#before story time: it's not offensive if i put young girl right? if it is i will change

[sebscore]

gen z!reader is this sweet, bubbly, bright ray of sunshine who could honestly do no wrong, so I'd love to see a fic where in a driver's meeting gen z!reader loses their shit and calls out the FIA for their blatant sexism and misogyny in front of everyone and everyone is shocked cause they've never seen them gets this mad before.

NO ONE LIKES A MAD WOMAN

pairings: f1 grid x driver!reader (+ cameos from brundle, susie and buxton) 

warnings: sexism. fia is fia'ing. swearing. my own unaccurate ruling of penalties (it's for the sake of the story, just go along with it). susie mothering. it wasn't sure to me who conducted the driver's briefing during this time so I just picked a random name from the many that I came across. 

author's note: less comedic one this time, hope you enjoy it anyway! 

masterlist

• • • • • • •

''Alright, thanks for clarifying, Checo.'' Derek concluded, glancing down at his journal to see what the next topic of discussion was. 

The director scratched his voice before addressing the drivers again. ''Uhm, we also wanted to remind everyone to be wary of what they say in the media regarding our organization,'' he stated, ''the FIA has the feeling that there have been deliberate attacks on them the last few weeks and they are willing to give out penalties if it happens again.'' 

The drivers looked at each other, confused by the sudden declaration that the FIA has been receiving ''attacks'' from the drivers. ''Can you give an example, because I think I speak for everyone when I say that I'm confused.'' George spoke up, the others nodding along to his question. 

Derek flipped through his papers, trying to find the notes his colleagues had given him regarding the ''offensive'' comments that had been made against them. 

''Oh, here,'' he put on his reading glasses, holding the piece of paper farther from his face, ''the comment they're referring to was one made by… Y/N at the previous race.'' 

The young woman's head sprung up at the mention of her name, clueless as to how she could have upset the FIA. ''What? W-what did I say?'' She managed to stutter out, all the eyes on her making her feel uneasy. 

''Uh, you were asked about the diversity in the sport and you said, and I quote: 'The FIA should do more regarding women in motorsport, there are still many things that need to be changed.' End quote.'' Derek answered her, putting his paper back in place. 

Y/N frowned at the man. ''I don't see what's wrong with that, to be honest.'' She told him, failing to see how the FIA would feel this was a ''deliberate attack''. 

The director sighed, already getting the suspicion the woman would not be happy with what he was about to say. ''Certain members of the board were offended by your words, because they saw it as you accusing them of being sexist.'' 

The silence in the room was deafening, every single person awaiting Y/N's reaction to Derek's clarification. The drivers took a glimpse at her, trying to read the indifferent expression on her face that didn't give much away about how she was feeling. 

''They think I'm accusing them of being sexist? What I meant was that they should take more actions in encouraging young girls to get into racing- I don't understand how that would correlate to me calling them sexist.'' Her usual cheerful tone was replaced by a monotone voice that almost scared some of her colleagues. 

Derek took a deep breath again. ''Well, they felt like you were insinuating it and they are offended by the alleged insinuation.'' 

''Just because they are offended doesn't mean they're right.'' She bit back, not missing a beat. 

''I'm simply delivering their message, Y/N,'' the director told her politely, wanting to remind her that he's not the person she should be upset with, ''anyway- if you go up there and apologize for your comment, they're considering leaving it as a warning for you and also the others.'' He finished the list of notes they had given him. 

The reaction from the room wasn't one he was expecting; absolute outrage. 

''She shouldn't apologize for that neither should she be penalized for it.'' Sebastian was the first one to speak up, directly looking Derek in the eye. 

The drivers agreed. ''Yeah, it's called freedom of speech.'' Max added, also not seeing why Y/N should go down there and say sorry to the members of the board. 

''Like I said earlier, I'm simply delivering their message.'' Derek repeated himself, feeling the tension and frustration growing in the small space. 

''But don't you see how ridiculous this is?'' Sebastian rebutted, hoping the man at the front could at least agree with them and say that it was indeed a weird request. 

Derek shook his head. ''I'm just the middle man, Seb,'' he sighed, turning his head towards the quiet female driver, ''Y/N, make it easier for yourself and go up there after the meeting, you don't want to receive a penalty for something like this.'' 

''I'm not apologizing.'' Her voice comes out strong, not in an aggressive way, but in a manner that lets everyone know she's not backing down. ''Give me as many penalties as you want, I'm not accepting them.'' She crossed her arms, indicating she was sticking to her words, almost stubbornly. 

The other drivers looked on proudly, glad she was standing by her belief and didn't give in simply because it would make everything ''easier''. Lewis gave her a nod, subtly letting her know he supported her and had her back. 

''Alright, then that will result in a fine of a number that is yet to be determined.'' Derek picked up his pen and wrote down that she would not come by their office, already knowing his colleagues wouldn't be happy with it. 

''Just so you know- I'm not paying that.'' Y/N said, matter-of-factly. 

Derek looked up from his journal. ''If you refuse to pay the fine, we can either add a grid-place penalty or a time penalty.'' He recited the rule as if he had done it a million times before. 

''Derek, this is stupid,'' Kimi decided to voice his opinion, ''the race shouldn't be affected, because of a comment she made that had nothing to do with racing in the first place.'' He defended her, allying behind her stance to not accept any of the penalties they give her. 

''I'm just doing my job, Kimi.'' 

''I also want to just do my job, Derek, which is racing, but these ridiculous rules to silence me prevent me from doing that.'' Y/N argued his response, just wanting him to see her point of view. 

The director's hand went over his face, seemingly wiping his agitation away. ''No one is trying to silence you, Y/N.'' He quickly answered. 

''That's why all the other drivers receive penalties whenever they question the FIA, right?'' Her comment must have shut him up as he solely put his pen down without saying another word about the matter. ''Yeah, that's what I thought.'' 

Y/N felt her presence wasn't longer necessary as she stood up from her chair, ready to leave the room and join her engineering team in preparation for the upcoming race. However, Derek felt different about that. ''The briefing isn't over yet, Y/L. Sit back down, please.'' 

''I'll see you at the next meeting, Derek.'' She ignored his plea and walked towards the door. 

The director stood up from his desk at the front. ''Y/N, if you leave before it's done, the board will-'' 

''The board can kiss my ass.'' 

''Y/N Y/L RECEIVES A 20-PLACE GRID PENALTY AHEAD OF THE 2021 SPANISH GRAND PRIX DUE TO DAMAGING REMARKS AGAINST THE FIA'' 

''FIA RE-EVALUATING Y/N Y/N's PENALTY AFTER BACKLASH'' 

''FIA SUSPENDS GRID PENALTY OF Y/N Y/L DUE TO AN ERROR'' 

The day after the driver's briefing had been quite eventful to say the least. As soon as the FIA announced that she had been given a penalty, the backlash from drivers, fans and reporters started. 

Lewis had condemned their decision claiming it was based on nothing and that nothing about her comment was an attack on the organization. His teammate, Valtteri, followed him in his opinion stating: ''Drivers should be able to say what they want to say, she doesn't deserve a penalty for that.'' 

Sky Sports F1 reporter, Martin Brundle, also came to the driver's defense. ''If we're going to punish drivers for stating their opinions, we might as well get rid of the entire sport, especially if what they're saying isn't far from the truth.'' 

After finishing P5 in the race, Y/N spoke to Will Buxton in her post-race interview. ''You must be very happy with your result today, considering you almost had to start from the very back of the grid.'' 

''I'm content with today's race, obviously would have loved a podium but Mercedes was better today,'' she chuckled, ''yeah, it wasn't fun waking up to that news, but I'm happy that it was reversed and the support I received was just- wow, I'm very grateful for everyone.'' 

''According to some sources, it got pretty heated in the driver's briefing on friday- would you like to clarify?'' Will asked her. 

A sarcastic laugh left her mouth. ''I would just like to forget about it, moving on is the best thing to do right now.'' She smoothly avoided the question, figuring she shouldn't make the FIA more mad by airing out all their business. 

''Alright, thank you so much for talking to us, Y/N and congratulations on your race today.'' He nodded, bidding her goodbye. 

On her way back to her team's hospitality, she was stopped by none other than Susie Wolff. ''Lewis told us what happened during the briefing- I'm very proud of you for standing up for yourself, not everyone could have done that.'' 

''It was so awful, Susie,'' Y/N hugged the older woman, ''it's like they just wanted to give me some sort of punishment- I don't even want to know what would have happened if I went down there by myself.'' Susie rubs her back at her words, also not wanting to think about what could have gone down. 

''It's okay now, honey,'' they pulled apart, Susie's hand staying on her shoulder, ''by the way- did you really say that the board could kiss your ass?'' 

Y/N laughed at her question, excitedly nodding her head. ''At first I wanted to say something like 'the board can stick that penalty right up their ass’ but I needed a cool getaway so I opted for something shorter.'' 

''Atta girl'' 

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[mizuki80]

Chapter 4: A Princess Grown

Warning:Blood, fighting, gore, a bit of nudity

Word count: 4.8k

Note: In this chapter I will be making Viserys live a little longer, and moving the petition the day of their arrival for dramatic effect and Rhaenyra agreeing to not leave right away to Dragonstone and making Cregan Stark make an early appearance in the next chapter, cause I was thinking that Aemma should have her own little love story. Sooooo hope you guys enjoyyy some family fun time while it lasts.

Masterlist

Previous - Next

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Chapter 4: A Princess Grown

In the skies of Spine, you will be able to see two dragons flying along with their riders, at the age of five and ten, princesses grown into fine young women, their beauty captivating everyone that lays their eyes upon them. 

“I win again.” Visenya said as she watched Aemma land beside her

“It is not fair,” Aemma said “Silverwing is a much leaner and faster dragon, as for Vermithor, is more muscular, look at him.” motioning to her dragon

Visenya giggled patting her dragon

“I mean that no offense, sweet boy.” Aemma said patting Vermithor

As the twins walk into the morning room, they find their parents, with breakfast being served. Both girls walked pass their father, their arm was suddenly grabbed.

“You girls are late,” their father said “ and smell of dragon.” he said with a teasing tone making the girls giggle as they sat.

“Girls, I have some news…” Their mother said. Both sisters look at each other wondering what their mother will say.

“We will be going back to King's Landing,” their mother informed them. “ There has been a petition by Vaemond Velaryon, for the succession of Driftmak, and we must show support to your aunt and cousins.”

“We will be leaving on the morrow.” said their father “Your cousins and aunt are said to have arrived today.”

Aemma looked at her sister seeing she had a blank expression on her face. Visenya hasn't thought of Aemond since their last letter 4 years ago, not knowing how to feel.

“And your grandsire has also planned to hold a grand celebration, since we will all be under one roof once again…..” Their mother said, the girls feel as if there will be more to it

“There will also be Tourneys and hunts….” their mother said “Which you Visenya will be spending the day with the winner of the Tourney” earning a laugh from her sister “And Aemma will be spending a day on whichever lord hunts the largest beast.” their monster said as she sips her tea

“What! Mother! You can not be in earnest!” Aemma said, clearly not pleased

“It was your grandsire’s idea, it will be announced during the feast.” their father said “And I think it is about time you girls look for suitors of your own, since you girls are becoming wonderful and beautiful young ladies.”

“If it is what grandsire wishes…” Visenya said, pausing, “The I will accept.” nudging her sister

“Fine…” Aemma said, still upset, “But I will not be enjoying myself, I’ll do it for grandsire.”

~ In King’s Landing ~

 Princes Jacaerys and Lucaerys can be seen entering the training yard, looking around and remembering all the memories they have made when they were younger.

“Luc, come on” Jace said quickly walking down the stairs to a wall “ See?” Looking at his brother as he motioned to the wall “I told you this would still be here.” making Luc glance at where his brother was “And you thought you could swing Criston’s morningstar.” make the two boys smile at the memory. “And you almost took your head off.”

As they inspect all the weapons laid out in front of them. Luc can not help but notice the eyes that are on them, making Jace see there is something wrong “What’s your problem?” Asking his younger brother

“Everyone’s staring at us.” Luc informs his brother, as Jace points a sword at him as a joke before putting it back. “ No one would question me being heir to Driftmark…if…” he paused “If I looked more like Ser Laenor Velaryon than Ser Harwin Strong.” saying in a hush tone making sure no one hears, getting Jace’s attention.

“It doesn’t matter what they think.” Looking at his brother

Loud Cheers can be heard behind them getting their attention. As they walked toward the crowd trying to see what was happening. They were able to see their uncle, Aemond training with Ser Cristen making the two boys remember all those years ago.

With the end Aemonf being the champion making Ser Criston look pleased and everyone clapping. “Well done, my Prince.” Ser Criston said praisingly “You’ll be winning tourneys in no time.”

“I don’t give a shit about tourneys.” Aemond says “Nephews…” seeing his nephew in the crowd “have you come to train?” taunting the two Velaryon boys. 

“Open the gates!” they all hear a knight yelling

Seeing Vaemond Velaryon enter the yard making Luc nervous as he gets stared down by his Uncle.

~ Time Skip ~

Aemma can be seen laying down on Visenya’s bed as she reads her book on the bay window. As the maids were packing her things for their voyage.

“I do not get why we are treated as an auction cow, ready to be sold.” Aemma said looking at  the ceiling as she complained

“Leave us” Signaling to the maids “Father said that it is only a reward not a betrothal…” Visenya said not looking up from her book “There is nothing to worry about.” 

“But still, what if it is.” Aemma said, worried as she stands and takes her sister’s book.

“Father would never allow anyone to make us wed the first lord that asks for our hand without our consideration.” Visenya said, getting up looking at her sister as she took her book back.

“Girls, time for bed.” their mother said as she entered Visenya’s room “We have an early morning tomorrow.” telling her daughters “Come on Aemma…To your room,” Saying to her younger twin daughter “I’ll be there shortly.”

As Viseya made her way to her bed, she made herself comfortable. She cannot help but think about what Aemma said.

“Mother…” she called out “ The tourney… it is just a promise for the day, correct?” Visenya ask

“Yes, my sweet,” Kissing her daughter’s head “only for a day, me and your father would never promise you girls without your thoughts.” sitting down next to her “We just want you to know other lords, that is all, nothing less, nothing more, only being acquainted” 

“Alright, mother.” Smiling at her mother as her father walks in “Good night”

“Your other daughter is calling for you,” Rhaegor informing his wife

“Sleep tight,” kissing her eldest daughter once again

“We have a long journey tomorrow,” Kissing his daughter good night “Get some rest.”

~ Time Skip ~ 

The following morning they set off to Kings Landing Leaving the crack of day, their mother would not let the girl ride dragonback saying “You must look presentable,” so they do not have a choice to sail to kings landing with their dragons flying above them.

As they got off to the ports and onto the carriage and arrived at the Red Keep, she remember fond memories she made as she and her family walked to the throne room.

As everyone gathered in the throne room, all hearing the doors crack out before hearing a knight yelled out “ Lord Rhaegor of house Baeltheos, Lord of the Spine Island, Master of swords and steel and His lady wife, Princess Visaera Targaryen.  And their daughters Princesses Visenya and Aemma Baeltheos.” Her grandfather has stepped down from the possession and handed it off to his only son, wanting to spend the little time he had left with his family, and watching his granddaughters grow. As they walked down the aisle all eyes were on them, especially on Aemma and Visenya, as whispers fill the room about the girls and how they have grown to be even more precious then the crown jewels. As they made their way to the front of the throne room before bowing in respect for the Queen and her family. Visenya can feel an eye on her, on her way up she made eye contact with him, the once young boy she had been close friends with now a man, she can not lie that she feels a certain coldness to him. Breaking her focus, as her mother Princess Visaera held out her hand to her sister as they made their way at their side. Now looking up at the king’s hand as he made his way to the Iron Throne.

“Though it is the greatest hope of the court that Corlys Velaryon survives his wounds,” he pauses as he looks at all who are present “ We gather her with the grim task of dealing with the succession of Driftmark. As Hand I speak with the King’s Voice on this and all other matters.” He said as he sat down on the throne, making her mother scowl. “The crown will now hear the petitions. Ser Vaemond of House Velaryon.” Calling out to Driftmark’s second son.

As Vaemond made his way to center not before looking at Rhaenyra and her children “My Queen,” pausing before looking at the throne “My Lord Hand.” greeting the King’s Hand nodding at him to continue “The history of our noble houses extends beyond the Seven Kingdoms to the days of Old Valyria,”  as pausing and looking at Visenya’s family “As House Baeltheos well know.”  He said looking back to the Hand “For as long as House Targaryen has ruled the skies, House Baeltheos ruled the lands,” Pausing “House Velaryon has ruled the seas.” Emphasizing his house “When the Doom fell on Valyria, our houses became the last of their kind… Our forebears come to this new land, knowing that if they were to fail, it would mean the end to their bloodlines and their name…..”

Visenya starts to space off in her mind as she tries to listen to the petition, still feeling Aemond looks at her with a smirk on his face. Visenya tries to ignore him.

“Visenya has grown to be a Fine young woman…” Aegon said in his brother’s ear “Lords across the land will line up to get a taste of her and her sister.” 

This made Aemond want to skin his brother alive, but he did not want to make a scene of her ignoring him and focusing back on Visenya. Making eye contact with her once again. Before Princess Rhaenyra interrupted, breaking their contact to look at her.

“As it does in my sons, the offspring of Laenor Velaryon.” the princess said sternly “If you cared so much about your house’s blood, Ser Vaemond, You would not be so bold as to supplant its rightful heir. No, you only speak for yourself and for your own ambitions.” Looking at Ser Vaemond 

“You will have a chance to make your own petition, Princess Rhaenyra.” interrupting the Princess “ Do Ser Vaemond the courtesy of allowing his to be heard.” the Queen said

Vaemond turned to Rhaenyra and his sons with an amused smile on his face “What do you know of Velaryon Blood, Princess?” pausing and holding his arms up “ I could cut my veins and show it to you and you still wouldn’t recognise it.” He said “This is the future and survival of my house, not yours.” looking at Lucerys before turning “My Queen, my Lord Hand. This is a matter of blood, not ambition. I place the continuation of the survival of my house and my line above all. I humbly put myself before you as my brother’s successor… the lord of Driftmark and Lord of Tides.”

“Thank you, Ser Vaemond.” The hand said “Princess Rhaenyra, you may now speak for your son, Lucaerys Velaryon.” looking at the Princess

Rhaenyra letting go of her sister’s hand before squeezing it made her way to the center of the room “ If I am to grace this farce with some answer, I will start by reminding the court that nearly 20 years ago, in this very –” stopped and turned to the doors

Princess Rhaenyra was cut off by the doors of the Throne room opening with a the Knight shouting “ King Viserys of House Targaryen, the First of His Name,  King of the Andals, and the Rhoynar, and the First men,  Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm.” Everyone turns to the King, while the Hand stands and Queen Alicent is shocked by the unexpected appearance of the king.

