#convinced I’m a social pariah on here

[sorchathered]

Ok so I genuinely want to know, and because my fic writing life is ending soon I am feeling like now is a good time to just word vomit whatever I have always wanted to ask. Is there a reason I don’t get asks anymore? Like do I give off a bad vibe and yall just don’t want to talk to me? I’m asking the void obviously because I won’t get any asks for this I’m sure but it’s bothered me for a while. I used to get them all the time and no one ever sends any these days so I was just curious if I’m doing something to annoy people. And also my bpd and depression are crazzzy rn so I’m convinced everyone hates me. Probably will delete this tbh. 😂😂

[grandhotelabyss]

Lol at the idea of commissioning Pariah to do the writing, (who incidentally also used to be in those dismal leftie fb groups years ago) if Salomé didn’t exist we would have to invent them. I confess I’ve never been completely convinced by either the left-libs freaking out about Lana as conservative chanteuse or the far right seeing in her a harbinger of some kind of youthful populist-reactionary turn. She reminds me of a kind of girl (and guy, although there were way less of them) I remember from high school who wanted to be counterculture, but didn’t do politics and wasn’t really interested in pissing off their parents in any way other than the normal way that all teenagers invariably do just by being teenagers.* Yeah there was a conservative leaning there, and even a bit of racism, but I think it was mostly a mix of aesthetics and cultural inertia- America is after all an ambiently conservative nation. It seems very odd to me that that type of person ever got radicalized enough to start throwing around the race science stuff the way Anna and Dasha did, but then they’re probably hardly representative specimens, and my memories of that type are all from before left-activist rhetoric became so completely inescapable during the Trump era

*A part of me is tempted to say that this is on a slightly higher register the role Paglia fulfills as well (this is the purpose of Camille) I’m sure the context of the original quote is nonsense, but I’ve always thought (I think?) Naomi Wolff was onto something when she described her as Phyllis Schlafy for the nipple-pierced set. There’s something of the sense while you’re actually reading or listening that this is some hot, revolutionary, stuff but then if you actually think about it you’re circuitously being persuaded via decadent aesthetics to have your parents or grandparents sexual/racial etc mores (this is not entirely serious and I know I’m doing injury to her program by describing this way, but I think it’s also the appeal of her aside from the imperious declaration of this and that.)

I think Oscar Wilde invented Salomé. I discovered her more recently, find a leftist phase hard to imagine.

Back in the '90s and early '00s, the religious right had enough power to allow the counterculture to be a broad political anti-church that included secular libertarians (e.g., Kurt Loder and Kennedy on MTV) or libertarian-ish figures like Paglia. As long as you weren't a Bible-thumper, nobody asked you what you thought about taxes. "Fiscally conservative, socially liberal" was like "I listen to everything but rap and country." Things were just politicized in a different way than they are now. I don't think everybody should have to be deeply politically engaged.

The racial thing with Anna and Dasha is because they're children of immigrants. (I'm allowed to say this because I'm one too.) I don't say "white" immigrants, either; I don't even say "non-black" immigrants, because I've graded the composition essays of Somali students here in Minneapolis, and they're also capable of sounding like Steve Sailer. The "critical race theory" idea—I think Baldwin was the first major writer to make the point—of immigrants defining themselves against African Americans is just true; I've seen it again and again.

On the other hand, Paglia was liberal on race, if in an aestheticized way that earned her a rebuke from bell hooks. Whenever she did talk about race, she took a romantic pan-POC (to include Italians and Jews) and anti-WASP stance. She blamed the feminism she despised on an almost racial Anglo-Saxon female frigidity. (There's a reason she became friends with Edward Said.) This seems less absurd when you read an early feminist tract like Olive Schreiner's Woman and Labour and find that it sounds like a Nazi pamphlet, heralding feminism as the rebirth, after industrialism caused a small setback in white women's estate, of the always-independent Teutonic sisterhood, this as against the immemorial slavery of women practiced by the "darker races" (presumably, again, to include Italians and Jews). But there are even strains of this kind of thing in Wollstonecraft and Fuller, too. Some have even wondered why Gilman's famous wallpaper is yellow.

As with Paglia, my own thinking about gender and sexuality ranges beyond the bounds of liberalism in either direction or all directions, while I can't say the same for race. I think it's irresponsible, to say the least, for humanists and artists to indulge anything like biological racism. Gender and sexuality are endlessly fascinating and unsolvable riddles, whereas I've never been able to get intellectually interested in race; masculine and feminine are cosmic forces, but "black" and "white" are the flimsy contrivances of the pirate and the sociologist.

[crazygirl0152]

(Here’s my finished drawing) Title:”Gonzales sisters face the Nephilim and the family”

Kalos, Elizabeth’s penthouse 3:00 PM nobody’s POV

The sisters are packed up to go unova to apologize the champion, elite-four and gym leaders in person as GIF after they apologize in 4 regions by past months including their work schedule hours so Eliza said “Good thing I did pay the tickets since noon hours ago so we all know what we can do.” Melissa is about to agree with her sister but the maid interrupted their conversation “Um Lady Eliza and Melissa Mr nephilim is already here with his family but they’re at living room so they wanted to talk to you both.” Eliza just said “>Sigh< I’ll come down with my sister.” The sisters went down to the living room.

Living room

Gonzales sisters saw the nephilim and his family which is they’ve been guessed but eliza said in usual “Oh Mr Nephilim >Chuckles< it’s been awhile.” So he said “Evening Elizabeth and Melissa I see you two together full grown up but very beautiful.” As the man compliments the two then Melissa said “Thank you Mr Nephilim Now what’s the problem with us?” Eliza said to remind them “I thought I was very clear about this to I never show my face with my sister in your home region again.” Grimsley says “We aware of this Liz but your sister and you are decent people then more importantly we want is…” grimsley lets the older sister says “So what do you want? Because me and my sister have the best of best qualities as business, pleasure and alliance enterprises.” Nephilim gives an offer to only just Eliza says “Yes right… all we want is you start convincing your fans and people by the truth to stop all this pariahs in our home region and other regions cause it’s getting out of control because of you.” Eliza is spellbound and shocked by his answer but the older sister said “! I kinda did overboard with my minions and colleagues in orders to make the pariahs a living hell same way I had suffered in trauma.” Nephilim is angry with Eliza and said “Here is the deal with you, world’s strongest woman and acrobat by the next morning you’re gotta go up in stage and tell everyone the real truth if you don’t obey this I’ll never give you my autograph.” Eliza did wanted that autograph from piers’s dad so she had gave in for first time in sad tone so he can hear it “Ok sir.” Nephilim grabbed her hair and face besides her height is 8,1 then says “Good oh one last thing after you tell everyone about you did I suggest you and your sister quit this ‘Killing all team organizations’ operation by mission.” The sisters had no choice to obey Nephilim by plan

Next morning Elizabeth’s Hideout 7:00 AM

As Elizabeth, in her favorite cashmere goddess dress(Skunktank) did order her minions to live video when she told everyone by internet and social media as real truth about little overboard to make pariahs a living hell and rest is history when the video ended minions are curious and ask Eliza “?:Hey boss why the long face?” Eliza announced “Minions and fellow workers this is our last and goodbye I’m closing down mission and operation’Killing all team organizations’ forever because people are going haywire about me and my sister for what we did and our control but for now you all pack your bags for your new lives.” The minions and fellow workers are very understanding so they left to leave the sisters alone in their hideout where they found arecus holy water in lifetime supply. Eliza is depressed by dismissal, falling her knees, and laid down her black rose flower bed as Nephilim and his family is little happy except the sisters are depressed with sadness when they feel sympathy while the rest is to comfort Melissa so piers went to Eliza to comfort but his shock of her eyesight is lifeless then her makeup is ruined “Mornin’ Liz and you did well but my dad says he’s sorry about last night and he went too harsh.” Eliza says in little smile while her eyes still lifeless “It’s okay piers and Mr nephilim but it’s all clear now and out of bag then me and my sister will get it over in 3 days.” But piers don’t want to wait anymore and says while carcass her face “Elizabeth! I can’t stand you sad like this and I do like the real you as kid so please don’t take pity and overwork yourself too hard but it’s not okay and healthy for you to do everything then I’m asking you as friend…no…a boyfriend!” Eliza realized and her eyes are full of life but immediately hugs the father and son gently then piers loosen the hair bun and then saw longest black/hair but straight mixed with curly. However Nephilim says “It’s official now Eliza I insist you have surgery today.” Eliza ask “What surgery?” The father replied “Muscle/fat liposuction.” Eliza reluctantly as first about doctors but she agreed to his opinion then grimsley told Nephilim in last night that Eliza, world’s strongest woman is too good to destroy everyone who has debts but never ending killing machine so she had no choice to retire even though despite the sisters had Pokémon circus birth tattoos one is on the tummy and the other is the back on the neck.

The end.

[akirathief]

{ Hojo-san​: }

Why him? Why would Yukio invite someone who she thought hated her- or invite anyone at all- to the house? It didn’t match up with how her sister acted, nor did it bode well if their parents changed their minds and came home earlier than expected.

“You really shouldn’t be here.” A small chuff as she tightens her arms up more. Knowing their mother and father there would be questions for both Akira and the two sisters. They were supposed to be focused on their studies, after all, not friends.

Yumi pauses to let the hidden, serious tone settle in. To try and search the teen’s face for some ulterior motive. Then she’s turning and motioning with her head for Akira to follow. “Busy’s one way to put it. But what older sister isn’t busy when it comes to her younger siblings and parents. You’ve seen the size of the mansion as well. Maintaining it isn’t the most relaxing of tasks.”

“How’d you convince her to let you come along? Chamyle’s not usually the agreeable type to people she’s rarely ever talked to before.” Once she was in the kitchen, Yumi set about making some snacks. An obligatory task for when they had guests, unexpected or not. Better to do it now then wait to be asked. “Anything in particular you want to eat or drink?”

There is a lot that he could say in response. The issue is, really, he knows when he should not be somewhere. He is an outcast, a social pariah--someone who others whispered about behind their hands. There are places for someone like him, but those places have to be carved, not found.

The house, this mansion, is a different topic altogether, of course. He does not live here. He is an outsider invited in, and it is easy to see the issue laying itself out before him. He might be a guest, but he is a bit unwanted by at least one of the occupants. It still has the same result, though:

He wants to stick around all the same.

Nonetheless, Akira stands when Yumi gives him the signal to--a gesture of the head feels familiar to him for a different reason, and the tension in the air is almost enough to send his instincts on edge. Almost. It is funny though, how close this is to an actual, proper heist. In a way, it is one--just not in the same way the more active parts of the process is. “ I’m not that picky. If it makes it easier, I’ll just take some water. ”

A hand raises up to fidget with the fringe of his hair. Come up with something, quick. “ Guess it’s just my charming personality, ” he jumps to rather quickly. Maybe not the best choice, but a lighthearted joke never hurts anyone. The recovery comes a beat or two later. “ Eh... Just figured I could help with studies in some way. Group study sessions have always been helpful for me, so... ”

[ilikekidsshows]

can you talk about Adrien's relationship with Nino please?

YES I CAN!

(The moment Adrien realizes Nino loves him.)

The most important thing to consider about the relationship between Nino and Adrien is that Nino accepted Adrien when no one else would. On his first day at school, Adrien was instantly labelled “Chloé’s friend”, which is a tag that turns you into a social pariah. How often is Sabrina invited anywhere? Never to any place where Chloé isn’t also present, which implies it’s a whole class activity. People don’t want to to hang out with Chloé, so they don’t want to hang out with Chloé’s friends, either because they think Chloé’s friends must be as bad as her or because they don’t want that friend to invite Chloé too. Adrien almost ended up like Sabrina, emotionally reliant on Chloé because she’s the only social contact they’re allowed.

Nino is also the one who convinced Adrien to try to sort out the misunderstanding with Marinette. Adrien isn’t too used to standing up for himself, especially at the start of the story. Gabriel never accepts any excuses and rarely changes his mind, so Adrien rarely bothers trying explaining himself. If it hadn’t been for Nino’s encouragement, Adrien would have let Marinette think he was a bully. We only have Adrinette because of Nino.

