#but even monks I I think have the right to take an arrow to the knee

[soath]

Obviously, DnD characters are wish fulfillment and lots of people don’t want to address the slow senescence of the vulnerable human form in their fun games. That being said, narratively, I do think that levels should probably fluctuate over the course of a lifetime. The level twenty world-saver is going not going to stay level twenty into their old age—that’s not how athletes and retirement work! Wisdom and Charisma casters maybe, but your STR/CON/DEX builds are going to soften with age. They might still be the spryest bastards in the old people tai chi group, but “terrifyingly in shape 70 year old” is not the same as “deadliest man on the planet”. Drop those old folks a few levels, give them some creaky bones and presbyopia. It’s good for them, promise.

[damian-navarro-art]

BATGIRL & ROBIN

Finally guys after all the sneak peeks… my Cassandra Cain and Mia Mizoguchi Short Story! CASS AND MAPS!

I’ve been posting it on my instagram all this month and last week on my twitter but i had totally forgotten to post it in here, for 2 months there wasn’t a day i wasn’t thinking on them and i would have loved with all my heart to do something even longer but… building up a story, thinking over and over the layouts, drawing and coloring with this level of detail all on my own is really hard and i can’t but feel guilty of taking this long for just this 7 pages, but as little that is, with all my heart i just really hope you like them :’) , I tried to put many little easter eggs and references but i will mention some at the end to not spoil your reading.

Thank you for reading! Please let me know what you think!

Okay, so some of the esster eggs:

PAGE 1: that Adam West Batman & Robin climbing a building shot which actually came to me from Bruno Redondo’s cover of Nightwing actually , and the rest of the panels hugely inspired by Batman The Animated Series!

PAGE 2: a portrait of Niccolai Tapes( The Mas Monk) on his early years and at his side Matt Wagner himself! , then a newspaper with a Batman based on his first appearances and a reference to the events from Batman vs the Mad Monk by Matt Wagner, and then ofc all the room filled with a bunch of objects taken exactly from the same pages of Matt when he draw The Monk’s Castle on the same book. and finally the book of Dracula for the same reason ;) , all this layout was inspired by one of the most iconic pages from Pax Americana by Frank Quitely

PAGE 3: all the vampires were based physically on Voldermort’s Death Eaters! but also the girl in black is Dala! Mad Monk’s more loyal acolyte which in the book she always desired to become a vampire but never could! , but from left to right, Barty Crocuh Jr. , Dala as Bellatrix, Peter Pettigrew, The Monk was “Voldemort” , then Snape, Lucius, Narcissa and Fenrir Greyback, and that last panel was a BLADE reference 🙂‍↕️🙌

PAGE 4: this whole Cass yellow panels with speedlines were supposed to represent the same kind of panels that Damion Scott drew when Cass was moving really fast in her Batgirl run, the whole layout was based on a page of Jamal Campbell from his Green Arrow run

PAGE 5: shot referencing the killing joke joker and batgirl cover, you can see a “Red sun” mode on the bat-flashlight apart from the Ultra Violet setting, them. Maps bites the Monk as she used to do a couple times in Gotham Academy, and Cass final attack is a reference to one of the moves she does in her 2000s run to stop the heart beats of a thug , and those circles were inspired by David Aja’s work on his Iron Fist and run!

PAGE 6: the building on the background purposely resembles the Bat ears, the GCPD have the uniforms from BTAS and you can see also Detective Montoya and Jack Ryder interviewing her :), Maps little hearts are taken from Karl Kerschl who used to do them on Gotham Academy a couple times, and finally the Grapple Gun reference from all the time Maps mentioned it on Gotham Academy 🙂‍↕️,ohh and the box of the gift was also the same feom Shadow of the Batgirl when Barbara gives her suit to Cass!

PAGE 7: Frank Miller’s Batman and Carrie Kelly cover 🙂‍↕️🫶

THANK U GUYS 🫶

[dyaz-stories]

WIP Wednesday — Gojo Satoru x Kagome Higurashi

Hiii everyone, I wanted to post this little snippet on here for this niche crossover pairing I've been thinking about so much recently. I have ideas for a fic for them that I really want to work on and publish eventually, but in the meantime, here is a little part that I've written. I don't know if anyone who reads me will be in both fandoms and/or be interested but if you are PLEASE come scream about it with me, you'd be so so welcome to do so! Hope you'll enjoy!

“Gojo!”

Kagome sprints down the crater left by the collision. The dust hasn’t settled yet. She cannot hear anything but the sound of her own heart over the ringing left by the explosion, and her eyes cannot pick up anything through the thick veil of dirt and ashes.

She has no way of knowing what she will find down there, no way of knowing if Gojo is alive or if she will have to finish the enemy he could not take on, alone. She already has an arrow at the ready, fingers tight around the string of her bow. Her spiritual energy, which she’s so dutifully repressed for years, is pulsating under her skin, keeping up with her swirling emotions.

He’d said he was the strongest. He’d said it, and repeated it, and everyone around him had acted like it was obvious, and she’d believed them — but she barely knew him, and he barely knew her world. He was an exorcist, and these weren’t curses. Yokai, corrupt monks, dark priestesses… He could as easily not have made it.

But when she reaches the bottom of the crater, as the dust is starting to settle, she meets piercing blue eyes.

“Not bad, huh?” Satoru Gojo asks her. He’s grinning wildly, panting, sweat running down his neck.

He’s alive.

Relief washes over Kagome instantly, and she puts down her bow, letting the spiritual energy flow back in. She feels it protest, knows it wants out, wants her to stop constricting it. She still forces it back in.

“You’re okay,” she whispers.

His grin widens even more as he walks up to her. His tongue sticks out cockily between his teeth as he speaks.

“’course I’m okay. You didn’t think I was going to let that little thing beat me, huh?”

He’s towering over her, basking in the glory of his victory. His white hair frame his face, a glowing halo. He looks like an angel. He looks like a god.

Kagome feels the relief switch to fear, one that fills her veins and makes her head buzz. Half of it is canalized into anger right away, because that’s just how she’s wired,  but she knows. Deep down, she’s terrified.

“You cannot do things like that,” she says slowly, taking the time to articulate so she doesn’t lose it. “You don��t know enough about the yokai, or the wielders of spiritual energy. You don’t know what we can do.”

“Neither do you,” he answers casually, leaning his shoulders back. “There’s nothing you can throw at me that I wouldn’t be able to take.”

The worst part is, she doesn’t even believe that that is untrue. He probably could. If he had any idea of what might be coming his way, which he clearly, emphatically, doesn’t.

“You don’t understand,” she says. “I told you before. Spiritual energy— it can dispel cursed energy. Whether it’s curses, or any spell.”

He tilts his head, studying her. His eyes are shining.

“Just like that?” he asks. His tone is mocking, and she can tell he doesn’t believe her one bit. She gets it. He’s never seen it happen. This is a world he never even knew existed, and he’s used to nothing being able to hide from him. But she has to, she needs to make him believe her.

So she reaches out. His Infinity is always a light glow around him, one that she knows others cannot see, so she knows it’s activated. She lets her fingers get in contact with it, slowly. It stretches like a glove at first, before the spiritual energy that irrigates her entire body whether she wants it or not sets to purifying it. It doesn’t pop like a bubble, though she suspects she could do that, if she chose to, just letting her index finger through, then her entire hand, then her wrist. Finally, she places her hand on Gojo’s heaving chest, all while he’s staring at her, mouth slightly agape now.

“Any spell,” she repeats.

For context:

This takes place post high school arc for Satoru but pre-Yuta. Satoru is around 24 I want to say? Maybe a little younger. I haven't decided yet if he's already a teacher at Jujutsu High but I'm leaning towards no.

Kagome is the same age, living in the modern era for reasons that will be explored later on. The well is closed. I'm leaning towards InuKag having always been platonic in this universe, but with a very very strong bond nonetheless (obviously)

[mischiefmanaged71]

All’s fair (1)

Pairing: Osferth x fem! Reader

Rowdy voices filled the tavern as Osferth wandered in behind the group. Uhtred led them from the rain, seeking shelter in the cover.

"I need a drink." Finan sighed, taking a seat at an empty table.

Osferth found himself sat next to Sihtric, Uhtred and Finan across as the barmaid left to fetch their drinks.

"If I have to spend one more night on the ground, I think my back will cave in forever." Finan continued.

"I think that's the least of your problems." Sihtric remarked, laughing along with Osferth as he smacked Finan's hand away.

“You lads can laugh.” Finan scoffed, dodging their attempts to nudge him playfully.

"Lord, I was wondering," Osferth began, "How many days from here?"

Uhtred glanced at him, "If we leave at dawn, as planned, I would say two days to our destination."

"This Lord we're meeting better be important." Finan grumbled under his breath, wincing as a foot kicked him under the table. "Shit-"

Sihtric stifled a laugh as Osferth chuckled along with Uhtred. Soon enough, they found themselves waiting aimlessly before Osferth stood to grab it. He hadn't walked too far from the table when a stocky figure tumbled in his path. Osferth righted his footing, looking at the ominous face glared at him.

"Watch where you're going, boy."