“This just got interesting.” Aemma said whispering to her sister earning a shush.

As they watch the king approach the throne stumbling his way down and up to the throne, and Visenya and Aemma struggle to watch their grandsire in such a state,

“I will sit the throne today.” Viserys inform his Hand as returned but stumbled

Hearing his crown falling to the ground. Everyone watched as Daemon went up and help his brother to his throne and placed the crown back on his head, before stepping back.

“I must… admit… my confusion.” said the King “ I do not understand why petitions are being heard over a seattle succession. The only one present… who might offer keener insight into Lord Corlys’s wishes, is the princess Rhaenys.”

“Indeed your Grace,” Princess Ryaenys said as she stepped forward “It was ever my husband’s will that Driftmark pass through Ser Laenor, to his true born son..” pausing “Lucerys Velaryon. His mind never changed. Nor did my support of him.” Saying finally setting a clear view to Lord Corlys’s wishes “As a matter of fact, the Princess Rhaenyta has just informed me of her desire to marry her sons Jace and Luc to Lord Corlys’s granddaughters Baela and Rhaena. A proposal to which I heartily agree.”

“Well… the matter is settled… again. I hereby reaffirm Prince Lucerys of House Velaryon, as hear to Driftmark, the Driftwood Throne, and the next Lord of Tides.”

Princess Ryaenys returned to her place next to Baela before Ser Vaemond approached “You break law… and centuries of tradition to install your daughter as heir. Yet you dare tell me… who deserves to inherit the name Velaryon.” Everyone in the room can feel the atmosphere start to thicken, “No. I will not allow it.”

“ ”Allow it”?” the King asked, “Do not forget yourself, Vaemond.”

“That is no true Velaryon, and certainly no nephew of mine.” Vaemond yelled out

VIsenya looks between him and the King, as her aunt told his sons to go to their chambers.

“Lucerys is my true-born grandson. And you…” the king said as he looked at Vaemond “are no more than the second son of Driftmark.”

“You… may run your house as you see fit, but you will not decide the future of mine.” Vaemond said withrage in his voice. “My house survived the Doom and a thousand tribulations besides, and Gods. I will not see it ended on the account of this…” pausing

“Say it” 

Visenya hears her Uncle Daemon say quietly and she turns to look at Vaemond waiting with anticipation as he looks to where her family and Aunt stood.

“Her children… are bastards!” 

He finally yelled out as it echoed through the walls, Visenya looked at the king but noticed Aemond’s smirk grow larger.

“And she… is.. a…Whore.”

Everyone gasps at what he just said, the king stood up pointing his dagger at Vaemond “I… will have your tongue for that.”

But before anyone could do anything Daemon with one swoop of his sword cut Vaemond’s head clean off with only his tongue intact,blood spewing out of his head, as his eyes remain open.

“He can keep his tongue.” Daemon said 

Everyone was in shock at what just happened, however Visenya and Aemma were not too shocked at the gruesome scene in front of them. Their father had showed them countless executions that happened in Spine saying “You girls must be prepare to witness such dark affairs not only being kept in the light”

“Disarm him!” the hand yelled out

“No need” Daemon spoke bluntly

Aemond was very amused by the turn of events…. He was even more amused on not seeing Visenya and her sister hide away from such a scene, only seeing a blank face on the two girls.

The king groaned with all the stress and his condition as the queen yelled out to call the maesters.

“I will not cloud my mind, I must make things right.”

With that everyone was cleared out of the room.

~ Time Skip ~

It was night time the twin girls are taking a bath together preparing for the Family dinner the King had requested.

“That was certainly quite an eventful turn of events don’t you think… sister?” Aemma turned to Visenya

“It was something alright.” looking out of the window

“Well I must go to my chamber and get dresses, I will see you at dinner.” Aemma said standing up and given a robe by the servants as she exits Visenya’s rooms

Visenya dismisses her maids telling them she will call once she is ready to get dresses. She closes her eyes enjoying the songs of the quiet night, hearing crickets singing, and the winds blow out of her window. 

She hears footsteps.  “I said I will call once I am ready to dress.” Visenya siad

“Shall I wait outside then?”

She heard a male voice, it was so familiar yet different at the same time. As she turned and made eye contact with the man she had been anxious to see and talk to once again. 

“You should not be here, it is most improper….. Uncle.”  Visenya said as she watched Aemond make his way in front of her.

“You know how I hate whenever you call me that.” Aemond said, looking straight at her pale blue-green eyes.

“Would you prefer “My Prince”?” earning a scuff from him “We have not spoken in years, I believe it would be improper addressing you by any other name other than your titles.”

“Spare me the bullshit..” Aemond said “You’ve grown beautifully I might say.” as he handed her, her robe

“So I’ve been told,” reaching for it but Aemond pulled back, earning him a scuff. “Are done playing your games,” She said not caring anymore and stood up slowly and grabbed her robe and stepped out of the tub, wrapping her robe around her body. Aemond smirks at the sight of her naked body, seeing that she had also grown in all the right places.

Visenya made her way out of the bathroom and let her hair down, as Aemond followed close behind her, as she grabbed her hair brush and turned shocked at the close proximity.

“What do you want?” Visenya said clearly getting irritated, but still held her composure

“Can I not say hello to my childhood friend after not seeing or hearing from her for the past 4 years…” Aemond said looking at her

This caused Visenya to laugh “You were the one who stopped talking to me….” she said clearly angered “You started first, stopped sending letters, while I sent countless amounts… you distance yourself from me…. So I stopped trying.” She said walking away from him but was stopped as he pulled her close “Let go” she said 

“You left! What did you expect me to do ....” Aemond barked back

“And you promised that no matter how far we will always be friends, and sent letters no matter how difficult it may be.” Visenya looked up at him, “You have changed, you’re so much colder now.” she said as she looked into his eyes looking for the boy she once knew and adored.

He said softening his hold onto her “I grew up”

They stared into each other's eyes, Visenya… for that one moment found that boy she loved, that boy she spent countless hours in the library with, that boy she comforted after his cousins and uncle played cruel jokes on him. For that one moment, they found eachother again. Aemond places a hand on her cheek, they slowly move closer to each other, lips about to touch.

“Princess, are you ready to dress?”

This caused the two to break away, “Yes, just one moment.” Visenya yelled out “You must go.” turning to Aemond stepping back to open the door.

~ Time Skip ~

Visenya made her way to the dinning area where her whole family waited, she could feel Aemond following her every move as she sat down between Baela and Aemma. Everyone was there, the only one that was missing was The King, her Grandsire. They all waited in silence, thickening the atmosphere. She tries to avoid Aemond’s eyes but finds herself glancing back at him every moment.

A couple of minutes later her Grandsire made his entrance, being carried by his knights. Everyone standing out of respect. Before he sat in between his daughter  and wife.

“How good it is… to see you all tonight…” Viserys said, looking around the room “together…”

“Prayer before we begin?” Alicent aid looking at her husband 

Everyone folded their hands together as the queen said the prayer, Visenya can feel Aemond staring at her, eye borrowing whole on her head, but she just glasses and ignores him. 

“My the mother smile down on this gathering with love. May the smith mend the bonds that have been broken for far too long. And to Vaemond Velaryon may the gods give him rest.”

“This is an occasion for celebration, it seems.” pausing as he looks at his nieces and grandsons  “ My grandsonsJace and Luke, will marry their cousins, Baela and Rhae, further strengthening our houses. A toast to the young Princes… And their betrothed.”Everyone raised their glasses, he eyes gaze upon his granddaughters Aemma and Visenya 

“All of you well know…. I have arranged a grand celebration… for our reunion….” Viserys said “A grand feast will be held tomorrow….”

Both Aemma and Visenya knew what was about to come, a grand joust and hunt…. Will be held… for my granddaughters….” looking at both girls “Your mother I assume told you of the prize for the winners, for the joust and hunt?…” asking the girls

Bothe girls looked at each other before Visenya said “Yes, Grandsire….” pausing as Aemma squeezes her hand “And we will accept, if it pleases, Your Grace.”

“Very well then… I will announce it during the feast….” Smiling at them “My two have you two grown to be even more precious than the crown jewels themselves.”

Everyone shared glasses on what prize they talked about, only Aemma, Visenya, the King, and their parents knew.

“Thank you… grandfather.” Aemma said

“Well done, Jace.” You’ll finally get to lie with a woman.” Aegon said with a hush tone, however Visenya was able to hear it.

“I see you have not changed, Uncle.” She said while taking a sip from her cup

“Let us toast as well Prince Lucerys…the future Lord of the Tides.” Everyone takes a sip of their drinks once again

“You do know how the act is done, I assume? At least in principle? Where to put your cock in all that.” Aegon said once again

“Let it be cousin.” Baela said

“You can play the jester if you wish, but hold your  tongue before my betrothed.” Jace said earning a nod from Aegon

“You have not changed one bit…Uncle.” Visenya said sipping her drink

Everyone turned as the King stood up “It both gladden my heart and fills me with sorrow to see these faces around the table. The faces most dear to me in all the world… yet grown so distant from each other… in the years past.” Viserys grabbed his mask and took it off, “My own face is no longer a handsome one…”

Visenya and Aemma were both shocked at how their grandfather’s condition was worse than they had thought.

“If indeed it ever was. But tonight… I wish you to see me… as I am. Not just a king… But your father. Your brother. Your husband. And your grandsire.” Viserys said as he looked at every single one of them, “Who may not seem…. Walk for much longer among you” He said as he drops his mask “Let us no longer hold ill feelings in our hearts. The crown cannot stand strong if the House of the Dragon remains divided. But set aside your grievances… If not for the sake of the crown… then for the sake of this old man.. Who loves you all so dearly” he said seating back down

Everyone remained quiet, before Princesses Rhaenyra and Visaera stood up.

“We wish to raise my cup to her grace, the Queen.” Rhaenyra said, raising their cup as Alicent looked at them.

 “We love our father. But we must admit that no one has stood… More loyally by his side than his side than his good wife. ” Visaera started holding onto Rhaenyra’s hand

“She has tended to him with… unfailing devotion, love, and honor. And for that, she has both of our gratitude…” Rhaenyra paused, looking up at Alicent before saying “and my apology.” she said as she and her sister sat back down.

“Your graciousness moves me deeply, Princesses. We are both mothers… And we love our children. We have more in common than we sometimes allow.” She said looking at Visaera and Rhaenyra, mostly at Rhaenyra before standing. “I raise my cup to you and to your house. You will make a fine Queen.” Alicent motion to Rhaenyra. As everyone took their cups and drank 

Aegon however finished his in one sip, before making his way to where Baela and Visranya sat whispering “I.. I regret the disappointment you are soon to suffer. But if you ever wish to know what it is to be well satisfied, all you have to do is ask.” looking at Baela before glancing as Visenya and Aemma as they look heard what he said “You nieces are also welcome.” 

Jacaerys stood up abruptly, slamming his hand on the table and as did Aemond too stood up staring each other down, before Jace patted Aegon on the shoulder and raised his cup “To Prince Aegon and Aemond. We have not seen each other in years, but I have fond memories of our shared youth. And as men, I hope we may yet be friends and allies. To you and your family’s good health, dear uncles.”he said as he sipped his drink earning praise from his Grandside.

“I would like to toast to Baela and Rhaena. And even my dear nieces Aemma and Visenya, they too will one day get married soon. It isn’t so bad. Mostly he just ignores you… except sometimes when he’s drunk.” Helaena said, making both Visenya and Aemma feel bad for her.

“Let us have some music.” The kind said

Everyone started eating, as Jace stood up to dance with Helaena. Everyone started laughing  and conversing with each other, Visenya started to laugh as Aemma told thair cousin a story, everything seem to be all in peace, as she looked around smiling and watching Jace and Helaena dance, she cause the eye on Aemond, she offered him a warm smile before turning away.

Viserys looks around at his family, his children and grandchildren laughing together, he found contentment, and piece. But he also felt pain, getting the attention of Alicent motioning the guard to take him back to his chambers to rest. 

 Servants bring in more food, and a whole pig, causing Jace and Luc to smile. Visenya and Aemma knew what about earning a glare from the twins. Making them jump as Aemond slam his hands on the table.

“Final tribute to my nieces, as they have grown into fine, beautiful, brave and smart young women.” He said mostly looking at Visenya then turning to Jace and Luc “And to my nephews: Jace, Luc…. and Joffrey Each of them handsome, wise… and strong.”

“Aemond” Alicent to his son warning him

“Come…let us drain our cups to these three… Strong boys.” Aegon and Aemond raised they cups

As all hell broke loose in the dining room, Visenya shook her head in disappointment. As Aegon slammed Luc down on the table, making all of them stand up and Aemma putting Aegon in a standing arm lock pushing him down to the ground, making Aegon yelp out of pain. As the fight broke, Rhaegor told Aemma to let go, but only pushed Aegon further to the ground, before letting go. Rhaenyra ordered her children and step children to go to the rooms as well  as Visenya and Aemma.

“Rhaenyra.” Alicent  said as she approached her

“It’s best, I think, if we go back to Dragonstone.” informing Alicent

“You’ve only just arrived. Your father's word so hard arranging all events soon to follow on your and your sisters arrival.” Alicent said, looking at both Rhaenyra and Visaera, as she takes Rhaenyra’s harm.

“Stay until the festivities are over, then you may do as you wish.” Visaera said, holding her sister's other hand.

“Very well then… we will stay, until the festivities are over.” Rhaenyra agreed , making both women smile.

“The king and I would both like that.” Alicent said, All three women shared warm smiles, like they did in their youth.

[nemaliwrites]

⭐star⭐ please!

woohoo another free for all! i have been having Dahlia Thoughts lately so let's talk about The Dose Makes the Poison!

so the idea for this fic partially came about because of the connection to rappaccini's daughter, and the other part came from the source of his story, the legend of the vishakanya, who are described as: young girls were raised on a carefully crafted diet of poison and antidote from a very young age, a practice now referred to as mithridatism. Although many would not survive, those that did were immune to other poisons, and their body fluids would be poisonous to others; sexual contact would thus be lethal to other humans. There also exists a myth that says a Vishakanya can cause instant death with just a touch.

so. yeah i saw that and my brain went !! dahlia. it was very awkward to keep googling 'poisonous plants and their symptoms' for this fic - apologies to my fbi agent. and, like. obviously poison is a metaphor here. morgan literally turning her daughter into poison vs metaphorically poisoning her against the world, raising her into the kind of woman that would kill to get what she wants - just like her mother....

there's a lot of different dynamics at play in this fic - and even more if you consider the sequel! for morgan, who would do whatever it takes to gain power, it only makes sense to turn her daughters into living weapons (although it has to be pointed out: morgan never once drinks the tea herself, so really, is she doing whatever it takes?). a lot of this fic also goes back to what i discussed here about plants and the connection they have to spirit mediums - especially with dahlia referring to the plants as her 'sisters', that comes directly from rappaccini's daughter!

it doesn't show up much in this fic, but a lot of the point of this lil duology is the idea of choices, of having two paths before you! phoenix, especially, is the best example of that. he could have chosen the antidote like iris did, but he actively chose to become more poisonous. and that really comes back to the whole 'the dosage alone makes a thing poison' idea! there were a thousand times when dahlia, and by extension phoenix, could have turned back and stopped, but they didn't. they just kept upping the dosage.

A village where the living carry the dead with them. A village where family does not love each other. Kurain is a village of opposites. -> um. yeah no notes. the inherent tragedy of kurain. but opposites can be taken both ways! maya and pearl choosing to love and support each other when the main and branch family are opposites!

sooo much contrast between iris and dahlia throughout this fic - iris taking only a sip and making a face while dahlia swigs it all down just to prove she can.

That’s the advantage of having twins, Dahlia thinks. If one of them drops dead, you always have a spare. -> yea

mother has gotten creative -> this is so horrifying to me. creative in the ways she can hurt her daughters - not kill them, they'll be no use to her dead. all she wants is to bring them to the brink of death and keep them there. mother of the year, anyone?

a lot of dahlia's characterization and the way she views herself all comes back to poison too - the way she does things subtly, behind the scenes, grinning and bearing it until it's the right moment to strike. you know what they say: poison is as poison does.

“Do you think I like seeing you both like this?” Mother continues. “My own daughters? Do you think I kill you every day for my own pleasure?” Mother is fond of trick questions. -> i don't think i've read this fic since i posted it but damn. it fucks.

What good is channeling ghosts if you may become one yourself at any moment? But if you yourself are poison, then you are protected from it. It is offense and defense at once, sword and shield put together.” -> an interesting idea, because technically, this is how dahlia uses it. but if you are poison, are you truly protected from it?

and dahlia resenting iris but at the same time, they're all they have! no one else knows this pain like your twin! no one else will press their feet against yours as you sleep!

“But what, Iris?” Dahlia snaps. “If you don’t want the tea, don’t drink it. It’s that simple.” “I have to,” comes the reply. "If I didn’t, I couldn’t resist you. If I didn’t…you would kill me.” I could kill you anyway, Dahlia thinks but does not say. -> yeah. iris resenting dahlia back, even if she doesn't let herself acknowledge that feeling. the two of them having the exact same level of power, but iris knowing that dahlia is still stronger. that there's no use fighting back.

dahlia hating morgan so much but still poisoned by her advices. repeating the 'mother was right' all through her life, seeing her mother and hearing her advice everywhere she goes, even when she tries her best to not want it!

Mother was right again: there is nothing that a man likes more in the world than to take something that is not his. -> ironic, isn't it? when has a man ever taken something from dahlia at this point in her life? it will be the other way around - the diamond, the pills. diego's life.

all their father did was INHALE the tea and it was enough to almost kill him! these girls are so fucked up!

Out of the two of them, Dahlia always thought she was the one who was more like Mother, and that’s what everyone else said, too. That was never anything that she was proud of, though. It was just a fact about her, like her name or her status as a twin. Like her lack of spiritual power. -> this is such an interesting concept to explore imo, especially considering we don't get to see much of either morgan or dahlia in canon. how far does family resemblance go?

does iris know that dahlia didn't drink the tea?

Dahlia can’t help but notice that he’s avoiding using her name. She knows why: he can’t tell his daughters apart. -> father of the year, anyone?

Dahlia begins to cry. It’s necessary to fully convince him, but as everything in her life does, this too comes with a price: her tears are poisonous, and even she isn’t immune. The teardrop burns its way down her cheek. -> proof that morgan was wrong!! being poison doesn't mean you're protected from it!

She asks Father if she can start a garden, mostly to keep up the ruse that she’s searching for an antidote. He tells her that’s a good idea, mostly because she knows he thinks it’ll help her get her mind off of Iris being gone. Spoken, she thinks, like a man who has never had a sibling. -> dahlia being so full of contradictions...sending iris away and immediately missing her....

A weak man cannot live for long without a woman by his side. Father lasts a month before he remarries. -> this is so funny. their dad is such a mystery to me. nameless guy.

