#cannot believe they do a whole ball reveal ......

[yuurei20]

Malleus Facts Part 68: Malleus and Kalim (pt1)

When Malleus learns that Vil and Kalim will be participating in the VDC he says, “that should be quite the spectacle,” and that Kalim’s wolf howl for Halloween “lacks intensity, but it does have charm.”

When Crowley notices Malleus has failed to attend the opening ceremonies at the beginning of the school year, Kalim asks if no one invited him.

Vil says that Kalim is welcome to tell him himself if he is so worried and Kalim responds, “I don’t know him too well either…”

When Malleus fails to attend the housewarden meeting in his dorm vignette Kalim says that he had assumed that someone else had reached out to him.

The group refuses to form a search party to hunt Malleus down for the meeting and Lilia pretends to be upset, leading Kalim to say that he would love to help if there was some way he could.

Azul tells him that Malleus’ problem cannot be solved by “simply lending a helping hand,” and it is revealed that Lilia was faking his tears.

Later on Leona says that nothing is going to change and Malleus will not be attending their next meeting, either, so Kalim volunteers to fetch him.

Leona says that it defeats the whole purpose if Malleus does not take the initiative.

Malleus says he has never been invited to a large party. Kalim says, “I’ll invite you to one of mine sometime! You’ve gotta come!" Malleus responds, “You would invite me? How interesting. Then I shall await the arrival of your invitation…if you have it in you to do so.”

Malleus says that he would like to accept an invitation to Kalim’s mansion (if he were to receive one).

While it seems Kalim has yet to invite Malleus anywhere, Malleus says that Kalim celebrated his birthday by showering flower petals over his head.

Jamil is very reluctant to allow Malleus to join the Firelit Sky group without an escort—his first time on his own. He says he plans to make the most of it for Lilia’s sake, but Jamil insists that if something happens to him, it could set off an international incident.

Malleus says that someone of Jamil’s magical ability needn’t worry about him as he is “hardly fragile,” and mentions how Jamil’s expression seems to say that he believes him to be a nuisance.

Malleus says, “I was under the impression I had been invited,” and Trey says he hears thunder, despite how the weather had been clear.

Malleus’ sinking mood combined with Kalim’s insistence that showing his friends around his hometown is normal forces Jamil’s hand and Cater says, “Malleus and Kalim are so blissfully unaware of the struggles of those around them. They’re just little balls of sunshine!”

[starlight-tav]

Vows

Astarion x Gender Neutral Reader/Unnamed Tav

Warnings: brief mention of Cazador; Astarion's self-doubt; minor Act 2 spoilers

Summary: Tav has a gift for Astarion; Astarion has a lot of feelings and he is still learning to feel them

You walk up to Astarion's tent, calling his name in that affectionate way you do. He places a ribbon in the book in his hands and gives you his full attention.

"Yes, darling?"

"Do you have a moment to spare?" You ask, rubbing the back of your neck. "I'd like to—I have something for you."

He raises an eyebrow but gestures for you to come sit with him in his tent. You settle across from him on your knees, hands balled up on top of your thighs. He rarely sees you nervous, but he does his utmost not to betray his anxiety about that.

"Hold out your hand," you say. "Please."

It should concern him how he complies without hesitation, but it doesn't.

You reach into a pouch that hangs from your hip and produce something small enough to be entirely obscured by your fist. He watches your face intently as you place it gently into his opened palm, your own fingertips lingering on his skin for too brief a moment.

He looks at your gift and raises his eyes in surprise. Attached to a leather cord is a ring of intricately carved driftwood. It is both exquisite and unassuming – only upon close inspection do the delicately hewn druidic details reveal how much mastery was put into it. It is whole and unbroken.

"This is beautiful," Astarion glances between you and the ring, too many questions filling his mind all at once. "Where did it come from?"

"I made it," you reply, searching his features for any sign of discomfort.

His ruby eyes snap to yours, his lips parted in disbelief.

"You made this? For me?" He raises both brows.

You nod, balling your fists in your lap again. "I wanted to—to give you something to show you that I care for you. You have said that you don't know what we're doing, and I don’t need you to. But I would be remiss if I didn't tell you that… I want to stay by your side. I meant it when I said that you are more than your body. This is yours. You need not offer me anything in return."

Astarion's face softens as you speak, and he gazes at the treasure in his hand. He cannot remember ever receiving something so dear. His affection for you swells within him like a mighty wave, and he fears for a moment that he'll be washed away with it. But then his eyes meet yours, and the sincerity there is like salvation.

He believes you. Gods, he believes you.

He smiles and carefully places the cord over his head and around his neck. There's a faint warmth where the ring lies, nestled perfectly between his collarbones, and he realizes that you have imbued the circle with druidic protections. He struggles to swallow around the emotion balled up in his throat.

He holds out his hand, much like he did the night after that Drow attempted to solicit a bite from him—the night he confessed his failed plans to you. You take his offering and the warmth of your skin against his is as sweet as the sun that he loves so much.

"Thank you," he says.

He wants to say more. He fears that he's unworthy of your affection, but he knows that you would reassure him if he were to voice his concern. He wants more than anything to hear your affirmations. To hold your heart and faith close to his chest, taking the heat for himself. It is this desire to possess that stays his tongue.

He does not believe himself in any position to return your love the way he so desires to. Not until the shadow of his former master has been lifted. Not until he can be certain that his body is his own and can never be used to harm you again. Not until he's free.

So, for now, he will accept your gift and keep that close to his heart in your stead. But he vows to himself that one day he will be his own again; his own to share with you, purely because he desires to.

[francesminos-tt]

Lucemond time travel fix-it au with a twist where a 11-year-old Aemond and his 30-year-old self switches bodies.

Older!Aemond is happily married to Lucerys. They have three children and Lucerys is nursing their youngest.

Youger!Aemond just got his eye gauged out. Poor boy.

It all starts at that fateful night on Driftmark. Aemond claimed Vaghar but lost an eye. The pain is too intense, the hurt too deep, the humiliation too intolerable, and most importantly, the indifference in his father’s eyes is too much to bear. As the maester is sewing his flesh back together, Aemond blacks out for a bit.

When he wakes up next, he finds himself in a strange place. He’s lying on a massive bed; the unique ocean scent tells him that he’s still on Driftmark, but the surrounding is completely different from mere seconds ago. Did he pass out longer than he thought? Did his mother put him to rest? Why is his face not hurting? What is the warmth on his left?

Aemond doesn’t have to wonder any longer, because the warmth shifts and Aemond hears a small yawn as he feels hot breath on his neck.

“Why are you up, Aemond?” A mop of brown curls emerges from Aemond’s blind side. It’s a boy, no, young man with soft features and sleepy eyes the color of honey wine.

Aemond doesn’t know him. Seven, he never sleeps in the same bed with anyone else. And he certainly doesn’t cuddle.

“Who are you? I demand you to get off my bed and identify yourself.” Aemond says, his voice deep and resonating, nothing like the voice Aemond is accustomed to.

This is NOT his voice.

The young man frowns, sleep disappearing from his eyes. He studies Aemond for a while before slips off the bed. The young man fishes an oversized tunic from the floor and throws it on. The tunic comes down all the way to the middle of his thigh, and Aemond belatedly realizes his companion is completely naked. So is Aemond.

“Did Aegon give you something nasty again? I am going to cut off his balls.” The young man spits, pacing around the room to light the candles.

Aegon, right, that’s a familiar name. His older brother is constantly horny and drunk which annoys Aemond to the core, but now he would die to see a familiar face again.

“Here. Drink some water. Does your head hurt? Do you feel like vomiting? I can have the maester prepare some tonic for you, or do you prefer some warm soup?” The young man returns to the bed with a goblet in hand. He offers the goblet to Aemond before leans down, pressing their forehead together to feel Aemond’s temperature.

Aemond’s breath catches in his throat. Never is someone so caring to him. Not even his own mother. Alicent is always civil and aloof. She is more Queen than mother to him. Aemond can’t remember the last time someone showed such affection and devotion to him.

“How do you feel? Talk to me, Aemond, beloved, you are scaring me.” The young man brushes a strand of silver hair from Aemond’s forehead, his touch so tender that Aemond doesn’t want him to stop.