"It was an accident." Osferth said, tilting his head. The man walked into him, not the other way around. Osferth must not have kept that to himself as the man stepped closer, seething at the sight of him.

"Pesky little thing. What’s a monk doing with a sword?" The man spat, glancing at Osferth's armour and the sword at his side, "Can you even use that, bastard?"

A fury did light in Osferth at the remark as he stood his ground. "Don't call me that."

"What?" He repeated, "Bastard? You don't like that, do you?" The man stepped closer.

"Let me teach you a lesson, boy." He reached for his sword.

"I'm not afraid of you." Osferth stood, staring into the man's eyes as he stared him down intimidatingly. The scrap of metal unsheathing reached his ear, a clash of flesh and a scream, but Osferth hadn't moved, nor did he feel any pain. A sword clattered on the ground in front of him.

He watched as the man hissed, clutching at his hand and looking around before he landed on a figure to Osferth's right.

"Bitch!"

The noise disrupted the rest of the tavern as it grew quiet, and Uhtred's men followed the panic. Osferth's eyes drew to the table where the figure stood, their hood removed.

The woman's face was stoic as she glanced at his attacker with indifference. "You would pull a sword on a man for your own stupidity."

"I'd do much worse." He hissed.

"Walk away with all your limbs in tact. I would recommend it." She remarked, stepping closer. Her cloak rustled, revealing the plethora of knives attached to her person and the sword at her side. A bow and arrows resided on the table with a bag and empty plate.

"I will string you up and hang you for cutting me, whore. Him, I'll run through with my sword."

The threat drew Uhtred, Sihtric and Finan to back Osferth.

"You do know how to use that, right?" She asked him, glancing at Osferth.

"Of course." Osferth replied.

Uhtred spoke up, "Now, there doesn't need to be any blood shed. We can all part ways."

The men behind him stood, arming themselves "None of you are leaving, especially that bitch."

She glanced around, raising her eyebrows "It's always the same insult."

Y/N drew her own sword, standing next to the man. "Behind me." She ordered as a man barrelled toward them. The chaos began, shouting and fighting filling the tavern. Her new acquaintance and his friend formed a circle, taking on anyone who came onto them. She tucked her sword down at the last second, pushing a man back with a strong kick. Her arm curved her sword in an arch, meeting an attack as she held off. She pushed back, releasing and slicing their chest.

Despite the bloodshed, she managed to avoid most of the blood splatter. The man and his friends appeared to be doing quite well in holding off the crowd. A gasp left her mouth as a hand grabbed at her hair. She couldn't control the scream that left her as she scrambled for keep, quickly stabbing their widely with a dagger she pulled from her sheath. From the cry, she was successful in harming her attacker who released their hold. She whipped around and kicked the man's leg in. The pommel of her sword met his temple and he fell unconscious.

Her chest rose and fell shakily as she scanned the room, spotting the blonde fighting against an attacker in front and a second approaching. Her heart raced at the sight of a third sneaking up from behind. Two of her daggers unsheathed, meeting flesh in succession. The second figure managed to get him onto his back, sword raised to cause harm. It swung, but was intercepted with another's sword with a harsh clang.

There was a fury in her eyes that Osferth only saw in few people. In the moments when Lord Uhtred discovered the terrible things done to vulnerable women and children. But this look, the whole consuming fire, he had not seen in a woman like this before.

She held strong and twisted, sending the man backwards as he staggered to gain his balance. Y/N stood firmly, huffing as she twisted her sword in hand and raised it again. But she didn't move. Osferth watched closely as within a few seconds, she waited patiently for the man to come to her. She analysed him before reacting, noting his unbalanced footing and sliced his arm. The man cried out, dropping his sword and she sent him to the ground with a kick to the chest. A kick to the balls was for good measure as he groaned on the floor.

"I didn't get your name." She stated, holding her hand to pull the man off the ground. He glanced at it before accepting.

"It is Osferth, my Lady." His eyes scanning her face with a wonder and gratitude.

She smiled, nodding "Osferth. You can call me Y/N."

He smiled at her, "Thank you. You did not need to step in, but I am most grateful that you did."

"He would not have left you alone. Besides, I was itching for some practice." She slid her sword back into the sheath at her side with a smile.

"We should move on before more trouble arrives." Osferth replied, guiding her with a hand to his group. "Where did you learn to fight like that?"

Before she could answer, loud voices brought them out of the daze as they reached the other's crowded around the horses.

"The Lady who rescued our baby monk!" Finan shouted cheerily. "She's a better fighter than you, Osferth."

"I'd wager she's better than you Finan." Uhtred retorted, causing Sihtric and Osferth to laugh while she stifled her own.

She looked to Osferth, raising her eyebrows in question. "I was training to be a monk..."

"And..."

"Now..." He finished, stumbling over his words "I'm a part of Lord Uhtred's men." Gesturing at the man in question.

"Lord Uhtred of Bebbanburg?" she asked.

"Correct. This is Finan." Uhtred gestured.

"The Irishman." She pointed out, and he winked at her. Y/N rolled her eyes, folding her arms.

The other man wore a kind smile, glancing at her. "And Sihtric."

A Dane, she noted - curious as to how such a group formed. "What were you doing on this path?"

Uhtred glanced at the other men, forming his answer carefully, "We were stopping on our journey for the night. Seeing as that is no longer an option, we best move on."

"No, it probably isn't. May I ask where you're headed?"

"Toward Repton. Lord Egir awaits us."

She hummed, "It seems you're in luck. I’m on my way there. You should take this path along the south through the forest."

"No. We're going west and cutting around all of the checkpoints. There are less chances of being seen that way." Sihtric stated.

"Yes." She agreed, "but it's much faster to cross the river, than go all the way around. Why don't we travel together?" She suggested, "I make this trip quite often, I know the trail well enough."

"Why would you offer to travel with four strange men, my Lady? It is not safe to put your trust in just anyone." Osferth stated, no offence to the woman.

She smiled, enticed with the way he addressed her so sweetly. "Are you saying I cannot trust you, Osferth?"

He flushed, stumbling over his words "No-uh, of course-"

The others laughed quietly at the man’s flustered state. 

She chuckled lightly, "You all saw what I'm capable of, and I have enough weapons on my person to assure myself, should anyone wish me harm. I think I should be just fine. If it's all the same to you, Lord Uhtred, it would be my honour to escort you and your men."

"Very well. And thank you." He replied with a smile.

Y/N nodded, walking off to her horse. Osferth couldn't help but follow her with his eyes, entirely absorbed by this ethereal woman who saved his life.

"Looks like our baby monk has his eyes set on her." Uhtred remarked.

"Not bad, Osferth. Maybe he's smarter than us, lads."

"I know he is." Sihtric laughed as Finan grumbled, punching the man's arm.

"Do you think we can trust her?" Uhtred asked Osferth.

He thought it over, considering her courage to step in and save him and her genuinity. He nodded, "She saved my life. She didn't have to do anything, but she intervened."

Uhtred nodded, "Let's see from here. We should remain alert still."

Osferth agreed, hearing the trample of hooves against gravel.

"I've never seen a lady in combat, less one who can kill that many men." Finan replied.

"Not all of them are dead." She stated, bringing their attention back as she pet her horse. They stared at her, their expressions stunned and bewildered.

"They certainly won't forget what happened here." Uhtred noted.

"We should leave now. We can find somewhere else to rest and arrive by dusk."

***

Finan whispered to Sihtric, "Where have you heard of women who can fight like that?"

"Maybe she's the right hand to a Lord or a Queen?" Sihtric replied, "Who knows? I guess we'll find out soon enough." Glancing where the woman rode in the front. Osferth saddled next to her on his own horse, Uhtred not far behind as he closely watched the woman.

"If you don't mind, my Lady. May I ask you a question?"

She averted her gaze from the path to Osferth, "Of course.”

"Where did you learn to fight like that?"

Y/N looked at him, "My father encouraged me from a young age that I should know how to defend myself. There are always dangers around us, especially for people like me."

"It is a tragedy that you should have to defend yourself against such people."

Y/N would have laughed, "I do not grieve having to fight for on my own behalf. In fact, it is quite the opposite." Receiving a confused look from the group.

"I have the privilege and tools to protect myself. The ability to be independent, without the help or need for a man."

"What does your husband say of this?" Uhtred asked, although she could tell it wasn't maliciously intended, rather curious.

"My husband does not have a say." A smirk turning at her lips. Osferth felt a twist in his gut at that. "I'm afraid, he would have to exist to have a say in such matters."

Osferth pushed his horse forward, "Are there...others?"

"Others?" She trailed off, confused at the question.

Osferth cleared his throat, forming an answer in time "Warriors?"

"There are many warriors where I am from. Most are men, but there are select women who choose to defend our village, as I have."

"That is curious." He replied with a smile.

"Our Lord believes in the right of every individual to decide their purpose. I've known since I was young that I was to protect mine. It is easier with the support of my family. I see the experiences of other women outside our walls."

"Coccham is not so different in that respect. It hosts all sorts of people who need a home. It's where we came together under Lord Uhtred's command." Osferth continued.

A bout of silence passed as they crossed through the river, water splashing about as the horses trotted through. It was on the other side that Sihtric spoke up, addressing her first.

"Why did you choose to fight and not reside in your home?”