Mother had told her much about boys and love. The dosage makes the poison, after all, and Terry’s love for her will be his poison. -> yeaHHHH

Maybe some part of him, even subconsciously, knows that she’s poison. Humans have an innate survival instinct, after all. She wonders if he can tell by looking at her. That’s part of the reason she dyed her hair red. The most toxic animals are the most brightly colored, after all — and Dahlia is the most toxic of them all. -> yeah YEAH dollie dying her hair red to tell people what she is...she did her part in warning them, didn't she? is it really her fault if they don't listen?

Her fingers rest on one of the love poems he’d brought over — his favorite, he’d said. If I am the grass and you the breeze, blow through me. -> blow through him she will. the grass can't do anything to the breeze, can it? the power imbalance is all too obvious.

That night, she fills her necklace with her own blood. -> part of the fun with this fic was reframing all of the times dahlia uses poison in canon. it's so interesting to me how that's her weapon of choice, and it had a lot to do with the idea behind this fic

“I understand your need for alone time,” she says to Dahlia one day. “It’s amazing that you’ve figured out a routine like that so young. I’m older than you and I still haven’t!" That’s because you and I are nothing alike, Dahlia thinks. That, after all, is the difference between a stepmother and a real one. -> YEAH. hating morgan but KNOWING how alike the two of them are!

Poison is as poison does. Poison adapts, and poison survives And poison is all about timing. About biding your time and waiting for the perfect moment. If Valerie wants to have tea so bad, then one day, she will. -> yeah. this fucks. i like glossing over dahlia's murders as a way to show how little they matter to her! she spent more time thinking about the fly she killed than the two human being!

But when she wakes up, despite the pain, she’s happy — or actually, it would be more accurate to say she’s happy because of the pain. Because pain leads to growth, and growth leads to improvement. This is what she needs: to push her own boundaries. This is what it means to grow up; she doesn’t have dear old Mother to do it for her, so it’s time for her to do things for herself. -> dahlia baby you are SO fucked up

No, she needs to move on to something stronger. Something that should be, in theory, harder to kill than a simple fly. Something that’s just one step above a fly on the food chain. And lucky for her, she finds that something: a defense attorney. -> this is so funny

Since he isn’t really dead, what will happen to him when he wakes up? Is it possible, she wonders, that he could be poison too? -> and THIS! this is so fascinating to me. so much potential for another spinoff tbh - is godot poison too?

A defense attorney who’s too stubborn for his own good is one thing. Take that guy and make him poisonous? Dahlia might as well have just slit her own throat then and there. -> heheheheh...foreshadowing...

But it seems Cousin Mia has a few more tricks up her sleeve than last time. She hasn’t been skipping her daily teatime either — though her tea is laced with law books and contradictions. Maybe that isn’t so different from Dahlia’s. The dosage makes the poison, after all. -> yeahHH fey family resemblance....

hitting the char limit on this so thank you for the ask!! <333

[raspberrysunshinebby]

The Four Betrotheds

A Two Choices story

Pairing: Eris x Reader

Summary: Hundreds of years before High Lord Beron’s death and the meeting of Azriel stood a young girl, 23, who was attempting to be married off for her families sake. A good marriage was the only thing a women at the time was taught to do for her family. When four of her engagements fall through in the span of three years the girl is called “cursed”, little does she know, the failed engagement's have nothing to do with her but instead the son of the High Lord and her childhood friend.

Warnings: sabotaged marriages, childhood friends to lovers, Beron, Idk its mostly fluff, mention of a child being married off to an older man (Mor and Eris), cycles are mentioned (fun fact I started mine when I was 8), a character name I stole off House of the Dragon, sexist themes and views from characters

Word Count:  5260

As my brothers told me that my betrothed would not be attending the ball this evening meant to celebrate our engagement it hit me that I, once again, was not getting married. The fourth time this had happened and I had truly hoped that this would be the last time I’d been betrothed. None of my previous engagements had made it this far, two fleeing to marry other women they had truly been in love with and the other one who simply stated that he did not wish for my hand despite my large dowry.

I sat on one of the seats in my brother's office. My brother Silas sat in his respective chair as two of my other brothers, Cardan and Flint, stood by me their hands on my shoulders, finally, Prescott was busy trying to hunt down the Lord I was supposed to marry in four days' time. Prescott was always one to try and fix a situation with force.

I sat there in my brother's office, not sad, but instead embarrassed. Guests had already arrived, including High Lord Beron, the one that had organized this match in the first place. I wondered how angry he’d be when he found out the Lord I was arranged to marry was in fact not here, but most likely drunk at some brothel while I sat in my brother's office in the dress that my betrothed mother picked out. 

Part of me could sense my brother's relief, knowing how similar the Lord was to my father I couldn’t blame them. I knew how much this ruined my chances of finding a good husband, four failed arrangements, no good man would want a woman who was now 23 with four failed arrangements. I knew once this caught wind I would be called “cursed” and “an old hag”. Silas told Cardan to go fetch the High Lord, Flint was told to bring me out. Silas told him he didn’t care how but to just bring me out of the office for a bit until he said to come back.

Flint had decided a walk around our gardens was the best option, he said he wanted to try to take my mind off it but I honestly just believed it was because where we were in the gardens gave us a clear view as to who was in the office. Silas had failed to put curtains up, giving us both a clear view.

We watched Cardan enter right again with High Lord Beron and my friend, Prince Eris, the heir to the Autumn Court, following as well. Flint gave me a look, before he moved to go under the window me following, keeping us hidden but close enough to listen to what they were discussing.

We missed the beginning of the conversation, or my brother quickly spoke of my betrothed.

“My brother Prescott is currently searching through brothels and bars in the area, the Lord has known as a drunk.” I heard my brother Silas say.

High Lord Beron scoffed, ”He better show up soon.” My betrothed had gone against a direct order from the High Lord, with his offense it meant one of two things, he would die or his cock would be cut off. A threat High Lord Beron would use often to the men of his court. Eris and I would eavesdrop on his meeting often as children and hear it all the time. I was nine and he was eleven when we watched it happen for the first time, we never eavesdropped again.

“If he decides he doesn’t wish to go through with the marriage what do you plan to do my High Lord?” My brother Cardan asked.

Beron stayed quiet for a moment, “I promised you a good marriage for your sister in exchange for your loyalty and that I will give you. Perhaps my second son Cyrus will do.”

“What about your first, Eris?” Silas asked. 

“A Lord in the Night Court and I have been discussing a marriage between Eris and his young daughter for a while now. It’s still early to tell since she is still a girl, perhaps that marriage falls through and your sister will have Eris. Though Cyrus is more likely, he is a year younger so I hope your sister will be fine with that.”

“She’ll be fine with whatever husband you chose for her my High Lord, she has been grateful for your help and was going to show you her gratitude tonight. She feels sorry she cannot do that any longer.” Silas said.

“I’ll make sure a good husband is found for her, the least I could do for your family's loyalty,” Beron said before dismissing himself from the room with his son.

Sitting at a tournament the next day with my cousin was not my plan for the next day. I was supposed to be touring the north side of the Autumn Court with my soon-to-be husband for our venue in order to make sure everything was ready. Now I sat with my cousin Alicent with the High Lord’s family, I guess this was meant to be an apology to my family for the failed engagement but it only gave me a lot of anxiety.

With Alicent to my right and The High Lord’s second-born Cyrus to my left, we watched the tournament in silence, except for the occasional looks Alicent and I would give each other when certain knights came out, causing us both to quietly giggle. I would also occasionally look toward Eris who would smirk and give me a look, causing me to smile at him before turning again.

Alicent and I watched the tournament before it was acceptable for us to ask the High Lord to be dismissed, Beron didn’t care much and let us go off. Alicent and I hooked arms before rushing out of the stands we were in to go and wonder where we’d like.

We went out to the festival area where we saw stalls for food, some for jewelry, and other things. A stand that a well-known jeweler owned I frequented caught my eye and Alicent and I went to it. Many stared at us as we walked toward it which was excepted, we were the only women born into huge families, us both having only brothers, and both our families were powerful. Main especially with our relations to the High Lord.

I greeted the jeweler I knew so well whose eyes lit up when he saw me. He had a thick accent due to the fact he was from the continents, he quickly directed me toward a set of necklaces and earrings that he knew I’d enjoy while another worker helped Alicent look at bracelets she’d been wanting.

The third worker helping the Jeweler moved to help someone else, not paying attention too much but the Jeweler I didn’t notice was my first fiance.

I ended up deciding to buy the set as well as some other sets as well and I was moved to the front table to set it on my account, as I moved I bumped into my former fiance, who I gave a cold stare as I moved away from him to the front table. “He’s come to buy a lot of expensive jewelry lately for his wife.” The Jeweler mentioned casually, I think he could sense I was curious.

Hearing this caught me off, guard. My former betrothed was high class yes, but not very rich. His family focused on the military and with this most of the money, they got went toward it. The wife he’d married as well wasn’t rich, she was a commoner, so the money didn’t come from a dowry.

I gave my former fiance a weird look who continued to look at me, I motioned toward Alicent to come over.

When she did I whispered in her ear about this, when I was done she two gave him a weird look which he saw. He quickly picked out the piece of jewelry he liked before storming toward us, making it look like he was paying before he began to speak.

“You need to learn to mind your business,” He said quietly, “I’m not sure your princeling would like you poking around in your former betrothed business.”

“What?” I said confused.

“You heard me.” He replied

“What do you mean by that?” Alicent asked for me.

Now was his turn to look confused, “Prince Eris, your little lover or whatever he is.”

My heart plummeted to my stomach, “What? He’s not my lover?”

His eyebrow raised, “Seems like you have something to discuss then.”

Not wanting to hear more of this nonsense, I grabbed Alicent and the jewelry we had just gotten and quickly went to her home, which was the closest. With anyone able to see we were in a hurry, we could walk with no interruptions.

Once we’d arrived we quickly ran up to her room, wanting to discuss what we’d just heard.

“Shit,” I said, “Do people really believe Eris and I are lovers?” I paced through her room as she sat down.

“Maybe he’s lying?” She said, “Maybe he just wanted an excuse to not marry you, there's gonna be an explanation for this cousin.”

I sat on her bed before laying back before I heard her speak, “I know there have been rumors of Eris being in love with you, but those are just rumors and they were a while ago.”

I perked up, “When was this?”

“A few years ago, maybe when you were 16 and 19,” She said, “It’s not relevant now. I don't think. I know some people find it strange Beron is arranging your marriage, but none have spoken against him.”

“High Lord Beron is arranging my marriage as a thank you for my family and a nice gesture for his son's childhood champion. There's nothing strange about it.” I said, quite annoyed.

Alicent stared at me for a moment, “Do you love him?” She asked quietly.

My heart began to beat harder before I spoke, “It wouldn’t matter anyway, I have a duty to do and loving Eris would only hold me back from it.”

Alicent began to run her hands through my hair, “If this marriage with the Night Court girl falls through, you could have Eris. You’d be doing your duty and being able to love him.”

“The Night Court girl is still a child, they won't be married for several years, there's no way for the marriage to fall before High Lord Beron marries me off to another.”

Alicent snickered, “Maybe you could get the High Lord to marry you off to another High Lord.”

I smiled at that, “I know the High Lord of Spring isn’t married, and neither is the one of Night.”

“What of the day?”

“Perhaps.”

Before I could continue to speak Alicent realized something, “What if it's Eris?” She asked, “What if Eris is doing something to stop you from being married.” 

“That's ridiculous, cousin.” I said, “Eris wouldn’t, he knows how important this is to me, I wanna be able to help my family.”

“It's not ridiculous, he’s loved you since he was a boy.” She said, “He loves you cousin, why wouldn’t he want to ruin your marriage?”

I smacked her on the arm gently, “Don't say that. Not about your prince.”

“The prince whos in love with you.”

I rolled my eyes at her before moving myself over to lie on my stomach instead.

Hours later I sat in my room with a coconut oil mask in my hair, I liked to use it cause I found it made my hair healthier and made it look nicer. I also had a mask on my face given to me by a servant and sitting on a chair in the corner of my room with only a small light to allow me to see my room felt therapeutic. 

It was pretty late at night when I heard a knock at my balcony door before it was quietly opened, I turned to see Eris silently closing the door so as to not alert anyone. A tradition of him sneaking into my room at night to hang out started when I was 13 and he was 15 when it was no longer appropriate for us to hang out together alone due to me now beginning my cycle, it wasn’t inappropriate if no one knew of course.

Closing my book after marking it I set it on the desk next to my chair before Eris could move to sit on the chair I kept next to mine, while many believed it was for my brothers and cousins it was really put there for Eris. Eris looked exhausted, I would be too if I had to keep people entertained while also keeping my shithead of a father happy as well.

“Your so lucky you got to leave first,” He said, basically groaning.

“I would’ve stayed for you but I had a cousin to entertain,” I jested before quickly getting up to grab a hair clip and the bowl of the face mask. “Be a dear and put your hair up,” I said, not giving him much of a choice.

Whenever he’d come when I was doing stuff like this I would always force him into doing it as well, he hated it at first but as the years went on I think he’d begun to enjoy it. Unless he just acted as he did for me.

He followed my command to put his hair up as I walked toward him with the bowl, preparing the applicator real quick before I began to put it on his face without warning causing his face to scrunch up from the coldness of it, I laugh at him a bit for it.

After I was done I sat back down, giggling at the sight of the mean heir of autumn in a face mask with his hair tied up from a pretty hair clip. The sight never failed to make me laugh.

After the slight embarrassment washed off him I noticed he’d brought a bag with him, one that now sat on his lap while he pulled out two whiskey cups wrapped in one of his shirts so they didn’t hit each other, and then a bottle of whiskey wrapped in another shirt. I quickly grabbed one of the glasses to have him pour some into; he would often bring me some, more so when we were children due to women in the Autumn Court not being allowed to drink much more than fruity wine with barely any alcohol. The only woman known to drink other liquors are women that work at brothels, even then there's a fine line.

After he’d poured my glass I quickly relished in the taste of it, it’d been a while since Eris was able to bring me some, I loved fruity stuff but with wine, I needed something strong.

Eris and I joked about the day, making fun of the Noblemen who tried to kiss up to the High Lord's ass, Eris wondered how he wasn’t supposed to laugh when he’d eventually have to deal with that, we joked about one of the knights clearly trying to flirt with the daughter of a nobleman but she’d been too invested in Eris’s brother and we also discussed the results of the tournament. Since I left early I was desperate to know which of the Knight had won.

After he’d finished talking my hazed mind at taken over, which lead me to think about the night before when I’d been left by my fiance. 

“Did you guys ever figure out where he went,” I asked quietly, sipping my whiskey while I waited for him to speak.

Eris looked confused for a minute before what I was asking registered in his head, “Oh,” he paused, his eyebrows raising for a moment, “him.

“He had decided that traveling Pytheria was a bigger priority than staying in the Autumn Court to do his job. My brother went to go tell him that he has orders from my father to never return to the Autumn Court unless he was his feet cut off so he can never travel again. His family is also being shunned now.”

I realized at that moment my betrothed's family wasn’t at the tournament, “So that's why they weren’t there?”

Eris nodded, “That's why.”

I sighed, setting my cup down on the table and leaning back into my chair, “I don't get it,” I complained, “What's wrong with me?”

“What do you mean?” Eris asked, “There isn’t anything wrong with you.”

I snorted, “Clearly there is. Four engagements Eris, four, every one of them left for whatever reason.”

I realized I was biting the inside of my mouth, “I didn’t think there was much wrong with me, I mean I come from a powerful family, I have a huge dowry, and the High Lord himself has recommended me from the day I was born.” I turned to look at Eris, “By the time I was sixteen I had more marriage proposals than a fae could need, which is really creepy to think about but it's true; I mean I think I’m pretty enough.”

“Your beautiful, (Y/N),” Eris said.

I stayed quiet for a moment after he said that before I spoke again, choosing to ignore what he’d just said. “I think I’m going to be too old soon.”

“Too old?” He said.

“Most females have their husbands picked out by sixteen and are married by eighteen, once again, really creepy. Now though, there are younger options males have, I’m gonna be an old hag soon.” I said sinking into my chair.

“With your family, it wouldn’t be too big of a deal for you to not marry, you don't need to.” He told me, a serious look in his eyes.

I laughed a bit at the thought of what Alicent had told me, that Eris was somehow preventing me from being married.

“Why are you laughing?” Eris asked.

I shook my head, “It’s nothing, just something stupid Alicent suggested.” I picked up my cup to take a sip.

“What was it?”

I laughed, “It's stupid, don’t worry.”

“Well, I wanna know now.”

I took another sip, “Alicent believes you're preventing my marriage or something, it's stupid.”

I’d have to be stupid to miss the way Eris tensed up after I said this, fingers dragging along the rim of the cup before he spoke, “Yeah, it sounds dumb.” He said, quietly.

I looked him up and down before sitting up, “Well I was saying it was stupid but why are you saying it's dumb like that.”

“What do you mean?” He asked, trying to act stupid.

I gave him a look, “You know damn well what I mean Eris. Why’d you tense up like that?”

“I didn’t tense up.” He said, closing his eyes, I half excepted him to raise his voice but he’d never do it.

“Yes you did,” I said sternly, “you were fidgeting with your glass too.”

I started laughing as the realization hit me, I quickly sat up from my seat, my hands being raised over my head, “The mother Eris, you’ve been fucking with my engagements.”

“I haven’t.” He said.

I turned to face him, “Stop lying!” I yelled, not realizing how loud I was I quickly shut up.

I stood there for a minute as I watched the look of guilt cover Eris’ face before I rushed to the bathroom to grab a hand towel, I wet it under the sink before throwing it at Eris, “Wash it off” I commanded, he followed quickly. When he was done I pointed at the trash, he understood I was telling him to throw it away.

“Leave, and don't come back,” I said, trying to not cry.

“(Y/N),” He said, almost pleading.

“Go.”

He knew well enough to grab the cups and whiskey as he left, I watched as he dumped the glasses out the balcony before he left, I covered the door with the curtains after he left and made sure to put the lock I never put on the door.

Looking toward his chair I noticed he’d left one of the shirts there before he’d left. I quickly grabbed it to shove it into my towel cabinet in the bathroom, where no one would see it. I told myself I’d throw it away when I got the chance.

Wanting to calm the pit in my stomach down and clean my face and hair I ran myself a bath, I didn’t expect to cry so much as I washed my hair.

Feigning sick wasn’t hard with what had happened with my last fiance and the day at the tournament, it wasn’t hard to accidentally catch something there. I remembered when I was still young the Lady of Autumn had once gotten sick from some virus she’d gotten at a tournament and was basically quarantined in order to not get her two children sick, a memory engraved in my mind as I comforted Eris who was devastated to not be able to see his mother for a while.