Their relationship is not just about Nino being nice to the loner kid that one time, however. Nino repeatedly prioritizes Adrien in a way no other person in Adrien’s life does. In his father’s eyes, Adrien is second to both his work and supervillain schemes. Nathalie claims she cares for Adrien too, but she prioritizes Gabriel over Adrien. His bodyguard has been hired to look after him. Even Plagg sometimes has his own agenda and plans and doesn’t consider Adrien in them, like in ’Sandboy’ and ‘Kwamibuster’. Every single girl with a crush on Adrien prioritizes their idea of him over the actual him. But, to Nino, in many occasions in the show, Adrien is his first priority. In ‘Bubbler’, Nino was so dedicated to Adrien’s happiness, he even stuck to that goal with Hawk Moth trying to get him to steal the Miraculous and his fight with Ladybug and Cat Noir was more about them wrecking his plans of throwing a party for Adrien. Like, in terms of Character Alignments, Bubbler is strictly Chaotic Adrien.

Nino also prioritizes Adrien in ‘Simon Says’, where the first thing he says to Ladybug after assuring her he’s fine is to ask after Adrien. In fact, Nino’s insistence on them making sure Adrien is fine actually startles Adrien as Cat Noir enough that he decides to meet up with them as Adrien to make Nino feel better, despite it making it more difficult for him to turn back into Cat Noir, especially since Nino insists on trying to stick by Adrien through the entire debacle when Adrien’s dad is a target, just to make sure Adrien is fine.

Also, Nino is the few characters in the series to say they love someone in a way that came across as completely heartfelt and easy. Even if it happened in the overly melodramatic New York Special, Adrien’s and Nino’s casual closeness was presented in a very down-to-earth and believable manner. He touched Adrien’s face gently, and Adrien didn’t mind, and he told his girlfriend he loved Adrien.

And it’s not just Nino caring about Adrien one-sidedly. Adrien jumped at the chance to help out Nino in ‘Animan’, and we’ve seen that Nino has consistently been his phone’s background picture since season one episode ‘Copycat’. The smile on Adrien’s face when he’s with Nino is only matched by when he’s goofing off with Plagg in season three or when he’s playing with Kitty Section. Adrien is at his most relaxed around Nino, and Nino is at ease with him right back. This is why I’m convinced that Nino knows Adrien the best after Plagg. Adrien very rarely allows himself to joke around and goof off outside the mask, but with Nino, we saw him ribbing Nino in a friendly way all the way back in ‘Animan’.

I also think that, if he didn’t have to keep such a tight lid on his secret identity, Adrien would definitely tell Nino he’s Cat Noir. Nino seems to think Cat Noir is really cool, especially in ‘Horrificator’ and ‘Reflekta’, where he can barely contain his glee when he sees Cat Noir. Almost like he knows on some level Cat Noir is important to him. Then again, maybe Cat Noir reminds him of Adrien, with how open Adrien is about his goofier aspects with Nino.

And, since we’re on the topic of ‘Horrificator’, here’s a theory that might explain why Nino was such a Director-zilla in that episode when he’s usually so chill: maybe Adrien had told him that his mom was an actress and Nino wanted Adrien’s acting debut to go as well as possible. Almost like another character who goes into extremes for Adrien’s sake and who Nino was even mirrored with at the end of ‘Party Crasher’. “I did it for Adrien,” indeed.

In short: Nino is one of the few people who love Adrien completely unconditionally and consider Adrien as a top priority. In return, Nino is one of the few people Adrien allows himself to be completely open around. Their relationship is honest, loving and soothing for them both.

[paintball-writes]

Day 3 - Identities

Day1 - Day2 - Day3 - Day4

Marinette had been living with the waynes for over a month now. The reason? Tom and Sabine sent her away to her biological father. Apparently To Dupain was not her biological, but Bruce Wayne was.

Marinette had a sliver of hope, A really, really thin one. Which had faltered by the month.

Marinette had defeated Hawk Moth with Chat Noir. Apparently Plagg found the brooches along with two sleeping kwamis accidentally. At night when Gabriel and Natalie were asleep, He had stolen the miraculous. On the patrol that night, Chat had told her that the miraculous were right under their noses. He gave her the two brooches and told her that Plagg had found the brooches in his father’s study. He told her that Gabriel was Hawk moth and Natalie was Mayura. Then he de-transformed and handed her the ring saying that he wanted to continue his life as a civilian.

Later that week it was announced that Chat noir found out who Hawk Moth was and he had stolen the miraculous at night. He then said that Gabriel and Natalie were the Villians. He then revealed himself saying that he was innocent, and he had no idea that his father was Hawk moth. Marinette had thought that with Hawkmoth gone she could beat Lila, But no, it Backfired. That was the reason she was Shipped off. Like an object. She was replaced just like an object.

Her only wish was to die. But she had tried to do that multiple times. Someone always managed to save her. So no, that option was unavailable. She had thought that she would finally be able to die in Gotham by sucide, But no, Selina, Cassandra or Jason always managed to save her.

By now she had started to see the woman as a mother figure. The Waynes hated her. They didn’t even listen to her side of the story. Only Cass and Jason had seen that there was more to the story. Selina and Alfred too, of course. The waynes saw her with disgust. They laid out certain rules.

And of course she figured out they were Bat family. She may not be from Gotham, but she wasn’t certainly stupid. She had to admit, The Waynes were really good at hiding the Batfam thingy. But what gave them away? Misplaced Batarangs by Tim. Then Tikki had also found the cave. She wasn’t stupid, Clark Kent and Bruce Wayne were good friends and certainly Batman and Superman. The people of Justice league stopped by often at the Manor too.

Speaking of the Justice League, They had given her an offer to join the League, but she declined. They had given her a satellite phone for emergencies to contact the league. They had praised her high and low. Batman was even Concerned for her when he found out her age range. Concerned! If they knew that Ladybug was their new sibling who was claimed to be a bully, she’d be declared a threat and her take Miraculous away.

Her routine was the same. Wake up. Eat breakfast in silence as she was being glared at. Study something. Do commissions while talking to her boyfriend, Luka and the others. Eat Lunch while being glared at. Study the Grimoire with Alfred. Sketch some designs while talking to Selina and Cass. Draw illustrations while Jason talks. Eat dinner in Silence. Stay up till 3 am doing commissions. Sleep.

Last week she had introduced Luka to Cass, Selina, Jason and Alfred. It went really well. Especially when Jason found out he was Jagged Stone’s son.

She was thinking how she could step up her game with the Waynes. In her thoughts she didn’t see Selina coming in.

“What are you thinking about Kitten ?” Selina asks, seeing the half sketched dress.

“Gah! Selina don’t scare me like that! Anyway I was thinking, ``What do I do to annoy the waynes?” Marinette asks the Master of scheming Cat-woman.

“Hmm, what about going to your true self? Being in headphones, ignoring them, Snide answers, and stuff like that?” Selina says thoughtfully.

“Selina, that's brilliant! You’re the best Mom!” Marinette says. She covers her mouth with her hand realizing what she said.

“Aww, Com’ere Kit. I love you.” Selina says softly.

“You’re not mad?” Marinette hesitantly asks.

“Of course not!” She says.

“You’ll be more of a mother than Sabine will ever be to me.” Marinette says with a small voice and hugs the older woman.

Then the Chaos was unleashed. Whenever the Waynes wanted to ask her something she’d ignore them and she always had her headphones on.

- - - - - - - -

“Marinette, tell me why did you hurt the poor girl?” Bruce asks in a stern voice. Of course Mari didn’t hear him because of the blaring music.

“Marinette, Why did you hurt the poor girl?” Bruce asks again, obviously annoyed.

“MARINETTE-” He was cut off from Alfred of course.

“If I may Master Bruce,” he says, earning a nod. He gently taps the girl’s shoulder. Marinette moves her hair away and removes her Airpod. The music is loud enough for everybody to hear.Meanwhile Bruce flushes in embarrassment. “Miss, Your father wants to ask you something.” Marinette nods. She turns to her Father.

“What?” She asks.

“I asked, Why did you hurt the poor girl marinette, around two months ago?” He asks, patience bearing thin.

“Oh? I didn’t know that I could make a clone of myself and Send one to the fencing class and the other to beat her up at the Seine?” She says in a bored tone. Jason and Cass, not being able to hold their laughter any longer, burst out laughing.

Later that night they checked her attendance, sure enough she was in the fencing class.

- - - - - -

One day Marinette got a call from the Justice league, Stating an emergency. She quickly transformed to Ladybug and Portalled to the Watchtower.

“Ladybug, welcome to the Watchtower,” Wonder Woman welcomed, standing at the head of a group of heroes. Interestingly enough, Batman and all of his brood were among them. Nightwing, Red Robin, Black Bat, and Robin and the others.

“Wonder Woman,” she greeted back. “What’s the problem?”

“Your former partner has been kidnapped.”

Ladybug’s face turned pale, but she took a deep breath instead of panicking. “What do we know?”

“Ra’s al Ghul has taken the former Chat Noir in an attempt to convince the Guardian of the Miraculous to turn over the jewels to him,” Batman reported.

Her face turned up into a snarl. “The League of Assassins,” she spat.

They were surprised that she knew Ra’s. But they hid it well.

“I take it you understand why we cannot allow the Miraculous to be surrendered to his control,” Batman continued.

Wonder Woman stepped in before Ladybug could reply. “Ladybug, we need you to tell us who the Guardian is so that we may protect them.”

Ladybug let out a cold laugh. Shivers ran down everyone’s spine. “Wonder Woman, you misunderstand. The Order of the Miraculous is all but dead. I’m all that’s left. You want the Grand Guardian of the Miraculous?” She spread her arms wide. “You’re looking at her. And Ra’s al Ghul can have them over my dead body. ”

The gathered heroes looked stunned. “Now where is Adrien?”

Red robin started, recovering first. “You’re not going alone.”

“You’re right,” Ladybug cut in. “I’m not. I’m gathering my team.”

“What Red Robin meant to say is that Batman and his assembled partners are going with you,” Wonder Woman soothed. “They have experience dealing with Ra’s and would be a great asset.”

“I’ll be back in ten minutes, at the most.” She said. Everyone nodded. She portalled away to gather her team.

Five minutes later a portal opened and stepped out Honey bee, Dragoness and Cobra in the Glory. The portal snapped shut when Ladybug entered.

“This is not enough! We’re dealing with Ra’s al Ghul and the league here!” Ladybug said. “We need her. She’s the last resort if we lose!” Dragoness exclaimed. The Justice league was confused. Who were they talking about?

“You’re right. Bee, you’re the only one who knows where she is. You’re her best friend. I can't find her in all of paris!” Ladybug asks, turning to Honey bee.

“You’re right, I do. It’ll be easy to find her. She’ll be in her room. She’s always Isolated, so don’t worry about getting caught.” Honey Bee answers.

“Isolation! I thought I told her to Socialize!” Ladybug exclaims.

“Yeah, but her family treats her like a pariah except some people. But Ladybug I don’t know if she’ll be able to fight.” Honey bee says.

“Rossi?”

“Rossi.”

“Now location please.” Ladybug says.

“Right. Wayne Manor, Gotham, New Jersey.” Honeybee whispers. Earning surprised looks from Ladybug and the Supers.

“Alright.” Ladybug portals away. This was all staged of course. She had recently found a spell to make a clone of herself.

“Why won't the hero be able to fight? She’s a hero!” Batman exclaims.

“Depression, you overgrown furry, Depression. She’s tried committing sucide several times. We saved her.” This earns many shocked looks.

Cue opening a portal. All of the Paris heroes Gasps. All in glory Multimouse is standing there.

When Honey Bee saw Multimouse, she gasped and enveloped her in a hug, muttering French endearments and saying how much she’d missed her. Dragoness stole Multimouse for a hug next before passing her on to Viperion who also received an extra peck on the lips in return, while Ladybug watched with a soft smile.