“Who are you?” Aemond asks again, this time barely a whisper. This is a dream, Aemond is sure of it. Maybe the maester gives him too much milk of the poppy. That’s why he would have this strange but incredibly vivid and addicting dream. He is afraid if he asks the wrong question, the caring stranger would disappear and he will be left alone with pain again.

The stranger chuckles, as if Aemond just did something silly but endearing.

“I can’t believe you are so hang-over that you forget your own husband.” The stranger says. His eyes twinkle, small beads of sweat gives his skin an inviting sheen, and Aemond could see red bite marks scattered all over his chest, especially around his nipples.

“Husband?” Aemond repeats, rather stupidly.

“That’s right. I am your husband, Lucerys.” The young man kisses Aemond on the lips as he reveals the truth.

Aemond’s whole world starts to spin. No. It cannot be. This is merely a milk of the poppy induced dream. There is no way he would marry Lucerys of all people. The boy who just took his eye.

But, come to think of it, Aemond now sees a pair of big doe eyes, unruly curls, plush lips, full cheeks, and a cute button nose. All those features scream Lucerys to him.

“What year is it?” Aemond mutters.

“Are you sure you are all right, love? It’s 140 AC.”

And just like that, a 11-year-old Aemond somehow transfers into the body of his older self almost 20 years later.

Bonus:

121 AC, Driftmark

Aemond (turns to the maester): Can you look at my husband Lucy, eh, I mean my nephew Lucerys? I think his nose is still bleeding.

Everyone looks shocked except for Lucerys.

Lucerys (sniffles): Are you hurting too much uncle?

Aemond: It’s not too bad. Come here, you can kiss it better.

Lucerys (stumbles toward Aemond)

[davenweenie]

Things I would have done if I had created the show ‘Lab Rats’

FTM trans Chase (obvi)

Autistic Leo and Chase

ADHD Adam and Bree

Brought more focus onto why Donald Davenport was a shitty dad, maybe has character development where he realised how bad he actually was.

Douglas would still be evil but his motives would have been slightly different, he’s hiding under the guise of trying to take power over the world when he actually just wants his kids back.

Trans Douglas, hello????

Trans Douglas who used a donor to have Adam, Bree and Chase (makes more sense than him using a random AFAB person tbh)

Explore how the Rats’ bionics actually work, where they actually have their bionics, how they were implanted, if there were any failed subjects etc

Bree would originally be a tomboy who wants to explore her girlhood but has never had the chance to due to being so sheltered and only raised around boys and raised by a man

She slowly started exploring girlhood, Tasha helps by showing her media that heavily features women, they have a shopping trip where Tasha helps her pick out new outfits

Bree slowly transitions into being a more ‘girly’ girl when she discovers how much she actually enjoys doing and wearing what is traditionally considered more feminine

Chase struggling when they all integrate into the real world, he struggles with his masculinity and how the world views him since things were so much easier when it was just him, his two siblings and their pseudo father

Chase’s insane sensory issues, I’d like to believe he walks around constantly wearing a pair of noise cancelling headphones that Leo let him have

They eventually make him some bionic versions which help block out most noises since his super hearing is too strong for normal noise cancelling headphones

He looks a lil silly but they help, so he continues to wear them on days where he’s really struggling

Adam struggling in school, he cannot function well during school, he’s always frustrated in class because he just can’t retain any of the information and he zones out too much to even focus properly

Chase tries to help by tutoring him but Adam can’t focus long enough for it to have an affect

Chase researches ways to help Adam retain information and figures out that playing catch with Adam helps, the action of tossing and catching a ball occupies his hands as well as keeps his brain in gear enough to focus on the information given to him

Leo having meltdowns during the whole Marcus situation. He hates being accused of lying or accused of doing stuff that he didn’t do. He also hates people not believing him so the whole situation overwhelms him and he ends up having a meltdown practically every day.

Exploring how Trent’s bullying has affected Leo and Chase, how they’re terrified to step foot into school some days in fear of what Trent will do that day

Tasha being completely mortified at the way the Rats were raised, demanding that Donald treat them like kids rather than a science experiment

She considers divorcing him at first but she knows she needs to be there for the kids. They eventually work out their relationship and Donald begins to change he treats the Rats, he’s probably only changing because of Tasha though

Big reveal on why Donald is the way he is towards the kids, they’re not his kids and they’re his brother’s who he doesn’t have a good relationship with, he takes it out on the kids because his brother isn’t there to take his anger out on

The Rats being mad at Donald, huge argument scene where they finally stand up for themselves and tell him that having a poor relationship with his brother was no excuse to treat them the way he did, they were just kids who didn’t have any involvement in their sibling rivalry

Donald becomes a cool uncle rather than extremely strict and controlling father. Douglas becomes more like a cool dad than a cool uncle, he’s too irresponsible to have full control of the decision making so him, Donald and Tasha kinda just Co-parent.

Leo gets full bionics, not just in his leg and arm. He has to train as a student at the academy first but later becomes a teacher like Adam, Bree and Chase.

Bree and Chase still go on to be in the EF but it’s only brief while they handle the whole shapeshifter thing before they go back to the academy. Oliver, Skylar and Kaz go with them. They’re still a team that do missions together but they just live at the academy now.

This was very self indulgent, I hope you like it. Thanks for reading and I’ll probably make more of these. This was fun!

[mahi-does-some-art]

Mahiru Shirota's life is going to fall apart as soon as we get any, any new information about his mother.

With chapter 136, Lily reveals to Misono that Touma Taishi is Mahiru Shirota's biological father and it was the reason why Lily had planted Kuro in that alleyway to pick up. I am inclined to believe him because it adds up in the story as a whole; Why Kuro was there in the first place since we know he had been asleep under Alicein manor for the last 200 years.

Along with the fact that Hokaze (Misono's mom) was finally revealed to be a promiscuous woman who was a very active participant in the cheating scandal, I cannot believe that Akira was in no way involved in this plot to resurrect the Count Saint Germaine. Akira may not be on the side that wants to bring him back but she was a part of it no less, we just do not know how yet. (I am figuratively biting my nails waiting to see the ball drop for her)

She was very aware of vampires, magic and mages, this is a fact not because we know that she herself is a mage, we do not know that much, but because of Tooru. He attended the same high school/prep school that Misono does that has direct ties to C3 recruitment and we know he's been involved with Touma since his days there and they fought/killed vampires since then. Along with the Shirota family no doubt being a mage family, Akira was not at all oblivious to this.

I do not, however, think that her sleeping with Touma and creating Mahiru was any plot nudged by any Servamp or like. Why?

Because Lily had genuinely believed that Touma would come to Mahiru's aid in a life-or-death situation that would have otherwise killed him, and was rather shocked when Touma tried to kill him on his own. At least according to what he told Misono. (I believe most of what he's telling Misono except that he doesn't actually care about Misono. I think he's trying to made Misono mad at him beyond reconciliation for Reasons because he's a fucking coward who, if loved properly, won't be able to go through with his and Mikuni's plans)

Anyways, the reason I say Mahiru's entire world will fall apart instead of his views of his mother is because of one specific instance in the manga; Tooru thanking Mahiru for saving Touma. Not for saving Tsurugi like Mahiru probably thinks he was saying, Touma. Because Lily's plan included Touma dying because he was so close to figuring out how they were going to revive the Count.

If Touma HAD died, the good guys wouldn't know what would be happening. Tsubaki, Envy pair and Lily would have been completely clear to start the ritual while completely blindsiding everyone opposed ON TOP of starting the ritual a day early. They'd have been a lot less prepared than they are right now. Touma was a huge danger to the ritual's success.

Tooru knows this. He knows whats happening. Yes, he's also just relieved his childhood friend and coworker isn't dead thanks to his nephew but that isn't the only reason.

Why would Tooru leave Mahiru alone with Tsubaki in the restaurant they went to? Why would Tooru pretend Kuro was a burglar when he saw him chilling in the apartment and then so quickly drop the fact that there supposedly was a burglar in the house, all when we know he must have known who Kuro was the moment he saw him. Even if this was early manga and we did not yet know he was an elite of C3!

