#but i wonder if you could figure out the race by the examples i used ����

[skitskatdacat63]

I think I mentioned it here before but I wrote some paper for a class where I used F1 interviews(like the post-race press pen) as examples, right? My prof asked if she could use it as a sample work for future classes omg!!! But mostly I'm cackling evilly over the fact that F1 is forever memorialized in that paper, I hope someone in the future reads it and is like "...wait a minute" 😭

[cat-in-a-mech-suit]

Transmasculinity Throughout Time: Greek Mythology

This is a relief of Caeneus from Greek Mythology getting beaten into the ground by centaurs with trees. He is one of three trans men in Greek myths that I will be discussing! Not only am I looking at actual historical trans men, but examples of transmasculine figures in myths and stories too. The next one will be FtM crossdressing and transmasculine longings written in Shakespeare - I am still wondering though, what other examples of transmasculinity in fictional myths and stories are out there?

Reiterating, I am not any kind of authority on history and am getting my information from accessible internet resources- if you want a source on something specific, ask - many sources are slightly to very problematic in how they talk about gender and transmasculinity so I prefer to not post them directly but will give them in the comments on request if you want to look into something. For this post, I am just going off of Wikipedia. Anyways, anything I post in Transmasculinity Throughout Time is my own opinions, I will talk casually and formally (I don’t really distinguish formality due to autism), and I will use the pronouns of my best judgement. If you don’t like this series for any reason, cool, don’t interact. If you like it and want to give suggestions, cool. I would like to bring transmasculine histories to light in my own way, and welcome a curious and open minded discussion.

In Greek myths, there are three trans men who are known of: Caeneus, Iphis, and Leucippus. If you read the following about Caeneus, please be aware of the content: specifically, TW for SA. Skip to Iphis and Leucippus after the break if you’d prefer to avoid it.

Caeneus was the child of Elatus and Hippea. He was born a girl, but was transformed into an invulnerable man after being raped by Poseidon. In some accounts, he asked to be transformed to avoid pregnancy. In others, it is simply so he doesn’t suffer the same thing again. This narrative is very interesting to me. Some modern sanism and queerphobia manifests as the idea of transmasculinity, lesbianism, or queerness of any kind as a response to sexual trauma. But Caeneus wasn’t a one dimensional victim turned oppressor. He was the strongest warrior of his day after he was transformed, and became king of the Lapiths. Somehow, he angered the gods, exactly how is unclear - it is suggested that it could have been worshipping or encouraging others to worship a spear instead of the gods. As punishment, they sent centaurs after him.

The most popular story involving Caeneus is actually his battle with the centaurs, not his gender transformation. It was called centauromachy, a battle between Lapiths and centaurs. Because he was invulnerable, none of the centaurs weapons worked on him, and he was difficult to defeat - to kill him, they had to actually bury him in the earth by beating him down with stones and uprooted trees. These centaurs were transphobic too. They said:

“Shall I put up with one like you, O Caeneus?

For you are still a woman in my sight.

Have you forgot your birth or that disgrace

by which you won reward—at what a price

you got the false resemblance to a man?!

Consider both your birth, and what you have

submitted to! Take up a distaff, and

wool basket! Twist your threads with practiced thumb!

Leave warfare to your men!” (Ovid, Metamorphoses).

“Transandrophobia isn’t real” “trans men have no historical presence” Meanwhile greek mythology be like… anyways.. So .. Then.. the centaurs were defeated by him! He was invulnerable. But they could still beat him into the ground with uprooted trees. It is described in Races’ translation of Argonautica, Apollonius of Rhodes: “They rallied against him, but were not strong enough to push him back nor to kill him, so instead, unbroken and unbending, he sank beneath the earth, hammered by the downward force of mighty pine trees.” This makes me think about how transmasculinity is buried in history.. Onto the next myths!

Iphis and Leucippus both have very similar stories. Iphis was born of Ligdus and Telethusa. Ligdus only wanted a son, and said he would only let the child live if it was male. The goddess Isis asked Telethusa to keep the child regardless of how it is born, and promised her aid in the future. Iphis grew up raised as a boy, and was “officially” transformed by Isis before marrying a girl, Ianthe. From Ovid, Metamorphoses:

“Her face seemed of a darker hue, her strength seemed greater, and her features were more stern. Her hair once long, was unadorned and short. There is more vigor in her than she showed in her girl ways. For in the name of truth, Iphis, who was a girl, is now a man!”

Leucippus’ tale is almost the same, he was born of Lamprus and Galatea, Lamprus would only accept a male child, and Galatea concealed Leucippus’ birth sex from her husband, giving him a masculine name and referring to him as her son. Upon puberty, he was changed physically into a man by the goddess Leto. This story actually inspired a male rite of passage in Phaistos dedicated to Leto, and inspired a wedding custom where brides would lie next to an image or statue of Leucippus before weddings. Two customs in an ancient greek city being inspired by a story about a trans man is an important and cool fact methinks.

[docdudo]

Hi!! I want to start by saying I absolutely love your writing! It’s great writing and is pretty good for me to understand (English isn’t my first language).

I just wanted to ask, How do you think poly hybrid 141 would react to adopted reader getting sick?? And I mean really sick, like a good case of the flu that takes a whole week, like 7 days and antibiotics to go away??

I could see them being so worried and stressed, taking her to doctors and everything because they get better in 24-48 hours with their fancy strong immune systems! I also wonder if adopted reader would be confused by going to the doctors, because if anything happend while in previous foster homes, she was told to just figure it out and get better on her own.

You are right about one thing: hybrids have a better immune system than humans do!

Humans are considered weak and frail in every sense of the word. That includes their health. In fact, a human's health is so discussed that specialists from other races all study the human body constantly so they would be able to treat one, would they ever needed it.

(Because of the lack of total humans on this universe, it's rare to find a human doctor, for example. So, other races have to cover for them in a lot of different fields. There are programs and organizations in this world that entierelly foucused on making sure the few humans that exist would get the care they need. So, for example, if you are a doctor and also specialize on taking care of humans beside some other race, you would probably be paid more by the governement).

Now, little reader getting sick? Like, really sick? Yeah, that house is turning upside down. As hybrids, the whole 141 pride themselves on being good caretakers and providers. They also know how much more frail humans are compared to them.

But know is different from experiencing.

Little reader would start off with the typical signs of the flu. Stuffy nose, throat a bit sore, a sluggish body. All that. But, as we all know, it's very quick for sickness to develop. And in the spam of a night, little reader is waking up with a high fever and a weak, useless body.

The 141 would notice almost immediatly. They can smell how sick you are, even from your room. That weird, almost sour smell that we can usually smell when we blow our nose.

Before you know it, you would probably be in Price's or Soap's arms, surronded by their warmth, hearing their cooed words that make zero to almost no sense to your sick and hazy mind.

And at first, they are very much panicking. They are calling the rest of their pack while cooing and conforting you, Laswell being the one to tell them to immediatly take you to the doctor.

And they do, everyone going on the car together, because if one of them had anything to do that day, it's immediatly getting canceled. They would still hold you close, on their laps, and every single one of them are cooing quietly at you. Even Ghost. Tho his "cooing" sounds more like his normal voice, just extra quiet and gentler than usual.

And it's true, you're not that used to going to the doctor. You usually never get that sick, and as a foster kid, it just doesn't happen often.

But, you were feeling pretty hazy, mind clouded and feverish. You barely remember going that first time to the doctor with them.

You barely remember the kind doctor that was trying his best to easy your foster parents' worries, and all the examination he did on you, even if you couldnt cooperate much with how confused you were.

You certainly got treated at the hospital and monitored until your fever came down a bit. After that, they send you back home with your parents, who had gotten a lot of new instructions and medicines to properly take care of you at home.

You took almost a full week to finally start getting better.

They would't let you sleep in your room anymore, since you got sick, you had been sleeping on their shared nest, with them. They would constantly check on your breathing and heartbeats, and would even feed you themselves and make sure you were plenty hydrated.

And even after you got better, they would still be extra careful and overbearing for a little while longer.

You can be sure that they would be taking extra measures now so that you never get sick again.

[w1shb0n3z]

Alright, so hear me out

(this is another long one. Like. Seriously. It has 2.6k words.)

*yes, I edited this like 5 mins after I posted it just to add some more, oops

Post cannon Labru where Laios tries to help Kabru regain weight

TW: ED, Body Dysmorphia, Fat-phobia, Gender Dysphoria

It turns out to he a huge body image thing. Like Kabru develops a bit of an ED after he gains his weight back and tries to stay "the perfect weight" and major body dysmorphia. But! It's very sweet because hand feeding, of course, and self-acceptance.

I imagine Kabru's blue eyes get brought up when Laios is like "oh, you don't like that about yourself? :( you're so wonderful! What else could you possibly not like! Surely not those eyes ^^" or something

Plus! I'm 98% sure that Laios gains some weight post cannon, so his wrestler build gets softer, which, yay! We love that here! But this comes with its positives and negatives. (Dont he scared by how big the negative paragraph is)

Positive: Kabru has an example of having a healthy relationship with yourself and your body

Negatives (and hold on) TW btw: at a certain point of Kabru's weight gain/ body acceptance journey, where he gets obsessed with keeping "the perfect body" and does everything in his power not to gain anymore, his own twisted view of himself spills over to Laios. He starts to view Laios as a sort of slob or careless person because he gained weight after the dungeon and gained an extra 5-ish pounds while helping Kabru gain. Because Laios can and will encourage Kabru to eat by eating with him with a smile on his face.

What if someone finds out about Kabru's purging?

Yes, Kabru has purged a few times while he was at his lowest. And no, Laios doesn't catch him in the act. He doesn't know until someone tells him about it. Kabru just keeps it to himself with a tinge of guilt. Someone else finds out. I can't decide who yet, but if it were:

Chilchuck - he'd be familiar with his topic because one of his daughters went through the same thing. He keeps secret as per Kabru's request but gives to Kabru straight. He tells him vomiting hat much rots your teeth and only has negative impacts in the future. With Chil being big and tall for his race's standards and him canonically watching his own weight, he talks Kabru through this whole body image thing. Maybe not in the exact way Kabru wants, but in the way he needs

Senshi - he's SO against this. He tries to father Kabru, but his own lack of understanding for why Labru feels this way gets in the way of progress. He urges Kabru to eat and tells Laios what's goin on in hopes of figuring out what all of this is about, accidentally spilling the beans and leading to conflict between Laios and Kabru

Marcille - she doesn't really get the ED thing, but she gets not liking your body (since she never fit in with her "age group" while growing up and wished she physically presented like them). She also tells Kabru that throwing up rots his teeth and says it's bad for your mana and junk. Shes very offput by this whole thing, but she tries. She doesn't tell Laios...on purpose. (Falin also finds out becuase the guilt Marcille has from telling that secret ears her alive)

Falin - my girl does NOT understand. But she's here to empathize. She ends up being huge in Kabru's healing journey. She tries to check in on bim every now and then and uses her own transformation to promote body acceptance

Izutsumi - she doesn't know what to do. She's 17 goddamn it. So when she hears Kabru throwing up she just assumes he's sick, but when she keeps hearing it she gets a little stressed about him. She goes "he's just weird" and mentions it in conversation to someone else, most likely Marcille (which probably led to Marcille finding out in the earlier paragraph)

Mickbell...somehow - is like "dude wtf" and tells Rin about it since he knows there close. He's worried, yeah, but he doesn't think its really his problem. Especially since the two fo them aren't close like that.

Kuro - he finds out and tells Rin as well, he also tells Kabru that he looks fine. He mentions it to Mickbell, yeah, but in a "Will he be okay? :(" way

Rin - devastated. She initially gives Kabru a hard talk...which makes him worse, but hey! She tried. Rin then thinks its becuase of the shame of dying many times and tries to comfort Kabru again. Doesn't work. She tries to get him to eat the things he likes. He eats them, but she can sense the guilt from Kabru. They then have a heart to heart becuase Rin can't stand to see her best friend suffer like this and assures him that he looks fine as often as he needs

Holm - he takes a simular approach as Falin but gets a little more involved. He understands it on paper, but can't image what actually having these issues is like. Yes, he also informs Rin and is the one that told her to try to speak to Kabru in a less...prickly manner about this touchy subject

Daya - She doesnt realise what Kabru was trying to achieve by puking. So she just advises him not to do so and tells Rin about the strange behavior.

How does this affect non-platonic Labru?

Easy!

Well for starters! If they were boning before, they aren't now LMAO

Partly because of Kabru's own body image being trash and his attraction to Laios (temporarily) going to shit after Laios gained some weight to encourage Kabru. Damn that internalized fat-phobia. Neither one of them seems to have a clue what's going on. Let word, seems.

Kabru knows his view of Laios just isn't the same, but he doesn't let it be known that he's aware of this.

Does he feel bad? Yeah. But he only feels bad because he doesn't feel bad. He feels as though he's a shitty boyfriend for harboring such disgust for his partner's figure

Laios catches Kabru stealing glances at himself in the mirror. Staring just a little too long. Laios deduces that Kabru's feeling a little self-conscious after some hard thought.

So, of course, he makes sure to be extra careful about his words. He'd totally be like that one meme (which I can't find) that goes: "damn girl, that ass is wide" "what??" "I didn't want to say fat and trigger your eating disorders :/"

Plus, on the not boning thing, they're busy. You got a king and his advisor, they're not gonna be cranking it up every night! They simply sleep together, in a literal sense most nights anyways, so more sleep isn't anything bad

Additionally, I don't believe Laios has a high sex drive at all. (I personally think he's on the asexual spectrum, maybe because I'm ace, but still)

Kabru won't initiate a thing at the moment, it's up to Laio's sporadic desires to get things going. (It never gets going)

What if Laios discovers Kabru's feelings towards him and the purging?

