#because they are in different domains and he can only join the other domain by his concept being more well known EG everyone sharing their

[leieryx]

ahug shoot I gotta put lore in the tags again

[liulith]

We as a fandom need to open our hearts to the insane comedic potential of Sir Pentious being included as a background character in stories taking place in the "old days" before Vox and Alastor's falling out. AND the comedic potential of one-sided Sir Pentious -> Vox.

Why?

Canon!Sir Pentious is attached to his era's aesthetics but he also wants to be "hip and cool" (see pilot episode; Sir Pentious as the how do you do fellow kids meme) and join the "Almighty Vees". When did he start wanting that? He's not a media demon trying to keep up with his audience and be a likeable public figure. He's a mechanic trying to conquer Hell by force thanks to his machines and obviously relishes in acting like a villain (fear me! I'm so evil! I'm the architect of destruction! etc. etc).

This is very different from the Vees' approach - maintaining a perfect public image, insidious manipulation tactics... Vox threatens Alastor in the show, but the Vees clearly haven't built their power through turf wars, which is and has always been Pentious' one and only strategy. All the machines we've seen him make are war weapons (+ the Egg Boyz who do his bidding, and help him operate those very weapons). Voxtek probably sells weaponry too but that is more Camilla's domain, so it would be more logical for Pentious to try and join her.

Pentious' and the Vees agenda and interests aren't aligned, so why is Pentious so desperate to join the Vees?

there are many reasons why Pentious could want to be part of the Vees besides the one I'm gonna talk about but you know what MY agenda is:

Vox is Pentious' idol. Pentious is an inventor, an innovator. He would have loved waking up in Hell with a mechanical body he can upgrade however he wants and finds the whole concept fascinating.

He's not against new technology, as his creations clearly go beyond what people could have had invented in his time despite their "steampunk" aesthetic (see: the effing death ray). So I think his current "limitations" are more a matter of him having to stick with what he knows best because it's hard to keep up with the constant stream of new tech. This is why he's more than impressed with Vox's extraordinary ability to adapt to change and master new technologies again and again. He's a fellow innovator! That's one reason for Pentious to be obsessed with the guy.

And if you think obsessed isn't the right word, think about this: Sir Pentious repeatedly challenges Alastor to fights even though he's clearly outmatched and it's an incredible risk to take considering what Alastor does. Pentious is OLDER than Alastor, he was there when he broadcast the most powerful Overlords' scream all over Hell. Plus, losing always leaves him in a very vulnerable position (without his best weapons). Is it madness? Hubris? An obsession for Alastor? No!

Sir Pentious to Alastor: Silence! Now Cower! For when I've slain you, the Almighty Vees will finally acknowledge me!

Sir Pentious thinks defeating Alastor is the only way the Vees will finally acknowledge him. No matter how dangerous it is, he has to try, for the Vees (Vox). Just like he took the risk of angering the Princess of Hell to get in Vox's good graces. This says a lot, for someone as paranoid as him, who doesn't trust anyone who is "too nice" to him.

If Hazbin had more episodes there should have been one about Pentious struggling with the fact he disappointed his idol and told to KHS 👀

(btw this is old news but we know that one of the Hazbin episodes that Viv originally pitched was about a science contest organized by Voxtek in which Pentious and Baxter competed against each other! Pentious could have done that after ep2!)

Anyway, back to the comedic potential of it all & Vox's arrival in Hell. Can you imagine his reaction as a newly fallen Sinner, when he's hanging out with Alastor (aka following him like a lost puppy?) and he meets Sir Pentious for the first time? Like sure, Hell is full of insane people but Alastor obviously has a Reputation and no one ever challenges him. And suddenly... Hm... Alastor?? There's an airship with a giant cannon pointed right as us?? Firing a DEATH RAY?!

It's also so funny to imagine Sir Pentious being obsessed with Alastor and considering him his archnemesis back in the day, only to slowly become obsessed with Vox instead and only caring about defeating Alastor because he thinks Vox will like it. It starts with Sir Pentious trying to "gather intel" on Alastor's new "ally", spying on them or sending his Egg Boyz to do so (and we already know great he is at spying so you can guess how that goes lol), and the rest is history.

Alastor loves attention so he probably let Pentious spy on him behind bushes from time to time if only because it's very entertaining to watch him try to be discrete and make his shadow tap on his shoulder. How hilarious would it be if Alastor noticed Sir Pentious' growing crush on Vox but not Vox's crush on him? Also, Vox misunderstanding Pentious and Alastor's relationship and thinking Pentious is a weird obsessive ex... The world is a stage and the stage is a world of entertainment!

[allastoredeer]

THAT MOMENT YOU REALIZE ALASTOR IS ACTUALLY WAY SCARIER THAN WE GIVE HIM CREDIT FOR

So, in the throes of doing world-building for my Hazbin fics and analyzing characters and how they fit into Pentagram's political system, I realized not only how powerful Alastor actually is, but how fucking scary.

Now, yes, in the grand scheme of things, Alastor is far from the most powerful person in Hell. Far from it. The Royal Family (Lucifer, Lilith, and Charlie), and the Goetia are way above the Overlords. Our twinky, angsty, galaxy bird, Stolas, could 100% body Alastor. I'm sorry, Al. I love you, babe. But in terms of the hierarchal system, you and the other Overlords aren't influential to the rest of Hell, at all.

But, it's an entirely different story if we stick exclusively to the Pride Ring.

I'm not trying to do a big, essay-length analysis, that's a lot of work and I'm tired, so I'll try to make it as brief as possible.

We know three crucial things: 1) sinners aren't allowed to leave the Pride Ring, 2) they've built a semi-functional society for themselves that is exclusive to their specific ring (with a political system that they've molded just for them), and 3) sinners can't kill other sinners.

So, what we have here is a big piece of land stuffed with people who can't leave it, in a society they've built specifically for themselves, with an amassing population that is constantly growing because they have no way of dying/or killing each other. (Honestly, it's like Heaven was setting them up for an Exterminations - THOUGH I'VE ACTUALLY COME UP WITH A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT, COMPLETELY FANON BASED THEORY/WORLD BUILDING IDEA ABOUT HOW HELL HAD KEPT THE POPULATION DENSISTY CONTROLLED FOR THE MILLENIA OF COLLECTING HUMAN SOULS, HOW THE POPLUATION STILL GOT TOO LARGE AND THUS RESULTED IN THE EXTERMINATIONS, AND HOW IT WAS ROSIE WHO HAD A HUGE HAND IN IT ALL.

Anyway, back on topic, so the Overlords essentially control this Ring. We know Stolas lives in the Pride Ring (judging by the red sky we see when he's at his house), so its possible more Goetia live there too (and imps, and succubi; the Pride Ring is known for being the most diverse of the Rings), but we haven't seen any evidence of the Goetia, or any of the other Hellborn, interact or influencE Pentragram City in a political way--outside of the Goetia being above the Overlords in the hierarchal system). I headcanon that they do have some involvement in Pentagram City, as they do live there, but for the most part, the Pride Ring is left completely to the sinners and how they run things.

Lillith got involved, obviously (but she's been missing for years in the beginning of the show), Lucifer hasn't been involved for who knows how long, and Charlie obviously doesn't have a lot of sway, nor did she have any previous influence given how she's treated by the very people she rules over. Her status is known, but there's no actual respect for her or her title as the literal Princess of Hell.

The royal family may the the strongest beings in all of the 7 Rings, but outside of Lillith, it seems they had very little involvement (in Charlie's case) or interest (in Lucifer's case) in ingratiating themselves into Pentagram City.

The entire Ring is being run by the Overlords. They cannot leave it. The Pride Ring is their domain. This is their new home. This is their world.

And in this world, the Overlords are the top dogs.

So, Alastor is powerful just in the sense that he is one of the Overlords. Like them, he is essentially one of the rulers of their personal, caged-off little world. He has power and political sway. He joined the other Overlords for Carmilla's meeting, where they were going to discuss the aftermath of the Extermination and what they can do about the loss in the population (and thus, their power, given that owning souls is how they get it).

It's implied that this isn't the first time they've had meetings like this, and if they get together to discuss the best ways to recover from the Exterminations and make up for their mutual losses (literally working together when they could've all just been rivals trying to undermine the others to get more souls), who knows what else they've discussed in their efforts to keep Pentagram City running (especially considering that the best way to maintain their power IS by maintaining the city, it's people, and keeping it from falling apart at the seams. Taking care of the city is in their best interests - I use "taking care of" very, very loosely, considering this is still Hell and it's hardly the gold standard of utopia's). They're essentially a Board of Leadership with mutually shared power.

The Overlords have all the power. All the sway. In their established world, THEY are at the top of the food chain.

BUT then, you take into account that sinners can't kill each other (a rule that extends even to the Overlords), and that's when things get interesting.

In episode 4, "Masquerade" Valentino told Angel that he's "killed people for less" during the scene in the dressing room. But, in episode 2, after Valentino had torn apart one of Velvette's models, she wasn't upset in the way an Overlord would be if they lost someone under contract, especially considering that owning souls is what gives them power (and I assume that they own the souls of most, if not all, of the people they employ). She said that she can't sit and wait for "that bitch to pull herself back together," so, yeah, the implication is that sinners can literally be torn apart (even by the Overlords, who are the strongest among them) but won't die is immense. No matter what you do, a sinner will reform, or heal, or whatever, but they will come back.

So, consider, that there is only one person who's been able to kill sinners, permanently, and that person is Alastor.

Not only that, he killed Overlords.

In a realm where death is impossible, Alastor had cheated the system. And as far as we know, he's the only one who's been able to do it.

The only person I can think of who has something similar is Carmilla, but that's because she'd integrated angelic steel into her apparel. (Though, there's something to be said about her selling angelic weapons to the masses, as she is a manufacturer and distributor of them not only in Pentagram city, but all of the 7 Rings, (as Stryker had gotten his hands on a "Carmine blessing tipped rifle" to kill off Stolas, who's a Goetia), thus, sinners killing other sinners can still be possible, but that's only if they get you're hands on a weapon with angelic steel, or they're wealthy enough to buy onr, and I imagine Carmilla doesn't sell those cheap.

But Alastor didn't use angelic steel. He found a way to tear souls apart, where otherwise they were only able to be owned. Considering how terrified Husk (who is one of the most calm and collected people in the Hazbin crew; who had once been an Overlord, himself) was when AIastor threatened to do they same to him, like, that goes to show just how serious it is. He was literally full-body shaking. Ears-pinned back. Flight-fight-or freeze. Pressing himself down into the carpet.

We've never seen him like that at any other time during the show, even during the Extermination when they were all about to die.

Alastor's threat had scared him more than literally getting killed my an army of Exorcist's.

And like, yeah???? I get it????

That shit has to be terrifying. Not only for those that Alastor threatens, but for every single sinner in Pentagram City.

This random guy cheated the system, killed without any outside means, and if he can topple Overlords (the strongest and most powerful of them) almost over night, there's no saying what he can do to regular sinners. (Or what they think he can do, I have more thoughts surrounding whether Alastor would be able to tear apart a soul that is owned by someone else, but this is already getting long).

And, presumably, the only reason he stopped is because he decided to.

Like???? Do you guys understand what I'm saying???? For someone to have that kind of power??? In a system where that power SHOULD NOT be possible??? A power that gives him this massive advantage over everyone else???? That no one else can do???? And the only reason he doesn't use it is because he decides not to????

It's no wonder Alastor was so feared. Why he still is feared (by those who know of him at least LOL he has been gone for 7 years). And, like, yeah we see him be all creepy and scary during the show. We see him use his magic and grow into his demon form, and he is intimidating in that right, but I think the true horror of his character comes from this ability to kill the unkillable in a system where it never should've been possible in the first place.

That's where the true terror of the Radio Demon lies. That's where the visceral fear comes from. And it's why he's someone you wouldn't want to mess with, even for the other Overlords (especially for the other Overlords).

Like, it makes sense why he has such a massive ego. Why he thinks he can take on anyone. It's because he has. He's powerful, even by Overlord standards, and he knows it. And it makes further sense why him now being on a leash is making him unravel at the seams.

Am I making sense??? Is this all just meaningless rambling to you guys??? Idk! Idk. It's just been tumbling through my head, and it made me realize just how scary Alastor is, especially from an outside perspective.

I have SO many headcanons T.T I've done so much world-building, and I am have so much fucking fun. I feel like a kid in a sandbox. My brain hasn't stopped buzzing since this show came out.

Anyway, I'm off to outline more wips and work on the fics I'm writing. Happy Hazbin-ing to the rest of you.

[linkspooky]

Kusakabe the Last Man Standing

Is Kusakabe going to defeat Sukuna all by himself?

Probably not. I fully expect Maki and Yuji to get back up and join the fight. However, Kusakabe is a character that has been slept on for awhile and with him being reluctantly shoved into the spotlight I think it's time to write a meta analyzing him. Especially since the revelation that Kusakabe is the strongest first grade fighter didn't come out of nowhere, in fact Gege has been building up Kusakabe in the background for quite some time which I'll explore under the cut.

So Okay, He's Average

I want to begin this analysis by saying that Kusakabe represents a type of character that Jujutsu Kaisen is desperately in need of. He's just a normal guy. He's our only example of an everyman character. Usually in manga the protagonist serves as the everyman character, especially ones like Yuji who come from a normal life and are being introduced to a fantastical world for the first time, but Yuji ain't normal. Someone who willingly eats a finger that may kill him just so he can be useful and save a stranger isn't normal. Gojo has Yuji pegged as one of the crazy ones within the first few chapters.

Gojo says that sorcerers have to be crazy, that the best Jujutsu Sorcerers need to be broken in the head otherwise they can't get over their fear of curses and risk their lives fighting them on a daily basis. The cast is full of eccentrics, Gojo the strongest of all isn't even able to relate to other human beings, Sukuna is termed a calamity, Yuta kisses cockroaches without hesitation there's not a normal one in the whole bunch.

The ones that are normal, like Miwa who acts like an average high school girl, has no technique, and Mai who desperately craves to be a normal girl and doesn't want to be a jujutsu sorcerer, either are minor characters or they die.

You could say Ijichi provides the point of view as a normal character, but he's a minor character at best and uninvolved in the plot. Then there's Nanami, who represents the typical japanese salaryman. However, Nanami is extraordinary in that he is far more moral than all of his coworkers, such as returning to be a sorcerer because the work helps people instead of keeping his cushy job, and prioritizing the lives of children over himself.

Us mediocre and average people are in desperate need for representation. Cue, Kusakabe.

His introduction clearly demonstrates his attitude is different from most sorcerers, rather than running straight into danger, Kusakabe is trying to search for an excuse to stay out of danger where it's safe. While it's cowardly, it's also what a normal person would do in this situation. We are so used to sorcerers who either risk life and limb without a thought for the sake of other people like Nanami or Yuji, or sorcerers who enjoy the fight like Gojo that Kusakabe stands out.

Miwa who is basically the example of the normal girl among the teenagers shares several parallels with Kusakabe, they're both simple domain masters without cursed techniques, they're both self serving, and also Kusakabe is her teacher and probably the one who recruited her considering he shows up to save her at the end of Shibuya.

Kusakabe is meant to represent what a normal person with common sense would do in the world of Jujutsu, but that doesn't mean he's weak. As I stated above Gege has actually been building up Kusakabe's strength in the background for quite awhile.

When training with Yuji, Gojo first brings up that some sorcerers rely on their techniques too much and that Yuji doesn't necessarily need a fancy technique to win, he can overcome them by learning to control his cursed energy and then using it to strengthen his already amazing martial arts skills and physical prowess.

The Big Three clans like tend to overvalue inherited techniques too, the downfall of the Zen'in is that they didn't recognize the strength of people like Maki and Toji with no cursed energy because they believed their cursed techniques to be inherently superior.

In Mechamaru's fight against Mahito, Gege makes a big deal spending an entire page explaining the history and mechanics of simple domains. There's obviously no need to put this much attention into detail to explain simple domains unless they're going to come into play later, and while Miwa uses them as stated above she's a minor character.

A technique called the "Domain for the Weak" what better technique for a normal guy like Kusabe, who is stuck in a cast of super-human characters. When fighting with Yuji, Mei Mei compares Yuji to Kuskabe.

"You're on par with a grade-1 sorcerer at this point. To be this good without a cursed technique... I think you're the only one since Kusakabe."

To further compare him to Mei Mei, Mei Mei monologues about how because her cursed technique of controlling birds is weak she tried to strengthen her body. However, eventually she hit a brick wall and couldn't get any stronger and reach Grade-1 on her efforts alone. Which is when she decided to start using Ui Ui as a tool to make herself stronger by making binding vows between him and herself to strengthen her, in addition to inventing her suicide crow technique.

However, Kusakabe is even stronger than Mei Mei and he managed to reach that level by himself without needing to groom and manipulate a child.

Kusakabe also spends all of Shibuya avoiding getting in a fight with a special grade cursed spirit, and yet at the end of Shibuya he ends up tanking an Uzumaki Maximum from Kenjaku at point blank. Kenjaku even praises him.

This is the same Kenjaku who can use Suguru Geto's cursed technique even better than Geto can, and who wiped the floor with Choso while bragging that a cursed spirit that's ranked Grade-1 like Choso could never go one on one with a special grade. We never saw Kusakabe directly fight Kenjaku (he would probably run in the opposite direction if given the chance) but the fact that he can use a simple domain to cancel out one of Geto's strongest techniques point blank is really telling.