Mahiru's entire world is going to fall apart not only because he'll learn his mother is not the woman he thought she was, but because he'll learn he's been betrayed by his uncle in a way far greater than him leaving him alone and lonely for months at a time.

Tooru knows. And has made sure Mahiru didn't under the naive guise of protecting him.

[lincolndjarin]

Best Kept Secret : What If...?

a series of alternate/unused bks story lines!!

contains spoilers for all of bks!!

alternate torture @ the end

i grappled with this a lot. i very strongly believe that the worst thing you can do with your characters in a high stakes situation is coddle them. if i've learned anything from dnd it's that you cannot be afraid to hurt you characters.

yet for the first time in my life i've become so attached that i just couldn't do it.

the tongue in a box scene was something that caused me a lot of turmoil. in the original cut it was elaine's tongue, but i talked to my friend catie about it and we agreed that cutting off a lesbians tongue is fucked up. then i considered actually cutting off din's tongue, i thought that that would make for something really interesting with the big reveal if he couldn't talk to her but it just seemed too brutal? i couldn't really wrap my head around it so i eventually just made it someone elses tongue.

my replacement for that was din's leg, that was something that sort of came on at the last second, i gave him the limp as foreshadowing and then said fuck it, lets take the whole thing.

dress maker

the scene in chapter 4 where din walks in on her in the bath was originally a much longer sequence where a modiste visited the castle and there was a lot of stuff around making new dresses for her and din was going to walk in while she was getting changed.

eventually i scrapped the entire concept and gave elaine the seamstress trait instead.

multiple parties & balls (masquerade)

i briefly mentioned this in the q&a but in the original bks outline there were a lot more parties and big scenes like that. i realized pretty quickly that balls and parties are a visual medium. the reason why i like those scenes so much in other things is because they're so visually appealing which is harder to do when writing. there was going to be a readers birthday ball, a few other parties or wedding for kodos siblings etc but it always felt like filler.

the masquerade was my dream sequence that just never really fir naturally fit with the story so i eventually had to let it go.

no breakup/rules storyline

there was no break up in the original bks story board. instead, everything after chapter 7 was gonna be based around breaking each and every rule.

each chapter following would have been dedicated to breaking a few of the rules up until the last one that would have been; no falling in love, stop when i say to stop, and no kissing would have all been one big climax chapter. it would have been very little women in the 'we have got to have it out jo' sort of sense where she begs him to stop talking but he just keeps confessing.

eventually i realized that a rule or two break every chapter wasn't very sustainable. it was a fun idea and it might work in a different setting but bks at its core is supposed to be an overly dramatic period piece and there just wasn't enough conflict with that so instead i went with the breakup.

alternative ending

i had a similar ending for quite some time and one day i was listening to music and thinking about bks and realized that she loved naboo. originally they fled after kodo was killed. they built a cabin somewhere far away etc. etc.

but the character seemed to make more sense as someone who would want to do right by the people she had grown to love within the kingdom so i decided to make it a sort of thing where she disassembled the monarchy.

(there was also an ending where she faked her own death, framed kodo, and he was ripped apart by the citizens of naboo)

and of course i briefly considered genuinely killing din and having her raise the baby on her own. but the idea made me so truly upset that i just couldnt do it.

hoth story line

not much to say here other that there was going to be a thing where she went back to hoth to visit her family accompanied by the mandalorian. another thing that was fun as a concept but ended up feeling like filler so i dropped it.

elaine plot twist

another case of me really loving elaine and being conflicted about her character.

originally elaine was going to tell kodo about their relationship. it was going to be a situation where kodo suspected something and threatened lysa forcing elaine to take action but eventually i decided to use my backup which was leo since there had been foreshadowing for that anyway

neutral kodo

for quite a while i planned for kodo to be just a bad husband and not a villain. but i needed more conflict and i needed a driving force and he was easy to mold into that.

there was an alternate storyline where he fell in love with the reader and “killed” din out of jealousy

[queen-of-obsessing]

the people have spoken (@merlinjoyer @astudyintheburningofhearts)! here's my take on the magic reveal scene thingy that i mentioned here

---

The air was tense in the throne room as the remaining council members and onlookers filed out of the room; Gwaine casting another worried glance in Merlin’s direction, who was still knelt to the floor. Arthur stood at his throne, leaning against it in silence, a deep frown creasing his forehead, remaining even after the birch doors slammed shut, deepening the silence. He slowly turned, stalking across the room. “What are you still doing on your knees; am I just your king?” Merlin looked away from his dark stare. “Get up, for goodness’ sake.”

Merlin reluctantly stood, his whole body feeling like an undertow dragging him deeper into the murky depths of the guilt and shame he had been trying so hard to avoid. This day was never supposed to come. Arthur returned to the front of his throne, and for the first time since before the battle, they were face to face. Merlin bravely met his eyes, mired with a disappointment that made him want to curl into a ball and die. The silence was endless, neither of them knowing what to say to the other.

“How long?” Arthur’s voice was leveled; low and controlled.

Merlin’s heart pounded in his chest. “I was born with it.”

He watched as Arthur took in this information. “You’ve lied to me all this time.” Frustration threaded through his voice, a restrained anger boiling under the surface. “Why?”

“Arthur, I wanted to tell you -” Merlin insisted.

“All those times you said you respected me and trusted me, was that all a lie too?”

“No!” he cried, tears spilling down his cheeks. “I meant every word.”

“Did you want to overthrow me, like Morgana? Like Morgause? Is that what you want? Power?”   

“No!” Merlin cried in disbelief. “I never wanted any of that!”

“Then forgive me, because I must really stupid!” Arthur exploded, lunging forward to grab Merlin by the shoulders. “WHAT WERE YOU DOING?”

“I did it for you!” Merlin tearfully yelled. “To protect you! Because I care for you, and love you, and believe in you!” Arthur softened his grip on his arms, eyes widening as he spoke. “But forgive me, for not baring my soul to you in a kingdom where my mere existence could have me burned alive! I was scared!”

Arthur backed away, horror clouding his gaze. “Of me?” His friend went silent, swallowing back fresh tears, and his silence was all the answer he needed. “All these years and you never understood,” Arthur said quietly, his anger now shrouded in sadness. “I stuck my neck out for you, I broke you out of jail, I helped Mordred, a known druid, escape execution, hell, I even made him a knight! I executed Kara because she tried to murder me, not for her magic! Did you pay any notice?” Merlin looked away in shame. “I am not my father, but you should’ve known that.” He hesitated. “I thought we were friends.”

Merlin lifted his head. “We are friends.”

Arthur shook his head. “No,” he said softly. “A friend would have had faith in me.” He straightened, a steeled resolve passing over his face. “I don’t want to see you dead, Merlin,” he said. “But I don’t want to see you. I cannot look on you every day. You will leave Camelot at first light.”

Merlin’s eyes widened. “Arthur – no!” he protested, as his king signalling for the guards. “You can’t do this!”

“I am sorry,” Arthur said, as they grasped him by the arms, escorting him out of the room.

[lokiforever]

🖤 Love in the Dark 🖤

Mafia!Loki x Fem!Reader

Series Masterlist

Warnings ⚠️🚨: Slightly agressive Loki...

Chapter 3

➡️

"No, you need to listen to me! It's important. She...she was to marry him. That is why his men kidnapped her!" Barnes said

Loki's face immediately went pale "Did she- did she know?" He said after a moment "No clue" Loki clenched his jaw and balled his fists. Anger was bubbling inside him with a hint of...... possesiveness? He was not sure of whom actually he was mad at...that bastard who most certainly did not deserve someone as pure as you..or you, if you knew...

He stormed outside the room.

You were waiting outside and the force with which Loki opened the door left you in shock. He was seemingly mad.

"Loki ?" you cautiously said, he was moving towards you with calculated steps his face seemed neutral but you knew he was fuming. You were taking steps backwards till your back hit the wall. "Did you know?" he said but you didn't quite get it "W-what?"

He walked even closer to you leaving your bodies inches away. "Did. You. Know" he said through gritted teeth"D-did I know what?" "Goddamn- Did you know why they kidnapped you" said he as he slammed his fist into the wall, making you flinch "N-no"

He was trying hard to control his anger. Not wanting to do anything he might regret later.