He's hurt, simply put. He can't understand why Kabru dislikes his body, Laios can't understand why his own body would be such a turn off now.

In the non-platonic vers Laios tries to become "sexy" again. ....He fails horribly and ends up making a fool out if himself. At first he's like, "well monsters do this to attract mates" right after he feels as though he needs to inprove upon himself. Then he goes "no... Kabru isnt a monster, and im not either (unfortunately)"

He pushes that silly thought aside and tries to find out *why* Kabru is turned off by his looks now. His face? No.. His hair? Just got it cut. His figure? ...but why?

Laios goes right up to Kabru and confronts him about it. Kabru being the slippery bitch that he is denies it and goes "lol wtf haha! I luv u bae and there's nothing wrong with u!! ur so sexy and hot haha..."

This, inevitably, confused the shit out of Laios and he asks for honesty. Kabrus actions aren't exactly aligning with his words, and something needs to he done.

[Okay, let's be real here. If Kabru didn't want Laios to know how he felt, Laios' ass would NOT know lmao. This is just for the bit]

Now the purging? Laios is like "dude what? :(" he doesn't understand it. Nope. Not at all. He tires to he supportive, but he really doesn't know what to do with this. It's not like there's a bulimia monster, so he has no real frame of reference.

He's all "but you look fine how you are :(" and "I like the weight on you!" or even "did you know that [this species of monster] finds fat attractive? ,:D"

He means so so well, and Karbu knows it. Laios really is just a dog of a man.

Laios also tries to get Kabru to promise to stop. We know how that went. Karbu agreeing just to do it behind Laios' back because he knows Laios won't find out. He'll cut back on it, yeah, but he has his weak moments.

Eventually, Laios makes sure to only have Kabru serve his favorite meals. That should keep him from puking it up! And Karbu stops after a while. But only because his health is on the decline.

What else?

Two words: hand. feeding.

Kabru throws up? He gets his favorite meals so he won't. Kabru keeps checking his figure? Less mirrors in the caslte and more compliments. Kabru not eating enough or skipping meals? Simple. Laios makes sure he eats.

And how? A little less of Laios sensually slipping a fork full of decedent chocolate cake past Kabru's lips and a little more than a simple "here comes the airplane"

It starts off as Laios seeing Kabru taking smaller bites and being like "oh! Let me show you how to fill your fork! ^^" and then him taking Kabru's fork, impaling a bunch of assorted foods onto said fork, then handing it back to Kabru.

Then it sort of devolved (...evolved?) Into Kabru begrudgingly letting Laios feed him like a toddler while no one else ot looking. My boy Kabru does NOT know how to say no to this autistic man properly.

Laios was like "would it help if I just fed you?" And karbu replied something like "haha! It just might!" And of course Laios did not pick up on that God level sarcasm and went "cool, Let's try it then" and Kabru, wanting to appease Laios said "cool!". Bro was punching air.

(Yes, Laios said stuff like "good job buddy!" "You're doing so well!" "Its tasty, right?" Almost every bite)

In the non-platonic world, Laios would have Karbu sit ever so close to him as he was fed, maybe even in his lap. And of course Karbu would get a peck on the cheek after every bite. And the whole process may or may not turn Laios on. Especially when they're dining on monster. Whoops.

....anything else?

This all ties in with the absurd standards that was set for Karbu and the insecurities he hides within himself.

The whole blue-eye-spawn-of-a-demon thing was already enough for him. But being raised by that moody ass elf was a whole nother thing.

Milsiril, his adoptive elf mom, raises children like she has a monopoly in daycares. She's a serial foster fr. All them damn kids. Raising them like pets becuase you want something to love and depend on you. (I love Milsiril btw)

Anyways.

Kabru was his mom's favorite since his features were unique. Im talkin big bright blue eyes contrasting with rich dark skin, in particular. Plus, he was so sociable! All of his siblings looked up to him in one way or another. He was the star child.

And, you know that thing about elves being twinks, right? When ever Milsiril would check up on Karbu's health, she would use this old elven chart depicting the "average/desirable/suggested" height, weight, and muscle tone for diffrent short-lived races at diffrent ages/stages of life.

Safe to say these charts and texts were based off of elven standards, so everyone was thought to be slimmer, lighter, and more toned than normal. Plus, they're old lol. Instead of updating her charts and buying some from the diffrent cultures and races, she keeps her old one becuase she legit just forgets to replace it and hasn't had any "major problems" while raising her kids with that information so she doesn't think to change it.

What in trying to say is!

Kabru was raised with unrealistic body goals, and when he used to deviate from those arbitrary statistics during childhood he'd be put on diets and stuff.

Also, What if Kabru was transmasc?

Especially when he was a teen, even gaining a little wait made him go nuts. He couldn't get the words "unhealthy" out of his head and started associating it with the word "fat". His mind likes to play tricks on him when he's in the mirror. Exaggerating his figure and making him panic.

So! When he was sick and tired after that weird ass dungeon trip that changed his whole world and he came back to find himself thin as a pin, he tweaked.

He logically hated it because it was unhealthy, but a part of him was satisfied. With the added stress of becoming a Kings advisor, he started to crack under the pressure, manifesting in an obsession with himself. When he started to gain weight back he was brought right back to those check ups he had with Milsiril and those 2, maybe 3 times he was put onto diets in his youth. He really feared he was getting fat and he would just stare into the mirror and feel his flesh beneath his fingertips, searching for some sort of confirmation. All he felt was a bit of a squish, a bit of a give, and that's all he needed.

It was too much for him. His body was wrecked in his eyes. He's supposed to he fit and lean and thin and perfect. How could that be perfect? He looks in the mirror in his private study, wasting the time he could've been spending planning new city infrastructure or working out the kinks in trade. But no. He's here, in his dimly lit room, looking at how imperfect he's become in his eyes. How unhealthy he is his mom's eyes. How disgusting he is in his birth mothers eyes.

He had to fix it. The wound rubs deep, dar past the dermis. And, I guess, much like other wounds that cut a chasm into the skin, you don't really feel it once it severs your nerves. You don't really notice until you see the big, gaping, bleeding, notch where you used to be.

Lol anyways

Whoo boy. He is in hell. He feels like gaining weight makes him look "softer" and more feminine. He hates it, yes. But he tries his best not to let it effect his wardrobe. This whole weight journey really rehydrated his gender dysphoria.

He's used to looking a little androgynous, but with his new weight going to his stomach, hips, and thighs, he just feels as though his silhouette is becoming more girly.

Kabru is found training and working out more. Anything to get his body more boxy again.

He spends more time making sure he looks presentable. Even waking up a little earlier to ensure he vouge cover ready. (Well, I mean, as vouge ready as perpetual business casual can be)

And how does it end?

It takes some time, but Kabru heals. He's 10 pounds heavier than when we were first introduced to him, but he doesn't mind anymore.

It was a long journey full of all sorts of denail and shame, but he got there.

He's still the Light Yagami coded perfect chivalrous boy. He always has been. And Laios loves him all the same. Platonically or not.

Laios was essential in Karbu learning to let go of those impossible ideal and unreachable standards. Laios does not give a fuck afterall, he thinks all human bodies are unintresting beautiful! That dude does not judge. Rember him talking about the orc women in one of the monster tidbit sections? He's about body acceptance and neutrality.

Kabru grew to love his body, not just tolderate it or like it because someone else does. And if it tickles you, he liked the extra pounds Laios gained in the end, too. And if you're here for non-platonic Labru, then Laios may have became a bit of a feeder and has a tiiiiny food kink. Plus, Laios is a huge fan of the squish and Kabru likes how warm Laios is.

I just want to add this in here, also hecuase ive seen it before and i agree, but Laios seems like the type to give dutch ovens. He shows love like a big brother and its horrible (affectionate). This passes Karbu off SO BAD and it's hilarious. He has to sit down and have a very direct and serious talk about "getting too comfortable". And Laios would sit there the entire time like a sad dog and nod along.

Kabru and Laios also wrestle. No debate. They do it to spar, Laios does it for fun, Kabru does it to make Laios shut up. It's great!

Sorry this took so long lmao,, I legit just kept forgetting to write this

This was just word vomit. I've lost the plot somewhere along the way, I fear

[theobsessedcookiefan]

This is the end, I leave it to free interpretation

:ﾟ･*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:

❀•°•═════ஓ๑♡๑ஓ═════•°•❀

- "I was fine with her acting as if I was not a big thing, she was my creator after all, she was who decided my fate, who chose what I should do, how should I act.. What I should be. But when these feelings started to bloom like white camellias petals inside of me I couldn't take it anymore, I wanted her to look at me like I looked at her, like I meant the world." - He knew that those foolish dreams were almost impossible for him to reach, what would you even see in him? He was simply inferior, you were incredible in his eyes, a perfect example of a goddess.

And you had so much to do to notice the growing feelings of one of your creations, you were someone busy, always finding something to do, baking new cookies, casting more spells to help them with their world, why would you worry about one in a million? Besides, since that failed spell he barely talked to you anymore, he was going to make that spell work even if it took a month or all his life.. Even if it meant messing with Crescent Moon Magic.

⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

A few weeks passed by, the cookie's absence was starting to feel concerning to you, in your mind you could only regret that choice of words, of course you cared about him, not in the way a pet owner cares about their pet, you actually cared about him. It was a complicated feeling? Yes it was, you're supposed to be a witch for god's sake! Some of you even ate their creations and you? You were caring about the thought of hurting the feelings of one of yours! Gosh you were pathetic, even your teacher would be disappointed if she saw your predicament. With a sigh you left the book you were reading in the table of your tower, giving the window a quick glance, the moon was in its most dangerous phase, a crescent moon, you knew that moon magic was really powerful but you also knew the consequences of using it; it could end in your perdition, your soul would end up corrupting itself. You shook your head before looking outside the window, trying to get a better view of the forest beneath you, it was always calming to hear the sound of the rustling leaves and maybe.. just maybe.. No, you couldn't continue with that mindset, instead you wanted to see if you could get a glimpse of the cookie village nearby.

A couple hours later you could finally hear the portal being activated, it was him! Finally, the thought of seeing that blue cookie again gave your heart a warm feeling that you dismissed as it being relief. - "Finally! I was starting to wonder if you crumbled." - You joked a bit, trying to lighten up the mood before looking at the portal, but what you saw made your heart sink, Blueberry Milk was there yes but looked terrible, the noticeable eye bags and lack of sleep made you wonder what he had been up to. Even with that terrible look his eyes sparkled at seeing you like always, he was terrible at hiding his feelings but you were no better at getting them. - "I figured it out!" - He spoke excitedly, walking over to you and asking to be lifted up to eye level to which you complied, taking him carefully into your hands and slowly lifting him until you two could talk eye to eye. - "You did? What exactly did you figure out?" - It was a genuine question, he always had been so curious that even discovering how the fire worked would make him happy and excited. - "The spell didn't work because I wasn't compatible with it, but I was researching and found out this other spell, can.. Can I try again?" - That begging tone of his always made you lose it, it was easy giving in to him, so you agreed with a nod of your head, oh if only you could know what that simple nod makes his heart race like.

- "Okay! Be prepared alright?" - Blueberry Milk gave you a smile as he prepared himself, starting to cast that spell in a low voice, for a few minutes nothing happened and that made you smile softly at him, this time you weren't going to be that rude and risk your friendship. - "Oh don't worry, if the spell is old it's probably trash- I'm sure you'll manage to do it some day." - He was a bit disappointed but your reassuring made him feel a bit less of a failure. Then you felt it, a sharp pain in your chest, it was as if you were being stabbed with a needle in it.. What? Why were you feeling it? He was supposed to cast the spell in himself.. Wasn't he?. At the sight of your pained expression he spoke again, getting closer again with his hands together in a pleading manner. - "Is it working? Please tell me it is.." -

Finally something came into your mind, you heard of a spell that some witches used to connect with their creations better, a spell that managed to turn the witches into cookies, was he doing that? No.. It required the strong magic of a witch or a dark oath to do so, one like- all the pieces clicked together as the light of the crescent moon entered your room and the pain intensified, it all made sense, why he had waited until today, why he looked so sick. With your eyes wide open you managed to find your voice to speak in a whisper. - "You used the the Crescent Moon Magic so the spell could work?.. It's dangerous!" - You said, trying to make him see reason but your words lost strength as you did as well, your eyes closing against your will. - "I know it sounds bad but that way we can actually be together! Doesn't it sound fantastic? I could even show you around" - He spoke dreamily, sounding as if nothing wrong was happening, like he hadn't just corrupted himself, he knew about the risks? Yes of course, but he didn't care anymore, if his soul was the price to pay to be with you he would gladly take it.

❀•°•═════ஓ๑♡๑ஓ═════•°•❀

Funfact: white camellias mean adoration.

[ohdeersthings]

Beautiful Sounds

Neteyam x Metkayina!Deaf!FReader

Summary: Neteyam finds a way

Warnings: Fluffffffff for daayyys, angst 👀 we are caught up in our feelings, not proof read

A big thank you to @iikatsukii for this idea! I hope you like it, I tried my best 😭😂

Part 2 to this little beauty:

Neteyam thought he could never love anything so much until he met you. Learning your clans ways brought new insights to how the world can be so different but still beautiful. You were an example of that.