With Kaalki involved, it was child’s play to get into the assassin stronghold. Team Miraculous filled the gaps and worked seamlessly in their own right, simply a step away from Gotham’s Bats. They beat assassins on their own. The Bats just watched in awe.

It didn’t take them long to make their way to Ra’s.

The man wore a self-satisfied smirk on his face as he greeted him from his throne. A bruised and bloodied but otherwise intact Adrien was being restrained on the dias a few feet away.

“Well, well, if it isn’t Team Miraculous,” Ra’s mused, looking down the line. His eyes paused on Multimouse and his expression shifted to intense amusement. “And if it isn’t the latest in the Detective’s brood. I suppose heroics truly do run in the family after all.”

A number of shocked and confused gazes snapped to Multimouse, who simply stared at him down with cold eyes growling quietly.

“And yet she isn’t why we’re here,” Ladybug cut in coldly, shoving that problem in a box for later.

Ra’s shifted his oily attention to her. “Yes, I believe I requested the Guardian, young Bug.”

“And here I am,” Ladybug said simply. “But I will never cede the Miraculous to you.”

“Well, then I suppose the Blonde Cat dies.” The assassin near Adrien tried to kill him only to turn to orange smoke. Ra’s growls when he realizes he was tricked.

“Your reign is over. Your crimes won’t continue much longer. Tell me, just how long have you been using the Pits to keep yourself alive?”

“Goodbye, Ra’s al Ghul,” Ladybug intoned. “We’ll leave you to what remains of your empire.” She turned and motioned for the Fox to open the portal to the Watchtower. The Bats followed behind.

Adrien was at the fringes, attempting to escape a hero that was trying to get him to the Medbay for medical attention. He only had eyes for Multimouse.

“Marinette!” he called.

The Bats were shocked at both the name and the blatant outing of a secret identity.

Adrien broke free from his wounds. “Marinette, I’m so sorry,” he said brokenly.

It was quiet for a moment. “I take it they told you why I left, then,” Multimouse said, carefully devoid of emotion.

“I never thought-”

“Don’t, Adrien,” Queen Bee snapped.

Adrien gaped at his friend, shocked at the venom her words carried against him.

“But her Lies, they weren't hurting anyone!”

“How?” Multimouse snapped, her voice cracking. She took a deep breath. “How was it different? Because you told me I had to ‘take the high road?’ Because her lies would unravel themselves? Because she wasn’t hurting anyone? Bullshit, Adrien! They were hurting me!”

“She followed your advice at first,” Queen Bee said sharply. “She shouldn’t have, but you were her friend and she trusted you. By the time she realized that it had been a mistake, it was too late. Everyone else was in too deep and you did nothing . When Mari tried to tell everyone that they were being lied to, she was made to look like a liar. A bully.”

“Do you realize that the rest of us had people on watchlists?” Ryuko said bluntly. “People at risk of Akumatization that could bring the city to its knees. Aurore, because of Stormy Weather II. Ondine, because of Syren. But do you know who was on top?” She let the silence sit. “Marinette. Marinette was on top of that list. The only reason she was above Ladybug was because Marinette was drowning. But any time she tried to get through to the others, Lila hit back harder and you would ask Mari to back down. Because we don’t want to upset Lila, right? We don’t want her to become an akuma. Again.”

“My parents believed her, Adrien,” Multimouse said quietly. “They sent me away because I was ‘out of control’. I’m treated like a criminal where I am now! So I’m sorry, Adrien, but I can’t forgive you. You said you didn’t want to live with more lies, but then you stopped telling the truth when it threatened your ‘peace’. Even when that ‘peace’ might have ruined my life.” She took a deep, steadying breath. “But you know what they say, right? Never meet your heroes.” She turned and looked straight at Batman. “They’ll always just disappoint you.”

- - - - - - - -

The next week was tense at the Wayne manor. But eventually they apologised to marinette. She became close with them. She and her family then sent lawsuits to the Akuma class.

The saying is true then. “All’s well that ends well.”

@maribat-bdbwm

[tanadrin]

Off topic but do you have any thoughts on how you predict trans liberation playing out in the future (and how to stay sane in the mean time)? Should we ignore or try to deradicalize people spreading deliberate ignorance and misinformation like terfs, Nazis, fundis, etc?

I think as with any struggle for civil rights and social acceptance, you muddle through and things continually get better; but there's always room for improvement. And there's no inevitable arc to these things; the way things are going in the UK, it's possible (not especially likely, but certainly possible) that you could see a reactionary anti-trans backlash the equal of anything in Poland or Russia sometime in the next couple of decades. You already kind of have one in progress with the anti-HRT/puberty blocker laws passed in some US states--while those are contested, states pretty clearly have the right to pass those laws in the same way that more progressive states have a right to pass anti-conversion-therapy laws, unless and until a Roe-style decision prevents them. And there are plenty of places in the world where trans rights, along with more general kinds of LGBT rights, are just a total non-starter, and will be probably for the rest of our lifetimes.

Berlin provides a useful example: in the 1920s, it had a rich queer culture, and with the rise of the Nazis in the 30s there was a long, bleak winter that seemed to last basically until West Berlin, due to its unique status under international law, became a haven for young people dodging conscription in West Germany, and the city began to rebuild its countercultural credentials. If you were alive here in the 30s and 40s, it would have felt like the end of the world; in the 60s and 70s, like a dark episode in a complicated history; in the 2000s, perhaps like a momentary lapse in the natural progression of society becoming ever more tolerant; but in the future, who knows?

The lesson to me is that while you can and should care about the bigger picture, you can't let anxiety about the bigger picture prevent you from living your life now, nor fears (nor hopes) about what might eventually happen putting off what happiness you can seize for yourself today. It is possible to become too invested in the big picture, to the point where anger about politics (and climate change, and everything else going on in the world) leads you to overlook already present possibilities of fulfillment in your life right now. I don't want to blow rainbows up anybody's ass here; there are people stuck in genuinely awful situations, their personal equivalent of Berlin under siege, with the Gestapo still arresting gay people even as the Red Army closed in and the city starved. But if that's you, your goal isn't systemic political change, or convincing your enemies to see your point of view, it's to survive--a month, a year, however long it takes until the spring.

As for convincing people: that's not really the goal. By which I mean, convincing specific individuals is an extremely hard problem, and not usually worth the effort. You will likely never convince the diehard transphobe or religiously-motivated bigot, and the greater population of fencesitters and soft transphobes that it is important to sway from a political coalition-building perspective are only useful if you can persuade them in large numbers. That's a quite slow process, at least at first, but thankfully, it's far from futile. LGBT people have an advantage that other groups seeking civil rights don't: they're randomly distributed throughout the population, and often invisible unless and until they come out. To put it mildly, few white segregationists in the 60s would have had to reckon with learning by surprise that someone they loved was black and having to square their racism with their personal relationships. But by and large the dominant form of political change on (for example) gay rights seems to have come from people discovering that 1) homosexuality is actually very common, and 2) they likely know and love someone who is gay. That's not a silver bullet for homophobia, but boy is it persuasive!

Which makes sense, given the affective nature of politics. And of course it's a situational advantage; you don't come out in a place where it would be suicide even if it might actually convince some marginal homophobes to rethink their homophobia. That's why progress on gay rights was so slow for so long. This isn't a categorical imperative: it's not a duty of any individual trans person to come out regardless of circumstances. It's a circumstantial tool, along with political organization, and pushing to make transphobia socially unacceptable in more and more places, in the manner of racism or homophobia.

From where I'm sitting, in Western Europe, the U.S., and Canada, trans rights seem relatively secure in the gains they've made, with important exceptions like the UK and several specific U.S. states. Further progress outside of those exceptions seems to be linked primarily to the fortunes of socially progressive political parties, e.g., an SPD or Green-led government is likely a precondition for the Selbstbestimmungsgesetz in Germany, and in Europe stridently anti-trans positions are mostly the province of far-right parties that are (for now!) political pariahs. In most of the rest of the world, the situation ranges from bleak to dire, and except for those in a position to move, I don't know what I would do. But I would say this, in general: I don't think anybody has an obligation to emotionally mortify themselves to try to convince a bigot they are wrong. If you enjoy arguing for sport, or you feel particularly called to it, by all means go ahead. But if the idea gives you a headache, I give you permission to ignore the assholes. You have a far higher moral obligation to yourself, to live the happiest life that you are able, and to take joy wherever you are able to find it. That is in fact a political act, a positive propaganda of the deed, and a refutation of the canard that goodness and joy are inherent only in the moralistic and restrictive bounds created by prejudice.

[chibinekochan]

How to become a Demon Ruler 102

Part:   01  I

After getting adopted by the Demon King * better known as Diavolos dad *, you get sent to the demon prince castle.

There you are supposed to get your proper education from your new adoptive brother and his butler.

GN. Reader insert

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

At that moment I open my eyes and almost have a heart attack when I find Barbatos looking at me. "Wah, what are you doing here?" I yelp in surprise.

"I'm ashamed if I startled you. It's time for dinner." Barbatos is calm as usual and smiles at me. It's a bit unnerving if I'm being honest.

"Next time you should knock." I say with a frown.

"Very well, I will remember that." Barbatos face doesn't even twitch.

He is a real pro. I have to admire that dedication.

I get up from the bed.

  Barbatos stands there, seemingly waiting for a chance to assist me.

"Do you wish to change?" Barbatos tone doesn't seem to imply that I should change my clothes.

"No, I'm good..." I'm hesitant if my answer is right and carefully peek at him.

Barbatos serenely smiles at me. "Then we should head to the dining room."

I'm starting to wonder if anything would ever wipe that smile off his face. I don't think I want to find out.

  Barbatos escorts me to the dining room. It's more of a banquet hall. It's so vast, I can barely see the other side of the room.

Diavolo is already sitting on the table and smiles happily at me.

Barbatos shows me to my seat.

I sit down, anxious of what to do or say. Everything is still sinking in.

  "How do you like your room?" Diavolo breaks the silence.

"It's very charming." I can't tell him that it's too big or that I'm nervous about breaking anything if I look at it too intensely. So I'm just being gracious.

"That's great to hear. I was worried if you could feel at home here but I'm delighted you like it." Diavolo seems so genuinely pleased that it makes my heart ache.

"My lord please don't pressure the young liege." Barbatos softly reprimands Diavolo.

I hold my breath for Diavolos reaction to that.

"Oh, did I do that? I apologize, I might be a bit too excited about having such a cute sibling. Don't mind me." Much to my surprise Diavolo waves it literally off.

I feel a bit embarrassed about being called cute but I can't say anything to stop him. "It's alright." I offer him a faint smile.

"Don't encourage him too much." Barbatos almost whispers this to me, but it's obvious that Diavolo can still hear him.

"Shall we eat then?" Diavolo's expression has not changed at all.

I nod and our meal begins.

  The meal includes several courses. I do my best to remember what cutlery to use for certain dishes but frankly I have never seen any of the food being served.

A few times I direct a desperate glance at Barbatos and he kindly points to the correct silverware. Then I look at Diavolo on how to eat the meal. He doesn't seem to mind his own manners that much.

Our meal is a bit strange, but I am more than full by the end of it.

  "That was extremely pleasant. How did you like our food?" Diavolo seems a bit worried, like I didn't eat enough. I mean he did eat a lot more than I did.

"I have never eaten anything like this before but it was absolutely delicious. I want to compliment the cook." I state the genuine truth. Some of the dishes looked a bit dubious but everything tasted very good and some dishes were similar to human food.

"I'm extremely delighted to hear that." Barbatos tone is gentler than before and his smile reaches his eyes. So he must be very happy.

"Wait, don't tell me that you prepared all of this?" It surprises me to say the least. Typically, something like this would be done by a kitchen chef.

"Indeed, I take pride in my cooking." Barbatos nods.

"That is extremely impressive." It's hard to believe, but I guess I shouldn't be surprised that the butler of the demon prince is top class.

  Barbatos seems to let his mask slip for about a nano second and bestows me a genuine smile when our eyes meet.