A week after I had gotten ‘sick’ I had been able to convince my brother to allow me to go to one of the cabins we’d owned in order for me to be alone for a while, I’d used the argument that I just really like to be alone for a little while due to everything with my last fiance which leads him to quickly agree. 

A huge part of it was that I truly did need to be alone, I felt as if I had just lost my friend, my only friend for a long time and I was devastated. I’d been betrayed by my best friend, I really just needed a bit to myself.

Silas had told me I was allowed to stay no more than a week but could come home whenever I wished throughout it, sitting in the cabin far into the woods I didn’t expect to want to come home very much. Of course, I wasn’t alone, some guards stood at the perimeter of the cabin but none inside the house beside a maid who would cook and clean for me, despite that she left me alone. I knew why she was chosen to be put into my house anyway, one of the guards who stood outside was her mate and if we needed one inside the house she would simply pull on the bond in order to have them be sent in.

I never cared much for mating bonds so I didn’t care to hear about it. Well, it was more that I never had the luxury to care, my brothers would encourage me to want to find my mate someday but I knew that I was more likely to be married off to someone before I found one, so I began to not care. I also considered that the mother may be cruel to me, that she may put me with someone worse than any male I could meet in the Autumn court. I’d seen matches she’d made before and didn’t put it past her.

I realized quickly how much I quite enjoyed sitting on a couch doing nothing but reading a simple book, I liked how I didn’t have much to think about and I didn’t have to do anything, I didn’t even have to look pretty.

I was able to just sit around in comfy pajamas which even at home I was most of the time unable to do, even on a simple day I’d have to be dressed nicely in case someone had decided to visit, even my pajamas had to be nice. Most days it wasn’t that bad but it was also exhausting.

I didn’t hear the knock on the door to the living room causing whoever it was to knock louder, ceasing my attention from the book I was reading to the door. I called out to come in, knowing it was the maid.

I watched as she opened the door before doing her best to close it quietly, “My lady,” She said in a soft voice, “You have a visitor.”

I sat up from my spot, “I’m not supposed to have any, whos here?”

“The Prince.”

I cocked my eyebrow, “Which?”

“Eris, my lady.”

It took everything in me to not roll my eyes, unfortunately, I knew how disrespectful and suspicious it’d look if I turned him away now.

“Grab me my robe and bring him in please.”

The maid nodded before doing so, closing the door behind her to inform the prince I was waiting for him.

It took him a minute before entering the room, every second it took the angrier I became. When he did enter I did not look at him, I only waited for him to sit on the couch in front of me.

He quickly moved, not to sit but instead to stand in front of me before speaking, “So you weren’t going to tell me you were on a little vacation?” He asked.

“So you weren’t going to tell me that you were ruining my engagements?” I snapped back at him.

He moved to sit next to me, causing me to scoot further away from him. “You have to understand there were reasons, (Y/N).”

“What attempting to ruin my fucking life?”

“I was trying to protect you,” He said, somehow still calm.

“No, you weren’t,” I snapped, “the second I was born into the Autumn Court as a female this has been my responsibility to my family and you are taking that away from me. You are taking away my chance from helping my family Eris.”

He paused for a moment, “You really believe that's all you can be? A mother and wife? That's it?”

“It’s all the Autumn Court will allow me to be, and why you need to back the fuck off from my life.”

“You are smart and strong (Y/N), you can be so much more than this. Both I and your brothers believe this, you can do whatever the fuck you want and instead your choosing to allow yourself to follow this.” He snapped but did not yell.

“It's all Beron, the High Lord believes I can be, his word is law Eris. A mother and wife are all he believes any woman should be, and if not that a fucking whore. He believes that is the order of things.”

“You won't have to follow that order when I am High Lord, no one will have to.” Eris said.

“Well your not High Lord, your word isn’t law,” I said, before turning myself over from him to grab my book. “Leave will you, I am trying to enjoy my time before I am married off.”

He didn’t move from his seat, he sat there watching me read for a few minutes, opening and closing his mouth as he was trying to say something.

Finally, quiet but audible I could hear him say, “I love you.”

My eyes widened and my heart began to pound as he said this, the words repeating in my head as all I could reply with was a simple “what?” I could feel him getting up from his seat before getting ready to leave.

I set my book down before getting up as well, following him as he exited the room yelling his name out.

I wasn’t stupid, I’d loved him for years now but never said anything and instead tried to push my feelings for the boy now a man down and have done it quite well. Hearing him say that he loved me, that he had done something like this because he loved me caused every emotion, every feeling I’d pushed away to come back. I wasn’t stupid enough to let him walk out now.

“ERIS!” I screeched out, finally getting him to stop and turn to me and allowing me to catch up to him. Not wanting to have this discussion in a hallway I grabbed his arm and pulled him into one of the spare rooms of the cabin. Once we were in I basically forced him to sit on a chair in the room before I began to hover over him.

My words got caught in my throat before I spoke, “You love me?” I asked.

“I do, (Y/N) I-” I caught his eyes drifting away as he spoke.

“Don't look over there, look at me.” I said sternly, “You love me?”

He swallowed, “Yes (Y/N), I love you. I always have.”

“Always?” my voice cracked.

“Always. I always have.”

I stopped hovering over him and turned away, my hands over my face as I repeated how stupid I felt. I didn’t even hear Eris get up, I only felt his arms wrap around my body in order to remove my hands from my face and turn me to look at him.

“What do you mean, (Y/N)? Your not stupid.” He held onto my hands.

“No, I am, I’ve done nothing but push me loving you down because I thought you could never love me and I feel so dumb for it now cause your here telling me you do love me and I just feel so stupid, holy shit I’m so dumb! I spent so fucking long thinking you saw me like a little sister and then here you go telling me you love me and now I also feel really bad for getting mad at you and I still just feel so dumb and I just-” I would’ve continued rambling on if he hadn’t kissed me. Eris kept one hand in my own and the other on the side of my face as he stole my first kiss from me, I felt as if every problem I could have had at that moment disappeared, as every negative emotion I felt about myself left as I melted into him.

Once he let go of me he also let go of my hand, moving it to the other side of my face as he rested my forehead on his before speaking, “You love me?”

I realized now that I was basically sobbing as I nodded, “I love you so much.” my voice cracked as I spoke and a smile fell onto both of our faces. Eris moved to kiss around my face, kissing where my tears felt as I continued crying a little.

He pulled us both back onto the chair, setting me on his lap as I wrapped both my arms and legs around him, “I’m sorry for crying.” I said through sobs.

“Well I love you, so I don't care.” He said smirking as I lightly hit him.

I didn’t know when he fell asleep or when I did, but I would always remember the first time waking up in his arms on that stupid chair, my eyes still felt sore from crying and Eris was still asleep as I ran my fingers through his hair. His grip on me was like iron but I didn’t mind, I didn’t want to move from that spot and I knew soon we’d have to go to our homes and pretend to just be childhood champions once again, I dreaded the thought but I need one day I’d be his wife. I prayed for that day.

[oveliagirlhaditright]

Just Believe - A Post-Melody of Memory Kairi-Centric Story

Summary: After training in the Land of Departure's forecourt one night, Kairi comes across a stranger who may be a lot like her (or is she?), who while immediately untrustworthy may have the answers to finding Sora and Riku in Quadratum, as well as how to stop the Master of Masters' less than stellar plan. Kairi-centric.

Just Believe

Kairi was sitting in the forecourt of the Land of Departure after a tiring day of training with Aqua--wondering for the umpteenth time if she was doing the right thing being here and not with Riku and Sora--when suddenly, a red-haired girl about her age (with hair that reached her shoulders, as well), appeared before Kairi’s very eyes.

And at first, Kairi had to rub said eyes to make sure she was seeing things correctly. Because at least on Destiny Islands, there was no one else with a hair color similar to hers, and so Kairi had come to the conclusion at a young age that her shade of locks must have come from Radiant Garden. She was not at all sure if the Land of Departure followed similar rules to that, but she was thrown by the situation, to say the least.

Especially when the girl summoned a Keyblade and pointed at her!

Though this surely wasn't the right thing to do at all when one was pointing a weapon at you, Kairi found herself pulled into a flashback against her will, about Aqua's recent theory that Kairi's own grandmother might have been a Keyblade wielder, since she knew about the War. But thankfully, Kairi snapped out of it right away and summoned Destiny's Embrace to her hand and fired a Fira spell at her assailant, before putting some safe distance between the two of them.

"Who are you?!" Kairi hissed, jumping atop the waterfall embankment that would take her back towards the castle if she saw fit.

"The girl who is going to lead another on the path towards their destiny," the wielder answered, sending waves of flowers Kairi's way before she could blink. Thankfully, they didn't cut to the quick like Marluxia's apparently did, and the princess couldn't help wondering at this Keyblade Master's—for surely she was that—choice to not hurt her. She no doubt could if she really wanted to. "Don't you want to find Sora and Riku?"

"How do you know Sora and Riku?!" Kairi demanded, throwing her Keyblade at the enemy so she could teleport over there and kick at her head, before aiming a vicious slice to her waist—which she did expertly, if she did say so herself. "And if you have a Keyblade, why didn't you fight in the recent War? The Guardians of Light could have used your help!" 'Could have used someone like you instead of me at that time,' Kairi thought, but didn't say.

Jumping into the air, Kairi was about to rain her shotlock down, but she was stopped when the lady warped away, only to reappear much closer to Kairi, so that she could grab her in a chokehold.

Kairi, fortunately, did not panic. It would have gone against everything she had set out to achieve with her training if she had.

She swung in the woman's arms with all of her strength (even though it caused her to be choked with even more strength for a single, painful second), so that when she was moreso in the girl’s vicinity again, she could kick into her legs.

And the princess did so. She also raised her Keyblade into her arm and aimed a Pearl at this stranger’s head—which singed the woman’s hair, before she released Kairi and dove away, landing in a crouch.

"I'm not trying to hurt you, Kairi. But you're making me go on the defensive by your offensive… But with how others have targeted you in the past, I guess it makes sense that you'd react this way."

Kairi was about to snarl at that, because putting someone in a chokehold was really going on the defensive, but Kairi did have to admit that that had only happened after she'd attacked first. Hmm…

"What do you want, then?" Kairi asked with her hands on her hips, and working to keep any fire out of her voice. "Like you said, with my history, I don't like it when people appear out of nowhere, seeming to know more than I do, and begin talking in circles."

"That's fair," the pink-haired girl agreed (because now that Kairi was seeing her better, perhaps her hair was more a reddish-pink? Somewhere near rose, perhaps?). And she smiled at Kairi, a small and secret smile, before allowing herself to get closer to her target. "What I want… is to stop the Master of Masters.

"He did, arguably, save my friends and I from a terrible fate--and a prison we've been in, it's true--so I should be thanking him… but from what I've learned of his plans… I don't like them."

"And let me guess: only Sora and Riku can stop them?" Kairi guessed. It was, after all, an old song and dance at this point. But one she did cherish, because she would always believe in Sora and Riku, no matter what. How she loved them both so.

"Only the three of you. And Kairi, the only one who can free the boys from the trap of Quadratum is you."

"What?”

To say that Kairi was shocked would have been an understatement. Sure, she was often needed to unlock Kingdom Hearts… but in the past, that had always led to her being kidnapped and used as a pawn. And maybe she was hoping that she could stand beside Sora and Riku in the future. But to hear that she could be the key to something like this--her?--was it really possible?

"I… I want to believe you," Kairi admitted, looking at the girl standing across from her for any signs of deceit and finding none. But what did she know? And she didn’t trust as easily now as she once had. "Anything for Sora and Riku. But I- knowledge about the past--and what upholds the Realm of Light--are things I don't really know yet. Would you mind confirming this with my Master Aqua?"

And Kairi hated that now that there was a part of her that would react horribly if this was a lie: if she finally got a chance to look beyond her castle walls, only for it to be for naught.

"Of course, Kairi," the girl said, already walking past the Princess towards the Land of Departure castle, which was definitely not suspicious, Kairi thought sarcastically. "But you really should learn to have more confidence in yourself. What was it that that girl Naminé told you? 'Believe in yourself.'"

“Gee, thanks…” Kairi started, with pure ire dripping from her voice now, getting more and more untrusting by the moment. It just made no sense that someone she���d never met before should no so much about her. Unless she had something like a crystal ball, like Ursula had according to Sora. Or she had time traveled and spied on her, similar to Xehanort’s own methods… and neither of those options inspired much confidence.

“Homura,” the pink-haired girl offered her name at last.

"Homura, then."

And proving that Kairi had every reason to find her suspect, Homura headed off in the direction of Kairi's current home—somehow knowing exactly where it was—leaving the auburn-haired girl trailing after her.

In the past, Kairi would have dutifully accepted her place in the back. After all, it seemed that she wasn't as outgoing as she had once been, and perhaps even more than that… She was usually kept in the dark about things these days--whether it was intentionally done by her friends or not—and she didn't know enough about the World to really position herself as a leader.

But right now, Kairi was trying to get stronger, wasn't she? So maybe she really should start trying to push so much passiveness behind her again. Besides: Homura going ahead of her could get the other girl killed, since Terra, Ven, and Aqua weren't exactly expecting guests: something Kairi tried to express upon her companion now, as she sped towards the other girl and grabbed onto her arm, trying to stop her.

"Hey, there. I don't really know if my friends will be rolling out the welcome wagon, if you just barge into through the entrance hall, best let me-"

"And there's the Princess of Heart we're looking for!" Homura cried gleefully, once both girls had awkwardly made it to the front door of the castle. "The one who will save the day, for sure!"

But Aqua, who had heard all of this--and was walking outside of the castle that very moment--didn't seem like she was much willing to let Kairi try, the Light noted: at least not with this mysterious stranger. "Princess of Heart?!" Aqua echoed in disbelief, before summoning Stormfall to her hand. "What do you know about it?!"

"Aqua, it's okay!" Kairi gasped, before things could get out of hand, though partly wondering if she really should be offering this stranger an olive branch. "Homura here has come to talk to you about the World Order. And it sounds like she may have some clue about- about Sora and Riku."

Inwardly, Kairi cursed herself for having momentarily tripped over Sora's name. After what the love of her life had sacrificed for her, he deserved all the attention he could get--and so much more than that--but sometimes, Kairi found it so hard to talk to him. Especially now when she was the closest person to Sora left in the Realm of Light.

If—the Light forbid—she never be able to get him back… maybe she wanted to keep things about him private, and in her heart of hearts she thought that if she talked about him too much, it would be like countless others were intruding on her precious memories. It was somewhat contradictory emotions she felt about it all, to be sure.

As if sensing that Kairi was about to break down, Aqua offered the young New Heart a small smile, as well as a reprieve. "Kairi, why don't you go back inside and see if Terra's ready to teach you his handstand-push-ups yet, since you've been doing so well with all your other workouts? I'll begin talking to our guest out here."

Kairi didn't have to be told twice; she could need some of Terra's strength and sterner outlook right now, she thought.

Except that, now that she really thought about it, Kairi wasn't sure if she was really ready to deal with anyone else right now. She felt too… raw. Which she knew was probably the opposite of what she should have been feeling. Homura had come to her so she might lead the charge here, but she'd clearly come after the wrong girl. Hadn't everyone learned that by now?

"Hey, Kairi. Ready for more?" Terra asked her the moment she was inside, handing her a cold-water bottle--which she did greedily take, even if she wasn't going to motivate herself further today--before he stepped away from the balance beams, making room for her.

Ven, taking a page out of Terra's book, wrapped a towel around Kairi's neck, to help prepare her for the sweat he thought she was no doubt down for. And usually, she would have been. "C'mon, Kairi: let's show Terra we can keep up with him. Just because he was finally made a Master—by Riku, no less—doesn't mean he's got anything on speedsters like us."

Normally, Kairi would have reminded Ven with a nudge that he was the speedy one here: she could just teleport now. An effect, of course, that made her look like she was fast, but she wasn't running at all. But today she just offered them both a strained smile. "Not today, sorry. I think- I think I'm going to go work on perfecting my recipe for Sora's favorite black forest cake, and see if that will get him back here."

A lame excuse, she knew, as she darted up the stairs to her room. And it was exactly that: an excuse.

Originally, before she'd found her strength in fighting (or when, deep down, she feared that her fighting could lead to Sora getting killed again, even if he did come back), Kairi might have tried to call upon something like Sora's favorite food to bring him back to her… something from her heart.

But now that she knew her destiny truly was to be a Keyblade wielder—like she'd wanted for so long—saying that lie was such an insult for so many reasons, Kairi thought as she ran to her room with tears in her eyes… And yet she had done so.

"I guess… I guess I'm still the weak girl you knew who was on blood thinners, long ago. Huh, Sora?" Kairi asked the Valentine card Sora had made her years ago: one where he'd drawn the two of them on it in a childish scrawl, that she'd recently gone back home to the Destiny Islands to bring back here.

"Remember that? I got blood clots as a girl, so I was on blood thinners. But I sort of couldn’t win-for-losing, because if I ever got cut while I was on them… well, I could bleed too much and die.

"That's part of the reason I stayed out of sparring from the get-go, of course, but my family even worried about simple things, like me cutting my own birthday cake… A lot of people made fun of me for this, but you, Riku, Selphie, Tidus, and Wakka never did.

"Eventually, I got over the blood clotting and got off the medicine, remember? …What am I saying? Of course you do. But I wonder if by then, I'd relied on being weak for too long. Sora. And now, can I- can I ever stop?" Kairi sobbed, throwing herself onto her periwinkle covered bed and punching it once, before burying her face in her pillow.

How was it that it seemed to smell like Riku, even though he'd only been to the Land of Departure once, and that was before she started staying here? It had to be wishful thinking on her part. She missed her two best friends so much… Tidus, Wakka, and Selphie, too, even if she did love Aqua, Ven, and Terra now, as well.

“Can I ever stop being weak, Sora?” Kairi couldn’t help whispering once more.

Aqua and Homura walked into Kairi's room then, almost as if in answer to her question.

Hastily, she scrubbed her tears away, praying that her companions hadn’t seen them. "Well, you two haven't killed each other. So I assume you bought what Homura had to say then, Aqua?"

Truth be told, the Kairi of old would have never spoken in such a way. But ever since she'd fought Xehanort again, within her own heart, and had again found some of her snarky attitude there, she'd been trying out some more spicy dialogue… for a couple of reasons. One being that that was a part of who she was, and she’d lost that for a while. And the second being that… well, Sora and Riku were both witty, and also so strong. So, if she really embraced that, could it also improve her own battle prowess?

Aqua sent a small, knowing smile Kairi's way, as if she knew this secret of Kairi wanting to sound more hero-like—and knowing her, maybe she did—before she sat down beside Kairi on her bed. Resting a hand on Kairi's upper thigh, Aqua explained, "Kairi, did you know that I have reason to believe that Homura here might be one of your ancestors?"