All the while having relatable thoughts like this one. In a lot of ways, Kusakabe reminds me of Todo, someone who Gojo mentioned as being one of the next up and coming star students alongside Hakari, and Yuta. Todo has a cursed technique that's simple but effective, but he also fights similiar to Yuji by his expert control of cursed energy. Todo fights mainly with his fists and martial arts and his impressive knowledge of how cursed energy moves though the body, his cursed technique gives him an added bonus.

Up until this point in the manga though Todo is the most knowledgable about cursed energy, he teaches it Yuji very easily and explains it in ways Yuji can understand. Fighting alongside Todo also brings out Yuji's full potential as a sorcerer. Todo is all muscle, but he fights with his head and is the smartest student in Kyoto.

All of this to say, Kusakabe's strength without a cursed technique can be explained by relating him to Todo. In the Gojo vs. Sukuna fights who is the main voice explaining to both the other students at Jujutsu High and the audience just how the battle is going down.

Kusakabe is not in there in the field, he's watching it on TV, and yet somehow he can disect and explain to the others how both Sukuna and Gojo are using high level Jujutsu Techniques. This is Sukuna and Gojo we're talking about, two geniuses who are the height of jujutsu and can often improvise and make up new techniques on the fly and yet Kusakabe is able to keep up with what's going on.

Kusakabe gives the play by play, he somehow knows what falling blossom emotion is even though he's not from one of the three big families. He explains to Hakari and Higuruma who are natural geniuses who don't quite understand how their powers work, how Gojo can change the conditions of his barrier and how exactly he made the barrier smaller.

Remember Kusakabe is also a teacher at Jujutsu High. Unlike Gojo who doesn't try to explain basic concepts to Yuji because he's such a genius, Kusakabe is also educating all of the students here and phrasing these high level techniques in ways they can understand. You can't really do that unless you yourself have an intimate understanding of the subject matter.

What I mean to say is by putting Kusakabe in charge of the discussion, Gege is demonstrating that Kusakabe is a character who understands the mechanics of cursed energy and domains on practically the same level as Todo who as we said is considered a prodigy. This is also some clever foreshadowing, because Kusakabe here seems like he's still a background character because all he's doing is essentially expositing to the audience and yet... how impressive must he be if he understands all of these advanced domain techniques when he's just a guy with a sword and no cursed techniques that uses simple domains.

Kusakabe also understands Higuruma's legal talk in about ten seconds, and can explain the mechanics of Higuruma's domain and why their plan to put Sukuna on trial might not work. He is much smarter than he seems at first glance, Miwa even makes a joke about it. He even analyzes Sukuna's techniques after facing them head on once - and he's the only one who notices how odd it is that Sukuna's not using his fire technique like in Shibuya.

Sukuna mentions that Kusakabe along with everyone else's cursed energy reinforcement techniques must be on another level if they're able to stand up to his slashes (even if they're in a weakened state right now). After all, Ishigori who was not only one of the strongest fighters of his era but was also hyped up for his massive pool of cursed energy that rivaled Yuta's was torn to pieces by Sukuna's slashes.

Kusakabe also seems to be the one in charge of the strategy for the fight (though it was Angel's idea to let Takaba handle Kenjaku, maybe they're both coordinating but Kusakabe is definitely leading them in the field).

My point being, as much as he's accused of handling his large cast Gege is often able to give a lot of characterization in a limited screentime. Kusakabe is more than he appears to be, and it's clever how Gege built up his importance without anybody noticing, because Higuruma himself likes to avoid conflict, hide in the background and is constantly downplaying his own talents. Ino even made another joke about it last chapter.

The commonly held view is that the sorcerers who reject their humanity and only care about refining their technique are the ones who become the strongest sorcerers. However, Kusakabe was able to climb to the top of the Grade One sorcerers despite lacking that attitude.

In my opinion, Jujutsu Kaisen is fundamentally about balance, so while there's a definite trend of Sorcerers who resemble Sukuna are the ones who become stronger - it's not presented as the only way to be strong. Yuji only defeated Mahito by cooperating with Todo. On top of that, Sukuna while finding Yuji boring admits that Yuji a mostly selfless person still demonstrates an indomitable will that Sukuna can't break no matter how hard he tries.

If Sukuna represents the thesis that the only way to become strong is to throw away all your humanity and become wildly selfish, then Kusakabe represents the antithesis as a mostly normal person (if a bit cowardly and self interest) who somehow climbed the ranks over people like Mei Mei who represent the kind of selfish monster Sukuna is.

This is actually the pattern for most of the Sukuna fights this arc too. Gojo and Hajime both represent the desire to be understood, and Sukuna rejects both love and says he doesn't need people to understand him because he understands himself.

Yuji is a human who is mostly selfless, and has inherited the curse of his fellow comrades as sorcerers, specifically carrying on the torch for Nanami who is also content to be a cog in the machine if it means he can help his fellow sorcerers out. Sukuna is a selfish monster, who is an individualist and sees other people as toys to amuse himself with.

Higuruma is a genius on the level of Gojo Satoru, but when challenged by Sukuna he ends up sacrificing himself instead in a direct parallel to Nanami in order to pass the torch onto Yuji.

Yuta's domain is literally called "authentic and mutual love" and Sukuna said to Hajime that he understands exactly what love is and he still rejects it. Sukuna's entire philosophy revolves around rejecting the love and friendship, while Yuta only fights for the sake of his friends, and can't believe that his life is worth living without people in his life who love him.

Sukuna gives a whole speech on how by rejecting cursed energy, and using a heavenly restriction to push her body to the peak of physical strength a human can achieve, she's forcing a role on Sukuna to compete with her as the peak of sorcery to determine which one is better.

Now it's Kusakabe turn to have a role in this fight too. While Maki has no cursed energy, she doesn't really represent humans because she's you know, a she-hulk. Kusakabe might be the most human character present that's willing to face down Sukuna. Kusakabe is the most human character someone who climbed this high without being born with any technique, Sukuna is the most inhuman monster in the series, a calamity that Yuji refers to as a true curse.

Gege even threw in these callbacks to Gojo panels.

That in itself might be foreshadowing that maybe Kusakabe stands a better chance against Sukuna then anyone in the audience thinks. As the number #1 Kusakabe stan, I'm definitely willing to bet on those odds!

[maybege]

Big Dick Energy: The Sequel

Summary: An investigation takes you to a mall but it is Aaron Hotchner who takes you to a lingerie boutique.

Pairing: Aaron Hotchner x fem!Reader

Wordcount: 4.9k | Rating: E (18+ only!)

Warnings: explicit sexual content, dom!Hotch, sub!Reader, unprotected sex, fingering, dirty talk, verbal degradation, (semi)public sex, cream pie, then some unexpected fluff

Rewatching Criminal Minds has reminded me of how much I actually thirst for Aaron Hotchner. Other than that, I have absolutely no excuse for this. Read, enjoy, and pretty please leave a comment and tell me what you thought because the possibilities with this dynamic are endless and I am very excited to share it with you! (Though I will need to think of a better title.)

masterlist | crossposted on AO3

Looking for unsubs truly was a task that looked different every single time. Sometimes you had Penelope work her magic until you could pinpoint them, sometimes you were in direct contact due to a kidnapping situation. Other times you felt like you were playing spies on a big playground. Like right now.

The team had determined that the most likely spot for him to strike next was at a mall and with the entire sheriff’s office playing dress up, you were posing as unsuspecting shoppers on a calm Tuesday morning.

Hotch had decided you were all to split up into little groups. Reid and Prentiss had grabbed the bookshop as their assigned spot and you were sure Derek was somewhere. But before you could choose which area of the mall you wanted to call your domain, Hotch had instructed that you join him. Pretending to be a married couple. In a lingerie boutique.

For a moment, you thought you were hallucinating.

But sure enough, a few hours later, you and Hotch were browsing through the aisles of lace and tulle and mesh and the most delicate of undergarments you had ever looked at. And his presence did not make it any easier not to drift off into any daydreams.

You hadn’t really spoken after what happened on the plan and you weren’t sure if you were glad about it or not. It is like it had never happened. But it had happened. Because your jaw was still sore and you could still hear the way his voice dropped when he had hit the back of your throat. Or how gentle his fingers had been when it was all over. How he had taken care of you.

But by the time the plane had landed, he was back to his cool professional self and you were back to your pining, needy pile of infatuation you became when he was around you.

“I don’t think he is going to show up,” Emily’s voice sounded in your earpiece, “He would’ve hit by now. Maybe we should look at other possible targets before we waste too much time here?”

“I am sure pretty boy is holding his tongue about how time in a bookshop can never be wasted time,” Derek teased and you grinned. He was not wrong.

There was a hint of a smile on Hotch’s face and when his eyes met yours he looked much lighter than before. You watched him, waiting for his decision on the matter and he looked so damn calm, returning your gaze with so much ease. As if you did not affect him at all.

Which in turn made it all the more frustrating to feel your body react to him at the slightest stare. Your heartbeat started going faster, your breath heavier and everything felt so much more heightened when he was around.

How hopelessly did you want to crush on your boss? Your body’s answer, apparently, was a resounding: Yes.

But after the airplane incident, you had no more courage left. You had (kind of, if accidentally) initiated the first time with him. Now, you had to calm yourself with the thought that it was up to him to show you if he was interested.

A ringtone brought you out of your thoughts and you flinched. The young woman at the register picked up her cell phone, not even sparing another glance at you before she started off on what sounded like a very detailed retelling of her last weekend.

Hotch cleared his throat and your eyes fell on him, still waiting for his response to Prentiss’s suggestion.

“I agree,” he finally said, standing so close to you that it looked as if he was talking to you and you only, “We should regroup in a bit. I will see everyone at the office in two hours.”

“Sir, are you giving us a break?” not even the subpar sound quality of your earpiece could hide Garcia’s excitement.

“Yes,” he grinned at you, his hand reaching out and hovering over yours. Your breath caught in your heart because how could one man be so handsome? “I am giving you a break.”

The clicks of everyone disconnecting their microphone were only overshadowed by the sound of your heartbeat in your own ears. Hotch’s intense gaze was still on you and you could not shake the feeling that something big was about to happen.

“What’s your size?”

“What?”

“You have been staring at this piece for the better part of an hour,” he stated, “So I think you should try it on. And I think I should see you in it.”

Your mouth gaped open, not expecting such a blatant statement from your boss. Especially not one who was usually so tight-lipped on all things personal. You swallowed harshly, trying to find the right words that did not betray your eagerness but only ended up nodding at him.

You threw a look at the tags of the set he was holding, making an effort not to also stare at how big his hands were and subsequently wonder what his fingers would feel like inside of you.

Hoping he did not notice, you pressed your thighs together in an attempt to take care of the pulsing that was stronger than you would have liked it to be. But the way his gaze dropped let you know he certainly did notice. You swallowed again, “This, uh, this one should fit.”

Hotch nodded once, turning around while holding up the hanger.

“Excuse me, my wife would like to try –“

Before he had finished his sentence (you tried to ignore the strange skip your heart made when he had called you his wife), the cashier motioned somewhere to the back of the shop without even looking at you. Her phone was still pressed to her ear and her face was turned toward the glass front, probably observing the people milling about instead of the (in her mind) boring, business casual-wearing couple that tried to spice up their equally boring sex life.

If only she knew …

You followed the tall man to the little back room where a row of changing rooms was decorated with lush carpet and velvet drapery. If it did not look so plasticky cheap, you might’ve found it luxurious. Much like the showroom of the boutique, the rooms were completely abandoned and so quiet, the blaring mall music seemed even louder here.

Your eyes drifted to the corner of the curtained entrance.

“There are cameras here.”

“It’s not like we are going to do something inappropriate,” Hotch quipped as he strode to the end of the aisle, hanging the piece of lace into the last cubicle.

For some reason that disappointed you.

By the way he knowingly smirked at you, you knew that was exactly the kind of reaction he had wanted from you. And that gave you a little bit of hope.

You were still questioning what you were doing by the time you had reached him. Was this really happening? And what was this anyway? What was he planning?

Aaron tilted his head, his eyes mustering you up and down and just before you stepped inside, his hand landed on your shoulder. It was warm and heavy and you cursed yourself for how aware you were of him. How everything he did seemed to register in your brain as something of the utmost importance. Especially when he was touching you like it came naturally to him.

“You do not have to do this if you do not want to,” he said firmly, his eyes as serious as ever, “And if you ever want to stop, say Iceberg, understood? None of this will ever affect the way I see you at work.”

You nodded briefly, taking a moment to find your voice. “Understood … sir.”

The corners of his mouth quirked up and his hand smoothed from your shoulder to the very low of your back as you stepped into the small space. “Good girl, let me know when you are ready.”

Your pussy practically throbbed at his words but before you could do anything to embarrass you, he had left you alone, the curtain pulled between you.

When you were alone, you were highly aware that he could still hear you. Still, it afforded you a few precious moments to look at yourself in the mirror and realize that holy shit Aaron Hotchner wanted … something with you. And even if you were not sure what that specific something was, yet, you knew it would be more than worth it.

You rushed to get out of your silk dress and shoes, even going so far as to slip out of your underwear. If there was any time to be brazen it was now.

The piece Hotch had so rightly picked out was a mint green lacey two-piece with a kind of corset bra and high-waisted panties. It looked like the kind of thing one might see on a giant billboard or on a suggested Instagram post. It made you feel like you could have the kind of life where you surprised your (non-existent) boyfriend with some new lingerie or where said boyfriend would take you on a weekend trip to luxurious hotels with good food and even better sex.

Putting on the bra was easy enough but looking at that plastic sticker inside the bottoms made you hesitant. You really did not want to put them on without them having had at least one laundry cycle.

“You decent?”

Granted, he had given you enough time to get out of your clothes. But in your half-dressed predicament, you panicked and threw the panties back onto the hanger. There was no way you were going to try them on like this.

“Kinda,” you replied, feeling a little insecure but also figuring that whatever he wanted to do with you, you would not need panties for that anyway.

In the mirror, you could see the curtain moving and you turned around, facing him.

Aaron Hotchner was way too big in that little entrance of the small space. The dark colour of his suit bled into the dark velvet curtain and his hand looked way too big, the way he gripped that little piece of curtain. He was so close, you felt crowded but also like he was not close enough. Like you needed him closer still.

He did not say anything but just looked at you. His silence made you nervous and you shifted on your feet, crossing your arms in front of your chest and the apex of your thighs.

“Don’t.”

You let your arms fall again.

He remained silent but you watched as his dark eyes took you in. His mouth was in a straight line and you could spot the five-o’clock shadow setting in on his cheeks and jaw. You wondered what it would be like to kiss him like this. His brows were furrowed like he was displeased and for a moment you were afraid he was displeased by you. By your appearance.

Then he met your eyes.

“Do you have any idea how much self-control I invest every fucking day not to bend you over my desk and make you come seven ways till Sunday?”

Hearing him curse (You had made Aaron Hotchner curse, nobody was ever going to believe you.) was such a surprise, it took you a moment to register everything else he said.

“I – I am sorry?” you offered.

“Don’t be,” he murmured, taking a step towards you. The curtain fell closed behind him, leaving you two completely cut off from the world. “When I see you like this, it is more than worth it.”

Your breath caught in your throat. “What happened on the plane …”

“… is definitely something I would like to repeat,” he finished your thought, “If that wasn’t clear before.”

“I – I didn’t think you noticed me like this,” you confessed.

“You’re a good profiler,” his finger brushed over your cheek and he tilted his head, “You really did not notice?”

With wide eyes, you shook your head.

He smirked, “Maybe because you were too busy hiding how needy you were.”

He leant forward, then, his breath ghosting over your face and you were sure you had never been more nervous. The scent of his cologne was in your nose, his neck was so close, all you wanted to do was to reach out and loosen his tie.

And so you did.

“I don’t think I was that needy,” you tried to protest before pressing a kiss to his jaw. The stubble scratched your lips but that only added to the excitement in you. A low rumbling sound came from his chest and you gasped in surprise when he pulled you back, keeping his hand on the back of your neck so you had to look up at him.

His mouth brushed yours in a half-kiss and you could see a twinkle in his eyes. “Well, I’d like to think there were some obvious signs.”

He let his fingers wander down your cheek to your neck before they ghosted over the lace of the bra. Your nipples pebbled at his attention, the lace just adding to the pleasant sensation, and his mouth quirked up in that half-smile again. “Like when I could see your nipples get hard when I was with you in that elevator.”

“That – that was one time,” you protested weakly, arching your back so he could touch you more.

He hummed, “Maybe. But all I wanted to do was this.” His thumb brushed over your nipple again and again until all you could do was squirm against him, trying not to beg him to finally fuck you.

But even in your precarious situation, Aaron Hotchner did not make the impression of a hurried man. His eyes flicked from your chest to your face, completely mesmerized by the reaction he got out of you. And you could tell he liked it when he rolled your nipples between his fingers and your knees buckled when he pulled on them.

“Not to mention that time you sucked my cock on a plane,” he reminded you in a low voice and you could feel the heat rise into your cheeks, both from arousal and embarrassment, “I have dreamed of all the things I could do to you. Have you warm my cock in the office, suck my cock under the desk, hell, maybe keep you in bed all weekend long and make you come until you can only say my name …”

There was a very prominent bulge pressed against your hips, confirming these fantasies turned him on just as much as you and that only fuelled your fire. You let your head fall back, your eyes closed as you tried to imagine yourself just as he had described. Sitting in his lap in his office, feeling him inside you while he worked? That sounded like a dream.

Using the exposure of your skin, Hotch dropped his mouth to your neck, kissing and licking and sucking and just making you feel oh so good. It was so easy to just wrap your arms around his neck and pull yourself closer to him.

When he sucked on a particularly sensitive spot, you gasped out a moan, immediately trying to cut the sound off for fear of the chatty cashier hearing you.