It gives me pleasant shivers.

"As much as I'd love to idle chat with you but I fear we have a lot of significant things to talk about. So we should move to the living room." Diavolo seems regretful when he says this.

"We can talk casually once we are done." Whenever I see him, looking even slightly sad, he reminds me of a big puppy and can't help cheering him up. 

"Ohh! That is an excellent idea." Diavolo nods.

  I swear that I hear a slight snicker from Barbatos, who stands behind me. I'm uncertain if I should acknowledge that. 

I stand up and Diavolo walks beside me, he is cautious to follow my pace. I appreciate that greatly.

  The living room is just as big and gaudy as I expected. Somehow I'm slowly getting used to it. 

Diavolo sits down and motions me to sit across from him.

Barbatos moves quickly to serve us both tea.

  Diavolo looks slightly troubled when he starts talking. "Father has informed me of what he expects from you. I protested against placing this much pressure on you. Sadly he can be quite hard headed. So I have decided to give you Barbatos as your personal attendant. He is very well versed in all the things you will require in order to succeed. I also rely on him greatly. I'm very confident that he will teach you everything that you need to know." Diavolo smiles kindly at me. 

Diavolo emphasizes the word trust. I'm certain it can't be easy for a prince to trust anyone.

"This is a great honor but isn't he your personal butler?" I wonder if he will be okay without Barbatos. 

"He is, but I'm convinced that I will be able to survive without him." Diavolo doesn't seem to think it's an issue, at least. 

"We will see about that. I can merely hope you don't think that I will neglect my duties towards you just because I'm the young lieges Butler at the moment.” Barbatos didn't miss a beat.

  He can be pretty brutal, but that doesn't faze Diavolo at all. I start to wonder if anything troubles him.

Diavolo shrugs. "You should give me some more credit. At any rate, I know training will be difficult but I will make sure that you also get to rest. In about a week there is a formal party at the house of lamentation. I think this will mark the ideal opportunity for you to gain some experience from a formal event in the devildom. Do you think you will be capable of handling it?" Diavolo looks at me with a hopeful gleam. 

"A week? Isn't that a bit too soon? I don't know anything about demon manners." I'm quite baffled. 

"I have observed your manners and there aren't any glaring issues. Actually you possess more manners than some other demons that I know. From what I have noted, I would say that you are simply unfamiliar with the kind of food we serve. Other than that we probably should add some dance lessons and teach you some information that will be helpful for you." Barbatos seems to have everything fully planned out. 

"We should go shopping to get some elegant clothes too." Diavolo seems to agree with this plan. 

I'm just glad that they don't perceive me as some sort of social pariah. "If you think that I won't embarrass you, I will do my best." I give him a faint smile. I have an uneasy feeling about it to be honest, but it's hard to resist his smile. 

"You would never embarrass me, you are my dearest little sibling after all. If anyone dares to cross you they will dearly pay for it." Diavolo says this without a hint of sarcasm.

  I'm not sure what to say to such a bold statement, it's pretty sweet that he admires me this much already. Even when I'm slightly concerned since it hasn't even been a day yet. Maybe this is completely normal for Diavolo?

  "Please don't do anything rash my lord." Barbatos refills his cup, and I feel a sense of relief. At least Barbatos is calm. "Defending the young master is my job after all. I will let them pay dearly." My eyes widen from these words. For many reasons. First of all he has a slightly scary aura for a brief moment, and on top of that, him calling me master does certain things to me. 

"I'm sure that won't be necessary." I'm not quite sure who I'm defending here. 

"You are certainly a kind person." Diavolo emphasizes this by nodding. 

"I think you should head to bed now. Tomorrow will be a long day for you." Barbatos speaks politely, but he leaves no room to disagree. 

"I think you are right." I'm too tired to fight right now and just agree.

“Sleep tight. I hope I can be there for tomorrow's breakfast but for dinner I will definitely join you.” Diavolo sounds like a doting big brother.

  It makes me giggle a bit. He seems to register this as happiness and smiles at me. 

“Thank you, have a pleasant night.” I respond in a kind manner with a smile. 

“Thank you and don't hesitate to ask me if you need anything. I should give you a phone.” Diavolo has apparently just thought of this.

“I will make sure that you get one by tomorrow morning.” Barbatos leaves absolutely no doubt about that.

“That is very kind of you.” I wasn't expecting this.

"Don't worry about it. I'm determined to make you feel at home here." Diavolo speaks with great determination. I can't help but believe him. 

Somehow I start to hope that his words will come true. "I hope so too." I say softly, unsure if I'm telling the truth. 

Barbatos nods, as if to assure me. 

  Then I stand up and once again follow Barbatos to my room. "Thank you for escorting me Barbatos. Have a pleasant night." I feel grateful towards him. 

Barbatos seems slightly surprised but then smiles at me. "Sleep well master, and if you require anything please call me." It seems like he wants to add something but doesn't. Maybe he just wants to give me some space. I appreciate that. 

"I will do that." I assure him. 

  Barbatos waits for me to close the door, and I can hear him walking away. 

I let out an audible sigh. This definitely won't be pleasant. 

My body is tired but my mind is racing, so I decide to take a look into my bathroom. 

Much to my surprise I find the bathtub filled with steaming water and a flowery smell fills the air. 

I wonder when Barbatos did this. Well, it is possible that there are other servants. Still pretty impressive. 

  I smile and undress quickly. 

The bath melts much of my tension. Somehow my thoughts calm down. 

I mean I got a personal butler, and my new older brother seems to be a great guy. Suddenly I feel like I might actually be able to do this. 

This thought leads me to a deep sleep as soon as I hit my bed.

 ------------------

I'm opening a taglist for people who want to be notified of new posts. For now I will post a new part every weekend. Probably every saturday.

Have a great day everyone.

[coldflasher]

SO idk if anyone else is watching superman and lois (i’m kinda loving it i can’t lie) but i gotta say jonathan is giving me FEELINGS

like idk how much of this comes from me reading into this with my own perspective of that very specific eldest daughter experience of feeling like your family members’ personal therapist and squashing your feelings to do what’s best for the family and ending up being essentially a third parent to the younger/more vulnerable sibling but god i FEEL for jonathan so much. i know we haven’t focused on him much yet but every episode i watch him swallow his jealousy and his frustration in order to look out for his brother and it breaks my heart, and i really hope they’re going to address it because i kind of want to see him SNAP

and i mean that not in the sense of wanting to see him suffer, but i can see the poor kid is trying so hard and putting in this herculean effort to bolster his brother. and of course jordan has it rough - mental health issues, new powers, disappointment that those powers aren’t what he had hoped or expected, social difficulties etc - but i feel like jonathan is expected to be the strong one, and honestly he’s really going through it and everyone is so busy supporting jordan that jonathan is just getting overlooked and it’s so SAD. 

i mean, jonathan had a great life in metropolis. he had a promising football career, a girlfriend, popularity, everything. he gives all that up to move to smallville, because of his dad and his brother, bc it’s what’s best for everyone else, no complaints. 

almost as soon as they arrive, his brother gets powers and he doesn’t, which has GOT to cause some complex feelings right off the bat - jealousy, at the very least, and maybe some resentment he’s doing his best to swallow. then jordan accidentally pisses off the popular kids and suddenly jonathan, by association, is getting shit for something he didn’t do. he’s sidelined on the football team, the one thing he’s really amazing at, made a pariah by the other kids bc of what happened with jordan - and then jordan shows up at tryouts, having never had any interest in sports before and admitting that he’s only doing it to get one over on the bullies. he uses his new powers to be better at the thing jonathan has been working hard at his whole life, makes friends with the other kids, while jonathan is just left there suddenly sidelined in every way - and THEN. then, jonathan has a chance to put a stop to it, to try and convince clark that it’s too risky for jordan to play in case he hurts someone, and instead he does the opposite and begs clark to let jordan keep playing bc he thinks it’ll be good for him, and bc he can see that he’s thriving, and??? the sheer kindness and unselfishness of that? because it must STING to watch jordan swan in and suddenly be 10x better than him, to essentially take his thing and outdo him with minimal effort, and yet he STILL doesn’t complain? god. 

my heart goes out to him, honestly. and i want to see it acknowledged how many sacrifices he’s made because jordan gets to go off and lose his shit every ep while poor jonathan swallows his tongue over and over bc he just wants to be a good brother, and everyone relies on him to be the stable one, the easygoing one, the one who has it together. 

and i just wanna emphasize i do NOT blame jordan at all, i sympathise with him too, i think he’s great, i just feel so much of a connection to jonathan’s struggles specifically and i really hope the show explores that - which im like 99% sure it’s going to, like the hints are subtle but they’re there. the focus is very much on jordan right now but i do feel like they’re gonna do something with jonathan and i can’t wait cos he deserves some kind of support here and it feels like he’s drawn the shortest straw out of everyone so far.

[neondrawsthethings]

Uhm... Hey everyone lol. And welcome to my Danny Phantom & Flynn Fenton story.

I am alive, I’ve just been so busy with personal stuff and college. I mostly wanted to post this because I am an avid fan of Danny Phantom and I absolutely wanted to talk about the video Butch put out a few days ago with Danny having a “mysterious older brother.”

This has actually inspired me to write for the first time in a millennia and while I’m a bit late to the party and very nervous, I really wanted to make my own version of the story on top of expressing my opinions. So here we go!

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

I don’t like Butch like most people in the Phandom but I just want to preface this by saying that I think that his idea for a mysterious older sibling for Danny isn't a bad one, but the execution of it was very poor. The issues I mostly have of it is that it messes up some consistencies with the show, it has plot holes and instead of making Jack and Maddie slightly incompetent with people's safety, it makes them out to be negligible criminals.

A Summary Of The Original Story:

The original story went that they had 3 kids, Flynn Fenton (who's age was not disclosed but he might have been about 10), Jazz Fenton who was 4 at the time and Danny who was 2. Jack and Maddie had created a uncompleted Ghost Portal that Flynn had turned on, wandered too close to when it somehow started working and was subsequently grabbed by a mysterious ghost from the other end. The portal suddenly stopped working afterwards. Jack and Maddie found out about this after reviewing security footage in the lab, which they coincidentally didn't have when Danny had turned into a ghost.

After the whole incident, they hid the fact that Jazz and Danny had an older brother for years and take their time getting the portal to work again so they could save their son. Years pass and Jazz suddenly has a dream about Flynn and eventually confronts their parents over what happened and they tell their kids everything.

As for Flynn, Butch goes off in a tangent about a ghost who was responsible for the uprising and rebellion against Pariah Dark. I forget her name, but it was edgy and she honestly looks like a cartoon concept design for Thor's sister in Ragnarok, but if she had a Spiderman appeal to her.

Anyway, once Pariah was sealed away in the Sarcophagus of Forever Sleep, she wanted to rule the ghost zone fairly and with justice. Or something. However chaos ensued now that the ghosts were free to do as they please without Pariah's wrath hanging over their heads. Over time, trying to keep balance in the Ghost Zone took a toll on “Thor’s sister” and she one day stumbled across and open portal and saw Flynn on the other side. She essentially kidnapped him and raised him to be her soldier for justice. Like the Winter Soldier.

The logic for this was that humans have ghost powers in the Ghost Zone. I mean, yeah they can fly and phase through things, but it was never actually mentioned whether or not humans had super strength in it. But go off Butch. Then he goes on to explain that in some reference to the Ant Man movie, over time Flynn just sort of gained powers as he became "one with the Ghost Zone" and became a powerful protector called "Exodus." Then Fartman went on to mention it was a reference for a machine in the Halloween episode.

So yeah, eventually Danny finds him and they've kind of got that dynamic of "I think you're the bad guy in this situation" when they aren't and duke it out until Danny eventually convinces this dude they're related. Oh yeah and Flynn had no memories of his human life.

Gonna be honest, I might have misremembered a few things but it’s honestly close enough.

