#but these swords are still gigantic

[peasant-player]

This is a little doodle for @morgoth-into-the-void-week promt: The war of wrath.

Nothing funnier to me than the race of men standing next to Eönwë Herald of Manwe mightiest in arms of all.

[lesbianalicent]

the thing is i played world of warcraft for like fifteen years so my tolerance for really stupid plots is freakishly high

[fistfuloflightning]

More Thuận Thiên from NBTK bc his design’s so fun

[everytimewetouch-dot-mp3]

christ more dragon god sy yapping:

all those b-points he got from finishing that first quest? gone. my mans got like 100 every time he blessed a new generation of peak lords, plus the 500 he got from finishing that first main quest {From the Ground Up}, plus whatever he got from fighting off all those beasties who tried to kill his little cultivators way back when.

but when he unlocks his human form, he does not unlock clothes, and he has to buy them from the system store! truly unfair! he looks pretty similar to how he looked in his first life, just a little less sickly. he also has to buy a sword from the system, which is frankly bullshit. but lanrui is a lovely sword—an almost pearlescent sheen to the blade, with peach blossoms inlaid in the hilt and a dragon scale sheath that…it’s almost certainly made from his scales, actually. weird. after buying everything he needs from the bullshit system’s scam shop, he’s left with about 150 B-points.

after his magical girl transformation from gigantic dragon god to gangly human wrapped in way too many layers of sumptuous green and blue silks, shen yuan is sent off the mountain on a couple of missions from the system. pop into the demon realm to slay this evil, fend off these fierce corpses attacking this little town—tutorial shit. it’s weird having such a small body again after six (or seven hundred???? he’s not thinking about the enormity of time right now) years as a gigantic dragon. his steps feel a thousand times lighter, and the first time he tries to pick a fruit from a tree, he kind of explodes it with spiritual energy. the tutorial is, unfortunately, necessary.

the system is almost helpful when it shares his stats and all his cool dragon skills. his official name here is lord canglong, but honestly it would be so hard to explore this world if people were falling all over themselves when they heard his names. did dragon gods get personal names before courtesy too? fighting with the system gets him a corny, half-assed compromise.

he still gets to be shen yuan, but while his first life’s yuan was 垣 yuán (wall), in his second life it’s 愿 yuàn (desire, hope), and the shen he has is… very transparently 神, shén (god, deity). he’s got stupid amounts of spiritual energy, he doesn’t need to eat or drink, and sometimes plants bloom around him since he’s the also kind of the god of springtime?

right when he gets excited thinking about how he’s a god!! (the dragon god in PIDW!! that bastardization of qinglong that airplane wrote who never did shit to defend the realms until his mountain was being destroyed by binghe merging them!!) the system butts in to remind him that there are limitations. he can’t kill humans except in certain circumstances or else he’ll be punished, which—fine, he didn’t plan to go around murdering people anyway? his dragon form will be locked whenever he’s not on canglong peak (bullshit!! what kind of half assed nerfing—) and there’s a permanent penalty on his account, [Dragon Ex Machina], that threatens to penalize him if he uses his dragon god powers to bully the plot into going his way.

so what’s the point of being a dragon god, then!?!??!?!

he spends days bickering debating with the system while he learns to use his sword and qi without exploding whatever he touches, but the system refuses to budge. if he tries to bully the plot too much, he’ll be punished. it’s bullshit, but so is this whole novel he’s found himself in, so…

shen yuan is ready to spend a few more days acclimating before he gets a game plan together but that flies out the window when something starts burning at the back of his mind, screaming that something’s wrong, something is in danger, part of his territory is threatened. he hasn’t felt that since the last demon invasion, and before he can stop himself, he’s mounted lanrui and darted off toward that feeling that something is wrong, wrong, wrong.

he ends up having blown in a wall of qing jing’s discipline hall, the tail of shen qingqiu’s whip caught in his fist (and fuck, that hurt to catch!!! his hand is definitely bleeding) as he stares down the man who was really just about to start whipping a child. a couple of disciples have gone white; a couple others have fallen over. the only ones in the room unaffected are shen yuan, luo binghe whose eyes are wide as he gazes up at him, and fucking scum villain extraordinaire, shen qingqiu. and the scum villain’s first words to him, lord canglong, dragon god of qing jing peak???

“move, or i’ll beat you too.”

[rainyinautumn]

Did someone say COMPLETE DATA ANALYSIS OF ALL THE DEATHS IN THE LIFE SERIES? No? Well. I did it. Here are some neat graphs for you guys to look at so that you don’t have to deal with the gigantic spreadsheet I did!

Let’s start off with the big bad question: what gets people killed in this game, anyway?

Note that a CAUSE OF DEATH is not the same as a KILL. Cause of death is what pops up in the chat when someone dies (ex. PearlescentMoon was slain by Smallishbeans, BdoubleO100 fell from a high place). The cause of death does not always account for player responsibility (ex. TNT traps). Generally, a player is only considered to be someone’s cause of death if the death occurs through direct PvP combat. HOWEVER, responsibility for an indirect kill such as a trap still goes toward a player’s total kill count—for example, Joel has 14 kills overall, 10 of which are direct enough for him to be considered the actual cause of death. After all, axes don’t kill people without being swung by someone.

A few other whacky things about kill counts:

Self-inflicted deaths do not count toward a player’s kill count (ex. Grian doesn’t get a kill for jumping off Monopoly Mountain at the end of 3rd Life, Scott doesn’t get a kill for blowing himself up at the end of Double Life).

When it comes to Double Life, soulmates are considered to share their three lives. No distinction is made between Soulmate A's life and Soulmate B's life, and each death only counts as one kill (ex. Joel gets one kill for killing Scott with fireworks, even though that also killed Pearl (however, Pearl’s cause of death is still Joel, as her life is considered the same as Scott’s)).

Using the /kill command does not count toward your kill count. Grian.

With that cleared up, let’s look at kill counts.

By the skin of his teeth, Grian leads the pack in total kills. The top three you see on that graph are the only players who have a KDR (kill-to-death ratio) of more than 1—for you folks who are unfamiliar with those, a KDR of more than 1 means you kill other people more often than you die. Less than 1 means you die more often than you kill other people. Here are the highest and lowest KDRs in the series:

“What’s this?” I hear you say. “Jimmy Wet-Paper-Bag-of-a-Man Solidarity DOESN’T have the lowest KDR in the series?”

No. No, he does not, and it’s actually really funny you should ask.

Because of Last Life’s mechanic of life transferring, even players that have been in all three installments of the Life Series don’t have the same death count. Eight players died more than three times in Last Life. Another eight died exactly three times. And one player only died twice.

By virtue of starting on yellow and never receiving any extra lives in Last Life, Jimmy holds the record for fewest deaths in an installment of the Life Series with just two deaths in Last Life. He is the only player to ever die less than three times in a game. This means that although he has just one kill, he has fewer total deaths than BigB (who has died a very standard nine times), the only other player with one kill, so his KDR is higher. Congrats, Jimmy, you’re not last in everything. But you are still the only player without a PvP kill.

Speaking of PvP, it’s time to look at how people do that! Here’s a graph of the top five weapons that tend to land PvP kills the most in the series:

And now here’s weapon preferences by game:

[Double Life not depicted due to lack of PvP deaths—only 4 occurred, using a diamond axe, a diamond sword, fireworks, and an iron axe respectively.]

Despite 19 more deaths occurring in Last Life than 3rd Life, the two actually have the exact same amount of PvP kills (28). It’s interesting to note the strong preference for bows in 3rd Life, which was a much more warlike game and had several fairly formal battles where people fought from a distance. Last Life required an overall sneakier strategy, resulting in a higher use of traps. In combat, non-ranged weapons like swords and axes were generally preferred due to fights often starting in close proximity and without warning, courtesy of the Boogeyman curse. Comparatively, Double Life saw remarkably few PvP kills, likely due to each person being twice as accident-prone by virtue of being linked to another player—in fact, with a total of 12, accidents accounted for three times as many deaths as PvP in Double Life and overall for more than half (57%) of the deaths in the game.

As for individual player stats sheets, here’s an example of one of those:

If you want to see one of those for ALL 17 PLAYERS, you can go to this slideshow! More details about the stats can be found in the presentation notes of each slide. And, if you have a really specific question and want to get into the nitty gritty, feel free to send me an ask! Hope you guys enjoyed the data!