His hands continued their exploration of your body and landed on your ass, effectively grinding you against his cock. Your core pulsed, everything in your body thrumming with desire. You knew how big he was, you knew what he looked like and how heavy he was. The sheer idea of feeling him inside you made you feel absolutely shameless.

Which meant there was still one thing you needed to address before there was no going back.

“There are still cameras here,” you whispered against him, panting when he rolled his hips against yours again. Gosh, he was big.

“Do you trust me?” he asked, just as quietly, and without hesitation, you nodded.

“Then I will take care of it.”

And that was all he needed to say.

Feeling encouraged, you let your hands wander and cupped him through the front of his pants. You could feel the weight and the size of him and a new wave of wetness rushed down your thighs.

Hotch groaned low in your ear, a sound that was even better when he made it just for you. His hand landed on yours, making you massage him through his clothes.

“You were so good for me on the plane,” he murmured in your ear, his other hand kneading the soft flesh of your ass, “Felt like a dream come true having you on your knees for me.”

You did not say anything. Both because you could not say anything and because you wanted to hear what he had to say. Hotch was always such a closed-off person, to hear him speak to you so tenderly and so openly … It made you feel like you needed to keep it close to your chest and cherish it.

“Always had the suspicion there was something bubbling under the surface of the good girl you were pretending to be,” he continued kissing his way down your neck until you could feel his teeth tugging on the bra strap. “But there is nothing quite like finding out you were a good girl all along … but only for me.”

He straightened up to his full height. You had always been impressed by how big of a man he really was (and how good he looked in a suit) but now it seemed even more intense.

Because Aaron Hotchner’s dark eyes were staring right into your soul when he asked, “And you are a good girl for me, aren’t you?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Good girl.”

And then he kissed you.

It was passionate and hard and he dominated the kiss so easily, it just made you melt into him even more. His lips were soft and a contrast to the stubble you could feel on his chin. His teeth tugged on your bottom lip, then, and you gasped, following him until he let it fall away.

He chuckled, pressing another kiss to your neck, “Now put your hands against the wall so I can inspect that little pussy. I bet you’re already wet for me, hm?”

Never in your life had you moved so fast.

And he was right, f course. When his fingers rubbed over your cunt, you were embarrassingly wet already. But you could not care less. Not when you were about to be fucked by the one man you had been pining after for months.

You squeaked when a spank landed on your ass, “I’m gonna buy this and so much more just to see you wear it,” he growled, his fingers rubbing over your folds, seeking out your clit, “Just to fuck you in it.”

“Will you fuck me now?”

“That depends,” he murmured, pushing a single finger inside you, “Can you be quiet for me?”

You bit your lip so hard, you were half-expecting to have drops of blood running down your chin. The truth was you did not know but you knew you could try for him. You would try everything for him.

Your eager nod was rewarded with a kiss to your shoulder blade and his fingers went back to circling your clit before dipping inside you again. He hummed, clearly pleased at that and you arched into him, wanting to feel more of him.

The man behind your continued playing with you for what felt like an eternity. Your inner thighs were smeared with your slick, you were sure, and when he pressed his crotch against your ass, you could feel his hard-on distinctly.

“Fuck,” he hissed, adding a second finger as he thrust inside you, “Can you feel how your little pussy is gripping me? It is so so empty without someone filling it, isn’t it?”

“Feels so good, sir,” you whimpered, “Please don’t stop.”

“Oh, stopping is the last thing I am going to do,” he chuckled, his lips brushing over your lobe, “Don’t worry, I am going to take care of you. After all, what kind of man would I be if I didn’t take care of my little whore?”

His words echoed in your mind and settled in your core. He did not say it like an insult, he said it like an endearment. Like he was praising you. And you craved it. You wanted him to call you his, you wanted him to call you anything he wanted to as long as you would be his good girl. Because you know, you just knew, he would reward you for it.

“You really just need an older man to make you come on his cock, huh?” he asked you, his cold belt buckle digging into your ass. His fingers pulled out of you and you pushed your hips back, trying to keep him inside you for as long as you could, the loss of his touch making you whimper.

But then you could feel him undoing his zipper and the anticipation built in your core.

“Uh-huh,” you nodded, pushing out your ass, “’m your whore, sir.”

Your walls squeezed around nothing and, then, finally, you could feel his hand on your inner thigh, pushing your legs apart.

“Deep breath, it’s gonna be a big stretch,” he warned you, rubbing the tip of his cock over your folds. The tingling sensation spread from your core all throughout your body until you could feel it in the tips of your fingers.

Said deep breath get caught in your throat when he pushed inside you.

Hotch was big. You had known that already. But there was a difference between feeling him make your jaw go sore and feeling your walls stretch to accommodate him. He went with slow, small thrusts at first. The kind that allowed you to get used to his size and the kind that made you want him to go deeper and faster and just –

“More,” you did not recognize your own voice, “Please, sir, more.”

“You’re greedy,” he replied smoothly, his hands gripping your hips, “Begging for more as if it isn’t enough having your boss fuck you in public.”

You tried to hold back the whimper but did not quite succeed. But it was sheer impossible to remain quiet when he thrust inside you with control and such precision it made your toes curl. He was large and hit a spot you had not even known existed.

It was even better than you imagined. And you had imagined it a lot …

“C’mon smile into the camera for me,” he angled your head up, face to face with the lens of the camera in the corner. Your adrenaline spiked and despite wanting to pretend like it did not turn you on that someone could just see you absolutely getting wrecked, you could not control the way your walls clenched around him.

“Thought as much,” Hotch rumbled behind you, one hand coming around to your front and finding your clit again, “Got myself the perfect little cock slut.”

“’m gonna come,” you gasped when he tapped your clit, “Sir, please, I –“

“Please what?” he mocked you, his hips snapping against yours, “Don’t forget your manners or I’ll have to punish you.”

The thought of him punishing you almost pushed you over the edge but Aaron Hotchner was right. You were a good girl …

“Please, sir,” you gasped, “Please let me come. PleasepleasepleaseIwannacome –”

He quickened his pace, his cock driving into you again and again while his fingers circled your clit. His lips pressed against the spot under your ear and you pushed back against him, trying to meet his thrusts, trying to get closer to him.

“You can come,” he whispered, his big hand coming up to cup your jaw, “You can come on my cock, right now.”

“You too,” you gasped, trying everything to hold on to that feeling that was just out of reach, just beyond that cliff that you were hurling towards, “You come, too, sir, please, in-inside me.”

“Fuck,” he cursed behind you, his hips stuttering, “You really want that? Want me to fill you up with my come? Think that would tide you over for a while until I can have you sitting on my cock again?”

“Uh huh,” you nodded eagerly, your fingertips flexing against the wall, barely listening to a word he was saying because it only took a couple more thrusts until you came around him.

Hotch swallowed your moan with a kiss and you gripped onto his forearms, anything to keep you standing and somewhat lucid. Everything was a blur and your body felt like it was convulsing and relaxing at the same time. You had never come so hard in your life, you hardly even noticed when he groaned into your ear, his hips stilling against yours as he filled you up. Just like he had promised.

Your heart beat so fast in your chest, you could hear it in your ears and you were pretty sure Hotch could hear it too. But he did not comment on it. Instead, his hand went from your jaw to your chest, softly grazing over the green lace.

“Good fucking girl,” he rumbled, “Knew you would be such a good girl for me and only me.”

Hotch kissed you again, softer this time, and you allowed yourself to properly breathe. “You okay?” he asked you quietly, his hands smoothing over your hips, “Was I too rough?”

You shook your head. “No, it’s just … it’s a lot,” you whispered, closing your eyes to try and slow your breathing, “And – and we need to be back at the station soon.”

“That we do,” he agreed and carefully pulled out of you. You winced at the sensation, feeling his come dripping down your thighs almost immediately. Before you could even worry about leaving any evidence on the carpet, you heard some rustling and then a soft handkerchief was at the mess between your legs, cleaning you up.

You turned your head, finding Hotch kneeling behind you with that furrow between his brows again.

“You look angry a lot.”

You did not know where your words had come from but hell, you might as well run with it now.

The dark-haired man looked up at you, looking unusually amused. “I suppose it might look like that to some.”

When he pulled away and you felt somewhat taken care of, you turned around and grabbed your clothes. Hotch remained standing there with you, his

“Then what is it, really?” you asked him as you slipped your dress over your head. The fabric covered your vision and when you could see again, Aaron was standing again, looking at you with a genuine smile and a twinkle in his eyes.

Damn him for being so handsome.

“I am focused,” he replied, his hand landing on your hip to support you as you slipped back into your shoes. Your hand landed on his forearm, his hand gripping your elbow, keeping you steady.

“Focused on what?”

“On you.”

Your hand froze on his arm. “Oh.”

Suddenly, he was closer again. Standing chest to chest, you could not help but look at his mouth because it was right there and his lips looked so soft and what if this was the moment? What if you could kiss him again and –

“Yeah,” he echoed, his nose brushing against yours, “Oh.”

His mouth ghosted over yours and you closed the distance, kissing him just as softly as he had done before. He did not wait to reciprocate and with his hand still under your elbow, he pulled you flush against him.

He opened his mouth but in a cruel twist of fate, his phone rang and he pulled away. An annoyed exhale left him and you could feel the disappointment when he picked it up. “What’s up Morgan?” he asked, his eyes still on you. his thumb brushed back and forth on your hip and you smiled, feeling elated and excited and so … so …

“Yeah, we’re on our way,” he said sharply, “I thought of getting us some lunch. Have the others text me their order and I will pick it up.”

And with that, he ended the call.

“Picking up lunch, huh?” you teased him, “How very generous of you, Agent Hotchner.”

“What can I say,” he smiled, opening the curtain for you, “I am in an exceptionally good mood today.”

*

When you returned to the main room of the boutique, the woman was still talking on the phone, not paying any mind to you. Relief filled you at the realization that she really had not noticed. Thank goodness because while it was the experience of a lifetime, you would have surely died of embarrassment.

Hotch’s hand burned at the low of your back but this time it did not cause any anxiety. This time it felt like both of you knew it belonged there.

He led you to the register, the woman only interrupting her conversation long enough to glance at both of you, looking very unimpressed.

“My name is Agent Hotchner, FBI,” he said, showing his badge, “We are on an active investigation. I am afraid I need to confiscate your security footage from the last 12 hours.”

“Also,” he added, putting the two-piece on the counter, “We would like to purchase this.”

[vodika-vibes]

Hi!!! I was wondering if you could write a steamy imperial tech x rebel fem reader? If that’s ok with you. I really love your writing! ❤️

Simple Chemistry

Summary: You and Tech have been playing a game of cat and mouse for what seems like months. It was only a matter of time before things came to a head.

Pairing: Imperial! Tech x Rebel F!Reader

Word Count: 1668

Warnings: Some smut

Tagging: @trixie2023 @n0vqni

A/N: So. This is based in an AU type setting where Crosshair's chip never activated, but the rest of the Batchers did. So Crosshair was raising Omega alone, and they ended up joining the Rebellion because it's just him. I hope this is close to what you wanted!

“Well, well, well,” A small grin plays on your painted lips as you saunter over to the tall man leaning against the wall, “Look at what the tooka dragged in. I never expected to see you, of all people, in a place like this.”

This was a club.

One of your favorite clubs, for that matter. With dimmed lights interspersed with blinding strobe lights of different colors and loud, thrumming music that you can feel down to your bones.

This is a regular haunt of yours. You’ve recruited more than one young, hot-blooded young person for the Rebellion here. And you have no intention of stopping.

Even if the Empire found it.

Of course, Tech isn’t dressed like an Imp right now. Clever, he never would have been allowed in if he had been wearing the stark gray uniform of the Imperial Army. 

His dark eyes remain locked on your face, and your smile doesn’t waver.

“Well?” You prod as you lean into his personal space, “What brings you to my domain, darling?”

“I am not your darling.” Tech finally says, his lips twisting as he says the pet name that you bequeathed to him months ago.

“So you keep claiming, darling. And yet, you’re here. And you haven’t taken your eyes off me since I got here.” Your voice is light and conversational as if you’re not talking to someone who’s been hunting you for months.

This isn’t the first time you and Tech have met face to face. You’re both very talented at what you do, and you’ve been playing a game of cat and mouse with him, leading him on a wild chase across the galaxy…leading him away from the other rebels.

He almost caught you several months ago, but you managed to escape with the timely assistance of his own twin brother and younger sister. Though, you’re willing to bet that Tech doesn’t know that.

His eyes narrow at you, “I should take you in for questioning.” He says curtly.

“Oh? For what?”

“You are a member of the Rebel Alliance.” He snaps, his eyes flashing, “And you are a criminal.”

You laugh, “Prove it.”

He scowls at you, “I do not have to prove it.”

“Aww, sweetling,” You splay your hand on his chest, and you feel his breathing stutter, “We both know that the word of a clone is next to worthless to the Imps.”

He stiffens, and glowers at you. Likely because he knows you’re right. 

You grin at him, and hook your fingers in the material of his blacks, “Let’s dance, darling.”

“I did not come here to dance.” Tech says, “I came to arrest you.”

“Oh? That’s too bad. Because I came here to dance. And if you won’t dance with me, I’m sure I can find someone to keep me company.” You say lightly as you turn away from him and scan the crowd for someone else to keep you company.

A strong hand wraps around your thin wrist, and you glance at Tech over your shoulder. It would be so easy for him to hurt you, he’s so much stronger than you are, but his touch is gentle.

“Changed your mind, have you?” You ask with a sly smile.

“I am not letting you out of my sight.” Tech says.

“Lovely!” You twist your wrist and take his hand, pulling him onto the crowded dance floor, and then you press your body against his, your arms sliding around his neck. “There,” You say, your lips brushing against his ear, “Isn’t this better.”

He’s tense against you, but slowly his hands settle on your waist.

You grin at him and you lazily start to move against him, and his grip tightens on your waist. 

“Relax, darling.” You coo against his ear, “It’s just dancing.”

Slowly, very slowly, the tension drains out of his body, as he starts dancing with you. And even more slowly, one of his hands slides down until it’s resting against your ass and his other hand slides up to rest on the back of your neck.

It’s a very possessive hold, and you can’t help but wonder if he realizes he’s doing it.

Not that you mind one way or the other. If you had a problem with being felt up by the man you’re pressed against, you wouldn’t have dragged him to the dance floor.

You consider him for a moment. It’s going to be a bitch to extricate yourself from him at the end of the night, you know. And if you want to be smart, you’d put an end to this now.

But if you were smart, you wouldn’t have become a Rebel in the first place.

Lazily, almost carelessly, you press your lips below his ear in a light kiss. And Tech curses, a low groan falling from his lips. 

Score. One point for the Rebel Scum.

You grin against his skin at his reaction and lightly nibble on the same spot.

This time his groan is a little louder and his hips jerk against yours. 

“Ooh, you like that then,” You murmur in his ear.

Tellingly, Tech doesn’t reply to you, but you didn’t expect him to, not really.

“That’s okay,” You whisper soothingly, “It’s a very normal reaction, Tech. No judgment. And no teasing. Not from me.”

He doesn’t react for a moment, but then his grip tightens. His fingers bite into the skin on the back of your neck and of your ass, and you know you’ll have bruises. 

Tech pulls you back slightly, his gaze dark as he scans your face, and then there’s a flash of something soft, gone so quickly that you think you must have imagined it. 

Then his lips are on yours. 

The kiss is hot and desperate, as if he’s trying to replace everything that you are with himself.

He’s a surprisingly good kisser, his teeth and tongue working in unison to leave you breathless and clinging to him. 

Even with all of that, you’re surprised when he tugs you off of the dance floor and down a narrow hall. And you’re even more surprised when he leads you into a small storage room, and he locks the door behind him with a rough hit of the door panel.

And then you’re pressed against the door, surprisingly gently, and his lips are against yours again. His hands, rough and calloused, dip under the hem of your shirt, and drag against your stomach pleasantly. 

“Not in here to kill me, I take it?” You breathe against his lips.

“Annoying.” Tech replies, as he grips the hem of your shirt and pulls it over your head, and then he pauses, his gaze lingering on your bare breasts. “...you are not wearing a bra.”

“Nope.” He blinks at you, adorably flustered, and you grin, “I’m not wearing underwear either.”

A myriad of emotions cross his face, “Why?”

“Why am I not wearing any undergarments?” You ask, “Because I came here to get laid, Tech.”

The emotions finally settle on stark jealousy, “Did you?”

You laugh, your head falling back against the door, “Oh, darling, I’m in a locked storage room, half naked, with you. You silly, jealous man.”

He looks slightly sheepish for a moment, and then he glances at the miniskirt you’re wearing, “How often do you go bare-?”

“More often than not.” You say with a shrug.

Tech stares at you for a long moment, and then he releases a curse in another language, and crashes his lips against yours again, his hands burning a path across your breasts, and over your ribs, “I want you.” He gasps against your lips, “Need you.”

“You have me, Tech.” You whisper as you slide your hands under his shirt, tracing his muscles eagerly, “I’m right here.”

He fumbles with your skirt for a moment, before just shoving it up and out of the way. His long fingers slide across your thighs, taking his time to memorize the feel of your skin against him.

“Come back to the Empire with me,” He breathes as he slides his fingers a little further up your thigh, “I will protect you. No one will hurt you-” He’s pleading with you, half begging you, and you smile at him gently.

“No.” You pull him into a deep kiss as his fingers lightly glide across your clit and you release a gasping moan, before you control yourself again. He needs to hear this. “All it takes for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing,” You shudder as he eases his finger inside you and curls it, “Kriff, Tech-”

“You will not be safe.” Tech whispers, “Let me protect you.”