"I don't enjoy killing people, but I don't tolerate ignorance and cowardice. That man would have cut Osferth down for simply looking at him. He was looking for a fight, so I gave him one."

Finally they crossed through to the other side and a gasp reached her ear when the castle finally came into view. It was nothing short of incredible, the towers and immense field spread out. Y/N waved a hand and the gates opened, allowing them to pull through. The town square came into view, people glancing at the newcomers.

Osferth heard murmurs from the crowds, confusion laced within his features until they finally reached the castle ahead. A few men stood ahead at the doors, one offering help to Y/N to dismount.

She turned to them, "Wait here and I'll be with you shortly. I will announce your arrival."

Uhtred nodded and they watched her leave.

"Doesn't it seem like we're missing something?" Finan remarked.

"She isn’t telling us everything." Sihtric agreed.

Osferth shook his head, residing to trust the lady after her generosity, "We don't need to know everything.”

Uhtred narrowed his eyes on the castle. "I agree with Sihtric and Finan."

"Lord-" Osferth's eyes widened.

Uhtred shook his head, "We don't need to pry. I'm merely saying there are things we must be weary of." He laid a hand on Osferth 's shoulder, "We don't know enough about her to trust entirely. That's why I'm trusting you to find out."

"What?"

Finan's arm found Osferth's shoulders, "Use that charm of yours, baby monk. I'm sure it'll work, given she's taken with you. She sees something there." Pointing at his chest.

Osferth pulled a face, not enticed with Finan's insinuation there. "What are you talking about?"

"The Lady fought for you-spilled blood for you. I think that means something." Finan emphasised, eyebrows raised.

"Just try." Sihtric offered, causing Osferth to sigh as the group dispersed at her return.

"He's ready for you."

***

“Lord Uhtred. It is a honour to host you.” their host greeted them, standing to clasp Uhtred’s hand. “It has been a difficult year for us, with the passing of my late wife and surfacing Danes who wish to do us harm.”

The private room housed a table with parchment and ink, several key objects representing landmarks and villages. Aside from their group of four, there was the Lord, two other men, and Y/N.

“It is why we have come, to seek your counsel and support in the retaking Bebbanburg.”

The Lord Egir nodded, “We must discuss the formalities later, after you have settled. I assure you, my people and I are devoted to your cause. This is my advisor, Osmund, who will be overseeing plans with us.”

“Let me introduce my kin.” he gestured to the young man at his side “This is my son, Henrik. He is one of the best marksman we have. I am sure you will find much talent and use of his guidance.”

The men glanced over at him as the Lord continued, “And you’ve already had the privilege of meeting my daughter.” glancing at her as she stood to the side, between the two groups. She smiled at her father, glancing at the men.

Varying expressions of surprise and stoic faces greeted her, but she smiled nonetheless. 

“Yes. It involved an argument in a tavern.” she finally spoke. “A rather abrasive man with a temper.”

“What became of him?”

She shrugged, “I was not fortunate enough to remove him of his hands, but I think the message was clear.”

Henrik’s laugh reached her first before the scattered laughter of her new acquaintances began.

“Her skill is much credit to her abilities.” Uhtred stated. 

He smiled, “My daughter is one of the best fighters I know. I made sure of it from the first day she could lift a sword.”

"We do not have many women bearing arms in Coccham." Uhtred began, drawing their eyes to him, "But, now I see a far greater asset, as your Lady Y/N has demonstrated."

"Thank you, Lord. You and your men are fine fighters." She stated, "I see great skill and potential in your crew."

"Both Henrik and Y/N have been devout to their training and studies since a young age. Y/N has taken to training our warriors in physical combat and of the sword. Henrik is more adept in suiting out archers. This has proven to be the best strategy in dividing our strengths within the house." He continued, "Perhaps his Lord and men would look to see a demonstration during their stay."

His kin nodded their heads, Y/N taking her turn "Of course, Father. Always a learning opportunity."

Although the narrowing of Finan's eyes, the silence from the other two wasn't an indication of humour. Osferth's eyebrows were raised in surprise.

"I believe that was sufficient. May I excuse myself? It has been three days since I've returned."

"Of course." He nodded as she bowed her head and headed toward the doorway. The sound of her name caused her to turn her head again.

"Would you escort them to their lodgings?"

"Of course. It would be my pleasure.” she smiled.

TAGS

[another-heroine]

Friends to lovers for Katya & Lann ❤️: 10. getting physically close during the denial phase. IMAGINE KISSING AND FREAKING OUT SAYING, "friends... kiss. right?"

friends to lovers heart fluttering moments

Another episode of IT TOOK ME FOREVER BUT THERE WE GO

CW: Act 4 Quests, Angel Path

Lann acknowledged his limitations. Not in front of Daeran, of course, but deep down in his soul, where his weaknesses should be. For example, there were a lot of words he had no idea what they mean: mellifluous, eidetic, tintinnabulation, and so on. But at least he knew what boundaries were.

Something that Nenio apparently chose to ignore every single day.

They were back to the Nexus, after the last stroll in the Abyss has taken its toll from the team. He stood further from the fire, taking care of his bow and making more arrows. It was late and many already had said they good-nights and went off sleep.

Then he listened to a familiar giggle, one he hasn't heard since Galfrey sent them to that ominous place.

"She what!?" Seelah couldn’t believe that. Her whisper was a little bit higher than she expected.

"I know, right." Ekaterina nodded. "She simply asked me to take off my clothes because, by her research, some friends do that!"

"Oh Nenio." The paladin wiped her face. "What she gonna ask next?"

"I'd rather not to think about it." The Commander grimaced.

Lann frowned. What that nutty fox was doing? He overheard she abording some of the Nexus' people early, but had no idea what was going on. She was too unpredicable. Like when she asked him to take off his clothes because she wanted to make an anatomic drawing of a mongrel.

The monk scratched his chin, nervously. He would never understand.

"Then I explained her that not every friend do those things," the druid told, like she was talking about a toddler. "Kissing and sleeping together many times are related to partners."

"Do you think she really understood?" Seelah asked and laughed afterwards, when the Commander shook her head.

Lann frowned, trying to focus on the arrows. Uplanders were curious, too. Instead of giving rats or pelts to their significant other, they used to give flowers, chocolates and wine.

And about the kissing part... Nobody among the neathlanders were familiar to that. He recalled poorly his parents' relationship, his father was not fond to show physical affection, but his mother was, always hugging them, tucking their hair and kissing their foreheads.

"Hey, how are you doing?"

Ekaterina approached, bringing him to the present.

She sat next to him, sorting the materials he was using. Lann always made a mess while was creating anything. It was good to have someone tidy around.

"Almost done," he lied. The mongrel got distracted eavesdropping her conversation about Nenio and her experiments.

"I'm not talking about the arrows, you know?"

He stopped and glanced at her. She was serene, observing him with a subtly smile.

Oh, if a look could kill, that one could lift any curses he ever had.

She has found him at the Bad Luck Tavern after their encounter with Savamelekh. He would be lying if say he remembered exactly what they talked about, but the feeling that she also cared about him lingered.

"I'm getting better." He nodded. "I... still feel ashamed for making you worry, but hopefully I'll recover from that too."

The woman hummed, "Glad to hear it."

His throat was dry. Lann muttered, "Also, if you need anything, I’m all ears."

"Oh, not at all. I... just want to make you some company." Her eyes darted to the floor. "This place is oddly cold. And empty. Even I'm feeling uncomfortable with it."

Lann took a deep breath and put his bow aside.

"I told you that I will fight for you until the end, right?"

The aasimar looked at him, puzzled. "What do you mean?"

He had no idea either. But he wanted to say something epic, breathtaking, romantic. Like those cheap novel books in Mendev.

"Well," he cleaned the throat. "Keep you safe from the cold and the emptiness are also part of my goal."

First, she looked at him up and down. Then she arched a brow. "Do you wanna sleep with me?"

Uh, oh, Nenio, there was your biggest rival. Lann felt both warm and cold blood abandoning his face.

"No! I mean, err, yes? But not like, uh..." His hands waved in the air, like he was trying to weave the time-space and come back to the moment when his mouth was pretty shut.

Ekaterina covered her mouth, muting her laughter. "Calm down, I’m joking with you. Though I don’t have any objections."

Lann looked at her in panic. Was that an invite or a joke? She leaned her forehead on his, and the mongrel couldn’t take off his attentive eyes of her. They have never been that close until that very moment.

"Friends kiss... right?" The words tripped.

"You tell me."

Lann felt her lips pressing against his, and like a magical trickery, she found her way in.

[myechoecho]

My Dearest, ep 6

This show keeps on going at full steam.

It's interesting, because Jang Hyun saying he hates Joseon is not entirely a lie. I think he has a general disdain for how the society functions and he certainly has no love for the king.

The show really doesn't shy away the the brutality of this invasion. Jang Hyun and the singer are in a dangerous situation with the General testing them in various ways.

It also drives home how women are treated in war and the fear they all have

It's somewhat difficult to watch the court scenes with the king or even the fights because this is a war that ends in utter defeat, from the little knowledge I have of this time period. They are unprepared, out gunned (literally as they are fighting with swords and arrows vs guns and cannons), under manned and the king has been surrounded and cut off from provisions

The Khan also has a similar disdain for the king that Jang Hyun has. He notes how illogical it is for the king's court to be so blindly loyal when he's not fighting the war. Yes, he is ill and weak but he's also not doing anything.