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

The issues I have with this concept are as follows:

⦁ Jack and Maddie have essentially been the direct cause for 3 people being harmed (and sorta killed) in some way by their Ghost Portal experiments. This doesn't even border on negligible at this point. It basically is, especially considering they should have learned not to let Danny near their experiments after losing their first son.

⦁ They come off as criminals considering they hid all traces and knowledge of Flynn from Danny, Jazz and most likely all family members and didn't even report his disappearance. They even had cameras in their lab and that honestly puts across the idea that they disabled them in case one of their other kids gets hurt.

⦁ There's already a ghost who considers himself to be the law of the Ghost Zone and it would appear that Butch forgot he created Walker for that exact purpose.

⦁ The female character who was responsible for putting away Pariah Dark honestly isn't well fleshed out. She can imprison the most powerful ghost in existence but is essentially useless at stopping lesser ghosts from causing chaos? Even if she did have help, how exactly was she capable of such a feat to begin with?

⦁ This messes with the cannon a bit considering there are some plot holes that can't really mix well with the established story.

I saw some of these concerns were also mentioned by the Phandom. Giving Butch the benefit of the doubt here, I don't hate the concept but I think it needs to be worked on more. I've read about what some people's opinions were and at least the ones that gave real critiques had some good ideas. Like maybe making the sibling either Jack's or Maddie's and it would have helped with their obsession of ghosts.

I have my own plot hole filled ideas with how this could maybe be told better. I'm not a storywriter and this might come off a little edgy, but man I love coming up with ideas. So here's mine:

-------------------- 

My Story:

After the incident with Vlad, Maddie and Jack decide that their ghost hunting days are over and resolve to live a normal family life. They have their first son Flynn, who had solidified their decision to quit ghost hunting and settle. After a few years, Jazz and Danny were eventually born and it seemed they had the perfect life.

One day while vacationing in a wooded area (location can change), Flynn had wandered not too far from the camp. Then a flash of light suddenly burst in front of him and he could see a whole other world. Jack and Maddie were alerted to the sound and ran towards where it came from. They gasped at what they saw and knew exactly what Flynn was staring into; a ghost portal. 

Before they could yell for him to stay away, a hand suddenly reached out and pulled Flynn in, the portal immediately closing as soon as he entered. Maddie and Jack were devastated. No one believed them when they explained what happened to their son, and this incident became the catalyst for them to start their ghost hunting careers again.

They worked tirelessly for years to get the portal to work again. Jazz had eventually chalked up their obsession to being a coping mechanism because they couldn't handle the guilt of losing Flynn and were in denial that he was gone. Danny was more of a social outcast than ever because people assumed his parents had something to do with Flynn's disappearance.

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

Now with regards to why Flynn was pulled into the Ghost Zone, I would actually like to think Clockwork played a hand in it. I watched the Blood of Zeus recently and I kind of wanted to play around with an idea that inspired this next part.

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

Clockwork knows that Dark Dan was never going to stay imprisoned forever. The fact that he still exists, even outside of time, was an omen he needed to heed. So maybe he meddled with a few future possibilities. Maybe he tried to get Maddie and Jack to realise Ghost Hunting was something they shouldn't mess with after hurting Vlad, which led to their decision to settle for a family. Maybe... He wanted Flynn to exist for a purpose.

He was the one who pulled Flynn into the Ghost Zone. Clockwork told Flynn that he would be the key to saving the future from Dark Dan, but withheld information on who he really was until he was old enough. He taught him everything he needed to know on how to defeat Dark Dan and trained him over the years in combat.

Going off the idea that Danny is kind of really average in comparison to the rest of his family, Flynn is a technological prodigy. He created weapons that Vlad could only dream of creating and can utilise technology that puts Tucker to shame. Once he was old enough, Clockwork finally revealed who Dark Dan was and how he came to be.

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

As for the fighting portion of everything, I'm honestly not too sure how I could go about writing it. Obviously they team up to destroy Dan for good and Flynn gets reunited with everyone. He might actually prefer to stay in the Ghost Zone and be Clockwork's assistant. Idk.

This is as far as I can go with regards to the story and it was super fun to write. Hope you guys enjoyed reading it too!

[suttttton]

Sutton, how goes The Elias Groundhog Day Fic 👀 ?

this has been sitting in my inbox for MONTHS now I am so sorry it's taken me this long to get to it. short answer: it's on the backburner, but not abandoned! RQBB took all of my attention for awhile, and now I'm back at school and have,,,, dishearteningly little time to write. but! there are 60k words so far in the draft, so i am definitely going to come back to it eventually.

i'm putting a sneak-peek beneath the cut, since you've been waiting SO LONG for this response and because i really apprecaite the interest! click through for fucked up jonelias content and the classic jon-brand angst :)

Despite Elias’ intervention, Jon still vows to stop taking live statements. No matter how Elias tries to convince him, Jon always just shakes his head. “It isn’t right,” he says. “What I do is traumatizing, I—It ruins people’s lives. It won’t kill me to limit myself to written statements.”

It won’t kill him, but it clearly wears on him. He looks more and more haggard, feels exhausted all the time. Every use of his powers brings with it massive migraines.

Before, Elias didn’t particularly care how Jon used his Beholding powers. Now that Elias has to see him constantly, it bothers him. Not to mention that he needs Jon to embrace his beholding nature, if his plan has any hope to succeed.

Elias decides to intervene.

“It isn’t good for you to starve yourself like this,” Elias says when they are driving home one day.

“It’s better this way,” Jon mumbles, staring glassily out the window. He doesn’t feel well at all, dizzy and a little feverish. And so hungry.

Elias doesn’t drive home, and it takes Jon a long time to realize they’re going the wrong way, exhausted as he is. “Elias, where are we going?”

“Hush,” Elias says in return.

Jon swallows. “Elias—”

“Jon.” Elias’ voice is hard, severe. Jon shrinks beneath it. None of that petulance now.

Jon wants to protest. He wants to run, to go home and lay down and just try to sleep through this. Wait for the nausea to pass, and then read another written statement.

But some part of him wants to be led along. Wants Elias to force him into this, to free him of his guilt. He’s so hungry.

Elias parks the car.

Across the street is a bus stop where a young man sits, face vaguely illuminated in the light of his phone. Four years ago, he’d had an encounter with the Stranger, and he’d never told a soul, knowing he would never be believed. Privately, he believes it was aliens, and he’s taken to stalking extraterrestrial forums, looking for experiences similar to his own. Thus far, he’s found nothing but thinly disguised creative writing.

Jon has gone stiff in the seat next to Elias, eyes fixed on the man.

“Don’t you want to Ask him?” Elias says.

Jon numbly shakes his head, but he has a trembling hand on the door handle.

Elias takes Jon’s other hand, and Jon’s attention snaps to him. There’s a faint green sheen behind his eyes. Elias run his thumb over the back of Jon’s hand. “It’s alright, Jon. You need this. You know that as well as I do.”

Jon still hesitates.

“Look at him,” Elias says. “He already has nightmares. You aren’t going to kill him. He might even appreciate some more context for what he’s seen.”

Jon looks back at the man, eyes faintly glowing.

“Imagine how much better you’ll feel,” Elias says.

Jon closes his eyes for a long moment, then opens his door and steps out of the car. Elias smiles, watching his Archivist feeding just as he was always meant to.

Twenty minutes later, Jon gets back into the car, looking much, much healthier.

“How do you feel?” Elias asks.

Jon just shakes his head, curling his arms around himself.

Elias doesn’t press the issue.

When they get home, Jon doesn’t talk to Elias. He doesn’t make dinner, doesn’t even eat some of the leftovers in the fridge. He goes straight to his room, curls up in bed with the lights off.

Elias can see into his mind; he Knows Jon isn’t sleeping. Part of him wants to challenge him, to force Jon to talk to him. But anger runs deep in Jon’s mind right now, and Elias doesn’t particularly want to risk turning it into true rage.

He lets Jon sulk. Eventually, he’ll realize that it was for the best.

***

The next morning, Elias wakes up to find Jon making breakfast for one. Beside the couch is Jon’s little bag, packed with all his things. He intends to move back to the Institute.

“Jon, you’re being absurd,” Elias says, leaning against the counter next to him.

Jon doesn’t say anything, just sets his jaw, glaring even harder at the eggs frying on the stove.

“Jon. I’d like for you to talk to me about this.”

“What do you want me to say?” Jon says, angrily flipping his eggs, breaking one of the yolks. He glares at it a second, then abruptly shifts to making scrambled eggs. “You said I would be safer here, and I’m not. So I’m leaving.”

Elias rolls his eyes. “I didn’t actually force you to do anything.”

Jon sucks in a tight breath. He’s thought about that too, turned it over and over in his mind. He can’t absolve himself of blame. But neither does he absolve Elias. “You manipulated me,” he says, scooping his eggs onto a plate. He shoves past Elias to the table and begins to eat, clearly trying to be done with the conversation.

“You were starving,” Elias says. “You were sick and barely functioning! I wasn’t just going to watch you waste away. What else was I supposed to do?”

“You could have talked to me about it!” Jon says, shouting now. “You could have actually helped, instead of manipulating me into becoming more like you!”

“Fine,” Elias says, turning away. He’s had enough of this. “Do what you want, if you think so little of my help.”

They don’t speak, on their way back to the archives. Jon hugs his little bag to his chest and stares pointedly out the window. When they get to the Institute, Jon is out of the car before Elias has even put in park.

Jon is still a social pariah in the Archives. Melanie and Basira want nothing to do with him; as far as they’re concerned, he’s still a traitor. He doesn’t mind having to sleep on the hard little cot in document storage, or eating microwave dinners in the break room for every meal. But the loneliness starts to wear on him after just one night.

He misses Elias. More than once, he thinks about climbing the stairs to Elias’ office and apologizing. Asking to move back in with him, on the condition that Elias never pull anything like that again.

His pride won’t allow it. Instead, he spends a week staring at the ceiling in document storage, listening to the noises of the Institute, longing for… something. Why did you get your hopes up? He thinks. You knew what kind of person Elias is.

And then his eyes start to fill with tears that are as much anger as they are sadness. He tries to blink them away, doesn’t want to cry about this, of all things. Pull yourself together, for god’s sake. But the tears slip down his cheeks anyway because he had hoped, had, in fact, just started to believe, that he had misjudged Elias.

After a week, when it becomes clear that Jon is not going to beg forgiveness from Elias, Elias goes to beg forgiveness from Jon. He sends Jon an email, asking to meet in his office. When that goes ignored, he braves the Archives, knocking softly on Jon’s door.

“Come in,” Jon says absently. He shoots to attention when Elias walks in, a cocktail of anger fear relief sadness flashing through his mind. “Oh,” he says, voice flat. “Hello, Elias.”

“Jon,” Elias says. “I owe you an apology.”

[auroras-blend]

Do It For Her

Summary: Pastor John Marks and Emilie Marks reflect on what to do after the custody case is decided. Takes place between chapter 6 & 7.

TW: Past rape mention, miscarriage, infertility, crisis of faith

“Don’t lose faith,” her husband said softly, “This isn’t over.”

Emilie was numb, feeling emptier than when she realized she couldn't carry a child in her womb. Tears softly rolled down her face, her eyes turning glossy as they gazed out of the windshield and at her home. Just a few hours ago, Marilyn was here. “They took my baby,” she finally whispered.

“Mr. Holmes is already filing an appeal. It must be a mix-up, we’ll figure this out,” John insisted, “Emilie…”

She felt her husband’s thumb wipe away her tears as he pulled her face to look at him, and when she met his own brown eyes, she broke down. “She called me mommy,” she sobbed as she buried his face into his neck while he took her closer into his embrace, “She called me mommy, John.”

Her body heaved with sobs, “They took our little girl and are giving her to...to...that monster!”

She tried, she had tried so hard to speak no evil against other people despite the sins they’ve committed. But this man...the father...he truly was a monster and they were giving a child to him. Emilie had felt a surge of overprotectiveness the first night Marilyn came to stay with them and it only amplified when the nature of her father was revealed. When she heard of his crimes, she knew at that point she would kill for her daughter. Her soul be damned! For Marilyn.