Kairi placed a hand over her heart at the shock of that statement, almost as if Naminé was there (for that was a gesture Naminé had been known to make as well, Kairi knew), and maybe—if she was really lucky—she could somehow hear her former Nobody’s reaction to this news

But that was impossible now, of course. Naminé had become her own person, and she deserved no less. So Kairi had to come to her own conclusions about this, didn't she?

And what were said conclusions? That she'd suspected this, deep down. Of course she had. The moment she'd first seen Homura hadn't she been wondering if she was from Radiant Garden, after all?

"And she-" Kairi started to continue what she guessed the rest of the story to be, because hadn't Homura already told her what she needed to do?

But Aqua, seemingly thinking that Kairi wasn't going to speak (and Kairi couldn't blame her, the way she'd put her hand over her heart, and all. Perhaps her friend had thought she was near a heart attack!), interrupted and said, "Kairi… she needs you to help find Sora and Riku in a bid that will ultimately stop the Master of Masters. You have to do it."

Sticking a pin in just how she was supposed to get to her boys for the moment—and not believing she was doing that—Kairi found herself focusing on the matter that made no sense to her. "That's the thing I don't understand, Master… Aqua," Kairi reminded herself, once again, to just call Aqua by her name and not "Master Aqua," when they weren't training together. "What's all this about some Grand Master and the danger he presents?"

Homura looked as though she wanted to answer that question, Kairi could tell. She opened her mouth to do so and had even lifted a finger, but then seeming to think better of it—did she think that Kairi would still distrust her?—and left the floor to Aqua.

"Not that much is known about him," Aqua admitted, crossing across Kairi's room to look out the window to the stars starting to dot the twilight. Or so Kairi guessed that was what she was doing, at least. "From what Master Eraqus told me, he was the first ever Keyblade Master… maybe. And he even invented the Keyblade. It's because of him that Light survived the Keyblade War and that we have the World we do now at all, I guess.

"But according to Master Yen Sid, the stars tell him that the Master’s attempts to save anyone from the Keyblade War were really some gambit to win another one. And the methods he'd go to win against his foes don't sound at all promising."

"…Okay," Kairi said, slowly processing this, and not liking one bit what she thought she was understanding. "Homura," she started, nervously turning towards her ancestor now: an ancestor who had apparently seen a lot of this crazy Master's reign, which so didn't make Kairi feel like she was going to faint. "You said that I can get to Sora and Riku and stop whatever the Master of Master's plan is… let's say I believe you for a second. How could I even get to my friends without having the Power of Waking?"

Homura simply smiled serenely at Kairi, before answering in a whisper that the Princess somehow heard with no problem: "That's simple, of course. By doing what the Beast did to find Belle. Just believe."

Author's Note: I started this story because… if I’m being honest? I hate how this fandom treats Kairi. So I’m throwing my own hat into the ring again.

The reason that Homura knows so much is either through the medals in Missing Link and/or she somehow went into the simulation of Kairi’s world that the Master of Masters warned against doing in KHUX. I haven’t decided yet.

Homura is also supposed to be a new girl that Player meets in in Missing Link (sorry for the spoiler). I don’t know yet if I’ll mention that in the summary of this story or not, so here’s that info here. Though in a lot of ways, she’s also largely an OC, of course, because I know next to nothing about the Missing Link character. And when we do know more, all of what I wrote here will surely be proven to be false. But when I needed a story idea for this, the first thing I came up with was, “What if Kairi interacted with the character I saw in that Missing Link leak?” And that’s what happened.

For those who don’t know, “Homura” means “flame” in Japanese. Flames are red, and Homura seems kind of fiery and full of life, so I went with it.

The whole thing about Kairi being on blood thinners is something I wrote in one of my very first SoKai Kingdom Hearts fanfictions (that’s been deleted for years now). That the awesome Kutlessrocker on fanfiction also then wrote a fanfic about after I wrote that fic. So I’m kind of referencing that story of mine and plagiarizing myself here. LOL I’m doing so, because A) I kind of want to have flashbacks with Sora, Riku, and Kairi and build up their past together more (something I really wish the games would do). And I think it also helps with this chapter, where Kairi’s doubting herself—in whether she can do this or not—and thinking she’s weak and whatnot. Yep.

[peterpanfromlemonland]

Don't Hyde From Me (ch14 Damn Right)

TW/CW: mentions of blood, child abuse

Tyler was mopping up blood as Hoa tossed the dirty laundry in the wash, Tyler suggested that the girl rest and leave all the chores to him but she refused. She was stubborn and caffeinated, Tyler sighed and waited for the sugar and caffeine crashes- she would eventually fall asleep at some point, especially after losing that much blood. He could hear some of the girl’s thoughts; intrusive so they were, but they did draw a chuckle out of him. 

“So,” the boy attempted at small talk, “why do you take your shoes off inside?” he was quite curious, he didn’t want to sound offensive or like a nosy nobody.

“In a lot of Asian cultures,” Hoa started to explain as she curled up in her bed, “It’s seen as a sign of respect or cleanliness.” In Vietnamese culture, the home was a sacred space, therefore nothing carrying dirt from the outside was allowed to come into contact with the interior of the home- if you disrespected someone’s sacred space then you would most likely receive some unfriendly glares and remarks. Hoa recounted the many times her father would chase her and Quan around with a broomstick because they didn’t take their shoes off before they walked into the living room. Hoa giggled at the memory, she was sure that Tyler could see that memory too- it was obvious by the concerned look on his face.

Hoa was curled up in only her undergarments under the blankets, she was cold- she kept saying that cold was good for the injury but Tyler didn’t believe her, the boy quietly and slyly pulled out a fresh set of warm PJs for the girl. Setting them on the chair by her desk before he went to put away the cleaning supplies, the girl mumbled a silent thanks before making herself look decent- hissing as sudden and certain movements caused intense pain to shoot up from her abdomen.

“Damn,” She started, “I never knew you could throw a right hook like that. My dad would like you for sure.”

“I- uh-” Tyler blushed as he tried to explain himself, his past, the person he once was, “To be honest with you, princess, I was a bit of a delinquent…” He scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. You see; before Tyler was seen as the quiet, introverted and kindhearted soul he was now he was the class heart throb at his old high school. He was the beloved receiver and cornerback on Jericho High’s football team, the prom king, but he was also a bully. He despised the person who he once was, but, alas, our past selves help write the present and the future. He was ashamed, he feared that the girl would run away after learning the truth.

“That’s quite the story there, Barista Boy.” She smiled softly as she slid her shirt on. “I’ve got one better- or worse. However you wanna see it.”

“What?” The boy scoffed as he sat besides her, “Is this a competition to see who was the most fucked up in the past?”

“I mean,” the girl blinked, “Sure.” A sick smile painting her face. Tyler wanted to know what she meant earlier that day about being on “the same boat” as him and sharing “a roof with a family of criminals.” Was it really all true? The girl sighed and placed a hand in his as she unraveled her turbulent past. The full story of her life with the Bui Clan. The earliest memory Hoa had of the first years of her life was when she had seen something she wasn’t supposed to, she was 4- she watched from the shadows as the elders dealt with one of the “trouble” children. To call it child abuse would be an understatement, this young boy was snatched up from his family- beaten, bruised, bloodied, burned. When the last blow was sent to the poor child’s skull, that was when he took his last breath, his frantic movements stopped. Blood pooled around his head as his limp body lay there. 

Hoa was caught by one of the 7 elders of the clan, she was brought in before the other 6 to be punished accordingly. The poor girl was drained, tortured, and forced to kill for the elders’ pleasure, the poor child was taken advantage of for being “the black sheep” of the family. To the 7 Elders she was nothing but a mere plaything, an experiment- this went on for about 10 years until the girl finally managed to run away to Jericho where her father had a cabin there. She never wanted to go back, she told her father everything and the man promised he would do everything in his power to rescue her mother and brother.

“And that's how I ended up here.” Hoa finished her story, shaking from the terrible memories that were brought up, “Sometimes I would sneak out to my dad’s cabin, maybe one day I’ll take you there.” She smiled at the boy, nuzzling her head against his shoulder as she sought out the warmth from his body. The boy wanted to know more, but he knew the girl wasn’t ready to tell him yet- it was okay though, as long as she was with him. 

“So,” the boy started while he tangled his fingers in hers, “why don’t you have a photo of your family?”

“I do,” Hoa responded softly, “It’s just, right now my family is broken in a way. After Cam died and dad got everyone out of the Saigon District and away from the Bui Clan, mom has been burying herself in work.” The truth is, Ha could never forgive herself for what had happened to her children, she was almost never home and going on business trips with the company she worked for. The poor woman couldn’t bear to see those tear stained faces of her twins. 

“It doesn’t feel right to have that family photo of the 5 of us right now…” She could feel the tears coming down her cheeks. Tyler pulled the girl in close, rubbing her back and kissing her head. He glanced out the window, the sun had already set and gone to sleep- they should be doing the same soon. Hoa did her best to blink away her tears, joking on how she easily won the competition on “who had the most fucked up past.”

“That is quite fucked up, princess.” The boy nudged her shoulder in response, “But it’s best to not stay stuck in the past.”

“Yeah, but it is best to learn from it,” she yawned, “And to be proud of how much you’ve grown.”

“Damn right.”

Hoa smiled at him before leading him to the bathroom to go brush their teeth and get ready for sleep. Tyler felt at peace in this moment and it was a feeling he wouldn’t trade for anything else in the world.

[kiwi245]

Of Heart And Sol (an Of Feathers and Flames Short Story) (Pt 1)

This story takes place in the Scorpion Den in “modern day” Pyrrhia. Humans are again the dominant species and the Scorpion Den is a human city known for its dragon trade, dragon fights, and more. Think of the underground dinosaur trade center from Jurassic world.

Main character here is a young man named August Tobias, but he goes by Tobias. The red SolarWing is named Sol

I DID NOT write this story, but it was so good I had to share. I have permission from the writer but they wish to remain anonymous.

I raked my knife through the coarse netting, releasing cold, slimy fish. Contentment ebbed at the SeaWing’s expression as the dragonet licked up the small, delicate meat. His talon was looking much less inflamed. I leaned against the bars of the dragon’s cage with an air of satisfaction. The SeaWing had been a good patient.

A familiar sound echoed through the lot, and I stood quickly, relieved when I spotted the slender human form gently closing the lot door behind herself, silhouetted in the bright light flooding through the threshold.

I stepped out of the SeaWing’s cage, snatching my backpack as Cersei paced towards me with a grim expression, her straight, black hair brushing her shoulders with every step.

“Hey.” I started, catching her weary gaze. “What’s up?”

I propped my bags up alongside the SeaWing’s cage as I closed the steel door, the click of the lock still echoing through the cage lined lot as Cer stopped beside me, following my gaze to the dragonet’s bandaged talon. She hugged me a moment later, which caught me off guard. I gave her a questioning look when she pulled away, sniffing.

“Dad, uh..” she bit her lip, shaking her head. “He says Roe might go to jail. The SDP’s pushing it. Says they’re tired of Dad bailing her out.”

I sucked in a sharp breath. Why wasn’t I surprised? I agreed with the SDP completely.

The previous night, in a drunken stupor, Roe, Cersei’s twin, had been searched on her way out of the bar and was found possessing stolen documents from Level 4. Of course they hadn’t specified who the documents had belonged to or exactly where they had come from- just good ‘ol level 4, the place doctors made monsters and scientists defied the laws of nature.

I cleared my throat, trying to feel natural as I said, “Hey, I’ll tell you, jail is no fun.”

Cersei gave me the exact reaction I had been hoping for, her expression questioning. “You’ve been in jail?”

“Once,” I continued, starting down the hall towards my next patient, “in Monopoly.”

She gave a soft, suppressed laugh, following me as she shook her head, “Aug, I’m serious.”

“I know, I know.” I whispered, draping a confident arm across her shoulders, “Cer, I mean, this isn’t the first stunt she’s pulled. Why not let her learn, right?”

“She has learned something,” Cersei insisted, stopping beside me as I unlocked the SandWing’s cage.

“Yeah?” I started, gently reaching towards the SandWing as the beautiful golden creature approached, sniffing my bag with an expectant air. “Like what?”

“She stopped! For-... for a few months.”

“Stopped, or wasn’t caught? This is some serious stuff, Cer. A fifth offense? Anyone else would be long gone.”

Cersei nodded, her expression forlorn as she leaned against the cage bars. I turned towards the girl, staring into her cold, blue eyes. We were only a year apart, and over the past two months, I had grown to know her well. She was attentive, and kind, forever loyal to her family, putting others before herself. I admired those qualities, and we had spent quite a bit of time together outside of work, where I had grown to know her better. Cersei was always looking out for Roe, her headstrong twin, who jumped into everything without thinking twice. Roe annoyed me, not only because of her foolish decisions, but because she was careless and self centered, her eyes blind to the torment she continually put her family of three through.

My gaze jerked towards the lot door as Yair, my employer, entered the room, his long hair slicked back in a bun, white, stainless dress shirt fresh and ironed.

“August?” Yair glanced down the long, maze-like halls of cages, spotting me and Cersei a moment later. He gave a quick wave, and I stepped out of the SandWing cage with a respectful, “Sir,” as the man approached.

Cersei made no move to oblige her Father’s presence, which surprised me- it was rare to see her hold a grudge.

“I’ll finish up here.” Yair continued, his voice echoing through the lot as he stopped beside the young SeaWing dragonet, and I smiled when he gave a content nod, his experienced eyes reviewing my work. “There’s a produce shipment back in the Truck Yard.”

I glanced at Cersei, who entered the SandWing’s cage, kneeling to pull more meat from my backpack for the gold dragon.

The moment I entered the Truck Yard I knew something was wrong. Trucks spanned the wide garage, their trailers still locked tight- not one engine roared. Several men argued off to my right, their voices progressively growing louder.

To my left sat a small, white cage. It must have come from the labs- Level Four. People surrounded the cage, their voices raised as I passed by, my eyes catching the glint of deep red scales within the white lab cage.

I turned away, spotting a familiar truck ahead, Yair’s logo plastered against the trailer. The driver, a short, sturdy man, leaned against the trailer, his arms folded across his chest.

“Hey,” I started, positioning myself beside the Trucker, confused when he made no move to open the trailer, “what’s, uh.. what’s going on?” I motioned towards the shouting men near the exit.

“Yard’s on strike.” The Trucker shrugged.

I glanced from the man, then back to the exit, watching as several Patrol Guards entered the Yard, weapons in hand. Turning back to the Trucker, I didn’t bother to hide my annoyance. “Why.”

The man shrugged again. “Sum’in ‘bout pay.”

I blinked. “Your- your pay?” I confirmed, brows raised. He had to be making a pretty penny, especially if he worked for Yair.

“Aye, not ev’yun ‘as et as good as me, son. Got pals ta stick up far.”

I stole another look at the arguing group as the officers pulled people back, guns raised.

“Look, man,” I started, my gaze wandering toward the lab cage, “I’m just here for.. for, uh, produce..”

I could see more dull, red scales through the white bars as people shifted around the lab cage. Maybe it was a SkyWing.

“Nothin’ doin.” The Trucker said with a happy nod.

I suppressed a scowl. Being that I was in no position to threaten on behalf of Yair, I started back towards the exit, giving the loyal Trucker one last, grim nod before turning my back to him.

The patrol guards wouldn’t let me leave.

They were still trying to make sense of the situation, and one of them shoved me back when I tried to offer my ID. So, with a sigh, I moved back against the lab cage, trying to appear as innocent as possible. It wasn't unheard of to get lost in the chaos and unlawfully arrested.

After a moment I glanced down at the lab cage occupant. A mess of red scales greeted me, and I realized there were two dragons.

A SkyWing and a SolarWing.

The SkyWing was dead, and I felt a pang of pity for the creature beside him, who I had also assumed was deceased, but the slowly shuddering movement of his flank said otherwise. I knelt beside the cage, concern flooding through my mind as my eyes flicked over the SolarWing's starved body.

The dragon was next to death, scales clinging to his wide ribcage. Swollen, blunt wounds marred the creature, scales raised and blackened around the open flesh. I surveyed the wounds with a critical eye, frowning at the clamps cutting into the dragon's wings, a muzzle tied tightly against his snout.

The dragon did not move. He did not react as one of the officers slammed a shouting man against the bars of the cage.

I felt my stomach drop, sickened at the barbaric treatment this creature had endured.

Having been in the den for only a month, I had yet to grow accustomed to seeing dragons in such conditions, and it truly pained me to see anything being treated in such a savage manner.

With a gentle touch, I reached out, running my hand down the SolarWing's broad jaw bone, his scales unnaturally cold. A moment later he released a tense, muffled breath, flinching back every so slightly.

This, in a way, was a good sign. It meant he was still coherent enough- alive enough -to feel what was happening.

I glanced up, the loud dispute being brought to a rather necessary end. A moment later the group of Truckers returned to their regular jobs, and the security guards cleared out, obviously satisfied with what little peace they had managed to keep.

I stood, giving the SolarWing one last glance before I turned to the trio of men leaning against the lab cage, speaking in low, disgruntled tones. One of the men had noticed me, and he pushed off the cage bars, walking slowly to my side, his tall black boots echoing through the Yard with each step.

"What do you need, son?" His voice was coarse, and deep.

I offered my hand, and the man took it, his rough, callused fingers rubbing uncomfortably against my skin as he gave one, strong shake before releasing my hand.

"I'm curious," I began, "what do you plan for these dragons?"

The man gave me a critical expression, a questioning look in his old, pale blue eyes. "Bringing 'em for the scales." He gave a quick smile, the tan, sun wrinkled skin around his lips creasing intensely, and I was relieved to realize this was a kind, good natured man. "Why? You want them?"

At this, thousands of possibilities ran through my mind, my gaze wandering back to the SolarWing.

They were going to kill him.

My heart longed to save the beast, but… he was on death's doorstep, so broken, so far gone.

Again, I reflected on my time spent in the Scorpion Den. Yair had hired me for this sort of thing- saving the lives of his injured dragons as they returned from the arena. I had nursed countless creatures back to health- but never anything this far gone. From what I could see, the dragon had a sturdy, wide build, but his body lacked nutriance, scales clung to his terribly starved frame.

Another shattering breath racked the dragon's body.

"Yes." I whispered, my eyes locked on the dull red dragon. "Yes. I want to buy the SolarWing."

The man gave an abrupt, rough chuckle, "Welcome to have him. Doubt I'll make enough to even pay for his transport with those scales,"

It was true. The SolarWing's scales were dull, broken, and bruised.

The man slammed his boot against the cage, grunting when he received no reaction from the red dragon. "Think you can fix him, son?"

I gave a nervous laugh as the man unlocked the cage door, motioning the two other men to his side.

"Yes, sir. I believe I can."

The man stepped into the cage, then glanced back towards me with a grin. "I like your determination, kid." He winked.