[timmydraker]

Thinking about how we see such an amazing bond between Damian and Dick, with the older being a mentor and big brother and in a lot of ways a parent to Damian. It’s beautiful to see Damian have someone who lets him be a kid while still understanding that he’s god the mind of a soldier and that those things can conflict and clash badly.

And just as Damian has Dick, I want/believe that Tim had Jason.

Even though Tim got to see Dick as Robin, that was only after the acrobat had been doing it for a while. But with Jason, Tim got to see him from start to, unfortunately, end. He got to see the young joyful boy who brought a different kind of light and excitement to Robin, as well as a deeper understanding of how the streets of Gotham worked in those eyes only a few years older than him.

Jason dying impacted everyone and by no means was Tim affected the most, but he was still affected pretty heavily. His whole reason to exist while his parents were away was to watch the Robin sore and he looked up to Jason more so than Batman because they were so close in age.

Tim becomes Robin, Jason becomes Red Hood and both of them have to deal with gigantic emotional mess than comes with Jason trying to kill him and then changing his mind only after the younger survived anyway.

Everyone has traits similar to Bruce and Jason is the best at mimicking the man’s emotional awkwardness but he does his damn best and I genuinely think that Tim pushes that a lot.

With Damian it’s different because Jason saw first hand how talented the boy is, even if it came at the cost of a childhood, so he doesn’t have to worry as much. In some ways the boy even trained Jason.

But Tim? He’s book smart as hell, but Jason can’t get past the fact that he’s so similar to how him and Dick once were. He’s just a normal kid who wasn’t raised with a sword or gun in his hand. It was half the reason he had been so angry at Bruce, because it wasn’t that someone took his place it’s that even though he had a literal child die with that suit on he still let another take his place.

Jason worries over him, is the one most likely to banter with him and listen to him talk about his technical nonsense even if he doesn’t understand a damn thing. He doesn’t belittle him, just teases and jokes when others are around, but when they’re alone it’s quiet conversations our philosophy and stress and the endless cycle of villains and heroes fighting.

It’s safe for both of them, as Jason gets to do what he needs to to heal himself through his younger brother and Tim gets a support that isn’t demeaning and overprotective.

It’s a difficult balance and they do have arguments, but they are quicker to sort it out with each other than with anyone else in their family or even their lives.

Bruce totally isn’t jealous of either of them.

[ladybyakuya]

| PAPRIKA + UMEMIYA HAJIME .

+cw. — fem!reader x prince!umemiya hajime, undertones of smut, angst, and fluff & strangers to lovers. | +wc. — 1k | +syn.— a tryst just before his big day and that was all it took to for him to be fearless. | +notes. — i do wanna write more. . .maybe continue it as mini series but lets see if the stars align or not! | redirect to blog navigation.

“Nobody needs to know about this,” Umemiya rasps against your shaky lips by breaking his tantalizingly lazy yet turbulent kiss.

“Yeah.” You breathe out a whisper, running your hands over his palms that rest on your cheeks. 

“Right.  . . Nobody.” His lips dash on yours again as his hands slowly travel down to your shoulders, deft hands, gnarly fingers slipping underneath the hem of your robe, little by little, peeling the robe off you. His Imperial Mantle conceals your body, always has been; since the day he laid his eyes on you. Even if the weight of it is too heavy to bear it alone sometimes, Umemiya believed that it was a little less when he was with you, when he saved you on that fierce stormy starless night. But even without it the high golden curtains and the pillar would provide both of you enough time to flee if anyone were to come, which is why Hiragi is standing at the advent of this gigantic hallway.

You feel the cold of the air grace one of your shoulders with goosebumps. Umemiya’s face is buried in the nook of your neck, one of his limbs holding the back of your nape keeping you in your place. still. The tip of his tongue licks your collarbones once before he flattens his tongue which travels from the head of your collarbone to the back of your ear lobes while his other limb follows the same trail from your waist up to your breast. His teeth nip your ear lobes at the same time as his hand squeezes your breasts making you stand on your tippy toes and then, you moan; the roused sigh flowing right into his ear making him recoil from this ravishing reality being reminded of his status as well as the consequences of his actions: that with such personage there come responsibilities followed by certain boundaries with it not leaving behind a promising morbidity either. You have always known that the tragedy that comes with the throne, and it never leaves you. It is epoxized to one fate and blood as if the other side of a coin thereby running from it was foolish, fighting against it is nothing but a pity so all you can do is to stand beside it.

Any pitchier than that, your voice would have echoed through the corridors. You have become exceptionally good at controlling your voice with the passage of time. His facial muscles squeeze at the thought of how cruel time it is that it passes. If only he could stop the time. . .

“We shouldn't do this,” Umemiya mumbled with a moan laced underneath, devouring desire palpable oozing from his breath. He skids away from you, saunting straight towards his inner chambers. Those fingers that have held a thousand swords, sparred day and night, fought battles that shook heaven and hell once refused to have the valor to disrobe you. Were you supposed to believe that? Your breath ceases at the bottom of your throat as you stand with your back glued against the wall in that gigantic empty corridor. There is a sound in the air. You can hear it; but no one is talking, neither walking or even taking a breath. You look at the end of the corridor only to see royal guard Hiragi standing just like before, a bronze statue except this time his palms are at the valley of his torso are twitching upon each other. 

You walk into his chambers finding him sitting at the edge of the bed with the crown of the prince in his hand, eyes scrutinizing it as if he could see the fate it holds once it finds its next rightful place since it has to find a new head to burden with a glorious purpose; since Umemiya would not be bearing the weight of such a burden anymore, after all, he is going to be appointed as the king today— a crown of heavier in status, weight, power and tragedy than before.

“Well, my knight, do you wish to save it after the coronation ceremony?”

Umemiya nods. . . simply nods, like six times in a row as if he did not expect such a question from you.  A crescent curve along your lips appears as you mumble to yourself, “Such a puppy.”

You two have not gotten to that stage yet. Umemiya stands up straightening his spine as you walk towards him. You take one good look at him, the knight you met that night before you fix his robe. You tie the knot of the laces of his dress shirt that has been undone by those same fingers not so long ago. Then, you move on to tying his coronation mantle. Umemiya looks at you as you take your time preparing him for his coronation ceremony. He thinks it is an act of galore valor that you can take responsibility for the things you mess up. 

“Are you nervous Haji?” 

“A little,” He says grabbing your palm, ceasing your movements as you were just about to deprive him from the touch of your hands. 

You look up. His eyes are as dark as the ocean. Your fingers clamp around his wrist pulling it on your chest. “Here.” You place your other hand on the left side of his chest. “No matter what or who turns their back to you I will never.” His eyebrows pinch ever so slightly that it is barely pinnable. The sincerity you have in those sparkling eyes, the loyalty that courses through your veins whenever you are around him, the devotion you have when you touch him is too much for him. It scares him. It scares his sanity to think what if . . . he loses you or something much worse . . .

“I know, my love.” He chimes leaning down. “I know.” His voice is now a weak whisper, a prayer as it says your name. His forehead touches yours as his free hand rests on yours which is still on his chest.

[just-a-ghost00]

What is next in your career?

Group 1

Cards : The Universe, Lovers, Tower, 3 of pentacles, ace of cups, 10 of swords, Magician

Songs : Lying from you - Linkin Park, Under the skin - &TEAM

This spread gives me resentment energy but also acceptance that not everything can be controlled. Maybe some of you were unfairly treated in the past but you have now come to the conclusion that you could not change the perception of the people around you or the circumstances you were evolving in. There were bigger things that were at play and you did the best you could with what you had. I see you trying to get back on track, working your ass off to create a future that you can be proud of, because as much as you are faced with obstacles you can't help but to love what you're doing. The challenges won't stop you from wanting to reach that goal, to manifest what you envision and succeed. I get a feeling that in the past you were trying to fit other people's expectations or views of what you should and should not do. But you are tired of being someone that you're not. I see you chosing yourself and changing the perception of others by incarnating a version of you that feels closer to your truth. There's a rebellion brewing. Your inner beliefs are cleansed when it comes to your career. You are redefining your ambitions, the way you portray yourself, the way you approach your work and connections. I see that a romantic connection will be at the origin of such upheaval. You will transmute energies of anxiety, depression, overthinking to let in more joy and optimism. You are rising from the ashes and resuming the battle. A new breath is given to you. With the Universe card, there could be travels involved in the upcoming future. But also you will be getting inspiration and help from people all over the world. I feel like you will be rediscovering your purpose in life. So for some of you, this could mean getting a new job that is different from what you initially aimed for. For others, it could be a change of environment or a change of responsibilities. It could be as simple as having a different timetable. It doesn't have to be a gigantic reset of everything you know for it to feel like you are taking a new start. Regardless of what is changing in your career, there is still that sense of fresh air, of getting the tables turned and taking control over your course. If in the past, you went with the flow and let others leads you I feel like from now on you will take a more proactive approach and decide for yourself.

