#because dark green is injury mirroring and both of them are in roles where that could become Very Relevant

[chisatowo]

Colors + character reveal ig fhsjhfkdh

Would y'all forgive me if I made the most cringe fail au in existence

[kgraces]

Atlas

@badthingshappenbingo​

Bad Things Happen Bingo Prompt: Buried in Rubble

For @ithilgalad75​

Read it on Ao3 here! 

Jason is practically a deadweight against Dick’s side, arm slung around his shoulder. Of course things had gone sideways during a routine case. Of course Joker had decided to show up. Dick had gotten caught up in fighting off the hordes of arms dealers while Jason took on his worst nightmare by himself. Jason is more than capable of keeping himself safe, but the Joker is his greatest weakness, and the worst part is that Joker knows it. 

It hadn’t been a problem until the monster brought out the crowbar.

Jason had clung to his fury, beating past the panic underneath his skin to shoot Joker's kneecaps out and get the hell out of there with Dick in tow, but he hadn't gotten away unscathed. He's definitely got a few cracked ribs, and one shoulder took a heavy hit with the crowbar. His left ankle got completely shattered, too. Dick helps his brother limp along, cursing the damned clown under his breath as they go. 

They're making their way to one of the lesser used entrances to the Cave, but even though it's narrow, which won't do Jason's claustrophobia any favors, it's the closest way home. Dick just needs to get them somewhere safe.

The tunnel’s ceiling is low—walls cramped and dark. Dick isn’t sure this passage has ever been used before now. Jason slumps a little more against him, and Dick casts an uneasy glance at his little brother, taking a moment to stop and run his fingers through the messy curls. Jason leans into the touch, but he doesn’t speak. 

“C’mon Little Wing,” Dick murmurs. “Almost home.”

They manage to walk a few more feet before the ground starts to rumble beneath their feet. Dick’s hold on his brother tightens for a moment before he tumbles over, losing his balance as the earth underneath roils dizzyingly. Earthquakes aren’t uncommon in Gotham, but this one is stronger than the last few minor ones they’ve had. Both boys tumble to the ground, and for a long moment the only sound is the rumbling all around them. 

Then, a loud crack slices through the air, and the ceiling crumples on top of them. The only reaction Dick has time for is a wordless shout before the rubble falls, a cloud of debris obscuring his vision for several painstaking moments. Dick coughs, trying to breathe around the pulverized rock as the cloud of dust begins to dissipate. Somehow, he’s escaped without injury, lying a few feet away from the pile of stones blocking the tunnel. 

“Jay?” He croaks, voice tightly controlled to conceal his worry. He hears a pained sound and levers himself up onto his elbows, scanning the ground for any sign of his brother. 

There.

A tuft of black hair—white streak grey with dust—is barely visible underneath the rubble. Dick’s heart leaps to his throat. His little brother is stuck. Buried under rubble after facing a beatdown from the Joker. His next breath shudders on the exhale.

“Jay, I’m right here,” Dick calls softly. “I’m here, and we’re going to get you out of there, alright?” 

A sniffle, a sob, and Dick feels like his chest is being torn open. He wants to scream, to cry with Jason, but he can’t. He has to be the calm one, here, because if he lets himself get swept up in the fear and worry, he won’t be of any use to his brother. Jason is more important right now. 

He shuffles closer, studying the stone crushing his brother’s prone form. He reaches out and combs a hand through Jason’s hair, waiting patiently until green eyes meet blue. Dick offers him a small smile, relieved to see him at least semi-coherent.

“Dick?” Jason murmurs, voice rough from smoking and the poor air quality. “This...this isn’t real. I’m dreaming you came to save me.”

“You’re going to be okay,” Dick says tremulously. He smoothes the hair back from Jason’s face, smile turning sad. “I wasn’t there the first time, but I’m here for you now.” He starts to prod carefully at the rubble trapping his brother’s torso and legs. “We might need to call B over.” He says with a hum. “I’m going to start to dig you out while he’s on his way, alright?” He activates his emergency beacon, and at Jason’s nod, he starts to move some of the rock as delicately as he can.

Jason’s still crying, tears dripping from his face onto the cave floor beneath him, and Dick starts to hum an old Romani lullaby he remembers his mother singing to him, hoping to calm him down. He’s always found noise more comforting than silence, and he knows Jason can’t begin to believe he’s alone right now. Eventually, Jason speaks up.

“I never wanted to go through this again,” he croaks. “The warehouse explosion hurt, Dick. Everything was hurting, and it burned. There was all this rubble, and warped, super-heated metal landed on me. I felt it before I finally died, and it was awful. Waking up in my coffin and digging my way out was worse.” He takes in a shaky breath. “God, I hate small spaces.” Dick hums again, passing a hand through his little brother’s hair again. Smiling sadly as Jason leans into the touch, almost desperately seeking out the comfort.

“It happened to me once, too,” Dick says. “Getting buried alive, I mean.” Jason makes a soft, inquisitive noise, and Dick lets out a mirthless chuckle. “Yeah, it wasn’t fun for me, either.” He shifts another rock, eyeing the largest piece of rubble pinning Jason to the ground. “But guess what, Little Wing? I got out, and you did too. This time won’t be any different.” 

His words and tone are soothing, but Dick’s heart is racing with the fluttery energy of panic. He hates reminding himself of that time, when he’d been attacked, knocked unconscious, and placed in a coffin—left to die. He pushes those memories aside. Jason needs him, and he can’t break down yet. Later, maybe, when they’re both safe, and Dick is alone in his room. He falls back into his usual role—big brother, caretaker, protector. 

“You’re okay, Jay. We’re going to get you out of here as soon as B gets here, and then maybe we can get Alf to make you some hot chocolate. How does that sound?” He keeps working to distract his brother until he hears footsteps running toward them, echoing across the cave walls. “Hear that, Little Wing? The cavalry's here. You’ll be free in no time, alright?” 

He’s freed one of Jason’s hands now, and he reaches out to give it a gentle squeeze. Jason’s fingers twitch and curl around his, and Dick’s strained smile grows a little more genuine. He’ll be okay. Bruce kneels at Dick’s side, clapping a hand to his shoulder in a brief display of support before he moves to examine the rock keeping Jason in place. 

“Keep him calm,” Bruce murmurs, and Dick nods. He’s the eldest, the emotional support for his brothers. It’s a role he’s taken up many times, no matter the toll on his own heart. 

“Jay, can you look at me please?” Dick asks, smiling when they make eye contact. “Hi there, Little Wing. What’s going on in that head of yours?”

“Ethiopia,” is the choked reply. Dick sighs and runs a thumb under Jason’s eye, wiping away a few stray tears. 

“You’re not there, Jay. You’re in the Cave with me and B. You’re safe, and you won’t be stuck for much longer, okay?” He talks in low, hushed tones, doing his best to soothe the sharp edges of his little brother’s worry. His own chest feels tight, like he’s the one being crushed, but he ignores it in favor of taking care of Jason.

Finally, finally, Bruce manages to get Jason free. He and Dick carry him over to the medbay, where Alfred is already waiting for them. Bruce and Dick get shooed away, and once he’s showered and changed into civvies, Dick can safely sequester himself in his room and let himself break down. He’s held it off for long enough. He makes it to his bedroom without incident, a small mercy.

The door shuts behind him, and Dick slides to the floor, resting his head against his knees. He’s exhausted—emotionally drained from staying strong for his brother. The panic he’s been keeping at bay surges forward, clutching at his lungs until he can’t breathe around it. 

Jason is safe. He’s alive, and he’s going to be okay. The nightmare is over, and Dick can just ride out the adrenaline crash by himself. He’s going to be okay, too. Eventually. 

It could be minutes or hours later when someone knocks on his door. Dick mumbles out his permission to come in, shuffling to the side so he isn’t blocking the entrance. To his surprise, Jason hobbles into the room. There’s a cast on one arm, and he’s moving stiffly, but he’s in one piece, and that’s enough to send relief flooding through Dick’s veins. Logically, he’d known his brother was okay, but seeing it with his own eyes makes it feel far more real.

“Hey Big Wing,” Jason says softly. The room is dark, shadows broken up by the thin moonlight filtering in through the curtains. Jason slumps onto the floor next to him. “You okay?”

“Am I okay?” Dick asks, chuckling a little. “I should be asking you that.” He smiles at his little brother and tries to put some cheer into his words. “I’m fine, Jay.”

“You’re full of shit, but that’s okay,” Jason replies. Dick lets himself rest his head against Jason’s shoulder. “Thanks for being there,” he says. 

“I didn’t want you to be alone,” Dick admits. “I know how it feels to be trapped like that, and I know I don’t have the same traumas you do, but it sucks going through that kind of thing alone—reliving it and all.” 

“You’re too selfless for your own good sometimes,” Jason says. “It’s okay to not always be okay. You know that, right?” 

Dick sighs, sniffling a little. Jason wraps his uninjured arm around Dick’s shoulders, and Dick leans against him, mindful of his injuries.  

“I’ve always had to be the strong one,” he says, choking on the words. “It’s my job to be there for my little siblings.”

“Not if it hurts you in the process,” Jason says evenly. He mirrors Dick’s prior actions and runs his fingers through Dick’s hair. It’s soothing, a balm to his frayed nerves. “We care about you as much as you care about us, Dickie. You don’t have to carry that burden all alone.”

“I don’t want you to worry about me,” Dick insists.

“Tough shit,” Jason retorts. His tone is sharp, but the hand in his hair is unfailingly gentle. “It’s okay, Dick. You don’t have to be perfect all the time.” 

Dick sighs again, tears sliding down the planes of his cheeks. The day’s events and their consequential emotions weigh heavily on his shoulders, as they often do when his family is hurt or in danger. But for right now, everyone is safe. Jason is here, by his side, and his brother isn’t going to let him collapse under the weight of his own heart. 

“I’m glad you’re okay,” Dick says, after a long moment of quiet. 

“I’m glad I had you there to make sure I was okay,” Jason replies. 

“Always, Little Wing. I promise. I’m not going to fail you again.” 

It’s a heavy burden to bear, but it’s worth it, Dick thinks, if it leaves him with his little brother at his side, safe and steadfast. And really, that’s all he wants: his family safe and happy. Contentment curls in his chest, a warmth to chase away the cold fear he’d been feeling since the tunnel collapsed. He’s safe, and he’s happy, and that’s more than enough for him.

[shellku]

Film Challenge

Okay guys. Finally did it. As requested.

Have you ever left a theater before the movie was over?

Yes. Only once.

If you ever left a theater what was playing: Savages

Craziest (Random) movie you’ve ever seen:

The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.

“And thanks for all the fish” -Dolphins

Most disturbing film you’ve ever watched:

Crimson Peak

A film you only watched because (Tom Hiddleston ) was in it: Crimson Peak

A minor role (or movie) with a major actor you greatly enjoyed: Sebastian Stan as Jefferson/The Mad Hatter in Once Upon A Time.

A minor role (or movie) with a major actress you greatly enjoyed: Emma Watson as Pauline Fossil in Ballet Shoes

A movie everyone should see at least once: The Princess Bride

A movie you thought everyone has seen but apparently not: Who framed Roger Rabbit?

A movie you’ve tried multiple times to watch but never get through it: Silence if the Lambs

A movie that legitimately surprised you:

Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. While it came out in 1980 I didn’t see it until much later obviously. I wasn’t even ten when I watched it the first time, I and was genuinely shocked.

Movie that you enjoy, that surprises people you enjoy: Scream (1996)

A movie you associated with Religion and it turns out that tracks: The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe

A movie you watched a lot as a kid but your not sure why exactly you watched it so much:

Hook. (And) The Sandlot.

My first movie that made me question my sexualité: The Priâtes of the Caribbean.

Sections

Anime

First Anime: Fruits Basket. Vampire Knight.

Anime I watched with my (brother): Full Metal Alchemist

Anime I tried to get into and couldn’t: D Gray Man

Anime I was surprised I enjoyed: The Neverland Promise. (And) Soul Eater

Anime I always liked (even when it confused people): Black Butler

Anime that makes me cry: Your lie in April

Anime that I love but now makes me sad too: Sword Art Online

Anime I’m just not into: One Piece

One that was recommended that I enjoyed:

Blue Exorcist

One that was recommended that I was ehh on and did not finish: Attack on Titian

One I probably should watch: Pandora Hearts

One I watched Randomly : Castlevania

One that I did not watch until (college) that everyone seems to have watched: Sailor Moon

Cartoons

Cartoons Everyone should see:

- The Peanuts.

- Garfield.

- Scooby Doo.

- Tom and Jerry.

- Pink Panther.

Cartoon I never liked: Spongebob

Cartoon I hate now: Kiayu? Idk. The one with the bald kid that whines a lot. Ugh.

Cartoon I can make myself ‘watch’ with the (niece/nephews): Paw Patrol

Films you would Recommend:

80s: The Breakfast Club

Book Adaption 80s: The Outsiders

Murder Mystery:Murder on the Oriental Express

Jim Henson pick: Labyrinth

(Suicide) Satire:Heathers

Romance: Titanic

‘Horror’ Movie: The Lost boys

Horror Movie: The Nightmare on Elm Street

Spy Flick: Saint (1997)

Mind trips: The Sixth Sense.(1999) Donnie Darko.

Stephen King: The Dark Tower

Stephen King Miniseries: Rose Red

Studio Ghibli: Howls Moving Castle. Or. Kiki’s Delivery Service.

Action Comedy: Miss Congeniality

Adventure Comedy: Jumanji

‘Dark’ Comedy: The Addams Family

Romantic Comedy: Legally Blonde

Tim Burton

Tim Burton Animated: The Nightmare Before Christmas

Tim Burton Live Action: Edward Scissorhand

Tim Burton Musical: Sweeney Todd

Dreamworks

Favorite Dreamwork’s Film:

Rise of the Guardians (and) How to Train your Dragon

Disney:

Unpopular Recommendations:

The Black Cauldron (and) The Great Mouse Detective

One that is still rather disturbing: Pinocchio

Best Soundtrack (Golden Age): Fantasia

Best Soundtrack (Modern): IDk?!

Classics (Golden) everyone should see at least once: Snow White (and) Bambi.

Wartime Era Pic: The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr.Toad

Silver Age or Bronze Age: Both!!!

Disney Renaissance or Post Renaissance: Both! If I absolutely had to choose though, Renaissance.

Moana or Lilo and Stitch: Lilo and Stitch

Frozen or Tangled: Both

Soul or Monsters Inc: Monsters Inc

Toy Story I and 2/ or/ 3 and 4? Toy Story I and 2.

Underrated: Candleshoe

Disney Holiday:

Live Action Halloween - Hocus Pocus

Live Action Halloween Series- Halloweentown

Animated Halloween- Frakenweenie

Live Action Christmas- Miracle on 34th Street (and) Eloise

Animated Christmas- Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas, Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas, (and) Winnie the Pooh: A very merry Pooh year.

New: The Nutcracker and the Four Realms. (2018)

Disney Reimagined/Live Action:

First that made you rethink the story: Maleficent

Favorite ‘Princess’ Story: Beauty and the Beast

The Surprise: Cruella

The one you worried about but we’re happy with in the end: Lady and the Tramp

The one you worried about but ending up enjoying anyway: Aladdin

The one that was good but you could have done without: The Lion King (which really surprised me!!!I like it but I didn’t love it. Which for me was so strange since I’m a fan of the original and the play.)

The one you had high hopes for and had a mixed reaction too: Mulan. (Ended up really liking it, but I miss Mushu. )

‘Modern’ Shakespeare Adaption:

10 Thing I hate About You (The Taming of the Shrew)

Clueless (Emma)

and

The Lion King Series. (Kid appropriate)

The Lion King: Hamlet

The Lion King 1 1/2: Rosencrantz and Guildenstein

The Lion King 2: Romeo and Juliet

Vampire Pictures:

90s: Interview with a Vampire

2000+: Twilight Series

Tv Series: Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Vampire Action Series: Underworld

Classic: Bram Stoker’s Dracula

Dracula with a Twist: Dracula Untold (2014)

Fun Supernatural Flicks :

Witches: The Craft

Male Witches: The Covenant

Fairytale: Red Riding Hood (2011)

Ghost Hunters: Ghostbusters

Multiple Supernatural: Van Helsing (2014)

Werewolf Romance: Blood and Chocolate

Kid Friendly Live Action: Casper

Kid Friendly Animated: Hotel Transylvania

Supernatural Series:

Multi: Supernatural

Animated: Sabrina The Teenage Witch. (And) Scooby Doo.

Witches: Charmed

Fairytale: Once Upon a Time

Darker Fairytale: Grimm

‘Superhero’ Movies:

90s: Batman. (And) The Crow.

Series: Marvel’s Cinematic Universe

Classic Animated: Batman the animated series

Modern Animated: Harley Quinn

Girl Power: Wonder Woman. (and) Birds of Prey.

Something Different: Deadpool

Younger Audiences/Nostalgia: Teen Titans (animated)

Harry Potter

Favorite Film: Idk. Can’t choose honestly.

Least favorite character portrayal: .. Ginny Weasley?

Someone you loved: (so many..) McGonagall

Someone you loved hating: Bellatrix LeStrange

Someone you just hate: Dolores Umbridge

First time you cried: I cried for Sirius and Remus in Prisoner of Azkaban.

First time you jumped: Snakes or Basilisk. Chamber of Secrets. (I think I was 12?)

Someone who was so spot in acting on you can’t see them as anyone else now: Luna Lovegood

Someone who was so good even if the look wasn’t perfect: Emma Granger as Hermione OR Alan Rickman as Severus Snape.

Someone who’s injury hit you harder than the books: Colin Creevy.

Someone who’s death hit you harder than in the books: None. They hit but not as much as the books.

A scene you found just breathtakingly pretty: Christmas at Hogwarts

A scene you found creepy (even when you knew it was coming): Nagini uses a corpse as a mask.

For any Potter heads. Some things that bothered you about the Harry Potter films:

- Where is Charlie Weasley?

- Where is Peeves?

- Where are Neville’s parents?

- The green/blue/brown eye thing. (This is not against Radcliffe. Some special effects could have fixed this easily)

- HarrY DiD YOu PuT YoUR NaMe IN tHe GoBlET of FIRE?! 🔥

- In Sorcerers Stone, Why did you change the snake at the zoos breed??

- “Voldemort” versus “Voldemor”. The silent t.

- Hermione’s. Yule. Ball. Dress. Color. Blue. Not pink. She specifically changed the color.

- Fluffy. Hagrid’s adorable Cerberus was originally bought from a Greek man. Why change it to Irish? I like Ireland but it was a Greek man due to where Cerberus’s initially came from right???

- Harry’s first Weasley sweater color

- Why does Harry only see his parents in the Mirror of Eirsed? Where’s the rest of the family?

- The Underage magic rules aren’t well explained in the movies making the 3rd year summons even more bonkers sounding

- The Patil Twins Yule Ball Outfits. They could have been soooo beautiful. Like this is the Yule Ball! The Twins would have (in my opinion) much more elaborate traditional Indian styled dress robes?? Idk.

- Love Movie Hermione! But some moments take away from Ron. Like when Ron defended her in the Chamber of Secrets. Hermione didn’t know what the slur “Mudblood” meant in the books. Ron had to explain it.

- Dobby needed more screen time. Some stuff Dobby did went to Neville because so many Neville scenes were cut.

- Where’s all the secrecy from the books when communicating with Sirius- “Snuffles”? Something Harry’s godfather insisted on to keep him safe.

- Snape’s title of “The half-blood Prince” is not explained. Neither is it made clear that Severus was also abused horribly at home throughout his childhood. Also that like Harry Dumbledore did nothing to help Severus when he was a student. (Or maybe Tom Riddle when he grew up in an orphanage. I’m sensing a pattern)

- Dumbledore should have still spelled Harry during Dumbledore death scene. No way would Harry just stand there if given the choice.

- Ron was not quite as ‘dumb’ in the books and a lot of his funny moments were cut from the movie. Which makes his jealousy moments all the more unbecoming. He also comes off a bit more arrogant in the movies. (This is not against R Grint. Who is awesome) The movies gave Ron the short end of the stick.