A smallpox outbreak?!? What next?

The Crown Prince may be obnoxious about he people he deems unworthy (ie: the monks) but he is right in what he is telling his father. He knows that this will end badly if the king does not leave the fortress. They really have little options if they want to survive. The Khan is there. They might actually invade Ganghwa island. But the king would rather die (and all his people die) than be "humiliated".

It's not an easy situation but if this is historically accurate, the refusal further doomed them and the country.

Now they are invading Ganghwa island, where Gil Chae was supposed to be safe. Gil Chae springs into action and warns everyone that the invaders are coming. She tells the one man who doesn't believe her that he can just die instead of listening to this girl

The choice for the women: get captured and raped, never to be accepted by your family/society again, be killed or

The invasion is brutal all around.

Gil Che is smart enough to know who they are chasing and how she can use that to get on the boat. She's brave enough to get him and run like crazy. And she knew exactly how to bargain to get on the boat.

How BRUTAL the scene was where Gil Chae stops the mother from grabbing to Jong Jong. The mother who only asked that her child be saved. Then they watched from the safety of the boat while those left behind were slaughtered.

In a short time, Gil Chae has gone though so many trumas and while I don't think she knows it yet, she's and extraordinarily strong person

Jang Hyun after finding out they invaded Ganghwa Island, the place he told Gil Chae to go for safety, and then almost right after seeing the knife that he gave her on that solider is just pure anger, guilt, angst and grief.

Gil Chae knows that the soldier is sending them to their death. He's sending them alone, with a vague idea of where to go. Hope the little prince doesn't starve to death.

Gil Chae and Jang Hyun are on the same island but now he has measles smallpox. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

But the look he gives her when he sees her is full of longing and love. He takes a step towards her but knows he can't. He saves her from the leader. Then fights everyone else while coughing up blood from measles smallpox.

Gil Chae realizes that it was him that she saw and runs back

I swear, this show does not know how to let us have a breather.

[blackjackkent]

random thought, feel free to ignore- but i wonder, considering the similarity in location, if the "selunite enclave outside the city" aylin and isobel mentioned would be hector's monastery in this worldstate?

HOLY SHIT. \o/

Hang on, I need to drop everything and roll with this idea because I love it. You just made my whole evening.

------

"Father Enric!"

The young acolyte is breathing hard as he comes to a stop inside the small chapel on the north end of Silverlight Monastery.

Enric, startled from his prayers, looks up with a raised eyebrow, then slowly, painfully shifts himself to his feet. (Age is telling on him, after all these years, despite all the training and discipline to which he has devoted his life.) "Calm yourself, Jakob," he says gently, keeping his voice deliberately calm in the face of the younger man's agitation. "Speak softly and without heat. What is it?"

In truth, he can guess. Another sally by the Absolutists - that terrible cult that has risen from the south. They have made three attacks against the monastery thus far, and the walls have held against their arrows and battering rams-- but not without damage, and not without casualty to the monks and clerics within.

The last attack was only three days ago, he thinks bleakly. We are not ready for another so soon.

But Jakob's news surprises him - it is not that at all.

"Two visitors on the road, Father Abbot, sir," the boy says. He is trying to maintain his composure but failing-- there is fear in his expression, and also a sort of perplexed excitement. "They come alone, but armed. One of them is an aasimar, father, and Brother Lloyd on the wall says that where the moonlight touched her, she glowed like a beacon!"

Enric's eyes widen. He reaches out to put a hand on Jakob's shoulder. "See that they are brought to my office at once. And wake someone in the kitchens."

-----

An hour or so later, there is a soft knock at his office door.

"Come in." He turns from where he is standing by the window, and finds himself meeting the eyes of a woman some three or four inches taller than he himself.

She puts an arm across her chest, bows respectfully. "In the name of the Lady we both serve, I greet you, Father Abbot," she says gravely.

Her eyes are so pale as to be almost white, and her skin to match, shot through with lines of gold like a piece of mended pottery. The wings at her back would likely stretch the width of the small office if she extended them, but one is furled at her back and the other wrapped around the shoulders of a smaller and rather exhausted-looking half-elf woman, who is leaned up against the aasimar's side as if huddled against a tree in a storm.

"And I you," Enric answers, inclining his head politely. "You are--" He hesitates. "I hope you will forgive the presumption, but I hope my guess is correct. Are you the Dame Aylin that once walked these lands as our lady's right hand?"

She smiles slowly. "I am. It may be told by the moonlight upon my sword and the righteous fire within my heart."

Enric allows himself the briefest flash of pride at the monastery's record-keeping; even to the armor she wears, she looks exactly as the histories describe her. But that pride is almost lost in a much greater wave of emotion that is pure awe, for Dame Aylin (those same histories say) is the daughter of Selune herself. She has not been seen in the flesh for over a century. The last records of her are in letters from Moonrise before that cursed place fell to darkness.

"You honor us with your presence at Silverlight," he says. He starts to kneel, but she shakes her head impatiently, reaches out and takes him by the arm.

"We have come to aid your fight," she says briskly. "For we have seen the darkness of the Absolute face to face, and know the struggle that has set upon you these many weeks. My darling Isobel and I shall be the sword and shield of my mother on your behalf."

The half-elf at Aylin's side -- Isobel? -- smiles wearily. "After a night's rest, I should hope," she murmurs, then adds to Enric, "We have come many leagues in a short time, that we might be of service to you."

Enric's practiced self-control is serving him well here -- but only with difficulty. The urge to simply gape in astonishment at the two new arrivals is considerable. "To stand at your side against this evil is a blessing none of us would have dreamed of," he says softly. "We would gladly accept, and offer you in return all that is ours in sustenance and shelter."

Aylin looks pleased. "A bargain it is, then," she says. Lifting one eyebrow, she studies Enric thoughtfully for a moment. "I see shades of him in you, most certainly - the shades which would have been passed by a lifetime's teaching. I am sure you are the man Hector has often spoken of. Enric of Trielta."

Enric is so startled that for a moment his self-control slips utterly. And though some of the surprise is at hearing this divine creature utter his name, more is for the source she mentions for her knowledge.

"Hector?" he asks. His eyebrows lift in sudden urgent question. "Forgive me-- do you speak of Hector Carlisle?"

Twin smiles flash onto the faces of both women at the name. "She does indeed," Isobel says.

"Hector is alive?" Even Enric himself is a little surprised at the rush of joy that goes through him at the news. "We all thought-- when the attack came upon the city, that terrible ship... we thought he must be dead. He was only in the market long enough to purchase supplies, but he never came back..."

"I can assure you," Aylin says, "Hector has not only climbed from the pit of that ship but triumphed over forces the likes of which we may all fervently hope you can never comprehend. You should be deeply proud to call him brother."

"As I am, and have been, and will be. Moonmaiden be praised... you are truly a bearer of all the best of news."

A flash of something that might be humor goes through the aasimar's eyes. "Should you expect anything else of Dame Aylin?" she says, raising one eyebrow.

"I--" He blinks, stammering uncertainly.

"My love jests," Isobel says, a little dryly. "It is hard to tell sometimes, I know."

Aylin makes a soft snorting noise but does not dispute the statement.

"But what she says of Hector is true," the half-elf goes on. "He saved us both from a deep darkness at Moonrise Towers, after a century of loss, and has gone on to the city to face down the heart of the Absolute. I will not tell you his story while he still remains to perhaps one day tell you himself... but I will say that he speaks of you, of this place, every day-- with loyalty and gratitude."

She hesitates, then adds delicately, "You may, I suspect, not quite recognize him as the man who left, when he returns again."

That is a sobering thought, and Enric has to pause to consider it for a while before answering. "If he has faced the darkness so closely as you say, it would be foolish of me to expect it," he says finally. "But I cannot express how much it gladdens me to hear that he lives. He has been greatly missed, these last months."

He gestures to the chairs in front of his desk. "Please. Sit. I will have food and drink brought, and I hope you will tell me more of what you have seen, and what still lies ahead to do."

[nightmarerodent]

Satoshi Lives AU Snippet for @running-with-the-feels

Just a little something I whipped up for @running-with-the-feels with their AU where Hanzo's son was taken by the Lin Kuei instead of being killed and it now out for revenge because he thinks his father replaced and forgot about him. Enjoy:

Satoshi watched from his hidden perch amongst the trees as the Special Forces team approached their transport, talking amongst themselves, completely unaware of his presence. Sloppy, he thought, eyeing the object of his malic as he cracked some joke that had the archer rolling his eyes and his dark skinned companion laughing and kissing his cheek. He gritted his teeth. He did not know the man’s name. He did not care to know this pretender’s name. He wore colors he had no right to wear, stood where he had no right to stand; and hurting him, killing him, would hurt his father. And really, that was all that truly mattered. Serves him right for replacing his son. For replacing him. He raised his crossbow and aimed for the back of his head. His guard was down, their leader already in the transport. An easy kill. A death befitting this embarrassment of a Chujin.