Group 2

Cards : King of cups, Queen of pentacles, 9 of cups rx, 7 of swords, knight of swords, knight of pentacles, Get curious

Songs : Psycho - Halestorm, Dumb & Dumber - iKON

I'm getting a lot of frustration and anger from this group but also a lot of sarcasm. This feels a bit similar to group 1 but here I feel like the changes in your life will be more drastic. I feel revenge energy, like wanting to prove people wrong and possibly get karma to bite their ass. For instance, I see people unexpectedly quitting their job at an inopportune time for their boss. People starting legal procedures to get reparation for the wrong that was caused to them. I see illusions being shattered. Masks falling off. You will see people for who they are but you will also show your true face. You will stop pretending to be happy about your work when you're not, to appreciate someone that you in truth can't stand just because they helped you once or they have an important position. You will stop confiding into people, keep a lot of information to yourself and only act when it is truly necessary. I feel like you will be in a more defensive mode from now on and act strategically. You're at war. A lot of you are invited to get curious and look out for other opportunities. I feel like you will potentially be entertaining other job offers. Like you will be doing other activities to get revenue that you won't speak of, as a security measure. If you intend to resign, you will keep that information hidden until the very last minute. I feel an energy of "if they're not going to help me, I won't be helping either ; an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth". There will be a period of transition where you are somehow stuck in an environment that you don't particularly appreciate before you can move on to something better. This reading is very short and to the point compared to the other groups. And I feel like it's because the energies will be a bit stagnant for a while.

Group 3

Cards : Ascension, knight of wands, 10 of cups, Empress, queen of cups, knight of pentacles, queen of wands

Songs : Headbanger - BABYMETAL, Ratatata - BABYMETAL ft Electric Callboy

I get a very positive energy from this group. You might have gotten a raise/promotion lately. If not, then this is on the way. You're in an energy of wanting to be better and impress people, finding a space and a team that matches your crazy and your ambition, feeling satisfied with where you're at but at the same time wanting for more. Group 3 you're in a rocket aiming for the stars and I see you climbing the ladder in an impressive short period of time. Not only will you feel at ease in your career, but you will also feel supported and taken seriously. I see you being in full control of your journey, very efficient and productive, grounded in your position whatever it may be. You could be attracting more partnerships that are going to help you progress in your career. Especially I see a very encouraging and positive team cheering you up and celebrating your successes, standing for you in times of trials and really valuating your input. In this setting, you are the Empress. People around you will make you feel really good about yourself because you are empowering others. It's like your efforts are finally being recognized and paying off because the energy you are emmitting is very enlightening and nurturing for others. Especially if you are working in healthcare, education or advertizing for equity and love. For instance, I'm picturing people spreading messages of body positivity and trying to change people's conceptions of fashion and health. These people who might have been criticized before will be now getting more support and audience reacting positively to their content. If you were advocating for ASD, neurodivergency, ADHD and so on, for example, I see people being more accepting of the idea that there are people who experience life differently and need to be taken into consideration.

[estellan0vella]

Spider Season Older Brother Sukuna AU HFBU

You sit at your desk in the parlour, the comforting hum of tattoo machines and the banter of your friends filling the air. It's supposed to be just another day, but the creeping dread in the back of your mind reminds you that it's spider season. Sukuna is in the middle of inking a client's arm. He glances over at you with a reassuring smile, his eyes softening at your nervous expression.

"Babe, you doing okay?" Sukuna asks, his voice a soothing rumble.

You nod, forcing a smile. "Yeah, just... on edge, you know?"

Gojo is sterilizing his tools nearby. He catches your eye and grimaces. "I swear, if I see another spider, I'm burning this place down."

A rustling noise from behind one of the tattoo chairs causes both you and Gojo to freeze. Your heart pounds as you scan the room for any sign of the eight-legged menace. Suddenly, Gojo lets out a shriek, and you both spot a spider crawling across the floor.

"Spider!" you yell, your voice trembling as you jump onto your desk.

Gojo, in a panic, scrambles onto a chair, almost knocking over his sterilizing equipment. "Not again!"

The parlour erupts into chaos. Sukuna puts down his tattoo gun, rolling his eyes but grinning as he walks over to assess the situation. Geto and Toji rush in from the back room. Megumi, trails behind them, holding a toy sword like he's ready to fight off the invader.

Yuji stands behind you, his small hands clutching the edge of your desk. "Y/N/N, are you okay?" he asks, his big eyes filled with worry.

"I-I'm fine, Yuji. Just stay back," you stammer, trying to keep your fear in check.

Toji approaches the spider with a resigned look. "Gojo, seriously? It's just a spider."

"Just a spider?" Gojo exclaims, still balanced precariously on the chair. "That thing is a monster!"

With a deft move, Toji scoops up the spider with a piece of paper and heads towards the door. "There. Problem solved."

But the next day, things take a turn for the worse. You're in the middle of sketching a new design when you hear an ominous rustling. Your blood runs cold as a spider the size of your head scuttles out from under a nearby cabinet. You scream, dropping your pencil and scrambling onto your desk.

"Help!" you cry, your voice breaking as the spider moves closer.

Yuji, trying to be brave, steps forward but then bolts towards Gojo, who is already screaming on the top of his own desk. "Suku! Help!" Yuji yells, his voice full of fear.

Megumi, ever the little protector, stands in front of Yuji with his toy sword, eyes wide but determined. "Stay back, Yuji."

Toji rushes in at the sound of your scream. His eyes widen when he sees the massive spider. "Holy shit," he mutters, running over to catch you as you leap off the desk in a panic. He catches you effortlessly, holding you close as you cling to him, shaking.

"Fuck no, this is the spider's parlour now," Toji declares, staring at the gigantic spider with a mix of awe and disgust.

Sukuna appears in the doorway, his eyes scanning the scene. He takes in Toji holding you, the giant spider, and the chaos of Gojo and Yuji huddled together. A smirk tugs at his lips, but it quickly turns into a grimace when he sees the size of the spider.

"Holy shit," Sukuna echoes Toji's earlier sentiment. He grabs a rolled-up magazine and strides over. "Alright, everyone, stand back."

Gojo, still perched on his desk with Yuji clinging to his leg, waves his arms frantically. "Sukuna, don't get too close! That thing could probably bench press you!"

Sukuna rolls his eyes but doesn't slow down. "It's a spider, Gojo, not a pro wrestler."

Gojo gestures wildly at the spider. "Have you seen the size of that thing? It's been hitting the gym more than I have!"

With a deep breath, Sukuna takes another step forward, raising the rolled-up magazine. The spider, seemingly sensing danger, scuttles to the side again.

"Come on, it's got spidey senses!" Sukuna mutters.

Gojo groans, throwing his head back. "Just our luck. We get the Spider-Man of spiders."

Toji, still holding you bridal style, chuckles. "At this rate, we might need to call the Avengers."

Sukuna makes another attempt, but the spider evades him again. "This thing is impossible! It's like it's mocking me."

Yuji, peeking out from behind Gojo, pipes up. "Maybe it wants to be friends?"

Gojo shudders. "I don't want to be friends with something that has eight legs and a vendetta."

"I second that," You mutter, gripping Toji's t-shirt tightly.

Toji grins, looking down at you. "Don't worry, I'll keep you safe from our eight-legged nemesis."

Sukuna tries once more, but the spider eludes him again. "Alright, this is getting ridiculous. I'm starting to take this personally."

"Honestly Sukuna, this is getting kind of embarrassing for you," Gojo says.