He stepped back turning his back to you as he started walking out so as to control himself from saying something harsh to you. "Loki!?" "Loki- listen!!" he said nothing and moved out of the room, the whole mansion, actually.

You were now scared of what did they want...what if they came back?! Slowly the fears overwhelmed you as sat alone in your room which eventually caused to cry ... badly.

After an hour or so, you heard a faint knock but were a bit too preoccupied with tears to notice it. The gate opened as Loki entered... he cautiously took a few steps closer to you "Y/N?" his voice was very soft, almost like a whisper . Getting no response, he crouched beside you "Y/N, I'm so sorry. Please forgive me. I was just... It's not your fault, I know, I'm sorry. Please don't cry, darling" he cooed softly. You looked up at him with teary eyes "I know you didn't mean it, Loki, but what if they get me again?" You managed to say between the sobs "No one will harm you" "Who are those people and why did they kidnap me!?" "You don't need to know that. You're safe with me" his words sounded so pure, so true that you could do nothing but trust him, believe in him.

You always had a hard time trusting someone fully and yet here you were, trusting someone who was so strange and yet seemed so close, with nothing less but your life. He extended his hand for you to take which you did. "Thank you so much, Loki...I can't thank you enough"

'You being here is enough' he thought

He simply gave you a smile and revealed a white paper bag. "This is for you. Consider this as an apology" "Oh, Loki... Thank you " as you opened the bag, it had premium, brand new mobile in it "Loki ..." "I mean, you cannot talk to your friend without a mobile, can you?" he said. The next thing he felt was you hugging him feeling which his body immediately stiffened but after a second or two he returned the hug. It felt nice, much to his surprise. After a few moments you released him from the hug. Though he'd never admit, he wanted to stay like that for longer.

"Thank you so very much!" said you "You're welcome, darling. And,Y/N..." "Yeah?" "I'm forced to go to a party tonight and you're coming with me" "Me? Why me? I don't even know anyone here"

"You don't know me?" "Of course I do" "Exactly, and that's enough. You are going with me" "Do you think I can't say no to that?" "You better not" he said with a hint of playfulness in his voice.

He sounded....a little different today... changed, for good, of course....but still... Little did you know it was the true him, one of the rare times when he lets his guard down.

As decided earlier, you were now getting ready to go to the party. You wore the same dress that Loki almost forced you to buy at the mall. However, you had to admit, it was gorgeous. It was in a shade of green that many could mistake as black, had a perfect fit on you and reached till above your knees.

Pairing it with a set of stilletos and some make-up, you finished your look and walked out in the living room, where he was waiting for you.

Loki was wearing a dark green, velvet tuxedo with his hair neatly done, looking sinfully gorgeous.

He almost stopped breathing for a second when his eyes landed on you. And lord knows, he put every last bit of his self control to not kiss you and more right there and then. "You're look absolutely ravishing, darling" causing you to turn to a deep shade of red. "Thank you... You look great yourself"

Oh, he looked breath-taking, the suit was suiting him very much. His hair looked so soft and oh, his scent . It was something rich, leather, musk and a ting of a citrusy perfection.

On stepping out Loki walked to the limousine with you, it was none other than the wonderful limo, Rolls Royce Phantom. The chauffeur opened the door for you as you and Loki sat in.

"Which's your favourite car brand, darling?" "Oh, mine's this, Rolls Royce. They have such great models, what bout' yours?" "Oh, I agree with you, mine's the same. This car is in my top five."

"Oh, really? Which's your numero uno?" "Oh, I'll show you someday"

~°~~~~

You both entered the party, Loki had placed a gentle hand at the small of your back as he walked across the room, he sensed someone coming towards "Ugh, meet one of the most annoying people you'd find in here" he said loud enough for only you to here and then turned towards the person "Ethan Fletcher." "Hey!!! Got yourself a girl , did you, Laufeyson?" the person with an awkwardly chirpy and over-excited voice whome you know knew as Ethan said with a pat on Loki's shoulder making him cringe internally, he resisted the urge to roll his eyes and said "She's not my girlfriend. Excuse me" and walked towards the person who apparently wanted to discuss something with him "Uh, Y/N, why don't you get yourself some drinks while I tackle this little buisness?" "Are you sure?" "Totally, just stay safe and if you find anyone suspicious, just come to me. Barnes' bot here unfortunately, else I'd have sent him with you. But don't fret, I'll be swift." "Alright, thanks" you said with a small smile and a nod

You walked towards the drinks counter, ordering the least alcoholic drink as you didn't want to go raving and do something embarrassing especially when you had the company of Loki.

"Hey" you heard a voice behind you which most definitely was not Loki's you turned around to find the owner of the voice finding a blonde guy standing there, he was wearing a black suit and had a smile on his face. He sat on the bar stool beside you "I'm Marc" "Y/N" "Would you mind sharing a dance with me?" "Uh.... I'm sorry, I don't feel like dancing today.." "Oh, come on. Just one dance..." you tried to deny him but he was just too adamant so you eventually gave in

In the dimly lit ballroom, the music swirled through the air as you gracefully moved across the dance floor. The atmosphere was electric as laughter and conversation filled the space. Unbeknownst to you, Loki stood at the edge of the room, his piercing gaze locked on you. You continued the dance, unaware of the storm brewing within Loki's heart. A twinge of jealousy flickered across his face, quickly masked by his composed demeanor.

Deep down, Loki struggled with his emotions, haunted by a tragic incident from the past that left him scarred and closed off to the possibility of love.

Little did he know, fate was about to challenge his resolve, and perhaps, unravel the walls he had meticulously built around his heart.

🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

Taglist:

@holdmytesseract @jennyggggrrr @lotsoflokilove23 @jaidenhawke @wolvesmom1 @gruftiela @mary-jinx @mischief-dream@ladychota @dishahaldar @eleniblue @foxherder @allesiaandnx

[katasstrophy]

this is my official public statement that i will never, not even on my deathbed, nor a hundred thousand bajillion years later when i’ll merely be a squiggly skeleton in my cozy little coffin, or for that matter under any other circumstance, really, will I EVER forgive mr best football player in japan, boy prodigy Itoshi FUCKING Sae for what he did and/or said to Rin in chapter 148.

that being said, bllk manga spoilers under the cut !

Just,,, just fucking LOOK at these panels

it’s already very much apparent from his posture and gritted teeth that Rin is devastated by the outcome against the U-20 team. Okay, devastated might be a strong word here but he’s definitely unhappy about it—and Blue Lock won. Rin won—or, well, in his eyes, did he?

the first thing that’s reflected in Rin’s eyes is Aiku’s handshake with Isagi after the game ended with Isagi’s winning goal. By congratulating him and admitting their loss, Aiku is acknowledging Isagi—his talent as well as the threat he poses. Which is all fine and dandy, go off Isagi good for you buddy honestly BUT!! Rin has done the exact same thing in the first half. He was the first Blue Locker who could stand toe to toe with Aiku, outsmart him, and score a goal against him—an important one, too! Yet he’s not even getting half the recognition Isagi is.

And the sad part about it is that it makes perfect sense. Of fucking course Aiku’s not gonna saunter over to shake Rin’s hand while the game is still undecided—he full on believed his team was going to emerge victorious, why go on congratulating losers? (I know Rin wouldn’t have accepted Aiku’s handshake anyway lmao that fucking gremlin but that’s NOT THE POINT HERE!!!)

The point is what comes after.

Rin’s not one to go fishing for praise. He was Blue Lock’s first ranked player after the 3rd selection; he’s very much aware of his own abilities. And he has been acknowledged multiple times before by others, which he proceeded to completely brush off because, wait for it, he thinks they’re not on par with his level. Why would he need acknowledgement from lukewarm players?

Rin thinks NO ONE’s better than him at football, EXCEPT for his older brother, Sae.

Which is what makes Sae saying Isagi’s the first good striker he’s seen Japan produce—the striker who will forever change the Japanese football scene—even more heartbreaking.

Like I can’t take this pls do you SEE his face ??