- Weasley/Malfoy Fued. Who else wanted to see Arthur and Lucius have a fist fight in a bookstore? Exactly.

- Albus Dumbledore isn’t all Sunshine and Daisys. He does some really messed up stuff yet no one ever seems to question this.

- Remus was the last Marauder. Yet his and his wife, Tonk’s, deaths are barley acknowledged.

- Also Teddy. Harry’s Godson.

- Harry’s and Ginnys relationship is not built on. It’s just there. Ugh. Heck Movie Ginny isn’t that great. You don’t know much about her except: She’s the only girl in Ron’s family. She’s the youngest Weasley. She’s obsessed with Harry. She’s a good Quidditch player. She has a temper. She was possessed by Riddle’s Dairy when she was eleven. She’s obsessed with Harry.

- Draco is essentially Harry’s antithesis. Where is he in some critical scenes in the movies?

- Where’s the Luna love???? Harry’s pretty rude to her in some scenes.

- There is no S.P.E.W. And Hermione’s more ruthless side is gone.

- The guys hair in The Goblet of Fire. Get a hair cut. Please.

- Some of Molly’s less than Stellar Moments. (Ex. When she believed rumors about Hermione and so treated he coldly. How horrible she was to Fleur. Ect)

- Fleur. Fleur and Bill still get married but the objections to the wedding aren’t as presented in the movies. Not is Molly’s and Ginny’s extreme dislike of Fleur. Or when Arthur apologizes to Fleur. Or really any of Fleurs best moments. The whole courting process is skipped.

- House Elves. The House Elves of Hogwarts.

- Percy Weasley. The ‘betrayal’. The returned Weasley sweater. Him turning to protect his family and fight for Hogwarts at the last minute. All gone. Which involves being forgiven by the Weasley Twins not an hour before Fred dies.

- The connection of the Black sisters. Specifically Adromeda - mother of Tonks. Who is Sirius cousin. Who married Remus Lupin. Tonks and Remus the parents of Teddy.

- Dean Thomas is pretty much gone.

- Rita Skeeter. Illegal Animagus. Hermione kept her in a jar.

- The movies didn’t allow Radcliffe to be sassy and sarcastic enough. Harry Potter is one of the sassiest boys to ever walk through the halls of Hogwarts!

- Harry didn’t fix his wand in the last movie.

- The history of the Marauders.

- The history explaining why Snape could never be comfortable around and trust Remus Lupin.

[thetransguard-archive]

I really have a hard time with ao3's interface, would you mind posting your fic on here so it's more accessible to me personally? I understand if you don't want to, have a lovely day!

of course, it’s not a problem! putting it under the cut because it’s kind of long 

tw: canon temporary character death (nicky’s shooting), mild temporary amnesia, graphic description of canon typical violence

all the little lives

Later, Joe chalks it up to the adrenaline coursing through his veins, the same purpose that has carried him, exhausted and aching, up and up and up, through the sleek building to carry out Andy’s strategy. So it’s only when he offers the end of the rope to Nicky to tie around his arm, and the green eyes that stare back at him are blankly confused that he realises.

“São Pau-” but he doesn’t let Booker finish his sentence, doesn’t want Nicky stammering apologies for things beyond his control. So he cuts in, “I’ll make the entrance this time.” Loops the cord around his forearm a few times, tightens it. Swaps out his gun for Nicky’s. He has less ammunition in this one, but it’s bigger and louder and here his role is not to attack effectively, just to put them off balance, even for a moment. As he pulls away, Nicky’s fingers wrap around his wrist.

Breathe. Breathe. Breathe. The tips of his fingers are still terribly cold.

Joe looks from Nicky’s solemn face to Booker’s. The guilt in him pours from his eyes, the slant of his mouth, the set of his shoulders. Pity and pain wage war inside Joe’s mind, but right now there are bigger things to take care of. They don’t need words, not after two centuries of brotherhood.

I’m trusting you, for this. For now. Keep him safe.

He waits three seconds after the fire door slams shut behind them to smash through the window.

--

In the elevator down, his eyes can’t stop drifting to Booker. He’s standing closest to the doors, gun gripped tight. Joe doesn’t want to bore holes in the back of his brother’s head, but he can't help himself. He can’t stop wondering. When? When? At what point did Booker decide that whatever family they had all built together, was never going to be enough? That night a decade or so ago, when he’d smashed the night’s wine bottle in a drunken rage and screamed at Andy and Nicky and him until Joe had cried? Or even before that, the last job in Russia in the seventies, when he refused to speak at all? When they’d laughed over Andy’s baklava? At what point had Booker decided that a chance of true, final death was worth the rest of them?

He feels the beginnings of tears in the backs of his eyes and before he can scrub at them to push them back, he feels a warm hand on the small of his back. Nicky. He refocuses on that small pressure, on the taste of blood in his mouth, the weight of his boots. He breathes, and does not cry. There’s nothing to be ashamed of in tears, but right now he needs to keep a steady head.

There’ll be time later.

The gunshots are faint but Nicky still jolts, pale eyes latching onto the ceiling. When the elevator doors open, he sprints, pushing past Booker. Joe’s not far behind, and they help Nile out of the car as her joints snap back into place, muscles reforming around shattered bone. Bonds made in blood, in pain. In love. Joe meets Nicky’s eyes through the dash mirror as they drive into something new.

--

They stop, after a while, because Andy’s still woozy from blood loss and the shock of actually feeling the physical pain through to its entirety. She and Joe swap, and after a brief argument in which Andy increasingly slurs her words in a way that’s alarming to all in the car, Nile takes her place in shotgun. Joe looks back after maybe half an hour and finds their fearless leader drooling a little on his beloved’s shoulder. Nicky’s drifted off a little too, days of almost constant pain catching up to him. They’re only human, after all. Some small selfish part of Joe wants to swap out and let himself nap too, but Nile’s new and has just taken a swan dive out of a skyscraper and doesn’t even know where to go, really, and Booker...

Logically, Joe knows that there’s no chance that Booker would drive them into another trap, another capture. This was his only plan, and he’s shed blood to make it right, however immediately. But this new sting of pain and horror is brand new and fresh in his chest, so he keeps driving, and ignores the way Booker’s eyes keep flicking to his in the mirror. Doesn’t acknowledge him the way Nicky has been doing, but for a different reason. Nicky retreats, when he’s angry- the problem shrinks in his mind, becomes somewhat invisible. His eyes slide over the issue like a river over a rock until it’s eventually worn away. His rage is deep and slow to dissipate. But for Joe? If he lets himself go, he knows exactly the type of venom he’s capable of spitting. And it’s as Andy said. Now just isn’t the time.

So, he drives.

--

Somehow between one blink and the next, they are at the safehouse. It’s almost dark now, the deepening sky wreathed in purples and blues in a way that makes him itch for his paints. If he had the energy for it. He feels worn down to the bone. Joe is just uncurling his aching fingers from the wheel, but Nile is already out of the car, stepping around to shake Andy awake. So young, for all of this already, and stronger than all of them. She’ll be the best of us. Most days he feels fine, is able to keep all of that time packed away, out of sight and out of mind. There’s always something new to see, to experience, to love. Today though, he just feels the weight of all the years.

(He’s so fucking tired.)

A gentle voice to his right, that odd mix of old Ligurian and Arabic that they’d invented, all on their own so many lifetimes ago. He’s smiling even before he knows why.

“Yusuf, love, let’s go. Let’s go.”

He lets himself lean on Nicky, just a little, as they slouch towards the door that Nile’s taken Andy through. She doesn’t try turning on the lights, but he does, and Nile jolts like she’s been shocked when they actually flick on. Booker closes the door behind them with a soft click. Still trying to blend away into the background. They stand there in the atrium for a moment, still covered in dust and smoke and blood. The house is large and it swallows the sounds of their ragged breaths.

“Some of our safehouses aren’t abandoned churches and caves.” Nicky’s voice has gone even softer with fatigue. “Hot water works, too. The rooms have ensuites.” He doesn’t say anything else before he begins leading Joe up the stairs.

Joe, as tired as he is, is pleased to know that Nicky at least remembers these little things. It means he’s healing well.

The bedroom door locks behind them and they strip off their clothes in a pile in the corner. They’ll have to burn it all tomorrow. Now, Joe goes hunting for where they’d kept their spares while Nicky finds the soap and starts the hot water running. When he returns, Nicky is already submerged to his neck. They’d allowed themselves to splurge in buying this place, and when Joe seats himself behind Nicky there’s plenty of room to move. Nevertheless, his heart leans back, damp head on his shoulder. They sit for a moment. Soak in the quiet of it all. They’ll have to rinse themselves off properly later, but for now they let the steam pool and swirl and fill the slightly dusty bathroom.

“How much?”

Sometimes, when one of them suffers a catastrophic head injury, it takes a while to remember it all. The last time had been Booker, and he’d been blown to bits by a mine and died three more times before they could piece enough of him back together for it to matter. They’d taken turns, him and Nicky and Andy, for the few days after, filling in all the gaps that Booker couldn’t recall at the time. The memories all came back eventually, but at least there was a warning. Some things just shouldn’t be remembered alone.

Between the two of them, it had been Joe the last time things were forgotten. He’d been dead and in the process of healing before the tank had rolled over his head, killing him again. He'd awoken to a hysterical Nicky, blood all over his face and hands. Trying to piece his pulverised skull back together. He hadn’t remembered what exactly had brought him to this place, but he’d tried to wipe away Nicky’s tears, first. Always, Nicky first. That kiss had tasted of blood. When it was either of them, they usually just told tales to each other. They’d been together for all of it, hadn’t they?

There is not a single piece of his soul that he hadn’t already bared.

“Just little... Little pieces. Tell me.” Nicky has switched to Arabic, rounding out the sounds in his throat. Joe can feel the rumble of his chest, knows without looking that Nicky’s eyes are closed. He grabs the soap, starts working on what he can reach. Nicky’s sifting back through a millennium of memory. He can help speed things along.

Nicky leans forwards and Joe leans with him, lathering soap down the length of his spine. He considers. He begins, his voice a bare whisper, barely sound. Pure thought passed from one half to another.

“You are Nicolo di Genova. You are Nicholas, and Nico, and Nicky to those who love you. You are loved, dearly. You are the other side of my beating heart. You are the son to parents who did not care for you and deserve no care in return. You are the friend and brother to Andromache of Scythia, and Sébastien le Livre, and… Nile Freeman. She’s new. She saved us. He betrayed us.

We have lived thousands of lives, side by side. I have killed you, and you have killed me. Our deaths are the same. Our lives align. When that final night comes, it shall come for us both. We have walked through war, and peace, through hatred and with love, always. We hurt those who harm. We protect those who cannot protect themselves. You are good with children, and small animals. You have practised kindness until it has become the bedrock on which you build your soul.

You dream, and you think harder than any of us, because out of us you are the one who knows the danger of action without reason. You are the philosopher to my poet. You make sense of my art. You sing, when you can, and it is always the most beautiful sound to my ears, comparable only to your voice, and the beat of your heart.

You speak only when you need to. Your patience is boundless. You inflicted great harm once, on me, on my people and on others. But you learn, and you have grown. You are forgiven. You are always learning, eager for knowledge. Your curiosity is the best part of you, in my opinion. Along with all the rest.

You have purpose. You are good. Always, I love you.”

Nicky’s hair has grown back in exactly the same way it had been before Keane shot him, but the skin is tender under his wet fingers. They turn around in the bathtub, splashing water out the sides, and he feels Nicky’s hands on his shoulders now, easing away the grime.

“And you?” Nicky’s voice is breathless, teasing. Somewhere, somehow in between getting into the water and now, the weight has lifted from Joe’s bones, has set aside that grief and guilt and anger and fear. It’s still there, but he’ll deal with it in the morning. The sun will rise, as it always has, and there will be time later to card through everything and pack it away. Now, however, is cooling water and gentle fingers and cheap hotel soap from decades gone by. Now is the quiet after the storm. The house is shaken, but still standing. Everyone he holds in his heart is still here.

“I am Yusuf, I am Joe. I am yours. And I will never let you go.”

[irinapaleolog]

The Rise of Skywalker Does a Terrible Disservice to the Women of Star Wars

Besides Reylo, one of the great marketing tools of the Star Wars sequel trilogy was its emphasis on girl power, as well its subversion of class dynamics. The films showed that women -- even poor, destitute women with no connections to powerful men -- could play the same role in the franchise as every cocky flyboy or adopted son of a moisture farmer. Unfortunately, and despite the press tour assurances from the cast and crew that Rey and her gal pals are here to lead a new generation of fans into the new world of gender equality, The Rise of Skywalker makes sure that none of the women of the franchise gets to live happily ever after nor establish any lasting romantic connection.

Instead, Episode IX leans heavily into the tired trope of the "strong female character" that has to resign from silly notions like love and family to live up to her full potential. Adding insult to injury, the film removes all agency from the women, and instead thrusts them onto a straight-and-narrow path of contrived choices foisted upon them by male characters or by the Force -- which, in J.J. Abrams' movie, acts not as the power that propels life in the universe, but like the mean Catherine de Bourgh of Pride and Prejudice.

Let's start with Leia Organa, whose call for help in The Last Jedi was ignored by the entire galaxy. However, Lando Calrissian, who has been hanging around on Pasaana doing who knows what, just has to say the word for an entire legacy fleet to appear out of nowhere. Then there's the handling of her Jedi training, which she gave up because she felt the Force might corrupt her unborn son -- a narrative choice that comes out of left field but that mirrors the real-world dilemma of women giving up promotions for fear that their careers might get in the way of parenting.

But we could argue that Leia's arc in Episode IX is clunky because Abrams had limited footage of the late Carrie Fisher. But what about the characters portrayed by living actresses?

There's Rose Tico, played by Kelly Marie Tran, who had a major role in The Last Jedi with an interesting arc of her own. Unfortunately, a vocal segment of Star Warsfans loathed the character and harassed the actress until she left social media. Things looked brighter when Abrams announced Tran would rejoin the cast in The Rise of Skywalker and that her role would be even better. She was billed as a general, an essential part of the Resistance; Tran went on a press tour and talked about the great feminine energy of the set. The comes The Rise of Skywalker, where Rose appears three times, speaks four lines, and is sidelined to the "really important job" of tech support, with her connection with Finn never addressed. In The Rise of Skywalker, Rose doesn't get romance, connections, friendship, a job, or a story of her own -- something that should please the most toxic fans.

Then there's Jannah, played by Naomi Ackie, another "strong female character." The twist this time is that, like Finn, she's a former Stormtrooper who mutinied and defied an order to kill a bunch of villagers. For a few seconds, her story is hopeful and fascinating, and teases the line from the trailer that "good people will fight if we lead them," that free will and the power of the individual are concepts that exist in Abrams' Star Wars.

How foolish of the audience to hold such hope. Jannah and Finn explain theyweren't the ones who decided to spare the innocent villagers; it was a feeling. The Force takes care of silly dramatic concepts like agency, choice and heroism. Jannah is not a good person because of her actions, but because the Force willedher to be one. The only funny thing about this depressing predeterministic twist is that it also works as an apt metaphor for the actions of the characters in The Rise of Skywalker, who do things not because they make sense, but because the script -- the Force -- says so. To add another nail to the coffin, The Rise of Skywalker Visual Dictionary hints at Lando being Jannah's father, yet another woman of Star Wars whose story doesn't matter unless she's related to a legacy male character.

Moving on, Keri Russell plays Zorii Bliss, a spice runner from Kijimi who essentially wears Leia's slave outfit, only with thermal underwear. Zorii's only purpose in the story is to provide a tragic background for Poe Dameron, as well as a potential love interest. She's also a glorified MacGuffin holder (twice!), and one of the many characters that Abrams fake-kills to ignite an emotional response from the viewer in a desperate effort to make Poe sympathetic. Zorii's role could have easily been filled by Rose, who was an actual tech whiz with a questionable past and a potential massive beef against Poe. After all, he's directly responsible for her sister's death.

Let's move on to Rey (Daisy Ridley), who is retconned from being a resilient orphan scavenger strong in the Force... to receiving her powers from a male bloodline. Now, to be perfectly clear, there's nothing wrong with overly dramatic space operas where everyone is related to a royal family, but this "reveal" goes against the premise of The Force Awakens and the heart of The Last Jedi, which proposes that anyone can be a hero.

There were no hints at all about this "twist" -- not in the movies, in the animated series or in the ancillary material, which makes it feel like a last-minute decision designed to appease those fans who accused Rey of being an overpowered Mary Sue, overlooking one of the most common Mary Sue tropes: their tendency to be secretly related to important canon characters.

Another Mary Sue trope exploited in The Rise of Skywalker, but that wasn't even touched in the previous two movies, is the female character sacrificing herself for the greater good, only to be saved at the last minute by a man, which is exactly what happens here. This double-whammy of "being powerful because of grandad" and "getting to live because of a man" is particularly egregious, and caters to no one, because of what happens right after Ben Solo sacrifices himself. We'll get to that in a moment.

Then there's the Force vision scene. Rey already had a trippy Force vision in The Last Jedi, a deep dive into an array of feminine symbology that she wasn't afraid to confront, from which she emerged heartbroken but stronger. In The Rise of Skywalker, this moment is undercut and shows Rey terrified of the darker, sexier, powerful version of herself, which is a hard pill to swallow. Rey explicitly says that she has nightmare visions where she and Kylo Ren are the evil Empress and Emperor of the Galaxy, linking the fulfillment of her desires to the galaxy's apocalypse. In Episode IX, romantic love is a flaw that the "strong female character" should overcome, but sex is pure evil.

Her visceral rejection of her dark side is also a 180 turn on her chill acceptance of her darkness in The Last Jedi. In the real world, women are taught from a young age to hide their negative feelings, to smile and live to be pleasant to everyone, to not be loud or angry or intense. That mentality only makes things easier for everyone in the world who is not a woman, and runs contrary to the quickly angered but enthusiastic scavenger of the previous two movies. However, by the end of The Rise of Skywalker, Rey has transformed into this Cool Girl version of Ideal Femininity/Strong Woman Character.

Ben Solo's death right after his redemption and first kiss should have been treated like a tragedy at least by Rey, and at least for one minute... but she does not react at all. The camera cuts from Ben's clothes folding as he disappears to Rey's neutral expression as she flies back to the Resistance. His death, and any emotional reaction that it might have caused in the protagonist, is not mentioned at all, which is baffling, to say the least. After a brief reunion with Finn and Poe, Rey immediately regresses on-screen to a lonely child on a desert planet, sliding down a Tatooine sand dune and negating her evolution for the last two movies, just so Abrams could throw in a homage to himself.

For the sake of argument, let's take Rey's reveal of her villainous ancestry at face value, and let's imagine that Disney had prepared this reveal from The Force Awakens: Her ending is still insulting, because it forces her to pay for the actions of her grandfather, despite having suffered as much as anyone from his evil ways. Palpatine's murderous pursuit of his son's family was what caused Rey to grow up heartbroken and abandoned on Jakku.

Rey longed for family and love her entire life; she jumped at the opportunity to establish a real connection with Han Solo, Maz Kanata, Finn, Leia, Luke and Kylo Ren, and in The Rise of Skywalker she looks longingly at the Pasaana children, clearly wanting a family of her own. Rey marveled at the green of Takodana in The Force Awakens and at the water of Ahch-To in The Last Jedi. Just like Anakin, she hated the desert. So why does the plot force her to go back to Tatooine to take on the Skywalker name, a planet where none of the Skywalkers, Organas or Solos were born; that Anakin and Luke longed to escape; where Shmi Skywalker was enslaved twice and then killed; and where Leia became Jabba's sex doll? Wouldn't it make more sense for her to head to verdant, watery Naboo, where both Palpatine and Padmé came from, the place where the latter wanted to raise her Skywalker twins?

But, no, Rey doesn't get to live where she would be logically happier, or where it makes sense; she goes where the fan service is stronger, and the twin suns of Tatooine were unparalleled -- until now. When an old woman asks Rey her family name, she answers "Skywalker," which doesn't hold up to close examination. Luke Skywalker refused to train her, Leia's name was Organa, Ben and Han were Solos, and she's standing on the Lars' buried homestead. And although it makes sense that she would lie about her true ancestry, denying the Palpatine name still reeks of burying her darker side, which worked really well for the Jedi Order.