Sukuna glares at Gojo. "Why don't you come down here and show us how it's done, Mr. Arachnophobia?"

Gojo shakes his head vehemently. "I provide moral support from up here, thank you very much."

Yuji tugs on Gojo's pants, looking up with big eyes. "Gojo, are you scared?"

Gojo leans down, whispering dramatically, "Terrified, Yuji. But don't tell anyone."

Toji laughs, adjusting his grip on you. "Sukuna, maybe you should try talking to it. Ask it nicely to leave."

Sukuna smirks. "Right, because a polite conversation will definitely solve this."

"What if we all tell it to fuck off?" You mutter.

The room bursts into laughter, and even Sukuna can't suppress a grin. "Worth a shot," he says.

Gojo stands a little straighter, still keeping his distance. "On three, we all tell it to fuck off. Ready?"

Yuji nods enthusiastically. "Ready!"

Megumi raises his toy sword. "I'm ready!"

Sukuna rolls his eyes, still smiling. "Alright, let's do this. One, two, three..."

"Fuck off, spider!" everyone shouts in unison.

The spider scuttles towards where Toji is standing with you in his arms, making you shriek. "I'm gonna pass out!" You wail, launching yourself out of Toji's arms and you practically fly across the parlour towards Sukuna.

"Whoa, hold on!" Sukuna exclaims, barely catching you as you cling to him like a lifeline.

The spider continues its chaotic dash across the floor, zigzagging unpredictably. You scramble up Sukuna like he's a tree, wrapping your arms and legs around him to get off the ground. "Kuna, don't let it get me!"

Sukuna, trying to balance you and handle the spider situation, hands Toji the jar. "Here, Toji, take the jar. I've got my hands full."

Toji grabs the jar from Sukuna with a grin. "Sure thing, boss. Looks like you've got a new accessory there."

Sukuna rolls his eyes playfully as he tries to keep you steady. "Yeah, thanks for the reminder, Toji."

Meanwhile, the spider, undeterred by the chaos it's caused, scuttles towards Gojo's desk. Gojo and Yuji, who were perched precariously on the desk to avoid the spider, let out simultaneous yelps and jump off in opposite directions. Gojo hurries towards you and pulls you off of Sukuna before helping you climb onto the counter.

"Y/N/N, Gojo, don't leave me!" Yuji calls, running over to the two of you and you pull him up onto the counter to stand between you.

Toji, holding the jar, watches as it scuttles towards Gojo's desk. He narrows his eyes, shaking his head with determination. "That's it. I've had enough of this." With surprising accuracy, Toji hurls the jar towards the spider. The glass shatters on impact, and the spider is instantly squashed underneath.

"Take that, you eight-legged fucker!" Toji exclaims triumphantly.

"You know," You look at Gojo who's standing next to you. "You're awfully dramatic"

"Says Miss 'Jumping into the arms of strong men'!" Gojo retorts.

You smirk at Gojo's retort, shaking your head. "Oh please, I was just ensuring my survival!"

"If Toji didn't catch you, you'd have been splayed out on the floor as that thing's next meal!" Gojo says, hopping down from the counter before helping Yuji down. "But if you're so brave, I suppose you don't need a helping hand down"

"Yeah, great idea," You say sarcastically. "Leave the epileptic at a height"

"Fuck, you pulled the epilepsy card," Gojo mutters.

"Too fucking right I did, now help me down," You say but Sukuna is already moving your way. "Oh never mind, I have a strong man coming to help me"

"I'm a strong man!" Gojo protests.

"You don't have arms like me," Sukuna says, his hands finding your waist as he lifts you off the counter effortlessly.

You land softly on your feet, giving Sukuna a grateful smile. "Thanks, Kuna. Always saving me."

Sukuna winks. "Anytime, babe. Got to keep my girl safe."

"Are there any more spiders?" Yuji asks.

"I fucking hope not," You mumble.

Gojo looks around dramatically. "If there are, I'm declaring this place cursed and moving to a spider-free zone. Like, Antarctica."

Toji chuckles, shaking his head. "Pretty sure they have spiders there too, Gojo. Just bigger and colder."

"You know, you all need to realise they're more scared of you," Geto chimes in, earning a glare from you and Gojo.

"I did not see the spider screaming from the top of a desk," You huff, casting a glance at Gojo.

"Nor did I see it jumping in the arms of the biggest men who work here," Gojo says, poking back at you.

You roll your eyes. "Hey at least I know how to pick my protectors."

Sukuna grins, wrapping an arm around your waist. "Damn right, baby. I've got you covered."

Gojo smirks, turning to Geto. "Maybe next time I'll jump into your arms. Think you can handle it?"

Geto raises an eyebrow, his lips curling into a mischievous smile. "Only if you promise not to scream until my ears bleed."

Just as the laughter starts to settle, Yuji's voice pierces the air, his tone a mix of thrill and terror. "Look, another spider!"

Megumi's voice joins in, both boys shouting in unison, "Big spider!"

Instantly, you and Gojo exchange a look of pure horror. "Fuck no!" you both scream in chorus, shoving Sukuna and Geto towards the new eight-legged menace before sprinting to the nearest safe haven—the counter.

Clambering up, you and Gojo clutch each other tightly, eyes wide as you survey the scene. Sukuna, Toji, and Geto, still chuckling, turn to look at the boys, then at the spider scurrying across the floor.

"Very brave, aren't you two?" Sukuna calls out, amusement evident in his voice as he watches you and Gojo clinging to each other.

"Shut up and get that fucking spider before I pass out," you yell, your voice edged with panic.

Yuji, initially moving towards the spider with determined curiosity, catches sight of its size and quickly changes his mind, sprinting over to join you and Gojo on the counter. "Scary!" he cries out as he scrambles up beside you. Megumi, fearless and still armed with his toy sword, attempts to chase after the spider, making it dart across the parlour in unpredictable directions, adding to the chaos.

"Go, Megumi, catch it!" Toji cheers, laughing as he watches his son turn the chase into a game.

Geto, calm as ever, finds a broom and begins herding the spider towards the door. "You guys are hopeless," he chuckles, managing the situation with a practiced ease.

Sukuna stands back, still laughing at the scene unfolding. "I should start charging admission for this."

Gojo, clinging to you, mutters, "This is not what I signed up for when I decided to work here. I have to ask you, Y/N, is the dick worth this?"

"I don't know," You mutter and Sukuna playfully glares at you.

As Geto finally manages to sweep the spider out the door, everyone breathes a sigh of relief. Sukuna walks over to you and Gojo still on the counter. "All clear, babe," he says, offering you a hand down.

You reluctantly take his hand, still shaking. "I'm never coming down from here again," you declare, only half-joking.

Gojo nods in agreement. "Yeah, I'm starting a new life up here. Welcome to Counter-topia, population: us."

Sukuna and Geto both laugh as they help you and Gojo down from the counter. Toji walks over with a glass of juice, handing it to you. "Here, drink this. It'll help bring your blood sugar back up."

You take the glass gratefully, sipping the juice. "Thanks, Toji. I think I needed that."

Gojo takes a deep breath, trying to regain his composure. "I never thought a tattoo shop would be so... lively."

Just as everyone starts to relax, Megumi, with a mischievous grin, announces, "There's another spider!"

Your eyes widen in panic, and you clutch Sukuna's arm. "Not again!"

Gojo's face goes pale. "Are you kidding me?"

Megumi giggles, holding up a rubber spider. "Gotcha!"

The room erupts in laughter, but you feel your knees buckle from the stress. Sukuna catches you effortlessly, holding you close. "Easy, baby. It's just a toy."

You take a deep breath, trying to calm your racing heart. "Megumi, that wasn't funny. I almost died!"

Toji, trying to suppress his laughter, kneels down to Megumi's level. "Alright, buddy, no more fake spiders. Y/N's had enough excitement for one day."

Megumi pouts but nods. "Okay, Daddy."

Gojo, still a bit shaken, looks at Geto. "Think you can get him a toy snake next time? At least those don’t make me want to climb furniture."

Geto smirks. "I'll see what I can do."

Sukuna helps you sit down, rubbing your back soothingly. "You good, babe?"

You nod, taking another sip of juice. "Yeah, I just need a minute to recover."

Yuji, still excited, runs over and hugs your leg. "You're brave, Y/N/N!"