Just as he pulled the trigger to let the bolt loose, the Shirai Ryu’s stance shifted to one of alert. He grabbed his companion and brought her to the ground with him, shielding her as the bolt whizzed past them and embedded itself into the dirt. A hairline miss. Satoshi hissed. How?

“Takeda!” the Shaolin ran to his friend’s aid, drawing his bow and readying an arrow.

His target whipped around and scanned the treeline, eyes immediately locking onto Satoshi’s, “Treeline! One o’ clock high!” he called out and the archer aimed and fired.

Satoshi cursed as he leapt from his perch, the arrow just missing him. He drew his sword and charged. So a fight it was. Even with four against one the odds were still in his favor. He will kill this man. He will kill him, send his head to his father, and then kill him too. Satoshi will have his revenge! At any cost! If these fools wanted to get in the way, he'd kill them too.

He brought the sword down at an ark forcing Takeda to dodge. His lady friend landed a punch to the side of Satoshi’s head, forcing his attention onto her. He blocked another of her punches, grabbing her arm and tossing her aside with a grunt. The Shaolin was next, another arrow whizzing past him as the monk closed in. He dodged several swings of Satoshi’s blade before one got too close, grazing him on the cheek. It was enough of a distraction for Satoshi to land a solid roundhouse kick to the side of the man’s head, stunning him and bringing him to the ground. A bang rang through the air as the blond now returned from inside the transport, firing her gun at him but missing by an inch. Satoshi returned the favor by unclipping his light crossbow and single handedly firing another bolt her way, causing her to have to take cover. The other woman and Takeda were now back. She landed an elbow onto his outstretched arm, causing him to drop the crossbow entirely as Takeda, his true target, kicked him in his chest, forcing him back.

“Who are you? Why me, specifically?” Takeda demanded but Satoshi only drew his second blade as a response, ignoring the sudden itch in the back of his skull.

“Alright, so we’re doing this,” Takeda took a stance next to his girlfriend, a series of small clicks as the end of one of his metal whips hit the ground and the hidden blades sprung out.

“You got anything?” Jacqui asked, her gauntlets charging up.

“Just that he hates me,” Takeda responded, “Give me a sec.”

“I’ll try to buy you time.”

“Elsa picked a hell of a day to be out sick.”

Satoshi charged again, sparks flying as he parried the incoming whiplash with one of his blades, the other swinging out to slash the two combatants. Jacqui blocked it with one of her gauntlets and threw an energy charged punch with the other. He toughed it out, going for a kick to her stomach but his leg was caught by another’s hand reaching out and grabbing his ankle.

“Come here!” Takeda yanked him over to him and as Satoshi brought one of his swords down at an ark, Takeda’s other grabbed him by the wrist and stopped him.

Satoshi tried to bring his other sword down upon Takeda but he released his ankle and caught his other wrist too. The two were in a deadlock, Satoshi trying to strike his target and Takeda trying to keep him in place. The itch in the back of his skull was a dull pain now, spreading through his brain. 

Their eyes locked once more. Burning hatred met sheer determination. Satoshi recalled the few times he had spied on the Shirai Ryu compound during the early stages of his investigation. He had watched this man train with the other Chujin, watched as the grandmaster came out to observe, the realization of who he was, him putting a hand on this kid’s shoulder, calling him Son. Looking at him now, being in this deadlock; it only pissed him off more. Something flashed across his opponent’s eyes. Confusion? Pity? Then he uttered the one thing that could really set Satoshi off.

“Otou-San?”

Satoshi headbutted him, causing Takeda to reel back. The dark skinned woman made to grab him, the blond was rushing him too. Before they could, Satoshi dropped a smoke bomb, filling the air and their lungs with soot.

When the coughing fits ceased and the air finally cleared their assailant was no longer there, leaving the team bruised and very confused. Cassie helped Kung Jin off the ground and checked him over. The cut on his cheek was superficial but the kick he took to the head did leave him with a concussion. Takeda eyed the crossbow that was left behind, noting the dragonfly engraved in its handle. He caught a glimpse of the white hot hatred this unknown assassin had for him and his master but its origin still eluded him. Once they got back to base he was heading for the Shirai Ryu. Master Hanzo needed to know of this new threat and the grudge that they apparently had against them.

Meanwhile Satoshi ran as fast as he could from the scene, angry tears blurred his vision. Seeing it from afar was one thing, but having it confirmed right to his face was another. He did not know how the kid was able to read into his mind like that and he did not care, his instinct was to call his father dad. His father replaced him, and this Takeda person was more than happy to stand where he once stood. He didn’t even bother to look for him, just fill the role with the next child that came along. He’ll pay. They both will. He will kill Takeda, bring his body before his father, and kill him too. It’s what he deserves for abandoning and replacing his real son.

[journeytothewestresearch]

How to Turn Sun Wukong into a Woman

No, this post has nothing to do with the 72 changes. It is a byproduct of my recent "How to Kill Sun Wukong" article. It details a ritual (from another famous vernacular novel) that secretly steals an immortal's spirit, tethers it to a straw effigy, and then kills the target by shooting it with arrows. In that article, I introduced a story idea where Zhu Bajie and/or Sha Wujing could race to stop the ritual. But what if they failed and the Monkey King was killed?

The rite only terminates the immortal's physical body. It doesn't destroy the spirit. And since Wukong hasn't yet achieved Buddha-Nature, meaning he is still subject to the wheel of rebirth, his spirit would report to the underworld for processing. He could definitely be transferred to a new reincarnation; however, considering the journey would still be ongoing and the Tang Monk is always in trouble, heaven might rush to find our hero a new body. This actually happens to a minor character in the 1592 JTTW.

The ledgers of hell show that the deceased wife of a Tang official was fated to live a long life (i.e. she wasn't supposed to be dead). Therefore, the underworld bureaucracy takes the timely passing of the Tang Emperor's sister as an opportunity to force the soul of the official's wife into the princess' body. The best part is that she still retains her memories from her past life (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, pp. 268-269)!

Heaven might find the only suitable body that can contain Monkey's soul is a recently deceased demoness (fox, yaksha, tree, etc.). [1] I imagine this would result in Sun Wukong being weaker, not because she's now a woman, but because few beings can match Monkey's original physical and magical might. This would naturally lead to her coming to terms with a loss of power. She could still be a very strong fighter, just not as strong as her past life. This might cause her to use more cunning when dealing with especially powerful evils encountered along the journey.

What do you think?

Image found here. By @elysiel.

Note:

1) I even considered Princess Iron Fan as the receptacle. However, she is said to having a positive fate in the novel: "In the end she, too, attained the right fruit [i.e. Buddhist merit] and a lasting reputation in the sutras” (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 3, p. 163). I think choosing her would muddy our Lady's accomplishments.

Source:

Wu, C., & Yu, A. C. (2012). The Journey to the West (Vols. 1-4) (Rev. ed.). Chicago, Illinois: University of Chicago Press.

[all-pacas]

honor run!!!

I'm level 4, planning on multiclassing people soon. Gonna make Lae'zel a Fighter/Paladin, maybe Wyll a Bardlock, Astarion gloomstalker assassin. Might also take a level or two of monk for Durge, we'll see.

I just cleared the goblin camp. Almost TPK'd ooooof. When I was fighting Minthara, ALL the goblins got aggro'd. I actually took her out no problem, but the Swarm overwhelmed me. Lae'zel kept going down, then Durge, Gale held on surprisingly long, but it got to the point where I just had Astarion make a break for it. Revived everyone, grabbed Halsin, freed the spiders, attempt 2 went much better.

Then the goddamn Bullette almost killed me in the underdark. Literally everyone was dead but Durge, I didn't have a bonus action to jump to safety, THANKFULLY the bullette decided to burrow right then or that would have been it. Honestly, the battles aren't too bad, it's the lack of save scumming out of bad scenarios that's Getting Me.

I know the dueger slaver fight is hard, even WITH mushroom dude helping, so I'm trying to take out little guys and get up to 5 before I try it. Not even going NEAR Ethel until then, either.

Karlach has hit on me, and I picked the "friends" option when Gale gave me a magic class. Astarion really likes me, but hasn't propositioned me yet. Weirdly, neither has Lae'zel. Why isn't everyone hitting on me???

I'm getting the hang of spore druid and it's actually pretty fun! I'm basically playing them like a ranger, lmao. Got a bow, throw down Spike Growth, hit them with Spore Arrows. Tempted to take a level or two of monk to give me a little more melee power, but ranger would also work. Both go well with my dex/wis build. I've never used wildshape in combat, which is a lot of fun? And seriously. Spike Growth has saved my ass so many times.

When I was fighting Mother Gut in her room, she called for backup and oops! Can't save scum! AND Roah and her buddies got in on it too. So I basically just Spike Growth'd the door and got out of the way. Half the goblins killed themselves trying to get to me, I was able to pick off the rest. It took forever, but aside from Roah CHEATING and using LIGHTNING BOLT to almost kill Karlach, I had no KO's. Why have I been sleeping on Spike Growth?? I use Hunger of Hadar or Wall of Fire, but I think I was overlooking how fast Spike's damage builds? I was like ohhh 2d4 that's nothing, I didn't quite realize it was WHENEVER THEY MOVE.