Compare this ending of a lonely girl on a barren planet lying to strangers about her family name to the ending of The Return of the Jedi, where Luke, Han, and Leia are surrounded by life and celebration, and everyone is radiant with love and living family. Or compare it to the ending of The Last Jedi, where a Force-sensitive boy is looking up at shooting star. Or even the final scene of Revenge of the Sith, which takes place in the same spot after the fall of the Republic, the death of Padmé and the rise of Darth Vader -- but at least in that little spot there's love, family, life and hope.

Directed and co-written by J.J. Abrams, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker stars Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran, Joonas Suotamo, Billie Lourd, Keri Russell, Anthony Daniels, Mark Hamill, Billy Dee Williams, and Carrie Fisher, with Naomi Ackie and Richard E. Grant.

[goldenchildkatsuki]

DAISY AND HER SUN

Kacchako Positivity Week Day 1: Fragile

Summary: Uraraka Ochako is an 18-year old ballet dancer who attends Yuuei Ballet Academy, one of the best ballet schools in the country. After years of hard work she found herself among ridiculously, talented dancers and surrounded by amazing chances to make a career for herself as a ballerina. One day she takes a chance and signs herself up to audition for the role as 'Daisy' in the ballet rendition of 'The Great Gatsby'. Extremely determined to get the role she dances herself into an injury, leaving her unable to dance for almost a month. When she finally recovers, she feels hesitant to dance again. Her classmate and training partner Bakugou Katsuki helps her overcome her fears. 

Writers note: Inspired by the song “Young and Beautiful” by Lana del Rey and the rehearsals and performances of The Royal Opera House, here's my contribution for Day 1 of the Kacchako Positivity Week. (see the end for notes)

Word count: 4.699

AO3 link: (x)

"Hot summer days, rock and roll,

the way you'd play for me at your show,

and all the ways I got to know,

your pretty face and electric soul…Shit!"

Uraraka dropped her needle and immediately put her sore finger in her mouth, frowning as she did.

"Ochako!"

"Sorry, mom!"

Her mother entered the room and took the needle off her record player. She leaned against the doorframe and watched the record turn without noise. Uraraka looked up at her with a childish grin of which she knew couldn't fix her mother's attitude.

It was extremely early in the morning, she had been blasting music before her mother woke up and she had managed to turn her room into a mess before she even got dressed.

Her mother furrowed her brow and kicked against a roll of tape she noticed next to the cabinet on which the record player was stationed. The pink roll made its way across the dark wooden floorboard and hit one of the many obstacles Uraraka had laid out.

"Honey, don't you think you should get ready yourself now? You don't want to be late on your first day back right?" Uraraka's mother sighed as she started picking up ribbons from the floor.

She put a hand on her daughter's shoulder as she passed her by whilst cleaning up, chuckling softly.

"I don't think you can do that to Katsuki."

"Mom!" Uraraka yelled.

Her mother picked a few other things off the floor before making her way out of the room. Satisfied with the reaction she got out of her daughter she closed the door behind her.

Uraraka put her hands on her face and fell backward into the mess she made. In her back, she felt more rolls of thread, scissors and she didn't dare to shift because she was pretty sure there was also a needle trying to poke in her shoulder blade. The girl slid her hands off her face, laid them out next to her and looked at the ceiling.

Who would've thought, that when she was finally allowed to be at the bar again she couldn't even get herself up and get ready?

She loathed her past self for claiming a studio at Yuuei this early, there were still some techniques she wanted to try out this morning.

Uraraka rolled over and looked at her nightstand. The stand and the floor surrounding it was filled with pointe shoes. Every single one of them altered in numerous ways. She counted twenty-two pairs. Some of them with burned ends of a ribbon, some with thick elastic bands going across the arch of the foot, some with threading on the pointe, some with the points burned, stained pairs but also clean. The graveyard of pointe shoes was the road of the trial of error of Uraraka.

Since the injury, she had been set on making the perfect pair of pointe shoes to accompany her newly formed feet and to prevent bunions and blisters but more importantly to avoid future injuries. Though she had really been going on a rampage that rehearsal she got injured, it was also the shoe that put her out for almost a month. She had not correctly anticipated what kind of shoe fitted the particular way she would perform the choreography and thus they failed her.

Uraraka had gone from doing the simplest of altercations to her pointe shoes to quite literally obsessing over every possible detail you could alter to the shoe. When she was unable to dance she would still attend most classes and rehearsals, just to see how the other girls altered their shoes for different choreographies. The girls also kindly cared to explain to her why they did certain things and at that moment Uraraka felt so stupid for underestimating the importance of the shoes and focusing too much on the performance itself.

She had even gone to Hatsume Mei, a girl who practically lived in the pointe shoe basement and she had shown Uraraka the best glue brands and boxcutters there were for preparing a pointe shoe. She was also the person who gave Uraraka all those shoes to practice with, excited that there was finally someone who was really passionate about the build of the shoe.

After a lot of burning, threading, taping, gluing and bleeding Uraraka had found a shoe that could withstand the training for her audition. And it was right in front of her. Still, she wanted to try a few more things, but Uraraka knew deep down it couldn't get better than this. The last three pairs she altered came out practically the same. She had definitely reached her peak.

The ballerina sat up and picked up the pair by their ribbons and watched them spin.

"It's going to be you and me," Uraraka spoke to them.

They continued turning and said nothing in response.

She let out a deep breath, threw the pair next to her training bag, and stood up.

After a cold shower, she put on her white pair of tights, a black leotard and dance skirt. It had been a long time since Uraraka wore actual dance clothes and she wanted to see her skirt twirl again. Still nervous about her ankle she ended up standing with both feet on the ground and twirled her hips around in front of the mirror. Whilst she did that she tried to put her hair in a ballerina bun. It had also been a long time since she had done that. Frustrated she kept on twirling and chewed on her bobby pins trying to make the best of the bun that kept falling apart.

Eventually, she settled for a half done hairdo and went downstairs to meet her mother sitting at a decorated dining table. At one of her chairs, her mother had tied three pink balloons. The table was filled with stacks of fluffy pancakes and bowls of different kinds of fruit.

Uraraka rubbed her forehead and tried to hide her smile. "Oh mom, Miss Kayama wouldn't let me hear the end of it if she knew about this!"

Her mother ushered her to come sit down at the table by pulling out the decorated chair.

"Is now really the time to think about calories Ochako? It's your first time back and dancing at Yuuei! I think that's oughta little celebration."

It was a bit over the top but Uraraka couldn't complain. She was honestly over the moon with how supportive her mother was of her. It wasn't easy for her, seeing her daughter move out of the house at the age of sixteen, struggle to get by as she worked herself to the brim of exhaustion. But she knew how much Uraraka dreamed of dancing at one of the elite ballet schools in the country and living where most of the action was and so she rooted for Uraraka every single step of her journey.

Uraraka was convinced that if her mother hadn't driven over to stay with her when she was injured, she would have completely lost it. She most likely wouldn't even have danced today despite having been given the green light by the doctors and her physiotherapist. Without that good cry, she had on her mother's lap the day they told her how long she couldn't dance for she would've been so incredibly lost.

The girl took a single pancake, but on a drop of fresh whipped cream and decorated it with strawberries. Her mother sat opposite her and leaned in.

"I still think you should've danced in a class first before going straight into rehearsal. I bet your classmates are excited to dance with you again as well."

She picked a blueberry from one of the bowls and popped it into her mouth.

Uraraka shrugged. "You have a point but the more I wait to perform this choreography again, the more scared I will get, and you know I'm already pretty scared as it is."

She took a bite of her pancake and hummed at how the cream melted on her tongue. She was definitely going to miss all the decent breakfasts when her mom leaves in a couple of days.

"I'm sure Katsuki is happy about that." Her mother said under her breath.

"Mom, please! Stop mentioning him so much!"

Uraraka huffed and blew her bangs upwards as her mother let out a wholehearted laugh.

"I'm sorry, Sprinkle, but I really like the guy! I felt challenged when he showed so much concern for you, I was starting to question who the real parent was here! Either way, it was so nice of him to stop by so often."

"He was just making sure he wasn't wasting his time," The ballerina scrunched her nose and slapped on more whipped cream on her second pancake.

Though all the time he spent with her should be considered a waste of time, really. The guy had a jam-packed schedule but still managed to find the time to stop by her apartment. It seemed like he had no one else to tease in class because that was all he did when he came over. Cracking jokes about the size of her swollen ankle and questioning what kind of shoes she wore with ‘two left feet'.

"Also," the mother continued to ramble on as if she hadn't heard a word of what her daughter said. "Are all the boys so toned at that school? If so,  I can understand why you wanted to attend so badly!"

Bakugou had also talked to her mother a few times. Uraraka tried her best to keep them interacting with each other but her mother couldn't help but fall into conversation with that supposed talented dancer her daughter always danced with. The two would mostly talk about the Academy and if Uraraka really had been sticking to the exercises her physiotherapist prescribed. He was surprisingly polite and weirdly charming almost and it made her mother grow fond of him.

Too fond.

Uraraka dropped her fork and her mother winked at her.

"Only teasing of course. That aside, I am really happy that you're going to dance again, Sprinkle, and I hope you have a fantastic day."

She could sense her mother was trying hard not to get too emotional. It was so sweet, Uraraka almost kind of wished she could stay with her mother for the day. But she knew if she even suggested it her mother would shove her out the door anyway.

Uraraka finished her pancake and talked to her mother about the Sunday morning commute and looking into more winter appropriate dancing clothes. After several hugs and kisses on the head, the ballet student picked up her training bag and walked out of her apartment. Excitement and nerves danced around her body like a full class and she had to take in a big heap of morning air to bring some order to her feelings.

For the first time in a while, Uraraka felt like a Yuuei student again. People on the Metro were turning heads again and stared at her white tights and school-issued bag. Whispered when they noticed the school emblem and smiled at her. Usually, she felt a bit awkward when people were gawking at her, but she had gone to the school in her normal attire for so long she barely felt like she was attending her dream school.

Uraraka was glad she had to walk a bit to the school after getting out of the Metro. She needed more fresh air to calm the emotions raging through her. They were starting to get wilder and wilder. Like a class of Uraraka's right before the injury. Eager and almost aggressively tiptoeing around.

She checked her phone to distract herself from the looming building of Yuuei that was only going to make her emotions weigh heavier.

Katsuki Bakugou, 7:42 AM: Don't you dare let me wait on your first day back

Katsuki Bakugou, 7:42 AM: Not when it's fucking freezing

Uraraka rolled her eyes, opened the text conversation with him and replied.

Ochako Uraraka, 7:50 AM: I'm almost there, don't worry

The ballerina looked up and saw she almost passed the school gates. She took a few steps back and walked onto the school grounds.

All she had to do was not think about it for now. She had all the time to think about going back for the first time and now it was time to stop. Focus on what was happening right in front of her. To cope Uraraka focussed on Bakugou, who was looking up and breathing hot clouds of air into the sky.

How could the guy possibly feel a hint of the cold, he had packed himself like a mother would dress her child for the winter. Beanie only letting out a few of his gold locks, a gigantic scarf wrapped around his neck multiple times and a coat barely reaching his ankles, buttoned all the way up.

"Let's go inside," Uraraka laughed at him.

"Fuck yes, hurry," Bakugou sounded muffled as he had sunk himself into his scarf.

Uraraka scanned her keycard. Bakugou pushed the door open and let her enter first before entering himself and brushing past her. He rushed only for him to wait on her in front of the stairs.

The calm and quiet of an early weekend rehearsal that was favored by most dancers were now not helping at all. Uraraka squeezed her nails in the palm of her hand and reminded herself where she had to be with her thoughts.

She walked over to the stairs.

"We have studio 5E."

"Shit, 5E? Look at that, post-injury perks coming through already," Bakugou crossed his arms and started ascending the stairs.

"Very funny," Uraraka said sarcastically.

He didn't waste any time with cracking one huh?

If it was anyone else she would've probably got upset over the crudeness of the comment but with Bakugou she knew. She knew that all his jokes were his way of supporting her by joking about the injury, making the subject weigh less heavy. The only reason why Uraraka was sure of that was that he did the same thing when he got rejected for a big audition. He kept joking and standing tall. His self-deprecating jokes were definitely light-hearted than what he fired at her every time they were together, but it was nothing too hurtful.

An unusual way of support, yes, but expected from Bakugou.

When they walked into the studio and turned the lights on, Bakugou barely unpacked himself before taking place behind the grand piano. He cracked his fingers and started playing a tune. It wasn't a song in particular, but for something he just whipped up, it sounded damn good.

Also to be expected from Bakugou.

"I'm guessing you haven't been behind the piano for a while?" Uraraka breathed as she stretched her limbs to the tunes of the song.

Bakugou fingers continued to carelessly dance across the keys as he spoke. "Don't even start. All the teacher's I'm playing for are fine tuning their choreography and can't use me for now. I barely have time to play outside of that because of those stupid fucking rehearsals that go on for longer than planned."

It was a miracle the dancer hadn't had a burn-out yet. The guy was ridiculously skilled and put them to use whenever he could. Not only was he a very disciplined dancer but he was also an experienced pianist. Yuuei was very fond of students with experience in multiple art disciplines and liked to utilize since there weren't that many of them. Teachers and older students often asked Bakugou to play in classes and he had even caught the eye of foreign guest teachers and they have invited him to several rehearsals of big shows. Besides that, he was also given the privilege to teach classes to young aspiring dancers attending the school, also a privilege not handed to many.

A busy schedule, where she somehow fitted in.

"Let's start warming up," Bakugou decided after finishing his self-made tune.

Uraraka had already put on her soft ballet shoes and was putting her feet in the first position at the bar. Which was one of the only things she dared to do when she was recovering from her injury; putting her feet in the starting positions. The thought of going on her toes scared her and still did now.

Her hand was already clammy and it felt like it could slip off the bar at any moment. Annoyed with herself Uraraka replaced her hand and put her chin in the air.

"We're going to make this a long one before you dance yourself in another month-long break."

Bakugou cracked his knuckles and started playing one of his well-known warm-up tunes. As he played he instructed Uraraka how to move. Heavily she tried to focus on keeping his voice from fading into the background because every single time she rose on her toes her focus went to her ankle. Hoping she couldn't feel a sudden shot of pain.

The shot of pain didn't come but she could feel her limbs trembling very early on into the warming up. She focused her breathing and tried to ignore the unusual limitations her body had set up for her.

"What's with that stiff face, this is only a rehearsal! And…Tack! Steady…Plié and back!" Bakugou yelled, poking his head out from behind the piano.

Uraraka shot a deadly look at him then directed her face forward again.

"Position four…And…Steady! Uraraka, come on, you haven't been out for that long have you?!"

She had the urge to direct the anger to Bakugou instead of herself but it she chose to stay put. She had learned the hard way that when she got aggressive things didn't turn out well.

When they went over into stretching, Uraraka felt like she was working with her ‘old' body again. With ease, she could raise her leg next to her ear and the splits she could still do too. Bakugou stayed mostly silent for this exercise, which she was thankful for. After that last comment, she was starting to get seriously irked by his voice.

The warm-up at the bar lasted a good forty-five minutes instead of the usual twenty or so. Bakugou ended it with a new exercise, where she had to rise sixteen times on each foot. After she finished that he closed the piano. "That should do you good," He mumbled.

Uraraka wiped her hands off her skirt and walked over to her training bag. All of her limbs were heavily trembling already and she felt tired. She couldn't afford that, not when it was time for the most energy consuming part of the day.

Even when she had done this a dozen of times before, she still had to think everything through. The taping of her arch, the plasters around her toes, putting her foot in the shoe, the tying of her ribbons. Everything she gave more thought than necessary, knowing that she couldn't have done it any different. This was as good as it was going to get.

"Damn, you spent a lot of time on that huh?" Bakugou noticed as he put on his soft ballet shoes.

"Mhm."

She tried delaying the preparation for as long as possible but eventually, she pulled herself up and stood in front of the mirror. Whilst Bakugou connected his phone to the sound installation she eyed at her pointe shoes. It made her feel nauseous looking at them.

Never had she felt fear to the point of wanting to throw up.

Not before her first ever show with Yuuei Ballet Academy, not when she performed her first self-made choreography for her guest teacher, not when she wrote herself in to audition for the master production of ‘The Great Gatsby' and choose to audition for one of the leads.

But right there, on a Sunday morning, seconds before dancing the routine she had danced so many times;

She felt horrible.

When the song started, she jolted.

‘I've seen the world, done it all, had my cake now…'

The song she had listened to for a million times she couldn't sing along to for the first time.

All she could tell herself was to rise, to rise on her stupid points and dance. But she stayed in the first position and watched herself in the mirror, even well after she missed the queue.

The ballerina could sense that Bakugou was trying to make eye contact with her through the mirror but she couldn't possibly look him in the eye now. It was embarrassing, how scared she actually was. Where the hell was her dancer's spirit that she hoped would kick in a beat the fear as soon as she stood in this position? Where was that determination that had kept her going, even after she got injured?

"Dance, damn it, dance!" She thought to herself.

But her body kept refusing.

Halfway through the song Bakugou sighed and pressed pause.

He walked over the bar opposite Uraraka and leaned against it.

"Harder than you thought?"

Uraraka dropped her chin and cast her eyes low. She got overwhelmed and couldn't do anything to stop it. Her hands went to her face as the first sob came out. It was the first time she cried about this whole situation since she heard how long she was going to be out for. And it happened to be in front of Bakugou.

It was far from pretty too.

The ballerina continued to hide her flustered face behind her hands as she started sobbing louder. Between breaths, she gnashed, frustrated that the tears wouldn't stop flowing.

There was no time for crying.

She couldn't afford to stand there and fall apart. Bakugou couldn't afford to watch her do that.

She had to try again.

When she wiped her hands along her cheeks and opened her eyes she saw Bakugou standing inches in front of her. To her surprise, he looked rather, upset with her.

He shook his head. "You know what your problem is? You know why you got yourself in this shitty mess, to begin with?"

Between hiccups, Uraraka immediately wanted to defend herself but Bakugou immediately silenced her.

"You keep thinking that you have to do this all on your own!"

Uraraka tilted her head at him in confusion.

His eyes became more narrow and his voice sterner. "This choreography is a fucking duet, you moron. Why the fuck do you think I'm here in the first place? To support you. And I know it's going to be just you during the audition, but if you don't learn to lean on a partner, you can kiss the role of ‘Daisy' goodbye. You can kiss most of your future roles goodbye."

Bakugou took a hold of both of her wrists. "So, for the sake of my efforts, your career, and most importantly your health- let me support you, damn it."

Uraraka looked down at his gentle fingers wrapping around her wrists. He scolded her like they weren't equals, like a teacher scolded a beginner but he was right. She had been too focused on herself, pushing herself to perfect every single one of her movements, making sure she would stand out during the audition. It was shameful that Uraraka couldn't even remember when or if she ever really acknowledged Bakugou's touch during rehearsal.

She was incredibly selfish and hyper-focused on reaching her goal. If Miss Kayama knew about this Uraraka didn't doubt she would think twice about her place here in Yuuei.

She had forgotten to let go and have fun. Which she definitely knew she could have dancing with Bakugou.

Uraraka put her chin back up and held onto Bakugou's wrist.

"I'll let you support me," She nodded.

Bakugou softened his face and grinned at her.

"Atta girl."

He pushed her to rise to her toes. At first, she felt that the break was still on, but then he tightened his grip on her and it helped her push through the blockade and stand on her toes.

There was no pain.

It felt natural, actually.

Bakugou turned around her and laid their hands on her hip and stretched her other hand out. He urged Uraraka to trickle along with him, stood close to her as she did, ready to catch her if she stumbled. But that also went greater than expected.

Uraraka breathed out a laugh as it was now quite laughable how scared she was, considering how well things were going at the moment.

They continued trickling around the room. The soft thuds of Uraraka pointe shoes, the sharp brushes from Bakugou's soft shoes and concentrated breaths from the two being the only noises in the room.

