. sukuna is, with choso, the target of people with the “i can change him” mentality, he adores it because it’s fucking funny the desperation. he would rather eat glass than admit, but he’s only in MIB because choso was scared to go alone, and he wants for yuji to come as well when he gets of age, he thinks his younger brother will like it. he is a good brother, he just doesn’t say much, good thing choso and yuji understand him and love him either way.

kinji hakari is the only member who is in a serious relationship, if anything, he is the only one getting any action. he never had any plans of being in college, only following his partner and luckily discovering a talent in fashion school, that was what got gojo satoru’s attention, and he begged for hakari to be part of the MIB. he almost declined, but thought it would be cool, and with his baby’s permission, he accepted. kinji brings more chaos to MIB, he likes to be the cause of his friends headache in the group chat, and also to get blackout drunk in the parties and make out with kirara on every surface. he got a lot of attention on his social media as well, but he does not give a fuck, because he thinks everyone is trying to get into his pants and he is a loyal dog man, so he says no no interactions with anyone besides his friends and love.

✶ 𝐚. 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞: all the appearances, are just for reference, there is no fancast just pics with the characters vibes. you can imagine them as you please. but i did edited sukuna’s hair so applause. i know nanami is half danish, but i want the revolutionary gene of france on him. TOJI’s AND GOJO’s ig has miD instead of miB, pretend you didn’t see it, pls.

✶ 𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭: please comment if you would like to be tagged. all the chapters will be linked in this post and with the first tag @minzxec @d3jecteddoll @shuuji71 @emilyywhyy @ducky1232 @mfcherry

[bones4thecats]

LMK Characters When Their Kid Is Born

Characters: Ao Lie, Azure Lion, Nine-Headed Demon (Xiangliu), and Sun Wukong Inspired By: My love for these characters A/N: I loved writing this so much. Took some time, but I loved it so much. I literally fell asleep writing this like three times, so I've been taking longer to actually get it done, I apologize for that! But still, enjoy! ⚠️ Spoilers/Trigger Warnings for: Mentions of being delivering a baby, maybe hints of generational issues(??), slight angst, fluff, and the character's friends being just too much😂 ⚠️

Disclaimer: The Reader is female in this (cause y'know... pregnancy)

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╚═════ Ao Lie ════════════════════════════════╝

🐲 You were there when the Samadhi Fire was sealed away. And you would be lying if you said you weren't terrified for the life of your husband, Ao Lie, when he blocked an oncoming blast with his draconian form

🐲 Ao Lie still acted the same, but he did seem to have a slightly different aura. It wasn't a huge change, but it wasn't very small either. Despite the changes, you were so happy he was okay, so much so that you cried in front of the other Pilgrims, Ne Zha, Demon Bull King, and his infant son

🐲 It was years later that you two decided to finally start a family, and that happened with the blessing of your twins, one named Tang after your friend, Tang Sanzang, much to his joy. And slightly later your daughter you had named by the Pilgrims group's decision. They all, after a couple hours of debating, decided you name her Xuelian, after the same lotus that you had put on her hat after birth

🐲 You looked down at your second-born with a gentle smile before drifting off to sleep, leaving Ao Lie wide-awake and lightly tickling his son's stomach, causing the tiny being to giggle at his actions

"Who's a cute little baby dragon? Who's a cute baby Tangy?" He cooed at the newborn.

🐲 It was after Ao Lie began to check the surrounding area for any off-putting aura, as he was protective over his children and now unconscious wife, to a degree that nobody else saw but you three

🐲 Ao Lie's eyes burst open as he looked down at his son in his arms. He felt something wrong with his aura... like there was something blazing inside of him that shouldn't be. Because there was

🐲 Your husband shivered before he started to cry. The fourth ring of the Samadhi Fire was now not inside of him, but now inside his oldest child. In his baby boy...

"No... no..."

🐲 As the young boy laughed and the sound of you and your daughter's snoozing breaths echoed in the room, Ao Lie sat there, his face above Tang's as he cried. Why did this have to happen... why couldn't he suffer with the ring inside of him. Why was this world to twisted...

🐲 How was he going to explain this to you...?

╔══════════════════════════════════════════╗

╚═════ Azure Lion ═════════════════════════════╝

💠 You and Azure smiled at one another as he held his son. He looked almost exactly like his father, minus the fact that his father had extremely long hair while his was like tiny stalks of vegetables

💠 Azure was excited to become a father ever since you had told him, and he was even more stoked when you guys found out you were having a son. It was only a few hours afterwards that Azure and you finally picked his name; Wangshu, after the hope that you both held during your battles together

💠 Yellow Tusk, Peng, Sun Wukong, Demon Bull King, and Macaque were all sitting outside of your room. They had been ever since you went into labor, but, as your two midwives' orders when the painful-yet-happily-ending process started

💠 The midwives, Yinghua and Yulan, looked at you two and smiled. Yulan asked if you wanted to see the rest of the Sworn Brothers or if you guys wanted more time alone with your baby

💠 Azure looked up at you and said it was your call. He knew he wasn't the only one who could make these decisions, so he left some up to you. Here, he could care less, he just wanted his son in his arms and his wife next to him

"Go ahead and bring those stinkers in..." you said lowly.

💠 Your husband played with Wangshu's tiny hands when the two women left the room to tell the others they could come in and see you. Thankfully, your doorways were all modified so that the rest of the boys didn't destroy them when walking into a room due to heights and wingspan's

💠 Funnily enough, it was Macaque and Demon Bull King who ran into the room first, with Yellow Tusk and Wukong next and Peng being the last, and calmest one out of the group

💠 Wukong smiled happily as Azure held his son out for the others to look at, and he just laughed when the others began to make their comments on the matter

"He looks just like you, Azure!" -> Yellow Tusk

"Yeah, if I had a say in it, I would've guessed he was purely yours." -> Peng

"Why is he so small... is this what babies are all like?" -> Wukong

"Yes, Wukong. That's what all babies are like at first." -> Demon Bull King

"Yeah, they don't come out all grown up. Do you know how much that would hurt a woman when pushing the thing out? It's like a bean versus a watermelon." -> Macaque

💠 As they continued their conversations, you reached over and grabbed Azure's arm, causing him to look at you. He knew what you wanted, you wanted to hold your son again. And he obliged that request

💠 Azure handed your son to you and kissed your forehead before saying;

"You did amazing, my love. Thank you for giving me the best gift I could ever ask for."

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╚═════ Xiangliu ═══════════════════════════════╝

🐍 Xiangliu and you always shared the same wish in life; the wish to be back where you belong and not stuck in the Underworld surrounded by the idiots who called themselves a 'court'

🐍 You both played your parts in your plan perfectly. But it all went awry when you found out you were pregnant, and let me just say this for you; it was a hard one due to your differentiating parts that the baby got from your lover

🐍 He was nervous when you went into labor. Oh who am I kidding, he was beyond scared. He may portray himself as heartless, but this guy does have a heart deep down in his scaly chest

🐍 Xiangliu looked around as he played with his hands and snake-headed hair. The snake acted the same as him, scared, but as they had no actual form out of his, they shivered whilst he heard the screams coming from you

🐍 Yes, he knew it was pathetic to be waiting outside of the delivery room in this scenario, since it was your first child, but he just couldn't stand seeing you in pain. So, while he sat there, he waited to be called in my either the Underworld's doctor or one of their nurses

"Tenth King, sir. Your wife's delivery-"

"How are they?!"

"-was fine. There were hardly any complications, just a hint more bleeding than normal, but nothing we couldn't fix easily. If you want, we are about to get your daughter back in here, the nurse is just cleaning and wrapping her up."

"Y-yes. Thank you."

"It is of no problem."

🐍 As he practically ran inside the room, he saw you sitting there asleep. No doubt you were extremely wore out from the ordeal, which was understandable. If he went through that pain, he'd probably pass out too

🐍 You rested while the Nine-Headed Demon sat in a nearby chair, which he pushed up next to your bed, and laid his head down on your upper thigh, rubbing in it a comforting motion while he waited on your daughter to be brought to you both

🐍 The nurse walked in just a couple minutes after you awoke, much to Xiangliu's joy. The woman handed you the baby and the snake-haired demon smiled gently as you laid there holding her

🐍 It was only when the nurse left the room and he knew that nobody else could see you guys that he pulled down his hood, revealing the handsome man that he was in your eyes. You smiled gently as he kneeled slightly and allowed his own serpents to coo around the tinier ones that made up your child's hair

🐍 Hopefully, your wish would come true soon so you could get your daughter the experience you wished that you had all of your life. So that not only she and you could be free, but so that Xiangliu could be free too. Free to teach your daughter everything she wanted to know without any limits

"What should we name her?" You asked, lightly rubbing your fingers around her blanket.

"Hm. How about Yong? It means eternal."

"Our eternal ball of chaos... I love it."

"I love you, Y/N."

"I love you too, Xiangliu."

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╚═════ Sun Wukong ════════════════════════════╝

☀️ He was pleased when you announced your pregnancy. Wukong really wanted his own family growing up, and while the monkeys on Flower Fruit Mountain did suffice for a bit, he just wanted a real family

☀️ And as the nine months passed, he studied as much as he could and tried listening to the others (Li Jing) as best as he could to gain some knowledge on fathering

☀️ When your baby began their journey of bringing you pain, Wukong had gotten a surprise door-knock-down from Ne Zha, whom was panting and just grabbed his arm before pulling him up to your home on the mountain. It was a mere half-hour or so later when the Monkie Kids arrived

☀️ As you screamed in pain, Wukong held your hand, falling to his knees at the grip you held on him. He knew you were strong, but sweet Heavens!

☀️ Wukong fell to the ground when you finally let him go as when he heard the baby's cries, he snapped up and looked at his child with widened eyes and a couple tears forming in said eyes

☀️ You smiled at him and leaned your forehead against his, and while your baby was getting cleaned up by the nurses, Wukong stayed with you in the same position, occasionally moving to kiss your head in comfort

"You did good, baby."

☀️ Staying there until the nurse came back in with your baby, she told you the gender, that being a little boy, and asked you what you guys wanted to name the little Monkey Prince

☀️ Looking up at your husband with a quizzical face, you asked him what he wanted to name him

"How about... hmm... Chan-Juan? It means moon... I think."

"No, that doesn't sound right..."

"Uhm, Huojin? Means fire and metal."

"No! Damn why is it so hard to name a kid?"

"Y/N!"

"MK? How did you get here?"

☀️ Monkie Kid smiled and lightly scratched the back of his neck nervously before walking up to you and awing at your son that laid in your arms sleeping. Like father like son...

"Tang used his staff to get us here. Apparently he can do that, weird right? Anyways, what's this little guy's name?"

"Not sure... Wukong's recommendations just don't sound right."

"Hey, I tried."

"Yes, honey, you did. Remember that Bull King's first name choice for Red Son was Prince Burnson."

"Hey!"

"What about Hong? It means rainbow! It sounds cute 'cause, y'know... Sun Wukong and Y/N, the Goddess of Rainbows and Color?"

"Hong Wukong... I like it."

"Heh, nice job, kid!"

"Thanks!"

[happysparklingshadows]

𝙱𝙶𝟹 𝙻𝚊𝚍𝚒𝚎𝚜 ✿ 𝙿𝚛𝚊𝚒𝚜𝚎 ✿

Note: I am still writing A Certain Hunger but I have been very scared about publish it because it has taken so long to write because of some personal issues with my family and work! I hope you like my headcannons about Bg3 woman. They have infested my brain 😵‍💫

Lae’zel 

-Not one to really give or receive praise in a context outside of battle.

-She would compliment you in her husky tone occasionally if you did impressive work against an enemy. But praise for being around? No. 

-Lae’zel grew up in a culture that refuses kindness or praise. “It only makes us slower. We think of our greatness more than being great; I will not fall for that. I know my greatness in the screams of my enemies.” 

-However, over time, and after being introduced to Faeyan culture, she slowly learned that praise was judged as encouragement or care for others. Especially after staying with you to choose her future, she learns the importance of praise but uses it very sparingly. 

-“You did well.” She would say after you kill some goblins. Or the time she mentioned that she liked the “strength” you showed when you got beaten to your last hit point. 

-She was never good at taking praise. She didn’t like being called a good girl; it implied you were superior to her somehow, and she didn’t like being called anything other than Lae’zel. 

-“Champion, You were so strong tonight. It made me shiver.” You told her once as she was sharpening her sword. She stops abruptly and stares ahead of her momentarily, and she starts sharpening again. She got flustered very easily with those words.

-She does say in sex, though, “You take me so well, my scent still on you from last time. Screaming you are mine.” To you in sex. She likes to praise your good behavior as her mate, but she doesn’t think it is praise. She is stating a fact. You were good at taking her????

-She isn’t the best at giving or taking praise, but nothing is better for her when it is earned. She loves to hear your approval of her, and she tries her best to do the same for you because beneath the coldness was someone who couldn’t imagine a world without you. Didn’t want to. 

-I believe after the end of Act 3 in the game, she would call you “good girl” if you told her you liked it and explained how it made you feel. She won’t develop it independently, even with how well she knows you, but she wants to make you feel good. She isn’t above proving herself to you or changing small things, like what to call you in bed.

Karlach

-Fucking loves it and loves giving it both. 

-She calls you baby (girl or boy) whenever she is pleased with your behavior, and she kisses you whenever the urge comes over her, which is a lot. 

-Karlach has no shame or embarrassment to praise her beautiful Girlfriend. 

-Karlach had helped you once with her strength; you had asked them to hold you up as you wanted to grab a honeycomb. Her solid and big hands grabbed your waist gently and lifted you up like you were nothing; it made you feel flustered and turned on.

-“Gods, I don’t think I have ever met anyone as strong as you, Karlach! That was amazing!” You said without a filter when your feet met the ground again. You looked up to the now-flustered barbarian. “Seriously,” you say as you touch her bicep innocently to investigate your girlfriend's muscle, “What were you fed as a child? Rocks and nails?” 

-Which ended up with you pushed against that tree and fucked beyond belief. 

-The night came over you that night under the tree. You lay naked in the grass with Karlach. You hear the turning of mechanical parts in her chest as you look up at her, resting your chin on her breast, “You are so beautiful. It is just a privilege to love you, Karlach. Truly, I can’t believe we haven’t known each other longer for how much you have taken from my heart.”

-Karlach is a soft girl sometimes, and saying something like that to her would make her stare at you with tears in her eyes. She softly cries, not believing what you are saying. She chuckles at her own tears at such a nice thing. She sniffles and says, “Thank you, baby, I can’t- ah, I can’t find the words to tell you how much that makes me feel. I love you. You are the best love I have ever known.” 

-You kiss her skin softly as you cuddle closer to the tearful tiefling, “I love you too. So greatly… it’s good to know it is mutual.”

-“It is, baby, it really is. Tonight is such a beautiful night.”

Shadowheart 

-Shadowheart doesn’t admit it, but she has such a big praise kink. 

-It started when you two met when you noticed how she would look away when you thanked her for saving you, or she would blush when you told her how great she was beside you in a fight. 

-But she was slow with her love and couldn’t be won over with some simple praise. It takes time to win her trust, let alone her heart.

-She finds her need for your praise as something she needs to hide. It was a vulnerability to exploit if she let it show. It is how she is used to being. She tries to hide her happiness with praise, but it is hard. 

-But, when you two start seeing each other seriously, she takes that shit to the heart every time. 

-“Good girl.” You said in passing when she healed you without being asked. It caused her to blush and feel a heat wave through her.

-She was happy to make things easier for you when she was in love with you and away from Shar. She doesn’t need anyone's approval anymore, no more sacrifices to be enough. She was enough to you. It made her feel comfortable. 

-Shadow wasn’t scared to praise you back. She is similar to Karlach in that way. She has no shame when she is happy with you to tell you that or give you a look that communicates that she will treat you to something more. 

-One night after she had abandoned Shar, she was still very lost and felt not herself. Even her hair isn’t the same as what she remembered. She didn’t remember much. It killed her, and you came to your shared tent. 

-“Shadow, I want you to know I haven’t met someone with so much bravery before.” You say to her as she sits across from you, saddened and quiet, and you come closer to her. “You were scared and did what you thought was right, and it was right, without knowing how it would end up. You dared to do something that terrified you. It inspires me, my love.” You finish as you touch her hand, you move a hair out of her face that still looks at the ground. She had red cheeks, and her breath was hitched. She needed to hear that. But she couldn’t find words to speak. “My brave cleric.” You say as you touch her cheek tenderly with a finger, rubbing it up and down and moving it away. “I think you will find your nerve again. Give it some time.”

-She, of course, finds it again and is her typically goofy brooding self again. And she remembers those words when she is afraid. She reminds herself that you find her brave, so she must act bravely. 

-The praise you give her keeps her sane even if she will never admit it. 

Minthara 

-Praise is not something to take or give lightly to Minthara. 

-Minthara is 230 years old (45ish in human years), and you are way younger than her by a hundred(s) of years. She sees you as someone who has yet to mold into a fully well-rounded person, and she likes to see herself as some kind of mentor and lover. 

-Minthara smirked at you when you did something she liked in the company of your party; she would back you up on almost any decision you made. If you kill or attack someone without asking questions, she will give you a nod and a “Good kill.” 