“No.” You repeat, through breathless moans, and you press your hands against his cheeks, “Freedom is worth fighting for.”

He closes his eyes and presses his forehead against yours, “I want you to be mine.”

“I will not sacrifice my freedom for safety.”

He crashes his lips against yours, his tongue sliding against yours, and he slides his fingers out of you, pulling a whine from your throat. 

Tech tugs you away from the door and sits you on a crate, settling himself between your thighs, “Was only a matter of time,” He mutters against your lips.

“What was?” You gasp out the words as he trails his fingers over your bare body. 

“This. Us.”

You laugh breathlessly, “Too much chemistry?”

“Something like that.” He agrees, and he flashes you a slightly lopsided smile, before he kisses you again. 

And, for now, you lose yourself in him. In his lips and his touch. It’ll be twice as hard to pull yourself from him after this, he’ll hunt you to the ends of the galaxy.

But you have a pretty good feeling that, given enough time, you can get Tech to flip.

That’s a problem for later. For now, you have an attractive man wholly dedicated to bringing you pleasure, and that’s more important than anything to you.

[kenneduck]

Would your Yona also have feelings for Link? Or perhaps she sees him as a good friend? Would Sidon get jealous seeing Link ride HER in the water lol

Hmm, so I've been hesitant to answer this, but I kind of want to! I'll just say that what I'm GOING to say isn't canon for Secret Confessions when it comes to Link, but this is how I like to write her character, and to make full sense of it, I'll just say how I imagine both Yona's relationships w/ Sidon and Link here...

Yona I imagine was a childhood friend of Sidon, who met him through her family member, Muzu. As she's from the same domain Muzu/Dorephan was from originaly before Dorephan married Sidon/Mipha's mother and moved into the Hyrule Zora's Domain. Yona was there to comfort Sidon after he lost Mipha, as the two both mourned her and leaned on each other. Though, the two spent less time together as Sidon grew older, so their romantic feelings didn't grow until after their arranged marriage.

I HC Yona to be like demiromantic + asexual, so I view Yona and Sidon's romance differently than Sidon and Link's. Yona loves Sidon as her husband. Her love for him is strong, and she feels so safe in his arms and by his side. She didn't have romantic feelings for him when they were first arranged, but he's just so charismatic and lovable, and quite honestly funny. In a way Yona didn't get to see much when he was younger. She can't get over how much heart he's grown to have, but still manage to be the most lovable ditz in her life. She worried at first with the marriage that it would be nothing more than a political one, especially as she grew very aware of Sidon's blatant attraction for his dearest friend, but she quickly realized how big his heart was. That she also had a place in it. Sidon fell in love with Yona's comfort, her genuine care, and the way she's able to speak so heartfelt with such ease and consideration. She's the smartest person he knows, and he's so happy that she's the Zora Queen. He also loves how cuddly she is, and that when the two are alone, it's spent in each others arms. She's so comforting.

After Link joins the picture, Yona is more than happy to see Sidon's heart full. That, and she most definitely can enjoy breaks from her husband, and even though she enjoys his cuddles and endless compliments, she also enjoys her alone time. She also feels glad that Sidon has someone that... loves him in a way she doesn't. She's never felt pressured by Sidon to be intimate. Even with him always explaining his love for her isn't defined by intimacy, she's found herself guilty for not loving Sidon in that way. The first time she spots a Zora bite on Link, she's overwhelmed with laughter. She's happy, and Link clearly is too, as he isn't trying to hide it at all. Yona feels a weight of sort off her shoulders from this... so thankfully Link had a mark on his LMAO.

When it comes to sleeping arrangements, if Link is there that night, the three share a bed in Sidon and Yona's quarters that is big enough for the three. Where Link and Yona sandwich Sidon between them, and the three cuddle the night away. Yona, at first, is cautious about sticking to her side of the bed. She wants to avoid Link, not because she dislikes him, but she knows he loves Sidon, not her. She doesn't mind sticking to her side of the bed, but one morning when she wakes up to Link cuddling her and Sidon snoring on the other side of Link, she's overwhelmed. Though, she strangely feels comforted, and she quite enjoys it, which only causes her alarm and she gently unwraps Link around her. This happens a few times, and Yona feels a bit confused at the experiences. She doesn't DISLIKE them, but she also feels a bit guilty when she admits she is finding Link quite comforting in the way she finds Sidon.

Yona finds herself giggling more at Link's feral like behaviors. Finding herself blushing a bit when Link and Sidon swim around the reservoir. When she and Link talk alone, she feels a comfort that leaves her confused. She wants to know more, be around him more, but she knows that isn't what Link wants.

But again, one morning after she wakes up, she's met with Sidon on the other side of Link. Sidon is awake, and with Yona's movements, Link awakens, too. Yona expects Link to give his usual morning kiss to Sidon, but with Link used to Sidon being to his left, he, without opening his eyes, gives Yona a peck, leaving Sidon AND Yona both confused and speechless. Link opens his eyes to the sight, and immediately apologizes, turning redder than Sidon. Yona explains all is well, but her heart is racing, and she's overwhelmed because she LIKED the kiss, and with her guilt, she runs out.

Later that day, Link meets Yona alone, and he apologizes for the morning. Link noticed Yona hadn't returned from the reservoir, and knew this accidental kiss was something they wouldn't just forget about. When Link apologizes, Yona apologizes too, as she admits she liked it, and that she apologizes for falling for Link, too. Link is silent for what feels like a long time. But when he walks over to Yona and hugs her, she's surprised. Link admits he's grown his own love for Yona with their time spent together. It's different than his love for Sidon, but it's more than just as a friend. He does love her, and he's sorry for the kiss, but if she's okay with it, he'd like to make a proper kiss next time. To which Yona agrees, and the two kiss again.

Sidon of fucking course is overly excited at the news, as this presents so many more cuddling and date options. The three get along swimmingly, and well, Sidon wouldn't get jealous of Link swimming on Yona's back. He'd just be waiting impatiently for his turn LMAO.

[mslanna]

Can I ask for Raphael having a 'Wait, why am I jealous?' realization of his romantic feelings for Tav? (For the record, Tav is romantically interested in him, too, because I can't handle angst right now 🥲)

Ask and you shall receive. 🥰

Served Cold

(Served Cold on AO3) enby Tav without body configuration cold and comfort hot devil is hot Karlach cameo

Conquering all nine hells was a lot of work for one devil. Even with his armies and followers, Raphael had few subordinates he trusted. So asking Tav to join had been only logical. After all, they had delivered the Crown of Karsus to him willingly.

He had been right, too, as Tav greed easily to his request. They helped him conquer the hells and he, well, there was a certain uncertainty about his part of the deal. Just make sure I don't die seemed like a sensible request. It was not much of a prize, though. The exchange seemed barely equal.

But he wouldn't look a gift Tav in the mouth. It was also to be expected that Tav would enlist the help of their friends. The tiefling should not have been a surprise, especially since she could not return to the material plane with her hellfire heart.

It wasn't that he didn't trust his human to get the job done, despite the biting cold of Cania and the wide icy plains. But this was his father's domain. Mephistopheles knew he was coming for him and his security was increased.

Tav was smart for taking the circumspect route to his palace even if that meant several weeks of trekking through the cold. The entrance wasn't secret as much as unexpected. A place as big as Mephistopheles court had a whole system of venues to accept or remove wares and services. A place as old as his father's had also gone through several system changes. Dead ends happened.

And Tav knew how to talk to servants and debtors. As a paladin they exuded and air of trustworthiness. The time they spent undercover in his father's realm had not gone by easily. Raphael had worried every day. So much of his plans rested on Tav's success.

But they succeed as he knew they would. Tav was reliable, more so than many of his subordinates. Subordinates who were making a lot of noise under the command of Yurgir right now. Mainly to keep Mephistopheles attention on them and allow the small group to slip in through a discarded and ignored back entrance that should have been decommissioned and closed centuries ago.

Raphael considered standing with the armies. But the prospect of seeing the expression on his father's face when he turned up in the centre of his secure home was a strong argument for travelling with Tav.

He was accustomed to the burning cold of Cania. The storms of blade-like winds and freezing snow were inconvenient but manageable. The tiefling was doing fine with her hellfire heart as well. It kept her warm under the layers upon layers of clothes.

Tav on the other hand suffered miserably. It didn't matter how many layers they put on, the result was a shivering heap of furs that moved slowly through the cold landscape. The view was pitiful, but Tav didn't complain once. Their dedication to his cause was admirable. And when nobody watched, not even his own inner devil, Raphael allowed himself to admire them.

Not now, of course, as the human sat huddled up like a shrimp at the small fire. They shook violently and stuck their hands almost into the flames. If he didn't know better, Raphael would have thought them a blemish, worth no note. His thought were of a very different nature though.

There had to be a way to help Tav. It was not the most devil-like thought but it was well founded. Tav was a valuable asset, a tool well worth protecting. It was only natural that he considered his options to keep them at peak performance.

The problem was how to get warmth to his mouse without attracting attention. A bigger fire was out of the question. That left very limited options. But, for the success of his campaign, he was willing to make sacrifices. Even personal ones.

He was still mulling over the best way to phrase his idea so it would not appear to be personal, when Karlach moved. She rounded the fire and came to sit next to Tav, worry engraved on her face.

"You'll catch your death, soldier." The tiefling nudged Tav who moved towards her unthinking. Drawn to the warmth, no doubt. "Yeah, that's more like it. Gods, you're cold."

Despite her words, Karlach wrapped Tav into their cloak. And his little mouse, leant into it. Raphael took a deep breath. The way Tav softened and their body slowly ceased to shudder. It was a good thing. There was no reason for him to be mad about it.

Yet the anger simmered in his stomach, bitter and bubbling. That had been his offer to make. A sacrifice for the greater good. Yet the tiefling offered it as if it was nothing, a small act of friendship and care. He should be grateful for that. His dignity stayed intact.

But his dignity was not rumbling dangerously low in his chest. To think that it could have been his arm around Tav's shoulders, his arm they leant against, grateful and content. The fury surprised him, as did the pain. What did it matter who kept Tav warm?

But it did matter, and it mattered that it wasn't him. Raphael carefully avoided putting a name on the rage. The last thing he needed now was complications. The fight against his father was difficult enough without worrying – uselessly – about one fragile mortal.

It was not worry he felt, looking at Tav who dozed off in the sudden warmth. Trenches dug by the cold over the last days softened. Their mouth relaxed and opened slightly. They looked at peace. Peace he should be giving them.

"If it proves too much of a strain on your infernal engine, let me know." Raphael was proud of the nonchalance of his tone. "I am willing to carry my share of the burden."

"Tav is never a burden." Despite her cheery tone, the threat in Karlach's voice was clear. "And I'd rather freeze to death with them than burden you with them."

Raphael sat back. "If this is how you treat offers of help-"

"If you want to offer help, offer help. Don’t style yourself as a martyr for the most minuscule act of decency."

Looking at his little mouse – eyes closed, breath soft and regular – Raphael wondered if they were indeed asleep. What would Tav think, listening in on this conversation? And what did it matter to him? He was a devil! He did not care what mortals though of him.

Except for Tav.

The realisation was uncomfortable and unwanted. It was true nevertheless.

"Don't mind him," Tav murmured, adjusting their position against the tiefling. "He's just jealous."

Jealous. The word stunned Raphael. He was not jealous. He was a devil! He stared at the lips that uttered such blasphemy. Lips that were once again of a soft pink instead of pale blue. He had a pretty good idea what he'd like to do to them, traitorous, insolent lips.

Unfortunately, his ideas supported Tav's claim. Ridiculous. They were an asset. A tool for his victory. Nothing more.

Yet.

"Well." Karlach pulled Tav closer. "Even jealous devils have to behave themselves. Maybe a 'please' wouldn't go amiss."

"If you think I will beg, you are severely mistaken," Raphael huffed and folded his wings closer around him.

"Do as you please. But I don't think Tav is a burden and I know how it feels to have them breathe down my skin when they sleep – and drool a little." The tiefling dropped a sloppy kiss onto Tav's forehead.

"Devils are not to be drooled upon."

"I'm sure you can make them lick it off again." The tiefling delighted in teasing him.

Still Raphael could not deny the appeal of the vision her words conjured. "Oh, hand them over already." He gestured impatiently.

To his surprise the tiefling actually obeyed. "You know I will kill you, if you hurt them," she smiled as she draped the mortal against his side.

Raphael snorted. "I'd like to see you try."

"I don't," Tav murmured and turned to press their face into his arm.

A surprisingly efficient argument. Raphael dragged his little mouse into a comfortable position, resting their head against his chest and wrapping them both in his wings. At least tiefling couldn't see his face any longer that way.

"You are mine," he murmured into Tav's rear. "Mine alone and don't you forget it."

"Jealous," they replied sleepy, but with a smile touching their lips. "I like it."

Raphael growled and dropped kiss onto their head as he had seen Karlach do. What an insolent little creature he held. It would be impossible to pry them from his grip.

[maboroshi-no]

Hamefura LN14 Chapter 4 Summary

I am currently reading Hamefura LN14 and will post summaries as I read.

Previous Chapters: Chapter 1: The Encounter at the Party: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Chapter 2: What Dark Magic Is: Part 1 Part2 Chapter 3: The Domain Where Cyrus Was Born and Raised: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

Chapter 4: Now, To the Forest's Depths!

On the Way to the Forest

The sun has risen and the group will now head to the forest.

Katarina is shocked: Cyrus has expressly asked to go to Maria's carriage! She guesses something must have happened between the two when she witnessed them together yesterday night. But she doesn't voice her thoughts out of consideration for Cyrus.

Cyrus also looks considerably better, as if he had never been sick. 

Cyrus's family and Haru see everyone off. Haru looks somewhat sad while gazing at Cyrus and Maria. 

Since Cyrus will ride in Maria's carriage, Laura will ride in Katarina's carriage instead. Laura is wearing less frilly clothes today since they will go to the forest's depths.

This time, Katarina's carriage only contains members of the Magic Tool Department, so Laura immediately starts talking about Cyrus's change. She suspects something might have happened between Cyrus and Maria last night. Sora adds that Cyrus looks completely different from yesterday, and can even ride in the same carriage as Maria despite insisting until now that he could never do it.

Katarina remembers Cyrus asked Sora for help a few days ago just because he couldn't ride in the same carriage as Maria.

Laura asks Katarina if she knows something.

Katarina shakes her head. After all, she honestly doesn't know anything. All she knows is that Cyrus was talking to Maria with a gentle smile. Even so, something probably happened between them at that time.

Katarina wonders if Cyrus will finally start acting to make Maria his. If he does, then he will compete with Dewey. And Sora and Cezar may join them too, along with the hidden capture target.

Katarina remembers that she still doesn't know anything about the other hidden capture target. She finds it scary that she still can't tell who it is. Considering Raphael was the hidden capture target in Fortune Lover 1, she wonders if this time too, it will be someone whom she hasn't been in contact with. For example, it could be Laura.

Katarina glances at Laura. She saw her looking like a handsome man when she was in disguise that other day. But Katarina wonders if there could be a crossdressing macho capture target in the game.

Laura asks Sora why Katarina is making various faces while looking at her. Sora replies Katarina is probably thinking of very pointless things and it would be a waste of time to even worry about it. Laura agrees with Sora.

Inside the Forest

The carriages have arrived at the fields near the forest. Everyone goes through the fence and enters the forest. Tylor and the local Ministry employees will be on standby at the forest's entrance.

Tylor gives Cyrus a whistle-like magic tool. He asks him to blow it if something happens. The sound will reach them if they are not too deep inside the forest. Katarina is surprised that even a remote ministry branch uses magic tools. She feels proud as a member of the Magic Tool department. 

Katarina braces herself since they are entering the forest.

The group takes the same path as yesterday. Cyrus and Maria are walking in the front and Maria is focusing her eyes as they walk.

Maria apologizes: she can't see yesterday's dark magic presence anymore. It seems to have disappeared in the meantime. Cyrus tells her it can't be helped.

Cyrus tells everyone they will head instead to the mountain of animals corpses.

Katarina feels uneasy in the forest. It feels eerie to her even though it isn't supposed to have changed since yesterday.

They arrive at the place where the animals corpses were piled up. The corpses are not here anymore. They were undoubtedly here yesterday since they are traces of "something" having been there. Katarina wonders if someone has cleaned up all these corpses during the night.

Maria tells everyone she senses dark magic. She focuses her eyes on her surroundings and confirms she can see a dark magic presence. However, it is thinner than yesterday. Anyhow, they can chase the dark magic presence!

Cyrus tells Maria she did well and confirms they will chase the presence. He moves close to Maria and tells her to stay close to him. Maria says she will. Katarina enjoys seeing Cyrus and Maria in such a good mood, then reminds herself to focus.

Katarina, Laura, and Raphael follow Cyrus and Maria.

The group goes deeper into the forest while following the dark magic presence. As they go deeper, the forest gets darker and quieter, looking even more eerie.

The Cave

Everyone finally arrives at a cave. Katarina is surprised they have arrived at a cave again, like in that other mission. Laura and Sora seem to feel the same way.

Cyrus recognizes the cave since he played inside when he was a kid. He tells everyone the entrance is narrow but it is spacious inside.

Maria tells everyone she is sensing a strong dark magic presence inside.

Katarina has no doubt a dragon-like dark familiar awaits them. Everyone's face stiffens but no one suggests they don't go.

Cyrus stands in front of Maria and takes up the sword at his hips.

Katarina summons Pochi. Pochi happily wags his tail as usual but growls when he faces the cave. It seems like Pochi can tell there is something inside. Katarina pets Pochi's head to reassure him that things will be alright. Pochi's eyes thin out in content.