Bakugou's hands continued to guide her and she sensed his full support through every move they did together. This was by far the most intimate moment Uraraka had shared with him. Now she acknowledged every touch and every stroke and it kept her wondering how much of these moments she missed out on.

After he noticed she had gotten used to being on points again, he steadied her at the hips.

"We're going to do the choreography now. I'm not going to put any music on and we're going to take out time doing every single move. You need support, I'll lend it to you. Got it?"

"Yes."

Bakugou let her get in the first position. After a few deep breaths, she rose to her toes again and started dancing. Uraraka's lips slowly separated and she mouthed the lyrics along in her head.

‘Will you still love me when I'm no longer young and beautiful?'

‘Will you still love me when I'm got nothing but my aching soul?'

Uraraka felt Bakugou's hands on her waist again and for the first time ever when performing this choreography, she was reminded that she had a partner who she could lean on. She heard him huff behind her and it caused her to smile. Together they continued to dance around the room, Uraraka now paying more attention to Bakugou than herself. When they reached the most technical part she almost wanted to shy away from it. Incredibly enough Bakugou sensed her hesitation again and leaned in right next to her ear.

"Come on, ‘Daisy'," He told her.

He dug his fingers into her waist, lifted her up carried her to another part of the room. There she started hopping, encouraged by his three words. The more she realized that the pain wasn't coming back, the more fun she started to have. Her face that had been all tensed up was relaxing and she was smiling like a ballerina should. She trickled, hopped and spun around Bakugou.

She never felt more like Daisy as she did then.

Playful and fun-loving.

Completely immersed in her role she treated Bakugou like her Gatsby. Took the time to lend him her hand, took the time to make contact whenever she touched him. Couldn't help but giggle as she pretended to play games with him as he guided her from one area of the room to another.

In her head, Uraraka heard the final tunes of the song and Bakugou lifted her up for the final time. Filled with ecstasy her hands traveled from the back of his neck to his face as she made herself small and he spun her around.

‘All that grace, all that body,

All that face makes me wanna party,

He's my sun, he makes me shine like diamonds'

They hadn't reached the end of the routine yet but none of them chose to continue to dance. The two dancers simply stared at each other, bodies close and breaths heavy. Uraraka kept repeating the bridge of the song in her head, those exact four last lines of it were all she could think of when she looked into Bakugou's eyes.

She was so lucky to have him as a partner.

Bakugou leaned his forehead against hers and smiled.

"You did well ‘Daisy'."

"Thanks to you, ‘Gatsby'."

Writers note: beta reader: @kyuubaee

[fangirl-overload13]

The truth in your eyes

Ch. 1

Ch. 2

Chapter 3 A new identity, a new life

Once they made it to the temple Thalia led the way inside and dismissed the other Hunters while taking it upon herself to help Reyna with Nico. While Reyna carried Nico, Thalia showed her to a more private area where she could set him down somewhere comfortable and then they set to work examining him more closely.

“I’ll get something to help with the bruising; you stay here and watch over your friend, no one should disturb you here.”

Reyna brushed the hair away from Nico’s face while she looked him over for any other injuries that might have gone unnoticed until now. Aside from some scrapes and bruising here and there the only problem was the mark on his throat. She was relieved that he was able to breathe a bit easier now but he was clearly still in pain. They had nearly lost this time, Reyna couldn’t help feeling frustrated and devastated that she had come so close to losing him this time.

“I nearly failed you, I’m sorry.” she whispered to him knowing he couldn’t hear her right now.

“You shouldn’t be so hard on yourself; you were really outnumbered and running on empty already. I’m quite impressed that you managed what you did before we stepped in.”

Reyna looked over her shoulder to see Thalia standing there watching her, she held a bowl and cloth in her arms as well as what appeared to be salve and bandages. She came over to the bed and set them down.

“Why are you helping us?” Reyna asked, she needed to know what was happening here, Thalia had already expressed that men were not allowed here, yet she had gladly brought Nico, stating that they would both be safe. “I know that you know something, but you’re not telling me everything there is.” Reyna said even as she set to work treating Nico.

“Here this will help your friend breathe better.” Thalia said as she pulled something out of her pocket and handed that to Reyna as well.

“And why do you keep saying my ‘friend’?”

Thalia shrugged like it was nothing of great importance.

“Well I don’t exactly have a name to use now do I?” again her words held another meaning, a message that she was trying to convey to Reyna.

Catching on Reyna nodded and said the first name to come to mind.

“Maria. My Lady’s name is Maria.”

Thalia nodded as though this was satisfactory.

“And your name?” she asked.

“Reyna, I swore to protect my Lady and have been devoted to doing just that for the past few years but tonight I nearly failed.” that word was bitter in her mouth and she wished she could just spit it out to rid herself of it but knew it wasn’t so easy. “And just what do you know about this situation, like I said before, I know that you know something, and I want to hear what information it is that you have. You were very willing to help us, even with your policy I find it strange that you would be so eager to get involved with us after what happened back there.”

“I take it that the rumors are true about the attack that took place a few years back at Hades’ palace.” Thalia was very quick to get to the point, Reyna could appreciate that.

“Yes.” was her reply, she wasn’t sure how much to tell but she could at least say that much.

“No one knew what happened, I’ve heard that the king still lives and fights back against the constant attacks but no one knows anything about the rest of the royal family.”

“Only one other survived the attack.” Reyna said and Thalia nodded her understanding.

“The borders have been quite busy lately, as have the forests. Many unsavory types lurking around these days, it’s not very safe to travel anymore. If you are willing, there can be a place for you here for as long as you need.”

Though she was certainly grateful for the offer Reyna was a bit reluctant to accept just yet.

“You still haven’t told me why.” Why she was helping them, why she knew about the attacks, why she was keeping Nico’s identity a secret.

“Because we are allies and because too many have been hurt because of the strife that shouldn’t have occurred to begin with.”

Reyna let herself relax, she had known that though the leaders of the two nations didn’t talk much, they had still been allies and she was glad to know that reliable people like Thalia and the Hunters were still willing to help them even though many people blamed Hades for the ongoing suffering caused by the terrorist attacks of those trying to overthrow him.

“Thank you.” Reyna said.

“Don’t worry, like I said you will be safe here. Your horse is out back in the stables, many who come here have their own animals and we also keep live stalk so feel free to venture over there anytime you wish. Also I’ll be back with a change of clothes for you both, I’m sure I can find something that your Lady will be comfortable in. For now you should get your rest as well, I’ll see to it that something is brought up for you to eat and drink later.” And with that Thalia left them alone in the spacious room.

…

When Nico woke up he had to remain in bed for a while longer to rest but Reyna made sure to fill him in on everything about where they were and why they were there as well as him having to hide who he really was, though much to Nico’s annoyance he had to play the role of not a lord but a lady traveling around with her vassal for safety. Reyna had told him about what she and Thalia had discussed and the importance of him hiding and how she had picked the name Maria for him.

Reyna had apologized to Nico for calling him after his late mother but he assured her that it was alright, she was only doing what she saw as necessary and he would go along with it.

“I trust your judgement Reyna; I know that if you think that this is right then it probably is. Thank you.”

As he sat up in bed Reyna who was seated on the edge of it leaned in and hugged him as best she could without hurting him.

“I swore that I would do everything I could to keep you safe and I meant it.” she said as she looked him in the eye.

“I know.” he said.

…

Nico looked at himself in the mirror that stood in the corner of their room by a changing screen. The clothing that Thalia had brought for him fit nicely, much to his annoyance, but it also served to conceal anything from others that they wouldn’t want them noticing.

The dress that he wore was a pleasant shade of green and the sleeves reached just above his elbows and fanned out to hide the lean muscle of his arms, he wore gloves with it to hide his rough hands, the skirt of the dress draped nicely enough to hide any trace of his true figure though he was slender it was best to try and make him appear more feminine while he dressed this way to take away any doubts. The skirt was also long enough to reach just above his ankles and Thalia had found him some actually comfortable shoes to go with the dress.

“I hate that this is actually working…”Nico grumbled as he turned to look at Reyna who sat on her bed watching him.

She smiled and motioned him over to sit next to her.

“You really do fit the part, now we just need to do something with your hair.” she said as she held up a comb and motioned for him to turn around for her. He did and sat patiently as she did something with the tangled mess that had taken over his head as he figured out how to get dressed on his own.

When she was finished she handed him a hand held mirror so that he could see the dark curls that now rested in a half up half down style with a small ribbon holding it in place, for the most part it had been pulled back from his face but some still lingered but it looked like it was meant to be that way. The down part of his hair reached just above his shoulders, Reyna had been right about it getting longer recently, he just hadn’t had the time to cut it to his preferred length for some time now.

“There, you look lovely today my Lady.” Reyna said with a smile.

Nico felt his face heat up a bit.

“Why did this have to happen.” he said as he got up from the bed.

Reyna stood and walked over to the stand where she had gotten the comb from and as she set it down she picked up a small scarf and brought if over to Nico to place around his neck to cover the bandages. Many of those who came to the temple were often hurt and usually chose to cover themselves and no one would ask questions about it, things like scarves were available for any who wished to use them and there was always an abundance of clothing for anyone who didn’t have much with them.

Nico heaved a sigh as he resigned himself to his new role as Maria.

“You said that there were animals here?” he asked, he could use the distraction right now.

“Yes, Thalia said that they keep many animals here, how about we go out to the stables to see Scipio for a bit, I’m sure he’s been worried.”

Nico smiled, he knew that Reyna was eager to see her friend again.

“Sure, we wouldn’t want him to worry.”

Next

[the-seas-song]

Tolkien Gen Week Day 2

DAY TWO: platonic relationships “Platonic” is a word with a broad definition, but as long as it’s not romantic, a relationship can fit under this category. This day can be for creating content about two unlikely companions, best friends, and any other possible relationship however you interpret it.

Hello! My favorite platonic relationship is Arwen/Aragorn/Legolas. We all know that Arwen and Aragorn have a romantic and sexual relationship, however since I'm focusing on how the three of them function as a platonic triad, hopefully this is still an acceptable submission.

This is book based. Aragorn needs both Arwen and Legolas's support in order to fulfill his destiny. I have never understood why people say that the films gave Aragorn self-doubt, because he is far more confident in the films than he ever is in the books! Unfortunately my Aragorn essay isn't finished, so if you want more quotes on his self-doubt than I'm giving here, contact me and I would be happy to provide more quotes and explain my reasoning.

I'm going to go over this after the quotes, but my thesis statement (so to speak) is that Aragorn draws on Arwen and is supported by Legolas.

Thus he became at last the most hardy of living Men, skilled in their crafts and lore, and was yet more than they; for he was elven-wise, and there was a light in his eyes that when they were kindled few could endure.

[cut]

But Aragorn was grown to full stature of body and mind, and Galadriel bade him cast aside his wayworn raiment, and she clothed him in silver and white, with a cloak of elven-grey and a bright gem on his brow. Then more than any king he appeared, and seemed rather an Elf-lord form the Isles of the West. - Lord of the Rings, Appendix A

Aragorn has become wise, with both the knowledge of Elves and Men. Greater than just a mortal king of Men, he has come into his own and reached a new level. The light in his eyes is the same “elven-light” that he saw in Arwen's, when they first met.

And Arwen said: “Dark is the Shadow, and yet my heart rejoices; for you, Estel, shall be among the great whose valour will destroy it.”

But Aragorn answered: “Alas! I cannot foresee it, and how it may come to pass is hidden from me. Yet with your hope I will hope.” - Lord of the Rings, Appendix A

Rejoice means “feel or show great joy or delight.” Arwen says, 'Sauron's power is strong, but at the same time I feel great joy, because you will help bring about his defeat.' She knows, without a doubt, what is meant to happen.

This is backed up by a note in the Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth:

Actually the Elves believed that the 'lightening of the heart' or the 'stirring of joy' (to which they often refer), which may accompany the hearing of a proposition or an argument, is not an indication of its falsity but of the recognition by the fëa that it is on the path of truth. - Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth, Author's Note 8

It is also important to note that both Arwen and Gilraen continue to call Aragorn Estel for the rest of their lives. Aragorn is the Chieftain, Strider the Ranger, Thorongil the Captain, and Elessar the King. Estel? He is the man, inherently elvish. We know that he is above any other mortal, but I don't think we ponder the consequences of that enough. There is a large part of himself that no mortal will ever understand.

Alas means “used as an exclamation to express sorrow, pity, concern, apprehension, etc.” Aragorn doubts himself, and doubts the light's ability to triumph. Arwen's hope gives him strength, and he holds onto it.

Elrond: “For the rest, they shall represent the other Free Peoples of the World: Elves, Dwarves, and Men. Legolas shall be for the Elves; and Gimli son of Glóin for the Dwarves. They are willing to go at least to the passes of the Mountains, and maybe beyond. For men you shall have Aragorn son of Arathorn, for the Ring of Isildur concerns him closely.” - Lord of the Rings, The Ring Goes South

We are not told when or why Legolas was picked for the Fellowship. However, Elrond tells Frodo this almost two months after the Council of Elrond. The fact that Legolas has stayed in Rivendell all this time implies that he was chosen early. My belief is that Legolas insisted on joining the Fellowship because of Aragorn and their close friendship.

“There lie the woods of Lothlórien!” said Legolas. “That is the fairest of all the dwelling of my people. There are no trees like the trees of that land. For in the autumn their leaves fall not, but turn to gold. Not till the spring comes and the new green opens do they fall, and then the boughs are laden with yellow flowers; and the floor of the wood is golden, and golden is the roof, and its pillars are of silver, for the bark of the trees is smooth and grey. So still our songs in Mirkwood say. My heart would be glad if I were beneath the eaves of that wood, and it were springtime!”

“My heart will be glad, even in the winter,” said Aragorn. “But it lies many miles away. Let us hasten!” - Lord of the Rings, Lothlórien

Aragorn confides that he too will be relieved to be in Lothlórien. He is replying to Legolas; but we don't know if the others heard him or not.

At last Legolas turned, and seeing them now far behind, he spoke to Aragorn. The others halted, and Aragorn ran back, calling Boromir to come with him.

“I am sorry, Frodo!” he cried, full of concern. - Lord of the Rings, Lothlórien

Aragorn, overwhelmed with the day's events, forgot about Frodo and Sam's injuries. Legolas notices their trouble and nudges Aragorn into action. This is the start of a crucial pattern – Aragorn depending on Legolas when he is overcome by a dark emotion.

“Eight,” said Legolas. “Myself, four hobbits; and two men, one of whom, Aragorn, is an Elf-friend of the folk of Westernesse.” - Lord of the Rings, Lothlórien

It is interesting that Legolas singles out Aragorn of the entire company – Boromir too is of Númenórean descent, after all. However, Legolas emphasizes that Aragorn is an Elf-friend who can be trusted.

“I am an Elf and a kinsman here,” said Legolas, becoming angry in his turn.

“Now let us cry: 'a plague on the stiff necks of Elves!'” said Aragorn. “But the Company shall all fare alike. Come, bind our eyes, Haldir!” - Lord of the Rings, Lothlórien

I think this really shows how comfortable Aragorn is with Legolas – we never see him make this kind of comment with anyone else. Aragorn knows Legolas isn't going to take offense or hold it against him, and he slips from the role of leader for a moment of genuine exasperation.

“An evil of the Ancient World it seemed, such as I have never seen before,” said Aragorn. “It was both a shadow and a flame, strong and terrible.”

“It was a Balrog of Morgoth,” said Legolas; “of all elf-banes the most deadly, save the One who sits in the Dark Tower.” - Lord of the Rings, The Mirror of Galadriel

Legolas has lore knowledge that Aragorn doesn't. This is the beginning of a pattern, where Legolas and Aragorn share knowledge with each other.

None save Legolas and Aragorn could long endure her glance. - Lord of the Rings, The Mirror of Galadriel

Aragorn was raised by elves, he has an inherently elvish nature. That is why it is only he and Legolas can meet Galadriel's gaze.

“Yet maybe this will lighten your heart,” said Galadriel; “for it was left in my care to be given to you, should you pass through this land.” Then she lifted from her lap a great stone of a clear green, set in a silver brooch that was wrought in the likeness of an eagle with outspread wings; and as she held it up the gem flashed like the sun shining through the leaves of spring. “This stone I gave to Celebrían my daughter, and she to hers; and now it comes to you as a token of hope. In this hour take the name that was foretold for you, Elessar, the Elfstone of the House of Elendil!”

Then Aragorn took the stone and pinned the brooch upon his breast, and those who saw him wondered; for they had not marked before how tall and kingly he stood, and it seemed to them that many years of toil had fallen from his shoulders.  - Lord of the Rings, Farewell to Lórien

Yet maybe this will lighten your heart,

Galadriel perceives Aragorn's doubt and worry.

for it was left in my care to be given to you, should you pass through this land.

Arwen left the Elessar with Galadriel. She did not send it, but left it. That is a crucial difference. Arwen has not been in Lothlórien for nine years. She foresaw that Aragorn would pass through Lothlórien, when it was time for him to claim his birthright.

This stone I gave to Celebrían my daughter, and she to hers; and now it comes to you as a token of hope.

Arwen is having the Elessar come to Aragorn as a symbol of her hope and faith.

In this hour take the name that was foretold for you, Elessar, the Elfstone of the House of Elendil!

Through her grandmother, Arwen is encouraging Aragorn to embrace his destiny. She knows of the prophecies regarding him.

Then Aragorn took the stone and pinned the brooch upon his breast, and those who saw him wondered; for they had not marked before how tall and kingly he stood, and it seemed to them that many years of toil had fallen from his shoulders.

Arwen is the reason Aragorn loses the darkness, and shines brightly. She is ever there for him, and he is ever holding on to her strength.

“What is that, Legolas?” he asked, pointing to the northern sky. “Is it, as I think, an eagle?”

“Yes,” said Legolas. “It is an eagle, a hunting eagle. I wonder what that forebodes. It is far from the mountains.”

“We will not start until it is fully dark,” said Aragorn. - Lord of the Rings, The Great River

Aragorn relies on Legolas, double checking himself. He is then able to come up with a plan.

It was decided that Aragorn and Legolas should at once go forward along the shore, while the others remained by the boats. - Lord of the Rings, The Great River

Aragorn goes scouting with Legolas, instead of anyone else. Legolas is the obvious choice for scouting, but Aragorn isn't. “It was decided” sounds like a group decision, but the way it's phrased implies it was the timing they decided.

Aragorn: “Which way would any of us choose in Frodo's place? I do not know. Now indeed we miss Gandalf most.”

“Grievous is our loss,” said Legolas. “Yet we must needs make up our minds without his aid. Why cannot we decide, and so help Frodo? Let us call him back and then vote! I should vote for Minas Tirith.” - Lord of the Rings, The Breaking of the Fellowship

Aragorn's uncertainty and hopelessness is clear. Legolas jumps in and gently prods Aragorn into calling the group back together and making the vote.

“And I too will go with him,” said Legolas. “It would be faithless now to say farewell.”

“It would indeed be a betrayal, if we all left him,” said Aragorn. “But if he goes east, then all need not go with him; nor do I think that all should. That venture is desperate: as much so for eight as for three or two, or one alone. If you would let me choose, then I should appoint three companions: Sam, who could not bear it otherwise; and Gimli; and myself. Boromir will return to his own city, where his father and his people need him; and with him the others should go, or at least Meriadoc and Peregrin, if Legolas is not willing to leave us.” - Lord of the Rings, The Breaking of the Fellowship

We don't know for sure why Aragorn doesn't want Legolas to go to Mordor, but I think it's because Legolas, as an elf, stands out more than the others (especially on the Unseen plane, see more here). Though, Aragorn also knows Legolas well enough to know it is not likely that Legolas will consent to leave them.

“Alas!” said Aragorn. “Thus passes the heir of Denethor, Lord of the Tower of Guard! This is a bitter end. Now the Company is all in ruin. It is I that have failed. Vain was Gandalf's trust in me. What shall I do now? Boromir has laid it on me to go to Minas Tirith, and my heart desires it; but where are the Ring and the Bearer? How shall I find them and save the Quest from disaster?”