Even though you couldn't hear, you learned how to dance with elegance from the vibrations in the sand, he saw the patience you had with children, taking the time to guide them and understand what they needed, sometimes better than their own parents.

What really took his heart was how you found the simple joys of everyday life. The look of bliss on your face when the ocean sprays you with its salty mist, the contempt in your eyes as you looked at your family and friends. The love you expressed through your hands and body when you hugged or kissed him.

He thought you deserved to hear more than anyone, which is why after two months of communicating and deliberation with Norm and Max, they finally made the first set of hearing implants for Na'vi. A beautiful aqua to match your skin tone, and water proof so you could hear underwater as well.

As Neteyam watched from the shoreline as you raced your sister on Ilus, he couldn't help but feel nervous. He's practiced so hard with you and the others with sign language and yet he still continued to mess up sometimes. You never got angry or upset, just flashed your beautiful smile and repeated what he was trying to sign so he could practice again.

He'd especially been practicing for something special to you when the time came right, of course getting past Tonowari and Ronal wouldn't be easy. Taking one last glance at your figure, he turned and headed for the Marui pod that he knew your family resided in.

~.~

Ronal hissed and threw a shell at Neteyam which he ducked out of the way of, "You dare ask me such a question! That demon device will ruin her!" Tonowari just shook his head at his mate, she was nearing the end of her pregnancy and was very cranky.

"It'll help her hear! She can finally here all of you and everything around her!" Neteyam raised his hands in the air, trying to calm the angry pregnant woman. "Ronal, maybe she should give it a chance," Tonowari reasoned, Ronal growling lowly.

"You want to change her? You asked us mere days ago to mate and now you want this!? I pray to Great Mother to have the strength to not bury you alive! Skxawng!"

"No I don't want to change her! I want her to experience things that I know she longs for," Tonowari placed his hand on Ronal's shoulders giving her a look to calm down. Ronal did so, but not happily.

Both turned towards the young man, which he took as a continuation, "I promise, I love everything about her. The way she looks at the horizon with longing, wanting to go there and explore. The way (Y/n) wants to join in on everything everyone is doing but knows she can't hear everything, you may not have seen it, but I can. I hate that she cannot experience the wonderful sounds of the world, but if I could help her make one thing...The thing I know she may long for the most happen, I would crawl through viper thorns to do so, so please, let me try this," he begged at this point, taking a knee before the leaders of the clan.

Glancing at eachother, Tonowari spoke for both, "Very well, if she wants to try it, you have our blessing," Neteyam grinned, thanking them as he ran out the Marui pod to find you.

"You know he would never hurt her, Ronal?" Tonowari smiled at his mate gently, who rolled her eyes in annoyance, "Maybe Eywa will give me strength to not bury you, Tonowari,"

~.~

You huffed air laughing as Neteyam grabbed your hand, dragging you through the trees that surrounded the island.

Tapping his hand, he turned to you so he could watch, 'Where are we going?'

'Somewhere private' he replied, your smile wide as you let him carry on guiding you.

Coming to a beach front, your eyes saw a wonderful sight of a hand weaved blanket on the beach with some delicious fruit you adored. The sun was almost the horizon, the beauitful shades of orange and pink beginning to shine on the clouds and sky.

He led you down and helped sit you on the blanket, his eyes holding nothing but love for you. You returned the gaze, hand caressing his face as he lightly pecked your lips.

"I have something, for you," he gestured, you nodding, eyes staring at his figure so you wouldn't miss anything.

Pulling out a blue box from his hip bag, he opened it to reveal two small, weird looking devices. Your eyebrow furrowed, glancing up at him confused. Was this a forest thing? Why did it look like something sky demons made?

"Oh right, um," Neteyam mumbled to himself, licking his lips as he put the box down, hands moving slowly as he thought each sign out.

"These," points to the box, "help you, hear," he tried to keep it short and to the point. Yet this only confused you more.

"I cannot hear, how can these help me?" Your hands were moving quickly, 'I don't understand-' he took your hands into his, holding them close to his chest to try and regain your attention, your eyes narrowed with unease and confusion.

He let go slowly, his hands moving the same time as his lips, "These go in here," he gestured to your ear, "and when turned on, they let you hear," you slowly nodded, Neteyam picking up the box and holding it to you, the sunset reflecting of your eyes as you nodded to him.

Closing your eyes as you felt his hand gently place the small things in your ears, the other holding your cheek in reassurance.

He pressed on something, a small high pitched noise filled your ears which made your eyes shoot open. You looked around frantically, hands covering your ears and the devices from the shock of hearing something for the first time.

Neteyam placed his hands over yours, holding your head as your eyes turned to him with fear. He breathed in and out, eyes trained on yours as you began to copy him, slowly relaxing.

You both moved your hands, your ears twitching as you heard something else. A soft roaring and crashing sound that made you look to the water, eyes filling with tears as you signed, "waves?" His face lighting up and nodding, taking your hand as he helped you up.

You stared out into the giant mass of blue, the sound of the waves flooding every sense you had. The distant calls of birds and animals soon followed, all overwhelming but yet so majestic in your eyes.

Your hands came to cover your mouth and muffle your sobs as you began to cry. The world sounded different than you had ever thought, it sounded better.

Neteyam wrapped his arm around your shoulder to comfort you. Your shoulders slowly stopped shaking as you gazed up at him.

"(Y/n)" he whispered, your face morphing into one of disbelief. He sounded as gorgeous as he looked.

You tapped his lips, a grin on your face as you turned your body to face him completely now. "You can hear me?" He asked, your smile wide as you nodded. "There's something I want to ask you. I thought I would ask like this, but I want to ask you in your own way," he gently caressed your face as you nodded, feeling a small rush of adrenaline from all the excitement.

You never thought he would go through all this trouble for you, this just showing you how much he truly cared.

He held your hands, giving them a squeeze before taking a step back to see your whole body. Also incase he had to run from rejection.

'You are so beautiful,' he started, your eyes narrowing in curiosity, wondering where he was going with this. You were very flattered though as you shyly shuffled.

'When I look at you, I think of home' he started fumbling a little bit, but you smiled at him which gave him strength to keep going. "I want to spend the rest of my life, with you,'

Your mind suddenly went blank, realizing what he was asking, 'Will you be my mate?' He finished with a shy smile, but you were only staring at him with a blank expression.

A cold shiver ran down his spine, you weren't saying or doing anything. Just starting at him.

"(Y/n)?" He asked softly, taking a step forward to grab your fingers, but you jerked back suddenly, your ears flattened as you turned and ran.

Neteyam could only stare heartbroken as you disappeared from view, the sun now down below the horizon.

~.~

'You did what!?' Tsireya signed, but you didn't see it as you were hiding your face in your hands in shame. Tsireya tapped you, your glossy eyes looking at her disbelief ones. 'You left him without an answer? I thought you loved Neteyam!' 'I do!' You began, teeth gritting together, 'why would he want me?' You sobbed, tears begging to flow passed your waterline, Tsireya looking at you in empathy. 'I cannot hear, I cannot talk well, I only babble like newborn baby,' you began to hiccup, 'He gave me these to help me hear, I wish to talk to him like he can with me, but my voice is ugly,'

Tsireya grabbed your shoulders, her look fierce as she shook her head, "No! Your voice is beautiful and unique!" She knew you didn't take the sky peoples devices out, so you could hear her.

And hear her you would.

"Neteyam begged mother and father for weeks before they agreed! He planned these hearing devices for months. He loves you, all of you!" Tsireya exclaimed, your whimpers making her hug you close. "If you wish to speak to him, we will help you," Tsireya declared, her heart breaking for her older sister.

(Y/n) spent her whole life looking after others, even with the loss of hearing. Tsireya felt a few tears slip through her own eyelashes as she's never seen you this upset before. You were always smiling for everyone, the first one out and the last one in. You never told anyone how you truly felt.

Tsireya promised to Eywa she would make it right.

~.~

You avoided Neteyam for days, diving out of sight when you caught a glimpse of the oldest Sully sibling, your heart filled with guilt. You never meant to hurt him, but how could you face him before you were ready.

The Sully siblings, aside from Neteyam, knew what you were doing and tried their best to help both sides, but they still felt bad for their oldest brother.

Your own siblings helped you morning and night in getting your words more precise and clean, the pronunciation being the hardest as you technically never had to speak Na'vi or English before.

You sat in that beach shore cove Neteyam had brought you to only days prior, your eyes clenched in frustration as you tried again.

"oil ngatee kameee," the simple phrase of 'I see you' fell from your lips as you groaned in your throat. You were never going to get it, they sounded slurred together and it was hard to understand.

Taking a deep breath, you closed your eyes and tried again, "oel ngati kameie," this time it sounded better, but you really had to think and enunciate with your lips.

Head falling into your hands, you felt a few tears slip out. Why did Neteyam choose you? There are better girls, ones who weren't at a disadvantage like you were.

Standing up, you turned to see Neteyam right behind you.

You gasped inwardly, taking a few steps back. Neteyam only stared at you with a inquiring look, but you could see the hurt in his eyes too.

'I'm sorry,' you signed, looking down so your bohemian knotless braids covered your face. You couldn't face him. 'I'll leave now,' you made to scurry past him when he grabbed your hand, your breath hitching as you were frozen in place.

He carefully walked around to face you, his face looking solem at your stiff body. 'Why?' He questioned, you feeling tears staring to build up. 'Many girls better than me,' you answered, his shocked expression taking you off guard. 'No one is better than you, I only want you, now and forever,' he signed passionately, your tears streaming down your face as you shook your head.

'I sound like a baby, I cannot talk like an adult,' you desperately tried to get him to see, but he only shook his head at you.

'I have never heard your voice, but your quiet huff bring music to my ears. My heart yearns for yours so that they may beat together. Make their own sound, together. As one," Neteyam emphasized, never seeing you look so down heartened as you did right now.

Lo'ak had finally cracked and told him that you'd been practicing your voice and speech so that you could be better. Better for him. When all Neteyam wanted was you. He was so lost these last few days, never seeing you and his thoughts running wild on why you rejected him.

'Please, I stand here with my heart for you. I only want you, (Y/n)," he whispered, pressing his forehead to yours, his eyes closed in pain as he wished you could see yourself how he does.

"Neteyam," you whispered, his eyes shooting open as your lips twitched. "Yes," you said answered, his face changing rapidly between emotions.

"Y-yes? Yes you'll be my mate?!" He exclaimed, his eyes turning glossy as he realized you'd just spoken to him. You laughed and nodded, Neteyam cackling as he picked you up and spun you around.

"She said yes!" He yelled out, both of you now laughing like idiots as he fell back, both of you landing in the sand.

You rolled over, lips connecting with his with urgency as he gave it right back. Both of you in each other's embrace, fitting perfect together like a puzzle.

'I love you,(Y/n)' he signed, eyes filled with adoration cause you to smile back shyly, "I love you, Neteyam,"

Even though Neteyam had given you the blessing of being able to hear, the most beauitful sound you'd ever heard was his voice.

You couldn't wait to listen to it for the rest of your life.

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

@eywas-heir @jimfiqs @minkyungseokie

@bealone-prm @thecrazyswamp

@he110hon @urforevermore

@iikatsukii

[willowthewiisp]

I just can't fucking shut up about this because everyone else is pissing me off calling Marika an unu poor baby she was justified bs as if genocide against any race is justified if they hurt you first. Look at real world examples.

Anyways.

Godfrey was banished not because he conquered all that could be conquered but because he fundamentally disagreed with Marika. I'm convinced she asked him to carry out the genocide against the hornsent society but because they hadn't attacked or given any reason to be attacked ( because the genocide came AFTER the banishment because messmer knows what a tarnished is AND was an older brother figure to radahn.) Godfrey refused because he's just a Chad like that and Marika stripped him of his grace and sent him on his way and instead gave messmer the grace and blessings to go crusade against the ones she needed to be rid of.

Why were the hornsent not exterminated the second Marika became a god.

Why did she run from the lands of shadow and not stay to save her people.

Because she ran.

She ran away because she had connections to the hornsent as an empyrean. The only reason she genocided them so late in her rule was because the hornsent did not submit to her religion and ideals of the golden order they were graceless and heretics to her, who spat in the face of her erdtree and worshipped the concept of the crucible. Why would she need to hide this war if it was for a good reason. I mean, if she used they oppressed my people and are a threat to the golden order why would she need to hide that, seems like as good of a reason as any to attack someone.

Because there was no good reason.

It's clear the hornsent weren't a warring culture by the time of the crusades if the dancing lion is any hint (that's not to say they weren't in the past, they had to have come to power somehow but as of the genocide the lion dancers were just that, dancers, that basically became guardians and fought during the genocide). They were caught off guard they were surprised and betrayed by Marika who they didn't have any bad blood with personally. If Marika truly was driven by revenge and hate over the shamans why didn't she slaughter them as soon as she became a god. Because she left them on neutral terms. She wasn't their enemy and they had no reason to attack her. What happened at the divine tower was the original sin. That's why messmer shrouded it so no one would know what Marika did to become a god. Massive sacrifice of hornsent AND shamans were needed. I'm almost tempted to say the hornsent got the idea to use shamans in their saint jars because of Marika. They saw this numen, this shaman, ascend into godhood. Marika used the blood of shamans, the flesh of shamans to become a god. They tried to replicate it in the jars, turning criminals and sinners into something that could become more. Maybe the shamans willingly sacrificed themselves for Marikas ascension. I would believe that. But the hornsent saw this and their zealotry drove them to hunt the shamans, so they could recreate what they witnessed at the divine tower. We see something similar in nokron. The nox attempted to birth their own lord to usher in an age of stars.