[lesbianspeedy]

Sorry if this is a bad question or more likely just hopeless. I’ve been trying to find a good Connor Hawke comic to read (first found out about him in Damian’s Robin solo and he and Rose were the only two things I liked besides the Robin chase but I’m a bat brat) and I’ve only read the Silver Monkey story and as I’m not a fan of Oliver Green at all (my exposure to him has in no way been positive) and I HATE Dixon and I know he’s the main writer for Connor, but I had to drop the Tim solo because of his obvious, I guess bigotry would be the right word to use here, but he is one of the three writers I refuse to let myself read anymore to try and keep my blood pressure low. Are there any Connor stories or series that exist outside of those parameters to read because I’m having 0 luck. I’m also not sure if you’re a fan of Mia or Emilio or have any go-to stories for them, but I know nothing about them and I’d like to change that if at all possible.

i understand, i do i do. while i think dixon is capable of good character writing, and he did manage to do it in connor's run, i also understand his very very obvious politics shine through all the time and it gets tiresome (at one point in his ga run he manages to write OLIVER QUEEN "both sides"ing literal nazis that he and hal fought in GL/GA). here's the best i can do for recs outside of dixon (though few and far between)

Before i start, i do wanna clarify that his character in robin is. well. pretty different from his actual pre-established character. I'm not saying you won't like him, and im genuinely begging you to give him a shot, but if youre looking for the snarky brawler type, you might be a lil thrown by the polite buddhist monk you're gonna get.

you are in luck, as his first few appearances were by kelley puckett, so if you havent already read GA vol. 2 #0, do that first! #91 and #92 are also by puckett until dixon takes over for #93, so read those if you dont mind just stopping in the middle of an arc, otherwise avoid.

now this next rec IS 1/3 written by dixon but if you can get through it, the crossover connor has with wally and kyle is enjoyable, thats Green Lantern Vol. 3 #96, GA Vol. 2 #130, and The Flash Vol. 2 #135

Connor's JLA run! JLA Vol. 1 #8-#15, #8 and #9 are specifically about connor saving and joining the league, the rest of the issues just feature him in a team setting, as, well, its the league.

if you want to read mia as well, read Green Arrow: Quiver (GA Vol. 3 #1-#10), Connor plays an important role but its almost entirely in the very last issue, and it's more about Ollie's role dynamic with him than anything else, so just read that if it tickles your fancy.

I wish i could recommend more of GA Vol. 3 for connor, unfortunately he's pretty fucking sidelined, and for every good moment theres 2 bad ones. (immediately after quiver he is shot and put in a coma for an arc, somehow this isnt the last time this happens.) Though i do recommend #11, and i think #21 is a good issue to read for ollie and him, but it also includes a pretty huge retcon to Connor and Ollie's past

Other than those, he has One-shots in Green Arrow 80th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular: "One", DC Pride 2022: "Think Of Me", and DC Festival of Heroes: The Asian Superhero Celebration: "Hawke & Kong"

to answer your second question, my URL aint lesbianspeedy for nothin! Mia is what i breathe and bleed, my recs for her are here!

as for Emi, your best bets are Green Arrow Vol. 5 #18-#20, #22, #28-#34 for her origin (though read N52 green arrow at your own risk, even i havent properly read these), Green Arrow Vol. 6 #1-#7 (this may feel like a completely new character, i'm sorry, dc has a angsty characterisation problem, if you enjoy either of these characterisations, i'd recommend you keep reading said runs past my specific recs for more issues with her!) and Stargirl Spring Break Special + Stargirl: The Lost Children #1-#6

[freetobeeyouandme]

Chapter 4: Maybe I Didn't Want to Know About the Circle After All

Chapter 4 of my Byler Isekai AU is now up on Ao3! Things get very serious very quickly as El has the worst family reunion ever. This is also the chapter that had me go 'Oh, well, at least I don't have to worry about what to rate this one' but...we're all here because Stranger Things is a horror show, right?

Tags: M, Graphic Descriptions of Violence, Fantasy AU, Canon Typical Violence, Canon Typical Horror, Friends to Lovers, Slow Burn

Summary:

Mike Wheeler hates High School, so when he almost dies and falls through a portal to another world, he’s not going to complain. Especially not when that world does not only have swords and magic but seems to work exactly according to the rules of his favorite tabletop role-playing game. But his euphoria might be short lived because the party of adventurers he falls in with turns out to be the target of an evil god and the fate of the world might rest on their shoulders. So, exactly like his games of D&D. Except the wanna-be Paladin soon realizes that being a hero is much harder in real life than it is in-game. - Or, Mike gets isekai’d into a world where D&D is real.

An excerpt and taglist below the cut:

Excerpt:

The Monk laughs bitterly. Before she can reply, the front door flies open and Lucas storms out, alone.

Max growls.

“Put the wagon in idle and get out,” Lucas says. “El wants to try to talk to him, so we’re gonna have to fight.”

“She can’t be fucking serious,” Max hisses, but does as she’s told.

Mike follows her out, not understanding and not liking what is happening, but without another choice. He pulls his sword from its scabbard, but it feels heavy and useless in his hands.

Before he can ask what they’re fighting, he sees the first tendril of darkness spill over the edge of the island, solid and evil, anchored in the stone and earth that make up the top of Mount Arden by something that looks like vines. It feels malicious, feels, to Mike’s new found sense for the magic of this world, like grating fingernails over a chalkboard. And as the Circle descends only more of it spills over, new tendrils of smokey, vine-like darkness forming and writhing downward.

As the first of them touches the ground, it goes taut for a moment before its connection to the platform rips and it falls to the ground, amassing on the spot it touched. When all of it has descended, it begins rising, like dough in an oven, solidifying and then evolving. First it’s a coil of darkness, then a slimy blob, shuffling, moving, and as it goes along growing arms and legs to propel itself forward. And then it grows a head. It’s a terrible, bulbous thing, and at first Mike can’t even place it as a head, until it opens like the maw of a vicious, starving, flesh eating plant. It’s segmented into five parts, each of them covered in rows upon rows of sharp teeth, which look jagged, uneven, as if made out of shards of bone that have been randomly selected and planted in the soft flesh of its mouth.

The thing – it almost looks like a dog in a perverse sort of way – takes a couple steps away from the spot it grew from, then lifts its blind head. The petals of its face open a little at the tip of the bulb, moving as if it’s sniffing the air, and then it turns towards them. It’s still a good quarter mile away from them, but Mike doesn’t think for a second that this thing is slow.

“So, that’s a problem,” he announces dumbly.

Neither Max nor Lucas justify that with a response. The Monk simply growls at the dog-thing, claws flashing out from her splayed paws. The Ranger pulls his bow from his back and readies an arrow. Besides them, Mews crouches, ready to pounce.

Another dog forms on the ground behind the first, then another. They watch the three of them for a tense moment, more dark vines reaching for the ground around the dogs. And then they pounce.

His stomach sinking, Mike takes a step forward, then another. He stops when he has put enough distance between himself and the car that he won’t immediately crash into it when the dogs inevitably push him back and plants his feet firmly on the ground. His grip on his sword tightens, while the other hangs uselessly at his side. He wishes he had a shield or something, if only so he could hide behind it.

Instead he has to watch his enemies advance with his heart pounding loudly, almost painfully in his chest.

Max and Lucas flank him on either side, probably meaning to protect him as much as the car and the house – at least he hopes so – but Mike has no pretensions that he is a line they can hold. Not as even more and more dark vines turn into flesh colored blobs and then grow arms, or legs, or whatever one wants to call their gross, raw appendages.

He takes a steadying breath, then another, and then the dogs are on them. He tries to be ready and only almost succeeds. The dog in the middle jumps clear past the actually combat experienced members of their defense band, and Mike can only lift his sword, slashing downward, somehow catching the creature as it tries to descend on him. It’s just enough to repel the dog.

It stumbles to the ground, growls at him and turns to attack again.

This time Mike slices open a small part of its side. Black liquid – blood, although it looks congealed and old – slowly seeps out, covering its dark red, fleshy hind.

The dog howls in pain and jumps again.

Two hits is as lucky as Mike gets. He brings the sword up in a wrong angle and barely dances out of the way of the dog he missed.

Except its claw rakes his side anyway.

He grits his teeth against the pain, not wanting to give the monster the satisfaction of hearing him cry out. Behind his enemy more are fast approaching.

He whirls around, trying to meet the dog’s next attack, but he thinks the only thing that saves his eye is the arrow that hits the thing’s side and pushes it away from Mike. Then a red blur streaks past him and before he can understand what is happening Max has wrestled the dog into submission – and then sinks her claws into its neck and rips its head from its body with her bare hands. Black blood sprays, barely visible on her dark robes.

She holds the severed head out to the next wave of dogs approaching. “You want to end like this keep coming,” she growls.

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[candont]

Not what you asked @olloollo but here's the martial arts and adjacent films that live rent free in my head

I'll watch anything by Sammo Hung. Always entertaining but mostly because I love Wheels on Meals. Not the least because, as I've written before, it has a scene on (ON!!!!!!) Sagrada Familia.

Similarly anything by or with Stephen Chow.