He knelt for a while, bent with weeping, still clasping Boromir's hand. So it was that Legolas and Gimli found him. They came from the western slopes of the hill, silently, creeping through the trees as if they were hunting. Gimli had his axe in hand, and Legolas his long knife: all his arrows were spent. When they came into the glade they halted in amazement; and then they stood a moment with heads bowed in grief, for it seemed to them plain what had happened.

“Alas!” said Legolas, coming to Aragorn's side. “We have hunted and slain many Orcs in the woods, but we should have been of more use here. We came when we heard the horn – but too late, it seems. I fear you have taken deadly hurt.”

“Boromir is dead,” said Aragorn. “I am unscathed, for I was not here with him. He fell defending the hobbits, while I was away upon the hill.” - Lord of the Rings, The Departure of Boromir

Alas means “used as an exclamation to express sorrow, pity, concern, apprehension, etc.” Bitter means “difficult or distasteful to accept, admit, or bear.” Ruin means “the state or condition of being destroyed or decayed.” Fail means “to prove deficient or lacking.” Vain means “archaic: senseless or foolish.”

Aragorn is bent over crying, overcome not only with grief, but with all-encompassing guilt, despair, and indecision. 'Boromir's death is the sign of our horrible end! The Fellowship is destroyed because I am a failure! Gandalf was foolish to trust me! I don't know what to do! I don't know how to fix things!'

Legolas and Gimli halt in amazement, and then grief. Legolas then rushes to Aragorn's side, because Aragorn is so emotionally distraught and overcome that Legolas fears he is fatally injured.

“I do not know,” answered Aragorn wearily. “Before he died Boromir told me that the Orcs had bound them; he did not think that they were dead. I sent him to follow Merry and Pippin; but I did not ask him if Frodo or Sam were with him: not until it was too late. All that I have done today has gone amiss. What is to be done now?”

“First we must tend the fallen,” said Legolas. “We cannot leave him lying like carrion among these foul Orcs.” - Lord of the Rings, The Departure of Boromir

Weary means “exhaust or get tired through overuse or great strain or stress.”

Aragorn is still overcome with despair, blaming himself for everything, and cannot make a decision. Legolas prompts him into action.

“But we do not know whether the Ring-bearer is with them or not,” said Aragorn. “Are we to abandon him? Must we not seek him first? An evil choice is now before us!”

“Then let us do first what we must do,” said Legolas. “We have not the time or the tools to bury our comrade fitly, or to raise a mound over him. A cairn we might build.” - Lord of the Rings, The Departure of Boromir

For the fourth time, Legolas cuts through Aragorn's dark emotions and nudges him into action; supporting him.

“S is for Sauron,” said Gimli. “That is easy to read.”

“Nay!” said Legolas. “Sauron does not use the elf-runes.”

“Neither does he use his right name, nor permit it to be spelt or spoken,” said Aragorn. - Lord of the Rings, The Departure of Boromir

While Legolas's bond with Gimli is certainly deep, he and Aragorn connect on a different level. They are equals – they can talk about lore, or the unseen influences, because Aragorn was raised to understand Elvish thought.

(We see this issue a few times just between Legolas and Gimli as well; for more on them see here)

For a while the three companions remained silent, gazing after him. Then Aragorn spoke. “They will look for him from the White Tower,” he said, “but he will not return from mountain or from sea.” Then slowly he began to sing:

“Through Rohan over fen and field where the long grass grows

The West Wind comes walking, and about the walls it goes.

What news from the West, O wandering wind, do you bring to me tonight?

Have you seen Boromir the Tall by moon or by starlight?

I saw him ride over seven streams, over waters wide and grey;

I saw him walk in empty lands, until he passed away

Into the shadows of the North. I saw him then no more.

The North Wind may have heard the horn of the son of Denethor.

O Boromir! From the high walls westward I looked afar,

But you came not from the empty lands where no men are.”

Then Legolas sang:

“From the mouths of the Sea the South Wind flies, from the sandhills and the stones;

The wailing of the gulls it bears, and at the gate it moans.

What news from the South, O sighing wind, do you bring to me at eve?

Where now is Boromir the Fair? He tarries and I grieve.

Ask not of me where he doth dwell-so many bones there lie

On the white shores and the dark shores under the stormy sky;

So many have passed down Anduin to find the flowing Sea.

Ask of the North Wind news of them the North Wind sends to me!

O Boromir! Beyond the gate the seaward road runs south,

But you came not with the wailing gulls from the grey sea's mouth.”

Then Aragorn sang again:

“From the Gate of Kings the North Wind rides, and past the roaring falls;

And clear and cold about the tower its loud horn calls.

What news from the North, O mighty wind, do you bring to me today?

What news of Boromir the Bold? For he is long away.

Beneath Amon Hen I heard his cry. There many foes he fought.

His cloven shield, his broken sword, they to the water brought.

His head so proud, his face so fair, his limbs they laid to rest;

And Rauros, golden Rauros-falls, bore him upon its breast.

'O Boromir! The Tower of Guard shall ever northward gaze

To Rauros, golden Rauros-falls, until the end of days.”

So they ended. Then they turned their boat and drove it with all the speed they could against the stream back to Parth Galen. - Lord of the Rings, The Departure of Boromir

Aragorn and Legolas sing together for Boromir's funeral boat.

“Maybe hunting Orcs came on him and he fled,” said Legolas.

“He fled, certainly,” said Aragorn, “but not, I think, from Orcs.” What he thought was the cause of Frodo's sudden resolve and flight Aragorn did not say. The last words of Boromir he long kept secret. - Lord of the Rings, The Departure of Boromir

Aragorn corrects Legolas on the reason why Frodo fled.

For the moment Aragorn was at a loss: the orc-trail had descended into the valley, but there it vanished.

“Which way would they turn, do you think?” said Legolas. “Northward to take a straighter road to Isengard, or Fangorn, if that is their aim as you guess? Or southward to strike the Entwash?”

“They will not make for the river, whatever mark they aim at,” said Aragorn. “And unless there is much amiss in Rohan and the power of Saruman is greatly increased, they will take the shortest way that they can find over the fields of the Rohirrim. Let us search northwards!” - Lord of the Rings, The Riders of Rohan

Moment means “a specific point in time, especially the present time.” At a loss means “perplexed; puzzled.”

Aragorn in not merely pausing for a moment, he is truly confused. Knowing this, Legolas starts listing off ways and asking Aragorn which way he thinks the Orcs would go. His prompting clears Aragorn's mind and lets him start leading again.

Aragorn was searching, bent towards the ground, among the folds and gullies leading up into the western ridge. Legolas was some way ahead. Suddenly the Elf gave a cry and the others came running towards him.

“We have already overtaken some of those that we are hunting,” he said. “Look!” He pointed, and they saw that what they had at first taken to be boulders lying at the foot of the slope were huddled bodies. Five dead Orcs lay there. - Lord of the Rings, The Riders of Rohan

Legolas is the one to find the orcs' bodies.

“Yet however you read it, it seems not unhopeful,” said Legolas. “Enemies of the Orcs are likely to be our friends. Do any folk dwell in these hills?”

“No,” said Aragorn. “The Rohirrim seldom come here, and it is far from Minas Tirith. It might be that some company of Men were hunting here for reasons that we do not know. Yet I think not.” - Lord of the Rings, The Riders of Rohan

Legolas insists on being positive, and relies on Aragorn's knowledge of other peoples.

“Look!” cried Legolas, pointing up into the pale sky above them. “There is the eagle again! He is very high. He seems to be flying now away, from this land back to the North. He is going with great speed. Look!”

“No, not even my eyes can see him, my good Legolas,” said Aragorn. “He must be far aloft indeed. I wonder what is his errand, if he is the same bird I have seen before. But look! I can see something nearer at hand and more urgent; there is something moving over the plain!”

“Many things,” said Legolas. “It is a great company on foot; but I cannot say more, nor see what kind of folk they may be. They are many leagues away: twelve, I guess; but the flatness of the plain is hard to measure.” - Lord of the Rings, The Riders of Rohan

Having noticed the eagle, Legolas cries for Aragorn to look. Aragorn replies with an endearment for Legolas, and says he can't see it. Then, Aragorn notices movement on the plain, and asks Legolas to look. Neither is afraid to give and take, supporting and prompting the other.

“You are our guide,” said Gimli, “and you are skilled in the chase. You shall choose.”

“My heart bids me to go on,” said Legolas. “But we must hold together. I will follow your counsel.”

“You give the choice to an ill chooser,” said Aragorn. “Since we passed through the Argonath my choices have gone amiss.” - Lord of the Rings, The Riders of Rohan

Aragorn is still blaming himself for everything.

There is a notable difference between what Gimli and Legolas say here. Gimli speaks very pragmatically – Aragorn is the leader, and the one with tracking skills; therefore, it is his choice. Legolas speaks from a more emotional view – he feels they should go on, but that they must not separate. Gimli states that it's Aragorn's choice; Legolas says he'll follow Aragorn's advice. A subtle difference, but an important one. Legolas's response gives Aragorn emotional support that Gimli's doesn't.

“They are far far away,” he said sadly, turning to Aragorn. “I know in my heart that they have not rested this night. Only an eagle could overtake them now.”

“Nonetheless we will still follow as we may,” said Aragorn. Stooping he roused the Dwarf. - Lord of the Rings, The Riders of Rohan

Here Aragorn is providing the support and hope, when Legolas confides in him.

Aragorn: “There is some will that lends speed to our foes and sets an unseen barrier before us: a weariness that is in the heart more than in the limb.”

“Truly!” said Legolas. “That I have known since first we came down from the Emyn Muil. For the will is not behind us but before us.” He pointed away over the land of Rohan into the darkling West under the sickle moon.

“Saruman!” muttered Aragorn. - Lord of the Rings, The Riders of Rohan

Legolas and Aragorn both feel (and know) the unseen influence against them. Legolas enlightens Aragorn to the cause of it.

Aragorn halted and examined the tracks closely.

“They rested here a while,” he said, “but even the outward trail is already old. I fear that your heart spoke truly, Legolas: it is thrice twelve hours, I guess, since the Orcs stood where we now stand. If they held to their pace, then at sundown yesterday they would reach the borders of Fangorn.” - Lord of the Rings, The Riders of Rohan

Aragorn confirms what Legolas's intuition said.

Following with his keen eyes the trail to the river, and then the river back towards the forest, Aragorn saw a shadow on the distant green, a dark swift-moving blur. He cast himself upon the ground and listened again intently. But Legolas stood beside him, shading his bright elven-eyes with his long slender hand, and he saw not a shadow, nor a blur, but the small figures of horsemen, many horsemen, and the glint of morning on the tips of their spears was like the twinkle of minute stars beyond the edge of mortal sight. Far behind them a dark smoke rose in thin curling threads.

There was a silence in the empty fields, and Gimli could hear the air moving in the grass.

“Riders!” cried Aragorn, springing to his feet. “Many riders on swift steeds are coming towards us!”

“Yes,” said Legolas, “there are one hundred and five. Yellow is their hair, and bright are their spears. Their leader is very tall.”

Aragorn smiled. “Keen are the eyes of the Elves,” he said.

“Nay! The riders are little more than five leagues distant,” said Legolas. - Lord of the Rings, The Riders of Rohan

Oh, you two. Aragorn listens to the ground, and figures out what is coming towards them. Legolas, on the other hand, can see exactly what is coming towards them, and doesn't say a word until Aragorn does.

Instead of getting upset, Legolas being his sassy self makes Aragorn happy, as he smiles and compliments Legolas again. Endearingly, Legolas doesn't understand it.

Gimli and Legolas looked at their companion in amazement, for they had not seen him in this mood before. He seemed to have grown in stature while Éomer had shrunk; and in his living face they caught a brief vision of the power and majesty of the kings of stone. For a moment it seemed to the eyes of Legolas that a white flame flickered on the brows of Aragorn like a shining crown. - Lord of the Rings, The Riders of Rohan

Legolas stares at Aragorn in wonder, for this is the first time he sees Aragorn showing his 'King side'. Legolas has a moment of foresight as he sees the white flame flicker on Aragorn's brows.

After a while Legolas spoke again.

“Celeborn warned us not to go far into Fangorn,” he said. “Do you know why, Aragorn? What are the fables of the forest that Boromir had heard?”

“I have heard many tales in Gondor and elsewhere,” said Aragorn, “but if it were not for the words of Celeborn I should deem them only fables that Men have made as true knowledge fades. I had thought of asking you what was the truth of the matter. And if an Elf of the wood does not know, how shall a Man answer?”

“You have journeyed further than I,” said Legolas. “I have heard nothing of this in my own land, save only in songs that tell how the Onodrim, that Men call Ents, dwelt there long ago; for Fangorn is old, old even as the Elves would reckon it.”

“Yes, it is old,” said Aragorn, “as old as the forest by the Barrow-downs, and it is far greater. Elrond says that the two are akin, the last strongholds of the mighty woods of the Elder Days, in which the Firstborn roamed while Men still slept. Yet Fangorn holds some secret of its own. What it is I do not know.” - Lord of the Rings, The Riders of Rohan

More complementing, and giving and taking of lore, between Aragorn and Legolas.

“It is likely enough,” said Aragorn; “yet I am not sure. I am thinking of the horses. You said last night, Gimli, that they were scared away. But I did not think so. Did you hear them, Legolas? Did they sound to you like beasts in terror?”

“No,” said Legolas. “I heard them clearly. But for the darkness and our own fear I should have guessed that they were beasts wild with some sudden gladness. They spoke as horses will when they meet a friend that they have long missed.”

“So I thought,” said Aragorn; “but I cannot read the riddle, unless they return.” - Lord of the Rings, The White Rider

Legolas and Aragorn are once again of the same mind, and Gimli isn't. This is a pattern that will continue.

“Well, here is the strangest riddle that we have yet found!” exclaimed Legolas. “A bound prisoner escapes both from the Orcs and from the surrounding horsemen. He then stops, while still in the open, and cuts his bonds with an orc-knife. But how and why? For if his legs were tied, how did he walk? And if his arms were tied, how did he use the knife? And if neither were tied, why did he cut the cords at all? Being pleased with his skill, he then sat down and quietly ate some waybread! That at least is enough to show that he was a hobbit, without the mallorn-leaf. After that, I suppose, he turned his arms into wings and flew away singing into the trees. It should be easy to find him: we only need wings ourselves!”

“There was sorcery here right enough,” said Gimli. “What was that old man doing? What have you to say, Aragorn, to the reading of Legolas. Can you better it?”

“Maybe, I could,” said Aragorn, smiling. “There are some other signs near at hand that you have not considered. I agree that the prisoner was a hobbit and must have had either legs or hands free, before he came here.” - Lord of the Rings, The White Rider

Legolas gives a fanciful and slightly sassy explanation of what could have happened to Merry and Pippin, causing Aragorn to smile. Once again Legolas has improved Aragorn's mood and made him feel better, all by just being himself. Aragorn shows his skill, as he noticed some signs Legolas did not.

Legolas took his bow and bent it, slowly and as if some other will resisted him. He held an arrow loosely in his hand but did not fit it to the string. Aragorn stood silent, his face was watchful and intent.

“Why are you waiting? What is the matter with you?” said Gimli in a hissing whisper.

“Legolas is right,” said Aragorn quietly. “We may not shoot an old man so, at unawares and unchallenged, whatever fear or doubt be on us. Watch and wait!” - Lord of the Rings, The White Rider

Legolas and Aragorn are on the same page, thinking the same thoughts, and Gimli isn't.

“The Ents!” exclaimed Aragorn. “Then there is truth in the old legends about the dwellers in the deep forests and the giant shepherds of the trees? Are there still Ents in the world? I thought they were only a memory of ancient days, if indeed they were ever more than a legend of Rohan.”

“A legend of Rohan!” cried Legolas. “Nay, every elf in Wilderland has sung songs of the old Onodrim and their long sorrow. Yet even among us they are only a memory. If I were to meet one still walking in this world, then indeed I should feel young again! But Treebeard: that is only a rendering of Fangorn into the Common Speech; yet you seem to speak of a person. Who is this Treebeard?” - Lord of the Rings, The White Rider

This time it is Legolas who has the greater knowledge.

“Five hundred times have the red leaves fallen in Mirkwood in my home since then,” said Legolas, “and but a little while does that seem to us.”

“But to the Riders of the Mark it seems so long ago,” said Aragorn, “that the raising of this house is but a memory of song, and the years before are lost in the mist of time. Now they call this land their home, their own, and their speech is sundered from their northern kin.” Then he began to chant softly in a slow tongue unknown to the Elf and Dwarf; yet they listened, for there was a strong music in it.

“That, I guess, is the language of the Rohirrim,” said Legolas; “for it is like to this land itself; rich and rolling in part, and else hard and stern as the mountains. But I cannot guess what it means, save that it is laden with the sadness of Mortal Men.”

“It runs thus in the Common Speech,” said Aragorn, “as near as I can make it. [cut]” - Lord of the Rings, The King of the Golden Hall

More giving and taking of lore and knowledge.

He climbed up and found Legolas beside Aragorn and Éomer. - Lord of the Rings, Helm's Deep

Legolas fights beside Aragorn, not Gimli.

Behind on the upper steps knelt Legolas. His bow was bent, but one gleaned arrow was all that he had left, and he peered out now, ready to shoot the first Orc that should dare to approach the stair.

“All who can have now got safe within, Aragorn,” he called. “Come back!”

Aragorn turned and sped up the stair; but as he ran he stumbled in his weariness. At once his enemies lept forwards. Up came the Orcs, yelling, with their long arms stretched out to seize him. The foremost fell with Legolas' last arrow in his throat, but the rest sprang over him. Then a great boulder, cast from the outer wall above, crashed down upon the stair, and hurled them back into the Deep. Aragorn gained the door, and swiftly it clanged to behind him.

“Things go ill, my friends,” he said, wiping the sweat from his brow with his arm.

“Ill enough,” said Legolas, “but not yet hopeless, while we have you with us. Where is Gimli?”

“I do not know,” said Aragorn. “I last saw him fighting on the ground behind the wall, but the enemy swept us apart.”

“Alas! That is evil news,” said Legolas.

“He is stout and strong,” said Aragorn. “Let us hope that he will escape back to the caves. There he would be safe for a while. Safer than we. Such a refuge would be to the liking of a dwarf.”

“That must be my hope,” said Legolas. “But I wish that he had come this way. I desired to tell Master Gimli that my tale is now thirty-nine.”

“If he wins back to the caves, he will pass your count again,” laughed Aragorn. “Never did I see an axe so wielded.”

“I must go and seek some arrows,” said Legolas. “Would that this night would end, and I could have better light for shooting.” - Lord of the Rings, Helm's Deep

Alas means “used as an exclamation to express sorrow, pity, concern, apprehension, etc.”

Legolas is the only one to save Aragorn's life during the battle, covering him and giving him safety (Gimli saves Éomer's). Legolas gives Aragorn comfort and support when he worries about the battle going ill (and his statement shows how much he loves Aragorn – nothing is hopeless as long as Aragorn is alive), and Aragorn does the same for Legolas when he worries about Gimli. Also, for the third time, Legolas makes Aragorn feel better just by being himself.

Taking his leave, he returned to the walls, and passed round all their circuit, enheartening the men, and lending aid wherever assault was hot. Legolas went with him. - Lord of the Rings, Helm's Deep

Legolas stays close to Aragorn, helping him rally the men.

“Behold the White Rider!” cried Aragorn. “Gandalf is come again!”

“Mithrandir, Mithrandir!” said Legolas. “This is wizardry indeed! Come! I would look on this forest, ere the spell changes.” - Lord of the Rings, Helm's Deep

Gandalf arrives, and both Aragorn and Legolas cry out. Legolas then tells Aragorn to come with him, because he wants to go explore the forest before it disappears.

“You have drunk of the waters of the Ents, have you?” said Legolas. “Ah, then I think it is likely that Gimli's eyes do not deceive him. Strange songs have been sung of the draughts of Fangorn.”

“Many strange tales have been told about that land,” said Aragorn. “I have never entered it. Come, tell me more about it, and about the Ents!” - Lord of the Rings, Flotsam and Jetsam

Both Legolas and Aragorn have heard strange songs and tales about Fangorn, and they want to know more.