Everyone enters the narrow entrance and silently follows the small passage inside the cave.  

When they arrive at the end of the passage, Cyrus gestures at everyone to stop. He checks the situation and tells everyone there is something far ahead. However, the "thing" doesn't seem to have noticed them.

Cyrus gives his directive. When they get out of the passage, they will arrive in a spacious area with plenty of large rocks. Once there, they will continue ahead while hiding behind the rocks. Everyone nods in understanding.

Cyrus gets out of the passage first, then everyone follows one by one. The rocks are indeed large enough for them to hide behind them.

Katarina sees some black mist continuing far ahead. It seems like she can finally see the dark magic presence. She notifies Sora that she can see it. Sora replies he can see it too. The presence appears to be strong enough for Sora and her to be able to perceive it. Sora and she also seem to have about the same level of perception.

Katarina wonders how Cyrus could tell the presence of the dark "thing" despite not being able to sense dark magic. She guesses it must be because of his heightened perception as a martial artist.

They continue ahead while hiding behind the large rocks. Then, Katarina inadvertently hits a little rock, which makes some sound. She apologizes with a pale face. Cyrus tells her it can't be helped since she didn't do it on purpose. They will stop and check the situation.

The Man

While they are checking the situation from behind the rocks, a tall and thin man comes out from the opposite side. He hasn't found them but he is scanning his surroundings. It is a matter of time before they are found.

Cyrus comes out, sneaks behind the man, and strikes his neck with the side of his hand. The man collapses. Katarina realizes again that Cyrus is super strong.

Cyrus leaves the man like that and comes back. He hurriedly tells everyone that he senses something strange from the man as if something unpleasant will come out. He tells everyone to hide behind the rocks.

As Katarina thought, Cyrus seems able to perceive things.

The Violent Winds

There is a big rumbling sound and violent winds are blowing, just like last time.

Even covered by the rocks, Katarina feels like she might get blown away. She tries to reach out her hand and grab something but can't. Then she feels someone firmly holding her shoulders but she can't open her eyes to see who.

When the wind calm down, Katarina opens her eyes and realizes it was Laura who prevented her from getting blown away. Next to her, Cyrus protected Maria. As for Raphael and Sora, Raphael used his magic to create a wind curtain to protect them. Everyone seems alright.

Katarina thanks Laura. Laura tells her it is too soon to thank her because something else is coming.

Violent winds blow again. When it calms down, violent winds blow for a third time. Katarina is confused about what is happening.

The Dragons

When the violent winds calm down, there doesn't seem to be a fourth one coming. Katarina is glad, but Laura, who has taken a peek outside of the rocks tells her their problems are just starting. Cyrus tells everyone that they are in an extremely dire situation. Katarina takes a look outside the rocks and is dumbfounded: there are 3 dragons in front of them.

Katarina didn't expect this to happen. The dragons are not bigger than the one from before but there are 3 of them. The situation is so dire that Katarina would like to run away right now.

Katarina asks Laura if by any chance they can pretend they didn't see anything and leave the cave. Laura tells her she would very much like to run away too but they can't as members of the Ministry of Magic whose duty is to protect everyone's safety. However, Laura tells Katarina that she and Maria are an exception. Their duty as guards is to protect them, so if things come to worse, they will make them run away. Katarina tells her she won't leave her behind and will fight to the very end. Laura and Katarina are moved while holding each other's hands.

With a stern look, Cyrus tells Katarina they need to decide how they will split the work right now. Katarina would like to retort it is important to motivate themselves before a difficult fight but doesn't say anything since it would sound like an excuse. Cyrus is right that they need to discuss how they will deal with the dragons while the dragons still haven't detected them.

Cyrus tells everyone they will split into two-person teams and each team will fight a dragon. Katarina thinks it was predictable since they are 6 people.

First Katarina and Pochi will fight a dragon since they could defeat one before. Raphael will go with them to protect Katarina. Katarina, Pochi, and Raphael agree.

Maria volunteers to fight a dragon with her light magic. She explains she can fight now unlike last time since she has learned spells from the Light Covenant. Besides, light magic will surely be effective on the dragons since they are made of dark magic. Maria formally asks Cyrus to let her fight. Cyrus is captivated by her dignified look. Cyrus accepts Maria's plan. He tells her he will thoroughly protect her, so she will only need to focus on her magic.

The last team is Laura and Sora. Laura will hit the dragon with her magic while Sora will hit it with physical attacks.

Cyrus wishes everyone a good fight, then each team starts heading to their assigned dragon.

Katarina "Fights" Dragon 1

Katarina, Pochi, and Raphael will face Dragon 1 (the one that came out from the man Cyrus struck).

On Cyrus and Laura's fronts, other tall and thin people (probably the man's companions) have arrived, but Cyrus and Laura have instantly dealt with them.

Dragon 1 stares at Katarina with its black eyes. Katarina can't tell what it is thinking. It doesn't seem like it will attack, it is just looking at them. Katarina wonders if it is supposed to go like in battle mangas where each party introduces themselves. Even so, the dragon doesn't seem aggressive at all.

Katarina doesn't understand what's the deal with the dragon but decides she won't wait for it to attack them. She will strike first.

Katarina calls Pochi and Pochi takes its huge wolf form. Pochi looks ferocious but he gives Katarina a look telling her "Leave it to me."

Dragon 1 is wary of Pochi. 

Katarina asks Raphael if she can try sucking the dark magic from the dragon. If she can, she will be able to fight with Pochi. Pochi looks a little dejected, like saying "So it is not my turn yet?". Raphael tells Katarina she can act however she likes: he will protect her one way or another if the dragon attempts something. Katarina thanks Raphael and summons her skull wand. With it, she will be able to fight and protect the people precious to her.

Katarina starts sucking up the dragon into her wand. She is sucking it up like she would with a vacuum cleaner. Raphael shouts that it is working. Katarina didn't notice it immediately since she was focused on sucking up the dark magic, but when she looks at the dragon, its tail seems to be moving toward them, like it was being sucked up.

Katarina feels like things might work out after all. She starts sucking up the dark magic more strongly. The dragon's tail turns into some kind of smoke and gets sucked up inside her wand. 

Katarina wishes the dragon would stay still while she is sucking it up but it doesn't seem like he will. The dragon has an expression like saying "Crap!" when it notices its tail being sucked up, then runs further from the wand.

Katarina is dumbfounded. She was expecting the dragon to counterattack, not to run away. Dragon 1 looks ferocious but it appears to be a delicate creature. Anyhow, she can't let it run away.

Katarina shouts at the dragon to wait and runs after it. She faintly hears Raphael behind her tell her not to act rashly.

Katarina chases the dragon. She holds her wand in front of her and resumes sucking up its tail. It seems like she can continue sucking it up while chasing it. On top of this, the more she sucks the dragon in, the slower it gets. 

Like this, Katarina keeps chasing the dragon while sucking it up. Doing so, Katarina can't help feeling like she is playing Luigi's Mansion the game where the younger of a certain famous pair of brothers exterminates ghosts. The current situation feels very similar to this. Wait, this is not the time! She must hurry and suck up the ghost…no, the dragon with the vacuum clean… the wand!

The dragon's torso turns to smoke and gets sucked up into the wand. Even so, Dragon 1 won't give up and keeps running away. And Katarina keeps chasing it.

Katarina Crosses the Others' Battlefields

While chasing the dragon, Katarina crosses Laura and Sora's battlefields. Laura keeps hitting Dragon 2 with her magic and Sora keeps trying to slash it with a sword, but the dragon seems unharmed. Their attacks don't seem effective on a dark familiar.

Katarina is worried Laura and Sora will exhaust their strength at this rate, so she asks Pochi to help them. Pochi is hesitant, but Katarina insists, so Pochi accepts.

Pochi heads to Laura and Sora and attacks Dragon 2. The dragon groans, so Pochi's attack appears to be effective. Katarina feels reassured and thanks Pochi in her heart.

Katarina switches her focus to Dragon 1. The dragon still has its chest part left but it is still running away. It really is bad at giving up.

While chasing Dragon 1, Katarina crosses Maria and Cyrus's battlefield. Maria keeps hitting  Dragon 3 with balls of light. It seems effective since the dragon groans and gets weaker.

Katarina feels reassured. It seems like both Maria and Pochi can handle the two other dragons. Their battles look impressive from an outsider's perspective while hers looks like a game of ghostbusters. Though, playing ghostbusters is fine too!

Now Dragon 1 only has the head part left. Katarina gives her all sucking it up into her wand. Once she is done, she will have completely sucked up Dragon 1. But while being sucked up, Dragon 1's head turns towards Katarina and throws dark mist from its mouth.

Katarina wonders what she should do. Should she try to blow it back? While she hesitates, she feels a gust of wind coming from behind. The wind dispels the black mist.

When Katarina looks behind, she sees Raphael. Raphael is glad he could help at least a little. Katarina thanks Raphael.

Now, Katarina has completely sucked up the dragon inside her wand. She feels so relieved that her strength leaves her body. However, only her fight with Dragon 1 is over.

Katarina takes a look at the others's battlefields.

Pochi fiercely bites Dragon 2's neck and it falls to the ground. Katarina cheers in victory. Smoke comes out of Dragon 2's body and it disappears. It is just like what happened last time.

On Maria's front, Dragon 3 prostrates itself after taking Maria's light attacks and eventually disappears in the same way.

They have defeated all three dragons.

Sarah Talks To Katarina and Raphael

Sarah comes out. She is disappointed they could defeat all the dragons even though she used so many animals to make them.

Katarina remembers she couldn't talk to Sarah last time because her magic went out of control. The last time she properly talked to her was during Frey's rescue mission.

Katarina wants to know about Sarah's circumstances and decides she will talk to her right here, right now. She calls out to her and moves towards her.

Sarah turns her gaze to Katarina and recognizes her. She angrily asks her why she keeps getting in her way. She asks her how she will make it up to her now that she has failed because of her.

Katarina tells her she wants to have a proper talk with her and learns more about her. Sarah is about to protest but she suddenly freezes with her eye wide.

Sarah is looking at something behind Katarina. When Katarina follows her gaze, she realizes that Sarah is looking at Raphael. Sarah is staring at Raphael with wide eyes. And Raphael has also frozen up with his eyes wide.  Katarina wonders if the two have recognized each other.

Raphael starts asking Sarah "Umm, are you…" but right after, Sarah turns around and fills the inside of the cave with darkness.

Katarina is familiar with this typical Sarah's move, but the others are not. Cyrus asks Maria if she is alright, Laura is confused and Sora asks Laura to stop holding his hand. They are confused, so Katarina shouts at everyone that it is dark magic and the darkness will dispel after a while. Everyone says okay.

Wrap-up of the Mission

When the darkness dispels, Sarah has disappeared. Cyrus observes that the cave has indeed turned back to normal. Katarina explains that Sarah has used this spell many times before, so she could tell.

Cyrus is surprised that Sarah was here. It seems like he didn't notice Sarah's presence since she appeared right after Maria defeated Dragon 3.

Katarina confirms Sarah was here. They talked a little, then she ran away using this spell. Cyrus feels disappointed they couldn't catch her.

Katarina turns to Raphael and asks if he is alright. Raphael is still out of it and startles when Katarina calls out to him. He tells her he is fine and apologizes for losing his composure. Katarina thinks it unusual for Raphael to be shaken like this.

Katarina asks Raphael if he knows Sarah. Raphael shakes his head. Katarina is surprised and wonders why they stared at each other in shock. Raphael apologizes and asks her to wait until he has sorted out his thoughts and then he will tell her. Katarina accepts.

Cyrus suddenly asks Maria if she is alright. When Katarina turns around, Maria is about to collapse and Cyrus is holding her. Katarina rushes over and asks Maria if she is injured. Maria tells her she is just exhausted from using too much magic. Maria has high magic power but she still reached her limit while fighting a dragon. She needs to rest to recover her magic.

Maria insists she is fine but Katarina tells her she needs to rest or she will collapse. She should let Cyrus carry her and rest. Katarina turns to Cyrus and asks him to carry Maria. Cyrus carries Maria in his arms. Maria starts to protest that he doesn't need to go so far. Katarina covers Maria's eyes and asks her to sleep or she will collapse again. Maria finally gives in and sleeps.

Katarina leaves Maria to Cyrus and returns to Raphael, Laura, and Sora. They inspect the inside of the cave. They don't see anything out of the ordinary, so they decide to leave the cave before the sun sets.

Laura ties up the 3 men and carries 2 of them like sacks. Sora will carry the last one. Laura asks him to tell her when he is tired, then she will carry the 3rd one too. Sora replies he can't possibly let her carry 3 men when carrying one is already troublesome enough. Raphael timidly offers to carry one of them so each of them will carry one man. Laura refuses since Raphael is the brain type and not the physical type. Besides, he needs to have his hands free in case something happens to Katarina. Raphael accepts. As for Cyrus, he carries Maria princess-style.

Going Back and Reporting

Everyone exits the area, goes through the small passage, and exits the cave. When they get outside, the forest feels different. They can hear birds chirping: the animals seem to have returned to the forest. It is just like last time, the animals probably flee the forest because of the dragons.

Everyone goes through the way back and safely exits the forest.

Tylor welcomes them at the fence. He asks if Maria is alright. Cyrus explains that Maria has used too much magic. He asks Tylor to let the report wait until they return to the branch office so Maria can rest as soon as possible. Cyrus goes to the carriage and carefully puts Maria in it.

Raphael tells Tylor this case was identical to that other case. He also shows him the 3 men they brought back from the cave and tells him they are material witnesses. Tylor will take them over. He invites Raphael and the others to head to the branch office in their carriages.

Everyone heads to the branch in the same groups as when they came there: Cyrus, Maria, and Raphael in the first carriage and Katarina, Laura, and Sora in the second.

Sora rotates his shoulder: while the man wasn't heavy, he is tired after carrying him on his shoulder the whole time. Laura tells him in response she could have easily carried more of them while showing her large biceps.

They arrive at the branch office. Maria rests in a break room and the others head to the same meeting room as the day before.

Katarina's stomach makes a big sound because it is way past noon. The lady from the branch office offers her rice crackers and sugar candies. Katarina gladly accepts them. The others also help themselves with the snacks.

Cyrus starts his report. He gives a perfect retelling of what happened while avoiding any details about dark magic. Sometimes, he turns to the others to explain certain points more in detail. Especially, he asks Katarina and Raphael to explain what happened with Sarah since they were the only ones who talked to her. Raphael tells everyone "I don't know why Sarah left". Katarina thinks he should have told them but she doesn't say anything since Raphael won't.

Thanks to Cyrus, the report didn't take long. They end the meeting and return to Cyrus's home.

Back to Cyrus's Home

After the meeting, Cyrus keeps insisting on carrying Maria princess-style to the carriage even though she is awake. Katarina doesn't recognize anymore the one who kept telling her until yesterday "I can't ride in the same carriage as her".

When they arrive at the manor, Cyrus continues to carry Maria princess-style to her room. Everyone in the household is surprised, and Haru also looks sad while looking at them.

Katarina's stomach has been growling since they arrived at the manor. Sora laughs: he can't believe her despite all the sweets she ate. Katarina thinks sweets and meals go in different stomachs, so since she has skipped lunch, her stomach can't possibly be appeased by sweets. After hearing her stomach, the servants tell Katarina that dinner is ready.

Katarina savors dinner because she is not only eating Japanese food, but she is starving. She wanted to hold back on the miso soup because it caused her to rush into the bathroom yesterday, but in the end, she couldn't.

After dinner, everyone returns to their room since they're exhausted.

Maria was brought light food for dinner since she is recovering. Katarina has come to check up on her. She has felt relieved to see that Maria's complexion looks greatly better and hear that Maria was able to eat.

Now that she has seen Maria, Katarina is thinking of going to sleep early since she is exhausted. Unfortunately, she feels like going to the bathroom because she has drunk too much miso soup. She doesn't like making frequent visits to the bathroom but she thinks it isn't so bad considering she can only taste miso soup here.

Katarina Talks to Raphael

After leaving the bathroom, Katarina passes near the terrace. But this time, there is Raphael there.

Katarina: Raphael

The night breeze sways Raphael's red hair and he turns his head toward Katarina.

Raphael: Miss Katarina, I thought you went to bed immediately since you seemed exhausted. Could it be that you couldn't sleep?

Katarina: Well, I had too many refills of miso soup, so I felt the need to go to the bathroom.

Raphael opens his eyes wide, then chuckles, amused.

Raphael: This is just like you, Miss Katarina.

Katarina: What about you, Raphael?

Raphael: I just wanted to take in the wind a little.

Raphael looks somewhat sad. Katarina wonders if he was thinking of Sarah. She is curious but won't ask him since he might be still in the process of sorting his thoughts about her.

Katarina just stands next to Raphael without a word and takes in the wind too. The wind isn't too cold and feels very nice. 

While Katarina is absorbed in her thoughts, Raphael starts speaking.

Raphael: Can I talk to you a little about that black-haired girl called Sarah?

Katarina is surprised since she thought he wasn't ready to talk about her.

Katarina: If you think you can talk about it, then it is fine with me. Are you okay now?

Raphael: Yes, I think I can roughly talk about it to the others too now. But I just wanted you to hear it first. Is it okay with you?

Katarina: If you say you want to tell me, then sure, let me hear about it.

Raphael: Yes, I want the person who released me from that darkness to hear it first.

Katarina thinks she didn't do anything special but Raphael looks convinced she did, so Katarina just nods.

Raphael: Like I told you in the cave, I don't know that girl called Sarah. Today was undoubtedly our first meeting. It is just that I have seen her before…in Sirius Dieke's memories.