You smile down at him, ruffling his hair. "Thanks, Yuji. But I think I'll leave the spider fighting to you and Megumi from now on."

Gojo sits beside you, shaking his head. "I swear, if I see one more spider today, I'm moving to a tropical island. Spiders can't swim, right?"

Toji laughs. "I think you'll be safe, Gojo. Let's just focus on getting back to work without any more surprises."

As everyone settles back into their routines, the parlour fills with laughter and the hum of tattoo machines. It's just another day in the life of the shop, where even the most stressful moments are tempered with humour and the unwavering support of your quirky, close-knit family.

taglist - @sad-darksoul @thejujvtsupost @kyo-kyo1

[clanwarrior-tumbly]

So i hope its okay... Can i request arven penny nemona and kieran Meeting a pokemon Trainer that is basiclly Pokemon sword/shield MC and maybe hop or marni come to visit? Or it can just be Just the Trainer i wouldn't mind anyway here's the team

A inteleon is kinda like a big brother to the team but still is Sometimes mischevous

Zamazenta who May look cold but is essentialy a big puppy

Gerdevoir who kinda has a sibling like rivaly with with salazle on who's stronger

Salazle who is a little diva but both her or gardevoir will beat you up if you insult the other

And a sylveon and glaceon who are like peas in a pod and will go out to defend the other if something happend

Anyway you don't have to write it if you don't want to since its kinda long and have a good day/night 💜💛

Arven

Apparently saving a region from an ecological crisis wasn't your first rodeo..as you've done this in Galar too.

After sharing stories of how you became champion, prevented Chairman Rose from causing a second "Darkest Day" with Eternatus, revived the Hero Duo (with Zamazenta being living proof), etc...Arven's fully convinced you need a vacation.

Funny enough, Paldea was meant to be your fresh start and a way to begin your studies like a normal kid.

But of course that didn't happen.

Facing the Titan Pokémon together reminds you of the Dynamaxed ones, but you thanked Arceus they weren't that gigantic nor have any brutal G-Max moves.

When it comes to food, Arven learns you can make a mean curry dish, often trading each other recipes.

In fact, you've made so many types that your team is just happy to eat whatever you've cooked up.

Speaking of which..your current team is the same one from Galar. You decided they were ready for a new adventure in a new region by your side.

Inteleon, once a timid Sobble, tended to sneak bites of curry/sandwiches from the others, but otherwise acts like a cool older brother to your team.

His Snipe Shot is deadly and he lowkey missed being able to Gigantamax, although he likes how flashy he becomes when terastalized.

Zamazenta actually enjoys belly rubs, discovering this only after witnessing Arven give Mabosstiff pets on the stomach.

Gardevoir and Salazzle have been rivals since they were a Ralts and Salandit, having a few sparring matches during camps/picnics.

But trust they will BOTH go on the offense if anyone dared hurt the other. Arven witnessed this firsthand down in Area Zero when an Iron Hands attacked Salazzle with a ground move, and Gardevoir's Moonblast absolutely destroyed it.

Finally, Sylveon and Glaceon were two inseparable Eevees. You couldn't catch one without taking the other with you, and ever since then they've stuck together like glue, even evolving at the same time.

When Hop and Marni visited you in Paldea (whether to just travel or study abroad), Arven gets a little jealous that they were your friends before he was..but learns to get along with them.

Penny

Assuming she was studying abroad in Galar (after ditching Team Star) when the events of SWSH took place, she definitely would have seen your face around social media and on nearly ever TV station.

She knew you defeated Leon in the championship.

But she NEVER would've guessed it was you who also stopped the second Darkest Day from happening--and quelled Eternatus, of all things.

It was like you were the protagonist of some epic anime, doing all this heroic stuff yet being so casual when talking about it to her, Arven, and Nemona.

But she wants to hear all about your adventures!

Even though she was a little jealous you did all these cool things while she had to continue her studies.

She's thrilled to meet your Sylveon and Glaceon, finding their strong bond to be sweet and similar to her own Eeveelutions.

If you went to Crown Tundra, she immediately asks if you met her father and apologizes on his behalf if he was too overbearing.

But you amuse her with the story of how Calyrex kept temporarily possessing his body to speak to you.

The first time you brought out Zamazenta, Penny was a little intimidated by the way it looked at her menacingly...

Until it does the same thing Miraidon/Koraidon did to her during Operation Starfall:

And that is tackle her in kisses and icky wolf slobber.

She wonders why all your Legendaries do this to her..

Underneath the gruff, tough, and battle-hardened appearance, it turns out that it's really just a giant puppy longing to be spoiled like a Growlithe.

Nemona

Right from the get-go, she knew you were Galar's most recent champion and wanted to see how you fight.

Of course, that meant you had to adapt from the Dynamaxed battles you were so accustomed to and get used to Terastalized battles instead.

But you're a quick learner.

In fact your Inteleon, despite being at a disadvantage against her Pawmot, still managed to sweep half her team.

Sometimes you'll have your Paldea starter in your party in place of Zamazenta, but when you brought the shield wolf out for the first time during a picnic...Nemona was in awe.

"So THIS is one of the legendary heroes that Ms. Raifort taught us about????" She gawks, especially as you bring out the rusted shield and let it transform.

Penny made a good point: you may as well be a modern-day hero of Galar yourself!

She also wanted to hear all about your trials and tribulations with the gym challenge, having seen your battle on television and how Leon congratulated you for winning the championship.

Ngl it made her tear up the first time she rewatches it with you, proud of how you were still eager to finish it even though the Second Darkest Day interrupted the match and almost destroyed the whole region.

It lowkey made her feel bad when you, her, and the others had to go down to Area Zero and prevent another disaster that would've also unleashed dangerous Pokémon all across the region...

Yeah, you definitely needed a break and a chance to feel like a normal trainer.

And what better way to do that than to battle Nemona again and again?

Kieran

When you first met in Kitakami, you never struck him as the type to be Galar's Champion (as well as its savior from the second Darkest Day--the first one being an event he read about in books).

It's not something you liked to brag about anyways. So you downplayed your experiences while talking to him during the signboard project.

All he knew was that you lived in Galar and participated in the gym challenge. That's it.

Only when you show up to BB Academy does he overhear people talking about you like you're some celebrity, and he realizes you've been keeping even more secrets from him...

"Did you hear?? The Galar Champion is joining the league club!"

"I heard they reawakened Zacian and Zamazenta! They brought the heroes of Galar back to life!"

He refuses to believe it up until the moment you two battle, where Gardevoir and Salazzle worked incredibly well together, before you sent out Zamazenta near the very end.

Ofc Kieran is FURIOUS, screaming about how you lied to him yet again and "never changed".

"You told me you were just a normal kid from Galar...WHAT ELSE HAVE YOU BEEN KEEPING FROM ME?!!"

It's so unfair. You're hailed as a hero in a different region, you held two (and eventually three) champion titles, AND you have Zamazenta on your side...while he's a nobody from Kitakami who gave up so much and worked so hard--only to realize he'll never be even half as great as you.

How could he ever be like you with so many achievements under your belt?

But after you two become friends again (with you apologizing for not fully telling him the truth about yourself), Hop called you in hopes of visiting the academy's Terarium to research the Pokémon there.

You introduce him to Kieran, and they have a long chat about their rivalry with you.

Things get a little awkward when Hop rambles about his constant losses against you and his desires to become stronger (plus his struggle to step out of Leon's shadow), only to find his true calling as a professor in the end.....before asking Kieran how he coped.

"...oh um...I-I didn't really cope that well. I got jealous and bitter and..let's just say I wasn't very nice to [y/n]." He mutters, feeling ashamed.

"Awh really? But you seem like a nice chap now!" Your Galarian rival/friend tries cheering him up, although he understood his pain and felt that same humiliation several times before.

But Kieran did learn a thing or two from him, just like he did from Nemona. Battling was still his calling, but he forgot how to have fun with it, and he needed that reminder.

He mentions trading you an Applin, and Hop does a spit-take, asking if he knew what that meant (or if you told him).

If so, then he congratulates you both on your new relationship.

If not, then you let Kieran google it on your rotomphone...

Before he buries his face into Zamazenta's fur a few seconds later, trying to hide his worsening blush while you and Hop just laugh.