This is right before Sae HIGH KEY implies that he’s finally about to acknowledge his little brother’s talents. There’s so much hope in Rin’s expression he almost looks like a kid again. There’s an honest to god little blush on his cheeks. There are fucking SPARKLES (!!!) in his eyes like EXCUUUSSEEE MEEE

even though there’s a shit ton of resentment between them, Rin really just wants to be good enough to play football with his bro again. He wants Sae to be like “yupp my bad you are a good striker”

god i cannot wait to find out what happened to sae in spain to make him such a piss baby

BUT INSTEAD we get Sae acknowledging Isagi—which fine, whatever, it’s a trend in the Blue Lock universe who am i to judge EXCEPT !!!! The whole ass reason Isagi could “incorporate luck into his play” is because he full on believed with his chest that Rin would steal the ball from Sae. WHICH HE DAMN WELL FUCKING DID

Sae sure as hell thought that was NOT gonna happen. Not even a possibility in his careful little calculations. I mean come on—

The man was too stunned to speak !!! Bitch got his ass thoroughly kicked !!!

Basically:

Couldn’t have said it better myself king

and yet. AND YET

like literally what was the reason. Why go on and declare that you acknowledge Isagi, but not Rin? I know there was a fat chance of it happening anyway—but then why not just stay silent? Sae is also pretty much aware of his brother’s abilities (besides that surprise one-up). He knows Rin’s smart enough to eventually figure out what his flow state reveals about himself—reveal what he’s missing. So why? Why declare it to Rin’s face?

Why do this to him?

At this point, there’s no more room in Rin for devastation and feeling like a disappointment. That’s all he’s been feeling for the past years. He’s done. All that’s left after this is bone deep hatred.

Unless I’m colossally missing smth, or this action will be redeemed in the next 200 chapters, Sae’s just cruel here. The only outcome I can discern from this is that now Rin’s and Isagi’s rivalry isn’t one-sided, but I genuinely fucking believe that would have been achieved regardless of Sae’s bullshittery.

SO IN CONCLUSION:

thank you for coming to my ted talk.

also @ugh-tsumu i hope you don’t mind i used your itoshi rin supremacy meme. it is spectacular <3 the other one is made by me lmaooo ART i tell you

[livefreeforfun]

Terapagos' Hidden Power

Terapagos is the newest legendary Pokemon, introduced in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s Indigo Disk DLC, the second part of the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero. While the story of Scarlet and Violet isn’t over yet as we’re getting an epilogue in January, there’s a scene in the DLC that I absolutely have to talk about as the lore implications are nuts. Obviously there are gonna be spoilers for Indigo Disk, so if you haven’t played yet then you should probably click off this post now.

After capturing Terapagos in the Underdepths of Area Zero, you can gain access to a hidden interaction at Kitakami’s Crystal Pool, noteworthy for its… well, crystal formations of Terastal energy. Upon approaching the pool, Terapagos exits its Pokeball and calls forth a cloud of mist and, seemingly, Professor Sada/Turo before retreating back into its ball. This naturally prompts a discussion between the confused professor and the player, but it’s a brief discussion as after a few minutes the cloud of mist closes back in and takes the professor with it. While I won’t be going too in depth into the conversation with the professor, I will be going into how I think Terapagos is involved with it and revealing a potential hidden layer of mystery and intrigue to this new Pokemon.

Sada’s/Turo’s Arrival

So naturally, the arrival of Sada and Turo is what needs to be covered first as it’s what reveals new aspects of Terapagos to us. First, many would be led to assume that this is actually Professor Sada/Turo as this conversation takes place at the Crystal Pool, a location that’s said to allow people to speak to the dead. However, I believe this to be untrue. Early on in the conversation, Sada/Turo come to the conclusion that they must’ve been transported to the future by some unknown force.

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQ-SiGwyCKA)

This wouldn’t exactly make sense, though. After all, the implication about the Crystal Pool is that those you meet there are dead, so why would this be any different? Even the Milotic you battle with Carmine is coded to have the Tera Typing of Ghost to further allude to this fact. The time machine can’t be at fault either as AI Sada/Turo explicitly states that those who travel through time cannot return to the present, which we see Sada/Turo do. But what if what’s happening here isn’t time travel?

Milotic

As stated previously, the Milotic you battle with Carmine to obtain the Crystal Cluster needed to fix the Teal Mask is coded to have the Tera Type of Ghost. This isn’t a hugely known fact though, as it’s only really viewable if you look into the game’s code (or look at Bulbapedia like I did). Obviously since I’m bringing it up, I think it has some relevance here. I find it odd that despite giving this Milotic a Tera Type different from its original type, it never actually undergoes Terastalization. I mean, why not? Wouldn’t that get the idea of “meeting the dead” across a lot better? Not to mention, we’ve seen the ghost of a Pokemon before in the form of the Marowak from Pokemon Tower. Well…

I don’t think that Milotic is dead at all. In fact, I don’t think it was even alive before you first approached the Crystal Pool with Carmine. “This guy must be an idiot, what could he possibly be talking about?”. First, rude, my feelings :(. Second, I actually do have some evidence to back this claim up, and it all lies in…

The Scarlet/Violet Book

Trust me, I’m gonna tie this all together, just stick with me here. If you read the copy of the Scarlet/Violet book in the Academy, you’ll find a section titled “Monsters of Area Zero”. It’s the section of the book that goes over the first discovery of Great Tusk/Iron Treads, as shown in the photo provided below.

(Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/PokemonScarletViolet/comments/zi7ef7/mysteries_of_the_scarletviolet_book_unlocked/)

So why’s this important? It’s simple, really. Quoting Arven:

“Wait, hold on... Isn't my mom's/dad's time machine the whole reason the ancient/future Pokémon ended up here in the first place? This book is from way before she/he made the time machine, but it mentions ancient/future Pokémon. Isn't that kinda...weird?”

Why yes, Arven, it IS weird! This entry basically confirms that the time machine isn’t what’s creating the Paradox Pokemon. Something else within Area Zero is creating these Pokemon from the “past” or “future” based on which game you play. I think the same thing is happening at the Crystal Lake with Milotic and Sada/Turo. That wasn’t a Milotic, and that isn’t Sada/Turo, they’re recreations of a Milotic and the professor made with Terastal energy. And who molded these recreations?

Terapagos and the “Time Machine”

Time to tie this all together with a neat bow. Yeah, there’s obviously a reason that Terapagos’ presence is required for this interaction to happen. It made the Sada/Turo that the player interacts with at the Crystal Pool, just like how it made the Paradox Pokemon originating in Area Zero. Yeah, I’m going as far as to say it also created the Paradox Pokemon. The “time machine” was powered by Terastal energy, the same energy used to create the Milotic, the phantom professor, and presumably our Koraidon/Miraidon. The idea might strike some as odd, as if it’s not a time machine, when what is it?

While it’s hard to say what it is for certain, we can make some inferences on its true identity. Like I said, the whole machine is powered by Terastal energy, which I’m theorizing has the power to create entirely new organisms. The most difficult part to intuit is what it creates organisms from, but I think I have a pretty solid idea: imagination.  Think about the first Pokemon that was pulled through the machine. Koraidon or Miraidon, depending on the version of the game you’re playing. These Pokemon are meant to represent past and future versions of Cylizar, as stated by their dex entries:

Koraidon’s Violet Dex Entry: “This Pokémon resembles Cyclizar, but it is far burlier and more ferocious. Nothing is known about its ecology or other features.”Miraidon’s Scarlet Dex Entry: “Much remains unknown about this creature. It resembles Cyclizar, but it is far more ruthless and powerful.”

And what Pokemon was Heath, someone who you could say Sada/Turo idolized, prominently shown with in the Scarlet/Violet book, a volume which the professor admits is precious to them in their conversation with you at the Crystal Pool? Why, Cyclizar, of course!

(Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/PokemonScarletViolet/comments/zi7ef7/mysteries_of_the_scarletviolet_book_unlocked/)

I just can’t see this being a coincidence whatsoever, the choice to give Heath a Cyclizar while making both box legendaries past and future forms of it just feels so intentional. The Paradox Pokemon having been created during the original expedition makes sense as well. Before they had ever seen a Paradox Pokemon, they had been researching the regular Pokemon they were finding in Area Zero, and given that they were scientists it’s natural to assume they were most likely theory crafting what other kinds of Pokemon could live down there. It was only after a couple days of descending into Area Zero that the team encountered their first Paradox Pokemon. This could even explain why the Milotic at the Crystal Pool had a unique Ghost Tera Type; meeting the dead at the Crystal Pool is a common folktale in Kitakami, and the Crystal Pool is full of crystals of Terastal energy, just like Area Zero.

So, let’s wrap that neat little bow on all this. Terastal energy is clearly some form of creation energy, as it’s been shown to create not only the Paradox Pokemon, but also Milotic and even a duplicate professor. We’ve only ever seen this form of creation occur in two places: Area Zero and the Crystal Pool. Terapagos is stated to be the source of the Terastal phenomenon in it’s Scarlet Pokedex entry…: “Terapagos protects itself using its power to transform energy into hard crystals. This Pokémon is the source of the Terastal phenomenon.”

…and the interaction with the professor at the Crystal Pool does not happen without the player catching Terapagos. The “time machine” is really a machine that brings Pokemon from your imagination to life, and the Crystal Pool shows you terastal energy copies of those who have passed away rather than genuine ghosts. With all that in mind…

Terapagos’ Hidden Power

The true power of Terapagos, the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, is the power of creation. Be it replications of deceased individuals and books they held dear, or entirely new Pokemon that have never existed before, Terapagos can pull ideas from the minds of individuals and, using Terastal energy, will them into reality.

[crossdressingdeath]

Actually one thing that really bothers me with the whole "No one hated you for being the son of Hades, you just pushed everyone away" thing is that... well, first off as I've said before we know it isn't true because every single POV character we've had since Titan's Curse who's interacted with Nico except Hazel comments on how creepy Nico is for being the son of Hades so it doesn't work even slightly, but also. I mean. Nico spends so much time being told "This thing that you are and cannot stop being is wrong and evil. It's wrong and evil because we've decided it is. Your father, the one adult in your life you can even sort of depend on? He's bad because he's the god of the dead. No, no, it's nothing he's done exactly, in fact when we accused him of a crime before it turned out he was actually a victim in said crime, he didn't do anything; it's what he is and how that's caused him to distance himself from the people who vocally hate him and don't want him around that makes him untrustworthy, and you should also know better than to trust him. He's Hades after all. That makes him bad," with the subtext that Nico very clearly picks up on being "and you're bad because you're like him". Now, if you think about that, you may pick up on a little bit of applicability in there for the story of a kid struggling with internalized homophobia! Just a teensy bit! It was a perfect way of getting into how awful it is to have people you like and care about openly think something about you that you can't change makes you wrong even if they don't realize they're doing it and even if they really do love you (and in fact how in a lot of ways it's worse when you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they do love you aside from That Part) without having to make any characters actually homophobic (thinking the Underworld's creepy is significantly more sympathetic and easier to justify and get characters to work through in a fictional setting than them being real-world bigots would be, after all), and Rick fumbled the ball at the finish line!

If you're reading the whole "Hades and Underworld stuff is Bad And Creepy so Nico is Bad And Creepy" thing as being a metaphor for homophobia (or honestly any other kind of bigotry, but given Nico's problems homophobia fits best) as is really easy to do even before he's revealed to be gay the way that plot point gets dropped in favour of "Well actually it was fine the whole time and Nico just decided that everyone hated him with no evidence other than every POV character except his sister openly thinking he's creepy and at least one person telling him to his face that he shouldn't have trusted his own father who up to that point as far as we know had never lied to him solely because his father is the god of the dead but never mind that, it was all in his head!" kind of feels like Rick's going "Oh, it's not that serious" when uh. incorrect. Which I'm sure wasn't his intention, Rick does try to be sensitive about these things, but it is very much a thing that insisting that a character (whose arc features a huge aspect of overcoming internalized homophobia developed by growing up in the 1930s) saying in no uncertain terms that he's been made to feel unwelcome because of who his father is when we know from the other POV characters' views of him and responses to him that his view of it is correct doesn't need to be taken seriously because "Oh it's all in his head" is... a little uncomfortable! And made worse by the fact that while Will learning to see that the Underworld isn't an inherently awful place is an excellent subplot and we love to see the character growth (and I still firmly believe that Will is infinitely better about it than basically any other character for the primary reason that at least he has a specific reason for thinking the way he does, being in the Underworld is literally killing him and also he's the only character who does learn he was wrong to think that way, so no one start shit about it on this post) he hasn't had that character development at the end of HoO, and the fact that we hear this "You pushed yourself away" viewpoint from someone who also has issues with the Underworld and it's still allowed to stand without argument makes it so much worse. Rick, there's an entire subplot in TSatS about how Nico does in fact still hear even people who genuinely and deeply love him and hate the thought of doing anything to harm him talk shit about his home and how that hurts him and they need to learn to do better. Why are you still trying to say it's all in Nico's head when you keep hammering home that it isn't?

[iterate-incubate]

The god of destruction unsexy maintenance

You had your gods of creation and destruction. Basic stuff. At first, the wrecker was down with their role. It was cool and edgy and powerful to make big things come down. It was easier to destroy something than construct it, and that... dissatisfied them. In time, even the gifts and the edgy disciples couldn't shake this ick inside the god of destruction.

One day, the wrecker's prize paladin completed her greatest conquest: a holy war, waged across planes and up mountains to reach the maker's own fortress. Millions had been slain to blaze the path, and she still had Creation itself to reckon with.

The battle was long, and you cannot kill a god someone still believes in, but eventually the paladin won. She exhausted the maker and sequestered it deep inside the mountain. Then she sent up a prayer, dedicating her next action to her own god. She didn't know they had been watching the whole time.

Next, the paladin set out to unmake the maker's palace. A mere burn or wrecking ball wouldn't do. This was her -- her god's -- greatest achievement. To do it justice, the fort needed nothing less than disintegration, atom by atom.

The wrecker revealed themself for this. They made a show of casting about for their sibling, feigning disbelief it was gone. They put on their best Badass God voice and boomed approval. They sat in Creation's throne, shifted in it. Of course the thing wasn't comfortable. It wasn't one of their tailor made mounts, and they were in one of their most exciting moments.

They were. They were so excited. That must be the name of the worm that had grown in their belly, now writhing in their chest. It felt like that because they were the god of war and destruction! It must be good.

Two things happened at once. A breeze came through one of the breached walls, knocking down an intricately balanced tower. A spinner-bug crawled onto the wrecker's limb. As they raised another to crush the creature, a thought hit them with the breeze. This being would die on its own, given time. All things would. They did not need help to pass into the Void of All. Entropy would do its patient work.

They were no god of destruction. They had no domain. All they could be was a hastener of something that didn't need help. And for what?

The deity turned their raised limb out, toward the paladin. "Stop," they commanded. She had just begun her ruinous work: a few bodies of matter destroyed. "Your task is finished. I thank you, truly, for your service."

It was sincere. Though it would shame them in future, without such dramatic events, the god of wreckage and ruin would not have realized the truth of it. They would not have found what they really wanted.

They dismissed their paladin, adding her lost time and confusion to the tally of awful things for which they needed to atone. Once they were alone, they took stock of the rubble.

Not many patron saints of construction workers out there.

First, they set to restoring their sibling's home. Arguably, the god itself was of greater importance. But sequestration was the closest to death or sleep a god could get, and the wrecker had ruined so much of Crea's. They wanted to give it a nice place to come home to, at least. So they rebuilt the fortress, as best they could, atom by spinning atom.

Then they fetched their sibling. Creation, rightfully angry, nearly smote the other on the spot. The wrecker, now its ally, only laughed. "Please do. Your powers undermine what I was. I don't want to be what I was."

They explained to Crea their plans, and their new domain.

"Can a god even do that? Change domains?" it asked.

"Is someone going to stop me?" countered the once-wrecker.

Thus began the siblings' journey as partners in existence: it the creator, and they the one who would maintain those creations. It was often solitary and decidedly unsexy work. Not many mortals worshiped the guy who fixed your plumbing. That was okay. The worm was gone, and the work was good.