[katkit14]

The follow-up to the last post I made that no one wanted but still got. Cause I actually made up characters for the idea. Also I am as American as a cheeseburger so if you find something you dislike or something feel free to message me and I'll fix it. I don't want to be offensive

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So we have yuu who is the twisted version of Mickey but now we have...

Minnie - Milie Magaña

Looks - black textured hair that's put up into buns, darker skin tone with round marble grey eyes. Short (5'0) and small ( petite all around )

Personality - very polite and quite, loves feminine things, is very responsible

Triva - the oldest out of 2 children but the 4th oldest cousins. Loves to crochet and knit to. Likes to garden and help around the community. Is constantly being belittled by some of her older cousins for liking fimmine things. Her father died when she was young , right after her younger sister was born.

---

Dominate hand - right

Homeland - Mexico

Hobbies - sewing and baking

Best subject at NRC - Science

Best subject before NRC - Foreign Languages

Pet peves - When someone thinks they're superior because they don't like "girly things"

Favorite food - Sopapilla Cheesecake

Least favorite food- eggplant ( it freaks her out)

Club at NRC - science club (joined to grow plants, didn't except the weirdness)

Talent - singing and gardening

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Goofy - Gabriel Garcia

Looks - black short hair, tanish skin, monolided brown eyes, tall ( 6'2) and skinny, wears glasses

Personality - Chill and is constantly cracking jokes, clumsy, and a bit dumb, you'd think he was a stoner but has never done any form of weed in his life.

Trivia - the middle child of 3 children. Has a huge appetite. Is often called lazy because despite being good at sports doesn't play them. always being belittled for his clumsyness. Loves his younger sibling and plays with them all the time. Him and his younger sibling are compared to their oldest brother a lot.

----

Dominant hand - left

Homeland - Philippines

Best subject at NRC- PE

Best Subject before NRC - PE

Hobbies- playing video games

Pet peeves - when someone compares him to his older brother

Favorite food- Sinigang

Least favorite food - doesn't have one

Talent- sports

Club at NRC- basketball ( was dragged there by ace )

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Donald- Daniel Markow

Looks - short blonde hair, baby blue eyes, pale blue undertone skin, Short (5'1) and slightly chubby ( has a slight pear shape)

Personality - angry very easily, is really smart though, a bit dense since he was born with money.

Triva - the only child and will take over his fathers company. Rich boy. Mom and dad are divorced. Loves his step mom because his real mom isn't there a lot because she works as a traveling model. Dads not there a lot either. Really just his stepmom who is only 10 years older then him.

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Dominate hand - right

Homeland - Russia

Best subject at NRC - Alchemy

Best subject before NRC - English

Hobbies - reading

Favorite food - Syrniki

Least Favorite food- Baked Chicken

Pet peeves- When someone tells him to calm down ( don't talk to me I angy)

Talent - writing stories and poems along with doing nails ( him and his step mom do each others nails)

Club at nrc - horse riding club ( I forgot the official name )

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Daisy - Daniella Kilpatric

Looks - short (5'2) with a small top half and chubby bottom ( more dramatic pear shape) , pale skin, grey/blue eyes, medium blue wavy hair ( originally brown but dyed) , wears glasses.

Personality - Sassy, Smart, Sacastic, The goth chick who acts big and bad but is actually soft.

Trivia - is the you youngest out of triplets. Is the only girl. Dad is a Single dad who is pretty young. Lives on a homestead farm that makes money from selling all natural products . She feels very embrassed about her farming background and tries to cover it up. Going as far as to hide her accent ( ye-haw ) when speaking english. Tells everyone she is from California but is from the south Also has T1D and constantly makes jokes about it.

-----

Domainte hand - right

Homeland - USA

Best subject at NRC : History

Best subject before NRC : Art class

Hobbies - Listening to music and art of many sorts

Favorite food - strawberry ice cream

Least Favorite food - BBQ ribs

Pet Peeves - When people hit on her father (he prof. Crewel style pretty)

Talent - art ( drawing, and painting with acrlic paint are her strong suits ) , good with plants and animals

Club at NRC - light music club

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

[bellaaldamas]

Transferring my replies here as well, in the right order:

That's definitely true about the gamebro and woke culture being two sides of the same bigoted coin. Somewhat similar to the "frat boy vs nice guy" culture in terms of perpetuating sexism on all ends. As far as characters like Angrboda go there's always the matter of pseudo-feminism (actually repackaged patriarchy as noted) and considering them less strong than the girlboss type. This happens systematically in other fandons as well (i.e Disney with the princesses who dare to not physically defeat the villains and Uncharted with Elena versus Chloe, both of whom are ultimately reduced to who is more "worthy" of being a love interest/prize for Nathan).

The "not like other girls" misogynistic stereotype - a precursor to "girlboss" trope - has been pervasive in the media long before the girlboss cliche itself became the go to woke points generating tactic for creators. Female leads who put down other women for having the audacity to have interests and enjoy activities said leads deemed "shallow"; or even lecture women who (the horror) were in their thirties and had the nerve to want to look good and be communicative and lively (I might or might not be looking at Daria Morgendorffer - a textbook example of glorified internalized misogyny) were not only hailed as feminist. But, in universe, were often completely blind to their own privileges and bigotry.

Then there were the fist and/or sword wielding, athletic female lead types who placed primary value on physical strength which came across as terribly ableist in many respects. That's when the writers started perpetuating a no less offensive "disability as a superpower" trope. That was to preserve the "not like other girls" types (supposedly "feminist" when actually not at all) while avoiding criticism and backlash for only treating physically/mentally able female characters as strong.

The end goal though was still fishing for woke points rather than writing well developed female leads. Then the girlboss trope became the new requirement for "feminist" storytelling when, in fact, in most cases those characters are thinly disguised patriarchal stereotypes and fetishist fantasies of "male feminists" like Wh*don and the likes of him. Thrud admittedly falls under that category and is a filler character which makes all the claims about Angrboda (whose presence in the story fundamentally changes and moves the plot each time she has a scene) supposedly being there "for woke points" utterly hypocritical. However, as you noted in one of your posts, Thrud still has the potential to become a deconstruction of the girlboss trope if she overcomes her toxic mindset (ironically, entirely influenced by the men in her life whom she couldn't even think and act independent of).

Gamebros and wokes encourage sexist, "not like other girls" stereotypes all the same, they just use different language for that (again, not unlike Alpha Males and Nice Guys).

Concerning anime female characters, most notable part of fandom's response to them is how misogynists appropriated young girls and women's interest in those characters because they felt threatened by it. Girls enjoy anime female leads because they can relate to them as anime girls are among the vanishingly few that still have self expression (emotional, romantic, intellectual, physical even if they ARE sword wielding and fit) and who are not created for woke points. Misogynists had to spin this characterization and reduce said characters just to their looks and sexual objects.

What's most challenging about Freya for both gamebros and wokes is that she was originally introduced as A) the Witch of the Woods vs your cliched formidable sword wielding Valkyrie type and B) not a perfect mother. Those were the sins both misogynists and progressives cannot forgive women for - and that is the prime example of how they are one and the same at their core.

The fact that GowR not only vindicated Freya but allowed her to not be defined by trauma nor turn into another "beautifully broken woman" stereotype only fueled their anger. Which, as I mentioned, meant nothing in the end because the developers still told the story they had planned out, never mind the trolls' entitlement.

I just wanted to say, thank you and the other fans from this part of the GoW fandom.

In a place full of trolls and gamerbros who turn characters that they deem annoying into irredeemable, useless bitches (Freya, Angrboða) and characters they do like are reduced to either prize for someone (Thrúd, Sif and somehow, Freya again) or into their masculinity idol (Kratos, whom they only accept as the testosterone caricature godkiller and his development seen as creators turning him soft. This claim is at it's peak with Ragnarok, but it was there back in 2018 such as wanting Kratos to beat or even kill Atreus for "acting like a brat". What a horrible mindset!) - It's nice to have a side with people who are welcoming, creative and genuinely fun to interact with.

Your analyses - both fandom and in-game inputs - are a delight to read. They're beautifuly written, intelligent and well formulared, I always feel smarter after reading them.

Apologies if you prefer to discuss this in DMs, I wanted others to read this too.

I wish you a wonderful rest of your day/night 💛

Thank you so much for this message, this kind of feedback truly makes existing in this - and, admittedly, other fandoms - worth it. Your summary of my ramblings genuinely took me by surprise as I haven't been "conventionally" active in the fandom intentionally due to negative past experiences with other fandoms. Those occasional inputs I do come up with are mainly hastily written bursts in broken English.

I don't make a secret out of the fact that in my experience all fandoms, definitely not just Gow(R), are toxic to varying degrees due to trolls employing the very same tactic everywhere they go. For one, it's creating the illusion of dominance of their opinion in terms of quantity (as they have no arguments to back up their stance other than canon twisting nonsense they clearly realize that "quality" is not their strong suit). To attain that, they resort to a number of other tactics typically used by abusers both online and in real life.

As such, whenever trolls see intelligent and thoughtful people refuting their "points" they know they cannot come up with a single canon compliant rebuttal. Therefore they dog-pile in droves as to wear down the opponent who inevitably has to stop responding to them at some point. Because a logical person who dedicates time and thought to formulate an argument, fact checks and brings up evidence and quotes from the source material simply cannot withstand a wave of unhinged trolling coming at them left, right and center. They certainly cannot respond to each ridiculous one line statement of the trolls (such as the types of statements you bring up, in the vein of "Freya is a b1tch, she should've DyEd instead of He**d*all!!11!!") by typing out a thorough and researched response each time. As it would require not just spending hours on it but repeating themselves numerous times over.

The above behavior from trolls is what caused me personally a burnout from the fandom culture overall and led to my taking a distance. When I engage with people in online communities I tend to avoid blanket statements and try to always back up my points with examples from canon. Trolls don't need any of that and always dismiss those points or, at best, make it look like they acknowledge them (by quoting back). But instead of replying with canon facts they resort to Strawman Arguments or Ad Hominem.

In Gow(R) and other gaming fandoms there's also the matter of the trolls looking for "backup" in the form of big bloggers/reviewers who express, in some respects, a view of the plot and characters similar to them. Which trolls use as another "proof" their opinion is supposedly held by the majority. But the uncomfortable - for them and those reviewers - truth is that YouTube community (a cesspool of trolling as of now) represents hardly even 1 percentage of the general audience (one that pays actual money for the games). Which at most passively watches some of those videos, mainly when they have a click baiting title.

A prime example is that "viral" video with millions of views about Atreus supposedly "having a crush on Thrud". Looking at the comment section it becomes obvious that the people leaving humorous and lighthearted remarks don't take the video or the title statement seriously. Whereas the actual trolls who consider Atreus a "selfish little runt" (c) but somehow good enough to be a prize/reward for Thrud (whom they either sexualize or treat as their girlboss self insert); and who deny that Atreus and Angrboda is the only canon budding romance arc in the series are the same four or five people/nicknames. Who can be observed under other Atreus/Angrboda videos with their nonsense.

Furthermore, trolls actively participated in making the "Atreus and Thrud" piece viral in the comment section for at least one Atreus/Angrboda tribute video by mentioning the AT video and the amount of views it has. And openly insisting it somehow "proves that the fans want" Atreus and Thrud as a romantic arc for Atreus - the very same character they consider unworthy of being a secondary protagonist let alone becoming the main lead of the series or having his own spin off. But, as noted, they believe him to be acceptable enough to become a trophy man for their preferred girlboss.

That in turn brings us to another issue of male characters absolutely also being susceptible to objectification and being reduced to love interests and plot devices for female characters whom fandom minority treats as a part of their personal power fantasy. Atreus hating trolls originally didn't even deny they hated Angrboda "by association" with Atreus - thus even they initially admitted she was intended as his potential romantic partner by the narrative - because women to them are just men's extensions/accessories. But when they realized this argument makes it very easy to dismiss them for the bitter misogynists that they are they changed the tactic (also classic troll pattern) and started to distort canon in order to invent "arguments" to justify not just their Atreus hating but also their Angrboda hating stance.

To "warm up" they originally started calling Angrboda a "woke points character" which I cannot stress enough is utterly laughable when coming from Atreus/Thrud shippers. Because if there is a woke points or fan-service character in GowR it would be Thrud and Heimdall, respectively. They're the only ones who could be either removed entirely (Thrud) or replaced/have their screentime reduced to one or two scenes and the story would've been exactly the same. Thrud's Valkyrie aspirations have no influence on the plot whatsoever and are a complete filler. I'm saying this not because I dislike either of them but because it's an objective fact that smashes troll arguments flat.

Then there is the matter of the trolls being unable to stand the fact that interactions with Angrboda is Atreus's healthiest and most positive relationship in the story. It especially challenged them that Angrboda always valued Atreus's personal choices and didn't once question him (even when she disagreed with his train of action), his moral character or his right to take his own independent decisions (on the contrary, Thrud questioned his every move and deemed him untrustworthy the moment he made one, genuine mistake with Garm - and the trolls deemed it admirable because "finally someone put that little runt in place"; they don't actually ship Atreus and Thrud, they ship their own aggression and disdain towards Atreus projected onto Thrud).

Angrboda let Atreus exercise his agency (another troll nightmare as they cannot stand the very idea of Atreus having any) even when his actions went directly against her mother's words about the giant marbles or against the prophesy itself. That is, despite Angrboda considering the prophesy which killed both of her parents her lifeline. And believing that delivering said prophesy and the giant souls to Loki was her one and only mission in the existence full of loneliness (years of not speaking to another person, per Angrboda's own admission). As well as full of hard labor she had to engage in daily at a strikingly young age (purely out of love and sense of responsibility for every living thing in Ironwood) because there was no one around to help her (Atreus understandably expressed astonishment and admiration at that which Angrboda appreciated but - which is no less important - pointed out they're the same age; implying that she knows and acknowledges Atreus/Loki has gone through a lot himself and fared well). Even Angrboda's grandmother broke due to challenges that only made Angrboda more caring and compassionate.

Which is another point worth addressing about fandom culture because it tends to put down gentle and vulnerable girls and women as "unfeminist". Modern "feminism" has little to do with woman empowerment or rights and is a repackaged patriarchy that praises women/female characters as strong and independent only when they take the aggressor and conqueror mantle from a man.

Kratos fell a victim of a similar thinking on part of both the gamebro AND the "progressive" segment of the fandom. I realize Tumblr is not ready yet for that conversation, but masculinity is not inherently toxic and neither is femininity. What both gamebros and woke types cannot handle is that Kratos's development and Angrboda's character represent the type of masculinity and femininity, respectively, that isn't imposed on them by the sexist society but that is based completely on their free will and life experience. Moreover, Thrud is the one who was heavily influenced by the toxic environment she grew up in. Therefore considering her a "feminist icon" is both factually wrong and unwise (even if we discount her "treacherous ex wife" comment in regards to Freya because that was ALSO a part of Odin's toxic influence that she can now, hopefully, work through and move on from).

But the most delightful part is that none of those troll views and arguments have proven to matter at all. GowR developers went on to do literally every single thing trolls dreaded. Freya was not made into a "big bad b!tch who deserved to be killed by Kratos for being a less than perfect mother" (even though not only was Kratos the furthest thing from the father of the year in Gow18 but as you note, the very same people wouldn't object to physical violence against Atreus at his hands). Kratos continued to work towards healthier existence and carving a better path. Angrboda remained an emotionally mature, loving, caring and independent person with a potential of her relationship with Atreus going further in the following installments. Atreus is clearly set up to have his own spin off or remain a secondary protagonist or even become the main protagonist next game. That in and of itself is a prime example of how irrelevant trolls and their entitled demands are in the grand scheme of things.

That being said, as I always point out, we should keep in mind we cannot control media we consume, only our experience with it. A healthy emotional distance from it is the only way to avoid stress if/when the writers come up with decisions we might not like or find offensive. Mental well being should be our priority and media created by others should never define us.

Thank you again for this positive and inspiring message. Have a great and fulfilling time yourself <3

[docheros]

luis, finding a picture of a young girl:

luis: dad who is this?

henrik: that's me when i was around your age

luis:

luis: father why did you never tell me you were my brother

[ranchiballz]

The Fall

Please read part 1 to this story The Window

Pretty woman by Van Halen is what gave me inspiration but that doesn't mean reader is a woman. just an idea, enjoy luvs ♡

Pairing: Vance Hopper x GN! Reader

Word Count: 930

Description: Y/N doesn't like heights, I mean who does

Warnings: Language, Fluff, Insecurity, Fear

      You step through the window, being cautious of your step. Vance still had your hand in his as he guided you across the roof. Your room was on the second floor of your house, so sneaking out was always a hassle. Luckily your garage roof was right outside your window. You and Vance used to sit up there all the time, that was before the spider incident (but that's a story for another day).

"How in the world did you even manage to get up here from the ground?" You asked him.

"The trash cans." He said it as if proud of his strategy.

"So that means there are dents in my trash cans?" His face faded into a guilty grin when you commented.

"Well, maybe but you can always just... undent it." He said as he hopped down from the roof. He did it so effortlessly. He was always jumping from one place to another. You had tried to convince him to join the army, said it would be good for him, and that he was good at taking people out. He didn't deny that, that he could take anyone down, he was a little too aware of it. He later explained how military school was enough for him, and you agreed, saying you didn't want him taken away from you any longer.

You stared down at the ground, then your feet, then him. The more you looked down the dizzier you got.

"Hey, don't look at the ground look at me. It's not that far down anyways, you got it." He said reassuringly. He knew you didn't like heights. He learned that once when you started puking on the school roof. A very interesting day that was.

"You're gonna catch me right?"

"Yes I'm gonna fuckin catch you, what kind of question is that?" He said as he rolled his eyes. He kind of took it offensively, did you not trust him? It's not like you guys haven't done this before. Well from a smaller distance... and in water.

"But what if you lose your footing and fall back when you catch me? Then both of us will get hurt." You said in a worried scream whisper.

"That's not gonna happen" Vance commented quietly while you were freaking out.

"OH MY GOD, WHAT IF YOU HIT YOUR HEAD!" the sweat was already showing on your forehead from thinking about it.

"JUST FUCKIN JUMP!" When Vance said yelled this, a switch went off in your head. You held your breath as you leapt off the ledge. 'I'm gonna fall, I'm gonna crush him, I'm gonna kill him' you thought to yourself. You wholeheartedly expected to feel a hard surface hit your body, but it was large, soft, and warm. Slowly, you opened your scrunched-up eyes. Vance was holding you, one arm under your knees and the other behind your back. He gave you the "was that so bad" look, but the only thing you were focusing on was how it felt to be held again. You hadn't been held like this in years. Like how you were when you were young, it gave you a sense of protection and made you feel like a little kid again. That's how Vance made you feel, like a little kid. You were forced to grow up, be the adult. He made your inner child come out, and you loved it, or loved him? You didn't know, but you loved something about it him.

"Don't look at me like that." You said as you pushed off of him letting him know you wanted down. He gently put you down so that you were standing right in front of him.