Marika returning to her village long after the shamans were gone REEKS of guilt. Because she didn't save them. She didn't avenge them. She left them to suffer and die. That's why she's fucking guilty. Messmer was the only one that seemed to care about them, and even then there was nothing to be done. Even IF the hornsent tortured and harvested her people and hurt Marika personally, that doesn't change the fact Marika waited until Godfrey was gone and radahn and messmer were old enough to be brothers to each other (almost implying it happened when Marika and radagon married but that's a stretch) to attack them. She waited an age and a half. Through her age of plenty and into the age of order. Why.

Why did she forsake her people. No wonder the black knife assassins did what they did. If they truly were close to Marika, they'd want revenge for what she did to their people in the lands of shadow.

Anyways.

[newtthetranswriter]

The Little Pink Bird

Word Count: 6787

Paring: Rody soul x gn! Reader

Warnings: Talk of blood, canon typical violence

Summary: When Quirks first appeared so did Soulmates, being able to find your soulmate with the help of a tattoo that appears when they receive their quirk. Y/n spent their life with a little pink bird on their shoulder. What happens when they meet said little pink bird in another country?

A/n: Hello, welcome. First off I love Rody and he deserves so much more love than he gets. Second I’m addicted to soulmate au’s, probably because I’m a hopeless romantic but anyway I thought this Idea was cute so I went with it. Anyway enjoy and as always remember to hydrate or diedrate.

    Back before Quirks appeared everyone went about daily life wondering what it would be like if they could meet their perfect match. Always hoping that the one that they settled down with was their one true partner. Unfortunately for those who lived before quirks it was impossible to know for sure. But that all changed when quirks started appearing.

    As quirks became more prominent and widespread, people also began to notice that mysterious tattoo’s would appear on a random part of their body. At first it was thought to just be a side effect of quirks, but after people began reporting that when they met someone who’s quirk reassembled the tattoo, they would feel like they found their missing piece. The idea that these marks changed the way people looked for their partner, searching out the one who matched their tattoo.

   Over time it was figured out that the marks appeared when one’s soulmate got their quirk. And so not only were kids excited to finally figure out their own quirks but to decipher their soulmate’s quirk and try to find them as soon as possible. It was easier for some, then it was for others. For example someone who’s soulmate had a mutant type quirk would have a picture that looked like the mutation, or if the quirk was fire they’d have a flame. Of course this left people with quirkless soulmates at a disadvantage because they would have to wait for their soulmate to find them instead of searching for the matching quirk. Now that you understand how soulmates work in this lovely world, it’s time to actually get into our story.

   I, like most children, was extremely excited to get my quirk and find out what my soulmate's powers were. When I was five I became the first out of the two of us to get a quirk. My quirk allowed me to manipulate plants and use them in a variety of different ways. I can use them to heal, as well as use them for a few defensive attacks. The only drawback of my quirk is that I have to have access to plants for it to work. So I tend to carry different plant seeds, it doesn't matter what the plant is, I can make it heal or strong enough to attack.

  Anyways, after developing my quirk, I waited impatiently for my soulmate to get theirs so I could finally find them. Sure I was young but many parents will go to the quirk registry to find their child’s soulmate and in hopes of introducing them young so they don’t have to wait long to find them. So when the little pink and purple bird appeared on my shoulder, my parents raced to see if they could find out who my soulmate was. Unfortunately for everyone involved, the person whose quirk was symbolized by a little pink bird, most likely did not live in Japan and if they did they weren’t registered. So, my hope for finding my soulmate early was crushed and I was destined to find them when the world decided it was the right time.

   I suppose having to wait to find my soulmate was a blessing in disguise because while many people my age were spending time planning their life around what both them and their soulmate wanted to do, I was free to plan what I wanted to do. Sure my soulmate was a factor in my choices but for the most part I was free to follow my dreams. So when the time came for the U.A. entrance exams I participated.  With my versatile quirk I managed to score a place in Class A.

   Being part of the top hero class at the top hero school was sure to give me amazing opportunities. When work studies came around many different Prohero’s sent offers. As much as I wanted to pick a hero who’s quirk and fighting style matched my own, I decided that having a chance to learn from the No.1 Pro didn’t happen often. So I accepted the offer to do my work study at Endeavor’s agency along with three of my other classmates. And only time would tell how smart of a choice that was on my part.

  After only a few weeks of our work studies, Endeavor was called for a mission that was crucial for the greater good of society. Being his trainees, Bakugo, Deku, Shoto and I were dragged along for the mission as well. We were sent to stop an organization known as Humarise from executing their plan to destroy quirks. When we first arrived at the Humarise base in the country of Otheon, the trigger bomb was nowhere to be found. After relaying this information to headquarters, we were informed that none of the bases had the bombs we were sent to disarm. In Spite of the failed mission we were instructed to stay in the country and wait for further information, as we couldn’t just give up and let these maniacs kill millions of people for no reason.

   While waiting for information, us rookies were sent out to run errands. I was trailing behind Bakugo as he complained to Shoto and Deku about being an errand boy. While zoning out from their conversation I noticed a commotion happening in a store as we walked by. “Hey guys.” I said, trying to get their attention.

   “WHAT DO YOU WANT?” Bakugo shouted as he wiped around to look at me. Being used to the blonde's explosive attitude; I just pointed to the door of the store where a villain busted out flying past us holding a case of what we could only assume to be stolen jewels. 

   Registering what was happening my three companions launched into action. I followed them knowing that chases weren’t my strong suit, deciding to hang back slightly and help if anyone got hurt. I watched as Shoto and Deku raced down an alley after one of the guys, deciding they had that covered, I helped Bakugo take care of the thief he was chasing.

   After dealing with the thief, we meet back up with Shoto learning that Deku had gone after a third culprit who apparently was waiting in the alley. We all made our way back to the hotel where we were staying. 

   “Idiots! We're right in the middle of an important mission. You should leave the petty criminals for the local authorities to take care of!” The three of us were now being yelled at by a very furious Endeavor.

   “I thought heroes were supposed to assist those in trouble.” Shoto argued back at his father. 

   Bakugo, who was leaning against the wall nearby, decided to also talk back to the flaming man. “You're the one who's supposed to be teaching us. Maybe you shoulda explained how to ignore crimes.” He said with a smirk. I had to fight back a laugh at that, he had a valid argument.

   I just watched as Endeavor’s anger started to bubble over. “That's not what I said! And Deku? Where'd he run off to?” He asked, realizing the fourth member of his trainees was nowhere to be seen.

   Sighing, I joined the conversation. “According to Shoto, He's following someone who was

working with the jewel thieves. I’ve been trying to call but he's not picking up his phone right now.” I explained waving my phone.

   Hearing that Endeavor’s flames shot up once again. “You slackers! I shouldn't have brought you with me even if you are doing your work studies!” He exclaimed, before he could continue ranting about how we should have stayed in Japan, Shoto’s phone started ringing.

   “It's him.” He informed us as he answered the phone. “ Midoriya, hey. Do you have the suspect?” He asked, pausing to let Deku speak. “What?” The question confused all of us. It sounded like Deku was panicking from the noise barely reaching me from Shoto’s phone. “Calm down! Tell me everything that happened. Start from the beginning.” He told the panicking boy.

   There was a moment of silence while we waited for Deku to explain what happened to Shoto. The silence was broken as Clair, one of the heroes we were teamed up with, opened a door to an office nearby. “Endeavor. Emergency.” We all turned, waiting for her to elaborate. “It’s about Deku.” Hearing the boy’s name we all moved to find out what was going on.

   Upon reaching the conference room we all watched as the news anchor on the tv spoke next to a picture of Deku. “Once again, according to recent police reports, the suspect, who is thought to have killed twelve people, is at large and considered by authorities to be highly dangerous. He's a Japanese hero. Uh, called Deku. Real name, Izuku Midoriya. The entire nation is on the lookout. There are also reports that he has an accomplice…” The anchor went on to further explain as we all stood shocked and looked at Shoto as he raised his phone to his ear.

  “Midoriya. What did you really do out there?” Shoto asked, hoping for a clear answer as to what the hell we just saw on the news. “The news. They're saying you're wanted as a suspect for mass murder.” Shoto went on to explain after Deku presumably responded confused to the first question. There was a pause as Deku responded. “We'll look into it on our end. You stay off the grid for now. They'll track you with GPS. Once you turn off your phone, don't forget to take out the battery.” Shoto told Deku before hanging up the phone.

  We all looked at each other stunned, “What the hell is going on? Deku would never kill anyone.” I was amazed by the strange turn of events. Bakugo, Shoto and I all looked at each other trying to figure out how to help our friend.

  “You three stay here, I’m going to speak with the police.” Endeavor said, looking at us pointedly. There was a grumble for Bakugo but we all nodded understanding that clearly something major was happening and we needed to stay put.

  While we waited for Endeavor to return with any news on why Deku is a suspect, I decided it was a great time to lay down on one of the couches in the office. While I tried to recharge some energy, Shoto was busy doing something on his laptop and Bakugo had stormed off to do who knows what. After around thirty minutes of sitting around Clair came in to talk to Shoto.

  “Shoto! I just got this report back from a detective friend of mine.” She started, and I was then reminded of the car accident that happened while we were chasing the jewel thieves earlier in the day. “It appears the car you saw was attacked by a Quirk. The strange thing is, the driver was a member of Humarise.” Clair explained, catching my attention.

  “Wait, Humarise?” I asked, getting up from the couch to join the conversation.

   Shoto looked at me equally surprised by the turn of events. “Well, did he survive the accident?” Shoto asked, hoping we would have a lead of some kind.

    Clair sighed before responding. “He's comatose, in critical condition. Police are standing watch outside his room in the ICU.” She explained.

    “So we can't interrogate him yet.” Shoto reasoned.

    “And there's one other thing, too. It looks like the stolen jewelry was left scattered nearby the scene.” Clair added on to the discoveries that came to light.

    I couldn’t hide my confusion as I tried to figure out what happened. “Huh? But why?” I asked, but before anyone could answer Shoto’s phone chimed.

    “It's a message from Midoriya.” He explained as Clair and I leaned closer to see what the message said.

    “What does it say?” Clair asked, unable to make out the message from where she was standing.

    “Keep eating lunch with strawberries and make sure you eat the dinner in the fridge, too." Shoto read off the message in a confused tone. “Why is he telling me what to eat? This is odd.” He looked over at me.

   Taking another look at the message I realized what it was. “This must be some kind of code. See the first letters of each line spell out K-L-A-Y-D.” I explained.

   Shoto looked at me before looking at the message again. “Clever.”

   Clair gasped. “What does this mean? Did he flee to the neighboring country of Klayd?” She asked, looking at the two of us.

    “If not yet, he must be heading there.” Shoto answered, putting his phone in his pocket.

     I nodded following him out of the room, turning back to inform Clair. “Which means, We’re going to. Please tell Endeavor.” I said as I followed Shoto out. Clair just offered a nod in agreement. 

     As the two of us began to leave, we ran into Bakugo. “Bakugo, come with me.” Shoto informed him while grabbing his arm and pulling him along.

     “Get your hands off me!” Bakugo snapped. As we exited the building he spoke again. “It's about Deku, huh?” He asked.

     Noticing the cops trying to hide that they’re watching us. “We’ll explain later, but first we should lose the cops.” I explained earning a nod from Shoto and Bakugo. After finally losing the police, we made our way to the train station getting tickets to Klayd. Once on the train Shoto explained to Bakugo what we had found out and where we were going. With all of us on board with the plan we decided to rest on the train while we had the chance.

    Time skip to meeting up with Deku and Rody at the train station.

    The train had stopped close to the border to pick up new passengers. While waiting for the train to continue moving the three of us noticed what looked to be fighting on a cliff side. We were going to ignore it until Shoto spoke up. “It’s Midoriya. We need to go.” Looking back at the chaos I also noticed the black tindalls attaching to the helicopter where the majority of the attacks were coming from. Recognising them the three of us grabbed our gear and headed to aid in the fight.

    While Bakugo and Shoto focused on attacking the villains, I moved to check on the young man who I assumed to have been traveling with Deku. After helping him off of Shoto’s ice, I led him to cover behind a rock so we weren’t in the crossfire of the fight. “Are you okay? Did you get hurt anywhere?” I asked as I quickly looked him over for any noticeable injuries.

    “Uh, no I’m good.” He responded while scratching the back of his head.

    I nodded in response before turning to make sure my friends were doing ok fighting. After watching the Helicopter crash, Deku ran over. “Rody, are you all right?” He asked the guy sitting across from me. 

    Registering he was spoken to, he turned to the green haired hero. “Yeah, but I'm not sure how. Where is it?“ The brunette asked, looking around frantically. 

    As if on queue Shoto approached holding a beat up briefcase. “Midoriya. I grabbed this.” He announced, earring a sigh of relief from the boy.

    “Thanks, Todoroki. But how did you find us?” Deku asked as he looked around at the three of us.

    “All thanks to their flashy attacks. Shoto spotted you from the train.” I explained.

    Shoto nodded, before looking at the new member of our group. “Is he the one you were talking about on the phone?” He asked.

   Deku nodded. “Yeah, that's right. He's been pegged as a criminal, like me. His name is Rody Soul.” He introduced his new companion.