-Minthara doesn’t hate when she is praised by you. It gave her a reasonable confidence boost that she needed right now. But she scoffs at it and doesn’t like overly affectional praise or one that doesn’t feel earned. 

-She thinks the best praise is in sex with your moans and begs to her. She worships you, eyes devouring you as much as her mouth did to your clit. Her fingers toying and occasionally pinching your nipples, she moans into your body as she tastes your essence. She loves hearing how good she is doing and how great you feel; she keeps her path of getting your cum on her lips. 

-Minthara kisses up your body when she is done. She links her hips with yours with firm thrusts against you, and she says down to you, “Good girl, that’s right, move with me.” 

[butchvamp]

i finished the game last night, here are my unpolished thoughts about the final act and what i liked & didn't like. this is very long and probably incoherent lol

what i liked:

the whole final battle was awesome, i loved the combat, and i really enjoyed the huge cutscenes of everyone fighting together. i had been really disappointed earlier about the lack of a battle scene at weisshaupt a la ostagar in origins, and this definitely made up for it

i liked the suicide mission and actually getting to assign people their roles in the battle

i LOVED Solas's betrayal, that whole section in the fade prison with the statues was one of the strongest scenes in the game, i think the entire relationship between Rook and Solas is really well developed. as the player, we know Solas is manipulating them, but i think they did a good job making it so it's still believable for Rook to fall for his tricks, especially with the Blood of Arlathan quest before this. (also it's very obvious Solas is Weekes' favorite, wish they would have just stuck to him and not all that other dogshit...lol)

i liked the idea of Varric's role here, but not the execution. i'll come back to this lmao

the giant dread wolf and archdemon fight was cool as fuck. no notes. that's just classic rule of cool, baby

also i had Davrin in my party while fighting alongside Solas and i really enjoyed his banter with him and how hard he laid into Solas's ass. it was very satisfying. yippee go Davrin!

okay. now. what i didn't like (sorry not going to bother with bullet points, it's going to be longer down here lol):

while i liked the suicide mission structure, i hated how the game all but told you who to assign where. there were no stakes at all, there was no way to get it wrong unless you did so intentionally.

this also brings me to. The Choice. between Davrin and Harding. i understand the need for a "fallen hero" here, it ties into the entire theme of regret with Solas as we see in the fade prison, it was necessary for Rook to be the person "at fault" (aka directly make the choice that ends with someone getting killed) but this choice was dogshit. it also was really fucking stupid to see Harding climb up and stand atop a giant stone pillar, and then NOT use her stone magic!!! i don't hate the idea of someone dying here, but this was just a series of failed choices over and over again. we should not have pitted returning fan fave Harding against the single Black companion (who comes in late and barely even gets his own story outside of his damn pet)-- it should have been Harding (narratively satisfying, she's been here since the beginning and dies for the fight) or Lucanis (he is literally the guy taking the shot), we also shouldn't have tied all the dwarf lore revelations to a character that can just fucking die at the end, and we shouldn't have had her stand on a giant stone pillar when she has STONE MAGIC!! i knew this choice was coming but her death still caught me off guard cus i was fully expecting her to collapse that stone pillar on her, not use her stupid puny bow 😭

i think this choice is also weakened by the fact that it's THEE only choice. it's obviously an echo of the earlier Treviso and Minrathous choice, which also didn't really seem to affect much outside of potentially losing the corresponding factions (and i think Lucanis's romance gets locked out?) i saved Treviso, so i got the Treviso questline later, and i assume that you get a Minrathous specific questline with the Shadow Dragons if you save the other instead (haven't seen myself tho so i'm not sure, just guessing). but it's very easy to recover the Shadow Dragon's reputation, and the final battle takes place in Minrathous no matter what. the only way for companions to die or the battle to fail is to just straight up ignore quests. you can't lose a faction's support at all unless you intentionally try to do so. i don't even think you can lose companions at all unless you intentionally ignore their quests and place them in the wrong spot. though the game still holds your hand through the battle and basically Tells You who to put where so they survive.

and to be fair. this is true for the suicide mission in mass effect 2, but the thing is, there is so much more dialogue and variations with how you can play your character and interact with the companions and the world than there is in veilguard, it makes it feel like you do have more control over your character and the narrative, even if it's just the illusion of choice.

and then with Solas, it doesn't matter, he always ends up trapped/linked to the Fade, it just changes how he feels. (they also do this with the First Warden. i was excited for a potential variation between punching/not punching, but all it changes is his attitude when you find him later in Davrin's quest) okay.... well. is he going to return again after that post credit scene? and are they really going to write 3 (or 4, with lavellan i guess) different branching personality variations?

i think the powers that be just wanted to get rid of him in a way that would still leave the dragon age setting ultimately unaltered and open for more games in the future. especially given the secret post credits scene. which i also have an issue with. we're going to go from "it was all the Evanuris fault" to Actually, it was this secret third thing and everything we did was for nothing! AGAIN! if they want to make more dragon age games, they can just... start a new story. do they know that. (the fact they're implying Loghain was influenced by some outside force to do what he did at ostagar actually has me livid lol. leave origins alone!!!!)

anyways. now the fade prison. i have two issues, my main one being Varric. i actually started to suspect early on something was up with him, because he just sits in that damn infirmary the entire game, no interactions, barely any dialogue. i think Varric was horribly underutilized in this game, and it results in all of the emotional beats around him falling flat for me. of course, it's emotional for ME, the player, because Varric is a fan fave returning character and one of my own personal favorites. as far as i've seen in game, though... Rook has no relationship with him at all. i think this game would have been vastly improved with short playable origins that showed the two meeting and developing a relationship, and also he really really needed to have more scenes and dialogue in general. he's barely in the second half of the game, literally just sitting all by himself in that damn room, and even when he is in the cutscenes he has one single line that everyone obviously just ignores. it sucked. very disappointing finale for a really beloved character... it could have been so good if it was good....

because i DO love the idea of Solas using him to manipulate Rook (and i really like Varric and Solas's relationship & the way they contrast against each other), and also the idea of how being tricked in that way would actually affect Rook-- what's real, what's not, can they even trust what they're seeing at all anymore? especially when Solas "glitches" between Varric and Lucanis (idk if it's always him or your LI? would be cool if it's your LI, that's what i assumed) after slaying Ghilan'nain-- this could have tied in with the final romance scene. but of course the game doesn't get into any of that at all.

and now issue 2. how the fuck did Solas do that LOL. how did he switch places, how did he get out, how did it take Rook in his place when it was designed for elven gods? where are the other elven gods (did i just miss this explanation? did the other two just kill them in there)? 🤷 when did this place suddenly turn into a prison of regrets? was that Solas's presence influencing it, or did he do that intentionally for Rook? dont know! who cares. moving on...

i romanced Lucanis, and i was really disappointed with his romance. the final scene was sweet, but.... i think particularly with Lucanis you can tell so much of his story and arc ended up on the cutting room floor, it feels disjointed and as if we're missing pieces, and you can feel it in his romance, too. i also really didnt understand the "keep flirting (not a lock in) or end it now" choices that didnt feel like they did anything at all. why was i given like 3 different times to break up with him when we weren't even dating yet lmao. the romance was a bummer, of course i love the setting and the story but i go into these games expecting strong romance along with it and i was really banking on that being the highlight in this mess of a game but. alas

this also segues me back into the whole "trapped in the Fade prison" section. why was there no reunion with both your LI and everyone else? apparently Rook was in there for WEEKS!!! they hardly communicate this and Rook just reappears and jumps straight back into leading the team, no tears or questions asked about how they found them, how they got out, what everyone was thinking while they were gone... we also get a deus ex machina knife, how convenient that they did all that while i was gone and no explanation is given as to how it could possibly fool Solas, just trust us bro! 💆 i feel like trying to craft our own copy of the knife should have been something actively happening in the background throughout the entire game, and it gets finished while Rook is in the Fade. but this truly came out of nowhere lol

again i think it's obvious things were cut and rewritten and maybe this was the result of a frantic scramble to come up with something that would work, and i'll be generous and blame it on that, i guess...

when we finally get to the final confrontation with Solas, i was very excited, because again i feel like Rook and Solas's relationship is the best in the game, Solas's writing is consistent and strong, i knew this scene had to be good.... and i guess it was? but it felt so unsatisfying. i chose to fight him (my Rook would do anything to get him to shut up) and i was hoping for. an actual fight. you can do it with Mythal earlier in the game, and we already saw his giant wolf form, i was so excited. and then. no<3

okay! sure. we beat him with the power of friendship (not surprised and not even making fun of it here, it makes sense narratively, i knew some version of this was coming after the whole comparing Rook versus Solas bit in the Fade) but come onnnnn i wanted to fight the giant wolf.... sigh. i did check out the other endings as well, and it's clear the redemption ending is the "true" ending and also the best written one imo.

overall. this was a bad dragon age game. i had a lot of fun playing it though, so it's not a bad game game. the gameplay loop never got boring, i never got tired exploring or doubling back, i loved the maps, i loved the combat, and i did love the companions. but the writing is atrocious and racist. this is a horrible dragon age game. i don't know where i fall on recommending this. again, i've had a lot of fun playing and dissecting it, but i dont know that i could recommend this to dragon age fans. this would have been way more successful as a completely different fantasy game. the changes to the lore, disregarding the majority of the games that came before it, the horrible depictions of returning characters (the inquisitor and isabela were the worst offenders for me) the setting and characters feeling watered down and incomplete, the complete lack of the classic "grey morality" shtick (even if it's not always been implemented well)... idk man. bummer! it's obvious there was a cohesive vision at one point, i do think this game is a casualty of the current state of the gaming industry (i was honestly surprised it was functional on launch. not shade at bioware just in general that is rare to see now) we know EA thrashed bioware throughout development, and bioware made a lot of really bad choices, too (the racism is absolutely their doing, they made that choice back in inquisition). but we can see, particularly in the artbook, that there were good ideas & an intention to actually tie everything together and give this story the finale it deserved... but it all got lost along the way in a very ugly, chaotic development. and the game really suffers for it.

[aetherdecember]

Look, I love BBC Merlin and how they told the lore, but I’m a sucker for the relationship between Arthur and Mordred in the mythology. Specifically, I love how Mary Stewart (author of The Arthurian Saga**) and Nancy Springer (author of I Am Mordred**) wrote about the father/son relationship between them. So naturally, my brain has been conjuring up how I can include that in my Flipping the Coin au.

Since the main premise is Merlin died/Arthur lives, and now Arthur is the one waiting for Merlin to come back, things would stay consistent with canon up to the last episode (when Merlin flips the coin of their destiny and sacrifices himself so Arthur can live and thus stop Camlann from happening altogether). Which is where this idea will start:

Gwen is barren. She and Arthur never have kids. Eventually, everyone Arthur knows and loves dies. He can’t rule Camelot forever, and after Gwen’s death, he no longer wants to, so he fakes his death and wanders off figure out why he’s still here. He never gets an answer for that. Arthur spends the next millennium waiting. He keeps living. He meets people, experiences things he’d never experienced before, and learns things he’d never dreamed of learning. He can’t stay anywhere long, or else suspicions will rise, but he gets to see the world change, how technology advances, and witness humans continuing to be humans. When war breaks out, he joins the battle. It’s familiar. The rush of adrenaline is the same whether he’s wielding a sword or a gun. Only, he can’t see the enemy’s face anymore.

Peace comes again. At some point, he sleeps with a woman, and she happens to become pregnant. Bisexual disaster that he is, he’s had all sorts of partners from both sexes, but has never had this happen, even before the advent of reliable birth control. Later, he’ll learn her name is Morgause. She doesn’t look like the Morgause he knew before, nor does she act like her, but her name haunts him. After the baby is born, she gives him to Arthur, says she has no intentions of being a mother, and leaves. The last thing she had said to him was the baby’s name.

Mordred.

That night, Arthur holds Mordred and weeps.

There is irony in his son being named Mordred. First, in that the legends surrounding him, Merlin, Camelot, the Knights of the Round Table, and all of it, had long ago decided Mordred was his son. And two, in a retelling of that legend, it had aptly phrased what he sensed was happening now. Granted, he isn’t a sorcerer, he doesn’t have magic, so he can’t support his feeling with anything other than he’d been around a long time and knew to his very core that it was true. Mordred’s birth is a signal of the beginning of the end.

Fatherhood brings him a new sense of purpose. Gone are the days of loneliness and drudgery. Every day with Mordred brings a new light into his life. Each smile is a miracle. Seeing Mordred experience things for the first time brings a new appreciation. Being there to watch him grow makes time fly like it never has before. But Arthur is afraid. He doesn’t want to be his father. He doesn’t know how to be a father, or what the right way to do it is. In all the years he’s been on the Earth, he’s never known a man who could concretely say, “This is the way to raise a son,” and actually reap the fruits of their efforts. Too frequently, he’d seen sons grow outside of the visions their fathers molded for them and receive only disappointment and disdain in return. So he was afraid, because he too had been that son.

*cue a series of fluffy father/son one shots of Arthur raising Mordred until Merlin comes back, takes one look, and is is like WTF????? No, I won’t have Mordred for a step son >:(*

**Mary Stewart and Nancy Springer have several other works, not just the stories I mentioned. The ones mentioned are the ones I’m pulling inspiration from ^^

Additional notes below the break:

Guinevere’s barrenness is not a headcanon I typically subscribe to for BBC Merlin. My headcanon is that after Arthur’s death, Gwen gives birth, and their child eventually succeeds her as ruler.

I’ve always seen Mordred’s appearance as the harbinger of Arthur’s downfall. Thus, the reason for the plot bunnies in my brain going crazy with this idea of how I could bring him in, still remain mostly canon compliant with BBC Merlin, and build off some of my favorite parts of the lore. (Mandatory disclaimer: for BBC Merlin, I don’t headcanon Mordred as Arthur’s son. But for the mythology, I do wholeheartedly support that canon.)

Arthur’s choice to participate and live once Camelot is gone is a decision to contrast my headcanon of how Merlin handled it. I don’t think Merlin thrived. I think he stayed busy, and tried to remain hopeful, but I think he was anxiously consumed with the anticipation of wondering when Arthur would come back. In this au, Arthur may or may not know that Merlin is supposed to come back (I’m still working on that detail), but he’s always been around others. I think he would seek camaraderie, and companionship, and that he would connect with others but only to a superficial level. I don’t think he’d exist in a void of loneliness. Plus, he doesn’t have the guilt of knowing he failed because the pressure from the prophecy is very one sided *coughcough*causemerlinnevertoldhim*coughcough*

Anyways, that’s enough rambling from me about this. I’ll probably share some snippets of writing next because there are some fantastic scenes coming together in the draft so stay tuned! ;D

[singing-cicada]

List of people Zagreus Hadesgame should get to hang out with and reasons:

1. Soldiers and battlefield healers - lots of blood so it's an easy anchor + Ares lets him wander around and Thanatos is usually already there so he can take him home before he starts fainting

2. Fishermen - he stands in puddles of fish blood as he fishes for surface sea life. All the fisherman are initially confused at a half-on-fire-man hanging out at the docks until he casts his line. At some point he starts asking them for the names of what he's caught and they decide to teach him more about fishing in general.

3. In the same vein: butchers - he is honestly just curious and hangs around. He has a lot of fun people watching, and accidently becomes a symbol of good fortune; if he visits your shop then you have a lot of experience under your belt from many years of work and/or have a lot of product. It's a correlation of amount of blood, past and present, that makes it easier for him to anchor to a butchers experience and prosperity. Butchers star putting out stools with bowls of fresh blood underneath to invite his attention.

4. Midwives, new mothers, and newborns - he has seen a lot of lives ending, but seeing one begin??? Breathtaking. He's very polite and after every stops being terrified that he's here to claim/kill/curse/bless the baby he becomes a comfort. He's present at a lot of successful births so at first he's considered good luck. When's the first time he was present for a still birth, he was very gentle, he promised the (should have been) mother to carry the babe himself, to bring her to rest. They midwives no longer considered him an omen; he was a comfort at loss and a companion in joy.

5. Prepubescent/adolescent girls - more specifically before or as their periods start. Women make the connection between bleeding in labor to bleeding monthly and tell their daughters to ask for his help. Some for health, some for strength, some for relief.

6. Anyone who stumbles across his mother's cottage while he's visiting - most people know to clock him as a deity or associated figure so there really respectful. He'll offer them some produce and a flower of their choice if their polite. If he finds someone has already taken they are either 1. Allowed to leave with the items if he can tell they're desperate or acted in good faith that the house was abandoned or 2. Promptly removed with warranted force if they acted out of greed/blatant disrespect for the occupant (his mom). Weird stories start spreading that the garden is so abundant because he waters it with blood or that the house used to belong to a midwife who attracted Zagreus's attention with all the blood soaked into the wood.

It becomes almost like his first shrine: rumours have made it clear not to steal from the garden or enter the house, so people leave offerings on/outside the fences. Bloodied sheets, fish bones, seeds and dried flowers. Young women leave flower crowns when they stop bleeding, and young men leave laurels when before and after battle; his aid in spilling blood and thanks that their heart still beat.

[izzydaninja]

Sonic with baby Shadow! Finally writing something for this!!