Katarina: Sirius Dieke? The only son of the marquesal Dieke family who was ill and died?

Raphael: Yes, this very one. And his memories were transferred to me with dark magic. That's why I know what he saw and felt. Inside his memories, there appears to be that girl Sarah when she was most likely a child.

Katarina heard before how Marchioness Dieke wanted to make Raphael into Sirius's vessel since Sirius did not have much time left to live. She had Sirius's memories transferred into Raphael but her plan didn't go as expected: Raphael remained himself all while retaining Sirius's memories.

Still, it is the first time Katarina has heard about someone who appeared in Sirius's memories, and it happens to be Sarah.

Katarina: Since Sarah was subjected to dark magic research, is she connected to him with that kind of relationship?

Katarina has come up with this after remembering what Larna told her about Sarah's upbringing.

Raphael shakes his head.

Raphael: No, it wasn't something like that. It was more like a chance encounter.

Raphael makes a little pained face.

Raphael: It seems like Sirius was tired of his mother being so dependent on him, so he would sometimes sneak out of his room to refresh his mind. And then he met that black-haired girl and would sometimes interact with her. He was hardly allowed to get involved with other children so that girl was special to him. He seemed to be greatly enjoying himself just by being with her. So much so that he wished that his time with her would never end. But his disease progressed and he became unable to go to her.

Katarina remembers Raphael telling her before that Marchioness Dieke was clinging to her son instead of her husband, who kept going out to play around. Sirius not only had to deal with his disease but also with his mother so he kept wishing to be relieved of all the pains.

After hearing about Sirius's feelings, Katarina feels pain in her chest. Raphael probably felt the same.

Raphael: I already felt sorry for Sirius Dieke because of those memories, but when I saw that woman and his memories of his interactions with the girl came out, I felt greatly shaken. "Aah, that's right, Sirius was living too". I realized this all over again. I considered him as some kind of character in a novel, so I didn't mind his memories so much. But this time, it was the first time that I deeply felt sorry for him.

Raphael has said this in drops.

Raphael: I am heartless, right?

Raphael is smiling in a self-deprecating way.

Katarina: No, definitely not. You are incredibly kind, Raphael. You thought about a child you weren't involved with, and you can shed tears like this.

Raphael: …Tears?

Raphael didn't seem aware he was shedding tears. He puts his hand on his cheek and is bewildered that tears are running down.

Raphael: Why are tears falling like this…?

Raphael is dumbfounded that tears are steadily running down.

Raphael is looking so pained, so Katarina takes him into a tight hug and taps his back.

Katarina: When you want to cry, let it all out. It will make you feel refreshed.

Raphael chuckles and starts quietly shedding tears.

Katarina keeps tapping his back until his tears stop.

Raphael calms down after a while.

Raphael: (embarrassed): Umm, sorry. I seem to get relaxed when you are here.

Katarina: Ah, Lord Cyrus also told me that. He said I felt like an old granny farmer, so it made him feel relaxed.

And Cezar also told that to Katarina the other day.

Raphael: An old granny farmer…

Raphael bursts out laughing. Katarina is glad to see him smile again.

Raphael laughs for a while.

Raphael: Yes, I feel refreshed. I think I'll now be able to probably report it to everyone else. I gave them a fake report today but tomorrow I'll properly apologize and tell them what I told you. …I am really glad I talked to you, Miss Katarina. Thank you.

Katarina: No, I didn't do anything.

Katarina thinks Maria could have told him wonderful words, but as a villainess, she couldn't do the same.

Raphael: Yes, you did. You greatly helped me. Also, one more thing. There's something I'd like you to hear once I have confirmed it. So, will you listen to me again next time?

Katarina deeply nods.

Katarina: All I can do is listen, though.

Raphael: It's enough.

Raphael softly smiles.

Katarina leaves Raphael and returns to her room. She goes into bed and instantly falls asleep.

??? POV

A man with glasses says with an amused look that Sarah looked odd.

The glasses man has the same eyes as when he is focusing on the target of his research. The POV man doesn't want the glasses man's bad habits to come out, so he ends the discussion with a casual "I guess she was".

The glasses man gets irritated by the POV man's response and shouts at him that many things didn't go well lately and might become an obstacle to his research. 

The POV man muses to himself that for the glasses man, his research is everything. Lives and morals are secondary and tertiary for him. The glasses man feels irritated because his research isn't going well and doesn't care about anything else. He really is so easy to understand.

The glasses man says that Sarah has not only failed this time but also the previous time when she attacked Maria Campbell. The situation is extremely bad. They can't alter Maria's memories even if they can alter everyone else's. At this rate, people will notice the differences between Maria's and everyone else's memories and find out that they have been altering people's memories.

The glasses man is plucking hairs from his head.

The POV man carefreely tells him not to worry because they are taking care of that. 

The glasses man makes a dissatisfied expression without saying anything. The POV man guesses the glasses man is thinking that he can't help but worry. He really is so easy to understand.

The POV man takes his leave from the glasses man now that he has made his report.

The POV man thinks about Sarah's recent failures. Getting their hand on Maria Campbell has failed and increasing the number of dark familiars has also failed. Their "employers" have recently started thinking that many things don't go well. While he isn't as panicked as the glasses man, he also feels like things are not looking good.

Even so, the POV man thinks this turn of events is interesting. It is way more interesting when things don't well than when they do. He wishes for critical situations because they are fun.

It has been a while since the POV man has felt like this. He didn't feel anything at all when the woman who became his wife committed a crime and got caught, which caused him to lose his family. 

At this rate, he might be able to meet that child. He is looking forward to the face the child will make when they see him.

----------------------

Congrats to that anon for guessing early on that the red-haired boy was Sirius ^^.

[toulousewayne]

Batfamily Shenanigans:Head-canons Pt: 4

The Wayne family attends Gala all the time. Some have for years, but that doesn’t mean that all enjoy them. Bruce and Damian attend them purely for appearances, Dick is there to kept his siblings from burning down the building, Jason always sneaks in as different undercover identities, Tim has to go because he has to also keep up appearances but most of the time you will find him indirectly call the investors idiots. Duke and Steph are at the snack table, Cass sticks next to Babs at the table and they watch the chaos together. Alfred joins them sometimes.

It comes as to no shock that Tim has severe Narcolepsy, but Dick and Bruce have insomnia.

Damian watched Tim while he sleeps. No one knows when he started but he always tells the other it’s because Tim is prone to falling. Which is lie but no one ever stops him.

Stephanie is very skilled mechanic, sometimes when there’s down time she’s found repairing or working on of the bat bikes or the Batmobile.

Dick Grayson is color blind. It’s only when he comments on Stephanie’s brown sweater that Jason points out to him. Barbara and Bruce knew the whole time and just thought he was doing it to be funny, it comes as a shock to Dick though.

Duke and Cass go to the flee market every Sunday. The buy fresh produce and eggs for Alfred. Cass even thrifts a few clothing pieces.

Speaking of Clothes, no one has all their clothes anymore. Jason’s hoodies are always stole from the manor, his safehouses in the city and out of the country it doesn’t matter. They’ll usually end up in Cass, Tim or Steph’s closet. Dick’s T-shirts are public domain at this point because all his siblings have at least one of them. Barbara can never find her fuzzy socks until she visit the manor next and find them on Damian and Stephanie’s feet. Tim’s jewelry is always around Cass’ neck. Damian is the only safe because no one can fit his stuff but he does get Duke and Tim’s clothes they’ve outgrown.

Cass will sometimes spend time with Alfred in the cave repairing the suits. She’s very good at sewing.

Selina is lactose intolerant, Bruce finds this hilarious.

Duke took dance classes sense he was eight. He can dance the waltz, break dance, ballet, jig, salsa, and a few others.

Bruce allowed Tim create the design of the newest bat tech.

Alfred enjoys his tea with sugar and crème, Damian of course likes sugar and lemon. They have weekly tea parties in the sunroom with Alfred the cat and Titus.

Dick has the most mixed playlist of songs. So, whether he’s on a steal out with Bruce, driving Damian to soccer practice, or even just cleaning his apartment by himself he’s got something for everyone.

Barbara loves Amy Winehouse, she plays her record several times a day in the Clocktower.

While on the subject of music, Tim can sing and it was very embarrassing when his family found out. Tim was in his room singing with his headphones on but his door was open and he didn’t realize how loud he was. Dick and Steph came across him singing. Stephanie record it and sent it to the group. Tim was embraced by his family for his beautiful voice and they wanted to hear more, but poor Tim wanted the world to swallow him whole. Jason can play guitar and Dick can’t sing well but he can also play guitar in addition to the bass.

Damian is able to find his family with little tech involved. The OG Titans came back to the tower after helping Donna with a mission and Robin was perched in their living room. He gave Wally a heart attack. Tim was having a game night with Conner,Bart, and Cassie and the scream Bart unleashed when they found Damian in the kitchen starring at the pizza boxes on the counter and questioned Tim on lack of a proper diet.

Clark has nearly broken the sound barrier twice over not being able to hear Bruce’s heartbeat. Luckily both times Bruce had to slow his heart rate to be near death to escape sticky situations and both were ended due to a worried Krypton.

“I wanted Red Claw to think I was dead, I had to slow my heart rate to throw her off.”

“AND YOU DIDN’T THINK TO SAY THAT TO ME, I WAS IN AUSTRALIA?”

Speaking of the Man of Steel, when Dick was freshly Robin and before Clark married Lois, the Boy Wonder tried to set up his father and Clark on several blind dates. Once he canceled a date of Bruce’s and rescheduled a business dinner for Clark and the two ended up on a romantic balcony date in Metropolis. They were both shocked and a blushing mess. It got worse when the waiter address the “Happy Couple” has was instructed from the reservation that Dick set.

Robin got an ear full the next morning from Bruce but to Dick it was worth it and even Alfred may have pulled a string or two.

Another time Bruce couldn’t watch Dick and Alfred was visiting London for the next week and Bruce had to Wayne Enterprises Event. He asked Clark if he could watch Dick for the night and of course he offered.

Not even five minutes after he left did Dick turn to Clark,”So, your dating my Father?”

Clark was as red as his cape and he tried to explain to Dick they are just friends. “Whatever you say Clark, but just curious would you take his last name or will he take yours? Because honestly I don’t see why you can’t use both—“

Clark cover his face as the young bird continued to show his support for his favorite ship.

“Are you also gonna adopt me too now?”

“Okay, time to see what time your Father’s coming back.” He sighed.

[yuri-is-online]

I've got a theory question for tdb (bear with me, I've blazed through story so remembering the beginning is a little difficult)

So at the beginning, the anomaly we met was actively texting us right? Said something about how they've "been waiting to see us" or somethin like that

Which we know anomalies can be sentient (especially if we run with the theory with towa). And I dunno, I wanna loop in the time loop theory somewhere here. If we go with the idea of mc being the girl in the tower and her jumping before a loop maybe, then what (or who) is the anomaly we met?

I've been going through the tdb tag to see if you've mentioned it yet and no one has asked, so I figured I would bc I like bouncing theories... I need to hop on tdb reddit

SO I lurk in the discord server some people on the reddit put together and it was pointed out there that shortly after that happened the dev's other game had a Rapunzel themed event 💀💀💀 so that's what the line about the girl in the tower was likely referencing since it makes sense someone like Taiga would "not be into that shit (i.e. not his game) at all." THAT BEING SAID I am so glad you brought up the anomaly in the beginning because there's some stuff about it I find interesting.

I went and took some screenshots from the summoning and the person who commented under that little theory was right in that the person who is falling does land in the woods, so it could be that whoever jumps off of the tower at the end of the loop does end up in the woods somewhere. It might mean nothing, but I'll hold onto this thought just in case.

Dorms rarely cooperate on missions, so Taiga and Haku being on one together is odd. Taiga also does not seem to have lines referencing Haku, but he seems to have given up on trying to escape the timeloop and wants "the others" to join him in his nihilism. I think this sort of goes with his being a gambler who says there is "no trick to winning you just have keep playing" but still desperately looking to the MC for "something I could do different" or a reason. He wants to have hope again but he isn't able to.

I personally think these "others" he talks about are probably Tohma and Romeo, Tohma because he seems to be one of the more active ones working to isolate the traitor and Romeo because that's his best friend. Oh and while I am on the subject of the traitor, someone brought up to me a crack theory about Luca being the traitor and I have seen some votes for Towa too. While I obviously think that it is almost certain to be Haku, I think there is a potential for a faction split between people who agree with whatever Haku's take on the ghoul's situation is and people who agree with Tohma. Luca is a very good candidate for someone who I could see being manipulated into siding with the "evil" side if he thought it meant it was the only way to protect his brother. Towa will go wherever Haru does, and I can't really see Haru siding with Haku if it involves hurting the anomalous creatures in any way. That and Haku seems very convinced that he's in whatever he's in alone.

But to finally answer your question/talk about what's been bugging me: the anomaly who curses the MC takes her into something that reminds me of a cursed domain from JJK and turns the scenery all red. And like you said they text her! Like it's been stalking her for a long time. I hope we get to learn about how Haku's flute works in the Hotarubi chapter because I want to know how and why he was able to take MC out of the anomaly's domain and return her to the train car. That almost made me think he could control it in some way... I'll have to level his affection enough to see what his pfp is in his texts because it it is remotely similar to the one the anomaly uses I will have a stroke.

As for what the anomaly is... it's profile picture is a spider lily and it uses the name "Mina" when talking to MC. It's head has roses, spider lilies and what I think are supposed to be poppies growing on its head. Apparently there is a Chinese legend about spider lilies and I keep seeing the same text copy and pasted everywhere about it, but I feel comfortable sharing what I found since I was able to find it on Wuhan University's English website: (x)

I imagine when we meet whatever monster cursed MC it will be a bit different than whatever is going on here, but MC is talking about how "if she knew it would end like this she never would have fallen for them in the first place." Sure she's just talking about how her favorite band just broke up, but maybe that feeling drew the spirit towards her since it is attracted to/preys on lost loves.

If I am allowed to cope a whole bunch here, I think it would make for solid timeloop building if MC's feelings weren't about the band at all, but about her lost love who jumped off the building at the start of the game. Since the loop has restarted she doesn't remember him, so she thinks her feelings are and directs them towards the band she used to love, but the strength of her disappointment comes from somewhere else.

Thank you very much for your question, it made me think a whole lot!

[crazyfandomluver]

I present my Posally aus and headcannons. Enjoy =D

Sally going to Olympus, or going to someplace where both Zeus and Poseidon are present in the same place, and the two brothers get into an argument. It goes live on HephaestusTV, for the channel ‘Two idiots attempt to insult each other’(The name is a work in progress). Sally gets tired after some time of it, grabs Poseidon by the ear in the middle of the argument, right when they’re at each other’s throats, and drags him away, and he does nothing to stop her. The other gods are beyond shocked and confused at how much Sally has the most powerful god wrapped around her finger. 

“Who’s Sally Jackson???” 

“Just the most powerful woman in the world who also happens to be a mortal.”

Sally showing Poseidon all the mortal things, like restaurants, dancing, parties, movies, making food, etc. Poseidon spends most of his time in the ocean, and he’s surprised and new to all of this. He’s a little self conscious about it, but he allows Sally to show him everything, and he makes mistakes pretty much every time. But he doesn’t get frustrated too often, because he has a love of his life, soothing him and urging him to try again. 

Poseidon is sleeping(for/with Sally because gods don’t need sleep) and suddenly wakes up from a nightmare from past trauma about being eaten by his father. He immediately tries to act tough. Sally assures him that she is not his family, and he doesn’t need to hide his himself from her. She pulls him into a tender hug and Poseidon lets himself cry/be weak in front of her

“Gods don’t get therapy, Percy. The truth is that there’s a lot of screwed up things happening in their lifetime and they’re just expected to move on and forget about it without help. But as you know, sometimes it can be hard to get away from trauma.” “Even for the gods?” 

“Even for gods.”

Poseidon realizing he’s in desperately in love as he watches Sally light up into someone for littering and leaving their trash all over the beach. As a king whose subjects are being killed by plastic, whose ichor is laced with oil due to his form representing the state of his domain, he appreciates seeing someone who protects the sea when he cannot 

Sally loved to steal Poseidons shirt. He has like, only one or two, and Sally often steals them all. So he tried stealing one of Sally’s shirts, and it was too small on him. He realized this too late and he’s trying to take it off without breaking it. This is when Sally comes in the room, who promptly starts laughing her head off. Poseidon turns red and eventually realizes (because he’s a himbo and we love him for it) that he can just teleport away to a different part of the room, and he does, and the shirt falls to the floor. He waits for her to stop laughing, and just stands there, shirtless, tapping his foot every now and again, looking like a red tomato with a pout. She looks up after gaining control of herself for a moment, and sees his face, then immediately breaks into another fit, knowing that she was the only few who he’d let laugh at him like this

“…. You done?” 

“… No🤣”

Percy is a pet dog that Sally got for her and Poseidon who Poseidon makes immortal. There is no forbidden child, Poseidon doesn’t have to leave because he can split his conscience without others noticing, and also there’s no rules against having relationships, just the kids. They live happily together because is that too much to ask for? (At least until Sally dies if she still decides to not join him. But I think she would in this au)

Poseidon comes to visit Sally every now and again when Percy is at school or at camp. They’ll watch movies together, cuddled up on the coach, with Sally already having seen most of them, but willing to watch them again, and with Poseidon enthralled and entertained by all the shows he hasn’t seen yet. He died on the inside when he saw Disney’s’ Hercules. 

“Poseidon? What’s wrong?”

“… literally EVERYTHING is backwards…”

Poseidon taught Sally how to defend herself, even sometimes letting her use his trident since as a mortal, she can’t unleash the power within it. 