“She’s in the system. She’s not with him yet. There's still time,” John said with religious fervor, trying to convince himself that things would be okay as much as he was trying to convince his wife, “We’ll get her back.”

Her shoulders shook as grief wet her husband’s shirt, and she felt John’s own pain as the first of his tears met the back of her neck. “It’s not over,” he whispered again.

God willing. Please watch over Marilyn.

***

Emilie was busy cleaning the house for the sixteenth time as they waited for Mr. Holmes's arrival to discuss their options. The house smelled strongly of lemons as she scrubbed each surface roughly. She didn’t particularly like cleaning, but there was nothing else to do except being alone with her thoughts and she did not want to do that. John, knowing she needed this time, was reading his Bible, or at least it looked like he was. Her heart ached knowing that he felt like he needed to be the strong one, that he felt he had to hide himself away as he cried in grief over losing their daughter. Every night, she heard Marilyn call out to her, saying “Mommy!” again and again.

The loss felt as strong as it had when she got pregnant for the first and only time, before losing her child in the first trimester. She hated that she believed that for a moment she was a mother, that she had a child. The pain was unbearable and she swore never to go through this again. No more trying after this. I can’t…

The door rang, startling her but she played the role of a good wife and wiped her hands on her apron before opening the door. She went through the polite motions of removing Mr. Holmes's coat and putting it on the rack before leading him into the kitchen for refreshments. John, for once in his life, was all business. It was alarming to see him get down to brass tacks rather than first ask how someone was doing. Well, he did, but it was too quick. Mr. Holmes seemed in no way offended though, bless him.

“I’d just like to say how sorry I am that we did not get the outcome we wanted,” he apologized his face flushing red.

“There’s no need to apologize. You did everything you could, but please, help us now to get Marilyn back,” he said, his tone being the one he used to comfort their congregants.

Emilie observed the portly man who had begun to sweat in his brown tweed suit while loosening his red bow-tie. She immediately knew how the conversation would go when he swallowed the water nervously and wiped the sweat off of his brow with his handkerchief. Dear Lord… “Before we resume, I have to tell you a little bit more about Marilyn’s father…”

What he revealed to her next made her sick and went pale in shock. Marilyn’s father was...oh it was so much worse than she thought and it made it all the harder for her to come to terms with the fact Marilyn was going to live with him. She was right in her assessment. He’s a monster. She tried to focus on her worry, as much as she tried to avoid it earlier, instead of the wave of guilt when she realized exactly how that precious little girl was conceived.

Patience was very much a social pariah, and Emilie had done her best to make her feel welcome and included as part of her job as the pastor's wife, but she never really made the effort to include her in her social circles. Patience never seemed interested, and Emilie eventually gave up and respected her space.“It’s just how she is…” but now she knew that Patience was made that way by...that man. She had her own petty and snobbish assumptions of Patience’s past, believing that she was made of loose character and partnered with someone of equal moral fiber, which resulted in an out-of-wedlock pregnancy and single-motherhood. She had condemned her for being so negligent towards Marilyn, because “she chose to have and raise the baby”, but no. Patience didn’t choose it at all. She had no choice.

Her heart broke for the woman, and finally understood the bitterness she had in her but for once was in awe of her overwhelming bravery. Emilie could barely imagine such a petite woman taking down the mob. The mob! She prayed for forgiveness, for Patience’s brave soul, and for her daughter. There was no excuse for how Patience treated Marilyn, but it certainly did explain things and she couldn't cast her down any longer. “Why was this not brought up in court? How is it even possible that he received custody?” John asked angrily, not directed towards Mr. Holmes but to the corrupt system that Leonardo Borghese had utilized to obtain his daughter.

“It’s very complicated...family court typically has a preference for placing the child with living relatives. Her father wanted her and has the means to provide for her,” Mr. Holmes explained.

“He’s a rapist!” Emilie said, venom seeping in the last word, “He didn’t get a parking ticket. He got convicted of felony rape and they’re giving a child, a little girl, to him.”

“It’s a miscarriage of justice,” Mr. Holmes said simply.

“Did you know about this?”

“I-I didn’t,” Mr. Holmes stuttered, “Well...I didn't know who he was, but…”

“We have to get her back. We have to save her from him, John,” Emilie wept and squeezed tightly when John reached for her hand.

If he hurts her...no. No, no, no. Please Lord, spare her. Don’t let him hurt her.

“We will,” he nodded at her before turning to Mr. Holmes, “What’s our next step?”

Mr. Holmes sighed and looked away briefly, trying to find the strength from the cross by their window to say what he had to say next. “Right now, it pains me to say this, but right now it’s in your best interest to...to drop the matter entirely.”

It was like an explosion went off because she could feel her world shake. “What?” John asked, grinding his teeth.

“Leo-Leonardo Borghese is a powerful man. A dangerous man. I’m sure that he still...he still has his hands in matters in the States while he’s in Italy. It’d be...be dangerous to try and cross him in this matter,” he stuttered.

“I don’t understand. You want us to give up?” she asked, unsure if she heard that right.

He wants us to stop fighting for our child? Against a rapist! “For your safety and well-being, yes,” Mr. Holmes said frankly.

“What about Marilyn’s well-being?!” Emilie demanded.

His silence was telling. Leave her behind. It’s not worth fighting. “No. The Lord tells us to maintain justice and do what is right,” John said firmly, “We won’t allow ourselves to abandon a child who is in danger.”

“Patience Winslow didn’t take him down just to have her daughter fall into his hands,” Emilie said without a tremor in her voice, “She won. We can too.”

“We all knew Patience. Did it look like she won?”

That question silenced her. Patience put Leonardo Borghese away, but she went away looking like she was the one who was defeated. Leonardo was a prisoner for five years, but Patience was a prisoner in her own mind and trauma for the rest of her life. And she died in that prison. “All the more reason we can’t leave Marilyn,” Emilie’s eyes beaded with tears.

We have to do it for her. She needs us.

“I apologize, I truly sincerely do, but I-I have a family. I-I won't go against Leonardo Borghese,” he said shakily, “You’re good people. Good Christians, so please take my advice and listen when I tell you to drop it. Please, for all of our lives.”

Emilie shut her eyes and she felt John breathe slowly next to her, his hot breath fanning onto her cheek. “We don’t want to put you in a situation where you don’t feel safe, so you are no longer obligated to continue this case, but…” John said kindly.

Emilie opened her eyes and looked at him, listening to him speak. “We’ll take your advice into account but we’ll still discuss if we wish to proceed.”

“I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors,” Mr. Holmes said warmly, “And I pray you find the resolution you deserve, but time is of the essence. Marilyn will be traveling to Italy in only a few days' time. Whatever you decide to do, do it quickly.”

The husband and wife nodded before showing Mr. Holmes out. The minute the door clicked, John spoke. “I don’t want to put you in danger, Emilie…”

Listen. Listen to him first. “It’s my job to protect you,” he said, placing his firm guiding hand on her shoulder and lifted her chin so her eyes met his.

“Who will protect her?” she asked.

If he says, God, so help me…Emilie’s maternal drive kicked in, blasphemously believing that no one could protect her child better than her. Not even God. She resolved to repent later. “You teach us to be brave, that God tells us to defend the weak. Is it not hypocritical if we stand aside and do nothing?”

Perhaps her tone was too challenging because John frowned but he must’ve not seen it as too much of an egregious act enough to correct her. “We stood aside and listened to people look down on Patience, speak evilly about her without knowing what she went through. She told no one, she didn’t look for glory or sympathy. John, we owe it to her to protect her daughter. We owe it to Marilyn to give her a good life.”

Her tone was pleading and even if it wasn't in Pastor Marks's moral fiber to agree, he’d do it anyway when he saw the desperation on his wife’s face. He moved his hands from her shoulders to delicately pick up her hands, holding them warmly.

“Then let’s get to work.”

[artificialqueens]

Ms. California, Chapter Four (Crygi) - Mik

AN: Sorry it took so long for me to update! The last part of the chapter is written from Gigi’s perspective. Hope you all enjoy! 

Summary: Crystal moves to Los Angeles from Missouri and meets Gigi Goode, captain of the varsity cheer squad. Queue the 1990s lesbian high school AU that absolutely nobody asked for.

When Crystal walks in the door, it’s pushing 9:45 PM. She’s surprised to hear her mother - who tends to fall asleep earlier on in the night - in the living room, watching something on TV. 

“Hey mom, I’m home,” Crystal calls out. 

“Crystal! Come in here,” her mom yells in response. 

Crystal makes her way into the living room, trying to wipe the smile off of her face in an attempt to avoid the plethora of questions that she’s sure will come from her mother. 

“How was your night, honey?” her mom asks, turning off the show she’s watching and motioning for Crystal to sit down on the couch. 

“Oh, it was fun, we got sushi and saw a movie.”

“Sushi? Was that any good? And what movie did you see?” her mom interrogates. 

“Honestly, it was disgusting, I don’t know why everyone is so obsessed with it here,” Crystal shrugs. 

“And the movie?”

Crystal freezes. She can’t tell her mom she was in West Hollywood watching a lesbian movie - that would be too much, and too obvious. 

“Uh, I don’t remember.”

“You don’t remember what movie you saw?” her mom raises an eyebrow. 

“Yeah, uh, I mean, I was like, pretty sleepy and all, you know?” Crystal lies, knowing that her mom is most likely not buying any of it. 

“Okay… Well, I’m just glad you had a fun time tonight, sweetie,” her mom smiles. “How was the boy? Dating material or friend material, do tell!” 

Crystal wants to say that there was no boy, and that the girl she spent her evening with was definitely “dating material” (whatever that meant) but she can’t bring herself to do that - at least, not yet. 

“Friends, for sure. There wasn’t much of a spark there.”

“Friends are always nice, aren’t they?” Crystal’s mom hums. 

“Definitely, they definitely are,” Crystal fakes a yawn. “Well, I should probably head up to bed, I’m feeling pretty exhausted.”

“Okay honey, good night,” her mom says, kissing her on the cheek. “I love you!”

“I love you too, mom,” Crystal stands and walks up the stairs towards her room. 

She’s relieved that her mom didn’t ask too many questions about the night; Crystal knows that she isn’t a good liar and doesn’t like lying in the first place - especially to her mom. 

Crystal opens the door to her room and immediately flops down onto her bed, smiling into one of her pillows. The night still doesn’t feel real - Crystal is euphoric. She can still feel the soft pressure of Gigi’s lips against her own; thinking of the kiss is enough to send Crystal’s heart and head into a whirlwind. 

The excitement of the night doesn’t come without unwelcome thoughts; as Crystal’s elation increases, so does the realization that she enjoyed kissing a girl and would very much like to do it over and over again. Her sexuality is no longer a completely undefinable gray area; maybe she doesn’t know if she’s into guys, but she’s more than sure she likes girls. Crystal has always considered herself an accepting person and has never had qualms about supporting gay people, even in her small, rather conservative hometown. But she begins to realize that accepting herself is different than accepting others. 

She does, however, begin to fear rejection in a way that seems completely foreign to her. Even though she can’t recall a time when she wasn’t labelled the “weird art kid” and ostracized by many of her peers because of that, this feels different. She knows - from the way that Jackie talks about being treated and from the fact that Gigi and Jan both hide who they are to preserve their status - that if people find out, she’s going to be a social pariah. 

Crystal inhales and exhales deeply several times over, trying to clear her mind. She doesn’t have to come out tomorrow, or any time in the near future, and tries to convince herself that stressing about the situation will accomplish absolutely nothing. 

Crystal sighs aloud, and considers calling Jackie: if there’s one person who she’s sure will understand, it’s her. She tosses the idea around for a few minutes before grabbing the phone and dialing Jackie’s number. She hopes that it isn’t too late, and that she doesn’t wake the curly haired girl or her family up.  

The phone rings seven times before a familiar voice answers. 

“Hello?”

“Hi, Jackie, it’s Crystal, can you talk?”

“Yeah of course, just give me one second, okay?” Jackie says as the phone thuds down. 