They would find tricks for encouraging self-maintenance; many of their tinkerings literally came to life. But for the most part, it was just constant, tedious, honest, satisfying work. That was the nature of fighting entropy. It was boring. It was the best work in the world.

Who wanted to be a war god when you could keep things beautiful, and functioning, and alive!

[dollhouseirl]

((A slight palette change for Ms. Doctor Pravd and a chance to spend a little more time in her headspace for more writing ahead of my VN's release. Art assets are coming together so I swear something new will be here soon.)) "There now! That's MUCH better~" After the incident in the old laboratory, a change of clothes had been necessitated. These sorts of, let's call them, chemical reactions were no danger to her but her wardrobe had not tasted of the same story that she had. In fact, Pravd was rather certain, fairly certain, certain enough to shelve the thought, that wardrobes did not taste of stories at all. 'Note to self,' she thought, 'Give a wardrobe a reason to live.' The purpose would of course be to revoke it, harass it, make it rue the day it had ever acquired such a thing (for SCIENCE, if you can believe it). There would be a whole process, a theorem, everything would be trim and proper. She would likely have to twist the universe's arm or find some arm of some kind to twist but she was becoming quite the interdimensional debutante. "I am the belle of the ball," she mused with a smile. "I am the queen bee although they do not know it yet." Pravd giggled with an almost innocent glee. They soon would and these colors she now wore would help impress it upon them. 'I wear any colors well,' she thought, 'but these put everyone on notice: bow before your new girlboss icon queen and stan or be slain.' Words were sparking in her mind. The reaction. It had revealed something to her. She'd seen something that intrigued her and could swear it had a kind of familiarity to her. 'Like a place I would certainly know how to find if I'd...goodness, hehehe, haha, aaaaaaaaahaha! I mean, I'd had to have known it existed? 'YASSSSS KWEEN'? I can't tell if you'd kill whoever came up with that or kill to be it that's a lie I could easily opt for both forms of killing ;)' Something was taking shape in her head. A plan of sorts. A diversion. Her true aim would take time; it was not quite ripe yet. Perhaps she herself, star of this show though she was, was not ripe yet either. "I have decided," Pravd said, moving to the door of the old lab without physically moving at all ('space is a suggestion to me; i cannot ignore it but it knows i'm dead serious'), "I am about to become HORRIFYINGLY annoying. I think we will call this my..." Brilliant mind though she was, master virologist, one who was a chrysalis harboring something fair and terrible, for a moment she halted. Self-doubt? Chastened, perhaps? Her smile for a moment began to flatten. What might be on her mind? It came back within instants, one more fragment from the 'incident' she would be investigating promptly. "We will call it my 'engagement arc'. Oh my yes, I do like that. I certainly would love to be engaged...kay, thanks, hi~"

______________________________________ Still waiting on some things to come together, although I actually have two more in the chamber to share perhaps, more of this type of thing, but I wanted to write this character a little more. You can consider this something of a prequel to the VN of sorts. I do not know if it will be obvious how this all connects but I don't consider myself someone who is writing to be obscure on purpose. Also we had a palette change for Pravd, a favorite of mine, and I wanted to make an excuse out of it to have her switch palettes. So I hope this is enjoyable and that Purple Prose with Purple Hearts, out by the end of the month for sure, will be. I am fortunate that my team includes someone I have been working on voice acting with and I am very very excited to get that shaped into something; they know who they are and I will be crediting when I talk more about it. ^^ Extremely good stuff is happening for what amounts to my crude amateurish first effort.

[classiqals]

this was nothing new for the experienced egyptian spy. in fact, as he settled down into the chair with both arms on it's rest, leaning comfortably against the back sitting tall, kamal took note how this interrogation room was far nicer than some he'd experienced before. the fluttering heartrate contained in his chest was exactly why he loved his job; this is what thrills are made of. @theopulenthq

Hello, can you please tell me your name, country, && what role you provide your court?

" yes sir, i am kamal hattem, i serve the abdul crown in their royal guard, specifically assigned to the safety of sultana ferah. i have held this station in court for the past three years. " earned through falsified papers, but this of course, was left unmentioned.

And who do you believe to be your closest allies, either nations or individuals? Do you trust your allies?

" truthfully, it is not necessarily my place to decide who my allies may be. i am given orders, such as to accompany the sultana here, and i carry them out. trust is above my pay grade. " for a moment, kamal held his breath, unsure if the answer would be accepted. the interrogator scribbled down a note, and then continued, and kamal's eyebrows raised in slight surprise at how easy this was.

Ah, yes, I see... how about your enemies, then. Who do you not align yourself with, and why?

" anyone who stands to oppose sultana ferah, i suppose. " a one-shouldered shrug accompanied the nonchalant words. the nonchalance and blind devotion was a practiced mask.

Interesting. Do you have a personal vendetta against any of the courts, or even individuals, here?

there it was. kamal felt tension grow between his shoulder blades, now that their eyes met, and he was asked a question of personal nature. every lie needed some truth; so kamal focused on his friends in court, those he may have to pretend he held no bond with. " i cannot... " kamal gave off the impression he was thinking seriously about it. " ... say that i do, actually. none that i believe would have involvement in the recent violence. "

What are your thoughts on the mysterious deaths in so many royal families?

" it is all very sad, and i feel fortunate that the family i serve was not directly targeted, but we feel persia's loss as if it were our own. " a pause, and kamal's expression changed to genuine concern. " left unchecked, i fear the terror would have ruled us all. perhaps that is meant to the point. the attacks did seem... random. " and he knew how it looked; how easy it would be to shift blame to sultan rostam's unique position, sitting head over persia and standing to potentially gain so much in turkey in the event of tragedy to the current ruler... but kamal hoped it would not come to that.

How do you feel about the system of monarchy as a whole?

this took kamal by surprise, and he nearly broke character to laugh. " i never really thought of myself in the position to consider such things. with any system, i believe that... " how was he to know what to say here? the interrogator revealed nothing in their eyes. " there are things that could improve, but who am i to say so? "

So, what would be your best theory as to what is going on, then?

now he understood. " so you think the attacks have something to do with unrest among the opinion towards monarchy? " silence met his question, and kamal swallowed. " i mean, it is a good theory, and better than anything i could have come up. "

Thank you for your time. Is there anything else you'd like to add, anything else that would be useful to the investigation?

now was the chance to win standing for his court, and his own place, within the mughal empire. it almost hurt to do so - the flash of blue eyes coming to mind, a mysterious smile, and kamal steeled himself. " i was asked an interesting question at the ball, regarding an enquiry from sultan rostam about their brothers travel plans. perhaps his answers would be more revealing than mine, as he seems to be conducting a more personal investigation. " standing, kamal gave a respectful half bow, eager to leave and prepare a report for his spymaster. " if you have any more questions, you know where to find me. "

[dweemeister]

August 7, 2023

By Rory Smith

BONDI BEACH, Australia (The New York Times) — Even in the highest-resolution image, examined up close, there was not so much as a discernible sliver of daylight. The margin by which the United States was eliminated from the Women’s World Cup was so microscopic that it cannot be expressed in a unit of measurement the country fully recognizes.

A millimeter, a single millimeter, is no more than 0.04 inches, yet even that most slender gap can serve as the gossamer border between two realities. Such is the unspoken truth of sports, of course: The difference between triumph and disaster, delight and dismay, can be far thinner than we choose to pretend.

For the United States, there is some comfort in that. “It is tough to have your World Cup end by a millimeter,” Alyssa Naeher, the U.S. goalkeeper, said after her team’s loss to Sweden in a penalty shootout Sunday. It does not take an especially vivid imagination to envision how the outcome might have been different.

Had Naeher intercepted Lina Hurtig’s shot at a slightly different angle, maybe the spin would have carried the ball to safety. Had Hurtig struck her penalty more softly, or more firmly, maybe Naeher would have saved it more decisively. Granted a reprieve, maybe the United States would have gone on to win that game in the round of 16, the tournament, the crown. Maybe, maybe, maybe.