   “Hey, thanks for the assist.” Rody said, looking at Shoto. After he finished his sentence my attention was drawn to the familiar pink bird that jumped from his hair onto his shoulder. Seeing the bird I was immediately reminded of the matching mark on my Shoulder. Of course my moment of surprise caused me to zone out from the conversation currently happening around me.

   I tuned back in, when I heard Shoto mention something about useful intelligence, followed by Midoya gasping and grabbing the case. “What’s the matter Deku?” I asked, looking at him confused.

   “A compartment.” He stated, looking at the bottom of the case. After we all saw what he was talking about, he moved to open it to see what was inside. The only thing that came out was what looked like a puzzle. “What is this? How does it work?” He asked as he began turning the pieces.

  This went on for a few minutes of Deku trying to solve the puzzle while Shoto and Bakugo offer not so useful tips. I on the other hand kept glancing at Rody, curious if my assumption about the little pink bird was correct. While watching the brunette I noticed him getting impatient as the young heroes failed to solve the puzzle. “Hey Rody, are you sure you’re okay?” I asked, noticing his impatience. 

  “Uh yeah.” He answered before looking back at Deku. “Deku, can I see that for a second?” He asked, reaching for the puzzle.

   Deku looked confused but nodded. “You know how to solve it?” Shoto asked as Rody sat on the ground.

   “I did a puzzle like this before when I was a kid.” He explained as he began working on it. “Let's see. Like this. And this. Aw, yeah. I think I got it.” He announced as the puzzle popped open revealing an sd card and an odd purple and black piece of what I assumed to be plastic.

   After it became clear that none of us knew what the unidentified object was we turned our attention to the sd card. “We need to figure out what's stored on this card.” Shoto said holding it up.

   I quickly pulled out my phone checking for anywhere nearby where we could see what it was. “Okay, there's a town at the foot of the mountain. We can investigate there.” I announced, earring a nod of agreement from the group. We all gathered our things and began the trek to the town.

   As we were walking I noticed Deku, wince as he accidently Bumped his shoulder into a wall. “Hey are you okay Deku? Do you need me to take a look at your shoulder?” I was concerned.

   Deku being well Deku tried to brush it off as nothing but turns out our newest companion is a snitch. “Actually Deku was shot with an arrow.” Rody announced earning a look of betrayal from the hero.

  “You were shot? And didn’t think it was a good idea to tell someone? Especially the one person around who can heal you.” I said, looking at him like he was stupid. “As soon as we get somewhere to look at that card you’re letting me take care of it.” He just nodded slowly, and before he could argue I moved to walk ahead of the group.

  Skip to looking at the contents of the card

  We had found the small town and asked to use a computer at a hotel there. Once inside Deku plugged the card into the computer loading it up. The screen was quickly covered in various folders. “So many folders. Where do we even start?” He questioned aloud. 

  Bakugo pushed Deku out of the way and began looking through the folders. “Hey Deku, while Bakugo deals with that, come sit down and let me take care of that wound.” I said motioning to the chair I was standing next to.

  I watched as he sighed before moving to sit down, taking off his shirt so I could have access to the injury. “But Y/n we’re inside, are you sure you can heal it without any plants around?” He asked.

  “Did you hit your head? You know I carry seeds around for when you idiots get hurt now sit still.” I said while pulling a few seeds from my pocket holding them close to Deku’s shoulder while activating my quirk. The seeds quickly began to grow wrapping around his shoulder before they began glowing a light bluish green color. After only a few minutes the wound was completely healed with no sign it had ever been there. With Deku taken care of I turned my attention back to the computer, missing the look of realization that flashed across Rody’s face.

  “I found it. It’s this video file.” Bakugo announced opening a file. 

  The screen changed to show a man with an eye patch who then began talking. “Hello. My name is Alan Kay. Along with several other scientists, I was kidnapped by Humarise.” He explained earning shocked gasps from the five of us. He went on to explain how Humarise forced the scientists to build the trigger bombs and how the first attack was just a trap to lewer out the heroes. He spoke of how the plan was to then detonate the rest after having all of the top heroes gathered and in turn decimate the hero population.

   After explaining the villain’s plan, he included that the unknown item that was in the case was a key to disarm the bombs from within the Humarise base. Shortly after the video ended, the other occupants of the hotel ran out screaming. Our attention was quickly drawn to the Tv where a news anchor was reporting that in less than two hours the trigger bombs were going to explode. A map of all the locations showed up on the screen.

   Seeing the map Rody immediately reacted. “No, it can't be. That circle's in Otheon! My house is inside of it!” Hearing the distress in his voice, my body moved on its own to try and calm him by placing a hand on his shoulder.

    Also realizing what that meant Deku responded. “Oh, no.” The five of us were now on the verge of panicking.

    “We should send this to HQ and have them order the hero teams to retreat before it's too late.” Shoto said moving to the computer, planning to send the file.

    Before he could finish, Bakugo cut in. “We can't do that.” His statement pulled Shoto’s and Deku’s attention to him.

  “The heroes are out there looking for the Trigger Bombs. Even if they're the actual targets of the terrorist attack. Even if they know this is a trap. As long as there are people who need help, the pros will never leave them and run away. That's what makes them heroes. Humarise counted on this when they came up with their plan.” Deku stated.

  We all paused and nodded in agreement. There was no way the heroes would run and leave innocent people to die just because they were the targets all along. “Then we use that disarming key. It's up to us to stop those bombs.” Shoto said, we all turned to look at him surprised. 

  “But how do we do that?” I asked. “We don’t even know where their main hideout is.” I agreed that we needed to stop the bombs, but that's easier said than done.

  Bakugo moved quickly before he started opening files on the computer. “On it! The answer has to be in here somewhere. You're an idiot if you make a key without telling people where the lock is! We look for the place that wasn't part of their announcement. This is where their base is!” He announced as he layered the map of the announced bomb locations with the map of the Humarise bases in the computer. Marked clearly was the one base that didn’t have a bomb over it.

  “Kacchan, Can you find where the bomb controls are?” Deku asked as Bakugo started clicking through more folders.

  “Let me work, ya damn nerd!” He shouted as he looked for the controls, eventually pulling up the base’s floor plan.

   Deku looked over the image. “The furthest area underground.” He said, trying to think of how to get there.

   As if voicing everyone’s thoughts, Shoto spoke up. “So we know where it is, but it's

more than 400 kilometers away from where we are.” Hearing that the small amount of hope that we could actually pull this off started to crumble.

  “We can make it.” Rody announced drawing our attention to the other computer in the room. “I think I know how to get us there.” He said while pointing at a map of what looked to be an airport nearby.

   Having no other ideas on how to reach the base, we made our way to the airport and acquired a plane. Once on board the plane, we quickly changed into our hero gear preparing for what would potentially be a very dangerous fight. 

    As the base came into view, Bakugo, Shoto, Deku and I began to get ready to jump from the plane. “That's it! The base! Going in for a landing. Brace yourselves.” Rody informed as he flew the plane closer.

   Thinking for a moment I spoke up. “No, Rody you should turn back, it’s not going to be easy.” I explained hoping he would understand.

   “Extras like you should stay out of the way.” Bakugo exclaimed as Shoto opened the door for us to jump. Shoto made a comment of agreement. After Deku allowed me to hold on to his back, as I’m the only one who can’t move through the air with my quirk, we jumped from the plane. As we got closer to the ground, members of Humarise began firing on us. “I don't have time for you idiots!” Bakugo shouted as he began returning fire.

    Once on the ground, we used our quirks to break through the lines of resistance. Making our way into the base. “Bakugo, we'll leave these guys to you!” I shouted as I trapped a few people in vines from the rock formation.

    After leaving Bakugo to deal with the group out front the rest of us moved into the hideout and began the trek to the controls.  We were making great time using Shoto’s ice to glide down the halls, that was until lasers fired and broke up the ice block sending us tumbling to the floor. After disarming the laser with his flames, Shoto ordered us to continue on while he held off the approaching members of Humarise.

    Nodding Deku and I began racing down the halls as fast as we could manage. We faced a few opponents as we made our way through, easily taking them down with either Deku’s Air force or me throwing seeds that sprouted into entangling vines trapping the attackers. Eventually we reached a large room that appeared to be some kind of library with a golden statue of a baby in the center. “This is the deepest room in the base which means the trigger bomb control system should be on the other side of those doors.” Deku explained.

   I responded with a simple nod before we moved towards the door. Before we could get close a laser fired at Deku’s feet causing both of us to jump back in surprise. “How dare you? This is not a place where someone so diseased should set foot.” We watched as a blue man wearing robes approached looking pissed that we dared enter the room. “You have entered a holy stronghold that will bring about the salvation of humanity.” He continued to speak.

   “You think this is what the world needs? The Quirk Doomsday Theory hasn't been scientifically verified!” I shouted as metal barriers began to rise around the room.

    Deku looked around in confusion before joining in my questioning of the man. “You're basing your crimes on nothing but a rumor! How can you accept something so uncertain and use it to justify doing such terrible things?” He yelled as Flect descended the staircase to be level with the two of us.

    “Pure humans are being threatened by the sickness of Quirks. Of that there is no doubt. As time passes these powers will mix, evolve, and run rampant, driving humanity to destruction.” Flect preached as he looked at us in disgust.

    Deku immediately went on the offensive. “You don't know that for certain! Whether you have a Quirk or not doesn't matter. We're all alive. We're all human beings!” He yelled trying to convince the villain across from us.

    Flect just sighed. “The gravely afflicted are beyond our help. I suppose I shall have to force you to atone.” He said as if it was fact and like he had any chance at beating the two of us.

   “I'll stop your Trigger bomb if it's the last thing I do!” Deku announced as he launched his first attack on the man. I watched in amazement as Deku was sent flying backwards smashing through the metal wall behind him, and Flect was left with no sign the atack hit except for the robe was wearing being blown off.

   As I helped Deku out of the shelves, Flect approached. In hopes of stopping him I flung more seeds that I had used my quirk on hoping to trap him in his place, only for the seeds to be flung elsewhere leaving the vines to just cover the floor. “That's right. I was born with this cursed plague myself. A disease that can't be cured. I automatically reflect all I come in contact with.” Flect explained seeing the bewildered looks on our faces.

   Deku looked around for a moment before moving to attack from multiple angles. “So even though you have an ability of your own, you still think they're somehow evil?” He asked blasting bolts of air.

   “You would question me? Quirks are a tragedy. Because of this ailment, I was never once held by my parents, never knew a caring touch.” Flect limentied as Deku’s attacks were sent back at him. “Even my closest friends, and those I gave my heart to left me, their feelings repelled. I watched them all leave me, one by one. Since I reflect everything, I couldn't even choose death for myself. A Quirk that cannot be controlled leads to a life of suffering. But I can save others from this misery. These meta powers will trample no more hearts.”

   I tried my hardest to think of a plan. The only plan I could think of was taking the key and running while Deku tried to distract Flect. I moved quickly trying to get close enough to Deku to tell him of my plan only for the lasers around the room to fire directly at Flect. He used his reflection to his advantage causing the lasers to reflect and scatter a few of them hitting Deku.

  I would like to say I was lucky enough to avoid them but unfortunately I was not fast enough. One laser hit me in the thigh and another hit me right in the chest, just narrowly avoiding my heart and instead rupturing a lung. As I collapsed to the ground I used the little strength I had before blacking out to sprout a healing seed near my chest to hopefully heal the hole in my lung before I bleed out or drown in my own blood. The last thing I remember before completely blacking out was the sound of Deku’s screams as more lasers pierced his body.

   To my surprise I awoke only a few minutes later. Realizing I was awake and could still move I quickly looked around the room. The first thing I noticed was the unconscious form of Flect laying in the middle of the room. The second thing I noticed was the large amount of blood leading to the doors to the control room. Standing up I rushed to find Deku and offer help in whatever way I could. 

   As I got closer I could hear what I could only assume to be pained laughter from two people. Reaching the room I saw Deku sitting on his knees laughing with Rody laying across his lap. I rushed forward as best as my still injured leg could carry me meeting the two. “Oh my god, What happened to you? And Rody, why are you here, I thought you turned back?” I asked, taking in the large wounds on both boys who stopped laughing when they realized I was there. 

   “Uh long story, tell you about it later?” Rody said with a slight shrug, wincing at the movement.

   I shook my head, looking to Deku for answers hoping he would tell me what I missed while unconscious. Unfortunately Deku just shrugged, choosing to also postpone answering. “Fine you’re lucky you’re my soulmate or I would make you tell me before helping with that wound.” I started ignoring Deku’s look of shock, instead choosing to grab the few seeds I had left to at least close the boys’ bleeding wounds. Rody was also left speechless as I finished healing the wound as much as I could given my own fading strength. “It’s not perfect but now you won’t bleed to death while we wait to be rescued.” I said, smiling at the boy.

   It took him a second to register what was said but after I pulled the plants away from the two Rody sat up. “Wait, ouch, How did you know that we’re soulmates? You don’t know what my quirk is.” He said shocked, the little pink bird from before sitting on his shoulder also looking stunned.

   I smiled looking at the little bird. “It’s hard to forget such an adorable bird that’s been on my shoulder since I was little.” I explained reaching out to the bird. Accepting the explanation the small bird leaned into hand.

   Rody still had a slightly confused look on his face but I could see the joy in his eyes. “Yeah, that makes sense, also that is Pino.” He said introducing the bird. I chuckled as Pino began chirping happily. “Her actions show how I’m really feeling.” He explained to me as I let Pino sit in my hand.