Chaotic Reaction - Part 1: A Little Stuck

Hands cupped around a small, fragile package as he keeps it close to his chest in an effort to protect it. He hurriedly rushes through a deep, swampy forest he’s not the most familiar with. Shoes soaked and slipping in the muddiest puddles as rain pours down all around.

He wasn’t even sure where he was heading anymore, under all these thick, slumped trees. And even that doesn’t change that rain still manages to coat him all over, leaving him dripping wet as he continues to scramble away with something needing protecting.

He was covered in small aches and pains from the battle he’d just managed to escape, although, barely as he still runs from the shrieking engine of his mechanical copy, and his many other clone brothers –er- whatever they’re called. Being hunted through this wretched weather fog was not on his day-plan.

Seeing a nice cover under a short, stubby tree hanging over–his quick feet slip not so graciously a few times as he attempts to turn in the tree's direction. One of his hands had to pull free of protecting his package in order to catch himself briefly so he could book-it for the tree.

His free hand swats the large, hanging leaves of the drooping tree, out of his way before he dives towards the trunk, where the ground’s layered in a puddle, like everywhere else. The leaf slides back down, shadowing the hedgehog in its protection as speeding blurs zip by, almost endlessly.

He carefully curls around himself, subconsciously trying to shield what he holds, as his eyes dart back and forth, zoning in on every single bot that speeds by, making sure they don’t catch notice of him in his last-minute hiding spot.

When the last one zips by, and the engines are no longer in range to be heard, he slumps in relief, finally exhaling to breathe properly. Only then, does he realize how protective he was acting towards his company, and he awkwardly clears his throat, opening his hands to reveal his little companion. A little black and red hedgehog, looking up at him with big, reflective ruby red eyes. Eyes that hold nothing but innocent curiosity, a childish curiosity that doesn’t belong on the face of his rival.

“Uh.. Shadow?” He voices, trying to be quiet in case the Metal Sonic’s weren’t too far off. “You’re.. Still in there, right?”

The little hedgehog just sits in the palms of his soaked hands, also a little wet, but doesn’t react in any way that would suggest he’d even spoken to the little guy.

With an overly stressed and frustrated groan, he pulls a hand free to brush back his own messed up quills, trying to ease the way they started to spike out in defense. His eyes, panickily glued to the little hog in his hand.

“Okay.. It’s fine.” He tries to ease, with a slight shake of his voice. “If I can just get a hold of Tails, he should be able to… ah.. Right.. Communicator was lost in the fight.” He thinks aloud, eyes now traveling down to his bare wrist, where a few deep cuts lie, a pinkish red, staining his fur where the rain washed at it.

“And Tails is halfway across the world, right now..” He adds with an uneasy sound. Shrunken, tired eyes, drift back to the mini hedgehog in his grasp, which has now lost interest in him, and is looking around the makeshift tree-tent they are currently sitting beneath.

Lips pulled tight, tension making him feel antsy, he watches the little hedgehog, unable to process much outside of: “We’re in trouble…”

A chill riding up his spine, finally draws his mind back into his body and–oh–does he feel the shiver that wracks him from the ice-cold mini-pool he’s sitting in, along with how soaked he already is, rain getting through his quills and fur as if he were in the ocean. Running helped keep his adrenaline going, it kept him warm, kept him busy. Now, he can feel the blistering chill of the wind blowing through the leaves, hitting his drenched self, and feeling as though it’s tearing straight through him. It felt about as cold as winter! The only–hardly–good thing about that, was the fact it numbed most of the injuries he’d sustained over the course of their battle with Metal Sonic and his army of twins.

A particularly sharp gust of wind blew through, and reflexively made him curl in on himself. Shivering against the thick trunk of the tree, he notices he’s not the only one getting affected by the extreme weather and lack of action. A faint trembling in his hand, had him look down to the tiny, curled ball in his palm, that is shivering up a storm of its own. A small, shaky, squeak sounding from the wet ball of fur.

Reacting on instincts and past experience–with a–not as young–fox–he immediately rips off his soaked gloves, dropping them in the pool of water as he cups his hands around the little hedgehog, trying to help warm him up again.

“Sorry, Shads..” His voice cuts a little from the cold. “If I could, I’d get a fire or something going, but-” Another gust of wind cuts his sentence off short, and he turns his back to it, curling more around the little hedgehog in his hands. “I don’t even see why I’m explaining this to you..” He shivers out. “You’re nowhere near old enough to understand this stuff right now. And even if you can understand, you’d already know from the obvious.”

Outside their little tent is barely lit from daylight trying to illuminate through the thick, gray clouds rolling in, leaving the inside of their natural tent, nearly pitch-black. As that does make their hiding spot safer from the mirror army of droids, it is also making running home right now a more dangerous option. Not being able to see his enemies coming, or where he’s going, especially with all this heavy rain. Tonight was going to be a trip…

The occasional sounds of the robotic copies' engines whirring out with a speeding light not too far, suggests those machines were still on the hunt, and since water doesn’t seem to affect them, they’d likely be looking all night long if it came to it. Meaning, he’s going to need to move places soon. But that won’t be happening until he’s certain these copies are far enough away that he won’t draw any attention.

It was getting darker, and the rainwater on the ground was now reaching his ankles, and he can officially say his feet were numb. The rain had long since gotten through his shoes and filled them with water, soaking his socks, too, and as uncomfortable as it is, he’d also accepted the fact he’d have to deal with it, till he can get back to Tails’ lab.

With a shaky exhale, he leans forward, away from the trunk of the tree, checking outside their little tent for the fifth time since daylight died out. Leaving things next to pitch-black and making it to where the vaguest of shadows were his only indication that something was there. At least, until another Metal clone came flying back, leaving an orange glow in its wake.

The area seemed clear. He hasn’t seen, nor heard anything, though, that could be because of the lack of light, and the overwhelming splashing of the rain, along with the rumbling claps of thunder. Seeing or hearing anything right now, would be near impossible. But he hasn’t seen any bright glowing red eyes, or orange flaming engines flying around, so that should, hopefully, mean they’re in the clear. For now..

Unable to see in the dark, he brushes a thumb over the quilled ball in his cupped hands, trying to check on the little fluff ball, who’s no longer shivering. A rough vibration with a small gruff sound from the little hedgehog was enough of a warning to not do that again. Okay. He still doesn’t like being touched. Noted.

Unfortunately, though, in this situation, without the advantage of sight; Sonic needed a free hand to feel around for directions, so Shadow was going to have to deal with it. And so, he shifted the little quilled ball into one hand–earning another little growl at the movement–and held him against his chest to help with keeping the wind from him.

And with a free hand, he reaches down into the water feeling for where he’d discarded his gloves–not wishing to leave a trail–before he steps out of their little shield in hopes of finding better shelter for the night. At least, someplace much drier.

“You are so going to owe me after this.” He grumbles aloud. The thunder, so graciously covering it up. Though, I do really hope you don’t remember any of this after you’re back to normal.

[aikoiya]

DPxDC Rant - Superman Isn't A Clonophobe

Hey, this is basically just a compilation of all my thoughts in regards to the subject of Clark being a clonophobe & a bad person from @nelkcats & @wolfeyedwitch's posts on the subject.

A lot of this is just retreading old ground, but I realized that I don't have a post of my own on the subject. I thought I did, but I don't. So, this is just me putting it all out there in one spot. I might add onto it later, but right now, this is good enough.

---

I think Supes is a genuinely nice guy & if someone were to actually try & talk to him about it, he could get to a point where he realizes that he was wrong about Kon & be genuinely apologetic.

Like, everyone's so busy demonizing him over the clone thing that a lot of people don't look at the situation from his perspective.

I just... I guess that I see it as victim-blaming. Not that Connor isn't also a victim, but Lex stole Clark's DNA without his permission & used it to create another person who he wanted to use against Superman. That's basically baby-trapping which is a thing that legit happens & it isn't right.

Woman who impregnated self with stolen semen from billionaire wins child support battle (vanguardngr.com)

So, yes! If you're pro-choice, but also think that the man should pay child support even if he never wanted the kid or you think that Supes shouldn't be allowed to say that he doesn't want Connor in his life, then that is both hypocritical, sexist, & misandristic.

At the same time, Supes' situation could also be considered analogous to a rape victim being forced to keep the baby & raise it despite having been so thoroughly traumatized by the experience.

Like, women these days can freely get abortions or give their kids up for adoption when the abortion doesn't work & it's considered brave & even merciful, but when Clark is put in the exact same position & he doesn't want anything to do with Connor, he's a horrible clonophobe?? Yes, it's horrible, but there is a definite double standard there.

Hell, there are even people these days debating if it's moral for a woman to tell the doctors not to aide the baby when the abortion does fail! And in California, a bill was suggested that would make it perfectly legal for a woman to just up & decide to let her child, one alive outside the womb & no longer attached to the mother, to starve to death if she decides she doesn't want to be a mother anymore despite her life in no way being in danger from the child & adoption being an option! It's just... frivolous!!

And that's perfectly fine, apparently!

Yet, a man who doesn't want to be a father is forced to provide child support? There are even situations where a woman knows that the baby isn't his, but tricks him into thinking it is in order to get that sweet, sweet child support.

(4) How common is it for a woman to intentionally get pregnant to trap a man? Do you know anyone this has happened to? - Quora

You can't deny that it happens! Yet, *nasally voice* oh, the man's responsible. He shouldn't have had sex with her if he didn't want a kid. He did that to her! He got her pregnant! Nyeh-nyeh-nyeh-nyeh-nyeh!

*normal voice* Good grief, why the double standards?

If the man is responsible because if he didn't want a baby, he shouldn't have been having sex, then the same is true of women. If they didn't want kids, then they shouldn't have been having sex either! Period!

Like, don't get me wrong, Clark is absolutely wrong for the way he treated Connor, but it's still understandable why he reacted that way. He was hurt!

Again, it's by no means a good reason to act that way, but it is a reason & an understandable one at that.

Clark is a down home, salt of the earth, good ol' boy & I just think that if the JL had informed Ma & Pa of the situation, then things would've been sorted out much sooner. They'd straighten their boy out quick! And if Clark is still determined to be stubborn & hard-headed about it, then if nothing else, I can see Ma & Pa taking Connor in & giving him all the love he deserves.

To me, this is the Superman I know:

And this is why I think that people are too hard on Supes:

All-in-all, I don't think that he'd be opposed to all clones. Rather, I feel like he has a problem with Kon, specifically, for a very misguided reason.

Besides, Danny has no room to criticize because even though he reacted differently to the revelation of Dani's existence, he is also canonically known to misplace his aggressions. It's even made into a joke in the show. Like, they verbally address it!

One such instance is in the Fright Before Christmas episode where he says that he hates Christmas, but by seeing his reasoning, you realize that it isn't actually Christmas itself that he's angry at, but his parents who argue constantly during Christmas & allow said arguing to ruin the Christmases of those around them.

And, you can pretend that this wasn't a situation of misplaced aggression, but keep in mind that he went to the Ghost Zone to destroy a bunch of Christmas items to take out his aggression on the holiday even though it's just the background for the source of his anger. Then, upon learning that the book he'd destroyed was a Christmas one, his apology turned to satisfaction! He also said so himself!

That's a form of misplaced aggression.

Displaced aggression is defined as "occurs when an animal or human is fearful or agitated by external stimuli, a provocation, or perception, but is unable or unwilling to direct their aggression toward the stimulus. The aggressor may direct aggression toward whoever is nearest." That's exactly what's happening here!

I theorize that he subconsciously feels like it's preferable to hate Christmas than to actually confront his parents' negligence & be angry at them.

Keep in mind, he never blames his parents for their unsafe practices that lead to him half dying.

Danny points his frustrations towards those who aren't at fault all the time. Maybe not in the case of Dani, but definitely in other situations.

---

Furthermore, I also feel like I have to clarify that I grew up watching Smallville, which is sort of a prequel to the Superman saga.

And, in it, (spoiler warning) for a lot of the earlier seasons, Clark & Lex are friends. Like, legit good friends.

So, that probably colors my perspective as, from my point of view, being betrayed so severely by someone who was once your friend hurts a whole hell of a lot worse than someone who's always been your enemy. Especially when you've got as big of a heart with as much love in it as Clark. When you love so freely, it's easy to get hurt & in a lot of ways, it hurts worse when those you trust most betray you.

Also, Smallville? Fun show, ya'll should totally check it out.

Now, anyway, I admit that this probably isn't the case with most iterations of Superman, but I can't help that this was one of my primary sources on the characters' personalities growing up & as a result, I do tend to operate under the assumption that this is his backstory.

Because of this, I might be a little biased & in some way think that Clark might've been experiencing that betrayal by Lex all over again &, to be fair, knowing that he hurt Supes so bad, even if it's only on an emotional level, would absolutely thrill Lex & Clark probably knows that.

Like, I wouldn't be surprised if Clark had mostly gotten over the betrayal, but then this shit happens & it's like the wound is fresh all over again.

So, in this situation, Clark has nowhere to really put all that anger than on Connor, which is wrong, but also understandable.

Because, he can't even let Lex know he's upset because it'd just make the other man happy. Why would Superman give him that satisfaction? In other words, he can't really hurt Lex beyond some annoyance which sucks.

On the other hand, Danny & Vlad were never friends, the millionaire's dumbass monologue about killing Jack & marrying Maddie nipped that prospect in the bud in the literal first episode that he appeared in. So discovering that the guy cloned him didn't hurt Danny practically at all other than the violation itself because he'd already dismissed Vlad as a creepy frootloop.

Meanwhile, from the very start, Vlad wanted Danny as his son, so in some form or fashion, he does care & place value on him. It might be a selfish sort of value, but it is value nonetheless. He obviously has zero idea how to show that care & when he tries, it comes out very toxic & harmful, but he does care. Thus, when Danny rejects him, it hurts. And, somewhere, Danny probably knows this.

Which is why he's free to point his anger at Vlad rather than Dani. To point all that anger & frustration at exactly the person that was responsible. Clark doesn't get to do that. At least, not to the extent that he probably wants to.

Whereas in the case of the Christmas debacle, Danny doesn't want to hate his parents, so he finds it easier to take that frustration out on Christmas because Christmas has never made him happy & won't have the same emotional fallout to it that confronting the fact that his parents are selfish & self-absorbed & negligent would.

Because of this, having Danny lecture Superman on not misplacing his anger actually makes him come across as a bit of a hypocrite & it isn't fair because I have yet to see this point brought up in fics. Instead, Danny is portrayed as completely in the right! Like, it'd be one thing if their version of Danny had grown out of displacing his anger & was even trying to actually move on from it.

Hell, they could even make it so Danny is lecturing Supes from the perspective of someone who used to do it himself & is working on getting better at it. But they don't & instead protray him as holier than thou.

At the end of the day, I just don't think that a lot of fic writers, at least, none of the ones I've read about, give the situation the nuance it deserves, instead going the easy route & turning Superman into an irredeemable asshole when he really isn't. Not usually anyway.

In this situation, yeah, he was kinda a dick, but there's a reason & I feel like people either ignore that fact completely or just say "not good enough."

Hell, they don't even take into account the fact that even in Young Justice, where he's an ass, he doesn't stay that way! He eventually accepts Connor, so why harp on him about it!?

Edit: Someone seemed to be under the impression that I thought Superman had it worse. To the contrary, he has it way better.

This isn't a victim contest, it's about understanding why the characters might've reacted the way they did & that has nothing to do with who has it worse.

You don't have to have a bad life to react badly to things. It's all in how you process information & experiences.

Clark just processed the situation in a very bad way in this particular instance.

The point was to show how the 2 aren't all that different. I can easily see the 2's reactions being switched in the right circumstances.

The thing is, I don't understand why not knowing that Connor was also genetically created from Lex would somehow stop Superman from reacting the way he did towards Connor because didn't he know that he himself was Connor's genetic template from pretty much the beginning?

Plenty of people react badly to having a kid regardless of who the other parent was.

DP Character HC Masterlist

[chosenimagines]

I personally love headcanoning the idea that Leonard actually does have a relationship with his nephews.

I mean, I would’ve loved it if we had gotten to learn more or been introduced to Leonard siblings and maybe see that they themselves certainly dealt with their own hurdles with having Beverly as a mom. There’s no way anyone can convince me that she didn’t do damage to all 3 of her kids and I’m sure Leonard’s big sister (I hc her name is Katherine) and their little brother Michael both had their own unhealthy relationships with their “Scientist Always, Mother Never” parent.

We know from what Leonard has said that his little brother was a bit of a dick to him so maybe any reconnect between the two would take longer, but Leonard doesn’t say anything negative about his big sister so what if they actually reconnected and started to mend that bridge? Getting closure now that they’re both adults - I think I remember his big sister is supposed to be like six or seven years older than him?

So picture this: It’s pre-Penny moving into the building, Leonard has been Sheldon’s established roommate for a while, and maybe he gets a surprised call from Katherine - she’s shocked too at having made the call - cuz she’s gonna be in the LA area for a medical conference thing and she’s been battling with herself to get in touch with Leonard to catch up… Cue them meeting up, some initial awkwardness thanks to being estranged siblings, but eventually they put the cards on the table and fuss up about their fucked up childhoods - maybe Katherine having felt guilt for not protecting her brothers from their mom but she was a kid too - and things start to mend between the two of them.