[mhedusard]

Backstory :

Paloma is born to Travel. That's only a natural conclusion for the 9 years old child who traveled accross her original World as for long as she Can remember. It was Always the same routine.Arriving to a city or into a place with nobody living. Playing with the kids she encounter or arguing with them before never seeing them Again a few days After and going back to the road.

One of the big advantage to have both of her parents being passioned archeologists who didn't minded bringing their daughter to their Big expedition.

This with one of those Big expedition where began her biggest adventure.

It began like any other day. Moving away from her parents too busy talking about some Tower to notice Paloma's disaperence. The kid having fun as Always,exploring the forest while playing around with a stick as if it was her mighty Sword. Until she noticed that she was gone too far, had no idea how to go back and that the only thing close to her was a tower.

The biggest tower she ever Saw. It was the type you Saw in those Epic story she liked where a heroic knight in shining armor was ready to slay the scary dragon that kept a helpless princess and a gigantic treasure inside. The kind of story where Paloma Always Saw herself as the héroïne.

However she didn't realize that she was actually gonna encounter an actual dragon of steal.Nor that while trying to escape she would trigger a dusty old mirror that would transport both of them into a Magic realm.

Personality :

Paloma is a free spirit. She likes to think that everything Can be turned into an adventure where she’s the heroine.

This Can be entering into a cave she found in a forest to see if a treser is hidding in the deepths or running After a random cat she saw near a shop to see if it will lead her to a spooky place with a Monster to slay.

Sometimes she Can be so focused in her little adventures that she would often forget to take mind of other people's emotion, reflecting her general lack of empathy.

She has a strong dislike of people in twisted wonderland trying to order her around or betitling her games. She will let none of those wizards thinking that they Can tell her what to do and is determined to show them who the true boss is!

But at the end of the day she IS a kid.

A kid propulsed in an unknow World

A kid that try to hide behind her obnoxious attitude that she is as much scared as she is amazed by this New world.

A kid who sometimes wander if her parenrs are still waiting for her in the woods where they lost her.

A kid trying to act like a mighty hero because she Seek this strenght and bravery that they have

Relationships:

Hydris:

Her Loyal sidekick as she likes to call them. They are the first one to actually take her seriously despite her young age and listen carefuly to what she suggest. They even agree to play along her little game even when they are Bad at pretenting.

Other infos:

She is based on Pascal from tangled

Nicknames: Shrimpy(Floyd), Petite Filoute (Rook), Toad (Ruggie)

Talent: hide and seek + multilingual

Best subject: Music

Club: Horse ridding club

Hooby: Sewing, music, Cooking, adventure , playing Chess.....

Likes: Travelling, Exploring

Dislikes: Orders, not being taken seriously

Pictures:

Sorry if some sentences are weirdly phrased!

Credit templates: @/ai-kan1

Tags: @twtysevapr

[fictionadventurer]

Details:

1940s Hans Christian Andersen shorts: Intended as animated segments within a live-action film about the author's life, these would have adapted The Little Mermaid, The Fir Tree, Through the Picture Frame, The Emperor's Nightingale, and The Steadfast Tin Soldier. (Yes, I know we got adaptations of several of these, but I still want to share the concept art for old versions).

Gremlins: A film they worked on a lot during WWII but couldn't crack the story (or find money to make it)

Don Quixote: They tried to adapt the story in various ways in the '40s, '50s, and '00s, which is too long to get into here, but it led to some interesting concept art.

Chanticleer: A story about an arrogant rooster who thought his crow made the sun rise, and used this to rule over the other farmyard animals. Reynard the Fox was a villain who tried to take advantage of the discontent in the farm animals to take over as their leader (with plans to eat them), which leads to Chanticleer saving them and learning humility. Work started on it in the 1940s, and it was so close to being made in the 1960s, but they decided to go with The Sword in the Stone instead. Some of the animators loved it, though, and some of the character concepts were later adapted into Robin Hood.

Catfish Bend: I haven't found much about the story beyond "talking animals in the South", but the concept art intrigues me. It would have been released in 1981, but after it was shelved, some of the concepts went on to inspire The Rescuers.

Mistress Masham's Repose: An adaptation of T.H. White's novel, pitched in the late 1980s

Fraidy Cat: 2009 film about a pampered housecat named Oscar who is falsely accused of kidnapping another pet and has to team up with a cockatoo and try to find the real culprit to clear his name. Shelved because they figured kids and general audiences wouldn't understand the Hitchcock references (which seems like a terrible reason, but alas).

King of the Elves: Announced in 2009, it was a 3D animated film scheduled for 2012, before being shelved in 2016. Adapted from a Philip K. Dick story, it was about an ordinary man who saves some elves from a troll and (apparently reluctantly) gets declared their king.

Gigantic: A retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk set during the Spanish exploration, it involves Jack meeting an 11-year-old female giant who treats him like a doll, and eventually fighting much larger Storm Giants. Would have had songs written by the team from Frozen and was set to be released in 2018, then moved to 2020 before being cancelled because apparently they couldn't figure out the story.

[0547]

a/n: late bday special for childe, reader and him r still new in their relationship, im getting better at writing a bit…

a red velvet cupcake was sitting on your desk, with a single lit birthday candle poked into the cream cheese frosting.

before you could take a closer look at it, your office door bangs open and childe enters the room, practically prancing into your private office. you don’t even look at him as you lift the confectionery in the air, eyeing it closely.

“i sent you a birthday letter yesterday in advance.” you say, plopping down on your chair, peeling the cupcake cup. “—no need reminders for me to wish you.”

you take a bite of the sweet, setting it down aside and gather today’s fatui agent reports in your hands, waiting for childe to reply.

you do finally look up at him when he still doesn’t say anything, and realization hits when you meet his pleading, puppy-like eyes.

“please?” he tries, leaning close to your desk.

“no.”

-

“archons!” you screech, nearly missing a direct hit from the primo geovishap’s tail snap. of course, the ideal gift for your boyfriend’s birthday, spending quality time fighting a gigantic monster together.

“having fun, baby?” he giggles, striking a huge slash on one of the fat legs. you knew he was holding back for you, let’s be honest, he does primo geovishaps like normal people do hillchurls.

you hate that he thinks this all that you’re capable of, but since you wouldn’t ever agree to a one on one duel with him, this was the closest he could get to see you in combat. a genuine fascination from him you would never understand.

the beast roared in agony of it’s injuries, the sound echoing throughout the underground, causing a large sediment to fall right above where you were standing.

you looked up to see an arrow shooting through the solid earth, bursting the sediment into bits of rock and water before it can hit you. you catch childe’s eye, and you feel your heart swell, but your ears are starting to ring from the noise.

the harbinger laughs as you muster all your strength and threw your electro infused sword directly into the creature’s eye, bringing it crashing to the side in a thundering noise that made the ground shake.

you dust your hands and crouched, breathing heavily while keeping your eyes to the ground. childe’s arms were immediately around you, bringing your head close to his chest and kisses your forehead.

“you okay? was this too much? i’m sorry.” he entwines his fingers with yours, rubbing his calloused thumb against your gloved hand.

“this? literally piece of cake. hardly broke a sweat,” you lie, smiling up at him. “and happy birthday. now you know how weak i am.” you snort, kissing his cheek.

he frowns. “i don’t think you’re weak. that was pretty badass to me. you gave the final blow.” he says, looking up at the fallen monster.

logically speaking, he was a harbinger. he’s definitely seen battles more badass than your low stamina performance.

he looks down back at you, and squishes your face with one hand. “why are you pouting?”

you shake your head. “i’ll get stronger. i won’t waste this vision, i’ll train and work hard.” you say, determined.

“and then can we duel?” he asks hopefully.

“no.”

“c’mon!,” he whines. “can i at least help you train? think of it as this year’s birthday present.” he tries to get closer to your face, but you push his face away.

“you already used up your birthday wish this year.” you reminded him. and he pouts at you.

[reblog if you want, as it helps me plenty.]

[melonteee]

I hate when people talk about Luffy's backstory like the only detail that matters is the number of people he knew who died. Like "oh, Luffy's backstory wasn't that bad, he only thought Sabo died, but not really, he didn't actually lose anyone". Like nothing is traumatizing except the death of a loved one.