“So four of the Company still remain,” said Aragorn. “We will ride on together. But we shall not go alone, as I thought. The king is now determined to set out at once. Since the coming of the winged shadow, he desires to return to the hills under cover of night.”

“And then whither?” said Legolas.

“I cannot say yet,” Aragorn answered. “As for the king, he will go to the muster that he commanded at Edoras, four nights from now. And there, I think, he will hear tidings of war, and the Riders of Rohan will go down to Minas Tirith. But for myself, and any that will go with me...”

“I for one!” cried Legolas. “And Gimli with him!” said the Dwarf.

“Well, for myself,” said Aragorn, “it is dark before me. I must go down also to Minas Tirith, but I do not yet see the road. An hour long prepared approaches.” - Lord of the Rings, The Passing of the Grey Company

Legolas is adamant that he will go with Aragorn, even though he has no idea where that is. Aragorn is once again uncertain.

Elrohir: “I bring word to you from my father: The days are now short. If thou art in haste, remember the Paths of the Dead.”

“Always my days have seemed to me too short to achieve my desire,” answered Aragorn. “But great indeed will be my haste ere I take that road.”

“That will soon be seen,” said Elrohir. “But let us speak no more of these things upon the open road!”

And Aragorn said to Halbarad: “What is that that you bear, kinsman?” For he saw that instead of a spear he bore a tall staff, as it were a standard, but it was close-furled in a black cloth bound about with many thongs.

“It is a gift that I bring you from the Lady of Rivendell,” answered Halbarad. “She wrought it in secret, and long was the making. But she also sends word to you: The days now are short. Either our hope cometh, or all hope's end. Therefore I send thee what I have made for thee. Fare well, Elfstone!”

And Aragorn said: “Now I know what you bear. Bear it still for me a while!” And he turned and looked away to the North under the great stars, and then he fell silent and spoke no more while the night's journey lasted. - Lord of the Rings, The Passing of the Grey Company

Aragorn's self doubt is at the forefront again; he says that he has never truly believed that he can rise above and succeed.

Aragorn clearly has no plans for following the Paths of the Dead. He then turns to Halbarad, and finds out about the standard.

The timeline in Appendix B tells us that Arwen returned to Rivendell in 3009. Aragorn receives the standard in March 3019. That is ten years. Arwen spent ten years secretly making Aragorn's standard. It is obviously much more than a piece of cloth.

Hope. Estel. Aragorn. Arwen's message is all about hope, in it's many forms. Either our hope cometh, or all hope's end. Either their shared hope that Sauron falls and Aragorn becomes the rightful king, or Sauron wins and all the hopes of the Free People ends.

Knowing that, knowing this is a gamble and that the crux is about to happen, she then says, Therefore I send thee what I have made for thee. Fare well, Elfstone! 'For that reason, I send you, what I have made for you. I hope you succeed, King Elessar!'

Aragorn obviously knows about the standard, and I cannot see any reason Arwen would keep it from him. From others, yes. It would be extremely dangerous if word got out that Arwen was making an enchanted standard for Isildur's heir. Aragorn, on the other hand, is perhaps the only person who needs to know (although I can't imagine Elrond not knowing as well).

Aragorn's two different reactions are significant. He dismisses the Paths of the Dead when Elrohir mentions it, but after finding out about the standard, he starts contemplating it deeply. He continues to do so for the rest of the night.

“Where is Aragorn?” he asked.

“In a high chamber of the Burg,” said Legolas. “He has neither rested nor slept, I think. He went hither some hours ago, saying that he must take thought, and only his kinsman, Halbarad, went with him; but some dark doubt or care sits on him.” - Lord of the Rings, The Passing of the Grey Company

Aragorn continues to contemplate the matter, even after they arrive at the Hornburg. It is a serious decision, and not one he can easily make.

This shows that Legolas knows Aragorn well, as he knows that something is bothering Aragorn greatly, and that Aragorn hasn't rested at all.

Their horses were strong and of proud bearing, but rough-haired; and one stood there without a rider, Aragorn's own horse that they had brought from the North, Roheryn was his name. - The Passing of the Grey Company

It is implied that Arwen gave Aragorn his horse, Roheryn. The elves have a connection to nature and animals (see here), and she probably trained him, as his name means “Steed of the Lady”. Having your own horse that you have a connection with is essential, both on the battlefield and off. On the battlefield you have to be able to read each other and move as one. Off the battlefield, well, you'll see.

Presently Éomer came out from the gate, and with him was Aragorn, and Halbarad bearing the great staff close-furled in black, and two tall men, neither young nor old. So much alike were they, the sons of Elrond, that few could tell them apart: dark-haired, grey-eyed, and their faces elven-fair, clad alike in bright mail beneath cloaks of silver-grey. Behind them walked Legolas and Gimli. - Lord of the Rings, The Passing of the Grey Company

Legolas got concerned enough to go track down Aragorn, after he failed to show up all morning.

But Merry had eyes only for Aragorn, so startling was the change that he saw in him, as if in one night many years had fallen on his head. Grim was his face, grey-hued and weary.

“I am troubled in mind, Lord,” he said, standing by the king's horse. “I have heard strange words, and I see new perils far off. I have laboured long in thought, and now I fear I must change my purpose. Tell me, Théoden, you ride now to Dunharrow, how long will it be ere you come there?”

“It is now a full hour past noon,” said Éomer. “Before the night of the third day from now we should come to the Hold. The Moon will then be one night past his full, and the muster that the king commanded will be held the day after. More speed we cannot make, if the strength of Rohan is to be gathered.”

Aragorn was silent for a moment. “Three days,” he murmured, “and the muster of Rohan will only be begun. But I see that it cannot now be hastened.” He looked up, and it seemed that he had made some decision; his face was less troubled. “Then, by your leave, lord, I must take new counsel for myself and my kindred. We must ride our own road, and no longer in secret. For me the time of stealth has passed. I will ride east by the swiftest way, and I will take the Paths of the Dead.” - Lord of the Rings, The Passing of the Grey Company

Aragorn finally makes his decision – he will take the Paths of the Dead. Now he just has to convince the dead that he really is Isildur's heir.

“Farewell, lord!” said Aragorn. “Ride unto great renown! Farewell, Merry! I leave you in good hands, better than we hoped when we hunted the orcs to Fangorn. Legolas and Gimli will still hunt with me, I hope; but we shall not forget you.” - Lord of the Rings, The Passing of the Grey Company

Aragorn hopes that Legolas will come with him on the Paths of the Dead.

Aragorn: “Well, I must eat a little, and then we also must hasten away. Come, Legolas and Gimli! I must speak with you as I eat.”

Together they went back into the Burg; yet for some time Aragorn sat silent at the table in the hall, and the others waited for him to speak. “Come!” said Legolas at last. “Speak and be comforted, and shake off the shadow! What has happened since we came back to this grim place in the grey morning?” - Lord of the Rings, The Passing of the Grey Company

Legolas gives Aragorn time to collect his thoughts, and then (once again) prompts him into action, asking what happened.

Aragorn: “But I do not go gladly; only need drives me. Therefore, only of your free will would I have you come, for you will find both toil and great fear, and maybe worse.”

“I will go with you even on the Paths of the Dead, and to whatever end they may lead,” said Gimli.

“I also will come,” said Legolas, “for I do not fear the Dead.” - Lord of the Rings, The Passing of the Grey Company

To me, it seems as if Legolas is playing down the matter, as we know he will go wherever Aragorn goes. However, Aragorn is worried about what they will find, so playing it down is a good idea.

But as Aragorn came to the booth where he was to lodge with Legolas and Gimli, and his companions had gone in, there came the Lady Éowyn after him and called to him. - Lord of the Rings, The Passing of the Grey Company

Halbarad and the rest of the Grey Company is there, but Aragorn rooms with Legolas and Gimli.

Then Aragorn led the way, and such was the strength of his will in that hour that all the Dúnedain and their horses followed him. And indeed the love that that the horses of the Rangers bore for their riders was so great that they were willing to face even the terror of the Door, if their masters' hearts were steady as they walked beside them. - Lord of the Rings, The Passing of the Grey Company

The texts states that the horses only went through the Door of the Dead because of their masters. This shows that there is a great bond of love between Aragorn and Roheryn, as he followed Aragorn without hesitation. Their bond could never have formed without Arwen.

Then Aragorn said: “The hour is come at last. Now I go to Pelargir upon Anduin, and ye shall come after me. And when all this land is clean of the servants of Sauron, I will hold the oath fulfilled, and ye shall have peace and depart for ever. For I am Elessar, Isildur's heir of Gondor.”

And with that he bade Halbarad unfurl the great standard which he had brought; and behold! it was black, and if there was any device upon it, it was hidden in the darkness. Then there was silence, and not a whisper nor a sigh was heard again all the long night. - Lord of the Rings, The Passing of the Grey Company

No one (at least no one whose alive) can see anything on the standard. And yet, it convinces the dead that Aragorn is truly Isildur's heir, as they decide to follow him.

And all eyes followed his gaze, and behold! upon the foremost ship a great standard broke, and the wind displayed it as she turned towards the Harlond. There flowered a White Tree, and that was for Gondor; but Seven Stars were about it, and a high crown above it, the signs of Elendil that no lord had borne for years beyond count. And the stars flamed in the sunlight, for they were wrought of gems by Arwen daughter of Elrond; and the crown was bright in the morning, for it was wrought of mithril and gold.

Thus came Aragorn son of Arathorn, Elessar, Isildur's heir, out of the Paths of the Dead, borne upon a wind from the Sea to the kingdom of Gondor; and the mirth of the Rohirrim was a torrent of laughter and a flashing of swords, and the joy and wonder of the City was a music of trumpets and a ringing of bells. - Lord of the Rings, The Battle of the Pelennor Fields

Even in the middle of the night, light should have reflected the banner, with those descriptions. We know that Mordor's shadow was not over them yet, since it says “the dawn came, cold and pale.” So an enchantment must have been at work, that night with the dead. There is no need for an enchantment to convince the living, as any help will be celebrated in the midst of a battle.

Elves have the ability to put their power and intent into the things they make (see more here). Arwen spent ten years making and imbuing it with her power, using priceless materials.

And it came to pass that in the hour of defeat Aragorn came up from the sea and unfurled the standard of Arwen in the battle of the Fields of Pelennor, and in that day he was first hailed as king. - Lord of the Rings, Appendix A

TA March 15, 3019: Aragorn raises the standard of Arwen. - Lord of the Rings, Appendix B

The standard is twice referred to as “the standard of Arwen”. Her power and achievement is clear.

At the doors of the Houses many were already gathered to see Aragorn, and they followed after him; and when at last he had supped, men came and prayed that he would heal their kinsmen or their friends whose lives were in peril through hurt or wound, or who lay under the Black Shadow. And Aragorn arose and went out, and he sent for the sons of Elrond, and together they laboured far into the night. And word went through the City: “The King is come again indeed.” And they named him Elfstone, because of the green stone that he wore, and so the name which it was foretold at his birth that he should bear was chosen for him by his own people. - Lord of the Rings, The Houses of Healing

Rumor has already spread throughout the city, that the King has returned. Aragorn proudly displayed both his standard and Andúril on the battlefield. Ioreth tells us that, “For it is said in old lore: The hands of the king are the hands of a healer. And so the rightful king could ever be known.”

Two times we are told that there is a prophecy stating that when Aragorn becomes king, he will bear the name Elessar, meaning Elfstone. The prophecy seems to have been made at his birth, and Arwen clearly knows about it. She knows that this Quest is where Aragorn will claim his heritage, where he will finally stand forth as the rightful heir to the throne.

She also must know the lore that says, “The hands of the king are the hands of a healer”. Her gift of the Elfstone has a clear purpose – Aragorn fulfills the lore that says the true king is a great healer; which in turn causes his people to not only recognize him as the king for certain, but to ask for his help in healing their loved ones; which by healing their loved ones causes Aragorn to become beloved by his people; and that prompts them give Aragorn the name Elessar/Elfstone, thus fulfilling the prophecy.

In short, by giving Aragorn the Elessar, Arwen insures that not only the prophecy becomes fulfilled, but also that the people are on Aragorn's side, as the Elessar gives them something to latch on to and idealize Aragorn with. I'm sure we can all imagine what would have happened if Denethor had lived, and Aragorn had had no connection to the people. It would not have been pretty. This way, even if Denethor had lived (and they had no reason to think otherwise), his political power would have been much less – Aragorn already had the favor of the people.

So. Between the standard and the Elessar, Arwen gives Aragorn the tools he needs to convince men (both dead and alive) that he is the rightful king. That is on top of training his horse, so he has a trusted mount in battle. Her political acumen is great. It is clear – Aragorn could not have become King without Arwen.

“They need more gardens,” said Legolas. “The houses are dead, and there is too little here that grows and is glad. If Aragorn comes into his own, the people of the Wood shall bring him birds that sing and trees that do not die.” - Lord of the Rings, The Last Debate

Legolas says he will help Aragorn restore his city, if they win.

Gimli: “But neither did I prove; and I was held to the road only by the will of Aragorn.”

“And by the love of him also," said Legolas. "For all those who come to know him come to love him after their own fashion, even the cold maiden of the Rohirrim. It was at early morn of the day ere you came there, Merry, that we left Dunharrow, and such a fear was on all the folk that none would look on our going, save the Lady Éowyn, who lies now hurt in the House below. There was grief at that parting, and I was grieved to behold it.” - Lord of the Rings, The Last Debate

Remember, “only those who knew him well and were near to him saw the pain that he bore.” - Lord of the Rings, The Passing of the Grey Company

Legolas is close to Aragorn, and knows him well, as he noticed Aragorn’s pain. Legolas tells us that seeing Aragorn in pain caused him pain, and that all who know Aragorn love him; which shows both how highly Legolas thinks of Aragorn, and that Legolas loves him.

Some think that Legolas is only talking about Éowyn's grief. However, the wording is not right – Legolas does not single out either Aragorn or Éowyn (he says the neutral “there” and “that”). If Legolas was talking about just Éowyn, he would say something like, 'she grieved at their parting'; likewise if he was only talking about Aragorn. Both Aragorn and Éowyn were grieved, albeit in different ways; and Legolas perceived both griefs (for more on Éowyn and Aragorn, see my Éowyn essay).

In the uplands of Lamedon they overtook our horses, and swept round us, and would have passed us by, if Aragorn had not forbidden them.

At his command they fell back. “Even the shades of Men are obedient to his will,” I thought. “They may serve his needs yet!” - Lord of the Rings, The Last Debate

Legolas is not with Aragorn because he knows they will succeed. He is with him out of love and loyalty.

“Strange indeed,” said Legolas. “In that hour I looked on Aragorn and thought how great and terrible a Lord he might have become in the strength of his will, had he taken the Ring to himself. Not for naught does Mordor fear him. But nobler is his spirit than the understanding of Sauron; for is he not of the children of Lúthien? Never shall that line fail, though the years may lengthen beyond count.” - Lord of the Rings, The Last Debate

Legolas not only sees how great Aragorn is, but he also sees how terrible Aragorn could be. Only a true and close companion can see someone else that clearly. Again, he clearly thinks highly of Aragorn - Sauron cannot understand Aragorn because he is too good a soul.

Gimli: “Yet whatever is still to do, I hope to have a part in it, for the honour of the folk of the Lonely Mountain.”

“And I for the folk of the Great Wood,” said Legolas, “and for the love of the Lord of the White Tree.” - Lord of the Rings, The Last Debate

This is my absolute favorite line from Legolas about Aragorn. “For the love of the Lord of the White Tree”. Legolas does not just want to fight to bring honor to and do well by his people; he wants to fight out of love for Aragorn. Legolas’s love for Aragorn is indeed deep and eternal; for him to equal Legolas’s home, family, and people.

“And I,” said Legolas, “shall walk in the woods of this fair land, which is rest enough. In days to come, if my Elven-lord allows, some of our folk shall remove hither; and when we come it shall be blessed, for a while. For a while: a month, a life, a hundred years of Men.” - Lord of the Rings, The Field of Cormallen

Legolas seems to be measuring time by Aragorn's lifespan – Aragorn will live for another 122 years. He also refers to Thranduil as his elven-lord, not his liege-lord or father. It implies that Legolas has loyalty to and love for another lord as well, one that is not an elf. He can only be talking about Aragorn.

Legolas his friend also brought south Elves out of Greenwood, and they dwelt in Ithilien, and it became once again the fairest country in all the westlands. - Lord of the Rings, Appendix A

Legolas leaves his home for Aragorn, and he makes Aragorn’s land flourish. He is the only one to move close to Aragorn, and I think that’s telling.

But When King Elessar gave up his life Legolas followed at last the desire of his heart and sailed over Sea - Lord of the Rings, Appendix A

Legolas denies his heart’s longing and stays in Middle-earth because of Aragorn. He was measuring time by Aragorn's lifespan.

~*~

Arwen and Legolas support Aragorn from opposite directions – Aragorn draws on Arwen and is supported by Legolas.

Frodo calls Arwen “queenly,” and he's right. Arwen is regal, knowledgable, and wise. She has a more serious and steadfast personality, and is unpretentious. She is a natural leader who works from the background. (for more on Arwen, see my Arwen essay)

Aragorn is also naturally more serious. He has almost no self-esteem and has an anxious and fluctuating personality. He has a strong will and is a great leader, but his greatest enemy is himself.

Legolas is not naturally serious; but light-hearted, sassy, and fanciful. Yet he is serious when he needs to be, and is quick to defend and forgive. He is loyal, humble, open-hearted, selfless, and kind. He expresses sadness and fear, but never lets it control him. He is sassy, fanciful, and dramatic in his words; and yet easygoing and realistic about the situations he is in. Throughout all of his words and actions, there is an undercurrent of steadfastness. He can lead when he needs to, but prefers to follow and support from the background.

Though Legolas is not a scholar (he references songs, not books), being an elf means he knows a significant amount of lore anyway. The quotes of Aragorn and Legolas sharing knowledge are signs of their compatibility and similarity, because they give and take equally. Arwen, Aragorn, and Legolas all think the same way, they all have that elven mentality.

As such, all three of them are mentally isolated from any other mortal. There is a large part of themselves that no one else understands, because all three move to Gondor and essentially become immigrants. Tolkien only has a few sentences about this time, but I do not doubt that it was hard for all three of them.

King Elessar is Great. He cannot be just another multidimensional being with strengths and weaknesses. But Estel is just a person, and Estel needs his two pillars to help him succeed at being King Elessar. It cannot always be easy for Arwen and Legolas, but they can support each other in supporting Estel.

Arwen is perfectly matched to help Aragorn rule, and Legolas is not. But Legolas can help both Aragorn and Arwen relax and lighten up. Neither Arwen nor Legolas likes being in the spotlight, and Aragorn is a great leader. Like everyone else, he just needs support from people he can be his true self – Estel – with.

One of the many things I love about the films is that they not only highlighted the Arwen/Aragorn and Aragorn/Legolas relationships, but they also implied a close relationship between Arwen and Legolas. In the final films, Legolas protects and holds onto the Evenstar, and gestures to Arwen at the Coronation. Unfortunately, they deleted the emotionally intimate goodbye between Arwen and Legolas in FotR, but you can see part of it here (0:18 to 0:21).