Things move along with the continued mending of their relationship with emails and phone calls - Leonard gets to know his brother-in-law better and gets to spend more time with his nephews outside of just occasional family holidays. It’s a little slice of healing pie in the Hofstadter books.

Penny eventually moves in and gets to see a normally shy Leonard - imagine this happening early on in the show when they are still getting to know each other - act loud and silly with his little nephews when his sister drops them off to visit while she and her hubby have work stuff and they know the boys would be bored to tears at these events. I know that apparently Leonard sister ends up having five boys in total but maybe at the start it was just 3 under the age of 11.

Howard calling the boys - Hoflings (Hofstadter + Clings cuz they cling onto their fun uncle Leonard)

Sheldon barely tolerates these visits despite the boys being very polite and not leaving messes, but Raj and Howard have a blast monkeying around with them.

I guess I just want Leonard to have a little bit of happiness when it comes to his family and I would like to think that if he did get a chance to interact with his nephews and niece (apparently Michael has a baby girl with his wife) that he would follow his Uncle Floyd’s influence and maybe be an even better uncle. I just doubt that either one of his siblings would put their kids through the same shit they went through so they definitely wouldn’t follow Beverly’s parenting styles.



Based on our agreement I am gonna share my HC on the activities with fun uncle Leonard

>regular visits at the comic book store (obviously) =>nephews sometimes spending their pocket money there =>rarely but happily Uncle Leonard buys them a small gift

>Leonard, Raj & Howard invent a kids' version of D&D so they can play with Leonard's nephews

>Raj & Howard are being called uncle as well and Leonard's heart overflows with joy

>at least once a year a Star Wars Marathon Sleepover with snacks with Star Wars-ish names for the snacks

>if his nephews and nieces would want that Leonard would play sports with them and go to indoor playgrounds

>he would take them to work and let them do some cool physics experiments

▪️❤️▪️🧡▪️💛▪️💚▪️💙▪️💜▪️

Masterlist of Masterlists

The Big Bang Theory

[kairoot]

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐈: Suitors’ Rounds | 𝐀𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐫𝐚’𝐬 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐱.

PAIRING ▸ prince!hongjoong x princess!female!oc

GENRE ▸ royal au, arranged marriage, strangers to lovers, angst, fluff

WARNINGS ▸ scolding i guess?, mistreatment, let me know if I can add anything

MILAN’S NOTE ▸ enjoy the first chapter ! :p wc: 5.2k

SECTION SONG — my future by billie eilish

italics indicate flashbacks!

"How many times must I remind you, Loria?!" Lady Valenti had grabbed the poor girl by her arm, dragging her into her bedchamber.

"But, Mama, I was only-" Loria started, only to be interrupted by her grandmother seeing her way into the room with a nod to the guard outside the large double doors.

“You should not be so hard on her Adela, you were once her age.” She spoke, her tone calm and reminding as she stopped a few feet in front of the door and glanced at Loria before turning to look at her daughter.

"Is this how she will act when she is to present herself to her suitors in the future? Will she behave like an untrained canine while she is being courted?" Lady Valenti asked, rhetorically questioning her mother as she slowly turned around to meet her gaze.

Loria diverted her gaze to the floor, tears instantly glazing her vision. Her mother had been treating her this way ever since she’d expressed to her that she wanted to be a kingdom archer and not a princess. To which her mother- of course, quickly disapproved of.

She was also no longer in the pale baby blue dress her mother had sent her off in during the early hours of the day where, she’d been with her daughter, but she was now fitted in Khaki shorts and a ruffled white polo shirt- that was no longer spotless but now littered with the remnants of her time in the fields where she’d been carelessly pulling dirt and rust covered arrows out of their targets. Even her knee length socks looked as if they’d been spat on by the mud monster itself.

The preteen turned around in her seat, her curls that she’d sloppily tied into a high ponytail swayed with her movements as she faced her bedside table.

“She is not to be courted for another 7 years, why are you urging your concerns of marriage onto her at such a time?” Loria’s grandmother asked, her face subtly displaying her confusion.

“Because she wishes to be a knight.” Loria’s mother deadpanned.

“I wish no such thi-” Loria cut in, attempting to defend herself from her mother’s false claim.

“Quiet Loria! You are not to speak unless you are spoken to directly, do you understand!?” Lady Valenti raised her voice, no longer able to hold back her frustration as she turned to glare at her daughter.

Loria shrunk back down into the position she was previously at, returning her gaze back to the floor as she nodded wordlessly at her mothers outburst.

Her grandmother shook her head as she silently stared at her daughter, disappointment now evident on her features.

“You are exaggerating, Adela.” Her grandmother said, her frown only becoming more apparent.

Lady Valenti was still as she stared at her daughter through the vanity mirror that she sat in front of. She felt the slightest bit of pity for a moment, watching as her daughter frowned at the polished marble floors, and fought back her tears. Despite her tick of pity a disappointed scowl remained upon her features.

“You are of no help to the cause either, Mother. She wishes to play with weapons and practice in the fields as though she is training to be in battle, as though she is a prince! And you are teaching her how to do it as if it will be useful to her in her future. I will not allow her to trash her rank and attempt to be something she is not.” Lady Valenti said with finality as she turned her head away from the mirror and towards her mother.

Tears welled up in Loria’s eyes once again, threatening to spill but she held them back. Hearing those words and receiving that kind of treatment from her mother was nothing new to her. It was not the first time she’d done this and it surely wouldn’t be the last.

“Your Majesty!” One of Lady Valenti’s hand maidens came hurriedly into the room, distress and concern written all over her face.

Both Lady Valenti, and her mother diverted their attention to the girl. They wordlessly waited for the girl to continue and explain her sudden urgency, worry making its way onto their own faces.

“It’s- Qu- Queen Minjae of Aurora, she has been transported to the medical wing, she’s been wounded- fatally!” The girl stresses.

The last few words of her sentence were barely processed through Loria’s grandmother’s head as she immediately made her way out of the room. Urgency in her steps as a guard made his way behind her, barely catching up as she turned a corner heading straight towards the palace’s medical wing.

Loria looks up at her mother, confusion and worry written all over her face.

“Watch over Loria, I will go see to her Majesty. Do not let her out of your sight.” Lady Valenti says to the hand maiden that had remained in the room after giving her the news.

“Yes, your Majesty, as you wish.” The girl bowed in obedience as she turned her gaze to Loria, who watched as her mother hurried out of the room.

Minjae, it was a name she had heard before but wasn’t familiar with. But Loria assumed she must have been pretty important considering the title she held. Queen Minjae.

-

Even now, 7 years later- her mothers mistreatment and emotional abuse remained consistent. Loria was 20 now, and with that the threats and lectures were only getting more intense. However her mother’s nagging wasn’t all that remained.

Loria's passion for archery did as well.

She stood in one of the many grassy meadows of Aibira, one not far from the walls of her Royal estate, her curls hanging loosely in a low ponytail as they danced with the breeze.

Her arms were occupied with the large bow that she was steadily pointing towards one out of 3 targets standing a few yards before her, her form perfect, her body still and one of her eyes squinted closed as she aimed for the perfect 10.

Loria took a deep inhale, her index finger ticking in preparation to release the arrow she held.

"Your Highness!" A shaky, almost panicked voice called out.

The sudden intrusion startled the princess, resulting in her releasing the arrow carelessly. The arrow flung sharply in whatever direction it wanted rather than the one she’d so carefully calculated.

Loria's head snapped in the direction of the anxious tone, hearing the subtle “thwump” of the arrow she’d released hit what she hoped was one of the targets.

A young woman ran towards her, the edges of her washed blue dress bunched into her fists so that the skirt of her gown would hang above the threatening grass.

"Helena?" Loria questioned, making eye contact with her one and only lady in waiting. Questioning her by a simple call of her name and a confused expression to top it off.

"Loria!" Helena called for her by her first name when she got closer. The maiden stopped abruptly, bending over slightly as she tried to catch her breath. She exhaled before speaking again.

"Lady Valenti, your mother.. Wishes.. Wishes to see you." She managed to get out, her breathing slowly but gradually stabilizing.

Loria scoffed in disapproval, intending to ignore her maiden's message the second the words “Lady Valenti” had left her lips. She turned back towards the targets she’d been practicing with and smirked to herself.

"Bullseye.” She whistled proudly, observing the arrow that she thought she’d inaccurately released, pride bubbling in her chest as she looked at how the fine arrow pierced the target before reaching for her quiver to retrieve another arrow then walking a little ways to line up with the next target.

"Loria, she-" Helena started, but was interrupted by Loria’s taunting question.

"Do you think I could stick another one like that? Shall I close my eyes this time?" She asked with a small smile before closing her eyes and pretending to ready her arrow for the target. Whatever it is her mother wanted could wait. She was almost positive it was something about her royal duties or some other lecture that she could not stand to hear right now.

Helena swallowed hard, trying her best to urge the Princess back into the palace where she assumed her mother was growing more and more impatient until the point where she’d eventually-

"Loria Valenti!" Loria’s mother wailed, nearly shoving poor Helena as she stomped her way over to her daughter.

Loria groaned to herself before turning around once again to face her “evil” mother’s wrath.

"Mother.. I-” She started, closing her eyes with a sigh before they shot back open at the feeling of her Mother’s polished nails digging into the uncovered flesh of her arm.

"I recall telling you to return to the castle before 12, or was I hallucinating. Or perhaps I was talking to the WITCH pretending to be my daughter, hm?” She spat gritting her teeth, anger evident in her voice as she yanked Loria back towards the castle.

Loria’s breathing was heavy as she attempted to release herself from her mother's clutch. Her struggles only resulting in her mother’s grip getting harsher, her skin was tan but the bruises from her mother’s nails would surely be visible.

Her words of protest were left unheard as her mother forced her into the palace. Helena followed sheepishly behind the two.

"I cannot, to this day, fathom why you must partake in such hobbies, Loria. It is not princess-like, you are behaving like a prince in training!" Lady Valenti yelled, shoving Loria towards the stairs that were routed to her bed chambers.

"It is not about being “princess-like”, it's about being me, Mama! Indulging in my passion and my gift!" She retaliated, trudging up the steps.

"Will you inform your husband of such intentions, then?" She retorted, walking past Loria and making it into the room before she could.

Loria scoffed, stomping into her room with irritance evident in her body language. Helena entered behind the two with her head slightly lowered.

Lady Valenti called for the dress maidens by a ring of a bell. One by one 4 maidens made their way into the large room. One for her hair, one for her face, another for her scent selection, and the other for dressing and fitting.

Loria slumped sideways in her vanity chair, groaning and covering her face with both hands. She was slouching, which her mother was quick to notice and reacted with a stinging smack on the girl’s arm.

Loria purposely delayed her reaction, the sting of her mother’s hand only irritating her more as she cut her eyes at the woman, anger brewing in her gut.

"Will you sit like a man as well? Straighten your back and align your shoulders as you were taught Loria."

"Perhaps I will." Loria mumbled, earning her another smack to the arm.

“She is due for a bath, clearly. Wash her and have her dressed by 3 pm. Her suitors will be arriving by 4.” Lady Valenti ordered, turning towards the dressing maids and glancing at Loria once again with a disappointed scowl before leaving the room.

She slouched in the seat once again, sighing while fighting back a dramatic scream of frustration.

“At least you’ll be a Queen, Lo.” Helena gave her a small smile before stepping back to allow her room to stand.

“If she isn't dead by the time I am crowned she will continue to nag me. Though I don't doubt that even by the means of death she will resume her haunting.” Loria responded, an unamused look on her face as she walked down a shorter hallway towards her bathing room, all 5 maidens following behind.

“My lady, I’ve heard through the grapevine that Prince Evrin of Kairos will be on your list of suitors today.” One of the dressing maidens spoke with a fond smile as she ran the plush sponge across one of the princess’ shoulders.’

“Who is that?” Loria asked, her sarcasm seeming to have flown over all the lady’s heads as they all paused in hesitation for a moment. Letting an awkward silence settle over the room before Loria spoke up once again.

“I’m only kidding..” She clarified.

The maidens forced their laughter before resuming their activities and conversation.

“He’s really dashing isn't he? I’ve yet to see him in person but I hear he's quite handsome and polite.” Another comments, nearly swooning as she imagines him as the perfect prince charming.

“Right.. well. I’d rather get this whole thing over with as soon as I possibly can.” She sighs. “I dread spending over 5 minutes with any man no matter how dashing.” The princess said, disinterest heavy in her tone as she suddenly stood up, water splashing and startling the maids who stood up just as quickly after her.

“Shall I be dressed?” Loria asked, throwing a thick chrome laced robe over her shoulders before slipping into her slippers and exiting the room.

“Of course, my lady. As you wish.” Helena said, nodding at the dress maidens towards the direction of which she was headed.

-

Staff shuffled around the Valenti home like mice. Loria sat on one of the plush seats in the sun room. Doing breathing exercises as she struggled to exhale properly, the corset and tight lining splayed across her torso making the task more difficult than usual.

“Quickly, everyone. Everything must be perfect.” Lady Valenti announced wearing a proud almost eerie smile on her face, seeming to be enjoying the torture and pure agony of her eldest daughter.

Frustrated wasn’t even the word to describe Loria’s current mood. She attempted to pull the dress as far away from her chest as she could, eventually giving up.

“Cheer up, flower.” Her grandmother spoke across from her. She gave Loria a reassuring smile, the girl’s face straining as she tried to return her grandmother's kind gesture.

“The stabbing corset and itchy pearls and diamonds will all be worth it, bloom.” Her grandmother said, turning to look out towards one of the many windows in the room.

Loria gave her grandmother a gloomy look, trying to see things from her perspective. Or in other words figure out what exactly she meant by that. No matter how old Loria got, she’d always see marriage the way she always had.

A trap. Prison. Something those of royalty did only for power.

She wanted to be free. Free to do whatever her heart longed to do.

“Will Father be here?” She asked her grandmother, but her mother answered instead.

“Your Father will not be joining us today,” Lady Valenti said.

“He has many things to do.”

“But when does he not.” Loria grumbled, adjusting in the hard chair.

“What was that, dear?” The Queen hummed, fixing her hair in the main room’s mirror.

“Nothing,” Loria scoffed. “Where is Celine?”

“Off to her pianoforte lesson.”

“And Jade?”

“Latin lesson.”

“And will my sisters be joining me today?” Loria asked, folding her arms.

“Dearest, Loria. Your questions will stir up a headache if you continue. Now— Helena, did I not tell you to pin the girl’s hair up?” Lady Valenti’s eyes nearly popped out of her head seeing Loria’s curls cascade down the sides of her bosom.

“Your Majesty, I—“ Helena started, getting up from her place next to the main room’s table. She put down the bowl of fruits, rushing to the Queen’s side.

Lady Valenti’s hands came to hold the sides of her daughter’s face, examining her head.

Two thick strands of hair were pulled back into a flowery ribbon with the rest falling past her shoulders and wavy bangs separated, framing her face.

“Mother, stop!” Loria swatted at the Queen’s hand, trying to move away from her touch.

“It was my idea. Not Helena’s.”

“I should have known.” She scoffed, standing back up straight.

“Uhm, Your Majesty. The suitors have arrived.” One of the servants spoke, peeking their head through the rather large doorway.

The Queen gasped, hurriedly taking her place next to her daughter’s seat.

She cleared her throat, smiling, “Please, bring them in.”

The servant nodded, turning to the doorway. He beckoned someone towards the room before taking his spot again.

“Now presenting, His Grace, The Duke of Aldric.” He announced just as a man with piercing blue eyes walked in. His hair brown and curly with some strands lighter than others.

“What on Earth would a Princess want with a Duke?” The Queen mumbled, giving the Duke a strained smile.

He wore a cocky smirk, standing a few feet away from the Queen and Princess.

“Your Majesty. Your Highness.” He bowed slightly, his smirk growing even wider now.

Loria gave the Duke an uneasy grin, watching him step closer to her. He held his hand out to take hers, to which she hesitated a bit before forcefully bringing her hand up to meet his. He gently took it and brought it to his lips.

She nearly hurled but kept herself together by a gentle smile and nod of her head.

The Queen stepped to the side, giving them both some space.

“I hear you are the athletic type.” He squats down to where her legs are, but not before letting his eyes roam her form on his way down before meeting her eyes.

Loria hummed, raising an eyebrow. She leaned away from the Duke slightly, the uneasiness in her stomach refusing to subside.

“I mean, I’ve seen your form in the garden.. So your stamina should be great, yes?” The Duke smiled, comparing two completely unrelated circumstances just to be a pervert.

Loria gasped, her hand raising to land a harsh smack to the Duke’s cheek.

“Loria!” Lady Valenti exclaimed, immediately standing from her seat.

The Duke was dismissed as he quickly walked out, holding the side of his cheek, face beet red.

“His question was rather inappropriate, Mother. Was it not, Gram?” Loria turned to her Grandmother who seemed to be more interested in the book in her hand than her granddaughter’s dilemma.

Loria scoffed as her mother shook her head. She signaled for the servant by the door to let in the next suitor.