   “Well then I’m glad to know you’re happy.” I said, smiling at him. “But you should really lay back down, I couldn’t fully heal your wounds, it’s just enough to keep you alive while we wait for Heroes to come rescue us.” I explained nudging him lay back. “You to Deku, I can’t heal anymore until I get healed so you should conserve your energy.” After telling them both to relax I also leaned back on to the floor. While I may have sealed our wounds enough to not die, they were nowhere near fully closed so we all need to take it easy until we could be saved. 

   To the hospital.

   After laying in the Humarise base for what felt like hours, some pros finally showed up and brought us to a hospital in Otheon. While we were there they flew out Recovery Girl to help speed up the healing process so we could return to Japan. Recovery Girl had first healed me and asked me to assist in healing the others so it would go by quicker. I agreed and joined her in checking on the boys.

  While she was focused on healing Bakugo, I turned my attention to my soulmate. “Hey Rody, want a little more help with those injuries?” I asked moving to sit next to his bed. He just nodded and watched as I placed a few seeds on the bed next to him before activating my quirk. The seeds sprouted and vines laid across him before glowing softly.

  While I was focused on healing him, I failed to notice the door behind me opening, until two small children ran into the room.  Turning to the sound of excited children, I was greeted by a young boy and a young girl who looked very similar to Rody. “Roro, Lala, I’m so happy you guys are here.” Rody exclaimed, sitting up. Deciding his healing could wait for now, I turned off my quirk to allow the children to climb up on his bed. “How have you guys been?” He asked them.

  I just watched and listened as he spoke with them not wanting to interrupt the happy reunion. “Oh I almost forgot. Roro, Lala, this is Y/n they helped save my life and they’re my soulmate.” Rody introduced me looking at me with a bright smile. “Y/n, this is my little brother Roro, and my sister Lala.” I quickly greeted them. Soon I was subject to the children’s never ending questions, and honestly I wouldn’t have it any other way.

  To the Airport

   As much as I’d like to say that I was able to stay for a while and enjoy getting to know my new found soulmate and his family, I sadly can not. Once we were all cleared by the hospital to fly home, we were all at the airport ready to depart. As we approached the escalator to head towards our flight I heard a familiar chirp from behind me.

   Before I could even turn around I heard Deku confirm my suspicion. “Rody” He called out, as I turned and looked at the limping burnett. He just chuckled in response before getting closer. “Didn't think you'd be out so soon! Heh.” Deku observed.

   I nodded in agreement. “Ah, they said I was good to head back home.” Rody answered the indirect question. Pino chirped in agreement before flying over to rest on my shoulder.

   “I’m glad to hear it, though I wish I could have healed your leg a bit more.” I said, patting the small bird.

   Rody just shrugged. “It’s all good, I’m grateful for what you did. Although, if I had died stopping those bombs, I would've become a total legend.” He went on to explain.

   Deku and I gave him a slightly concerned look before Deku spoke up again. “That's a morbid thing to say!” We all just laughed in response. “So, hey. Come up with any big plans for the future?” Deku asked. 

   I looked at Rody, curious to hear what he may be planning. “Just going back to my normal life for now. Though, I suppose, with all I've been through, who knows what's in store for me?” He answered, glancing in my direction. Pino Chirped in agreement , confirming Rody was being truthful about his unsureness.

   As Deku was about to keep the conversation going, the overhead announcements informed the airport that our flight back to Japan was now boarding. After exchanging glances with me, Deku spoke up. “Right, I’m gonna run to catch our flight. Y/n I know you will need a moment but try to be quick.” His tone was understanding, he knew the chances of me and Rody being in the same place again soon were slim. After bidding farewell to Rody, Deku started for our flight.

   It took a second for the reality of the citation to set in and when it did I turned to Rody, trying to hold back my tears. “I know I should be running to catch my flight but I can’t until I tell you this. I promise that no matter what happens in the future I will come back. Once I’m officially a pro hero. I’ll come back and we can actually explore what it means to be soulmates.” I explained. “But until then here is my phone number, please feel free to call or text whenever you get the chance. I don’t want the distance between us to affect what we have.” I finished handing him a piece of paper with my number on it.

   Making eye contact with Rody it was clear he was trying to hide his true feelings but staying true to her nature, Pino was on his shoulder, tears filling her eyes. “Yeah of course, just promise to come visit between now and your pro hero debut. Okay?” He said with a bright smile.

   I nodded before pulling him into a quick hug. “I promise. Now I need to run. Tell Roro and Lala I'll miss them and please stay outta trouble.” I heard the announcements calling for boarding again. “See you later, Rody.” With that I turned and ran off toward my flight's terminal. Finally once on the plane I did my best to wipe away my tears before anyone noticed.

   “Don’t worry you’ll see him again soon.” Deku said, placing a hand on my shoulder. I just nodded, already looking forward to the first chance I could get to return to Otheon.

[giuseppe-yuki]

non-caffine induced ramblings below!!

feel like people are already wondering if future teammates' pets(?) will get along (george and kimi for example - people wonder if the deer and tiger will ignore each other or what...)

Also - geri is an honorary member of the shifter groupchat I don't make the rules

I feel like Danny Ric would've had a quokka gf in an alternate universe

Someone should definitely give Ollie's gf a hug because she's got a sore throat from screaming that her bf is the best bf ever after his Haas points... Also she's the biggest sweet tooth ever like you cannot stop her from eating sweets

Franco's gf (orange cat gf) hisses at people who critic her bf, but she is especially suspicious of James

Oh, and Max's ragdoll gf has adopted Liam (lawson) as her and Max's grid kid. If Charles gets Oscars and Ollie and Leo then Max gets Liam

- 🐺 anon who's a bit sleepy and bored rn

hi 🐺 anon, welcome back :)

my thoughts below:

people may talk, but ultimately, i believe the answer to the first one is definitely. george's gf will start off a little skeptical at first, but quickly becomes fast friends with kimi's gf. she takes over lewis' gf's usual job as the mother of the paddock, and makes sures kimi's gf gets acquainted with massive jump in fame that comes along with the f1 paddock life.

no arguments there! the shapeshifter!gfs all jump at the opportunity to talk to the iconic ginger spice.

haha, when you mention quokka, my mind can't stop replaying that clip when a reporter or something compares yuki to a picture of a quokka at the AUSgp! anyways, according to google, quokkas are known to be friendly, curious, social, and have a perpetual smile. when reading that you CANNOT tell me that that isn't perfectly describing daniel. ughh they'd be the most adorable couple on the grid!!!

while most new wags are more reserved and shy, opting to stand quietly in the garage, ollie’s gf is not afraid to yell herself hoarse during and after the race (nicole sherzinger style). like i can imagine f1tv panning from ocon’s super shy gf standing quietly in este’s paddock area, and then a zoom in shot to ollie’s gf literally leaping up and down and deafening engineers. anyways….the sweet tooth! it def comes with being a bear cub shapeshifter… she has been a victim of kimi’s occasional winnie the pooh jokes one too many times :( referring back to an anon’s thought about bear eyes, ollie’s gf would also use it to her advantage to somehow get herself a billion jars of straight honey??? like ayao will call ollie to the office one day to talk to him about a weird invoice billed to the haas company for a ridiculous amount of honey. ollie walks in with the bear cub clinging to the side of his leg, and it doesn’t take a whole five minutes before ayao has the invoice signed, approved, and sent out on express shipping 😭

franco’s gf is epitome of the screeching, upside-down parabola shaped halloween black cat !!!!! (but in orange) you’ll be lucky if she lets you off with a simple hiss if she hears something even inferencing a critic about franco. if you’re one of the unlucky ones, you better hope you packed a few band-aids!

that’s right! it’s only fit that as a reserve driver in rb’s sister team, liam would be adopted by one of the redbull drivers. you can commonly find max’s gf sitting by liam on the pit wall or in the rb garage when there’s not too much action on track. it’s funny when he makes a quip about max’s accidental wide turn, or raises an eyebrow at a failed overtake when he thinks no one is looking. (she always reports liam’s comments to a disgruntled-looking boyfriend after the race, and giggle as liam adamantly denies doing so. liam can never figure out how max could hear his whispered comments from the garage when max had been racing on the tracks??) it’s not until liam officially becomes a driver for rb when he is let in on the shapeshifting secret. (he got so pissed when he realized that the cat was actually max’s shapeshifting girlfriend) anyways, when race weekends for both drivers start, you can find her campering back and forth from each garage during race day! when she sees liam a looking a little too stressed, she likes to bring him her lighting mcqueen plush from her the redbull garage. during media days, when max is doing an interview, you can find her following liam around the paddock (for protection reasons only, she assures max when he gets a little jelly of all the attention on liam).

[ranpazz]

OKAY OKAY imagine illegal!racer ranpo.

I wonder what role poe would play and the guild too. like imagine ranpo just casually walking jn and getting poe and the other member of the guilds are getting him too and you are there like ranpo??? hello???

thing is, dazai keeps stuff from you due to reasons. ranpo? he just doesn't see why he should. don't get him wrong, he likes you to go long term with you but he just doesn't see you worth sharing stuff about his life or day with.

hmmmm how do I say this? he's playful but cold/detached. like he doesn't care about you to the point of sharing himself or his life with you.

till he sees tears in your eyes as you've stumbled upon him with one of his female friends (yosano? member of guild?) and they looked close and you felt scared and you ended up walking sway while holding back tears AND THATS when ranpo feels uncomfortable.

he feels bad.

so it starts slowly with a apology. then he begins to share his favourite movies with you. then it's his secret hobby of solving crimes which are abandoned. then it comes to the point where he says how much he likes your little white skirts. then it's his friends, his school life and what not. and slowly so slowly he begins to open up.

so kinda like a toxic couple being saved from the clutches cause the man decided to man up. I think you will do ranpo and this trope sm justice skekdkekke.

Ira. This is my time to shine.

To me, in this AU, Poe may be the person who came close to beating Ranpo during a race once but not close enough. Ranpo acknowledged him and became his close frienemy. When you figure this out, you were a bit confused. Why hadn't Ranpo decided to tell you about this? It wasn't that big of a deal right? Well, unlike Dazai, Ranpo tells you nothing.

As for Yosano, you didn't know much about her besides the fact she was a mechanic for the guild. It was race to find pit crew members for races such as these, so everyone was grateful. Rumors about the fact she used to be a mechanic for the Port Racers went around, but you never paid much attention.

Now for your relationship. On the surface, you and Ranpo seem like the perfect, childish couple. But those who are closer to you can easily tell the difference. When it's just you and Ranpo, things are off. At first, it was all going well, and you assumed he would open up later on since the relationship was still new. However, months late you're easily proved wrong. Every time you ask about his day, he'll brush you off with a laugh and whatnot, and ask about yours instead. He never seemed interested in your answer though, you knew this, he was far to egotistical after all.

Now stumbling upon him and Yosano would be messy. For example, after a race that he won, like always, you decided to congratulate him with your usual affections. When you finally spotted him through the crowd, you didn't expect to see him with another woman. Much less one on the opposite side. She was gorgeous, and she was making him smile in a way you never seen before. How come he never looked at you this way? As if he could sense a disturbance, Ranpo glanced over at you with a grin, only to be met with your distraught expression.

You didn't want to see anymore, you couldn't. So you left without saying another word and took a ride home from someone random. His messages were left untouched, calls unanswered, and no contact on any socials. Meanwhile, Ranpo tried not to worry. Maybe you were just busy. However, the strange feeling gnawed at his heart everytime he thought of your expression during the race a few weeks ago, but he never reached out. It remained like this until he finally showed up at your door. You were less than decent at the moment, but he didn't seem to care. It was only when you went all teary eyed did he decide to apologize and embrace you.

It was a week later that you noticed something changed in him. He started speaking about what he likes, his favorite colors, how much he likes your clothes, his favorite movies, the classes he enjoys in uni, everything. So you eventually decide to ask about how his day went, and who Yosano and Poe were. He answered with ease, and he thinks he finally understands the importance of communication. Unfortunately, this wasn't the first nor last arguement either of you would have.

The both of you know this, especially since Ranpo is just now discovering how much he needs to keep communicating in a relationship for it to work out. With more competition showing up (and not just racers), he knows he needs to step up his game and be more of a lover to you than ever before.

[dailydemonspotlight]

Kudlak - Day 123

Race: Haunt

Arcana: Magician

Alignment: Dark-Chaos

October 9th, 2024

It's a bit surprising that, among the many famous horror monsters, Vampires aren't referenced that often among the ranks of Demons in SMT. Vampires are, naturally, a staple in horror and most things halloweeny, and for good reason, as they have a lot going for them- connections to the occult, famous works deriving from them, and an iconic design. You walk out with a cloak and some sharp fangs and people will know right away that, hey, you're Dracula! Dracula and Nosferatu are commonly seen as the archetypal vampires, and for good reason, as they both play on the most common aspects of them being unholy figures who suck blood, to the point that many people seem to think that Dracula was the original Vampire. However, the idea has a lot of historical backing dating far before Bram Stoker's masterpiece, and one example of this comes in the form of today's Demon of the Day, and a surprisingly popular one at that- Kudlak, the Slavic vampire and mortal enemy of Kresnik, legendary Hunter.

Kudlak and Krsnik [sic] are intrinsically linked in many ways, with them both being mortal (or, perhaps, immortal) enemies of each other. Originating both from several Slavic areas but primarily Croatia and Slovenia, the legends of the two are an incredibly interesting bit of folklore, all starting from birth. Literally. Kudlak and Krsnik are both less figures in their own rights and more titles given to two different kinds of beings, with Kudlak being a vampire and Krsnik a shaman. How do you know if someone is one or the other? Look at how they were born- it depends on if the child is born with a caul, a rare medical phenomenon where a baby is born with a thin membrane still over their head. Typically, this would be removed without second thought, but in the case of these two eternal rivals, it indicates the direction their lives will go.