Luffy is a HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR. I'm Jewish, I'm not downplaying the WW2 Holocaust by saying that. the narrator literally called the burning of Grey Terminal a "holocaust", and it fits the literal definition of the word, that being "mass murder by fire".

And Luffy didn't just survive the "Holocaust of Grey Terminal", he CAUSED IT. Everyone forgets the detail that Bluejam made Luffy and Ace plant the barrels of oil that made the fire happen, not knowing what they were. For a few days, Luffy thought that the gigantic fire he had a hand in causing killed Ace and Dadan, his brother and mother. He probably STILL thinks he partially caused the deaths of thousands of people, not knowing the Revolutionary Army evacuated many of them.

We KNOW that Luffy is traumatized by the circumstances of his childhood, we see him looking back on it in Dressrosa, when he compares the gladiators being treated like trash to the people in Grey Terminal who were treated like trash.

I think this comes down to...people should not compare or scale the childhood traumas point blank. Because you're right, Luffy had a very heavy, very traumatic experience - but every time I see "ONLY this happened to THESE strawhats" it infuriates me a bit. When I see "Zoro didn't have THAT bad of a childhood, not compared to OTHER strawhats" I'm like ?? who are you to say that ?? Zoro's island may not have been wiped out, his events may not have been extreme, but his first experience with death was still his best friend. It effected him to the point he still holds her dream years later, he still carries her sword, he still MOURNS her.

In the same way Luffy still carries his trauma with him, so does everyone else.

Sorry anon I didn't mean to go off track! I didn't mean this as an attack on your ask at all btw, I totally agree with you! You just reminded me of people who literally trauma scale these characters LMAO

[maple-the-awesome]

Friend or Foe || Part 2/3

Part 1 || Part 3

Pairings: Time, Wind, Wild x GN Reader

Overview: Link visits an alternate world without its hero and, more importantly, a version of you without your Link. Unfortunately, it seems even the smallest of details can lead to disastrous results. In spirt of Halloween, I've decided to do a little evil prompt because none of the Links have enough emotional damage yet😈

Zelda Masterlist 💙Fandom Masterlist

Time may not remember everything that has occurred over his many, long adventures, but he does remember the day you met. Only children then, you both made an innocent promise to marry once adults. Now, Time may be a lot of things, but he has always been a man of his word. How could he not be when presented the perfect chance to spend the rest of his life with his childhood crush? You’re the one person he can trust with his every secret - the reward at the end of every troubling journey. He lives to see your joy and dies to see your sorrow, even when it isn't exactly 'your' sorrow...

It's difficult business keeping track of eight young boys and men, especially when they're all cursed with the same adventurous spirits that are easily distracted. Of course they’ve managed to disappear here. He can only blame himself for not having questioned their silence sooner, although he’d be lying to say he doesn’t feel disappointed, notably with the older boys, Twilight and Warrior, who are usually more responsible than to simply wander off without a word of explanation. Alas, even they’re nowhere to be seen, his only hint of other life nearby being a giggle that echoes off the vast number of gigantic trees.

"My, my. One more left I see?" Time leaps back, hand already on his sword when he hears the voice, “Oooh, and look at you! So handsome! So fierce! I’m digging the scar - it makes you look so tough. And those muscles, too! You seem like you would really know how to -”

“- Where are you?!” Time demands, getting his answer promptly when a figure swings down from a branch mere feet away from his face.

“Wow! You’re even hotter up closer!”

Time's eyes widen in surprise due to both their sudden entrance and their physical appearance. This mysterious person has wild hair that sticks out in every direction with their body lacking a healthy weight or color, yet Time immediately ignores all of that in favor of focusing upon the mask they wear - one he knows all too well but wishes he didn’t. He thought, for a second, that he may have recognized their voice, too, yet he’s more certain that he must be mistaken in that regard. No way it could be…

“Hey, you were traveling with those other boys, right? So maybe you’ll be nicer by giving me the answers I want! You see, beautiful stranger, I’m looking for a special friend of mine. We made a promise a while back and I intend to fulfill it if I could just find him first. None of the travelers I’ve found in these woods so far are him, so I was beginning to lose hope until I overheard those friends of yours mention his name, but they -”

Time can’t move, his body overcome with a chilled wave that ends with his feet cemented to the ground. It would be reasonable to say he misheard the first time, and he could keep denying it if he wants now, but that wouldn’t change the fact that he does recognize this person’s voice. How could he not when it’s the same that belongs to his own person angel? It’s a disordered version of yours, however this person isn’t you. This can’t be you because last he checked, you were safe back home where you promised to wait for his next return. How could you suddenly be here in this world, kept under the binding influence of Majora’s Mask?

“- Hey, are you broken?!” This person - who still so eerily sounds like you despite Time’s refusal to admit such a thing - knocks a fist against his forehead, barely flinching when he jerks back with a gasp, “Sooo? You gonna help me or just be difficult like your friends, eh? I don’t have all day, miser!”

Perhaps this ‘you’ is simply a figment of his imagination created by the forest to torment him; that must be the answer. He just has to play the game - no matter how much it messes with his head - to find out what happened to the boys. He’s dealt with enough Skull Kids before, this would be a piece of cake.

“I -...This friend of yours, who is he? Someone you’ve lost in the forest?” Time asks carefully, doing his best not to react too much outwardly, after all he’s seen first hand how Majora’s Mask can affect the mind of its wearer, and this ‘you’ before him has already clearly been put through the wringer.

“If I knew where I had lost him, I would’ve found him!” You snap in irritation.

Time swallows, “...Right, that does make sense, but perhaps if you could tell me his name, I could offer you better help in finding him?”

You seem pleased by this answer, swinging yourself upright on the branch where you become illuminated only by the glowing eyes of your mask, “Link.”

“L…Link?” That cold feeling from before returns, making Time suddenly feel sick to his stomach as the dots finally begin to connect in his head. This is no figment of his imagination - no trick of the light or evil illusion. It really is you…not the same version of you he married, but the other he promised to…

In Wind’s world, you're an adored teacher on Windfall Island. You’re kind, caring, and very knowledgeable about Hyrule's history which came in handy whenever he needed pointers during his early adventures. Yes, you would express concern over a child of his age partaking in such dangerous affairs (you thought it was all a joke when he first told you) and you've let it slip before that you aren't the biggest fan of pirates, although beyond your mother-like worry which you’ve adopted towards all your students (even the unofficial ones like Wind), you’ve ultimately supported him every step of the way. You've always been a huge role model for him, so this shift in personality is more than unexpected...

Wind was excited to show his new friends around what he thought to be his own Hyrule and relieved to discover they weren’t alone on this island they’ve found themselves stuck on after wandering through another portal. A pirate ship anchored on shore - the very ship belonging to Zelda’ crew, as Wind foolishly assured the others despite their caution. Now, thanks to his impatience and eagerness, he sits saddened and embarrassed next to the rest of the heroes as they remain tied to the ship’s mast. 

It’s confusing. The pirates of this ship are the same as Zelda's crew, yet they claimed to not at all recognize the younger pirate regardless of his attempts to jog their memories. Instead, they had rounded him and the rest of the Chain up the second they approached their dock, taking them prisoner where they currently wait for 'the Captain's reaction'. 

The Captain. This made Wind feel relieved again. Zelda. He doesn't know why the other pirates are acting so strangely, but Zelda will be able to clear this whole mess up, in fact here she comes, dressed in her normal pirate attire Wind's accustomed to seeing.

"ZELDA! Goddesses, am I glad to see you! I don't understand what kinda trick the guys are trying to play on me, but this isn’t the time! My friends - they're all heroes of courage like me and we could really use your help to -" The words come so quickly from Wind's mouth that Zelda barely has time to look disgusted. 

"How hard did you exactly hit this guy?" She asks while looking to Nudge then back to Wind with a smirk.

"Wha - I'm serious! This is urgent, Zelda -!"

"- Who?" She places her hands on her hips, generally seemingly confused which makes Wind's blood run cold, but not as much as it does when another voice speaks.

"Oi, what's the ruckus out here, eh!? I thought I told ya' lot to keep it down - Oh. What do we have here, umm?" The doors to the Captain's cabin burst open, out walking a figure dressed head-to-toe in a bright red uniform with a large black, white, and magenta feather sticking out from their hat.