This one was a Duke as well but seemed a bit older than the last. He appeared solemn, walking in long strides.

He did a quick neck bow before heading straight toward the Princess.

Loria’s eyebrows raised in surprise, stunned to see the man in such a hurry.

“Your Highness,” He began, his voice deep and gravely. “I’ve heard many say you find joy in archery. Is that the truth?”

Loria cleared her throat, “Yes, it is the truth. Did you think otherwise?”

She was only 2 suitors in and already wanted to send all of them out on their heels, whether they got to see her or not. She knew that their questions would just be on the topics of her athleticism or whether she was able to carry a child.

“Yes.” He replied honestly, flaunting a nearly forced smile.

“And may I ask why that is your Grace?”

“Well, because you are a lady, Your Highness. A weapon should be left in a man’s care. Wouldn't you agree?” He asked.”

“If I agreed, I wouldn't prefer to be out in the fields practicing, rather than spending my time talking to you right now, would I?” The princess responded, giggling at herself as the duke awkwardly chuckled along with her.

Her mother squinted at her, fighting back a scowl from her place not far from Loria’s side.

“I’m only kidding, but I am curious as to why you’d think such a thing. Is it because you believe a man is more capable of handling deadly weapons and poisons rather than a woman, I suppose?”

“I-“

“Have you ever wielded a bow and arrow, your Grace?” She asked, tilting her head. A smile slowly crept onto Loria’s face as she watched the Duke quickly grow embarrassed from being put on the spot.

“Well, um-“

The Queen sighed from her place beside Loria, her hand coming up to pinch her nose bridge. She shook her head once again before waving the Duke out, the servants coming to escort him.

Loria felt exhaustion creep up on her. She was ready for the day's end already. The dreadful day that consisted of her drowning in expensive jewelry with a dress that nearly crushed her ribs and deflated her lungs. The day where her freedom would be taken away from her. Just to please everyone but herself.

She leaned her head against her hand, rubbing where the tension grew in her temples. It was going to be an eternity before she could see the green fields again.

The next few suitors did just what she thought they would do. They questioned her actions as a lady, wondering why she would rather be outside climbing in trees than remaining inside with her lady in waiting, sipping black mint tea and wine while eating fancy midday meals.

Some asked how fertile she was, wondering how many children she could bear. If her personality was not up to par they'd settle for her womb instead. All of it was making Loria want to vomit but she wasn’t surprised in the slightest by their words. Men in general were one of the many reasons she refused to be married. They were so simple minded and all wanted the same thing from what she’d seen.

She was hardly responding to any of them, humming only when she needed to as she hardly made eye contact with the least of them, she was growing bored. Not like she wasn't from the start but even more so now.

“Now presenting, His Highness, Evrin Remington, the Prince of Kairos.” The volume of the servant’s voice knocked Loria out of her trance as she sat up in her seat, readjusting her posture. Noticing how even Helena did the same from the corner of her eye. Even going as far as to smooth her dress out and cradle her breasts before pushing them up.

Even her grandmother diverted her attention from the book she’d been so immersed in to look towards the double doors. Loria rolled her eyes at this.

She glared towards the doorway, her nose flaring in frustration. She was tired of sitting still. The weariness was getting to her.

Her eyes widened slightly and a crumb of the heavy exhaustion she was previously feeling wore off as she made eye contact with the rather tall man making his way into the room.

It wasn’t his height that caught Loria off guard but the way he carried himself. In confident strides. Much different from the others she'd seen. He walked with actual confidence rather than cockiness. The smile he wore was not one of faux pride but gentle, welcoming even.

His skin was dewy and bronze, melanin glazing his tone as if he'd been kissed by the sun goddess herself. The golden earrings he wore complemented his tone quite well.

His jaw and eyes were as sharp as one of Loria’s arrows, making his face appear well-sculpted. He looked as if he were conceived from true genuine love rather than just a loveless session of intercourse with only one intent of bearing a child for an heir.

After giving a polite greeting to her mother and grandmother he finally turned and made his way over to Loria, holding her gaze as he greeted her. He walked toward her slowly, one corner of his lip curved into a small smile.

Loria noticed the ink that was etched onto his hand in multiple different yet repetitive patterns when he reached for hers. His lips met her skin just like it did with the Duke. Only the Prince’s lips were softer, more pillow-like and didn't smoosh sloppily onto her delicate skin. His deep cupid’s bow pressed to the back of her hand multiple times.

“Your Highness,” The Prince spoke with a strong accent rolling off his tongue. “It’s an honor to be here with you.”

Loria didn’t respond but she kept her eyes on his. He smiled at her borderline dumbfounded expression, taking a seat next to her.

“Princess,” He held onto her hand tightly. “I will be crowned King soon. I’d like you to rule by my side..”

“Straight to the point huh..” Loria’s inner monologue said before her eyes widened a bit once again, “Um, I don’t-“

“Think about it. We’ll talk more when I’m courting you.” He chuckled at her expression. Her face remained the same, confusion spread across her features. He seemed sure that she was going to pick him.

He stood up after admiring her for a few seconds. Bowing one last time, he turned to leave.

Loria noticed a section of white curls that ran among his natural dark ones, had he dyed it? She wouldn't dare to say it outloud but she found it rather enticing. Her eyes remained on the spot of hair until the Prince turned to look at her again. He sent her one last smile before disappearing out the door.

Everyone in the room seemed to exhale at once when the prince was out of view, except for Loria. She glanced over to her mother who was already looking at her. She was hiding her grin behind the book she was “reading”, her eyebrows raised with a knowing look.

The Princess shook her head a sigh escaping her for the 10th time.

The next suitors were just as annoying as the first few. Though, this bunch was an older group. Older than the second Duke that approached Loria about being a lady.

Most of them looked old enough to be her grandfather.

“Can we just bring in the last one please? I’m exhausted, Mama, we’ve been here for at least 3 hours and I’m in dire need of rest.” Loria’s body slumped in her chair as she fanned herself with her manicured hand.

The Queen sighed, handing her daughter a nearby paper fan.

“I suppose we could. Send everyone out and bring in the last suitor, will you?” Lady Valenti said, knowing full well she’d only agreed because she was sure her daughter had chosen Prince Evrin.

The servant obeyed with a quiet “Yes, your majesty” before entering the halls to escort everyone else out. Loria giggled at the sound of middle aged men groaning and protesting.

They had all been sent home without meeting the Princess.

The servant entered the main room again, standing closely by the door.

“Your Majesty. I present to you, His Highness, Hongjoong Kim, the Prince of Aurora.” Even the servant seemed to have grown tired from announcing all the names and putting up with the suitors’ nonsense.

“What a lovely name.” Loria mumbled to her mother. The Queen hummed, going back to her book to give privacy.

In walked a male with jet black hair. It was sleek and straight, two strands laying against his forehead while the rest was pushed back.

His face was on the softer side, and he was much shorter than most of the other Princes she'd encountered but he still appeared intimidating nonetheless.

There was a large distance between him and Loria as he didn’t want to intrude on her personal space out of respect.

“You don’t have to stand 2 yards away from me, you can come closer.” She giggled, signaling for the Prince to move closer.

He let out a small chuckle, walking with his hands tucked behind his back.

He stood in front of Loria for a moment before taking her hand and giving a slight bow. She expected him to kiss it like everyone else, but he didn’t.

Her hand did linger in his for a moment as he examined it, sending sparks through her body. She shifted, the foreign feeling confusing her.

“So you’re into archery?” He finally spoke, dropping her hand gently.

There was a short silence as she lingered on how his gaze had settled on her hand for a moment before he released it, perhaps he was looking for scars or grime? Or was it for another reason.

“How’d you know?” She tested, seeing if his obvious question and his focus on her hand had any correlation.

He smiled, tilting his head and squinting a bit.

"Well it is the talk of the town, about how the Princess of Aibira is much more interested in having an arrow between her fingers rather than a ring. But any experienced archer would tell based on how the joint on your left index finger is slightly calloused, probably from your arrows, no?” He raised an eyebrow. Loria’s eyes widened slightly at his attentiveness. So that's what he was looking at.

“You also pointed out my distance from you in yards.. Rather than meters, which people typically tend to measure in."

She smiled slightly, clasping her hands together.

“I do have a passion for archery. But from your knowledge, I’m assuming you do as well?”

He hummed in response, his hands retreating to their place behind his back.

“Of course he does, he is a prince, Loria.” Her mother cut in with a kind smile towards the prince, but Loria could see the pure spite behind it. She was trying to say something.

Loria ignored her mother, not even looking her way, “Do you really? Or are you just saying that to sway my favor?” She squinted her eyes in suspicion.

He raised one of his hands, showing where his finger had been cut by multiple arrows.

Loria was stunned once again, her mouth opening to speak.

“Well, I think it’s time we wrap things up. Wouldn’t you agree, Your Majesty?” Loria’s Grandmother had interrupted her.

“Hm. All this bow talk is giving me an agonizing migraine.” The Queen set her book down, standing from her seat.

Loria’s eyes remained on the Prince. He gave her a nod before bowing to the Queen and turning to leave.

Even hours later, at dinner and when she was preparing for bed, Loria’s mind wandered to her last suitor. She didn't get a chance to say all she wanted to say but she was sure she'd see him again.

“So, do you have someone in mind?” Helena asked, brushing the Princess’s hair.

She looked in the mirror, her eyes meeting Helena’s.

“I’m not sure. But my interest is piqued. Surprisingly.”

Helena hummed, continuing her gentle strokes.

Later that night, Loria went out into the garden during one of the few moments the castle was still and quiet.

She sat the dim lantern next to her in the grass as she lay on her back.

Looking up at the twinkling stars, she couldn’t help but to think about the Prince of Aurora. About their conversation.

He was the only one who’d seemed to capture Loria’s attention but not only because of his looks. Everything about him.

He didn’t bombard her with questions about children or being the new Queen. He didn’t question her athleticism just to tell her she wasn’t ladylike. The Prince had observed her without even speaking.

She’d never found herself thinking about any other man as much as she thought of her father.

TAGLIST: @telail (message or comment to be added)

SYNOPSIS ▸ Loria B. Valenti III, the crown princess of Aibira harbors a deep passion for archery along with a strong disinterest of marriage. Loria faces the pressure of needing to find a beneficial royal suitor by the wishes of her family, in hopes of bringing the Kingdom of Aibira an increase in alliance and power. The princess meets 2 potential suitors, but only one of them seems to get her attention. Hongjoong Kim, crown prince of Aurora succeeding in his goal of courting her highness by his reciprocated passion for the arrow between his fingers. Much to his dismay the other suitor, Evrin Remington crown prince and king to be of Kairos is adorned with wealth, knowledge, power, and his heir to the throne appeals to the royals of Aibira. His and Loria’s marriage would bring many benefits to her and his country. Despite the circumstances Evrin has yet to give up on Loria, his greed and desire for the princess drives him to form an alliance with those closest to her, the goal being to remove Hongjoong and make room for himself. Will they succeed?

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[marymary-diva17]

A mother love is strong

female Jake x male neytiro

There is a human saying that a mother love is strong, and that there is nothing more powerful then a mother love. It seems like the navi had believed in the same as well as a mother will always, have a strong bond with her children. So when Jane had become a mother her whole world had changed, as now she will have children that will count on her and she will need to be there for them no matter what happens.

neteyam

Jane " ......." Jane was looking at her son neteyam as she lays down on mat, she was till getting use to mother hood as it was all new to her. neteyam was kicking his legs and moving his arms, making some baby noise as well.

Jane " you are such a cute little boy" it was a rainy day so everyone was stuck indoor as it was not safe to be outside right now. Jane and neteyam are at home together, Jane was doing her best to keep her son entertained for the day while taking care of him as well.

neytiro " ma Jane I'm home"

Jane " welcome home my husband how was the hunt and scouting"

neytiro " good we caught some food had it divided among the people, I brought home some food how are you and our teyam"

Jane " we been good we went to see your mother today, she weighed him he gotten bigger since his naming ceremony and norma said he growing at a good rate"

neytiro " that good did the human use their devices on him"

Jane " yes a bit but he seem to be fine with it, you know they mean no harm"

neytiro " yes I know that but I like our ways and you are no longer human"

Jane " yes I may not be human anymore but I'm still avatar and have human DNA in me and my kids will inherit it as well, they may not look the part but ....." Jane had stopped speaking getting her husband attention, neytiro soon sighed there were times when he forgot at him and jane were from two different worlds.

neytiro " I'm sorry ma Jane but no matter what happens you will always be one of us and my love, and I will always love our children no matter what they look like or act .. all children are special" neytiro soon sat near Jane and kissed her forehead before he had taken neteyam in his arms.

neytiro " you are going to be a mighty warrior day my son I know it"

Jane " he will be like his father ... maybe the apple will not fall far from the tree"

neytiro " huh" Jane soon laughed as she looked at her son and husband, as you explained the human phase and neytiro agreed to it right away. They are the perfect family of three and there was so many happiness to go around, Jane was going to make sure to be the perfect mother to her son. Soon some news will come that will change their lives forever and make their family grow as well.

kiri

Jane " hey baby girl" Jane was holding kiri the newest addition to the family and the couple first daughter, born from grace avatar. Grace had been killed before the battle but a miracle happened that no one, could explain.

Jane " you are just like your mama" kiri had been born with five finger and toes, she had eyebrows as well she was like Jane and all the other avatar.

neytiro " here some food yawne you most eat"

Jane " oh thank you" neytiro was holding neteyam in the arms, as he laid some dinner down for the family.

neytiro " she so much like grace already"

Jane " yes she is neytiro thank you for agree to take her in and raise her"

neytiro " grace was a second mother to me and she was special, she had been there for us and now we will be there for kiri"

Jane " it seems like kiri is getting use to her new home" Jane was eating some of the food while ricking kiri, she soon hovered her hand over kiri.

Jane " ohh" kiri had room wrapped his small hand around one of Jane fingers making the women smile down at her brightly.

neytiro " looks like eywa has blessed us with two wonderful children, making our family bigger that is something that needs to be celebrated" Jane had nodded her head that night the couple had added, something special to their songchords to remind them of the brith and adoption of kiri.

mo'at " now we connect these two babies with the spirt tree as they, will be welcome by the great mother" mo'at had grabbed some of the spirt tree and soon made a connection for kiri, as Jane was now holding her. Kiri soon gave Jane a gummy smile as she was kicking her legs making Jane smile back at her.

Jane " once again I'm blessed with another special child" neytiro smiles as she watches Jane and kiri have a special moment together. he was happy to think he was so blessed to have a wonderful mate and children. That couple had went home that night happy with their family of four, thanking the great mother for the happiness they had right now.

lo'ak

Jane " ......." Jane was out doing some gathering while her older kids were elsewhere at the moment, she soon felt someone tap her thigh. She soon looked down to see her son lo'ak looking at her while sucking on his thumb.

Jane " hey baby boy what the matter" Jane soon dropped what she was doing and soon, picked up her son and soon kissed his forehead. Lo'ak was the only kid that had been born from Jane that had clearly inherited her human DNA.

Jane " don't worry you dad and siblings will be back, but for now you can have some time with me my little boy" lo'ak seem to laugh at Jane words making her smile.

Jane " aww you so remind me of my brother I wish you could of meant him, but when you get older and can understand me I will tell you more of him"

Jane " now mama got to finish doing some gathering but you can stay by me" lo'ak had went to play with the wooden ikran toy his dad made for him.

Jane " you really love that toy you and kiri can't get enough of it" lo'ak and kiri love the wooden toy, but whenever lo'a had it he will not give it up without a fight.

lo'ak " you are going to be outgoing and adventurous boy when you are older ... what type of trouble are you going to make for me and your father, you will be my child no matter what happens" Jane had lowered her hand down towards lo'ak and once it was low enough, lo'ak soon placed his hand on mother doing soft high five.

Jane " nice high five my boy" lo'ak soon laughed and soon went back to playing around and getting into some trouble, making Jane laugh as she watched her boy play. neytiro had came to get his mate and son but stopped when he saw they were having a good time, he smile and laughed and he wished for this happiest to last forever.

tuk

Jane " aww tuk you are so cute and make the family happy" Jane was holding her baby daughter tuk in her arms as the little girl moved around, and will grabbed her necklace time to time.

Jane " awww you love my necklace well when you get older I will make you one" tuk seem to smile at Jane words as she went back to grabbing her moms necklace.

Jane " well sweet you have a big family here with your siblings and dad, who will always be here for you no matter what along with so many aunts and uncles ... even cousins as well that will love you so much" tuk giggle at your words and starting speaking gibberish towards Jane.

Jane " my little baby tuk" Jane loves all her children deeply and will d anything for them. She didn't wish for anything bad to happen to them, and she wanted them to live a wonderful life on pandora.

????? " mommy" soon the three other children had soon come rushing into the home getting Jane and tuk attention, Jane laughed see her other kids.

Jane " hello my loves come join me and your sister"

neteyam " yeah" neteyam soon sat near his mom as he looked down at his baby sister, he was soon joined by lo'ak and kiri as they all look at tuk.