A child born with a red and/or dark caul will turn into a Kudlak as they grow older, becoming a fearsome monster who could shapeshift into the form of any animal they choose. The Kudlak would use this power to strike fear into people's hearts, damaging wildlife and razing cities to the ground until eventually, hopefully stopped by a Krsnik, who are babies born with a bright caul over their head. Krsniks and Kudlaks both were revered at the time, and it was said that the only way to actually defeat a Kudlak would be to get it to confess to its sins- and, if that didn't work, to cut its damn tendons off- and, if even that didn't work, they'd be forced to stake it with one made of hawthorne wood, likely being the origin of Vampires and their connections and aversion to stakes.

Not a lot can be said about Kudlak without going over Krsnik, as, again, the two are completely connected down to the last fiber. However, as for the design in SMT, it feels like they really just wanted to come up with a vampire, and honestly, it works wonders. The black skin calls reference to the black caul a Kudlak is born with, and past that, it's a genuinely fun design. I love the artwork for it shown in the 3DS titles, as Kudlak has an insanely dynamic pose and the billowing cape on top of all of it is just... chef's kiss. Perfect. I do wish they found a way to connect the shapeshifting into the design, but I'm not complaining, as everything about this one is utterly rock solid.

[leothil]

Introduction to TV ratings

Hi! I know a lot of us in the 9-1-1 fandom have started looking more closely at episode ratings this past year, but every time I see them posted I also see a lot of comments from people being unsure what the numbers really mean. I'm someone who first got introduced to tv ratings from being involved in the pro wrestling fandom and learned a lot about them through osmosis, so I thought I could make a small informative post explaining the main concepts and why tv ratings matter!

What I'll cover below:

What are tv ratings?

What exactly are they reporting?

How do I know what the numbers mean?

Are the numbers any good?

Let's dive in!

What are tv ratings?

Tv ratings, or Nielsen ratings, is an audience measurement system operated by Nielsen Media Research that tries to figure out the audience size and composition for tv programs in the USA. The Nielsen company has been measuring this since the 1950's, and their ratings is the currency that drives business between advertisers and broadcasters. To simplify it, the higher the rating a program gets, the more the broadcaster can charge the advertisers and agencies for broadcasting their ads to the audience during that program.

The data collection methods have varied over the years, but right now they're using Portable People Meters and track data from DVR:s. Since 2017 they're also tracking data on Hulu and YoutubeTV, and select programs on Netflix. It is an approximation, since they (naturally) aren't getting the full data from every single tv in the country, but they are good enough (and trusted enough) that their reported metrics are what's considered official.

So what exactly are they reporting?

A couple of different things! The most interesting numbers are total viewers, demographic shares, and demographic ratings. According to Nielsen they also track "gender, race, ethnicity, income, education, occupation, etc." but those are usually not reported as openly as the aforementioned three numbers and are mostly used by advertisers.

Sites like Tvline, Tvseriesfinale and Showbuzzdaily often report daily ratings very quickly after Nielsen releases them. The Fast Nationals are usually what gets the most attention, since they're released the morning after, but they're time period ratings, which means it only measured what was watched during primetime. The more accurate Official Nationals are released later the day after, and are program ratings. So if a program was moved from its usual slot for some reason, the fast nationals will still count the original time slot towards its ratings, while the official nationals will count the slot it actually aired in.

There are also C3 and C7 ratings (live viewing + DVR three/seven days after the airing), but they are seen much more seldom and are largely a fighting point between networks (who want to get paid for more days) and advertisers (who only want to pay for live viewings).

How do I know what the numbers mean?

Let's dive into that! I'll use tables from Tvseriesfinale and Showbuzzdaily with ratings for Monday March 20th (the air date of 9-1-1 S6E12) as my examples.

Here's how Tvseriesfinale reports the ratings, they're using the fast nationals (or "fast affiliate ratings"). The %change is compared to last aired episode of the same show. If you're wondering how the demo change can be positive while the number of viewers change is negative, I'll get to that in a minute.

And here's Showbuzzdaily, they report Live+Same Day which include live viewership + DVR views from the same day (which should be the same as fast nationals, but sometimes varies a bit). You can see that they colour code according to how far above/below the average rating of the night a program placed in different ratings categories.

Now for what the different columns mean:

Viewers (mil) or Persons 2+ (000s): the total number of viewers, in millions, who watched the program. So here Tvseriesfinale reports that 4.3 million people watched 9-1-1, and Showbuzzdaily reports that 4.413 million people did.

18-49 demo and Sales Demo Ratings Adults 18-49: These are the numbers that everyone is really looking at! The demo rating means proportion of a certain group (in this case adults 18-49) that are watching a particular show. In other words, this is the percentage of all adults aged 18-49 in the United States that were watching the show. So a 0.6 (or 0.59) rating for 9-1-1 means that 0.6% (or 0.59%) out of all people aged 18-49 were watching 9-1-1. This is the money demo, this is the number all advertisers and networks are looking at. Persons 18-49 is considered the most lucrative demographic, so the more people in that group your show can draw, the better for the network since they then can ask for more money from the advertisers. Persons 18-49 are considered to be the group to best target advertisements towards for a variety of reasons (disposable income and interest towards buying new things being two of them).

As you can see above, Showbuzzdaily also reports the demo numbers for Adults 18-34 and Adults 25-54. Some advertisers are more interested in these demographics, but overall 18-49 is still the most popular demographic. As you can see, the audiences skew older for all programs. I believe the general consensus is that younger people (<35-year-olds) watch much less tv than older generations, and these numbers support that. This is also why total viewers and demo ratings can have different %change - the 18-49 demo rating cuts off a relatively large part of the audience.

Demographic shares: While the ratings are based on percentage of all people in a demographic, the shares are based on percentage of the number of people who were actually watching TV at that time. So a 6.0 in Women 18-49 means that of all women aged 18-49 watching TV at 8PM, 6% chose to watch 9-1-1.

So... are the numbers any good?

That depends on what you're looking at. TV ratings as a whole have been dropping steadily for many years now, so trying to compare ratings to even, say, five years ago can be hard. For example: in the late 90's, pro wrestling regularly pulled in ratings of 5.0 and higher (I'll put a few below as an example), but those same shows would now be ecstatic if they managed to get above a 1.0 rating; their regular numbers the past year (for the big shows RAW, Smackdown and Dynamite) have mostly hovered around 0.4-0.7.

The first number is the demo rating

For the best overview, it's best to compare ratings for a certain show to the ratings of other shows on air, and I believe that's what the networks are doing as well. In that context, 9-1-1 is doing very well, as it regularly ends up near the top for scripted shows, even when looking at all shows over a week. The average rating for S6 so far is 0.63, which is lower than the average rating of 0.76 for S5 (which in turn was lower than the average rating of 1.05 for S4 and so forth). The ratings consistently dropping year over year are a concern for the industry at large, and it's pretty clear streaming services have played a big role in causing this, but I find it hard to believe tv networks would consider stopping producing shows for live tv anytime soon.

And that's it! If something still feels unclear, feel free to drop me a message and I'll do my best to answer any questions! If you want to dive a bit deeper into the different metrics, I recommend this page on Showbuzzdaily, and if you want to look at ratings from previous seasons, Tvseriesfinale's 911 ratings tag is a good place to find articles summarizing both individual episode ratings and ratings for a whole season.

[fyonahmacnally]

Christmas Chaos

Here's a little Supercorp drabble as part of the Mods' collection of example fics for the Supergirl May-hem Event. Read it HERE on AO3.

Sign-ups for Supergirl May-Hem open December 1st. Seeking writers, artists and betas. For more information, you can find us HERE.

“You’ve got to be kidding me! No, no, no, no. This can’t be happening.” Lena says as she stares at her now dark phone in her gloved hand. Her heart is galloping inside her chest and she’s sure everyone around her can hear it. “Godamnit! Of course this happens the first year I have the chance to organize the event. Shit, shit, shit.”

She paces back and forth in front of the National City Convention Center, her eyes bouncing from the currently cloak-covered tree to the workers hanging the wreaths, lights, and bows across the front of the building. The giant “Christmas Carols in the Park” sign ripples in the slight breeze. Her mind is racing, indexing names and favors she can call in, calculating her next move. Pinching the bridge of her nose, she decides her first course of action is to start making phone calls.

Two hours later, she’s still no closer to solving her problem. Artie Anderson can kiss her ass. Secretly, she hopes that he never gets a headlining singing gig again. So what if he’s one of the up and coming stars of tomorrow, she doesn’t care how good or popular he is. He can still kiss her ass. Honestly, she hopes his pants fall down at his next show or he shits himself on stage. So what if she’s being petty. Sue her. 

Who fucking does that?! She thinks. Cancels a headlining show the day of?! That’s just bad PR, Artie whatever-the-fuck. Choke on your microphone.

Lena sighs. Now she has to call her trusty assistant. It’s the last thing she wants to do, but well, she’s run out of options. She lifts her phone up and presses send.

“LKL Event Planning, where we bring your ideas to life. This is Jess speaking. How can I help you?” 

Rolling her eyes, Lena chuckles. “Jess, you knew it was me. You didn’t have to give the whole spiel.” She huffs as she starts descending the stairs of the convention center toward Noonan’s and a cup of her favorite peppermint hot chocolate.

“Oh come on, Miss Luthor, you know how much I love to share our company greeting with everyone that calls.” Jess laughs, the amusement evident in her tone. “What can I help you with this morning?”

“Unfortunately, I have bad news. ‘Christmas Carols in the Park’ is currently looking like it’s going to be ‘Christmas Chaos in the Park’. Our headliner canceled on us a couple of hours ago. I’ve called all my other connections and, as expected, everyone is booked. I have no idea what I’m going to do. This is going to be a disaster.” Her left hand comes up to massage her temples as she opens the door to enter the warm, wonderful smelling atmosphere of Noonan’s. “We can move Macy Lynn to the headlining spot and find a lesser known singer to fill her slot, but that still doesn’t solve the current problem.”

She sighs, trying her best not to panic, but it’s not looking good. “Jess, if the event goes South, it won’t be good for future bookings. We could lose clients over this!” She takes a deep breath, pressing her hand against her chest, desperately trying to calm her racing heart. “This tree lighting ceremony is second only to the lighting of the tree at Rockefeller Center! We have to figure this out! I didn’t spend years building this business for some little snot-nosed, spoiled brat to ruin it by canceling at the last minute!” 

Realizing that she had gotten a little louder than she thought, Lena sheepishly ducks her head and clears her throat. The line is moving slowly, but she knows she needs to wrap up her phone call soon. Years of Luthor etiquette training forcing her to be mindful of disturbing those around her. 

“Why don’t you let me call Macy’s manager and get that taken care of while you take a minute to collect yourself? Hmmm?” Jess says, a smile evident in her tone. “I’ll call you back when everything is confirmed. Maybe by then you’ll have a solution in mind.”

“What would I do without you?” Lena smiles, resigning herself to a long day of groveling. “Thanks, Jess. I’ll talk to you later.”

Stuffing her phone in her coat pocket, she blankly stares at the menu board above the counter. She’s deeply lost in her own thoughts and doesn’t notice the blonde woman standing in front of her, eyeing her curiously. As the line inches forward, Lena’s mind is still drifting through her list of possible singers or group acts to fill the empty slot in the schedule. She’s so preoccupied that she walks right into the back of the person in front of her.

“Oh no, I am so sorry.” Lena laments, her eyes practically glued to her feet in embarrassment. “I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going and I…” Her words fade as her eyes land on the black-framed startling blue eyes of the stranger in front of her. They’re the bluest, warmest, most kind eyes she’s ever seen and for a moment, the world around her seems to stop. 

The blonde smiles at her, subtly adjusting her glasses and Lena has to bite her bottom lip to keep from gasping at the beauty before her. This woman is stunning. Infinite hues of sky blue eyes dancing above a bright shimmering smile. She’s several inches taller than Lena and from what she can tell, incredibly well-built. Before she can rein her wandering eyes back in, she realizes she’s been caught and feels the heat climb up the back of her neck, across her ears, and land firmly on her cheeks. 

An adorable giggle bubbles up the handsome stranger's throat and through her perfectly pink lips. Lena can’t help but smile and tilt her head in amusement even as her own embarrassment camps out on her face. 

“It’s okay. You didn’t hurt me and it sounds like you’re having a rough day.” Attractive stranger says as she extends her hand toward Lena. “I’m Kara. Kara Danvers. And I might be able to help you with your little dilemma.”

Intrigued, Lena raises an eyebrow in question at the gorgeous stranger. Kara, she reminds herself. “Lena Luthor. Nice to meet you.” She eyes the woman up and down briefly before settling hers back onto the pools of blue eyeing her with amusement. “Do tell how you can assist with my dilemma, Miss Danvers.”

Kara grins, an adorably lop-sided grin as she offers her elbow to Lena and drags her to stand next to her in line. “How about you let me buy you your drink of choice and we find a table to chat? It sounds like you could use a little break.” She leans over to whisper conspiratorially into Lena’s ear. “Word on the street is this place has the best sticky buns in the state. I should know, I eat one several times a week.”