"Like what, maybe I just want to look at you." That did it. Heat rose to your face, so you looked away, at the ground. Because the ground was so interesting, hey was that pebble always there? It was awkward for a second, even Vance noticed it. That's another reason you liked Vance. Nobody looked at you. Besides your friends or your siblings, no one did. Not the boys at school who loved poking at the way people looked. Not the girls who judged a person based on their beauty. It's not like you were invisible, I mean people noticed you, but they never really looked at you. Vance did. He was always charmed by you. There were way more attractive people than you that he knew. Maybe he pitied you, maybe this is a bet, a really long bet to see who can go the longest in a relationship with someone random. These thoughts haunted you. 'How could a man like HIM ever look at a person like me, let alone date one?' you wondered. You felt your stomach turn and a lump in your throat.

"So where to first? Wanna go grab a few snacks? I think the Grab'n'Go is still open." Vance asked you as you were still looking at the ground. 'Man, they are really pretty. Wait no, boys shouldn't be having thoughts like that. Wait, do men have thoughts like that? What is so interesting about the ground Y/N?' Vance questioned.

"Uh yeah sure. I could go for a Coke." You said finally looking at him. 'I'm so parched right now'.

"Lead the way, your highness." He actually knew how to get to there from your house. He just wanted to lighten the mood. But all he got from it was an eye roll. But deep down he knew you were smiling...internally.

"Where do you think you're going" _________________________________ A/N- sorry this took so long I've been busy, this part is a bit shorter but this story has been getting more attention than i thought it would. I'm thinking about writing one shots about the spider, y/n puking, and the jumping in water one. idk let me know. Love yuh -♡ g

[mylifeisfruk4ever]

Raising Kore part 3

Part 1 - Part 2

The healer was a woman named Tasherit, delicate hands but sharp tongue. She touched Horus with care, but the care she would have used for any of her patients, whispering under her breath about the unconsciousness of youngling.

Horus was technically the Pharaoh (very, very technically) and would have had every right to make her pay the offense.

Okay, he made a mistake. Several mistakes, actually. But Tasherit was only a mortal, and a commoner too. She had no right to tell him what to do or scold him.

But Horus didn't want to. Partly because he knew Seth was going to stop him before he even tried, convincing him that he was worse than Ra in terms of temper. And on the other, precisely because he did not want to be like Ra. He had heard the stories about how she, in the last period of her reing, had become unpredictable, a pharaoh to be feared because one moment she smiled and was kind, the next moment she sent Sekmeth to exterminate a city because she was bored.

Ra held power with fear. Osiris with strong but benevolent guidance. It didn't take a genius to figure out who the Egyptians loved most.

"Kore's intervention was timely. - Tasherit said, after finishing bandaging the leg of the young god. - It slowed the poison. The divine Horus will not lose his leg. "

"So, won’t Birdie die?" Kore asked with a bright gaze, and Horus wondered why she cared so much about him when he had kidnapped her and nearly had her killed.

Seth's expression didn't change, his lips tightened in a thin line as he said, "Unfortunately, no."

"Uncle, I ..."

Seth cut him off, “Save the apologies. You did something reckless and dangerous. What would have happened if there had been more giant scorpions? Only one was enough to do this to you. "

It was embarrassing to admit that yes, Horus had fared worse than he expected. He should have been a warrior, he had been trained from an early age in the arts of war.

His tutors had praised him for his skills. Unnecessary praise, Horus in a real battlefield had been mediocre at best. How did he think he could face Isis and her (possible) allies in these conditions?

He wasn't a wizard, he wasn't an exceptional warrior, he was a spoiled prince who had never fought for anything in his life.

He needed Seth, and if his uncle continues to refuse to help him, Horus will never take back the throne.

“Dad, don't be so mean to birdies. He helped me." 

Seth snorted, "He put you in danger first for his brilliant idea." 

“He didn't want to do it. Isn't that right, birdie? "

 Horus nodded stiffly, not trusting his voice. He certainly couldn't tell her eh I just wanted to take you to my nearest temple and force your father to help me. 

It wouldn't have made a good impression on him. 

He paused to observe the little girl's red hair. His aunt Nephthys used to say that her husband's hair was as red as the setting sun. Kore's were a deeper red. 

Horus had assumed that his uncle had decided to take her into his custody because of Kore's strong magic. Now he doubted it. Maybe she was really his daughter. 

But his aunt had never talked about her, not even when she mentioned her husband's exile. 

 Did it mean that the mother was another goddess? Maybe a mortal?

 It didn't seem right, not when he had heard stories about how much Seth loved Nephthys (he had abandoned her anyway, even though he loved her). 

He could not find another plausible explanation. 

But Horus didn't have to jump to conclusions. Look how it went well the first time. 

The only way to know, however, was to ask directly. It didn't seem the case, not with Kore and the healer there. 

Though he doubted that, alone, his uncle would be inclined to talk.

 "As soon as the leg is healed, you will go away, and you will never be seen again ..." 

"I'm afraid it won't be a thing anytime soon," Tasherit said, drawing the attention of the god of war. 

"What do you mean?"

“The poison is still in the divine Horus system, and it will take at least a few months before I can fully expel it. Also, given the condition of the leg, he may not be able to leave even if he wants to. " 

Although it was bad news, Horus became enlightened. It took a few months to recover. It meant he had time to get his uncle to help him. It was a new possibility. 

He won't waste it.

[impyssadobsessions]

Wrote this all in one go just now, I don't know why. =w='b I was trying to type chapter out but was getting stuck so I hope this helps me.. even though I should be going to bed.. T w T Oneshot: Fluffy trio

"aaaand done! See what you think!" Sam held out a mirror at the boys, proud of her handy work. She had just finished putting some makeup on the boys, for fun. (eyeliner and eyeshadow) "I think it just looks like you gave me a black eye. No offense." Tucker quickly added as he watch Sam frown at his comment. "...I think I look the same- Am I THAT sleep deprived?!" Danny tried rubbing off makeup from one eye to get a comparison. Just making one eye look even more sunken in.

Tucker started to laugh, "Dude! You're right." "Danny stop! Here let me get you a rag to wash it off. " Sam swatting Danny's hand away as she went to soak a warm rag in makeup remover. "That's probably not good in all seriousness, though." Tucker wiping the tears from his eye then hissing in pain. "Ow. Dang Sam! How do you wear this stuff! It burns!" "Pain is beauty, as they say. And you need a lot of it." Sam taking another rag to soak for Tuck. "Hey!" Sam came back towards the two sitting on her bed, tossing the rag into Tuck's face like a slice of cheese. She then handed Danny his. "Circular motions." Sam mimicked with her hand to show them how to wipe it off. "You seem to forget I live with an older sister. " Danny already wiping the makeup off of one eye. "Oh, yeah. She bribed you with sweets to let her test out what makeup looks she liked." Tuck rubbing harshly at his face. "Circular motions Tuck! Sheeesh." Sam moving to help Tuck out, before hurt his vision more. "Heh, yeah. Glad she decided on the nude look, teal eyeshadow was not the look. At least how she did it." "Didn't-pleh-Dash mistake you for a girl, because you couldn't take it off?" Tuck puffing air as he got makeup taste in his mouth from Sam wiping his face off. "Hold still." Sam frowned as it felt like she was fighting wiping a mouth of a young child. "Ugh, don't remind me. That was embarrassing." "He picked you flowers." "Wait, When did this happen?" Sam asked, pausing in her efforts, now invested in the story. "Elementary school. Jazz couldn't get it off, and ran out of remover wipes. So she dropped me off at the park while she bought some. -Guess it didn't help we were in a hurry to keep it from Mom and Dad, so I was wearing one of Jazz's jackets." Danny explained as he picked up the mirror to try and compare. Still had too much makeup smear, so he wiped at his face again. "It was the one with flowers on it, reason Dash thought Danny liked flowers." Tuck snickering. "Long story short, Jazz came back hollering my name. Dash found out, and then pushed me into some mud the next day." "Tch, of course." Sam glanced up shaking her head, as she forced the rag into Tuck's hand. Getting him to do it. Tuck pouted but finished wiping his face. Danny finished wiping off makeup from one side of his face, frowning in the mirror as Sam and Tuck tried to see the comparison themselves. Sam going to stand in front of Danny. "Dang Danny, you're right... When was the last time you slept?" Sam leaning in. "........" "Danny?" Sam narrowed her eyes at the boy's silence. "........Don't tell me it was last Tuesday-" Tucker said as that was the last time he saw Danny sleep and that was from being knocked unconscious for a good 4 hours. "...............Technically it was last.. Wednesday.." "THAT'S STILL BAD, DANNY?!" Sam groaned. "...Hey, I can't help it every ghost and their grandma wants me to fully die from sleep deprivation. Which hasn't happen yet, oddly. I think I'm getting use to it." "Ugh." Sam took the rag from Danny and forcefully removed the rest of his makeup, making him flinch from surprise. "Pff. Sam! What are you-" "Tuck, call Jazz." "Operation Mr. Sandman, is a go!" Tuck had Jazz on speed dial, as it started to ring. "Wait, what? Since when did you guys have a code?!" "Since you started neglecting your health! Now hold still, before I knock you out with an iron skillet." "Metal." Danny sighed giving in. Even so, He couldn't help, but smile warmly. It was nice, being cared for.

[iidigestive-readerii]

I really love your work, you're an amazing writer. I've got a funny one-shot obitine idea. So you know how little kids can be brutally honest, like they're not trying to be mean/offensive or anything, it's innocent, it's just that there just isn't a filter. There could be a situation where Obi Wan and Satine have to deal with a brutally honest youngling that seems to follow them around like a duckling, who honestly wants to hang out with them, they just ask way too many questions that hit a bit too close to home. Also the thing where sometimes if you're friends with someone of the opposite gender, kids ask if they're your boyfriend/girlfriend, which may or may not be one of the questions the youngling asks. Anyway I hope that you have a fantastic day 😊

Aww, thank you! @fwtcanimelover

Sorry it's so late, I had a longer than anticipated day at work. Anyways - onwards!

*

The first time Obi-Wan met Mara Jade, it was a rescue mission. The Order had received Intel that Palpatine had been training Force Sensitive kids as assassins of sorts. She was feral, fearful, and threw a mean punch.

She was seven.

The rest of the kids were more willing to follow, especially with the promise of a warm meal and a roof over their heads.

Mara ran back into the ruins of the planet they had found themselves on - and Obi-Wan followed. Found her hiding spot, and sat, talking and sharing stories until she followed him back to the ship.

She fell asleep against his shoulder.

And that's how it became. Mara would find Obi-Wan. Somehow. Everywhere in the Temple...and sometimes out of it as well.

Obi-Wan was enthralled with her, always entertaining her questions...as uncomfortable as they were. Like right now, as he broke apart from kissing his wife in greeting to blink, stunned at what was just said. He hadn't felt her presence until the little voice popped up.

"Pardon?" Satine asked, turning to look at the youngling. Her face was neutral, though her eyes glimmered with amusement.

"I asked if you wanted another kid," Mara said with a shrug, swinging her feet idly as she sat on a crate. "You have four, what's one more?"

Obi-Wan blinked, unsure of how to answer. He swallowed reflexively a few times, opening his mouth to speak before closing it. "Mara... that's not something you can just ask people. It's a very private and personal decision between a couple - or whoever is child-rearing."

"I'm not saying have another baby." Mara wrinkled her nose. "Gross."

"...then what - " Satine began before she heard the stampede that was her three daughters. Abandoning the question, she knelt to embrace the tornados.

Obi-Wan raised a hand in greeting to the crechemaster that had dropped them off, turning to say something to Mara - only to discover she was walking away.

***

"What do you think Mara meant?" Satine asked around a mouthful of toothpaste.

Obi-Wan sighed, pausing his reading. He knew this was bound to happen. "I've been told Mara isn't happy at the Temple."

"I don't blame her, growing up the way she did. Poor girl must be traumatized, trying to retrain her brain at such a young age."

"Mmm hmm."

Having finished her nightly routine, Satine turned the 'fresher lights off and strode to the bed, sitting on the edge. There was gray at her temples, but she looked as beautiful as ever. "Jinn seems to like her. Freya and Lily too. I'm sure having friends helps.."

With another sigh Obi-Wan put the datapad aside and sat forward. "I fear we're making the same mistakes with Mara that we made with Anakin."

Satine studied him for a moment, then covered his hands. "Spit it out Obi."

"...Mara tried to run away from the Temple the other day. I found her...and bought her lunch instead of bringing her straight back. Dex made her laugh - it's the first time I've seen her laugh."

"She closed up like a clam when returning?"

He nodded, pressing his lips together. "She follows me around like a duckling whenever she has the chance... You see how happy she is whenever she spends the night as Jinn's guest."

"She wants a family." Satine shook her head, unsure what to say. Then she chuckled, pressing her lips to his hands. "Well...if the Council agrees... what's one more?"

[munchflix]

MUNCHFLIX - MORBIUS

IMDB BLURB: Biochemist Michael Morbius tries to cure himself of a rare blood disease, but he inadvertently infects himself with a form of vampirism instead.

WARNINGS: blood, violence, slow mo, nipples, darkness.

RATING: It's morbin' time.

OBLIGATORY DISCLAIMER: All reviews are done solely for humor and should not be taken seriously ever. If you cannot handle cursing, crude humor and probably some offensive things, pls do not read this.

A NOTE: I know. I know. We’re pariahs for even watching this, but it’s what we DO. Now you don’t have to. 

Munch: Happy Birthday Biscuits! It's almost your birthday and we're punishing you with watching Morbius! This seems very timely, given the memes. Plus it's our job to review shitty movies, so....I can't believe I'm paying money for this shit. But for once, Munch gets to go in blind!

Biscuits: We're hopping on the morb train. The meme bandwagon. The Morbus to Morbtown. Fun story! I wanted to see this movie. I was like - well Jared Leto is in it but you know....maybe it'll be like the Venom movies, not good but fun!

M: Morbius said bisexual pride? Those are the bi colors. Well that was loud. Cerra De La Muerte, why is it always some island of the fucking dead? How many islands of the dead are there? A helichopper is here, and Dr. Morb, looking very morb.

B: He looks like Jesus.

M: Don't give Jared Leto any more ideas.

An overwhelming number of bats.

B: That's not true, bats don't just mob and murder large animals.

M: Dr. Morb holds up his bloody hand and the bats just come out of fucking nowhere, there's like a brazillian of them. And now it's MORBIN TIME. But first, his back story. Back 25 years ago before the morbing.

B: He was a young, sickly boy.

M: Holy shit it's Jared Harris. This is going to become a running joke. Morb has a blood disease. He's....infected. Needs regular oil changes. Biscuits once again suckin' down margarita like it's going out of style.

B: Oh shit, Milo is dead! He's fucking dead! Oh morb is super smart and knows how to fix the IV machine because he's got big brains. And the kid just instantly gets back up. He's fine. The doctor wants him to go to a school for gifted kids.

M: This sounds vaguely familiar. Like x men. And harry potter. We still don't know who Milo is. Lucien who just almost died is now getting his ass handed to him by some juvenile delinquents. Is his name Milo or fucking Lucien??? They keep calling him both. Morbo is now all grown up and he graduated stupid young and I have no idea what this has to do with Milo.

B: This backstory is as chopped up as...I don't know.

M: Morby is still pretty sickly looking though. He refused the ‘noble’ prize. Oh Milo is the benefactor to all these weirdo experiments. Morbo has a ton of bats. He's gonna use vampire bats dna to cure his weird blood disease. Oh he's gonna inject a mouse. That mouse is gonna MORB. Science always goes so fast in movies. The mouse is deadski.

B: What was supposed to happen to the mouse? It gets morbed? To save my best friend Milo who I shared 45 seconds of screen time with! Now the little girl is dying. Get this girl 100cc's of....drugs!

M: So they put her in a coma. Because you know. Science. Oh the mouse is fine. It came back.

B: Got morbed. Now he's gonna morb this poor sick child.

M: Oh damn we get to see Milo again. He's still sick. Jared Harris is still here. He hasn't aged a day despite everyone else aging 25 years.

B: Is that the guy who played Dr. Who?

M: Yep. Milo Who.

B: Milo just straight up rejected him. No bitches for Morbius. You up for a little morbin? Love is one thing, morbin...that's another. Now a callback to 10 minutes ago.

Michael Morbius & Milo, aka the M&Ms

M: Morbius is morbin up some dna in international waters where it's totally legal.

B: The biggest thing in this movie right now is that the pacing is going at BREAKNECK speed, everything is so poorly established. They did do a good job of making Morbius look on the brink of death because I am expecting Jared Leto to fucking die at any given moment. Oh NIPPLES, NIPPLES!

M: Oh my god.

B: Oh they're putting it in his spine AHHHHHHHH. You've never had a needle in your spine, I have! AHHHHHH. He's very skinny, but when he morbs he's gonna get so jacked. His nipples will be fully engorged.

M: You can't say things like that and expect me not to put it in there. Things are getting kinky, they have to tie Morbo down while he morbs. He's having a seizure or something. The lights will flicker on and off. He's unstrapped, he was just strapped down.

B: The seedy boat dude is down here checking on Morbius but he's bad because he disrespects women. They're doing delicate celibate research.

M: Morbo is now not on the table. He's hanging from the fucking ceiling making howler monkey noises. They shoot at him, but it's too late, he's MORBED. Oh my god, he looks hysterical. He ate that guy and how he's destroying shit.

B: Like Venom, he doesn't like noises. That woman just got pushed and she fell unconscious. Oh shit BULLET TIME. It's like the matrix! It looks bad. It does look like the source material but it shouldn't.

M: I don't even know what's happening. Morbo morbed and is killing fucking everyone.

B: He's going on a complete murderous morbius rampage. It feels like the whole movie has happened already.

M: Morbo wakes up and he's going back to being...human.

B: See he's buff! And he's got HUGE TITTIES. Did you see how big his titties are???

M: You're killing me. You are titty obsessed.

(Dib: What does LGBT stand for?? Leto got big titties??)

Biscuits is a proud member of the LGBT community.

B: *dies laughing* Morbius has to make sure his girlfriend is okay. He can hear her heartbeat because he's part bat.

M: I hope he's part sailor because he's got to get that boat back to land. Oh he's gonna Mayday it. Oh by the way you MURDERED everyone. Might wanna not be there when the cops show up. Oh the FBI is here. Doctor girl is in a coma just from getting pushed over. Morbo left an origami calling card though. Which was dumb.

B: Milo is like - that sounds like my ex boyfriend Morbius, he used to do that shit all the time. We used to Morb. Morbius is visiting his girlfriend in a coma. Whoops, sorry. My bad.

M: Oh the effects are wearing off. He's doing the stanky leg. He's gotta KEEP MORBIN. Despite the horrific side effects of murdering everyone. He's gotta get some blood.