~*~fin~*~ @posallys

[theperfectcinammon]

“Enjoy before I find you once more”

Summary: You had been separated from your only companion and friend, Aether after you two tried to escape the world "Teyvat". You did not expect him to change, a different one from the one you used to know

Characters: Abyss prince! Aether, Dainsleif

Paring: Abyss prince! Aether x Fem! Y/n

Warning: Small cursing. Ending is a bit rushed since I was losing ideas, might be rewritten if so. Aether literally turned from soft to emo in a second. 

{{A/N: My first ever writing! Not that great but atleast its finished, lasted till 12 at midnight. Might get rewritten. Rereading and I DO NOT Recommend my own work imao}}

Cringy writing below°

For as long as you can remember, you and your friend, Aether, had been sealed and separated due to an unknown god when the both of you tried to leave for reasons that you do not know

All you could recall was appearing in a white platform with strange pillars which looked like was in the sky

Thunders cracked out of the unknown then red star-like portals appeared, and before you know it - both you and Aether were engaging in a fight with the god that appeared before it. That is when you remember being thrown and blacking out,

Last calling for your friend's name and seeing the shocked and terrified of his face. You, however, started to doubt if you had seen his face turning to incredible rage. From your perspective, he's always so bubbly, every time he's angry - he almost looks like pouting, along with his cheeks puffed.

Rescuing Dvalin from his curse from the abyss order, fighting the legendary 11th Fatui Harbinger, saving Liyue from an Ocean god named Osial. Fighting a thunder god who you are indeed positive who’s shit for ruling over her nation.

You of course, vowed to find him through this world and go to another world with him to find your true home. You made such childish promise that you’ll fight heaven and hell for your dear Friend.

After traveling for months, almost a full year of not finding your friend. You were absolutely taken back when Katherine, described a person to you which had almost similar features as Aether. You immediately shouted, nicely, of the person’s description. Though, your hope shattered when she swayed her head and explained to you more clearly.

Through this, you have met a man called Dainsleif sitting on a table inside Angel's share. You tried to talk to him however you were ignored at first. You manage to hype a conversation with him but with a cost, but of course the cost was not that hard because you had collected this when you were out in the wild, or just exploring.

Soon enough, you, Paimon and Dainsleif became temporary Traveling partners. You learned about him searching for a abyss herald, which you highly volunteered to join, due to the fact that you may finally have leads to Aether.

Along the way, you managed to fish a Paimon

After a few days of him being your temporary Traveling partner, he then told you about him having once a traveling partner back in past, however there travels didn't last long.

Sensing how the atmosphere was in, you decided to keep the questions you had to not pressure.

There, you two bid farewell to each other before separating your own ways.

Somehow, you always wonder why he was staring at you with so much familiarity, even though you haven't met him ever in your life

. . .

Due to the intense presence you felt, you wasted no time on following and into a hidden domain you did not realize it was there all along

You manage to find the same abyss Herald from before, the same one who tried to bargain with Andrius.

Luck was highly not in your side when it decided to teleport away using the familiar portal, leaving you alone in the domain.

You could only growl and slightly curse when it manage to escape from you, if only you had ran more faster, you could have caught it and slashed it. It made you tick multiple times, it’s getting on your nerves.

Due to your inner thinking you were completely unaware of another abyssal portal appear behind you, footsteps ringing in the cobble floor. A voice called out to you 

“(Y/n)..?” A voice you never expected to hear all while this is happening. Your eyes widen as you turned around. Aether is smiling at you. Immediately, you rushed towards him and you hugged him tight. Tears falling from your eyes.

Aether returned the hug, squeezing you softly. He pats your head lovingly as you cried on his shoulder. “Shh.. It’s okay, I found you now” He cooed, continuing on hugging you close to him. Letting you cry out your emotions 

Where have you been?" "What happened to you?" Multiple questions were thrown to his way, yet your friend never cares and still continued to comfort you. He knows how sensitive you are, He can't just leave you alone.. after all

[ominous-feychild]

CHARACTER PROFILE:

THE EXISTENCE OF DEATH

'But perhaps… it's--it's better… to be happy… in spite of the bad…' - Death

Despite his name, the Existential of Death was an Existential even before Death awoke as an Existence. In other words, he's a dual-Existential—or an Existential of two different Existences—like the Existential of Order, who's also the Existential of Life.

Death's original identity has been forgotten—alongside his name, like the rest of the Existences—but his self-assigned role has remained in their memories: the altruistic psychopomp who helped reincarnate the deceased.

It is theorized that his previous role as a psychopomp is why Death joined him upon its awakening.

Death Itself only awoke as an Existence following the destruction of Reality by the Existence of Chaos, when billions of deaths occurred at once... and even more followed with the emergence of the Faewildes. Since then—and the countless deaths have died down—Death has become a much weaker Existence, focusing on minor domains of things like Rot, The Deceased, and Decline.

The Existential of Death has a distaste for his "new addition" and identifies himself as his previous Existence... but, alas, as his identity was lost to time, all we know of him now is his role as psychopomp.

... and his new identity as Death Itself.

Aka, we're calling the poor man Death from now on. A shame literally NOBODY WHATSOEVER knows what he actually is...

OVERVIEW:

Chosen name: {REDACTED}

As one of the forgotten Existentials from the Old World—the world that was before Chaos shattered reality—Death's name has been forgotten on top of his original identity.

Age: ???

An entity born before humanity was even conceived of, it's impossible to know his true age. It's even further complicated when you consider the space-time distortions caused by the Faewildes.

Species: "Human" / Existential

As an Existential god—the personification of something that exists—Death technically doesn't have a species. However, he resides within a human body.

Gender identity: Male (he/him)

Sexuality: Demisexual biromantic (with a strong preference for men)

Raw magic: (existential) ?̷̝͇̆̇̑?̵͕̟͋̈́́?̴͚͔͇́ , (existential) Death, (axiomatic) death, (axiomatic) the dead, (axiomatic) decay, (axiomatic) decline, (axiomatic) corruption, (axiomatic) disease, (axiomatic) earth, (axiomatic) cold, (axiomatic) peace, (axiomatic) darkness, (...)

Applied magic: Thanks to his alternate identity as the Existence of ?̷̝͇̆̇̑?̵͕̟͋̈́́?̴͚͔͇́ , Death is an extremely proficient telepath. He can easily break into the minds of others as well as slip through extremely well put-together mental shields without the user noticing.

Death primarily uses his telepathic abilities to check to see if the ghosts of the deceased are ready or willing to move on to their next life, though he occasionally uses them to communicate with his fellow Existentials or the living who ask for him directly.

(Though, actually all the Existentials are capable of telepathy with one another. The only ones capable of it with others—and of passing it to those who hold their power—are Death and Chaos.)

Additionally from his identity as ?̷̝͇̆̇̑?̵͕̟͋̈́́?̴͚͔͇́ , Death is able to neutralize, nullify, and control others' magic.

Besides his telepathy and abilities over others' magics, Death's abilities are largely unknown... because he hasn't explored them for reasons relating to his original identity. He is infamous amongst the Existentials for being 'the weakest Existential' due to this and the relatively low strength of the abilities he has been able to present.

Death is still capable of the same things that all the other Existentials are: telekinesis, transmutation of objects, and teleportation. Unlike the others, he doesn't have the same limit to his abilities; the other Existentials require usage of their specific Existence to achieve the desired affect. Death can use anything.

Not that it matters much when their Existences are plentiful and practically everywhere.

In spite of that, while most Existentials each have their own “pocket dimensions”—and Order, the other dual Existential (Order/Life), has two—Death only obtained his own pocket dimension when the Existence of Death joined him.

The problem? It’s a dull, lifeless world… devoid of anything worth keeping.

Tier ranking: Existential

As a dual Existential, he is a manifestation of the consciousnesses of both ?̷̝͇̆̇̑?̵͕̟͋̈́́?̴͚͔͇́ and Death Itself. He is completely unkillable due to the fact that he is not the body he resides in, though you could certainly kill the body itself.

It's just... not a good idea to try.

Maybe he'll be merciful. But none of the others will be.

Status in Existential War: Noncontender; Death was one of the few Existentials who opposed the War until (and after) the last vote bringing it into action. His few avatars were eliminated early on, saw little to no combat even while 'in action', and he's yet to replace any of them in the centuries that followed.

However, Death is close friends with Cold, who is at a tense stalemate with the rest of the Existentials. She’s often given a wide berth due to her aggression toward those active in the Existential War, general inactivity when undisturbed, her highly-skilled avatars, and her penchant for “stealing” some of the highest-tiered avatars from the other Existences.

Their friendship has seen Cold often coming to Death's defense and assisting him with most problems he encounters with the other Existentials.

Similarly, Death has awkward friendships with the Air and Magic Existentials, who'll occasionally back him up or offer him assistance without requiring the exchange of “favors”—aka the godly “IOU” currency used by the Existentials.

Death has a notable, specific distaste for the Existentials of Order, Chaos, Fate, and Storm.

Spokespiece: N/A; as a skilled telepath, Death has no need of a spokespiece.

If he's not able to use telepathy for one reason or another, he will appear in person.

General appearance: As a dual-Existential of ?̷̝͇̆̇̑?̵͕̟͋̈́́?̴͚͔͇́ and Death, he technically does not have a traditional form. However, he has long-since had a portion of his consciousness residing within a human body.

Death takes the form of a short (5'2 / 157 cm), overweight dark-skinned man with close-cropped hair. He tends to shrink on on himself—close in his shoulders, lower his head, bring his arms into his torso, and sometimes even bring his legs together—when interacting with other people.

Death often avoids eye contact, avoids looking at other people altogether, and constantly finds something to fidget with while engaged in conversation. He has a preference for speaking telepathically, as he speaks with a stutter that worsens with anxiety, but often neglects to mention it due to the inherent privacy concerns involved in telepathic communication.

Personality: Once upon a time an optimist, "Death" has long since been worn down by the rest of the world and turned into a pessimist.

"Death" is generally a very soft, careful, and considerate person... who can't help his social awkwardness or desperation to escape interacting with other people. Still, he does his best to be kind and empathetic with everyone... though those with particularly egregious inclinations earn his ire and coldness.

He is slow to anger and even slower to show it, but the few times "Death" has snapped?

... the individual(s) who earned it was(/were) never the same again. Assuming they survived.

Or that there was anything left of them.

Despite his status as an Existential god, "Death" is deeply insecure and often neglects his needs to help other people. He's extremely overworked and depressed thanks to his self-assigned role as the universal psychopomp, but continues to maintain the job because 'if {he doesn't} do it... nobody else {would}. Whether because of lack of ability... or desire to'.

"Death" deeply dislikes his new identity as Death, viewing it as a curse, a reminder of the destruction of reality and the deaths that followed it, and hating how it's made many others think of him as "one of the worst things to ever Exist".

However, "Death" manages to find joy in the study and process of taking care of plants of all kinds. He can most often be found attending to greenhouses around the world—both belonging to him and otherwise—although he'll next to never still be there by the time you join him.

Also, this man is almost certainly autistic, like many of my earliest-made characters...which... it's almost like this is saying something about me... NAHHHHHHHHHH!!!

Fun fact: While reality and the Faewildes were still stabilizing, "Death" did an immense amount of studying Magic Itself—though he backed off when Magic emerged as an Existential.

In the early days, "Death" and Order worked together using their inherent antimagic abilities to help reduce—and outright negate at times—the Faewildes' damage on the world. Their joint efforts were a majority of the reason it only took several hundred years for reality and the Faewildes to mostly separate from one another.

It's unknown if "Death"'s hatred for Order started in the days they worked together or after—or what even caused it—but the end of their cooperation was abrupt and absolute.

Any single wish: To see the Existential War and avatar system end

Greatest fear: Failing the people relying on him

CHARACTER QUOTES:

"I want to meet 'the other Existentials'." "Th-then I-I don't know what y-you're doing he-here. I'm--h-hardly one m-my-m-myself…"

(telepathically) 'It's... the least I can do.'

"Does that count as permission?" "... it--w-won't for long..."

(telepathically) 'It's not uncommon to hear my name… most people use it as a curse…'

(telepathically) 'They want my power… if--if someone else had it… they'd go after them, too…'

"So why do you like gardens so much?" "The-they're... peaceful. It...'s... nice to list-listen to the plants... "Th-though... I-I gu-guess th-they—g-gardens—aren't... ex-act-ly my f-favorite... i-it's... a-anywhere with nature..."

"I-I would app-preciate it i-if you ga-ave me my space."

"I… co-could l-lend you m-my book…?" "And who's to say you're not going to change what it says?" (Sheepishly, with a hint of bitterness:) "Th-there's a 'rule' ag-gainst that... it--it's a... a 'major' one..."

Taglist: @honeybewrites @the-golden-comet @illarian-rambling @ashirisu @urnumber1star

@the-letterbox-archives @48lexr @aalinaaaaaa @thecomfywriter @paeliae-occasionally

@words-n-chaos; ask and ye shall be added

Black-space banner by @cafekitsune Following banner by @saradika

[azari-31]

Two worlds collide - Namor x OC/reader

A/U: so.... it's finally here. Im bad at writing a romantic non angst things, cuz i love angst. I had no idea how to write some scenes, but maybe in a few weeks i'll update it with this missing scenes. For now - enjoy this "masterpiece". Sorry for some mistakes, but i'm not good at english as i want to be. the end. now...

Enjoy!

words; 3700-ish

She hid behind the column and prayed to any deity to stay unseen. Tears ran from her eyes and a silent sob escaped her mouth. She wanted to come back home, to hug her mum. She wanted to reunite with her mother! 

The blue people were killing everyone one by one. Screams of guards and priests hurt her ears. She covered them with her small hands, but it didn't help much. That was horrifying. Unconsciously, Azula called to her magic and a fire ring appeared around her protecting her from anyone.

Soon after everything ended. 

Screams and yanking of steel; everything went silent. The only sounds were grunts of dying soldiers. Girl managed to open her eyes and looked at the battlefield. Flames slowly went out and left a burned mark on the ground.

A young boy looked at her and offered his hand. He spoke something to her in an unknown language. Terrified, she was looking at him for a relatively long time until one of her fellow prisoners said to her. 

-He's asking you to join him. - the closest woman translated the newcomer's words. - He said he sees your talent and that he can provide you with shelter. 

-Why? - she turned to this boy and the chains on her ankles crunched. Azula felt as the blood flowed down from wounds. She was weak. Very weak. Girl stumbled, but quickly regained her balance. Chains weighed her down and irritated her wounds. Pain was almost unbearable. She clenched her teeth.

In a matter of seconds one foreign warrior came to her and broke her shackles. With no word she grabbed the warrior’s arm and rested all of her weight on him. Girl didn’t even notice K’uk’ulkan walking towards her.

-Friends? - she looked surprised at the boy's hand and then at him. He wanted to be her friend? It was strange and uncommon for her. 

She took a glimpse at the surroundings and finally answered:

-Friends. - flame in her eyes ignited with joy in her heart. 

~*~

Many years have passed. Azula has excelled at magic as a witch. Her body was adjusted and used to do more demanding and experienced magic. A curse of fire in her blood was still a problem, but thanks to Namor it wasn’t that much of a problem. 

After all these years her friendship with the king of Talokan grew stronger. They were inseparable. They could end each other’s sentences like they read their minds. This bond was something they needed. Both of them had time and no biological family to love. Two kids from different worlds – the surface and underwater. Something no one could think would work. Their feelings grew stronger and suddenly they couldn’t live without each other. 

Azula was doing some ancient ritual when Namor came out of the sea. Spirits of the dead were surrounding her and the campfire. It was the time of year, when the spirits of ancestors wanted to meet with the living ones, but in Azula’s tradition it was about giving power to the dead. Her clan believed spirits had to consume their descendants’ magic to be able to survive. 

Namor sat down on the rock silently and watched her moves with admiration. This woman was graceful and delicate despite the power that was surging inside. He saw a few burns and wounds from her fire. They made beautiful marks like tattoos, but painful. Many times he had to tend to her wounds, because she was exhausted.

-I got you, Mi Reina. - he said as he caught her. The love for her was so strong. 

-K’uk’ulkan. - a smile appeared on her face at the same moment as she saw his face. - Thank you.

-You know I could burn the world for you. - he caressed her face and kissed her forehead. 

-It’s my thing, Elio. Your domain is water and stick to it. - she winked with greater smile.

~*~

She barged into the ruined throne room right after M’Baku. She looked around and her eyes stopped at one point. There he was, in the broken window, looking at the young crying princess. For a second she laid eyes on the floor and saw Ramonda’s unconscious body. From that moment everything went silent.

-Bury the dead. Mourn your losses. You’re the Queen now. - Suddenly, the meaning of Namor’s words came to the witch. One look at the scene; Shuri stopped by M’Baku, Okoye and Nakia trying to resuscitate Ramonda and Riri. This was enough for her. K’uk’ulkan looked at Azula for the last time before he decided to go back. Her rage turned into blue-ish flames covering her arms.

-Estas muerto, Namor. - she threatened and sent a fireball at him. Before Namor disappeared, she could see the betrayal in his eyes. When he was already gone, she snapped out of trans and didn’t think twice of what she was doing. The flames vanished spontaneously leaving her skin burned.

Okoye was still trying to resuscitate Ramonda, but her efforts were in vain

-She has passed. - silent words came out of Nakia’s mouth. Everyone heard it, but not Azula. Witch forced her whole body to move. As she was close, she pushed Okoye away and kneeled beside Ramonda. Azula took a knife out of her pocket and cut the inside of her hand. Then she put it on the queen’s chest, tainting the material of the dress.  