"Captain," Zelda immediately backs off from Wind, "These guys were just caught after trying to rush our ship."

"No, that’s not what we -!"

"- Little thieves. 'thought they could just follow us here and steal our treasure!" The pirates hiss together, although you take more time to look over the boy in front of you along with his companions.

"You all look familiar…" Your statement - as disinterested as it sounds - almost gives Wind hope. Almost, "Lock 'em up in the cellar where I won't have to listen to their annoying bitching. Gonzo, set a course for the Forsaken Fortress. I think Ganondorf would like to meet these boys. Tetra, you stick with me."

"YES, CAPTAIN!" An assortment of shouts follow, both from the pirates who follow your every order loyally and the heroes who express their dismay. Wind, however, can only stare in complete disbelief and betrayal as you look back at him once more, your eyes dark from underneath your hat's shadow which is a sharp contrast to the usual warmth that he knows you for. 

Wild lives with a lot of heavy regrets weighing him down, perhaps the most unspoken being his missed chance at ever telling you his true feelings. You were an ever-so-dear friend to him before the Calamity - someone who never expected the impossible from him and always offered a shoulder to lean on should he need one. He loved you quite a bit; something he remembered almost as soon as he remembered you. He has often visited your grave, replaying past events in his head while suffocating in his own guilt from not having protected you. He has sometimes begged the Goddess to let him see you again, even if just to apologize, but this isn’t what he had in mind - far from it…

Wild’s version of Hyrule is chaotic and messy; a land that thrives off of quiet hope and the shattered remnants of a once mighty kingdom. Zelda has mentioned the theory before: that like Hyrule, Wild needed to become something else - something different and unruly in nature because if you can’t beat it, then join it. 

With that said, he’s accustomed to using a lack of forethought, at least in any way comparable to his past self (which is what he tells himself, anyway). As far as he knows, before the Calamity, he was as straight-laced as they come, always concerning himself with his public image and focused on never letting anyone down. He’s nothing like that now, often running into danger head first with messy hair and a blaze of fire following his trail. You would think after the amount of concussions and scars he’s gained, he would’ve long learned his lesson, but alas, he raced through this dungeon with little worry as he’s done many others because his confidence - or perhaps his dull wit - has once again outweighed any common sense. 

Now this is the price he must pay for his own ignorance: a nightmare reanimated before him as it taunts and tortures his inner conscience…and all he can do is accept this horrid punishment in frozen terror as you stalk across the room towards him.

When he raced ahead of the others and turned the key, he expected to be greeted with the typical dungeon boss - an overgrown bokoblin or fiery wizard. He didn’t expect it to be you, crumbled on the ground with gloom affecting your entire body. He didn’t expect for you to react so harshly to his presence, throwing him across the room with a blast of magic when he tried to reach your side, desperate to know how you’re alive and if you’re okay.

You look as angry as you have every right to be, your face curled into a snarl as you come closer, eyes narrowed in an orange glow and a sword in your hand…yet Wild could do nothing but let his knees buckle from underneath himself and dig his nails into his scalp as he asks himself over and over again how this is possible. How are you here? How are you alive? How were you affected and how does he fix you? …He can’t, though. He let you down then and has no idea how to save you now despite having been granted the gift of your presence again - the very thing he’s been begging for.

“I’m so sorry! I’m so sorry!” He cries, not sure if it’s for you or himself as he sobs your name with the same heartache he would over your grave, “I’msorry! I’msorry!”

“IT’S AN ILLUSION, WILD! IT’S NOT THEM!” Someone shouts from behind - someone who he’d usually easily recognize as Twilight yet his mind is in too much of a rush to even listen to his concerned friend’s words, let alone care about his identity. 

Wild can only think of his final moments with you. The day you ‘casually’ told him about plans to try a new restaurant in Castle Town and how you were looking for someone to join you. Foolishly - ever so foolishly - he asked if your sister wouldn’t go, generally confused that you, someone so kind and loved, would have trouble finding a willing companion for any aspect of your life. 

Bashfully, you agreed to ask her, and that was it. You walked off, leaving the poor hero to wonder why you looked so dejected and heartbroken. The next time he’d see you was a mere picture an old woman showed him, curious if you happened to be the one he ran into town desperately searching for. The woman - your niece, as it would turn out - confirmed his worst fears, explaining that while you had survived the initial attack during the Calamity, you like many others soon succumbed to an illness Purah now theorizes to have been a result of close contact with gloom. 

Wild can only imagine your final moments, poisoned by gloom and betrayal much like this other version of you is. If only he had done his job properly, you would have never felt such pain. You, like your sister, would have grown old and lived peacefully as you deserved. He, himself, wouldn’t have to forever live with this guilt he bears from your death - guilt that tries convincing him it would’ve been better if Twilight hadn’t pulled him away from the danger, instead allowing you - even if not truly you - to get some sort of revenge for his mistakes. 

[communist-manifesto-daily]

Socialism: Utopian and Scientific - Part 17

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But the new order of things, rational enough as compared with earlier conditions, turned out to be by no means absolutely rational. The state based upon reason completely collapsed. Rousseau’s Contrat Social had found its realization in the Reign of Terror, from which the bourgeoisie, who had lost confidence in their own political capacity, had taken refuge first in the corruption of the Directorate, and, finally, under the wing of the Napoleonic despotism. The promised eternal peace was turned into an endless war of conquest. 

The society based upon reason had fared no better. The antagonism between rich and poor, instead of dissolving into general prosperity, had become intensified by the removal of the guild and other privileges, which had to some extent bridged it over, and by the removal of the charitable institutions of the Church. The “freedom of property” from feudal fetters, now veritably accomplished, turned out to be, for the small capitalists and small proprietors, the freedom to sell their small property, crushed under the overmastering competition of the large capitalists and landlords, to these great lords, and thus, as far as the small capitalists and peasant proprietors were concerned, became “freedom from property”. The development of industry upon a capitalistic basis made poverty and misery of the working masses conditions of existence of society. Cash payment became more and more, in Carlyle’s phrase [See Thomas Carlyle, Past and Present, London 1843], the sole nexus between man and man. The number of crimes increased from year to year. Formerly, the feudal vices had openly stalked about in broad daylight; though not eradicated, they were now at any rate thrust into the background. In their stead, the bourgeois vices, hitherto practiced in secret, began to blossom all the more luxuriantly. Trade became to a greater and greater extent cheating. The “fraternity” of the revolutionary motto was realized in the chicanery and rivalries of the battle of competition. Oppression by force was replaced by corruption; the sword, as the first social lever, by gold. The right of the first night was transferred from the feudal lords to the bourgeois manufacturers. Prostitution increased to an extent never heard of. Marriage itself remained, as before, the legally recognized form, the official cloak of prostitution, and, moreover, was supplemented by rich crops of adultery.

In a word, compared with the splendid promises of the philosophers, the social and political institutions born of the “triumph of reason” were bitterly disappointing caricatures. All that was wanting was the men to formulate this disappointment, and they came with the turn of the century. In 1802, Saint-Simon’s Geneva letters appeared; in 1808 appeared Fourier’s first work, although the groundwork of his theory dated from 1799; on January 1, 1800, Robert Owen undertook the direction of New Lanark.

At this time, however, the capitalist mode of production, and with it the antagonism between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat, was still very incompletely developed. Modern Industry, which had just arisen in England, was still unknown in France. But Modern Industry develops, on the one hand, the conflicts which make absolutely necessary a revolution in the mode of production, and the doing away with its capitalistic character – conflicts not only between the classes begotten of it, but also between the very productive forces and the forms of exchange created by it. And, on the other hand, it develops, in these very gigantic productive forces, the means of ending these conflicts. If, therefore, about the year 1800, the conflicts arising from the new social order were only just beginning to take shape, this holds still more fully as to the means of ending them. The “have-nothing” masses of Paris, during the Reign of Terror, were able for a moment to gain the mastery, and thus to lead the bourgeois revolution to victory in spite of the bourgeoisie themselves. But, in doing so, they only proved how impossible it was for their domination to last under the conditions then obtaining. The proletariat, which then for the first time evolved itself from these “have-nothing” masses as the nucleus of a new class, as yet quite incapable of independent political action, appeared as an oppressed, suffering order, to whom, in its incapacity to help itself, help could, at best, be brought in from without or down from above.

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