Without her permission and certainly for the first time in a long time, Lena can feel herself smile. Genuinely smile. Kara winks at her as they turn back toward the cashier and step up to order their drinks along with whatever monstrosity Kara has ordered. The young person working the register smiles, blushing as Kara calls them by name, and they move to the end of the long counter to wait for their names to be called. 

Kara grabs the tray and guides them through the sea of customers to a little table tucked toward the back of the cafe. Several of the staff speak to her on their way to their seats. They settle into the chairs, the noise of the place seems more hushed in this little nook. 

“You must come here a lot. Everyone on staff seems to know you.” Lena smiles as she takes a long, savored sip of her hot chocolate. “I think every single waiter we passed called you by name.” A boisterous, belly laugh floats across the table and graces Lena’s ears. It is such a lovely sound and she absolutely wants to hear it again.

“Well, I really am in here a lot.” Kara says with a warm smile, her skin creasing next to her mesmerizing eyes. “I’m a writer. I work from home most of the time, but a change of scenery is needed on those days I get stuck. So, I spend a good bit of time right here with my laptop, a warm drink, and sticky buns.” She points to the tray on the table and pulls a sticky bun off to settle in front of her.

Lena eyes her curiously. She’s inarguably never met anyone like Kara Danvers. They’ve known each other for less than thirty minutes and Lena already feels comfortable around her. This alone should scare the absolute shit out of her, yet she feels much calmer than she did when she walked inside earlier.

“So, Miss Danvers…how is it that you think you can help me?” Lena grins, raising her signature brow in question. She glances down at her watch and winces. “As much as I am enjoying your company, I have roughly six hours to find a replacement for my event tonight.”

“Well, what if I told you that I know a singer that is available tonight. She has a pretty decent voice and doesn't need any musicians or music. She usually performs acapella and will gladly help you out.” Kara gives her a bright, wide smile before taking a sip of her large monstrous drink and biting into her second sticky bun. 

Lena tilts her head at the blonde, curious about this singer and what the catch is…there’s always a catch, right? “Well, this sounds promising. I’m willing to hear you out.” She leans forward, her forearms resting on the table and hands clasped. “However, in my experience, there’s always a catch. So, what’s the catch Miss Danvers?”

Kara smiles. She pushes her now empty plate to the side and leans forward, mirroring Lena’s position. “Please call me Kara, Miss Luthor. Every time you say Ms. Danvers, it makes me think of my adoptive mom.” She winks at the porcelain skinned woman across from her, taking another sip of her almost empty cup. “What makes you think there is a catch? Why can’t it just be a trade and not a catch?”

An unrestrained laugh springs from Lena’s chest. It’s so surprising, she nearly falls out of her chair. Once she regains her composure, she clears her throat and leans back in her seat. “Well, if I am calling you Kara, then please, call me Lena. Ms. Luthor also, unfortunately, reminds me of my adoptive mother as well. And, that’s just something I’d rather not think about.” She returns Kara’s wink. “If not a catch to your proposal, then a trade. What is your requested compensation in return for solving my dilemma?”

“Ok, hear me out.” Kara beams at Lena. “Not only am I a writer, but also a pretty decent singer. I can fill the spot you need tonight, free of charge.” She pauses, nervously adjusting her glasses and twisting her hands on the table. “If you’ll, um, goonadatewithme.” Her eyes drop to her fingers and she bites her bottom lip.

Lena’s not 100% sure she heard Kara correctly, but she does notice the adorable pink blush dusting the apples of her cheeks and it not only makes her smile, but releases a sea of butterflies into her stomach and chest. She bites her own lip, then looks up at the blonde. “I’m sorry, Kara, but I didn’t quite catch the last part of what you said. Can you repeat that for me? Maybe a little slower this time?”

Kara huffs, squirming in her seat as her face turns a darker rosy shade of pink. “I can fill the spot for your event tonight, if you’ll, um, go on a date with me.” She says with a little more confidence than she actually feels. 

On the other side of the table, Lena is slightly stunned. Sure, she thought about asking the woman out before they parted ways or at least getting her phone number, but never imagined this is how their impromptu meeting would end. She smiles at the adorable fidgeting blonde. There’s no doubt in her mind she’s going to say yes, but she can’t give in right away. Where’s the fun in that?

“And what if I am already seeing someone?” She says with a smirk on her face. Watching as blue eyes widen. “How will I be able to meet the terms of your proposal in those circumstances?”

Kara drops her head onto the table and groans. It takes a minute before she lifts her head back up, red-faced and apologetic. “Oh no, Lena. I am so sorry. I should have known someone as stunning as you would be taken. I’m such an idiot. I’ll help you out and you don’t have to worry about payment or dates or anything like that. I can’t believe I didn’t think to ask you that first. I just…”

“Kara!” Lena chuckles and reaches out to stop the ongoing ramble. “Hey. I was only kidding! I’m very single and would actually be amenable to going on a date with you.”

“Really?” Kara’s blinding, toothy smile shines back at Lena from across the table. “Are you sure?” She asks, timidly.

“Yes, Kara. I’m sure. I was sure the minute I laid eyes on you.” Lena smiles, unsure how she managed to land a date with the most attractive and adorable woman she’s ever seen. 

True to her word, Kara fills the slot at the ceremony that evening and ends up being the best performance of the night. They go on their promised date right after and end the night at Kara’s loft watching cheesy Christmas movies. The two of them share their first kiss surrounded by the twinkling glow of Christmas lights before they fall asleep on Kara’s comfortable couch. Their date is the most magical evening Lena’s had in all of her adult life. 

Until the next year when Kara proposes at the tree lighting ceremony. 

Christmas Chaos, indeed.

[cuspidgoddess]

🐦‍⬛🔥 i politely request the two emos 👉🏻👈🏻

That first night in the villa is surreal. Tokoyami Fumikage makes it look like this is normal, like the villains his brother has been living in luxury for a long time but when he asks the crow, he says this is his first time visiting this particular hideout, which makes him wonder just how much they move around. They fall asleep with Touya Dabi Touya Dabi Touya and Hawks Keigo on the livingroom floor, he can’t be bothered to care though, not when he has Touya back, and not when he wakes up to cool taloned fingers wrapped around his warmer ones from where Fumi is curled up under Ha-Keigo’s wing.

It’s a few more weeks before the next time Shoto is able to visit the villa with Fumikage, before he finds out that they're going to be sharing a room. It's fine, it's like a sleepover right? What's a sleepover supposed to be like? They only show girls sleepovers in Mina's movies, what if it's not the same?

He's so nervous he can feel his fingers starting to tingle, knees weakening don't do this not now, there isn't a threat, Endeavor isn't here. He forces himself to continue to breath normally, to continue to take soft deep measured breaths that won't alert the lovely little bird in front of him to his anxiety.

The room is soft and simple. There are lots of windows with gauzy white curtains letting light filter in and open black out curtains that could be drawn, likely for Fumikage's comfort. The walls are a soft grayish blue. There is two of everything: two beds, two desks, two dressers. Theres an open door leading to a bathroom and a closed one that he assumes is a closet but his focus is stuck on the nest set up on the bed furthest from the windows.

The bed itself is circular and walls have been built up from pillows and intricately woven blankets all in red and black. It's far more intricate than any of the nest examples he had seen in his research. Fumi's eyes follow his suddenly very quiet classmates and he can feel his cheeks heat.

"I can take it down if it bothers you-" Fumi says nervously, stomach plummeting. Even in his most depressed states he's always had a nest to take the smallest of comforts in.

"No." Shoto says firmly, eyes still drinking in the cozy sight. "I was just admiring. It looks very cozy, very well made." he tries to gentle his voice like how he's heard Touya speak to Keigo when he seems nervous or upset.

Fumi's heart races, crest feathers puffing up at the praise, courting, Shoto is courting us, he complimented our nest, he likes our nest! Dark Shadow shrieks excitedly in his mind.

"O-oh... thank you." Fumikage warbles, secondary vocal cords locking as his primary try to call and sing to his interest. Fumikage drops his patchwork dufflebag beside his bed and starts to strip to get ready for bed and that's a whole new life altering experience for Shoto.

Fumikage is tiny- dainty. His massive wardrobe completely dwarfs his petite figure Shoto learns, eyes glued to his classmate against his will. If I put my hands around his waist I think my fingers would touch Shoto marvels, blood rushing south. His back is crisscrossed in pink and silvery scars that make his bones ache at the pain they must have caused the little bird. He's almost vibrating out of his skin when the crow pushes his baggy sweats down, before he bends over, sticking out his perky, round little ass to rustle through his duffle for his jammies. Shoto doesn't realize he's staring with an open mouth, eyes drinking in his smooth pale legs. It isn't until he smells burning fabric that he realizes his hand has burned a hole in the hem of his shirt where he's unknowingly white knuckled the fabric. He whirls around before Fumi can catch him staring like a complete perv, absolutely mortified by his poor behavior.

That night though his self flagellation is not enough to keep him from staring across the room, watching the crow sleep, snuggled down in his cozy nest, Dark Shadow curled in his arms.

Thanks for playing 🙏🏻🥰

[aikoiya]

LoZ - Gerudo Misandry Is Not Funny Or Okay

I find it really damn odd that so few people talk about misandry when they bring up the Gerudo or the societal norms of other Amazon-esque races.

And even when they do, it seems to always be done with a tone of levity behind it.

As if it isn't every bit as terrible as misogyny.

As if their biological situations don't make men absolutely vital to the continued existence of their people & culture.

So, treating men as less than is as terrible as men treating women the same.

And, honestly? I can't help but see this disregard by fans (especially the feminist fans) as very spiteful.

Like, how do these people not see how this isn't okay?

I mean, no wonder Ganondorf always ends up such a sack of shit!

Seriously girls, imagine what it would be like growing up the only female in a society of all guys.

No maternal figures, no female role models, no female friends, or even acquaintances. And you're unlikely to ever even see another woman until you reach 18-20.

Separated from the most important woman in your life at 3-6, if not birth. To be raised by a pair of warlocks who despise their neighboring kingdom & are intent on turning you into a vile, tyrannical witch.

And every guy around you knows nothing about actual women, just misogynistic stereotypes, so all you can do is apply those same stereotypes to yourself & there's just this general consensus that women are basically unnecessary beyond producing children.

They don't have a single clue about what it means to be a woman. They don't know anything about women's health. No one to explain things to you when you need them most. So, in the end, you're mostly left to figure it all out on your own.

And the only real examples of women you have are people that your adoptive fathers say are oppressing you & your people. So, all you can do is quietly just assume that all women = bad. And that includes you too.

So, all you can do is frantically do everything you can to make yourself useful to these people who, knowingly or unknowingly, look down upon others of your sex.

And therefore, unconsciously, you as well.

And you're expected to rule these people. To lead them into a golden age.

I can't even imagine how damn isolating it must be. I can't imagine the pressure. These are your people, yet even so, you are still alien to them. Still other. Still "not one of them."

And in many ways, a commodity.

Based entirely upon something that you have zero control of.

And upon reaching 18, you're likely used as a breeding mare.

And the only people who could ever truly understand your situation & the pressure that comes with it... are all dead...

Now, switch the sexes & you basically have every Gerudo Voe's reality.

It's no damn wonder that Ganondorf always becomes evil.

There's also the ridiculous superstition that "men bring about disaster."

And then we get into the detrimental affects this shit has on the Vai!

Look at how these women react to just seeing a dude!

And this chick can't even look a man in the eye!

Because, apparently, she's never even seen a real man in person before! So, Link has to freaking wear a full-face mask in order to get her to manage to speak to him!

And let's not even get into what the little Vai wear! The sirwal are fine, it's the tops that need to be changed.

Kids aren't supposed to show that much skin!

LoZ Cultural Masterlist 2

[initial-dream]

Mountain Vengeance - Mako Sato

This post is probably the quickest post I've made after the reveal of something (read: I figured this out last night lol) but I think it's funny enough to deserve a post so soon (read: I really want people to know this).

I'm sure at this point most people are aware of what Initial D Mountain Vengeance is, but for those of you who aren't here's a basic rundown. In the early 2000s, Tokyopop commissioned a PC game to be made based on the Initial D license. The game was made by Canopy Games and released by ValuSoft, and it is famously dreadful. From it's poor gameplay to it's limited soundtrack (as well as it's use of all of Tokyopop's changes), its one of the only pieces of Initial D media that is universally agreed to suck completely. If you're interested in seeing the game in action, there was a great video made by Vectrex several years ago about the game that is quite good. You can watch that here.

Outside of all of the more obvious issues with the game, one thing has always irked me about the game, and that is this file:

This file is used to represent Mako, when you are racing as, or against, her. I've always thought this image was odd, as it doesn't really look too much like her. For example, this is how Mako looked in Extra Stage (which this games image of Sayuki is from):

Definitely different right? Even down to hair colour. I decided to take a look into it, try and possibly find who this is. The clues are as follows: This appears to be an image from Second Stage, and there are only about two women in Second Stage who this could be, and it definitely isn't Natsuki. I've always had a hunch that this was Kazumi, and I went through a couple of episodes of Second Stage trying to find her, and lo and behold, in Second Stage - Act 13, what did I find?

The exact same frame used in the game, though obviously uncropped. So somewhere during the making of this game, someone managed to get an image of the wrong character (which is made worse by the fact that the number of notable female characters in the series is four) and it went entirely unnoticed all the way to release (and seemingly for the next 20 years after, as I'm unaware of anyone else reaching the same conclusion. Good thing no one played this game or someone might have realised lmao). I have to wonder if this image was supplied to the developers by Tokyopop or if they had to gather it themselves, its unclear who exactly is to blame.