Jane " see your baby sister will soon be big enough to run around and play more with you kids"

lo'ak " really"

Jane " yes honey"

kiri " we love her already mama"

Jane " that good to hear kids I'm happy with our big family" the kids laugh at Jane words as she soon starts telling them stoires, as they were all listening to what she was saying. No one had noted neytiro had came home with dinner but it seems, like the man didn't wish to interrupt what was happening as the kids and Jane seem to having a good time. Jane love all her children and now she a mother and wife, and she her whole life had changed, but there was nothing that will make her reserve history.

[olivia-anderson-fanfic]

Into the Unknown

If you're happy and you know it

(The sequel story that I will never do)

~~~~~

After a lot of debating over the ethics of leaving baby!Damian as a baby vs aging him up (and a rogue suggestion that they yank an alternate-universe Damian over right before he dies so they can all have their way), they decide to let him grow up naturally. In the end, baby!Damian is still a child and in the process of aging him up magically Damian would reexperience all of his traumas in basically a split second, which is just a lot of mental strain to put someone through. Beyond that, even after aging him up they still wouldn’t get the original Damian back, as the base person is so fundamentally different.

So, Damian basically gets to have a happy childhood with his parents and new extended family! Yay him!

I mean, sure, Damian has never truly known a world outside of the one he had been in, and his aunt and uncles are acting weird around him for reasons he can’t really comprehend, and his dreams are getting increasingly concerning and confusing, and his parents seem more quiet than usual even though they’re around more to hang out with him…

Did he do something wrong?

Meanwhile, Adrien comes from France to check on her and also chuck the Miraculous Box back at her in revenge. Marinette explains that she no longer wishes to do superheroing, but would be happy to help support him from the sidelines. Adrien is surprised, because she had been so interested like a year ago, but before he can be like “oh, good for you”, Gotham experiences its Giant Rogue Attack Of The Week and Adrien looks at the bats like Damn bitch you live like this? Gotham vigilante crew has now been adopted by a French demigod, congrats to them.

But, since Adrien is staying in Gotham, he and Marinette have to navigate this new dynamic between themselves where Adrien actually takes charge while Marinette is more of a healer character, staying out of sight during battles and only really cropping up at the end of fights to help victims and make sure her favorite Kitty doesn’t die. She has the condition that she will not enter a fight at all, as she refuses to leave Damian without a parent, and she will keep to it. So, Adrien is a little bit more careful, not wanting to risk it.

In that same vein, this old universe is still a cesspool of villains that didn’t exist in the original one. Joker, Poison Ivy, Mr. Freeze. And, as a Wayne, and a young one at that, Damian keeps getting targeted.

Until villains start dropping off the map. Under mysterious circumstances. And none of the bats can bring themselves to look into it. Because it’s much harder to brush off all of the deaths they have been indirectly causing by letting Rogues live when you know the person who has almost died personally. Even more so when that person that almost died is your little brother that closely resembles the little brother that you just found out ‘died’. When the person that almost died is the little brother that named that stuffed turtle you bought him Turtle because he’s too young to be good at naming things (and will never get better, because they had seen what he had named Alfred the Cat, and maybe the reminder just makes it more difficult).

In the meantime, Tim goes back to work as CEO and starts training to be a vigilante again. People at his job who hardly respected him before because of his age and the nepotism surrounding his hiring now don’t respect him at all after his sudden 6-month break. But that's just his day job, his cover. He's rich. He could quit at any time with very little repercussions.

When it comes to his vigilantism, if he works hard, he could get back into it in a few months, but he keeps watching his family members walk back home with bruises and cuts and more and he had forgotten just how bad it had gotten. Or, maybe he hadn’t forgotten, maybe he had just never realized, and his time as a civilian has altered his perspective.

But he has always been one to commit, and he can’t bring himself to sit by idly without helping, and it isn’t quite so dangerous when most of the major players have been forcibly removed from the equation, so he does it.

Until he comes back, bleeding all over the floor, yelling for Marinette, and Damian sees him. The kid stares at him with horrified, wide eyes. And it would be one thing if Damian didn’t understand, if it was something he would later realize was a close call, but Damian rushes forward to press his hands against the wound.

He realizes he can’t bring himself to do this to the kid.

But he can’t sit idly by while his family risks their lives, either.

So, he becomes a mechanic in this world, too.

And, with both Tim and Marinette off the streets, and Damian more or less safe, and a little bit of time where they get used to their 'new' lives…

Tim proposes. Properly.

They have a wedding. Damian is the little ring bearer. Adrien is a bridesmaid. After all of this time, after all that struggling, they finally get their happy ending.

[anotherblblog]

Utsukare S2 Thoughts

I’ve been enjoying this season too much to do any recapping but now that we have the full season and also about a month and change before the movie I will later.

Anywho some thought.

Yup, Kiyoi has absolutely taken my number 2 favorite character spot. Sorry Oh-Aew, I still really love you.

I love that Kiyoi’s reached this precarious state of live and let live with Hira.

Kiyoi absolutely wants a different type of relationship with Hira and believes/hopes Hira can meet him there in reality but until Hira finishes growing up gets therapy Kiyoi chooses to compromise and give more so Hira can have the opportunity to give back. Kiyoi isn’t defeated albeit a lil exasperated. Kiyoi says this is also his first relationship but there’s a certain mature “this is my chosen person come what may” vibe he has and I love that for him.

Kiyoi in season 2 really reminds of Lauryn Hill’s Ex-Factor - It could all be so simple (ba-ba-ba-baby, baby, baby) But you'd rather make it hard (huh, uh) Loving you is like a battle (it's like a battle) And we both end up with scars Tell me, who I have to be (who I have to be) To get some reciprocity See no one loves you more than me (more than me) And no one ever will (no one ever will, yeah)

Is this just a silly game? (Silly game) That forces you to act this way (to act this way) Forces you to scream my name (yo, yo) Then pretend that you can't stay (yeah) Tell me, who I have to be (I know what we gotta do) To get some reciprocity See no one loves you more than me And no one ever will

No matter how I think we grow You always seem to let me know It ain't workin' (it ain't workin', no) It ain't workin' And when I try to walk away You'd hurt yourself to make me stay This is crazy Oh, this is crazy (this is crazy, uh-huh)

Kiyoi from beginning of the season up to the end just wants Hira to be with him. Just two people living and loving a growing together. It's almost as if Kiyoi doesn't want to be in a romance series. He just wants to be loved. Hira is ready and willing and happy to sacrifice himself and go to such extreme lengths for Kiyoi and Kiyoi is like "ok you'll die for me but can you live with me?"

It's such a wonderful contrast. Kiyoi still has his tsundere side that he would prefer to live in so he has distance between his vulnerable self and Hira/the world but outside of Yusei's blinking and some flashes of tsundere rage/jealousy Kiyoi gives that up too.

Kiyoi hears Hira says he'll worship him and serve him and he's the king and Kiyoi chooses to bend, hoping that Hira will move into the space Kiyoi's made for him.

Other things I love about s2 - Hira feels stuck and lost and sunken into the background and Kiyoi feels he's at the bottom of the pyramid (to borrow Hira's words). Graduation and the expected transition in full adulthood is looming and Hira is largely stuck because he refuses to see that he's not stuck. Kiyoi went from ruling the school to low man on the totem pole.

I was surprised with how much I have come to love Koyama. I have not read the novels so I was not expecting to see him again after his sorrowful sayonara in s1. Koyama and Kiyoi are dynamic together and honestly way more interesting to me than Koyama and Hira. I love Koyama deflating Kiyoi's ego and his playful banter with him. In a longer structured series, I'd love to see Koyama paired and happy with someone else but with what we have, I like him as a friend, ally, and frenemy.

The new supporting characters/the mentors are good. Hira and Kiyoi def need help adulting.

I also love Kiyoi being relatively open and public about his feelings and relationship with Hira. Hira is his and he wants the world and Hira to know it.

I really really really really love Hira starting the season admitting he faked courage to touch Kiyoi and now after almost losing him is ready to both walk the walk and talk the talk. Hira is still hellllllllllllllla unreliable as a narrator but he is stumbling forward, definitely in spite of his lack of efforts/misplaced efforts but he makes efforts!

I didn't know where a second season or a movie could go and I'm so happy with S2's slice of life, low stakes, domestic fluff vibe.

[theconfusedartist]

ProtoCreed Lore (permutation 1)

Hello all! This is the first of the posts coming out within the next few days for the lore of the ProtoCreed Rewrite. If I have to change something later, I’ll add an update label and make the edited text in either a different color or bolded, but for now feel like I’ve spent enough time doing the research and figuring out how things plug together that I can confidently put this piece up.

As for the reason that this says ‘permutation 1′ is because some of the lore is different by permutation, but some have the exact same. As the main story in the rewrite mainly focuses on the first permutation, I thought this would be the best starting point.

The Isu War

The humans and Isu, before the war, didn’t have as much merging of cultures as the humans were more focused on creating their own technology, languages, and traditions while the Isu had already created their own and were currently going through a crisis of power and conflict.

The Isu were warring over people who would gain power in their pantheons, who would be credited with what scientific breakthroughs were created, and what information was considered important to be passed down from generation to generation. While the fighting was intense, it was dangerous for the Isu to strike outright outside of battle arenas and agreed upon duels, as the Isu already had a very slow reproduction process and cycle that ended up taking many decades even for a single Isu baby to be born.

The pantheons tensions and rivalries grew more and more malicious until the very first real act of war was committed; an Isu created a sentient virus in order to kill other Isu that they wanted dead. While it’s a heavily guarded secret of who created the first virus as well as how it was done, truly it no longer matters, as the result was still the same: death of the Isu came in droves.

The Isu, whose population at it’s highest was about 3 million, was quickly devastated with casualties of 257,000 within the very first month, and the Isu that originally created the first virus was killed among the casualties in the first month, taking all knowledge of how to create an immunization any time soon with them. Many Isu, terrified of their babies that were still in their incubation period turned to humankind, their sister race. Humans, at the time, only had a pregnancy time of 5 months and different pantheons came into contact with them in order to use their genes to create their children.

This is also why Minerva says that the Isu ‘created’ the humans, as many Isu used human cells to create their own kind they also used to make more humans that would be born into their societies. Not all Isu believed that humans were slaves, as some changed their cultures around humans to treat them as those who were very important, other pantheons treated them as second class or indentured servants, others used humans outright as slaves, and even rarer still where the Isu that treated humans as equals. Regardless of how the Isu treated the humans, the new introductions of humans to the virus ended up teaching the virus how to adapt as well as how to convert a great deal of biomass into a weapon, and the slaughter only intensified.

By the fifth month into the introduction of the virus, only ~685,750 of Isu from the original Isu were still alive, and of the 9 million humans that had been brought into the Isu culture and cities, only 1.8 million were left. While there were some Isu that managed to escape this war, the number was only around ~550 of them that had never been affected by this virus. However, the humans more interestingly enough were passing down their resistances to their children. Any baby, toddler, or child that managed to survive the virus ended up with resistance to viruses and an incredibly strong immune system, but the children and people having the children that died all had been killed outright due to the virus all had defects, changes to the genome, and growths that were caused by the virus.

The Isu war was immediately called to a halt once the death tally was taken in the fifth month, and the Isu came together to find a solution to the virus. While the Isu were able to come up with using the adamantium and iron phosphorus solution kill and halt the spread of the virus, it was still impossible for the Isu to tell who might’ve been infected and why the virus was getting information on their political and military structures. Again, it was the humans that ended up bailing the Isu out, as they created both weapons and ways to kill the virus without killing the hosts or the environment around them. 

With the Isu and the humans working together, they were finally able to stop the spread of the virus, create a vaccine for anyone who managed to survive the initial infection of the virus. The virus was successfully contained, and taken apart over and over again, until it lost most of it’s sentience and people were able to make non-lethal strains for common bone marrow and flesh degradation that came from this war.

During this time of peace, the Isu again decided to play God.

The Human-Isu War

A small number of Isu scientists, notably Minerva who was one of the heads of the project, believed that the best way to increase the way Isu could create more of their race was to take more drastic measures from their previous methods. It was hypothesized that the best way for the Isu to have more children was to put the strain of reproduction on machines rather than their own bodies, golden chests that humans mistook as caskets, (edited 07/14/2023) and later on as ‘arks of the covenant’, were used to create children as well as liquefy dead Isu to use their bodies as material for their new children.

EDITED 07/14/2023-Forgot to add image in original post

Image shown: the ‘ark of the covenant’ found by Altaïr, Kadar, and Malik

 The Isu, also realizing that their bodies died much faster due to the virus and lack of ability to adapt their bodies to the virus, believed that the most effective way to preserve their species was also to get rid of their physical bodies and offload most of their organs to a nearby device, all while using light projections, adamantium phosphorus, and energy to stay present in the physical realm. 

Many Isu found this practice to be horrific and unnatural, but two other high profile researchers Juno and Aita, bought into Minerva and the other scientists’ theories and were the first to undergo the process. Aita and Juno managed to survive and other Isu of higher class decided to follow suit, but it was still considered distasteful and disgusting, and Isu that either didn’t believe in the practice began to live closer with humans or didn’t have the means to afford the solution, began to use the humans that were slaves to possess them--in hopes they could also escape such an effect like what happened against the virus.

As more production was called for in Human-Isu society and more children of both races were being created, there was a call for more labor and people to make things. Humans, who already were known for their incredible ability to create from imagination even without resources or materials, were called into do the work.

As different pantheons used different methods in order to inspire people to work, someone discovered that human genomes were even more malleable than they originally believed, and thus they began to experiment on what traits that would be beneficial for physical labor. This was just the beginning of the experimentation on humans that eventually lead to an all-out war of the two races, once the humans found out about what they were doing to them en mass.

[echantedtoon]

Love Doesn't Do Encores Ch16 Battle Gym Leader Opal

You did NOT want to get into the flying taxi! Even when the kind middle aged man in the flight suit and goggles let you pet the pretty friendly corviknight and assured you it was perfectly safe you did NOT want to get into the flying taxi!! Of course your Drizzilie didn't seem to care about anything and had jumped into the awaiting metal carriage and seated itself into one of the seats available and curled up to lay down on it as Gloria climbed in as well and had a firm grip on you as she tried to pull you into the cab with her. 

"Y/n! C'mon! Don't be a wee lil baby!," she grunted as she tried to pull your struggling form into the cab with her. But you effectively blocked yourself from coming in with one heel dug into one of the steps and a hand firmly placed on the outside. After you had gotten yourself to eat and then downstairs to the outside of the inn, the cab was already ready and waiting for you two. The corviknight and it's owner even perched on top of it watching awkwardly waiting. "I'm not walkin' days ta Glimwood Tangle in this bloody heat!"

"I think I'd rather take my chances with the sun- ACK!?" That was it. Your hand finally slipped and you faceplanted half your body onto the floor between the two seats. And you immediately scrambled when you felt something grab at your legs. "GLORIA NO!!"

You two fought against each other as you were losing and yelled at Gloria who was quicker than you thought she could be as she wrestled the rest of your fleeing body inside the cab as you continued to physically and verbally protest and within the scuffle somehow managed to slam the door shut behind the two of you, yelling the word 'GO!!' and not too long after you felt a lurch as the cab took off. You let out a bloody curdling scream and clutched onto the seat your drizzilie sat upon smashing your face into the seat from the force of the take off and cutting off your scream only after a second of it leaving your mouth, half your body still on your knees on the floor as Gloria sighed and plopped herself into the seat across from you as the wind whipped through the windows. Acting like vents and while the wind was warm it most certainly wasn't the grueling heat you two had been traveling in. You remained face in the seat for a little while longer clutching onto it, your stomach felt like butterflies were in it, your feet felt awfully light, and you were kinda starting to regret eating that waffle before the two of you left. .......After a few more moments of just staying in that death grip position your Drizzilie gave a questioning noise and tapped the top of your head.

"Y/n you're perfectly alright. Just sit in the seat there instead of lookin' like you're prayin' to Arceus himself," Gloria encouraged.....You didn't respond for a hot second before she watched as your body shook as you weakly pulled yourself from the floor, trying not to get sick and pulled yourself onto the seat to face her. Pausing for a moment before with a click you scrambled for the seat belt and hastily threw it around yourself before gripping the sides of your seat next to your pokemon. Pale as a ghost. "See? It's not so bad!" She turned and stuck her arm out near the nearest window as her hair blew around her face as did yours. "And feel that air! It's great! Look at the view-"

"HEY!" You managed to pull yourself together enough to shout at her and shakily point a hand to her. "A-Arms, legs, and head INSIDE the taxi cab at all times!! And p-put on your seatbelt right now! W-We might hit some wind turbulance or something!"