B: He's using a pouch of blood like a fucking capri sun. Like a goddamn go gurt. He's doing math to figure out how often he needs to eat blood.

M: Morbius is like - well I'm a vampire but I'm really strong and I have huge tits so.....

B: Jared Leto is not a good actor. He's gonna vibe with his bat friends.

M: BATS DON'T MOB AND KILL PEOPLE. It doesn't happen. Oh he's got echolocation too. Oh this effect is so....so incredible. Wow. I can't even describe for our home audience how cool that was. The fake blood is only keeping him good for six hours, that's pretty bad.

B: Kids, don't do Morb. Milo shows up where Morbo has left all of his research carefully unguarded. He's locked himself in a cage to contain himself. He's writing BLOOD on the wall.

M: Milo has said Michael like 80 times.

B: Milo tries to pet him like a dog, lol. Milo is just like - HEY YOU'RE STRONG NOW.

Morbs do not appreciate being petted.

M: Nevermind all the sweating and blood drinking and shit. Milo is the one bankrolling this shit. Milo just wants the morb juice, damn the consequences. He wants big titties. I think Dib called it. Milo is gonna go get the morb juice and become the bad guy.

B: Dr woman is alive and concious. She doesn't know anything. She was dead at the time.

M: Is the FBI really suggesting that it looks like a vampire did this?

B: This is the MCU, they've seen weirder. But where is Dr. Morbius? Did he kill those people? Find out the next episode of Mighty Morbin Power Rangers.

M: We are not even halfway through!

B: HOW??? Again, the pacing of this movie is genuinely jarring. I don't know if it was the director or the writers or what but it's like being on a rollercoaster with pieces of the track missing.

M: Oh I guess he morbed out again and he's eating someone. Maybe. Might be Milo Morbin. Nobody notices that Morbius is suddenly tanned and jacked.

B: I'd smash that. Say what you will but I would hit that. Nobody notices how good he looks. Did he get some of that Captain America juice???

M: Oh the FBI found him. But his fake blood saved one of them. But they're like - hey you look pretty good for a guy who is mostly dead.

B: Did you do anything suspicious on that boat? Like turn into a vampire and eat a bunch of guys? He has beautiful eyes. I don't approve of anything he's said or done in his entire life but he's attractive. Morbius is gonna morb out and fight these dudes with his vampire powers. Oh he's got good leaps. 

He’s neo-ing all over the place.

M: He's got a grab bag of powers that would make Wolverine Origins Deadpool jealous. The bullet time is my favorite one. Now he's in jail. But they let him journal. They brought holy water to the interrogation so apparently they believe he IS a vampire.

B: Well he's gotta be SOMETHING because they just saw him do like a 40 foot vertical leap.

M: That's fair. Morbius is like - well I might have killed some people but I'm not like other Morbs. Also I'm about to morb out right now. Please bring my bag of fake blood.

B: I'm starting to get hungry. You wouldn't like me when I'm hungry.

M: Milo shows up pretending to be his lawyer. He's gonna be like - the only way to fix this is to give me the morb juice.

B: They're charging me with murder. Well you did kill people! You very much did kill people!

M: Ooh maybe Milo killed that woman. He stole the morb juice. He did bring him some stuff though.

B: He's not walking with his cane anymore, he totally did.

M: Now Morbo is gonna have to get out and take out his childhood bestie.

B: The movie is just like Jared Leto sweating simulator.

M: It's morbin time. Oh fucking SHIT. He's fucking breaking through a concrete wall, for fuck's sake. Oh he's doing BIG JUMPS now. Stops for a spiderman style moment on top of a building. Oh and he's got like super hearing. Oh yeah Milo is definitely a vampire. We are halfway through this movie.

B:  I don't understand what is happening??? Was this movie obliterated on the editing floor or was this how it was supposed to be??

M: What the fuck is the rest of the movie???

B: Jared Leto being sweaty.

M: Milo is like - hey it's cool.

B: Milo's supervillian arc happened so fast. I don't even have a word for how nonsensical this movie's pacing is. Milo has Black Canary's sonic scream. Vampire wrestling match in the subway. The trail effect is kinda hokey.

M: I'm not sure public is the best place for this conversation. Morbo is still wearing prison orange. Milo kills the cops who shows up and even more amazing effects. He fortnite dances. MICHEAAAAAAL.

B: Hey Mikey....Mikey baby...honey.

M: The rest of this movie is just slow mo effects shots. I don't think this is supposed to be funny but it really is. I don't even know what's happening to Jesus Morbius right now. Oh he's fucking FLYING. Just...flying. In the subway. I....I don't....

He’s playin’ the base and I’m FLYIN!

B: Not sure about that one, chief.

M: Milo is gonna go after doctor girl. To make Morbo mad I guess.

B: She's so important to this movie and I'm so invested in her arc. She's reading about how Morbius is wanted for murder but he's on the bus with her. Milo is using his science for EVIL.

M: Now they're in a diner. The issue is, when the fake blood stops working, I morb out. It's kinda bad. Some counterfeiters try to give a woman fake money after she knows it's fake.

B: Morbo is gonna go exact justice. They just counterfeited! I'm not sure they deserve to get fucking murdered.

M: This is the important counterfeiter arc. Is this really happening? We need to slow down the movie RIGHT NOW for this shit.

B: They're trying to show that he's a tortured soul. He's an anti hero. You never know what he's gonna do!

M: He's gonna take their lab? It's for making fake money, not science.

B: I don't know how counterfeiting equipment is gonna help him do blood science.

M: He seriously just made a venom reference??

B: He's a loose cannon Morb on the edge.

M: How is there this much tech in a money lab. And now the Milo sexy dance sequence that is really happening. He's very pleased with his titties I guess. This is really happening. The spiderman dance sequence is now no longer the most hilariously awful dance sequence in a marvel movie.

B: They could have cut that and it would have made no difference. Why is that in here? Milo is creeping on women at the bar now.

M: Can vampires drink tequila? I'm so lost about what is even happening. They don't need to establish that he's a bad guy! We already did that! We know he's a vampire and he killed people! But now he's just out there....roaming around??

B: Scenes in a movie don't really need to like...go together or have any work up or connection, right? Just put em wherever! In whatever order! It doesn't matter. Now Dr. Lady and Milo BadGuy are at Michael's lab and Milo is like - I want to help Morbo, do you know where he is?

M: But she already knows he's a vampire so... I guess he's just gonna leave.

B: Her character is just so incredibly not important to this movie. M: We are 2/3rds of the way through. Now we gotta drag out the final confrontation for another half hour. The FBI doing some fine work here. Oh no Dr. Lady Woman got scratched and Morbius smells the good juice and he's trying not to morb out. I love the whole fucking ‘on red’ shit.

B: ‘On red’ sounds like a euphemism for getting your vampire period. They're having such deep conversation. I really feel the chemistry between these two. None of this would have happened if they cast Keanu Reeves. He also has nice titties. If you just need a dude with nice titties, there's lots of options.

M: Oh they're KISSING. But Milo is watching from 10 miles away because he can do that now. The FBI again doing really important work. They're probably the most interesting characters.

B: The CCTV seems to show a guy getting fucking eaten by a vampire. Because that's how that works and it's not grainy or anything.

M: Jared Harris is like oh no....vampires. Maybe he's gonna be like some sort of vampire mentor. Or he's just gonna die because Milo's gonna murder him. The movie has started dragging ass. Milo has daddy issues. Now there's a showdown with Jared Harris about liking Morbo more. And apparently he just knows Milo's a vampire and he's like - okay? Oh he dead. Milo is a terrible villian ffs.

B: His arc makes no sense.

M: Now more bullshit blood science because Morbo has to die a hero. But there's a big problem with your plan MORBO, because Milo is not dead.

B: He's gonna try to inject Milo first, I think.

M: Jared Harris isn't dead tho so he calls Morbo who of course runs to help him because he's dumb. You can't just walk into a hospital, Dr. Morbo. And he's dead.

B: OH NO HE'S DEAD. This character who had like two scenes in the entire movie. But Morbo has super good ears and he can hear Milo threatening his girlfriend and so he's gonna go out with full ugly vampire face on and echolocate himself some bitches.

No bitches? Try echolocation.

M: That's how echolocation works.

B: He's....soaring.

M: The flying shit fucking kills me, it's so funny. Dr. LadyWoman is dying.

B: Use her tasty blood to make you stronger. Everyone is dying in a ten minute timespan now. They could have cut half this movie out and replaced it with some shit that makes sense. He angry!

M: Can we please do the final showdown and end this?

B: I'm gonna have to take a massive shit in a few minutes so can we wrap this up?

M: Morbo is getting his ass kicked.

(Dib: He's gonna inject himself with the blood and make Milo drink him.)

M: Quit calling everything!

B: Wow this is a really well edited action sequence where I can definitely follow what's going on.

M: And not badly lit at all. Oh it's time for the MORBIUS SCREAM which apparently fucking summons bats???

B: Morbius sucks. He just got his ass handed to him.

M: Oh you've gotta be kidding me. Are the bats gonna like...resurrect him? Eat Milo?? What!??! This is inadvertently HILARIOUS. More slow mo. Morbo is fucking conducting the bats like it's a fucking orchestra. This is really happening. They're attacking Milo.

B: *sadly* Oh nooooo.

M: He injects Milo with the stuff.

B: Get morbed. Mikey...I thought we were bros, dude. All of our bro moments. Our broments.

M: Is this over yet? Milo's dead.

B: Fellas, is it gay to stab your homies goodnight?

M: The cops....again. Time to morb out. A comically large amount of bats and Morbius Neos the fuck out of there. But Dr. Girlfriend is gonna come back??

B: Did his bite morb her into a vampire? That's the end?? O....kay.....

M: In the after credit scene...Michael Keaton is here???? He just got like...portalled into a room.

B: What does he have to do with Morbius??? The multiverse thing???

M: I....don't know. I really like the bisexual lighting honestly but that's like...the only thing.

B: What...no Morbius rap song????

M: Closing thoughts?

B: This movie is a TRAINWRECK. It's kind of entertaining in it's badness. It's so insane. I don't know how much was the director or the writer or the editors but it feels like three different movies spliced together. Half of it feels like there's scenes that are missing and the other half feels like filler that should have been cut out. There's no screen time given to developing the characters, I don't even know the doctor's name. All I can say is it's just a disaster.

M: I think you put it perfectly with the first and second half bits. It's so incredibly paced, I can't even describe it. It's so insane. It's way too fast and then way too slow and then way too fast again and it makes NO SENSE at all. I was kinda entertained, I will admit. I think it's unintentionally hilarious, and honestly all the morbin' time memes are dead on. He just morbs and there's zero explanation for his random powers or why they show up and when, it's just completely random. The special effects are really...something. Matt Smith could not villain his way out of a wet paper bag.

B: It's Morbin.

(Dib: How am I supposed to go on with my life now, now that I've been morbed???)

M: Munch and Biscuits and sometimes Dib, Morbin' out.

[ootahime]

what is utahime’s role in the future? — a prediction (manga spoilers)

part 1 (unedited)

I WAS ABOUT TO POST IT BUT I ACCIDENTALLY DELETED IT AND I WAS SO HURT FR!!!!! I HAD REWRITE THIS ENTIRE THING </33

part 2 is here!

in this post, i will be analyzing the information we’ve been given about utahime so far to form a prediction about her future role in the jujutsu kaisen series. if you’re as interested in utahime’s character as i am, please feel free to keep reading :3 (i’ll also be talking about her relationship with gojo a bit too)

soukatsu_ on twt!

kaikaikitan on twt!

utahime iori is a semi-grade 1 sorcerer working as a student supervisor/teacher at kyoto jujutsu high school. she loves drinking beer and going to karaoke. she’s also close friends with shoko and she’s not particularly fond of gojo most of the time. what else do we know about her?

hates sweets (funny she’s the complete opposite of gojo)

she’s great at singing and it’s a huge part of her technique

squabbling with gojo became a reflex :3

everyone absolutely adores utahime

loves watching soccer and baseball

a terrible drunk (worse than naobito zenin)

gojo is her main source of stress

let’s dive into her personality and abilities!

chapter 65

before i get into it, i think it’d be best if i were to explain the timeline because a lot of people seem to be confused about this one particular thing. utahime is born on february 18th, 1987. contrary to popular belief, she is not 3 years older than gojo. it is november 2018 in the story because gojo was sealed on halloween. if gojo was born on december 7th, 1989, that would mean that right now, he is only 28 years old. he has yet to turn 29.

the year is 2007. gojo satoru is a second year at tokyo jujutsu high school. the japanese school year begins in april which suggests that gojo is only 17 at the time (even if it’s not april, it doesn’t look like winter yet so it’s unlikely that he’s already 18). utahime is 20 because it is past february. she is a 2nd grade sorcerer at the age of 20. that’s not bad at all!

chapter 65 introduces young utahime and mei on a mission together within a cursed site. in real time, they’ve been gone for two days which is a cause of concern for gojo, shoko, and geto because the two haven’t contacted anyone since the beginning of their mission.  the two begin to suspect something is wrong because the hallway markers they’ve set in place disappeared, and no matter how far they travel within the halls, the end is nowhere in sight.  mei theorizes that the cursed spirit is overlapping the space as they travel forward.  utahime agrees with this speculation and proposes a plan to escape the cursed spirit’s grasp by moving erratically.  notice how she says that if one of them should escape, they can try to attack from the outside or call for help.  if utahime was not capable of inflicting damage on anything then she would have told mei to escape and attack if she can while she waited to be rescued.  however, she didn’t.  she included herself in the sentence which leads me to believe that she is capable of going on the offense if needed.  

keep in mind that at this point in time, mei is a grade 1 sorcerer.  she is knowledgeable about all things involving jujutsu because she is experienced and skillful.  we can see this aspect of her character illustrated when she theorizes that the cursed spirit is messing with the space they’re in.  she chooses to go with utahime’s plan because she agrees that it’s the best action moving forward.  this verifies that utahime is an intelligent girl that’s able to get along with pretty much anyone.  

her intellect is demonstrated once again in chapter 79.  she was able to deduce the possibility of there being more than one traitor and the fact that one is probably a higher up.  she also narrowed down the mechamaru as the mole of kyoto not because he was acting suspicious but by process of elimination.  she thought thoroughly of his technique and how easy it would be for him to manipulate devices small enough to be undetectable.  

sure you can argue that she should already know all her students’ abilities and whatnot but you have to admit that it’s hard trying to sniff out the traitor when no one is acting suspicious.  in addition to that, how did she know that there was a traitor in the top brass?  i would have never guessed that tbh LOL (maybe bc im an idiot).

okay, now that we have established that she’s intelligent, let’s answer a more important question.  is utahime weak?

chapter 33

if gojo calls utahime weak, does that mean there is some truth to it?  well it is true that she is weaker than him because he’s the strongest and all.  in my opinion, he’s just teasing her.  he probably found that calling her weak is what really riles her up.  maybe i’ll talk about why he loves teasing her so much in a later post.  but anyway, gojo calls everybody and their mom weak.  he even said jogo was weak and we know how powerful that guy is.  gojo’s words alone do not indicate much about utahime’s power.  in fact, i don’t even think he has seen her use her technique yet.  he’s probably only ever heard of how it works.  this is what i think their conversation about her technique was like:

gojo: hm?  ur cursed technique is singing?  can u show me?

utahime: what!  no way!  

gojo: why not?

*one of the classmates tells him that she can only use her CT once in a while because it consumes a lot of energy*

gojo: hahaha!  u have to conserve cursed energy to use ur CT?  why are u so weak, utahime?

utahime: i!  am!  your!  senpai!  respect!  me!

what i’m trying to say is that gojo loves poking fun of people.  we should not believe him when he calls someone weak because compared to him, everyone is weak.  

this is a little off topic but let’s examine him telling her, “and you don’t have the nerves, utahime.”  i think he’s trying to say that there’s no way she’ll ever do something like that because she’s not the type to put her students in danger.  remember the soft expression and relieved smile on her lips when she said that she was glad the students were safe after the kyoto incident?  gojo was directly in front of her so not only did he hear her say that, but he could have seen the look on her face too.  even if he told her that she didn’t have the guts to betray the school to get on her nerves, he knew that utahime simply cared too much about the students so he ruled her out as a suspect right away.  this is why he ultimately decided to confide in her and ask her to help him.  

i’m a person who loves over-analyzing things.  i really enjoy the dynamic between gojo and utahime.  they’ve known each other for more than 11 years and although they always bicker, there is an unspoken feeling of trust between the two.  gojo can do anything and everything by himself because he is truly the strongest person alive, but he still knows when to rely on others.  him deciding to entrust utahime with such a job implies that he believes in utahime’s abilities.

chapter 52

she’s not using any cursed energy here--not to our knowledge at least.  this is just pure skill.  she was able to swiftly evade the swing from haruta.  he was surprised himself considering the fact that he was right behind her.  how do we know her CT isn’t speed?  after haruta swung at her, we can see that some of her hair got cut off.  if she was using her CT then speed should be her specialty.  she should have been able to completely avoid the attack altogether but she didn’t.  of course this isn’t a wow moment because jujutsu sorcerers should know how to dodge attacks, however, i’m just trying to get the point across that she’s not a defenseless person without her technique or others.  let’s not forget that semi-grade 1 isn’t a weak rank either.  you can’t simply be recommended to be a grade 1 sorcerer if you only can support others.  

chapter 48

i want to bring up this panel. it suggests that utahime and takuma are sorcerers who have not experienced black flash and therefore, do not understand the essence of cursed energy as well as those who have like gojo and nanami.  i find it strange how takuma and utahime were used to represent sorcerers who haven’t experienced it yet.  is the purpose to demonstrate that there is a clear difference in skill between adult sorcerers like utahime and takuma compared to gojo and nanami?  i could be nitpicking but the order of todo’s statement doesn’t line up with the sorcerers being shown.  let me explain in depth.  todo starts off by saying, “for those who have experienced black flash as compared to those who have not...” wouldn’t it make more sense to show gojo and nanami on the right side to represent sorcerers who have experienced black flash?  that was mentioned first, after all.  gojo and nanami should appear when todo says “for those who have experience black flash” while utahime and takuma should be shown right after to personify the second part, “as compared to those who have not.”  i’m just making it more complicated than it actually is LOLOL i’m sure it really just means they haven’t experienced black flash yet, which is completely fine.  i also find it fascinating how they used utahime to contrast gojo.  with nanami and takuma it makes sense.  nanami is someone takuma looks up to, he wants to gain nanami’s approval before he deems himself worthy of a promotion. what about utahime and gojo?  what’s the purpose of comparing those two together when it’s obvious that gojo knows more about the essence of cursed energy more than anyone else?  i might be delusional whoops

----

let me know what you guys think?  this is only a part 1 so i haven’t gotten around to answering the question.  i’m pretty much done with the second part, i just need to revise it a little.  i think after i post part 2, i’ll try to interpret all the gojo and utahime moments in the manga >.<