[dokuhebi]

shikkotsunin said: “you should lay down.”

post - trauma sentence starters // @shikkotsunin

It had been by the gracious permission of the  Daimyou of Mori no Kuni, that the serpent was able to make the arrangements to meet with Konohagakure overseers. The serpents release had not been planned, and while it would the greatest suicide mission of all the eras to engage them in hostility, it would be equally shortsighted of the Sannin to assume Konoha would approach them peacefully. They were, no matter how powerful and secure within the utopia that was the High Priests kingdom, an escaped prisoner. The estate of Mori no Kuni itself was no place for the serpent to hold their meeting with Konoha’s overseers. But an offset of land, where servants representing the Daimyou himself could accompany the Sannin, was offered.  Close enough to the uncharted land of Mori no Kuni, that the false sage may still have their allies as a foreboding shadow looming at their back. It is a precaution, but false in their sagehood or not, they have the rather strong belief they will have no need for allies, should anyone underhandedly turn this meeting in to a trap. It is unlike the viper however, to not plan for every and any potential disaster. It is why they choose the relatively neutral grounds offered by the High Priest, along with his representatives, and one long-time ally. Someone who Konoha would be just as displeased to see. It is why they have asked Sakura to attend in disguise, so she can overlook the meeting seamlessly, and step in should the serpent signal her to. Usually, arrogance would have the Sannin attending this meeting along, laying their demands, and taking little care to consider their reignited enemies opinion. This time however, this time they have the biggest weakness of all - their still trapped children. Konoha is in full possession of the serpents precious sons’. Twenty years. Rogu has been without his parent for an entire duration of childhood to adulthood. That is enough to shake the serpents naturally indifferent demeanor. Their youngest would be preserved within his makeshift womb, still dormant, still fast asleep. He would not know his parent had been away for so long, he would wake up to meet their eyes as his very first welcoming in to this world. Or so they hope. For that can only be possible if they can get to their children before Konoha does. Dreadfully so, the Hidden Leaf had a painfully advantageous head start.  They request Sakura to sit beside them, even if she wears a guise of a mere stranger. If she appears to be just another servant in the Mori no Kuni ranks. The tension in the air could be severed by a knife, as the Sannin finally comes face to face with their past captors. This time however, there is no cage nor muzzle placed on the once ensnared and prized captive. There is nothing stopping them from restoring a natural and primitive pecking order, where the strong make the demands, and the weak simply heed the law of the mightier.  There should not be any surprise however, when the leading Konohagakure overseer antagonizes the serpent. When the extravagant room is marred by taunting comments, and out of line responses. The serpent sits across from the leading overseer, watches her with an eerily calm gaze. They make no show of wanting a fight, clad in the clothing from Mori no Kuni, a silken hanfu, dark shades of violet and lighter shades of beige mirroring something far too refined to be reduced to a scrap. The pristine hall they sit at is just as regal a sight, it too demands the respect of proper etiquette. That to shed blood here would be a sin in itself. Yet she persists. The overseer speaks and speaks, dismissing their words and terms, making a clear sign this was not a fair negotiation. And they know that she is provoking them on purpose, they know that she thinks she can, because she holds the power of their precious children over their head. What she doesn’t know however, is twenty years of caging has made the serpents usually calm and rational mind develop in to something more akin to a ticking time bomb. Unpredictably lethal. When her filthy tongue speaks ill of their children, when the line of respecting their precious kin is crossed, the serpent finally interjects. To let her know her games are well noticed.  “You want to make me angry,” they reply, their voice a rather curt, soft spoken and emotionless sound. Slender hands mostly covered by overly long sleeves are places on the table, so they can ever so regally correct their posture and stand. “Very well.”  The glass of the high rising hall shatters, vines from the large sequoia trees surrounding the magnificent room reaching in at the beckoning of the serpents wood release. Thick vines twist in to the now chaos erupting hall like serpents might, pouring in and winding around any moving body pertaining to Konoha. Twisting tightly, constricting until screams can not be heard, only seen in the dulling eyes of those ensnared. A vibrantly insidious glow has flared around the Sannin, as eyes lose their white, and the gold iris overtakes their entire gaze. Horns protrude from midnight locks like a devilish crown, as the chakra, buzzing like a swarm of locusts, starts to hungrily run down the vines of the nearby sequoia, gathering around the bodies trapped in the vines hold.  It would be ever apparent for Sakura now, to know what her role in all this was. The word of a False Sage had been circulating, the mention that the serpent was not as holy, not blessed with the rare mark of the divine. What was worse than a non-sage, than a lowly sage using batesian mimicry? Killing two birds with one stone was their obvious option forward. To send a message to Konoha that their powers had been fully awoken, to shake them enough that the village would know better than to harm its only leverage against them - their dear boys. But also, to shatter the rumors they could not wield their own sage mode. To make such a show of it, that the demolished building of Mori no Kuni would forever resonate with the energy they left here. That one would have a physical ground to view their powers - a temple of testament.  The bodies tangled in the vines grow limp, shriveling, deteriorating, the serpent is feeding off them parasitically. Absorbing each ones chakra to fuel their own transformation, long enough for the servants to usher themselves out of harms way, but to remain rather credible witnesses. The only one who would have no need to shy away from their volatile power, was the True Sage in the room herself. The one who despite a guise, meets their gaze with her characteristic one. She would not only be the sole person allowed to see this front, nor the only person able to survive it, but she would equally so be the only one who could tend to them when they put needless strain on their body. When the energy they drain from the Konoha shinobi was inadequate.  They push themself further than they should have, it is only briefly apparent in their own subconscious when they notice their lower half has lost itself to a tail. When they mirror a naga, not human. When the chakra they sense from Sakura triggers their prey drive like a fleeing rabbit does a wolfs. The moment she is close, they have turned on her, snapping like a wound up coil and encircling her figure with a reptilian body. Slender fingers from one hand wrapped around her throat, as their natural instinct to drain the most tempting and transcendent chakra overpowers their senses. Because failing at the sage mode resulted in more animalistic traits coming out, an opportunistic hunter, was a mark of their serpentine character. Power like hers was overwhelmingly tempting, a chakra-hungry sage could not shake the lure anymore than a predator can the scent of blood. They go blind from there. The very last sight they can remember, her green eyes sharpening as she holds her ground. Blacking out when the lust of battle outweighs their need for self control was common during their trial stage of using their new powers. No doubt, they had attacked the woman as if she were the enemy. They rely on the fact that she wasn’t. They rely on the fact that she can bring them down when their chakra begins to turn inwards and ravage their own body.  When they finally awaken, both from unconsciousness and feral trance, they are welcomed to a far more peaceful scene, their slender form upon a bed in the far removed safety of their temporary home. A palace suited for the gods, rather than queens and kings. They waste little time slipping from the bed and sauntering across the marbled floors. The fabrics of their immaculate gown tailing after them, as bare feet soundlessly traverse the abode to inspect for her. Knowing she would be around, would be close by. They cross the intersection of the room where sun filters warmly through open arched windows, until they can locate the woman. She too, is immaculate. Not a wound upon her figure. That is not a show of how little damage the Sannin may have caused her. Instead, they know it is a result of her own regenerative properties. She speaks before she looks up to them, she must have known they had awoken even when they were not in her room. - ‘You should lay down’ -.They feel fine, be it due to her healing as she mended the damage they had done, or be it because they had relied on their own regenerative abilities. Had she abandoned them, once getting them home, they would not have been in any state of health crises. Injury is fleeting for immortals like them.  “I am all right, thanks to you,” they state, before finding their seat in a sunny patch beside her, their gaze tracing her figure for any sign of displeasure. They could have told her about their planned stunt, and saved her a great deal of trouble. But springing the idea on her had less potential for her to say no. They had needed her, and they had decided asking for forgiveness was simpler than asking for permission.  “I will be declaring war upon Konohagakure,” they tell her, their voice politely quiet, as if they speak not of monumental bloodshed, “I have tried to break bread with them, I have tried to appease them. I have found they either fear me, or want me to fear them. I have an eternity to redeem myself, but if wrath is the quickest way forward, if they will not let me rest for so long as that village stands... then I will ensure it stands no more. I have lost faith in the concept, that even we can be saved. You do not have to pick a side, but I hope that you will.” She would be an invaluable ally, she would tip the odds in the serpents favor. They get to their feet once more, to saunter over to the window itself and to gaze at the scene below.  “For what it was worth, we tried to do things the right way, we both gave it a chance in the past,” they say, eyes narrowing as they watch the peace of the servants below. A bubble, a small utopia at the center of such hell, “but my anger has lead me further than my patience, and taking has earned me more than asking. If cruelty does not win out over doing things the ‘right’ way, then someone ought to have taken me down by now,” they turn their head to address her over their shoulder, “with our powers amounted, it is in our hands to kill or spare them. Ask yourself dear, how kind were they to us?”

[burstingchrysanthemums]

The Daily Task of Preventing My Disciple from Turning to the Dark Side: Chapter 3

Mu Chen's Sunshine Palace, located in the north of Cloud Gate, is one of the places with the most abundant spirit energy in the five peaks. At the top of flattened Sunshine peak is the bright red Sunshine Palace. From a distance  it looks misty, grand, magnificent, with jade railings all around.

After landing, a strong smell of fragrant incense medicine makes every inch of the skin feel comfortable. In the main hall where Mu Chen lives there is a large golden bamboo. The bamboo was swaying in the wind, and the mottled sunlight fell on the ground through the bamboo leaves, and turning the ground golden. Countless priceless treasures that are hard to find in the outside world are as common as weeds sticking to the sole of your foot here.

On the left is a spirit spring, the water weaving around the immortal palace, and a waterfall plunging down. On the right are several hundred miles of medical gardens, while at the back of the mountain the cry of a crane can be heard.

It is said that Sunshine Palace is the richest place in Cloud Gate, only the people who have seen it can understand.

Mu Chen put down Gu Yunjue, saying: "Here is our place, you can live wherever you want to."

The Sunshine Palace has been decorated very simply, in accordance with Mu Chen's personality. Now that there is a five-year-old child who needs to restore his health, Mu Chen wondered whether he ought to build a house and have some fun.

Gu Yunjue looked at around him, eyes flashing with nostalgia, here is the most comfortable place that he has ever lived in.

Surveying the place, Gu Yunjue's eyes fall on a white stone table in the bamboo grove. The table holds a pot of wine, two glasses, and an unfinished game of chess. Thinking of someone who Mu Chen treats this way... Gu Yunjue narrowed his eyes, stretched out his hand to hold Mu Chen's thigh, and smiled exceptionally sweetly, "This disciple wants to live with the master."

Mu Chen frowned, looked down at the child holding on to his thigh tightly, worriedly asked him: "You ... still wet the bed? "

The corners of Gu Yunjue's mouth twitched, both hands trembled, bed wetting ... The little master is so cute.

Mu Chen looked down at him, the look is especially serious. He really wants to know if the child still wets the bed, if so then they cannot sleep together. Feeling the disciple holding on to his thigh trembling guiltily, Mu Chen frowns and concludes that, sure enough the child is still in the bed wetting age so it's better for them to sleep separately.

Two thirteen-year-old children saw that Mu Chen was back and jumped in front of him, saying in chorus: "Palace Lord."

The two are twins, very handsome and dressed in identical white robes. One has a grim look, behind him is a sword, and he stands upright, looking sharp and spirited. The other one is holding a strange long black flute and is wearing a bone pendant. He is smiling, his face has a lively look, and he looks a bit naughty.

Mu Chen introduced them: "The unsmiling one is Jing Ting, the smiling one is Jing Ming."

The child is still holding on to his thighs shyly so Mu Chen had to push him forward to introduce him. "This is my personal succeeding disciple, from now on take good care of him."

"These disciples understand." Although the two claim to be his disciples, in fact they don't have a mentor-disciple relationship. They are not human. Mu Chen picked up two doglike monsters in a secret place. Out of habit, he had cured their injury ten years ago. Ever since then they had stayed here.

Mu Chen commanded: "Jing Ming, clean up the attic next door to my room for the boy to live in."

Jing Ming was stunned for a moment then nodded: "Yes, this disciple will arrange it immediately."

Looking at the two mirror-like twins running, Gu Yunjue narrowed his eyes. He had not expected that these two tough little things had been following the master so early.

Mu Chen touched Gu Yunjue's head, interrupting his thoughts, and said: "Go and wash yourself first, take off your clothes, and never wear black clothes in the future.

The thought of Gu Yunjue growing up then wearing black, with a peerless handsome face, killing without batting an eye, puts Mu Chen in a bad mood. In this life, the well-behaved little disciple will never become that way.

Mu Chen wanted to leave but his thigh was held. Gu Yunjue tackled his master, making the attendants gasp. They looked at Gu Yunjue with admiration. The last time someone touched the Palace Lord's sleeve, he directly kicked that person away. Yet this boy dares to grab Mu Chen's thigh...

A hero! He is so brave!

Mu Chen did not hit the boy, he just tried to pull away but he was held tightly. Gu Yunjue made a pitiful face at him, sticking like glue to his leg. "Shizun, don't go!"

The fact that the other's body is somehow attracting his spiritual power is something he hasn't figured out yet. If they were to take a bath together he can investigate.

Mu Chen thought he was frightened. Helpless, he held Gu Yunjue while the attendants bring hot water, intending to wash the child himself. Several attendants look at Gu Yunjue with worshipful eyes because the Lord has unexpectedly gave in. It seems he is not an ordinary pet and they must serve the young lord with great care.

Only Jing Ting looks at Gu Yunjue eyes and thinks it's unnatural.

Mu Chen took out a bottle of medicine and put a drop in the bath water which turned green, churning with spiritual power. He picked up Gu Yunjue, who was looking at the door, and wanted to throw him into the bath.

"Shizun!" said Gu Yunzhu clinging to Mu Chen's arm. "I can go in by myself."

Mu Chen put Gu Yun down. That little disciple is really sensible, wants to do things on his own, a really good, self-reliant child.

Seeing that Mu Chen has no intention of changing his clothes, Gu Yunjue temporarily closed off his mind, he always remembers that he is a child, born in that kind of environment, if he did not act then he would have been killed long ago, so he can act the role of a five-year-old child vividly.

He was not sentimental, and took off his coat and climbed into the barrel. However, now the body is too short, the movement of the climb is a bit ugly.

The short limbs are struggling to climb the barrel, like a little mouse but in Mu Chen's eyes it's not ugly.

The face finally having a hint of a smile, Mu Chen reached out to hold the child's butt, tore off the robes and even the pants, throwing Gu Yunjue in the water with a big splash.

Gu Yunjue helplessly spit out a mouthful of water, Shizun is so... direct!

When Gu Yunjue's flesh was exposed, in that moment Mu Chen was stunned. On the child's thin back were innumerable scars... not only the back but also the chest and limbs have numerous scars, including a bit wound which, by the look of the teeth, was made by a woman.

The most serious is a chest wound. It's new and not yet completely cured. It seems like the chest was stabbed by a hairpin and, if the puncture had been any deeper, would have reached the heart and killed Gu Yunjue!

Mu Chen's face was instantly cold, his voice angry: "Who wants to kill you?"

The child grew up to be a twisted killer, the childhood experiences and relationships surely were partly to blame! Just a five year old boy, who laid such a ruthless hand on him?

The medicine in the water is funneling spirit power into his body. It's slightly painful. He rested on the barrel and reached out a hand to touch Mu Chen's face, smiling, and said: "My mother thought that giving birth to me was a disgrace."

Gu Yunjue sees Mu Chen's expression become colder, does not hold back his fingers from stroking that face. He knew how beautiful that laughing face is but, unfortunately, it's really rare to see.

Gu Yunjue has a soul magic power. He is at the stage when he can clearly see the color of the spirit of people. Good people's spirits are white, black is evil, while red is for killers. He has seen that many people's souls are a mixed color. Only Mu Chen, even when he has killed, is pure white.

Part of him wants to wipe him black, contaminate him with his own darkness but at the same time he wants to silently protect his purity.

Looking at the cold man in front of him who was angry for him... Gu Yunjue excitedly licked his lips, eyes narrowed, this feeling is a good memory.

Mu Chen discontentedly swatted away Gu Yunjue's hands, coldly glaring at the spoiled little bastard who even dared to touch his face. Does he understand what it is to honor the teacher and respect his teachings?

Seeing the little disciple is behaving, Mu Chen tied up his messy hair then stirred the water up to produce more bubbles, saying: "Soak for another half hour, I will be going out."

"Where is Shifu going?"

Mu Chen's personality is such that when he thinks of doing something, he does it immediately. Gu Yunjue is not sure what is happening now.

"I'm going to the main peak." As he answered Mu Chen was talking to the door. He orders Jing Ting: "In a moment, go and have a look at him."

He feared that his young disciple might fall into the water and drown to death in the water.

Jing Ting hurried to comply. "This disciple will remember."

"After he changes his clothes, introduce him to the palace servants to make sure they serve him well and don't bully him."

Seeing Gu Yunjue's injury, Mu Chen is distressed at imagining what the child had suffered. Thinking of Gu Yunjue's abusive childhood, Mu Chen's face becomes even colder. He will not let his disciple suffer any injustice again, he will have only the best things...parents...huh.

After Mu Chen left, Gu Yunjue's lips turn up, his smiling face is bloodthirsty and crazy. It's really good that he returned to this place to love together with his teacher. Back then, no one thought that Gu Yunjue had used the magic of the final layer to reverse time, they thought they had killed him but they did not know they just sent him back in time hundreds of years ago. (TN: Yes, it said hundreds of years.)

What are the hypocrites doing at this time?

Are they pursuing the righteous path to cultivation?

Are they murdering and stealing treasures?

Are they standing aloof, pretending to be superior and benevolent?

Or are they painstakingly pondering how they could win the favor of his master, and pursue a pill cultivator with both great talents and outstanding good looks as their dao-companion?

Gu Yunjue looked at his hand and smiled. A red flame in the fingertips gently beat, dancing like a succubus, full of temptation and deadly hidden dangers.

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[iceepsy]

Cauterize

Fire Emblem Fates Birthright AU: What if Birthright was a tragedy depicting Corrin’s mental downfall?

Chapter 1:  In The End

Thanks to @cup-ah-jho for betaing! I can’t thank you enough; you’ve been a great help. Notes: Birthright ending spoilers from the get-go.

In the end.

Kamui doesn’t know when time started to slow. Did it start when she plunged the Yato one final time into Garon’s flesh, feeling the resistance of the blade? From Garon’s last moan and glazed eyes, a telling sign that the war is finally over? If not, then it must have began when Azura collapsed behind her moments after, the short-lived victory quickly replaced with a chill that ran from the base of her neck to the tips of her exposed toes.

In the months, years, that Kamui has known Azura, she has never seen the dancer look so fragile and helpless. She drops the Yato at the sight of her companion’s leg, bloodied and twisted at an unnaturally painful angle, and the sword lands with a resounding clang that echoes much too loudly in the demolished throne room. Kamui follows suit, collapsing next to her sword and cradling Azura’s head as the other’s breath catches.

“Sorry, but it looks like I wasn’t able to keep my promise,” Azura whispers as she weakly places her hand over Kamui’s, rubbing circles with her thumb as she had often done before. The once comforting motion that helped Kamui through sweat-drenched nightmares now makes her dread its inevitable end. All Kamui wants to do is scream—“You liar! You promised to see this world peaceful once more! You promised a future with me!”—but something holds her voice back and knocks the breath from her lungs. The most she is able to let out are broken sentences and uncontrollable sobs that her best friend tries to placate. “Kamui, I’m happy, truly. Don’t forget...this is the peace you and I have dreamed of. Live your fullest.” Really, Kamui thinks bitterly, who is the one dying?

“Please,” Azura asks, as her golden eyes dim, “can I see you smile one last time?”

And Kamui tries, returning a lopsided smile that has never felt so forced. Having finally found her voice, she begs Azura, “I can’t lose you as well; I can’t lose anyone else.”

It was not supposed to turn out this way; she was not supposed to have lost so much. After all, hadn’t she chosen the right path like the heros from her childhood storybooks? They slayed evil monarchs, fought for the poor, and have never lost or mourned. So then why, if she thought she had followed them, did she lose her dear siblings and friends? She looks to Azura for an answer to her silent questions. However, her best friend has already closed her eyes, deaf to her thoughts, showing a faint smile despite her other marred features.

Kamui looks around again at the desolate room. The regal tapestries that depicted scenes of Nohrian court life have been stained with ash, forever tarnished. The decorative columns were shattered from careless fighting, causing pieces of the expansive ceiling to give way. Any treasures that the throne room once proudly displayed have been raided by less honorous royal guards. To think Kamui once saw this palace as inviting, as home. Xander’s and Elise's deaths still haunt her. She can still see Elise, once the light of her life, now lifeless. If Kamui didn’t know better, save for the blossoming red spreading on her sister’s chest, she would have thought Elise was sleeping peacefully, wearing the pale makeup common for court royals. Kamui is still in disbelief Xander died. She had always imagined his death to be in a grand battle that people would remember for centuries and not a battle with his weak sister. Xander still sits in the hall as if he is resting: a pitiful death.