That solace, though, is an illusion, and so too is the idea that the United States was eliminated by a millimeter. It was not one penalty that ended its hopes of a third straight title and, in the process, drew the veil over a whole golden, glorious generation, no matter how tempting it might be to believe. This is another unspoken truth of sports: Moments do not exist in isolation.

There is a certain irony in the fact that it was against Sweden that the United States, so limp and insipid earlier in the tournament, started to show signs of life. Naomi Girma was imperious. Lindsey Horan was dynamic. Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman and Lynn Williams were all, at various points, electric. There were glimpses, in Melbourne, Australia, of what this team might one day be...

... It is not enough... to point the finger of blame at the coach, Vlatko Andonovski. He will, most likely, be removed from his position before his contract expires at the end of the year, and it is hard to make a case for his retention. This is the worst performance an American team has mustered at a World Cup. A price has to be paid.

But Andonovski is not the cause of the malaise. There are structural, systemic issues that have to be addressed, too. There are issues with the way the United States produces players, a fragmented system is reliant on pay-to-play youth teams in disparate leagues, unattached to elite adult teams, feeding into the college system.

Don't read the comments section in the article (from NYT readers for chrissakes). Some make good points; most don't (and lambast the team for its equal pay and racial equality activism). So don't.

[shimuberin]

interview.

Sigrun had cried when they received the letter from the Academy. Tanith had helped her pack up books, clothes, her favorite plush bird. Naesala had wished her luck, ruffled her hair after she’d told him not to. 

Youngest Empress no longer wore red and gold, but black and white. The blouse fit her well, the skirt brushed her shins (she cannot remember the last time her clothes fit her). The buttons were gaudy, not to her taste. The tasseled robe that threatened to swallow her whole sat folded neatly in her suitcase she dragged behind her. 

Her guards had wanted to drop her off at the gates, like she was some sort of schoolgirl. She’d said she’d walk herself to the gate. 

She regrets that now - the suitcase is heavy. 

Feet in proper shoes instead of slippers dig into snow as she approaches. The gates at home are less imposing to her, even though they tower higher. She places a hand on the metal, ready to push it open-

“Whoa there, kid. No one gets in here.” Tiny Empress starts as she turns to face the voice - a figure in red-tinged armor, sitting up on the wall. The guard pushes back her helmet to reveal a grin. “Unless, of course, you’re someone important.”

“I am important! I am Sanaki Kirsch Altina, Empress of Bengion, and-” 

“Too many words,” the guard interrupts with a feigned yawn. “Why do you want to get in here?” Sanaki nearly stomps her foot and raises her voice. She knows better than that. Insted, she takes a breath. 

“I received a letter of invitation to this school’s house of Black Eagles. I was told to be here for an interview about this time. I cannot miss it, so let me inside.” A beat. “Please.” 

“Hmm... A Black Eagles student? You look like you’d fit.” The guard drums an idle rhythm on her helmet’s rim as she thinks. “Do you have the letter?” Sanaki fishes into the too-shallow pockets of her new clothes (why had she not remedied this when she had the time?) to present the guard with the letter. She skims it for a moment, then nods. “Looks official enough.”

“Then let me inside. I cannot be late for my interview, it would damage my reputation as Empress.” Sanaki shifts her weight from foot to foot. She hears laughter through the bars of the gates, the sounds of friendly sparring. 

“Do you know what they’re going to ask you? That’s really important to know, you know.” Sanaki thinks back to Tanith’s coaching. 

“...I do not believe my guard mentioned that to me, no.” 

“Well, you have to think about what you’re going to say before an interview to do well. I know you’re an empress, but even empresses need interview practice.” The guard leans back against the alcove she sits in, kicking armored feet back and forth. “Shame it doesn’t seem like you’ll get any.” She tips her helmet back over her eyes. “Gate’s unlocked, by the way.” 

“Wait!” Youngest empress surges closer, dropping the suitcase behind her on the ground. “What they will ask me? You have to know, as a member of this church. Tell me the questions!” The guard shakes a finger at Sanaki with a good-tempered smile. 

“You need to ask politely, Empress. I’m not a subject of yours.” Sanaki balls her fists, but swallows back indignation. She’s had plenty of practice in the senate. 

“...Would you please tell me the questions they will ask?” Her tone is too even. 

“Gladly, Empress. You can even practice answering, if you’d like. I do this a lot.” The guard removes her helmet, letting reddish-brown hair tumble onto her shoulders. “The first question is very easy - who are you, and what got you here?” 

Sanaki thinks back for a moment on all thirteen-and-a-half years of her life. She feels like it’s already been filled to bursting, like a plush trying to hold a ballgown in its seams. She wonders for a moment when to begin. The guard takes notice, leaning forward slightly. 

“Just think of it like a story. What’re the important parts? What would I need to know to understand your position?” Sanaki taps her foot, the toe crunching the snow. 

“I was crowned Empress when I was five years old.” A shiver runs through her body - is it the cold, or thinking back on it that makes her shudder? “My grandmother, the previous Apostle and Empress, was assassinated earlier that year. To prevent rebellion, they decided they needed someone to guide the country. So they chose me - the only living descendant. They named my advisor and guardian at the same time - my mother had died some years earlier.” She reaches, on instinct, for her sleeve to fiddle with. She only grabs the air, pretends she was itching at the blouse. “Little did I know I was only being raised as a figurehead - a puppet for the people to love while the Bengion senators did terrible things right behind my back. They told me to be patient, eventually I’d hear the voice of the Goddess, but it never came... They lied to me, so they could continue to kill-” 

Youngest Empress feels her voice stealing away, concealed in her thickening breaths. She wishes again for her big sleeves to hide in. The guard hops down from her ledge to kneel next to Sanaki. 

“I’m sorry,” she says, without a snarky remark for once. 

“The Radiant Hero, Ike, he helped me uncover it all. He’s here too, isn’t he...?” The guard nods, cautiously reaching out to wipe a tear from Sanaki’s face. Sanaki doesn’t brush it away. She wishes Sigrun or Tanith was here. 

“Ike is here. So are many of your peers, like Elincia, Kurthnaga, Nailah... They’ll be excited to hear you were invited here.” 

“They all helped... The Goddess got mad at us, and she turned almost all of Tellius to stone, but they - we - remained, and we fought the Goddess back...” She could speak of Sephiran, of everything else she grieved, everything that had been taken, but she holds her tongue. She’s already crying enough. 

“Thank you for telling me. I’m sorry it was so hard to tell,” the guard says as she stands. She lets the information settle on her shoulders for a moment before she continues. “Not to move us too quickly, but I have the other two questions - don’t worry, they aren’t as hard as this one was. I promise.” Sanaki nods. The tears have dried into the freezing air. Any other girl would have been allowed to cry. Sanaki wasn’t any other girl. 

“I’m ready.” 

“What do you think is your greatest strength, and what is your greatest weakness?” She doesn’t hesitate as long before answering. 

“I’m here to fix my greatest weakness - I am young, and do not have much experience of the world. I am hoping I will learn more about what it means to lead here.” She tilts her head. “As for my strengths, I am competent with fire magic, and good enough at diplomacy to navigate a country without the aid of senators.” The guard nods. 

“Good answers, very concise. You’ve been asked that before.” Sanaki nods. 

“Many times. My leadership didn’t go unquestioned.” 

“Well, we’ve got one more. If a story were to be written about your life, what role would you play?” 

Youngest empress has to think for a moment. “I am not sure,” she admits. “I’ve been told all my life that I’m the one in the spotlight, but I’ve realized now I was never really standing on the stage.” The part she had been promised didn't really even belong to her, did it? “I want to take what is mine, and hold it so strongly I will not be questioned again.” Tiny empress tastes magic in the air swirling to her, though it doesn't ignite. The guard nods. 

“I get it.” She leans against the metal gate, shoving it open for Sanaki to enter. “I'll pass those answers along, alright? I think you've got a good chance.” She winks. 

“I- I do not understand, I believed the interview would be conducted inside...” 

“Oh, it will be, don't worry. What I say has very little sway with them. But I'll be sure to put in a good word.” 

“Thank you... May I have your name?” The guard laughs. 

“Another day, Empress. For now, I believe you have an interview to run to.”