"What? But I've done this before. It's perfectly safe."

"HEY! I-If I'm going to agree t-to ride this thing all the way to Glimwood Tangle then you're going to wear a seat belt all the way there too! There's no getting around that!....Speaking of which." Your Drizzilie made a sound of protest but didn't fight back when you pushed it back against the seat next to you and buckled it in as well. "Much better. Now you."

She rolled her eyes but complied. "Fine fine. I'll put the bloody thing on." And she began to do so.

"Thank you. So how long until we reach Bellonlea?"

"A whole two days and a night. It would've taken much longer ta get there by foot and there ain't no train running to or from Glimwood Tangle since the entire place is a national wildlife preserve as well as there ain't too many places like it in the world."

"...What do you mean?"

"It's a fifty square mile forest of giant trees so big and growin' so closely together that it blocks out the sun. It's full of these glowing giant mushrooms that light up everythin' in there 'n there's a whole slew of pokemon from dark to physcic to ghost....But mostly a bunch o' fairy type pokemon. It's why the fairy type stadium is located there."

You nearly felt sick to your stomach again. You had to sit and ride on this thing who knows how high off the ground for a two whole days and night?! ".....Well great."

"Oh relax, Y/n. Once we get in ta that big shady place from the sun it'll be worth it I promise."

"Where did you even get the money to pay for this trip? We used the last of it at the inn."

"Remember how Gym Challengers are paid a bit once they win a gym battle? I had enough ta pay for two people to be flown there don't worry." She looked back out the window. "Let's just relax n' enjoy the trip."

"Body stays inside the cab!"

Relax? It was easy for her to say! She was used to this!! Thus began your nerve wracking over the next two days. Gloria attempted to distract you and calm your nerves by having her rotom fly between the two of you and showed her uploaded battle against Allister from the Gym League's official sight. That helped a little bit as you two talked about Allister and the Gym battles that Gloria had had thus far, and you ended up rewatching them all including the ones you missed. Milo, Nessa, Kabu( Your Drizzilie looking the slightest bit proud of himself as you watched again this time without the panic or worry), Bea (you were surprised Gloria won against her actually. And you had a sneaking suspicion still that she might've won easily against her and Milo due to being worn out by the incoming of multiple trainers), and Allister again. Recounting that she had five gym badges thus fair, four needed to compete in the finals at the end of December, and was half way there already. This stop would hopefully make it five badges by the time of your departure. By the time it was night you all had the driver stop and take a rest for the night, you SO GLAD to be back on none moving land again with jello legs and shooting a glare to Gloria when she giggled at your predicament. Rinse and repeat. Pitching a tent, as the driver slept in the cab, and then the next morning you all packed and were off a second time. This time you didn't HAVE to be pulled in by Gloria but it still took a lot of coaxing and Gloria mentioning how much money she already paid for this trip to get you back on. But Gloria found out that meant you wouldn't budge unless she buckled up as well. Safety first after all. The second day went pretty much the same as yesterday lovingly distracting yourselves by talking a lot and looking anywhere but outside and down to keep your nerves down as well. During this time Gloria decided it'd be a great time to glue whatever pictures she had left over into her dex book as you two talked, apparently she planned on using the same lense on her camera to take pictures of the pokemon you both came across while in the Glimwood Tangle, and then showed you her small collection of League Cards so far. You weren't sure how she managed to balance a hobby of collecting multiple things on this trip but glad she was having fun and enjoying herself so far. Ultimately it reached the second night and you two (with her having to convince you) agreeing to flying through the night in order to reach Bellonlea by morning. It's safe to say sleep did NOT come easily to you that night when it eventually did come. The Moon replacing the sun and stars replacing the clouds. You weren't sure when or how you were able to fall asleep still buckled into the seats, but you must've been too tired to stay awake. The next thing you knew was that you were jarred awake in a panic when the entire cab was shaken like some rollar coaster upon landing on some path! Your Drizzilie chirping out in panic as it bumped in shook and even Gloria had clutched her seat for stability on your decent. Thankfully SOMEHOW NOT crashing but you two did end up a bit shaken from the experience.

"I'm so sorry!," a man's voice called out and you guessed the driver must've hopped off the bird pokemon because not a second later you saw his concerned self in the window looking at the three of you. "Is everyone alright? We were cut off by a flock of wild spearow outta no where!"

".....I'll let you know when I find out where my stomach flew off too," you mumbled back clutching your seat and still half asleep brain processing what had just happened.

"She's fine," Gloria assured rubbing her head, "Are we there?"

The man nodded and it was only when you finally dared to look out the window yourself you noticed that the cab was set down in the BIGGEST shadows from trees you had ever seen. Gloria was quick to unbuckle herself(thank gosh. You were glad she was buckled in for that fun fair ride-) and run herself out of the cab and after a moment you slowly followed. Legs feeling like Jello and SO GLAD to be on ground that you almost collasped to the grassy fields below you. When you looked up however is when you realized how small you actually felt. Before you was the BIGGEST DENSES TREES YOU HAD EVER SEEN!! THEY WERE LIKE SKYSCRAPERS WITH HOW BIG THEY WERE!! Their branches and leaves entertwined so much that the inside completely blocked out the light right inside the inner workings of the forest inside, and on the inside of the darkness you could make out lots and LOTS of different glowing lights in the shapes of mushrooms within there as the path you all landed on continued off into the darkness. And in front of the entrance to this forest was two large lamp posts that at the moment remained unlit. This was it. The Glimwood Tangle.

"I'm afraid this is as fair as I can take you ladies to Bellonlea." You blinked to the Driver as your Drizzlie stumbled out to walk over to you. "The trees are too tight nit to fly through and it'd be too dangerous to risk that."

"That's ok," Gloria assured him. "Would you mind waiting for us here? This shouldn't be take more than a couple hours if we're lucky."

He nodded. "Sure. Corviknight could use the break anyways after the long night we had."

She smiled before turning away and waving. "Thanks! We'll be back soon!" She walked past you towards the entrance to the forest and after blinking you followed. "OH! This is gonna be great!"

"Uh huh. And how are we not supposed to get lost in there?," you asked walking away the feeling of you as a violently shaking jello someone tossed to the floor with your pokemon at your side. "It's pitch black in there besides all those mushrooms but I dunno if that's gonna be enough to keep us from getting lost."

"Don't worry. I checked my regional maps before we got here. As long as we stay on the main dirt road and not go off onto any of the hiking trails or other paths leading to someone's house, we should be totally fine. And the main road is always the biggest one, so all we gotta do is stay on the biggest road and we're there...buuut it'll take us a bit to get to Bellonlea. It's dead smack in the middle of the forest and this place is pretty big."

"Y'know I think as long as we stay out of the hot sun I'll be perfectly fine. Just make sure the both of you stay close and no wondering off. The last thing I need after a ride like that is a sour stomach from worrying over you."

As you two entered leaving the taxi behind, it didn't take too long for it to get dark really fast. And it was like you two were traveling at night even tho you were absolutely sure it was daytime. You all marveled at the colorful glowing mushrooms along the path being your only source of light as you all traveled and casting dancing shadows within the dark as well across the trees. It was really beautiful but also in a way scary like when you all saw those ghost pokemon in the middle of the night. More than ONCE you had to smack one of the smaller glowing shrooms out of your drizzilie's hands before he could eat it. Maybe pokemon could eat these things, but you weren't about to risk finding out and unintentially making himself sick or worse. At the five minute mark the entrance you came through had completely disappeared from view, and at the ten minute mark the larger path shrank before splitting off into two different directions and you two had stopped...And you turned to Gloria who didn't look too sure where to go before pulling out her phone again as you stood there.

"Well so much for following the bigger path. Which way do we go?," you asked.

"Accordin' to the map we goooooo..." Gloria paused for a moment lifting a hand before pointing to the left, "That way! And then we go straight when we hit the second set of paths."

You two had continued down the path she pointed out with her phone out and she continued taking pictures now that you two began seeing a few pokemon. Usually some small imp looking pokemon she mentioned were called impadimps, a couple hatenna, some tea cup looking thing called a sinistea, some mushroom looking pokemon, and quite a few others as you two walked. Eventually coming across to the second set of pathways and continued to walk down the middle pathway as the map said to go....Although you began to have an off feeling as you walked. Almost as if you were being watched but that was ridiculous! There was pokemon all around you probably watching as the three of you walked on the pathway so of course you'd feel like you were being watched. But neither of you were aware of the larger figure moving from the brush over towards the both of you as you walked.

"So where do we go from here?," you asked watching a couple impadimps as they laughed and bounced on a mushroom as you walked, "And how long have we been walking anyways?"

"Lost count after forty five minutes. But accordin' ta this thing we take another left up ahead and that should lead us straight to Bellonlea!" The bushes up ahead of her rustled out as someone peeked out. 

"Oh good. I'm kinda getting tired of walk-"

"FUGAAAA!" Before you had even finished talking the person in the bushes jumped out at you from the middle of the path spraying you two with a shower of leaves from the poor plants. Pokemon scattered as Gloria let out a scream and your Drizzilie let out a panicked chirp diving behind your legs. In an instant, Gloria was yanked from in front of you as you shoved her behind you from the crouched form, arms raised in a 'I'm going to get you' like way with a wild look in his eyes. "FUGAGAGA!! I'm a pokemon! Have a battle with me!"

Startled the two of you wide eyed stared at this messy looking man who had literally appeared out of NO WHERE....before you looking to the petrified looking teen peeking out from around your back. "Hey. Are you ok?"

"......Define 'ok'."

The man held up a hand with a crazed smile and spoke before you could speak again. "Listen for a second. Scorbunny and sizzlipede are different species, but they're still both pokemon! Scorbunny and I are different species just like sizzlipede and I are different too! If you think about it that way there's no problem with calling me a pokemon. I don't mind!," he explained/rambled on much to the terrified people in front of him.

"What?," Gloria eventually spoke after a silence, "Did you hit your head there, Lad?" She asked before ducking behind you again as he snapped to her. You were starting to feel very uncomfortable now and cringed with every word the man spewed from his mouth.

"What? You don't have to worry about me! Even I know it's pretty lofty logic. I...I wanted to become a pokemon once," he rambled on staring off into space at nothing..and you two exchanged an uncomfortable look. 

"Uh..W-Well good luck with that-," you tried to defuse inching with the two behind you over towards the right around this crazy man.

"Hey! I've got it!," he giggled happily to himself, "A change of fashion style could change the way I feel too! Basically if I can make myself feel the same way a pokemon does, it'd be like I became a pokemom. Don't you think?!" The three of you froze as he snapped to you again. By now you were ready to just push this guy over and making a run for it if it'll mean to get away to safety. He suddenly pointed at you. "YOU! Would you please put on some clothes with a fiery spirit that embodies my burning feelings?"

....And you stared.....Was this middle aged crazy man asking you to change right here and now!? The man at your silence hummed and glossy eyes looked up towards the darkened tree canopy mumblng something about fire types..when your brows rose as an idea hit you. "....Gloria." Said freaked out brunette blinked up to you as you slowly leaned your head towards her but kept staring at the man who mumbled off to himself. You weren't risking taking your eyes off this creep for a second. "Listen to me very carefully. Reach into my bag and hand me the blue shirt with the arcanine printed on the front. Once he's distracted we'll make a run for it." She didn't answer you but by the way you were lightly forced to lean back and someone quickly opening your bag she didn't have too. After a moment longer a blue shirt was thrown over your shoulder as you grabbed it. OH! You hoped this would work. "Oh wow!" In an instant he snapped to you and your flinched...before slowly holding the shirt out. "What's this I found?"

"What's this? Is that-?" He snatched it from you and you quickly whipped your hand back as a result from his face actions. Curiously he opened the shirt and his crazy eyes widened more as he saw the arcanine printed on it. And he chuckled. "I feel like I've completely become a pokemon! Wearing a hot fire styled outfit can make you feel different! I feel like I've become a Fire Type pokemon!"

"RUN!!"

The man blinked as you both bolted. You gripping Gloria's hand for dear life as you both scrambled in fear to get the heck out of there. Your poor Drizzilie fearfully scrambling at your feet as the three of you ran as fast as you could down the pathway towards the next crossroads.

"W-WAIT! DONT YOU WANT TO BATTLE ME!?," the man called out after you.

You didn't answer and you didn't stop. Pumped full of panic and adrenaline telling you to get AWAY from that crazy guy. You both ran and RAN until you came to the third way the path split and stopped to catch your breath. Eventually you also released Gloria's hand when she gently tugged at you to let go and you did. Silence filled the air as you two just breathed for a moment, often glancing back to make sure the crazy guy didn't follow you. At one point you looked to Gloria who pointed in question towards the left path you needed to take to Bellonlea before you nodded your head and the two of you two slowly went on your way again still looking behind you in case the guy showed up. It was better to keep moving and get out of that area as soon as possible before that guy found you again. With a new tired feeling in your guts, you two made to continue on down the pathway deeper and deeper into this strange forest right out of a fairytale. You might as well have been walking for a good hour or more at this point when you all finally turned and there it was. Among a whole bunch of mushrooms, some of which being the BIGGEST you had seen thus far, was the unmistakable shine of the metal stadium through the trees, along with a lot of houses scattered around and that same pink pokemon center. The town of Bellonlea. And already there were a few people walking about as you could barely make out thanks to the lights in their houses and the glow from the mushrooms. Hopefully none of them were the weird man you had encountered back on the trail.

You pointed. "There it is! Guess your map was right after-" You had paused and blinked upon looking back to Gloria who was again digging through her bag. "What are you doing?"

She smiled holding up the old looking letter from her bag although it was slightly wrinkled from being in the bag for so long. "Don't ya remember? Allister said I needed ta return this letter ta whoever Frank is as soon as possible."

"Well...yeah. But I thought you were going to challenge Opal." You started walking as she did into the town.

"I am, but this seems really important for me ta do if even Allister thinks I should." She gestured around to the town of small fairytale houses you all couldn't stop admiring. "Plus there's not too many cabins 'ere. We should be able to find this Frank really quick."

"Well, let's ask someone. It'll be faster than knocking on doors at least." She agreed and you both walked up to the nearest person. A small little boy with brown hair and jeans playing with what you were assuming was his impadimp, but both looked up as you walked up to him and stopped. "Hi there" You greeted with a smile and wave. "Sorry to bug you but do you know if there's anyone named Frank who lives here?"

The boy blinked at you both. "Frank?" You both nodded at him. "Only one person in Bellonlea has that name. That's my granddad's name."

"Oh really?" His grandfather?? Why would a little girl write a love letter to someone's grandfather? But the boy nodded yes. "Could you tell us where he is right now?"

He turned and pointed to one of the cabins closest to the stadium. "In there with my sisters."

You smiled and waved at him again as Gloria immediately began walking in that direction. "Ok thanks!" Increasing your pace to catch up with her, the both of you walked up to the door and before you could say anything Gloria had already knocked loudly on the door.

There was a pause for a moment as you both looked at one another, then not a moment later footsteps approuched the door as you two looked back at it, and a man who looked to be in his early sixties and cap opened the doors to the two of you. And Gloria smiled. "Hi! Is there a Frank here?"

The man hummed looking the two of you girls over for a moment. "You're looking for Frank?" You both nodded. That'd be me yes. Can I help you ladies?"

Gloria held up the letter to him. "A girl in Hammerlocke asked us ta give this to ya."

He blinked in surprise at the letter. "What's this? You've got a letter addressed to me?" He reached out and grabbed the letter from Gloria, and the two of you watched as the elderly man opened it. "Now who could be sending me letters." He went silent for a moment as he opened the letter, held it up to his face, and scanned the words on it..before he smiled. "Oh! Why this says it's from Paula! That does take me back ages."

"Oh. So you two do know each other!"

He chuckled. "Paula was the name of a girl I spent all my time playing with when I was a young lad. She fell ill. Didn't tell me though. She kept it a secret just how sick she was. We ended up having a great row of it...then I moved away not long after that fight. I never met her again after the day I left."...Illness? The flashes of how sick the little girl looked flashed through your mind and when you looked at Gloria, who could see that the connections must've hit her too cuz she looked a bit pale. The man looked up at you two semi sadly. "How was she? Did she look well? Dear old Paula."

"I uh-....Well she looked...well I guess," you managed to force out awkwardly.

The man nodded. "That's a comfort to hear. I thank you both very kindly for delivering me this." He smiled again looking down at the letter. "For you've brought me back a piece of my youth. ...Do you have a dear friend in your life? Make sure you treasure those dear to you while you have them close."

You nodded before signaling to a lightly spooked Gloria that you all should go. "Y-Your welcome. Have a nice day, Sir." He smiled and nodded to the two of you before going to close the door as the two of you turned around. You felt a little spooked yourself. Both of you had just managed to step onto the path leading to the stadium too when-

"...Thank you..." You both froze at the young girl's voice. "..for delivering my letter...."

.........Both of you slowly looked to one another......before you pointed to the gym. "To the stadium?"