I keep meaning to watch more films by Xu Haofeng. And I really wish someone might translate some of his books into english. I was so obsessed with The Final Master (sometimes just The Master) I wound up via tenuous IG connections tracking down the owner of a record label in China to get a copy of the soundtrack. So that's a must but maybe even more so is Judge Archer which is the last movie I actually bought a physical copy of. It conspicoulsy references and plays with Spaghetti Western man with no name tropes. Also the "close-up" duels/challenges between masters are unlike anything I've seen elsewhere.

As for unlike anything, let's spare a moment for Six-String Samurai one part samurai flick of course, one part Road Warrior, one part Wizard of Oz, one part The Stand and it's a comedy. Its star and co-writer Jeffrey Falcon is a bit of a mystery and occasional internet rabbit hole of mine: apparently chucking the movie business and maybe possibly now married in China, or a maybe a monk in a buddhist monastery or maybe working security at LAX. He's also supposed to have some good fight scenes against fellow anglo in Hong Kong actioners Cynthia Rothrock which I do keep meaning to check out.

Another mystery is Man of Tai Chi which may not break any new ground but has some decent fight scenes. But did you know Keanu Reaves directed this movie?!?! Did you know he casts himself as and plays the oddly affectless anglo baddie typical in a Chinese martial arts flick? Not sure why I don't see this mentioned more.

More traditionally Five Deadly Venoms. Of course, right! But also from around the same time Black Lizard which brings a more ghostly vibe to the action. Which is a perfect jumping off point to a double feature of Legend of The Mountain and A Chinese Ghost Story two radically different takes on similar material straight out of Strange Tales From A Chinese Studio.

And how about a wuxia flick with almost no fighting? Aren't there all sort of tales of masters staring at each other wordlessly as they stage their fight in their heads and then they just walk away? Or maybe something closer to if you haven't bested your opponent in three moves you have essentially lost? Regardless Hsiao-Hsien Hou's The Assassin based on a 17th century story/legend is a revelation I long to see on the big screen.

Honorable mentions to War of The Arrows: the drama portions are a bit slow but the chase that takes up the last hour maybe hour and a half of the movie is for me some of the best action as story outside of Fury Road. And Sword of Doom: holy shit is that a movie that messes with your expectations in the best possible way. I saw it leave a whole sold out theater slack jawed and thrilled to be so and have not stopped thinking about it since.

[ga-yuu]

[Don't Reveal Your Heart ~ What If I Was Man Story Event] Yoshitsune Summary

So our beloved Yoshino-chan is dressed as a man now.....because she has her own reasons. She's still a pharmacist though. One day, she finds herself on a battlefield and sees Yoshitsune. Seeing him fight so bravely, mesmerized her, and she couldn't take her eyes off him. But suddenly she sees the enemy aiming his bow at Yoshitsune from behind. She immediately shouts at him to watch out and Yoshitsune, thanks to her, avoided the arrow.

Yoshino then comes back to her senses and was about to run away, but another enemy comes to attack her with his sword. Thankfully, Yoshitsune rushed toward them and killed the enemy instantly. Yoshitsune then makes sure Yoshino was okay, and Yoshino who was about to nod realizes that the enemy's sword might have ripped the upper part of her kimono slightly, revealing her cleavage. She holds the ripped part tightly to make sure it doesn't fall off. Yoshitsune insisted that he wants to make sure 'he' is okay and asked 'him' to show his injury.

Of course, Yoshino instantly rejects that idea, and Yoshitsune also didn't push any further despite looking confused. He then notices her medicine box and asks if it belongs to 'him'. Yoshino nods and said it belonged to her dad and now she owns it. Then Yoshino remembers a small memory of her past, where she and her father went to a certain monk temple when she was a little girl. While her father was praying, she was out playing in the flower field and met an injured little boy. The boy looked about the same age as her and she ran towards him to make sure he was okay. She then called her father and her father treated the little boy.

Yoshino comes back to reality and noticed that Yoshitsune's face resembles that of the little boy she met at that flower field. Yoshitsune was also staring at her, a little confused, and whispered to himself---

Yoshitsune: "So you're his son, huh."

After that as a thank you for saving his life, Yoshitsune offers to take him to Hiraizumi. Yoshino grabbed this opportunity because she might have a chance to open her own pharmacy. Yoshino says yes.

Two months later, Yoshino is still working for the Rebel army and managed to hide her real gender without any problems. She also bonded with every soldiers and they also loved her. Sometimes, she get's dragged by the soldiers to work out with them or help them with heavy-lifting job. Of course Yoshino didn't want to say no because they might grow suspicious. At the end of the day, Yoshino was completely covered in sweat and her entire body was sore. Benkei and Yoichi also comes to cheer her up. Benkei slaps her back as way of encouraging her but the slap was a little to hard for a delicate woman like her. On top of that, she was even more scared that her sarashi might come off. Yoichi also insisted in taking baths with them and he would personally wash Yoshino's back. Of course Yoshino IMMEDIATELY rejected the offer and ran to her room saying she going to change her clothes.

In her room, Yoshino removed the upper part of her kimono and the sarashi to wipe her sweat. Suddenly she hears, Yoshitsune calling out to her, outside her room. In a moment of panic, she grabbed whatever sheets were there in front of her to cover her breasts. Before she can ask him to wait outside, Yoshitsune was already inside her room. Yoshitsune was completely expressionless (as usual) and stared at her. Yoshino was tightly gripping the sheets and only her shoulders and arms were exposed. Yoshitsune realized that 'he' was changing and told 'him' to change, while he waits. Yoshitsune sits down and watches 'him'. Yoshino, of course, was panicking even more, because she couldn't change right in front of Yoshitsune and she also couldn't tell him to leave because it will feel rude and also suspicious. While Yoshino was thinking about what to do, Yoshitsune comes closer and holds 'his' shoulder. With an expressionless face, he tells him that he looks more like a woman. Of course, Yoshino was shocked. Yoshitsune goes on to tell him that his shoulders and arms feel soft and delicate. Yoshino feels embarrassed because she started feeling conscious about Yoshitsune. She tells him that she's made fun of because she looks like a girl and that's why she doesn't like to change in front of people. Yoshitsune apologizes on behalf of his soldiers for making him do all the heavy-lifting jobs. He still kept touching and rubbing her arms because they were soft. Yoshino felt even more embarrassed and guilty for hiding her real gender. Seeing her face completely red, Yoshitsune stops and looks away. He then asks her why 'he' wanted to become a pharmacist and Yoshino reveals her backstory.

Once there was this guy, who was her senior, a brother-like figure to her, and also a talented pharmacist. He was supposed to be the successor to her father. But then a tragedy happened and he died in a war. Her father also soon died from the shock or something because he now didn't have any successors. Yoshino couldn't be her father's successor because she is a female. After hearing this Yoshitsune also remembered that he too has a brother. He then gets up to leave but before leaving he asks if she sees anyone else other than the guy in her past as her brother and she says no.

Yoshitsune then leaves without saying another word. After he left, Yoshitsune was blushing hard as he walked through the hallway. Sueharu who was walking from the other side, saw him and asked if he was okay or not. Yoshitsune looked surprised and asked him if he was actually blushing. Sueharu thought Yoshitsune has a fever or something and advised him to get checked by Yoshino. After Sueharu leaves, Yoshitsune started thinking. Soon this dumbass airhead finally realized he is in love with Yoshino.

Premium End:

Yoshino was as usual doing her job but her mind was entirely filled with Yoshitsune. She realized she was in love with him after spending all these days with him and also tasting his kindness. She also started feeling guilty about not revealing her true gender to Yoshitsune and all his friends and misleading them.

Then she sees, Yoshitsune chatting with one of his soldiers. Their eyes suddenly meet and Yoshitsune stared at her lovingly. Yoshino instantly started feeling pain in her chest because she couldn't stand to look at Yoshitsune's loving gaze because of all the guilt. When she was about to walk towards him, she started feeling dizzy and fell to the ground.

She hears, Yoshitsune calling her name. Yoshitsune rushed towards her and held her body. Yoshino was in a daze and her vision was blurry. She could faintly hear Yoshitsune talking to her but it wasn't clear. Yoshitsune on the other hand, was calling Yoshino's name over and over again. He assumes that it's a heatstroke, and he tells her that he is going to remove his kimono to get some air. When he saw the sarashi covering his chest part, he felt confused. When he slowly removed it and saw her cleavage. Yoshitsune finally realized that Yoshino is a man with boobs.

When the soldiers came running towards them, worried, Yoshitsune immediately covers Yoshino and lifts her up. The worried soldiers asked if Yoshino was okay and offered to carry Yoshino to 'his' room. Of course, Yoshitsune immediately orders NO ONE to touch her or come close to her room.

Yoshino wakes up to see that she is inside her room. When she gets up, she realized that she wasn't wearing her sarashi anymore. She understood that Yoshitsune knows about her real identity. She felt even more guilty and couldn't face Yoshitsune anymore. She writes a letter apologizing to everyone and tells them that she is leaving.

After she leaves, Yoshitsune comes to her room with a tub filled with water and a towel. When he realized that Yoshino is not there, he panicked. He saw her letter and immediately rushed outside to catch up to her.