Kamui shakily stands up, laughing at the ridiculous turn of events. She picks up the Yato, thrown carelessly near Azura, still dripping with Garon’s blood. She half wishes her adopted father’s blood was another color: black, green, or even blue, so that does not feel like she just killed another human. If Garon were a monster, her approach would have been justified. Nevertheless, Garon’s blood will soon be caked into the divine blade like all the others: like Iago, Hanz, and all the other Nohrians she’s killed.

-----

She can still hear Garon’s maniacal laughter as if this entire war had been his original plan. When she confronted him, Garon stared out at the crumbling walls that gave way to the town hovering overhead. “Foolish child,” he spoke in greeting, “is this the peace you have sought? Look long and hard at the destruction you have caused in your wake. Look back at Nohr and see the outcome of the path you have chosen.”

“Of course!” Kamui retaliated, “The only means of peace is by killing you! You caused this war! You planted that sword! You killed my mother!” She wanted to strangle him slowly, gouge out his eyes, and break a finger for each of the wrongdoings he caused to her and to Hoshido. Though, Kamui thinks bitterly that Garon would not have enough fingers.

She was ready to attack but Garon’s next words kept her rooted in place. The king of Nohr turned to her and whispered with poison dripping from his tongue, “Now come, child, you must think of the future for both countries. Nohr needs to be restored to its former glory. It’s only you who can fulfill that role, you know.” Kamui’s ears felt stuffed with cotton balls. Garon continued, “Xander secretly always wanted you to ascend the throne. Camilla does not have the strength to rule. When you left, she only wallowed in her room: a despondent bitch.”

The thought Garon proposed was ludicrous; Kamui had, of course, objected. Despite her verbal refusal, her mind continued to think. Xander had always treated her differently—his little princess. He had let her win. He had protected her. He had said that she could lead this world to peace.

“By default, the next in line is you. Dear Corrin, you should know you are still my precious daughter.”

His words were like a spell weaving and twisting across her body, petrifying her. She as Nohr’s ruler? He must be wrong; he’s the enemy. Even as Garon charged at Kamui, Bolverk above his head, she stayed rooted in spot. Only after the sudden movement of a spear cutting between her and Garon, distracting him, did Kamui dodge. She was quite surprised at his strength considering she had only ever seen him sitting on the throne; there was now a deep impression where he had struck.

Kamui gave Azura a grateful look as the dancer found her way next to her. The two flowed like water, swirling around Garon, dodging his attacks by a hair’s breadth. Azura sang her song, empowering Kamui to attack faster, cut deeper, and guard stronger. They were winning, Kamui thought happily. That is, until Garon surprised them both by parrying Kamui’s thrust with his axe while using his other hand to knock Azura to the side with a sickening crunch.

“Azura!” Kamui cries. To her relief, she heard Azura reply with a winded, “I’m okay.”

Kamui took advantage of Garon’s next wide swing by ducking underneath the blade and slashing his knees in retaliation. He fell to the ground. Despite the wound, he only looked agitated. “I should have killed you when I had the chance.”

This was maddening. Kamui screamed back, “You’re speaking in circles! Which is it? Why didn’t you?”

Garon stood shakily; Kamui half expecting him to pass out. To her surprise, he charged again, cutting into her shoulder before she could move. Kamui yelped and quickly stepped out of the way before he could cut through the limb. It was by sheer luck that he didn’t hit any vital tendons or ligaments; Sakura could heal it later. Kamui tested the Yato in her other grip, making due with her non-dominant hand as blood dripped from her useless arm.

With him so close, she lunged with all her strength, pierced the gaps of his armor, and sent the sword through his stomach. Her opponent let out a bloodcurdling scream, coughing blood onto her as he once again fell to his knees, “Because you - you could get to Mikoto.” Bolverk slipped from his grasp, barely cutting her toes. “Because this was a test. A test to see if you had what it took to rule the dark, grand country of Nohr. And my child,” his gaze bore into her eyes, “you passed.” Kamui twisted the Yato in further; her hands were slick with splattered red. Garon continued to cough, rasp, grate as she stepped back.

The former king of Nohr was smiling in death with what seemed to be the delirious murmurings of a dying man, “Ah, Arete, to be with you again...Perhaps all I wanted was the sweet release of death.”

Sakura’s worried voice piped up as Kamui, grasping her injured shoulder, moved away, “K-kamui, are-are you ok?!”

She looked up and saw her little sister in tears. Kamui tried so hard to smile because this was Sakura, her precious sister who should have never needed to see the war. She replied back, “Yeah - I’m am. It’s only a small injury.”

In addition to Sakura, Ryoma was standing protectively a few feet away but never chose to interfere. He understood it was her fight alone with Garon and it was only honorable to let her finish. Takumi was behind a pillar, a few feet away from Ryoma. He peeked towards her when he heard Garon collapse. His Fujin Yumi was set despite the cold shoulder he had always directed at her. Hinoka was standing next to poor Sakura, mirroring Ryoma. Kamui spoke louder, addressing them and their retainers, “It’s over. Hoshido has won the war.”

Sakura’s rod brushed Kamui, mending her injured shoulder with a cooling breeze. “Thanks, Sakura,” Kamui says before addressing the others, “It’s been a long battle, everyone go on ahead to rest and celebrate.”

“Wh-what about Azura?” Sakura asks.

“I should be well enough to help Azura.”

Sakura looked ready to protest until Hinoka chastised her, “It’s alright; remember that Kamui is a budding healer. She can help Azura and take her to you if anything else is more severe.” Hinoka waved as she started to leave, dragging the younger girl with her; Ryoma and Takumi followed suit. Kamui gave them a comforting smile. Things were alright, right?

Kamui saw the blue-haired girl out of the corner of her eye, carefully maneuvering past the rubble. She turned to greet her, to thank her for the help. That is, until she saw Azura collapse forward onto the ground.

-----

Kamui looks back to Sakura’s crying; she had once thought of it to be of relief. Sakura was staring at her bloodied clothes that no amount of washing could remove. The white of her uniform was stained with the blood of her’s, Azura’s, Garon’s and countless others. It’s proof of her victories. It’s proof of Nohr’s defeat. It’s proof that she didn’t bring peace, that she was the warbringer. And Kamui doesn’t know how to stop. Sakura wasn’t relieved; she was frightened at what her sister had become.

Kamui carries Azura to the entrance of the throne room where the others are waiting. How much of a failure could she be? She was unable to live up to Mikoto’s name; she could still see her dead mother shaking her head sadly yet again. Of course Mikoto would have found a way to peacefully unite the two countries. Her siblings had been so proud of her only a few moments ago; she doesn’t want to see the look of disgust when they realize she killed their adopted sister. Kamui could see it now: Ryoma’s distant eyes telling her that she’s a scam; she isn’t MIkoto’s daughter.

The others all cry when they see Azura hang lifelessly from Kamui’s arms. Ryoma is struggling to maintain composure while Hinoka and Sakura sob visibly. Even Takumi turns his head away. They say condolences to her, to each other, but Kamui is not paying attention anymore. She stumbles out of Castle Krakenburg in a half-dazed, dream-like state.

Kamui boards Hinoka’s pegasus and sees the city as Garon had described, void of residents. She sees the roaring fire, the falling roofs, and the breaking walls. She smells the sulfur, chlorine, and soot that permeates the air. Kamui thinks back to Garon’s words. No, Azura, we didn’t achieve peace. She doesn’t know how Nohr can ever recover as Hoshido continues to prosper. The Nohrians can only cower in fear as brigands raid while the new monarch attempts to bring about a semblance of stability. She didn’t fix anything; it’s nothing like what Mikoto would have wanted.

Kamui still can’t get rid of the thought even by the time they arrive back in Hoshido. Garon’s right; it’s her birthright to rule, like her mother, father, and step-father. She can’t take over Hoshido - she doesn’t want to as Ryoma is destined for the title. Ruling Nohr, on the other hand, could be her chance to let her siblings see she can truly bring peace, that she is worthy of being Mikoto’s daughter.

She knocks on the crown prince’s room late one night, sliding the screen door after she hears his muffled greeting. Kamui asks Ryoma about the surrendered country.

[ciathyzareposts]

Missed Classic: A Mind Forever Voyaging – Hell on Earth

Written by Joe Pranevich

In Wishbringer, we learned that a little magic and a lost cat could turn the world into a dark place. In A Mind Forever Voyaging, we learn that people can do that even without the magic and that cats are not essential to the equation. Perhaps I am getting ahead of myself, but last week we had finally been given the “real” mission in the game: explore the simulation and collect data that would prove that Senator Ryder’s plan is flawed. I had already looked at a fairly happy 2041 and a less happy 2051. Now, we are challenged to plunge even further in the future to find data that supports or undercuts the success of the Plan. I apologize but in my previous post, I got the dates wrong a couple of times: the real world of the game takes place in 2031, not 2021. It doesn’t matter quite enough to go back and fix it now, but I hope I did not confuse things too much. Just keep in mind that the two variations we saw were current year plus ten and plus twenty.

I am going to have a lot to say about this game as we get closer to the final rating. If it does one thing well, it encourages you to think about its message and the way in which it presents that message. Does that make it a good “game”? I’m not sure yet. Please join me as we travel to the far off and exotic year 2061 in the dreamscape that once was the United States of North America.

Burned out apartment building. (Photo by Pryshutova Viktoria, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)

Exploring 2061

Entering the simulation once again, I start in the southeastern corner of the city outside of “Heiman World”. This was the counterpart to the “Heiman Village” that existed in 2031, a mixed commercial and residential area not unlike a mall-with-condos. I had seen it first as a construction site, then as a completed mall-experience, but now it’s just a burned out husk. A lack of safety regulations meant that it was built on the cheap. It burned down, killing hundreds. The whole message is a bit on the nose, especially as they make it the entry point in the 2061 simulation, but it works well enough. Let’s see if the rest of the city fared any better.

I check my drivers license to make sure I haven’t moved in the last decade then head to my apartment. It’s sad that I haven’t been able to find a nicer, or larger, place in the last thirty years. Obviously, writers and painters are not making the big bucks in this future. When I arrive home, I find out that something heart-wrenching happened: Mitchell, my 21-year old son, has just abandoned his family. He’s fallen in with the Church of God’s Word and has left us to join them, considering us heathens. He wouldn’t even talk to Jill as she followed him all the way to the airport, but now he’s gone. She’s obviously upset over the whole ordeal. I suppose I am too, except we’ve hardly gotten to know him. Just a quick flash of an infant, followed by a quick flash when he was 11-years old, doesn’t make for a deep relationship. As before, I do not know whether Perry is supposed to have lived these ten years in the simulation. Does he have memories of his kid growing up? Does it matter? Either way, he’s gone now, brainwashed by a cult. To add insult to injury, the Border Security Agents pick now to ransack the house once again to look for whatever they are looking for. I had thought they were hunting immigrants, but a commenter last week said they were looking for pocket-nukes. Either way, they are far less polite than before. Jill hardly seems to react, both because of the recent loss of Mitchell and because these raids appear to have become old hat for us now. I run off to the airport myself to try to see if he is still there, but of course he’s long gone. The airport is even more “secure” than ever since all international travelers are strip-searched.

Just like with last week’s entry, I don’t fully know how to document a game where you discover the slow erosion of civilization by exploring the same locations over and over again. On one hand, I’d rather not do bullet lists, but they also express the disconnectedness of some of the events rather well. I wander the city almost at random to revisit the key things that I had seen before, and to find new things to record.

The Border Security Force has expanded its presence considerably. In addition to the strip searching at the airport, there are random BSF agents doing “stop-and-frisk” searches on the pedestrians in the street. The military base in the north of the city has become a BSF base; a graduation event for the largest class of new agents is taking place at Huang Hall. The latter is telling because in all previous times, Huang Hall was home to industry and technology trade shows. The times are changing! 

Everything old is new again.

It’s not just that the Church of God’s Word is growing, but religious intolerance is on the rise everywhere. St. Michael’s church is closed now and covered with anti-Catholic graffiti. The Methodist church is still around, but empty. The pamphlets in the CoGW’s headquarters actively discriminates against non-believers. Even racial discrimination is on the rise, at least judging by the top movie at the cinema, the “comedy” film Let’s Kill Some Slants. 

Other than the BSF, the actual government is nearly shut down. While we do see police around, City Hall is deserted. The nearby courthouse is still active and the trial of the day is of an Asian-American boy being tried for violating the “Uniform Morality Code”. The punishment is life in prison; I cannot help but think that his ethnicity may be playing a role here. City parks are being closed to make way for new condos. While the new construction is a positive step, taking away the public green space will make the city even less friendly. 

Meretzky is doing very well in shading each new time period carefully. Things are getting worse, but he’s clearly thinking about it in consistent terms and to make it a plausible progression. There are little details, the cinema now also plays pornography for example, which show the decline of morality even as the trappings of morality (the Church, for one) are apparently growing. Newspapers do not appear to exist in this future, so I have no idea who the President is and whether Ryder managed to find a way to become President-for-Life yet, if he’s still alive. Perry probably knows, but I sure don’t. Even the grocery stores are being hit now as shiny colored labels have made way for generic ones on half-empty shelves.

I don’t even finish exploring before I find another big change: a 9 PM curfew. After nine, the subways close and the streets empty out. I wander around to keep exploring, but the police arrest me and I am taken to a jail cell to rest for the night. “Rest” might be a strong word since the cell contains only a dirty blanket and no bed, but I suppose it’s better than nothing. Unlike in Wishbringer, there is no escape. The police throw me out into the street in the morning, promising to do worse next time. I may try that some time, but right now my recording buffer is full so I head back to the real world. I do the usual to get Dr. Perelman to view the recordings and he tells that that they are intriguing, but that I need more data from other years to show a pattern. There is good news: 2071 simulation is open for business!

“Urban Decay” (image by Kevin Jones)

Exploring 2071

Forgive me for saying this, but exploring these new time periods is getting boring. I already know that 2071 will be worse than 2061, and time periods later will be worse still. It’s not a surprise. There are some interesting places to explore, but it isn’t a pleasant experience. It’s not “fun”. This game is trying, and largely succeeding, in saying something profound in a way that you feel in your gut. But the longer it goes on, the less fun I am having and the more the game is becoming something I need to finish because I’m writing a review rather an a game I need to finish because I want to keep playing. I’m sorry about that.

2071 is going to hell as expected. Public transition is gone and the tube lines are closed. My credit card has been replaced by a ration card. I cannot even walk home to see what’s going on in my apartment without being mugged.The building where we live has been defaced and is no longer maintained. There is graffiti everywhere. In our apartment, Jill is too depressed to speak. Her paintings have become pencil sketches, but even those seem to have stopped recently. I’m not there long before the Church of God Police (!!) raid the building. One of the “officers” is Mitchell, our long lost son. He accuses Jill of poisoning his mind as a child, trying to keep him away from the Church. They take Jill away kicking and screaming. I move to help her, but they pummel me and leave me alone in the room in pain. As usual, the Border Security Force comes by a few minutes later to ransack the place, ripping the curtains and spilling everything on the floor. It’s a terrible day.

This is a raw emotional moment. I’m not done yet, but I would not be surprised if this is the emotional moment of the game. We only see Jill and Mitchell in brief snippets every ten years, but you have to feel for the suffering of a mother who lost her child only to have him come back in the worst possible way. As a parent, this scene left me a bit of a mess. I know that was Meretzky’s intention and I’m impressed that he managed to coax this reaction out of me with his prose, but it adds to the malaise of not really wanting to finish this game. This whole sequence is undercut somewhat because it mirrors a scene in the manual where Jill is arrested by the National Guard after she misplaced her residency permit. That scene in the manual is likely why I was thinking that the BSF was hunting for immigrants rather than bombs, but it may have been a poor decision to have this moment be so similar to the manual.

Sorry. I need a moment of levity because this game has none.

With my head hanging low, but with data to capture, I continue exploring the city as before. Needless to say, it’s all a mess. Intolerance is the rule of law and the Church of God’s Word controls the government. Slavery has been legalized, but it’s based on religion and not race. Non-believers, referred to in the Church pamphlet as “beasts”, can be owned as slaves. A good churchman is permitted to own up to fifty of them. City Hall now is truly abandoned with no one having been there in years. As I wander around, I also catch Church Police killing people in the street seemingly indiscriminately. The new condos that they were building a decade ago have become oases for the super rich; I try to enter one and get tossed out onto the street by security.

The supermarkets are closed with ration distribution centers in their place. They take rationing seriously: twenty emaciated people are being tried in the courthouse for cheating on their food allowances. When they are inevitably found guilty, they will be forced to fight in “Execution Matches” for the entertainment of others. Bread and circuses anyone? I make a note to visit the stadium. Traveling north, I stop by the High School which is now (like everything else) owned by the Church. Unfortunately, I am attacked by some schoolchildren for being a nonbeliever and am stoned to death. The simulation ends with grisly end and I “awaken” in the real world in 2021.

Even without everything I planned to see, I give the recordings to Dr. Perelman and wait. He tells me that he finds 2071 very troubling, but that I don’t have enough data yet from 2061 and that it’s still possible that everything could turn back around by 2081. I am still blocked for entering the 2081 simulation so I cannot verify that yet. I head back to 2061 to gather more data as requested.

Still true, at least in this game.

Back to 2061

Have I mentioned that I still need to do the copy protection every time I go back into the simulation? That is getting increasingly annoying. Once that is done, I head back into the 2061 simulation to find more interesting things to record. Fortunately, 2071 gave me some clues on things that I should check out:

In 2061, the High School is already the Church of God’s Word’s school, but the schoolboys only taunt me, no kill me. That is an improvement! In another part of the city, I find a group of Church kids harassing someone for being Jewish. We can see the future Church leaders already! 

Much to my surprise, the stadium is already being used for public executions; I thought that would only come once we had descended into theocracy. They still have traditional sports there, but public executions are increasingly a draw. 

The Zoo, while still open, isn’t being monitored or policed at all. A group of kids are there torturing a monkey. That’s depressing. Why is this game so depressing? 

I take those recordings back to Perelman and he is finally satisfied. We have enough data about every year up through 2071, but the Plan could still work out. What if it all turns around in 2081? Even though he wants me to go there, the simulation isn’t ready. Do I just need to “wait” for a long time? Or do I need to spend more time in the simulation to improve it? I’m not sure, but I head back to 2081 anyway since I didn’t see much of it last time through.

“Police State” (image by katesheets)

Back to 2071

I’d love to tell you that I learned a great deal back in 2071, but it more or less is exactly the Hell on Earth that you expect.

I make my way up to the stadium carefully, avoiding pesky schoolboys. They no longer have any regular sports there, but the “Execution Matches” appear to be robot vs. criminal death matches. Everyone that isn’t being killed appears to enjoy the spectacle. It’s like Battle Bots, but one of the “bots” is unarmed and very squishy. 

The increased use of execution sports also means that the prison is empty. Only a handful of high-profile enemies of the church are housed there. 

I stay out after curfew, but there’s no jail time only a swift death by the police. I’m not even sure whether those are “real” police or “Church” police or whether the distinction is important anymore. 

There are so many mini-events in 2071 that I resort to just keeping the recording on all the time. Every few turns, there is a soliciting prostitute, an aircar crash, or some other terrible thing happening. I suppose I should narrate a lot more, but I end up filling the buffer and returning three times with all sorts of mindless violence and societal collapse. After the third trip through (and my tenth or eleventh time doing the copy protection), the 2081 simulation is finally open! With that, I’ll end for the week. Looking at the clock, this took more time for me to write about than to play. We should wrap up the rest of the game next week.

2081 is going to be sunshine and roses, I just know it. This middle section, especially the waiting and random replaying of 2071 just to wait for the later simulation to open, has been trying at times. The subject matter is exhausting. I’m looking forward to seeing how (and if) Meretzky nails the landing. We can’t be too far now, right?

Time played: 1 hr 30 min Total time: 9 hr 30 min Inventory: <nothing>

source http://reposts.ciathyza.com/missed-classic-a-mind-forever-voyaging-hell-on-earth/