Crystal can hear Jackie talking in the background, and hears Jan’s voice echo in response. 

“Okay, I’m back - Jan’s here too, is that okay?” 

“Of course,” Crystal answers, taking a slight pause. “So, I just got back from my date with Gigi.”

“How did it go?” Jackie questions. 

“It was amazing,” Crystal starts. “I had no idea what I was getting into and I still don’t really know how it stacked up compared to other first dates, but I think it went really well.”

“What did you guys do?” Jan jumps into the conversation. 

“Well, we got sushi - it wasn’t very good, but I didn’t tell her that - and then she wanted to see a movie so we went to West Hollywood and saw that,” Crystal explains.

“What movie?” Jackie asks. 

“Go Fish, it’s a lesbian movie.”

“I’ve been wanting to see that!” Jan exclaims. 

“It was really good,” Crystal tells the couple. “We held hands during it.”

Crystal is sure her relative inexperience with dating is showing, but she can’t seem to hold her excitement over the simple act back. 

“And, when she dropped me off at home, we kissed-” Crystal is interrupted by even louder squealing, coming mainly from Jan. 

“Crystal, that’s awesome! How do you feel?”

“I guess that’s why I’m calling, because I like, really liked it - like, I wanna kiss her again and never stop,” Crystal can feel herself blush. 

“That’s big,” Jackie says. “So, you’re thinking you’re not straight?”

Crystal sharply inhales. “I’m definitely into Gigi, so I’m definitely not straight.” 

“Well hey, welcome to the club!” Jan jokes. 

“Are you feeling okay about that?” Jackie wonders.

“Yes. No. Kind of. I don’t know,” Crystal groans. “I don’t know. I never have had a problem with gay people, but when the gay person is like, me, it’s different.” 

“Yeah, that makes sense,” Jackie affirms.

“I know I don’t have to know exactly what I am and I don’t have to come out to everyone right now, but I’m feeling some weird internal pressure that I didn’t even know existed. This whole thing is making me feel embarrassed or something,” Crystal explains. 

“I know it’s easier said than done, but just let things happen as they happen. Try to remind yourself that you’re allowed to take time to process, and as shitty as other people can be, try not to listen to them. You have nothing to be embarrassed about,” Jackie tells Crystal. 

“Thanks, Jackie.”

“Of course.”

“I’ll see you guys on Monday, I think I’m going to try and get some sleep,” Crystal states yawning, genuinely this time. 

“Good night!“ 

Crystal hangs up the phone. She feels slightly relieved, and although she’s still a little bit stressed about the situation, she’s able to fall asleep the second her head hits the pillow. 

~

Crystal is awakened by the sound of her mom knocking on her door.

“Crystal, honey, are you awake? One of your friends is on the phone.”

She sits up, rubbing her eyes. The bright California sun is beating through her window, and Crystal is shocked that she’s remained asleep for so long. 

“What time is it?”  

“It’s almost eleven, you really slept in,” her mom says, cracking the door open. “Can I come in?”

“Mhm,” Crystal nods. 

“I’m going to just leave this here for you, okay?” her mom sets the phone down on Crystal’s bed. 

Crystal is surprised she slept through the sound of the phone in her room ringing; she’s usually an early riser and light sleeper. She figures Jackie is calling to check up on her, and maybe wants to make plans - it’s a Saturday and the weather is more-than-ideal. 

“Hello?” Crystal says, her voice still scratchy and heavy with sleep. 

“Hey, it’s Gigi.”

Oh shit. 

“Hey,” Crystal says, her mind foggy. 

“I didn’t realize I would be waking you up,” Gigi jokes. 

“I didn’t either,” Crystal murmurs, eliciting a quiet laugh from the blonde. 

The line is temporarily silent. 

“I had a really great time last night,” Gigi says softly. 

“Me too.”

“I don’t know if this is too much, too soon, but are you free today? I want to see you again.”

Crystal can’t help but smile at Gigi’s forwardness; it makes her heart flutter. 

“Yeah I’m free, and I’d love to see you again too.”

“Great. Can I come by in an hour?”

“Sure,” Crystal agrees. “Where are we going?” 

“Hm, it’s a surprise! But wear something comfortable,” Gigi tells her. 

“Okay,” Crystal says hesitantly. “I’ll see you soon.”

The phone clicks, and Crystal almost immediately jumps out of her bed and walks down the stairs, in search of her mom. 

“Hey mom, can I go out with a friend today?” Crystal asks hastily. 

“Good morning, sleeping beauty,” her mom jokes. “Sure, where are you going?”

“I don’t know, it’s a surprise!”

“Hm, alrighty, please be safe. Who are you going with?” 

“Her name is Gigi, she’s a friend from art class,” Crystal explains. 

She bounds back up the stairs and quickly showers. She decides to apply a thin layer of foundation and mascara before getting dressed. 

As she ruffles through her boxes - still left unpacked - she realizes she has no idea what to wear. She flips through boxes of shirts and dresses, and finally settles on a blue and white paisley shirt. She grabs a pair of jean shorts, and hurriedly dresses herself before examining herself in her mirror. Crystal attempts to tie her thick, curly hair up into a ponytail - she assumes Gigi will be driving with the top of her car off again - and the result is somewhat abysmal. She’s about to take the scrunchie out to redo it until she hears the doorbell ring. 

“I GOT IT!” Crystal yells, retying her hair and rushing to throw on a pair of converse. She hopes her mom doesn’t beat her to the door. 

She’s too late; as she runs down the stairs, she can see her mom standing at the open door. 

“Hi Gigi!” Crystal interjects, slightly out of breath, interrupting her mom. 

“Hey,” Gigi says casually. 

“I was just telling Gigi how great it is that you’re making friends so quickly!” Crystal’s mom explains. “I’ll let you girls get going. Have a good day!”

“It was nice meeting you,” Gigi politely extends a hand to Crystal’s mom. 

“We’re huggers here,” she responds. “Can I give you a hug?”

Crystal is mortified; her mom definitely acts like she’s from the midwest. Thankfully, Gigi just giggles and goes along with it. 

“Bye, mom,” Crystal calls out as she and Gigi make their way outside. 

“Your mom is sweet,” Gigi tells Crystal, getting in the car. 

“Yeah, she’s pretty cool,” Crystal agrees. 

“I wish I could say that about my parents,” Gigi half-jokes, turning the key to her car. 

“So, are you going to tell me where we’re going yet?” Crystal asks. 

“Not quite yet.”

~

“The Walk of Fame?”

“No.”

“The Hollywood Sign?”

“No.”

“Beverly Hills?”

“Oh, god.”

“Give me a hint!” 

Gigi laughs at Crystal’s attempt to guess the location of their second date; she’s adorable. 

The drive is just over thirty minutes away, and Crystal has spent the first ten minutes shooting out guesses. 

“You’ll find out soon enough! We’re almost there!” 

The drive is filled with music and laughter. Crystal, after her many inquiries, has begun humming along to the Ani DiFranco tape Gigi has been playing. Gigi finds her off-pitch singing strangely endearing. 

Gigi thinks that Crystal - Crystal and her beautiful, curly hair and her dark, enchanting eyes and her bright personality -  might just be her new favorite person to spend time with.

Gigi gets lost in her own thoughts as she drives. Since she and Jackie had broken up last year, Gigi hadn’t really dated anyone. It wasn’t that she had feelings for Jackie still - no, those were gone just weeks after the break-up, in fact - it was that nobody else seemed worth investing her time in. Gigi met girls at all of the bars she was able to lie her way into, and sometimes, they’d even make out and Gigi would promise to call them (she never would).

She didn’t feel the need to be with someone because she was happy alone, genuinely. Relationships, in Gigi’s experience, just complicated things - especially when you’re an in-the-closet lesbian. 

When she met Crystal, all of that flew out the door. The blonde couldn’t put a finger on it, but something about Crystal set her insides on fire. It was beyond the fact that Gigi found Crystal to be absolutely stunning - even in the atrocious paisley pattern the older girl chose to wear. It was that Crystal had a uniqueness to her. She was genuine and kind and whenever she smiled, Gigi felt herself melt.

It’s too soon for so many feelings, and she knows that, but she can’t help it: her emotions are running wild. All she wants to do is show Crystal how much she likes her, and Gigi figures a romantic picnic on the beach - complete with scented candles and expensive rosé stolen from her parents’ wine cellar - is the best way to do that. 

“Are we going to the beach?” Crystal asks as Gigi exits the freeway. 

“You got it!” 

“Which one?” Crystal asks. 

“Malibu.” 

Gigi parallel parks - somehow, without bumping into another car - just blocks away from the beach. She can smell the saltwater in the air, and hears the seagulls cawing. The beach has always been one of the favorite places. 

She pops her trunk open and grabs the thick quilt she brought, along with the woven picnic basket.

“Hey Crys, would you mind carrying the blanket?” she asks. 

“Not at all!” Crystal grabs the blanket from Gigi, and the two set off towards the sand. 

“So, have you been to the beach before?” Gigi asks Crystal. 

“No, I haven’t. I didn’t ever really leave Missouri, so the best thing I have to compare this to is the lake I used to go to every summer as a kid,” Crystal shares. 

When they’re halfway to the water, Gigi tells Crystal to set the quilt down. Crystal spreads out the blanket carefully, attempting to not fling sand around. Gigi places the picnic basket at the center of it, and as she sits down, she begins removing items. She’s made a simple lunch - pasta salad and garlic bread - but Crystal seems enthused regardless. 

The sound of the waves lull the two into a peaceful silence. Gigi closes her eyes and focuses on the crashing of the waves. It’s a beautiful day for a picnic.

“Do you want any rosé?” Gigi asks.

“Oh, um, yeah, I’ll try some,” Crystal answers.

“You’ve never had rosé before?”

“I’ve never had alcohol before,” Crystal admits. 

“Never?!”

“Never,” the brown-eyed girl confirms with a laugh. 

Gigi grabs the two plastic cups she brought along and pours the rosé into them. She takes a sip, and watches as Crystal does the same. Gigi studies her face as she sips it; Gigi thinks it’s refreshing, but that’s probably because she’s been going to parties with the football team since she was a freshman, and anything other than a straight shot of vodka tastes like candy in comparison. 

Crystal puckers her lips slightly, but swallows the pinkish liquid. 

“So, what do you think?”

“It’s really good!” Crystal says enthusiastically. 

“Right?! This is like, the best kind of alcohol you’ll ever have, trust me.”

The two eat quickly and nearly silently; they both are clearly hungry. Gigi suggests finishing off the rosé, and Crystal agrees. 

“I really want to go touch the water, can we go touch the water?” Crystal asks suddenly. They walk with their almost-empty cups down to the water, and Crystal announces that she’s going swimming. This is when Gigi realizes she’s made a terrible mistake. 

Crystal has never had alcohol, and Gigi has practically fed her half a bottle of semi-strong rosé. Crystal is pretty composed, and at worst is maybe slightly past tipsy, but it’s clear to Gigi that she’s some level of intoxicated. 

“You are not going to go swimming, it’s freezing and you don’t have a swimsuit!” Gigi exclaims, half-laughing. 

“But it’s so nice, look at the waves,” Crystal muses. 

“It’s nice, but the second your toes touch the water, you’re going to regret it!”

Crystal apparently takes this as a challenge; she finishes whatever is left in her cup and darts toward the water, faster than Gigi can run. She makes it all the way to her knees before she stops in her tracks. 

“You were right!” she yells at Gigi. “It’s pretty freaking cold!” 

“Then get out!” Gigi laughs, unable to hide the smile that’s growing on her face. 

“No, you should come in!” 

Okay, so, maybe she’s a lot past tipsy. 

“No way! Come on, Crystal, please get out,” Gigi begs, knowing that it will only take one medium-sized wave to knock the girl over. 

“I’m going out farther,” she announces, turning around. 

“Crystal, please do not do that!” 

It’s too late; she’s already propelling herself forward. 

“I’m not getting out until you come in!”