In a flower field, Yoshino was crouching down and crying. She hears Yoshitsune calling out to her. When she looks back, Yoshitsune was running towards her. She immediately gets up to run away, but then she hears a painful cry. She turns back and sees Yoshitsune, this time crouching down, holding his hand painfully. She rushes towards him to see if he I alright. But Yoshitsune simply smiles and looks at her.

Yoshitsune: "You're that little girl."

Yoshino was surprised to find out that Yoshitsune too remembered the memory from their childhood. Yoshino immediately apologized for not telling him but Yoshitsune shakes his head, telling her that he understands her situation. He confesses his love and both of them kiss. Yoshitsune smiles and plays with the tips of her short hair.

Yoshitsune: "You had long beautiful hair."

Yoshino: "Do you like it when I have long hair?"

Yoshitsune: "No matter how you look or what gender you are, I will always love you."

He proceeds to kiss her again and tells her that he wants to........leave 'marks' on her.

[hanmajoerin]

Things to Keep Summary: There were others who loved and needed Kagome even though InuYasha was meant to be with her. He knew this, but gods, the cost of it. A one-shot that was edited and polished to shine just for its 2nd Anniversary.

A/N: Two years ago today, I thanked a close friend for inspiring me with a dream she had because every day InuYasha spent without Kagome must've felt like an unending dream. A few months ago, I polished up "Things to Keep" and submitted it for a Rumic Fanzine project. Unfortunately it was rejected since I'd already published a previous version, but I still wanted to give this piece back to you because I'd fallen in love with my edits. And more than that, I knew you guys loved the original enough to nominate it for the 2021 2nd Quarterly Inuyasha Fandom Awards and you believed in it enough for the story to win third place in the best one shot category. Thank your support back then (and now, too!), and I hope you enjoy reading this special version, taking note of all the little changes.

-X-

Things to Keep (Anniversary Version)

InuYasha lounged under the shade of one of many trees lining the river near Kaede’s village. Miroku washed his family’s night robes with Gyokuto strapped to his back while Sango burped Kin’u. It’d been over a year since the well sealed. InuYasha still thought about the surprised look on Kagome’s face when he was pulled down the well, but he preferred to remember her safe in her mother’s arms. It was difficult to do. 

Kin’u burped and, within seconds, Sango had the newborn secured to her back. She knelt next to Miroku, telling him she’d take over as if she never stopped. InuYasha’s ear flicked. Despite catching their conversations more often, Sango’s tone was gentler than the half-demon was used to hearing. Miroku switched roles effortlessly, choosing to trade Sango’s clean pieces of laundry for dirty ones. 

And this was how they all lived now: resting by the greenery and exchanging cloth instead of sutras, oversized boomerangs, arrows, and swords. InuYasha wondered if Kagome’s days were boring like his; she always seemed frantic when he came to pick her up. Maybe she didn’t have time to think about them anymore. It would be easier for her that way.

Miroku shifted, putting InuYasha in Gyokuto’s line of vision. The newborn extended her arm out to him, and he was fascinated by the way her fingers flexed. The spaces between them were bigger than last month, putting him in a rotten mood. He hated seeing more of the world through those tiny fingers; it just meant the days Kagome spent here were getting smaller than the time they spent apart—if those types of things could even be compared. InuYasha had never really been around human babies before, so how was he supposed to know whether or not the emptiness Kagome left was even similar to babies growing up? The half-demon sharply turned away to offer Kin’u a passing glance instead. It’d be easier to watch that icicle of drool fall onto Sango’s back. 

The spring sun warmed everything in its path, something that only InuYasha’s legs understood while he lounged. 

Now Kin’u was gurgling, gnawing on her fist. 

Miroku once told him how remarkable it was that he always knew which twin was which, but the monk must’ve forgotten about InuYasha’s nose. The girls looked the same, but their scents were unique. It was kind of like Kikyo and Kagome’s: similar but only on the first sniff.

The afternoons were getting longer again. 

The sun’s reflection on the river’s surface shone like a beam now, hitting InuYasha right in the eyes. He blinked a few times, scowling. Damn thing made it nearly impossible to get a good look at that fibrous white towel, the one with the unmistakable blue polka dots that Sango was taking from Miroku. 

As if possessed by a demon, InuYasha was there. Standing by the river, standing before Sango. ....

Want to read the rest?

"Things to Keep (Anniversary Version)" II AO3 II II Fanfiction.net II

"Things to Keep" (OG) II AO3 II II Fanfiction.net II

[vikingpoteto]

umm Connor and Kyle talking about the mantle they have taken on and the person that had the codename that they took on?

To say that Kyle feels like crap is a bit of an understatement.

He likes to think the universe should cut him some slack. To find your estranged father... then find out that he's a fascist... then to watch him die... and on his last breath he says he's not really your father, but your uncle... Whoever's responsible for writing the script of Kyle's life is an idiot and a monster.

Even now, hours later in a shitty sideroad motel, the whole thing still feels like a weird nightmare. Kyle gets away from the others for a while. He’s been sitting outside for a couple of minutes when he hears soft steps approaching.

"Hey... are you okay?"

Kyle sighs. And then there's Connor. It takes all of his indomitable will to not run away from his friend... if he can still call him that.

"I don't think sorry covers what I've just done, right?" Kyle shoots back, ignoring Connor’s question.

Connor simply shakes his head. “Don’t worry about that now. I just wanted to check on you. I can leave you alone if you want.”

Un-fucking-believable. After what Kyle put him through, you’d think that Connor would be a little pissed at least. However, when Kyle finally grows the balls to face him, he sees nothing but sincere concern written all over Connor’s expression.

“Are you some sort of saint?” Kyle marvels. 

At that, Connor cracks a lopsided grin. “You should’ve seen me before the monastery. I was known for my anger issues.”

The idea is so absurd that Kyle actually laughs for the first time today. He’s suddenly reminded why he decided to ask for Connor’s help out of all people for this little “mission”. There was a reason Kyle decided it was a good idea to confide his past to the new Green Arrow.

Taking that for the invitation to stay it is, Connor takes a seat on the bench by Kyle’s side. He leans forward and nudges the other man gently. 

“So… I’m going to ask again… are you okay?”

Kyle takes a deep breath. “I don’t know, man. It’s just… I really let my emotions get the better of me today, didn’t I? You warned me and I still fucked up.”

“You did the right thing in the end,” Connor tries.

“Yeah, but what if… Well. You know what happened to the Green Lantern before me,” Kyle says. “What if one day I fuck up that bad? Hal Jordan was supposed to be the best Green Lantern of all time and I’m just…”

“Stop,” Connor chastizes, not unkindly. “You don’t gain anything from comparing yourself to him. You’re your own person. Your own hero, Kyle.”

He raises an eyebrow. “Glass houses, Con.”

“Maybe so,” he concedes. “But maybe that makes me extra qualified to tell you this. I know Ollie’s mistakes aren’t mine. I can admire him for who he was and learn from his messes while still being… me. You know?”

“Is that your monk wisdom?”

“It’s my experience wisdom,” Connor says. “After Ollie died I was pretty lost, you know? I trained to fight along his side, not to replace him. So yeah, I didn’t know what to do. Still don’t. But the one thing I know is that it’s important to know that he was both a superhero and that he messed up a lot.”

It all sounds really pretty when Connor puts it like that but Kyle feels like they’re getting away from the original point. The point being that Kyle’s predecessor went nuts and today Kyle was really close to being responsible for multiple innocent deaths. He doesn’t want to press the issue. Not when he’s still feeling guilty for how he treated Connor earlier. Unfortunately - or maybe fortunately - Connor is extremely perceptive and he notices Kyle’s frustration. Reaching over to rest his hand on Kyle’s shoulder, he continues:

“You know that Hal was incredible. And you know that even the most incredible of us can make the worst mistakes. We have to keep remembering that to keep ourselves in check.”

Kyle frowns. “That’s not very comforting.”

“Maybe not. It’s one of those hard truths we have to face, I suppose.”

He decides he hates the monk wisdom thing. He hates how much sense it makes in Connor’s softspoken tone and he hates that his friend is right. There will be no time in the future in which Kyle will be able to be comfortable with the knowledge that he’s a full-fledged hero. If the mighty Hal Jordan and Oliver Queen could fail as Green Lantern and Green Arrow… Kyle Rayner and Connor Hawke still have a lot to learn. It sucks.

“I got lucky today,” Kyle murmurs. “I’m sorry I didn’t listen to you sooner. Not everyone has a personal hero to guide them.”

Connor squeezes his shoulder. “A friend, Kyle.”

Kyle lets out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. There was a part of him that feared that Connor was only comforting him out of the kindness of his heart and that he wouldn’t want anything to do with Kyle after this. He’s extremely relieved that that isn’t the case.

“Thank you, Connor.” He smiles a tad sadly, but it’s a smile nonetheless.

Connor’s tender grin gets a bit crooked. “I thought I was ‘Con’ a second ago.”

Kyle feels his cheeks warming up. “Shut up. Stop being a wise ass and just give me a hug like a normal friend.”

The archer is laughing but he complies with the request without any hesitation. It seems like, regardless of the changes and lessons learned, the Green Arrow/Green Lantern partnership will remain the same.