"TO THE STADIUM!," Gloria agreed grabbing your arm and already making you two speed walk towards the building.  As you both quickly approuched, neither wanting to acknowledge what had just happneded, you were more surprised by how they managed to find a big enough space between the tight knit trees to build it. Gloria letting go of your hand the closer you both got to the stadium and it's entance. "Why don't you go on ahead and go around and to the seating area then?" She suggested as she stopped in the doorway. "I'll just go ahead and go do the gym challenge. Oh. After this I'll need ta stop by the center and move some of my new wee ones inta rotomi boxes."

You nodded. Sounded like a plan to you. After all you were wanting to get away and distract yourself from the goosebumps forming on your arms. "Alright. You be careful now." She nodded before turning and with a whoosh sound the door opened for her to enter, and you turned to your bored looking drizzilie. "C'mon. Let's head in through the side doors and get a good front row seat. Ok?" 

He rolled his eyes and groaned but followed you anyways as you turned and began walking around the giant stadium. To make a long story you walked around the giant stadium and found the entrance leading into the stadium for people to access the bleachers, and went inside with your drizzilie right behind you looking bored as always. The regular flight of stairs you usually encountered with these stadiums lead up, and up until you both reached the enormous stadium insides that you were used too. With rows upon rows of seats but besides you and your pokemon there was at most maybe twenty other people besides you that you could tell. Must be due to Bellonlea being such a remote and small town. But hey! This gave you a great chance to get a front row seat to a battle for a change and experience it at least once. Still following you, your Drizzilie walked behind you all the way towards the very first row facing the giant grassy field and joined you as you sat down with it taking up a seat next to you. Perfect! Now all you had to do was wait!........And wait...........and wait........And wait some more. You hadn't realized how long it would take for you to wait for Gloria to finish the gym's challenge, but that's alright. You didn't mind waiting. It gave you a long chance to rest your feet and for your Drizzilie to fall asleep leaning it's head back on the seat. And you chuckled at it's snoring. .......And waited even longer with a sigh. Until FINALLY with what seemed like forever somone came onto the field. You didn't even notice it at first bored out of your mind, with your head leaning in your hand until you just happened to look up at the screen and perked right up seeing someone. HEY! It was the same elderly lady you and Gloria kept running into! It was Opal. And at this very moment she was slowly making her way across the field, until she got to the very center, and turned to face the middle and closing her eyes. As if waiting for someone. And it didn't take too long for you to find out too. Gloria came jogging onto the scene out from one of the openings onto the field and you perked right up as she walked right over across from Opal who finally opened her eyes to her. You watched as they exchanged a few words, before jumping at the announcer's voice.

"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!! THE GYM BATTLE BETWEEN GYM CHALLENGER GLORIA AND GYM LEADER GLORIA SHALL BEGIN!! BATTLERS PLEASE TAKE YOUR PLACES!!" Both turned, Opal more slowly than Gloria obviously, before walking to their places on the field. Before turning to face one another. "POKEMON AT THE READY!! FIRST ROUND MATCH BEGIN!!"

In a flash of bright light both ladies sent out their pokemon. Gloria her raboot and Opal a weezing. And Opal was first to make a move when, fast for an old lady too, she slammed her umbrella to the ground and the wheezing puffed up it's cheeks like it was about to puke and suddenly it began spatting out purple glowing balls at the raboot. The move was sludge if you remember right. In an instant the rabbit pokemon looked panicked and began hoping about in weird poses and sometimes belly flopping to avoid the oncoming toxic attack thrown at it. Until Gloria pointed and gave it an attack. Then it was a whole new ball game as the raboot used that same technique you recognized she used back when battling Kabu. Using the quick attack of the raboot to boost it's speed as it turned it body and began charging at the weezing who amplified it's sludge attacks just as quick as the raboot was running with the flames at it's feet. Kicking something towards the weezing like a soccer ball player would before with a mighty bound it launched itself into the air, and kicked the flaming rock ember move at bullet speed towards the weezing. And no sooner than it did when a giant sludge ball hit it directly as well. With a cry of pain the small bunny pokemon FELL to the ground hard onto it's back. And didn't move. Meanwhile the rock launched at the weezing went straight into the larger mouth and the reaction was instant. It doubled over. In fact it went straight down to the ground almost at the same time as the raboot when the poison attack hit it head on. Your eyes widened as you leaned forward from where you were sitting. The weezing was unable to move besides shaking a bit and coughing from the flaming rock that went into it's mouth, and Raboot stayed there laying on the ground...until it got up. The poor thing looked like it was in pain forcing itself to sit up, and then eventually stand wobbling on it's two shaking feet. Shaking it's head and then facing the weezing with a look of determination in it's eyes. At least it did before the weezing was gone within a flash of light back into it's pokeball by Opal.

"FIRST ROUND MATCH OVER!! WEEZING WAS DETERMINED TO BE UNABLE TO BATTLE!!," Announcer stated as Gloria swiftly returned her own pokemon. "GYM CHALLENGER WINS FIRST ROUND!! SECOND ROUND MATCH IS ABOUT TO START! PLEASE READY YOUR POKEMON!!....POKEMON AT THE READY!! SECOND ROUND MATCH BEGIN!!"

And in more bright lights appeared two pokemon with the ability to fly. Opal sending out a togakiss and Gloria a corvi-......A CORVIKNIGHT!? SINCE WHEN DID SHE GET A CORVIKNIGHT!? The VERY large and black pokemon gave out a mighty roar at it's opponent. A shiver running down your spine. You still didn't forget how you arrived here after all. Opal was first to make a move again as she pointed and the togakiss sent out what looked like giant orbs of rocks. Ancient power?? Gloria did nothing at first and the corviknight screeched out an annoyed or perhaps painful reaction as the rocks shot out at bullet speed head on collided with it. But the BLOODY giant bird didn't even land from it's flying in place position, jut shake out it's feathered head and looked to the togakiss. Before bright light slash marks were made at it. Hone Claws! Was she planning on using the same technique she used against Hop? Well you found out when the corviknight let out a shrill cry that seemed to finally wake your sleeping drizzilie as it spread it's wings and with one beat of it wings launched itself into the air, before doing an entire circle upside down and with it's beak glowing launched itself right towards the togakiss who it turn made it's wing like appendages glow and with a shrill bolted right towards the corviknight. They were using steel wing to combat the drill peck!! But who'd win in this clash. Or at least that's what you thought would happen. To be honest what happened next was so fast you couldn't believe it unless you were sitting right there to watch as the corviknight out of no where extended it's GIANT sharp claws, and like an eagle completely SNATCHED the togakiss right out of mid air, encasing it comepletely in one of it's feet. Startled the togakiss could do only one thing at the moment. Shrill cry in panic as the corviknight parachuted using it's wings as it flew overhead. Opal must've been as surprised as you as you all watched the heavy duty bird pokemon, landed on the very edge of the feild with the yelling togakiss in its claws, stumbling a bit with landing on one leg, then simply while still holding the togakiss, placed it on the ground outside the boundary lines.

"SECOND ROUND MATCH OVER!! TOGAKISS IS OUT OF BOUNDS!! GYM CHALLENGER WINS SECOND ROUND!!" You watched as the corviknight ruffled its feathers before giving a few chirping noises, and walked it's way back over towards Gloria who waved at it. The togakiss looking rather spooked and shocked sat there for a moment....before flopping over onto it's side. And you frowned at it. Poor thing. You felt it's pain. "PLEASE READY YOUR POKEMON AS THE THIRD ROUND BATTLE IS ABOUT TO BEGIN!!" In a flash of light both pokemon disappeared off the field and you hope the poor togakiss would be alright after that. "POKEMON AT THE READY!! THIRD ROUND MATCH BEGIN!!"

Although things were looking really well for Gloria so far. She won two rounds! Two more pokemon entered the field. Gloria's roselia and Opal's mawile. Oh boy. Gloria better watch out for those giant jars. In fact it didn't look too good at all when the thing use steel guard! That means it's defenses rose greatly. And Gloria pointed. The roselia used what you recognized as it's famous stun spore attack as it darted towards the mawile at lightning speeds, roses already tingling with electricity as the mawile turned to face it's upcoming attack as the grass pokemon threw it's roses out in a move to shoot at it- When the GIANT MAW engulfed it entirely. Stunned, you and your Drizzilie watched as the mawile gave a shrill as the stun spore kicked in and it's body was enveloped in electricity. Before with a grit, it raised the maw the roselia was still encased in, and SLAMMED IT down onto the ground multiple times. SLAM!! SLAM!! SLAM!! The sickening sounds echoed throughout the mostly empty stadium as you grimaced and could only watch as with a final slam the mawile stopped...it's body giving a spark every so often..before it's giant maw opened and the poor roselia fell out unconcious. 

"THIRD ROUND MATCH IS OVER!! ROSELIA IS UNABLE TO BATTLE!! VICTORY OF THE MATCH GOES TO THE GYM LEADER!!" You sighed slumping back into your seat. Oh well. Couldn't win them all. Well she won two out of three rounds anyways so that was good enough to get a bad- "PLEASE PREPARE YOUR POKEMON FOR THE FINAL ROUND!!" Your eyes popped back open. Final round?! You mean there's more than three rounds!? "POKEMON AT THE READY TO DYNAMAX!! FINAL MATCH MAY BEGIN!!"

You leaned forward as you watched. Red energy forming around their wrists for the dynamax bands and you breathed. Here we go. Both held pokeballs the size of watermelons glowing red, and with incredable strength on Opal's part. Both tossed them into the air. And then came the shaking of the stadium as you held onto your seat as they appeared. Opal's alcremie as it was huge and.....and......looked like a giant decorated cake you'd find at a wedding or fancy party. Huh. Didn't remember that. On the other hand with Gloria, out came her corviknight. Her GIANT. Black. Menacing looking. Corviknight. Which gave a giant shrill cry of it's own that made your otherwise bored looking drizzilie yelp in fear and LEAP into your arms knocking you back against the seat for a moment. Not that you could really blame him really. You had bad experiences with this type of pokemon after all. And you could guess why Gloria would choose her corviknight. Raboot was most likely still affected by that poison attack from the weezing and even if he could still stand, he'd be crushed easily from being weakened. And roselia was most likely still passed out from mawile's body slamming. Corviknight would be the obvious choice since he didn't seem to be too affected by how easily he took down the togakiss and being a flying and steel type pokemon, he would be the most durable against a dynamaxed alcremie. Opal lifted her umbrella again and slammed it back down and the now dynamaxed alcremie made it's first move. You had too look away fromhow bright it was as the corviknight let out a shrill eagle like cry of pain as light enveloped it ending with a burst of stars but that big chicken was still flapping by the time you even looked back up, the wind from it's massize wings making you squint against it. It was bad enough the entire place shook as you held onto your petrified drizzilie and seat to not get knocked off. Instead more bright light danced across the sky infront of it, Hone claws. Before the thing let out a loud caw of protest as what you could only discribe as a huge pink light in the shape of a kiss mark and pink marks danced around it's head. What the- OH! That must've been alcremie's Draining Kiss move! Although unluckily for it it didn't seem to be very affective towards the bird brain. Another giant eagle cry pierced the air making your ear hurt and two black jet streams poured from it's wings. You watched as the dark jet streams poured like snakes from it's wings and in that move you had seen it use before when battling Milo encircled the poor pokemon. Encasing it with a dome of black before exploding in a blast of black. The alcremie crying out in pain as is tilted towards the ground. The pokemon went out in an explosion that sent dirt clouds flying up everywhere as it timbered glowing brightly through the dust clouds as it magically shrank down within it's own mess. You all watched with baited breath as the clouds spread out and covered the famous gym leader as well, Gloria's bird pokemon glowing a bright reddish color before beginning to shrink down until it was back to it's normal size. Normal being big enough to carry off a whole elephant. And you slammed your eyes shut at the shaking and the dirt that flew up everywhere with the gust of wind blowing it everywhere. ....You coughed and waved your hand in front of your face to swat away any left over dirt from your face as the dust clouds slowly settled on the field in front of you. Gloria was doing the same with the giant bird pokemon standing right behind her and Opal was merely standing there with a calm expression as if a giant pokemon didn't just fall over and shrink behind her...speaking of the alcremie, it was no where in sight when the dust settled other than the rubble it left behind in it's wake. Did that mean-

"FINAL ROUND OVER!! ALCREMIE WAS DETERMINED TO BE UNABLE TO CONTINUE BATTLE!! VICTORY OF THE GYM BATTLE GOES TO THE GYM CHALLENGER!!," the announcer shouted over the mic.

You sighed in relief, leaning back against your seat from all the tention that you had been feeling throughout this entire experience. Gloria and Opal in the mean time walked over and met somewhere in the middle of the field most likely talking, and you took that as your que to stand and slowly lower the lightly spooked drizzilie to the ground off your lap. 

"Come on," you said starting towards the stairs as it blinked and followed you, "Let's go wait for her outside." You had made your way out of the stadium and walked the full way around the stadium towards the front of the Bellonlea gym to where the door was located and Gloria would soon walk out. And that's where you waited with your Drizzilie patiently until you turned your head at the whoosh sound of the door and smiled upon seeing the excited face of Gloria jog out excitedly. "Hey! There you are! Took you a while to get to the field."

"Hey. It's not my bloody fault," she protested with a light frown, "Opal's challenge was ta battle three of her employees n' answer questions at the same time! N' then she even asked me stuff during the battle!! I'm lucky I didn't exhaust my pokemon fully before the actual battlin' began! I swear she just does that to wear ya down before battle...OH! N' I ran inta Marnie again."

Your brows rose at that little tidbit. "Really?"

She nodded. "Yep. Ya probably didn't see 'er since you were already headed off to the entrance ta watch me."

You nodded in agreement. "Yeah. That is probably why I didn't see her leave." You then looked around with a raised brow suspiciously. Did that mean Team Yell was also around here as well? They usually weren't far behind if Marnie was involved. You hummed before turning to Gloria and pointing the way back towards the pokemon center. "Well, how about we head back to the pokemon center and get your pokemon checked out then head back to the cab?" 

As much as you didn't want to ride that taxi again, you weren't too comfortable staying now that there might be Team Yell on top of that crazy man from the woods running around. Luckily Gloria was already wanting to get her pokemon checked out and it didn't take too long for you two to get to the pokemon center for her pokemon to get patched up. Thank god Nurse Joy was a miracle worker with these kind of things. It only took about ten minutes for her to heal up Gloria's pokemon and another five minutes for Gloria to comb through her rotomi boxes to add a few more pokemon she required before the two of you were able to leave the pink building and head back towards the way you two came in.

"So, do you know the way back out?," you asked glancing at Gloria. She hummed with a nod holding up her phone to you. "Good. If we run into that crazy guy again we'll have Drizzilie spray him down and make a break for it. Hopefully we won't run into him again."

"Hold on now." Both of you paused, blinking before looking behind you and low and behold right there walking slowly up towards the both of you was none other than Opal herself once again. 

"Ms. Opal?," Gloria asked confused, "What are ye doin' 'ere?"

"I've got a few errands to run in Hammerlocke," she explained, "Care to join me for the journey?" Both of you blinked before looking at one another in a mix of confusion and surprise. "If you're headed for the next gym stadium you'll need to get to Hammerlocke too after all."

"Next stadium?"

"Oh right. We can take the train to Circhester from Hammerlocke!," Gloria mentioned and your mood soured a bit at the memory of Raihan hitting on you. You had to go back there??

"I surely do hope you wouldn't mind if I caught a ride back with both you young ladies. And as thanks I wouldn't mind covering the tab for the ride over there," Opal offered, "If you wouldn't mind of course."

"Are ya kiddin? With pleasure!," Gloria answered with a wide smile and nod and you sighed. 

"Excellent. They say two's company after all." Two? Counting Drizzilie there was four of you taking this trip back now. She began slowly moving towards the exit herself. "Come along now. If we want to start before nightfall I suggest we leave now."

"Sure." You made to go after her but paused. "...Wait. How long will it take to get back to Hammerlocke from here?"

"Not very long with the taxi," Gloria mentioned following the older woman, "About five days and even faster if we fly one or two nights."

You groaned but followed after them. This journey just keeps getting better and better.

[kcarteruniverse]

Heart ❤️ Explosions 12 ⚡️

Let’s bring heaven on Earth & rise to the next dimension. Let go of the shame & pain aiming to grow into your greatest version. Remember when you were a child & just happy to be alive; we didn’t need drugs, sex or alcohol to turn up & be happy. We didn’t understand racism & the differences that separates us today. Be proud to be weird & different. Shine your light & remember you have purpose! The most high has not forgotten you. Don’t allow yourself to be programmed remember we are not projects & the hood isn’t all we have for this land is ours & it’s time too act like it. The devil & the government principalities has no more power over us without us. We are the reason anything works. Take accountability & forgive yourself & others for we did not know the truth. Fight everyday for your peace & love. The joy of the Lord is your strength. See yourself through Gods eyes & not the misunderstanding of others. Heal & be free today by the glory fire of Iesus & Yeshua! No more compromising to be liked or get money. Choose ya side & seek the kingdom first & all will be added unto you. Your broken past & wrong doings will be a testament of the power of God wiping them away; answer the call. The future needs you be open to be used by love our highest vibration. Your time has not been wasted; we are here too learn & grow. Protect yourself; everything you need is within! Nothing outside of you will satisfy you more than your soul. You were created in the image of the creator so get to work! Be still & know God. Get in-tune with nature & know who you are young gods & goddesses. We are gonna make things righteous; do not fear death or oppression for they cannot destroy our spirits for there is honor awaiting for our elders & ancestors before us. And for anyone I’ve mislead or hurt on this journey I apologize: for I was lost battling dark forces & seen things you wouldn’t believe is real; turned down deals & my own traumas yet everything happens for a reason so you can find your true higher self. It’s ok to take baby steps the tortoise won the race. Nobody’s perfect & that’s why it should be easy for us to love one another. Remove yourself from situations that no longer serve your highest good. Self reflect today on what betterment you can do for the collective. We are the revolution! We are the love! You are beautiful and valuable; & don’t think otherwise. Ase.

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