-It’s not too late. - Azula said to herself. - There’s still hope. I feel her spirit. - she wiped tears away from her face and started some incantations. Her voice was cracking, breaking every few words. Even breath control didn’t help. She put everything in that spell; her emotions, feelings, even her soul. Damn it, she would sell it to Satan himself if she could. She couldn’t fail this time, she just couldn’t.

Witch felt the curse kicking in, but it didn’t stop her, even made her sacrifice more for a friend. The feeling of her magic devouring her from inside was excruciatingly painful. At some point she heard her scream. Azula forced every molecule of her body to do as she commanded. The flames subtly covered Ramonda’s body and pumped life energy inside.

Suddenly she encountered a void. An empty vessel without even the smallest signs of life. Azula’s magic hasn't had anything to become an anchor. Nothing worked. Even draining from her life forces didn't help. Flame in her dangerously dimmed inside.

Like behind the mist, she saw Shuri crying over her mother's corpses. She failed. Again. Tears started to flow from her eyes and blurring her vision. Drained out of energy, Azula barely stood up by herself. She looked at the ruined throne room and tragedy in front of her before she left them. She had unfinished business with someone. 

~*~

Azula entered Namor’s chamber like it was her own. Inside she encountered his third-in-command. They weren’t friends for a long time, but now this “not caring about the other” turned into hatred. 

-Leave us alone. - she commanded with her strong voice, but the warrior didn’t even flinch. Commander waited for her King’s reaction. He nodded and the talokanian warrior left the room. From now on they were the only people inside. The silence between them was terrifying and tension was almost touchable.

-Long time no see, Zaz… - he wanted to greet his friend, but didn’t have a chance. She pushed away his hands. Next thing she did was attack him verbally. 

-Cut that shit, Namor. We both know what you did. 

-So it's no longer 'Mi Corazón'? Not even Elio? - he asked playfully, with a little bit of sarcasm. But under this facade he hid the little fear. She had magic in her possession. Five hundred years of magical experience and knowledge. 

-You attacked Wakanda against our agreements. - The witch's voice was harsh and washed from emotions. - The country of my beloved friend! 

-They didn’t pick a side and that was my warning. And now I need you to help me destroy them once and for all. - the calm in his voice sent chills down her spine. For a moment she forgot how dangerous he was. Underwater, in his domain, she had low chances for winning in a direct fight. Of course Azula could beat him, even kill him, but it required time. And he wouldn’t give her that in a fight. 

-You killed their Queen! - she shouted, but her voice seemed flat, once again washed from any form of emotion. Her eyes were piercing his very soul. He wanted to flinch, but his pride didn't let him. When he looked at her, in her irises he saw something that he didn't think he would see again. It was something primal, something wild and untamed. Something from her past.

-That was necessary. And I don’t owe you any explanation. - he said and looked away from her piercing gaze. It was often fascinating, but this time it was paralyzing. Sometimes he felt like beneath Azula’s skin a monster was hidden. Like she was a monster in human flesh. Or rather unsatisfied, ferocious flame.

-I can curse you forever and you will never experience the feeling of water again. - she started her tirade on him. She didn’t even try to hold her magic anymore. She wanted to do a scary spectacle. - I can make you as weak as the human race is, even weaker than them. - woman threatened him with magic focused in the palm of her hand. 

Her fingers touched his skin subtly as the magic tightened its grip on his throat. Suddenly he felt like his power and vitals left him. The feeling lasted only for a short amount of time, but it was strange, almost frightening for him. Now he knew Azula thrived as a magic user and was much more powerful than before, when she left Talokan and him for the surface world. But still he didn’t know her full potential, neither did she. 

-Even then I will not change my decision. - he hissed through his teeth. He couldn't let her know how scared he was. - My people will follow me and do everything to protect Talokan. - he answered with confidence and calm worthy of the greatest king and warrior. 

-You’re ready to start a war with the surface? - Azula was surprised by the decision of her friend and the idiocy of the plan. But the rage was more powerful and it quickly covered every other thoughts and emotions. - Fully knowing the consequences of not having an alliance with Wakanda? Or any powerful ally? 

-I won't make a pact with them anymore. They had their chance. - he turned to the paintings and it looked like he studied it for a moment. The picture showed a short story about how Azula met him and became the Protector of this city. And his heart. - And they rejected my offer.

-Why? - she asked while holding her anger and grief in check. They both knew bad emotions were the best fuel for her dark magic, even better than sacrifices. He learnt it the wrong way a long time ago and didn't want a reround. 

-One of them killed a guard. - as the meaning of words came to her, she looked at him stunned. Someone didn’t tell her all the facts and truth. She knew Talokanil meant everything to Namor. He could do anything for them, even die if that meant he protected them. The fact that someone killed one of his subjects was terrifying. For sure it was Nakia, because Shuri and Riri had no weapons to execute anyone. - That is the real reason for my aggression towards Wakanda. That’s how Talokanil and K’uk’ulkan return the favor.

-Tell me one thing. - she asked, fighting with the urge to destroy something and crying from helplessness. She kept her composure with the last piece of energy she had left. - Why am I not even surprised by what you want to do? - the pain in her voice was almost touchable for the ruler of the underwater kingdom. - You killed their queen, destroyed their capital and you want more?!

-I'll bring justice for my people.

-That’s not justice! That was pure revenge. - she hissed. Magic flames almost covered her irises for a brief moment. And yet he took a step towards her. 

-I must secure Talokan’s future. That was always my goal and you knew it from the beginning of our relation. - K’uk’ulkan answered confidently, trying to keep his emotions and feelings hidden. Now he wasn’t sure about which side Azula picked. Just in case, he must’ve been prepared for everything. - And Wakanda will be our warning for the surface world. 

-I could kill you right now ‘cause of your broken promise. - she warned him while she stepped further from him. The feeling of her magic surprised him again. It was climbing from his feet. They looked deeply in each other's eyes fighting a wordless battle. The face of a man she loved so deeply for years; now she didn’t recognize it, like it belonged to a completely different person.

-We were friends once. Why can’t we go back to those times? - he asked, and his look softened. He tucked a strand of her hair in his fingers and gently put it behind her ear. She knew he was trying to make her choose him, but she already decided. - Join me and … - he started, but the witch stopped him in the middle of the sentence. 

-In the name of the friendship we once shared, from the respect to each other we once had I won’t kill you this time. - she said and turned her back to him. She made a few steps to the doors, but stopped about 1 meter in front of the exit. - Next time we’ll meet on the battlefield… We won’t fight on the same side. And I won't be that merciful as I am today. - K’uk’ulkan noticed gathering tears in her eyes. Instincts forced him to wipe them away, but he resisted this urge. It wasn’t appropriate and wanted by her. It would end terribly for both of them. 

-Azula… - he tried again, but he failed once more. All his thoughts were focused on this woman and how he could persuade her to stay with him and fight by his side. He couldn’t lose her as an ally, but mostly as a friend. Not because she was powerful, but because she was the closest person he had after his mother. But something she said next broke his heart into a million pieces irrevocably.

-You really are a niño sin amor. - she said before vanishing from Namor’s chamber. A one single drop of tear rolled down her cheek, but she quickly wiped it away. Today she lost two of her friends. How much must she lose before she can live peacefully? - she asked herself while she went back to her room in Wakanda's palace. She only prayed that the upcoming war won't end by his or Shuri’s death.

Why does she always have to suffer? Why can’t anything go strictly as it was planned? And why does it always involve hurting someone close to her?

~*~

She sat alone on a rock for a long time now thinking about everything that happened. She knew she did everything she could, but couldn’t help herself. She blamed herself for Ramonda’s and T’Challa’s deaths. She could prevent those events from happening, but she failed. And now she had to pay the price.

-Zaz? - he asked, surprised while walking out of the water. He didn’t expect her coming to Talokan nor even calling him ever again. They were enemies with a shared, and maybe for her, unwanted past. But there she was, waiting for him.

-You came. - she smiled slightly. Namor could only see her right profile. Her eyes were directed into the sunset. The beach she chose meant something to both of them. They met here for the first time and became friends. 

-You called. - he answered and took a few steps in her direction. He stopped right in front of her and sat beside the rock. They watched the sunset together in complete silence. Instinctively she put her hand on Namor’s head and started playing with his hair.

In this precise moment there was nothing else, but them and the setting sun. He gently put his head on the side of her thigh. Namor just wanted to be a normal man, even for a short while. And all that mattered for her was to be with him. 

-Mi corazón. - she whispered, still looking at the horizon. It felt like they went back in time, when they were just lost, abandoned kids. - Do you remember our talk about our lifespans? - he nodded in agreement. - I wasn't entirely honest with you that day. 

-What do you mean? 

-You can live for about how many years more, huh? It's gonna be at least 500 years. We don't know that. - she shrugged without any other move - On the other hand, I knew that you would outlive me. I use dark magic and this type of magic focuses on sacrifices, like plants or animals. Or the user's life force. I did it to extend my life, but it was only temporary. I always knew that.

-But you perform sacrifices every time. You were very cautious about it. - a sad smile showed on her face for a second and quickly faded.

-I told you this a long time ago and I'm gonna tell you again. Every… 

-What did you do? - he asked, scared of what she could do or already did. He couldn't afford to lose her now. Nor ever.

-...thing has a price. And I didn't pay the price for defying death twice.

-What do you mean by "defying death"? - he asked, terrified. As the last words came out of his mouth, Azula turned to him and showed her full face. The left part was missing. It looked like it was burned. Namor looked at her in shock.

-Year ago I tried to bring T'Challa back to life. It didn't go well and from that moment I balanced between life and death. Second time was right before Shuri took the throne. I struggled with resurrecting Ramonda, but that went even worse than I expected. - she spoke last words shyly, like she didn’t want to admit it to him. Admit that she failed. Even if it was his fault.

-How long… - the man tried to ask, but he couldn't say anything.

-I have a few minutes, maybe less. - she replied shortly. - If it's about how long I hid this from you and others… - she pointed at the scarred part and tried to smile, but it didn't work. - More than a year. It became worse after T’Challa’s failed resurrection.

-No… - Namor said, still not believing in Azula's words. 

-You craved for an answer why I called you today. So here it is. I wanted to see my old friend and the love of my life for the last time. - she smiled slightly. Her answer seemed honest and genuine; no hooks or hidden meanings.

-I asked you once if you could be Mi Reina. - he smiled and joined their hands together. It felt good, like they were meant for eachother. 

-And I said 'over my dead body'. - woman chuckled quietly. 

-But you already were the queen of my heart. - He confessed and looked at her. In her eyes he saw joy and tiredness. Both feelings were fighting with each other for dominance, but neither could win. For now, all she felt was overwhelming joy. She'll die in the arms of a man she loved for so long. 

-Can I ask you for something?

-Anything for you, Mi Reina. - he couldn’t hold back his tears anymore, but he had to. That was her goodbye to the world and to him. And he couldn’t stop it.

-Try to love the surface and its people. They've changed, the world has changed. And you will find someone worth trusting. Just give them a chance. - she asked him. All she ever wanted was to be with him. Just like now, only two ordinary people, no more nor less. But that was a dream, and her dreams never came true.

-You are the only part of the surface world I love. - his attempts to hold his tears failed. Soon one tear ran down his cheek and after this another came. It shocked Azula to her core. Last time she saw Namor crying was after his mother’s death.

-But not the last. - her words were full of hope and kindness. He couldn’t believe how she could be so kind and happy and hopeful in her last moments of life. He barely believed that moment existed and it was real.

-I always loved you, Mi Reina. - he said with a fading smile. He did not hold back his tears. - And I always will. - he gently put a kiss on her forehead. 

-See? They were wrong. - she smiled through her and his tears. - You can love. - he watched as she took her last breath and her eyes closed for eternity. Her grip on his hand loosened up and the heart stopped beating. With tearing eyes he hugged her dead body to his own. All those years lost because of thought he knew better. Her death was caused by his selfishness and not listening to his best advisor. The flame in her was gone. And with that his last piece of love for the surface world.

~*~

He already missed her heartbeat and her smile. Her true happy smile. Everyone he loved was dead. But Talokan still existed. And with it her flame and dream did too. That was the only thing that mattered now.

The funeral ceremony was made with great respect.Talokanil farewelled her like a Queen, whom she was for them. He wanted to bury her underwater, near him and his people. But that was his selfishness speaking.

Long time ago she confessed to him about her wishes of last destination. She mentioned one place. A small city by the sea, near Alicante. Her hometown. That, he remembered. And she deserved this, to be buried in her ancestors’ home. Nevertheless, she deserved to live even more. 

-K’uk’ulkan. - Namora greeted her king. Even she felt grief. Azula gave her heart to this kingdom and its people.

-Yes?

-Queen Shuri is asking you to take Azula’s tomb. What shall I say?

-That I’m going with them to make sure her last wish will be executed properly. - Namor commanded. He took a glimpse at the mosaic of him and Azula. Kids from 2 different worlds marked with violence for the rest of their days. Even after 5 centuries he would do the same thing; he would still ask Azula to be his friend. And he would finally ask her to become his queen.

[sharoscylla]

it's been over a year since BG3's full release so i'm gonna say it

i don't think myrkul actually did resurrect isobel thorm from the dead. based on her description of what happened - and the facts that in that same cemetery they made a point of having a tomb with someone wearing Boots of Feign Death + malus had that sharran paralysis amulet - I think she was put in a form of Feign Death either by an agent of Shar, Shar herself, or Malus as a way to prod ketheric into joining malus in shar worship. (also that shar specifically didn't let isobel die JUST to spite selune and melodia who would naturally be waiting for isobel in the afterlife) I think it's as simple as somebody realizing 120~ years later that she only SEEMS dead in there and lying their ass off to convince ketheric that they resurrected her instead of waking her up, with myrkul backing up the lie because honestly he doesn't have very many active worshippers at any given time, and none so powerful as ketheric is or was.

i also don't think isobel is ketheric's only child! dialogue + ingame journals make it pretty clear to me that gerringothe and thisobald are ketheric's chlidren, based on the fact that they're more elfish than isobel and ketheric I'm guessing those two maybe had a different mother than isobel, and ketheric was a shit dad but neither selunite or sharran even though his uncle malus was a sharran. Ketheric meets melodia, converts to selunite worship for her, eventually they have isobel and he's supposedly a pretty good dad to her, which, you know, probably raises the hackles on his adult children who had to live with a cruel and demanding father. thisobald had his own terrible shit he was up to prior to being trapped there forever in the shadowcurse, but other than being a bitchy embezzling boss gerringothe was just... trying to save up money to flee town and never come back, and the shadowcurse trapped her there before she could find the courage to actually make the leap.

speaking of which, the thorms are czarr-levels of incest coded. I know I've been saying I'll write the Thorms Were All Molested By Ketheric And Malus manifesto for a year now, but that will have to wait for when I'm slightly less busy. ... or, well, it'll feature in the Ripley Savage AU, but they're just now getting into the Underdark in that one, so, you know, it's a ways away.

This is not Gortash Apologia (...probably just a bit) but do you really expect me to believe Zariel went "Yeah sure, I'll take this 21 year old tiefling with no specific skillset that's exactly like a million other mortals, and not only will her soul not be in danger from this deal but I'll make sure she doesn't die of shit that would normally kill a person to death, just so i can spend a couple years grooming her into a super strong warrior that will do cool tricks for a few years before her inevitable mortal demise, at which point i still won't have possession of her soul so it'll be fucking off to the fugue plane at that point, here's A Big Pile Of Super Rare Infernal Metal I Invented During My Reign Over The Last 130-140 Years, I'll also let you study the blueprints of the guy who is designing her heart engine because that's definitely the kind of information I want floating around the Material Plane where anybody could get their hands on it/you".......... no man. I think Gortash paid/convinced Zariel to take Karlach and make her strong. Zariel probably did not want Raphael building himself a stronghold in what should have been her domain, so I can believe that they came to an agreement as a way of mutually spiting or undermining him, and I think - considering the steel watchers were just in the prototype stage when Florrick last was in Baldur's Gate within a tenday or two, i do not believe for a second gort just sat around on the materials and plans for a decade without *starting* the project - that he didn't actually get his hands on the plans or materials for the watchers until his durgeheist much much more recently, say 1-2 years ago at the most. "But karlach said Zariel said XYZ when-" zariel lied. why would the archdevil of avernus be the one telling the whole truth here. at that moment Gort was Karlach's Main Person (her parents dead, she flat out says she loved him and respected him and was happily building her life around being his trusted bodyguard) and Zariel needed to make sure Karlach would be easier to control re: depending utterly on Zariel to survive etc. once she had the engine installed it'd be even easier to control her - soul coins, keeping her in the middle of the blood war front lines instead of screwing around asking questions or making alliances - and of course, zariel couldn't have known that karlach was ultimately indomitable, even if it took a decade for her to slip her chains.

I know... I know, it was already the product of years of labor, and stuff like multiple act 3 storylines didn't end up getting the amount of attention they deserved... but i wish there was a magical item crafting system beyond "1 sussur weapon/eye of the absolute spear/mourning frost/exactly 2 grymforge items"+alchemy. We found all that mundane jewelry and all those gems and I don't care if it would have all been mid equipment, I want to have been able to make the campers all wear matching Rings Of +1 Besties. I also hunger greatly for "hey, if you're going to spend 30+ hours in Act Three anyway, and you have the money for it, why not just buy an apartment or house for you and the squad and decorate it as you see fit" + the fallout 4 style settlement creator post-game. Even if I couldn't get past the level 12 cap I'd still be out there hunting monsters to make my village safe + get supplies to make my village/house cool looking + attract stronger villagers. please let me create a city-state. i desire it so much.