Gigi huffs, realizing she’s going to have to give in to the past-tipsy girl. She’s thankful that she chose to wear a pair of jean shorts instead of a dress, for once. 

“Fine, I’m coming,” groans Gigi as she makes her way to the water. 

It’s fucking freezing. Gigi’s toes have barely touched the wet sand, and she already has goosebumps cascading up her body. 

She really likes this girl. 

Crystal squeals, finally heading closer to shore. Her back, however, is turned away from the wave that crashes over her, dunking her under water. 

“Crystal?!” Gigi screams, quickly making her way. 

She told her not to go swimming. Gigi is panicking now; the brunette hasn’t ever swam in the ocean, and she’s intoxicated. Gigi kicks herself for giving Crystal alcohol in the first place and regret fills her mind. 

“Gigi, I’m okay!” Gigi spins to the right to see a very wet, but still smiling, Crystal. 

“Thank god,” Gigi breathes a sigh of relief. “That really freaked me out, can we please get out?”

“Fine,” Crystal reluctantly agrees. “But can we come back and do this again sometime? Please?” 

Tipsy Crystal is even funnier than the already-funny sober Crystal, and definitely more outspoken. 

“Of course we can,” Gigi replies honestly, thankful that she’s able to coerece the other girl into getting out. Gigi packs up the picnic and wraps Crystal in the somewhat sandy quilt. 

The curly haired girl grabs Gigi’s hand on the way back to her car. Gigi shakes as the wind blows against her wet clothes and hair. 

“Sorry for giving you alcohol,” Gigi apologizes. “I really wasn’t thinking, and I forgot that it’s super easy to get tipsy when you haven’t drank before.”

Gigi recalls her first time drinking alcohol silently; she was fourteen, and she did six shots with the girls from cheer. That night ended with Gigi bent over a toilet in a stranger’s house for a solid hour. 

“It’s okay,” Crystal hiccups, “I had fun!” 

“Me too,” Gigi says. 

She has so much fun with Crystal that she doesn’t even care about the interior of her very expensive car getting sand and saltwater all over it; it’s a task for another day. 

Crystal falls asleep on the way back home, and Gigi is kind of thankful for it: the last thing she needs is someone puking in her car. She enjoys the ride home in silence, allowing the wind to dry her clothes as she goes.

“Crystal, you’re home,” Gigi says after she parks her car. She shakes the girl’s shoulder lightly, trying to wake her. 

“Hm?” Crystal murmurs. 

“You’re home,” Gigi repeats. 

Crystal stirs awake. “Thanks for the ride.”

“Of course,” Gigi smiles, and kisses Crystal’s cheek. 

“Do you wanna come in and hang out for a bit?” Crystal asks. She’s clearly sobered up from the nap, which Gigi is thankful for. 

“I’d love to,” Gigi beams. 

“We have to be quiet, otherwise my mom’s going to bug us." 

“Got it,” Gigi agrees. She opens up her door, and helps a drowsy Crystal out of her car. 

Crystal opens her door quietly, motioning for Gigi to follow her. 

Crystal’s house is warm; it feels lived in, unlike Gigi’s own house. There are mismatching sofas and chairs, and family pictures in assorted picture frames line the walls. Decorations that Gigi would have usually found tacky sit on shelves, but all that Gigi can think is how nice it must be to come home to this house every day. 

Gigi tiptoes behind Crystal up the stairs, and into her bedroom. 

“Sorry for all of the boxes, and uh, all of the mess,” Crystal apologizes.

“It’s okay, you just moved in!”

Crystal laughs, “No, I’ve been here for a month now, I’m just lazy.”

Gigi finds her blatant honesty sweet. 

“If you ever want help unpacking, let me know,” Gigi offers. “I’m pretty good at organizing things!”

“You’re too kind,” Crystal grins. “But it’s okay, I wouldn’t want to put that on you.” 

“I offered! You wouldn’t be putting anything on me.”

Crystal pauses, as if she needs time to think about what to say next. 

“Can I kiss you?” Crystal whispers. 

Gigi blushes - she doesn’t think anyone has ever asked before they’ve kissed her, and she finds it sweet that Crystal is considerate enough to ask. She can tell Crystal is nervous, and for whatever reason, it makes her heart thump. 

“Yes,” Gigi responds.

This time, they’re not kissing under the subdued light coming from the street lamps at night, and they’re not sitting in Gigi’s car. Gigi watches as Crystal moves towards her, pressing their bodies together. They make eye contact for a brief moment before Crystal, being almost five inches shorter than Gigi, stands on her tiptoes and softly presses a kiss into Gigi’s lips. 

Gigi’s hands find their way around Crystal’s back, pulling the smaller girl closer to her. Gigi feels Crystal’s arms loop around her neck.. 

The kiss remains slow and soft initially; their lips brush against each other with a delicate innocence. Crystal’s lips are soft and Gigi can taste the remnants of alcohol and salt water on them. 

When Crystal’s hand makes its way to cup Gigi’s cheek, Gigi takes it as a sign to deepen the kiss. She presses their lips together with more force, and Crystal is the one who moves her tongue along Gigi’s lower lip. Gigi’s tongue meets Crystal’s, eliciting a quiet gasp from Crystal. 

Their lips move together hastily and feverently. Crystal’s hands make their way into Gigi’s messy hair and Gigi gently bites down on Crystal’s lower lip. Crystal moans softly into Gigi’s mouth, causing the taller girl’s stomach to flip. 

Gigi is shocked when Crystal - usually timid and nervous - gently pushes up against her, moving them backwards towards the bed. Gigi’s knees buckle against the edge of it, causing her to cascade down onto the mattress, Crystal’s body following her own in one fluid motion. Gigi’s skin is burning beneath Crystal’s touch and she can feel her breath hitch in her throat as they continue to kiss fervidly. Gigi’s hands make their way up Crystal’s hips and she pulls them down against her in an attempt to get impossibly closer to the girl on top of her.

Their kisses become languid, and Crystal falls beside Gigi on the bed wordlessly. She snuggles into the blue-eyed girl’s side, and Gigi wraps her arm around her. Gigi sighs contentedly as she strokes Crystal’s hair. The shorter girl is curled up on her chest, peppering kisses against her collarbone periodically. Gigi wishes she could keep Crystal in her arms forever; she doesn’t think she’s ever experienced a moment so quintessentially perfect. 

[dungeons-and-divination]

HORIZON WALKER RANGER  - Wildhunt SHIFTER - Sage (Researcher)

Never built a Shifter before, but I play a weretiger in my main campaign, so I enjoyed this quite a lot. I think it shows. I ended up with a lot more details than I usually cram into these posts. I mainly try to leave enough space for DMs and players alike to build up on the general idea I came up with. This time... Inspiration hit me hard and I couldn’t help myself. Hope you enjoy.

Name: Ichor (likes the nickname Corey better) (18yo)

TAROTS

Mind: Justice (upright) Truth and integrity as the core of an horizon walker’s mind are perfectly okay with me, honestly. It really tells me that Corey is a person that strives to reach a balance into things, that he knows every action has its consequences. I can see them as someone that is perfectly aware of how they can change the world just by existing and making decisions, so they try to weigh their actions because of it. But they also enjoy watching the ripples that every drop in the water causes. So they dislike inaction too. Why stay still when you can do something and be part of the reason for the world to move and change, just to settle and come back to a new balance?

Body: Two of swords (upright) I mean, a tarot about being torn between two people or in general this feeling of disconnection on his body? Of course I could just stop at the obvious issues Ichor could have with being a shifter. But why stop with something as obvious as emotional denial, when there’s an underside of something more? I had to draw a card to try and clear this up. And the Three of swords reversed confirmed there was more. Corey is actually in emotional denial about something deeper, but he’s slowly getting over it. Still, this doesn’t get rid of that “something” that hurt him in the past and Ichor tries to bury it more often than not. So, I would say that this disconnection to his body is more in tune to this denial.

Spirit: the High Priestess (upright) Most of all, I would say this expresses his thirst for knowledge, that’s for sure. But I’m not surprised by that hint of mystery and sensuality that comes from Corey himself. Despite how socially awkward he is, I can picture him being unknowingly charming. Which is probably why he doesn’t trust people that try to be very direct in showing romantic interest. Well, I suppose he can be considered charming at least to people that are into dark, mysterious, dorky nerds with enormous trust issues. I know that the broody types always attract some people's attention.

Past: Strength (reversed) After what that “body” had already given me, this was pretty much a given. Low self-esteem in Corey’s past is a constant. He felt weak and vulnerable, that was the main reason why he stayed stuck in his research for so long (and kinda confirmed my feeling that he wasn’t one of the most thought of predators). He probably had a deep desire to actually get to work in his field, but the biggest obstacle to reach for that dream was his own sense of inadequacy (someone like him in a scholarly role might have been teased just for that after all). Deep down, he knew he could make a difference though, because every decision has a consequence, even a lack of action. And he hated when people couldn’t make a decision SO MUCH!

Present: Page of cups (reversed) And here comes back that heartbreak, that emotional vulnerability… With the horrible twist of sexual abuse earlier in his life still there to haunt him. Definitely, the emotional denial from his body as well as his issues with trust are a lot deeper and serious than what I thought at first. Oh, Ichor for sure had some terrible experiences. But he realized that he was in a bad situation, that he’d been manipulated, used by someone older than him just cause he was young and naive. And he decided to get away from it all. The emotional trauma though? That still lingers and weights him down so much that he’s very closed off. I don’t exclude him actually pretending (very badly) like he’s way more confident than he is, in certain situations. Like a copying mechanism to try and hide his insecurities so people won’t use them against him again.

Future: the Hierophant (reversed) Well, with Corey this can go in both the direction hinted at by the tarot. He could absolutely challenge the traditions of the institution he belongs to and that he’s supposed to still answer to. Or he could cling to their traditions in a hope to change how corrupt and twisted things got from the very inside despite how it could break him to go back and be face to face with his abuser. I can’t necessarily give a suggestion in this case; it really depends on how things develop and which way you feel like he would lean towards (even with the party’s support). Either way, not surprised that a decision is at the core of his future. 

FULL BACKSTORY

Ichor was born in a cave in the Beastlands plane. His mother, Shianead, was on a mission for the institution she worked for to research more information on how were-creatures lived when organized in packs like that. She actually fell in love while she was in the middle of that mission with Ichor’s father, Purrenbor. As soon as Ichor was born, Shianead realized she could no longer stay in the Beastlands plane and decided to leave. Purrenbor tried to leave with her, but his tribe didn’t like them leaving with the child; Purrenbor gave his life so that both Shianead and Ichor could run away. Once they were back, the institution wasn’t necessarily happy that Shianead took more than a year for a mission that was supposed to be just 6 weeks long. They were disappointed in her, but once she promised that her shifter son would stay to be part of the institution as well and convinced them that in some way his nature as a shifter could be helpful in understanding better the potential benefits of the were-curse, they agreed to let her stay. Ichor didn’t necessarily have a happy and loving childhood. His mother was more often than not away for more research missions and he was left in the care of a very strict teacher, Clirji Brawen, a dragonborn that made him study for long hours instead of letting Corey run around with the other students of the institution’s preparatory schools. He still was grateful to be considered so bright to have Clirji’s attention, since he was considered one of the best teachers of the school (the one that usually worked with realy talented people). Corey was even allowed to live in Clirji's very luxurious house when his mother was away, instead of staying alone in the dingy apartment that belonged to her. When Corey was about fifteen, his mother had to go on a longer than usual mission that she was even more tight lipped than usual on the details of. Clirji had recently retired from teaching and was mainly just a consultant for the institution, and Corey could no longer stay at his house since he was no longer Corey’s teacher. It was decided from the institution’s schools’ council that he would stay in Norvhila Erishai’s estate. She was the very charismatic head of the research department of the higher level school, and she was hoping not only to find new branches of research for the main institution to focus on with her students, but to find students with a new, bolder attitude. Norvhila was immediately impressed with Ichor, not only for his knowledge reached under Clirji’s guidance, but also for his willingness to try new things before finding once again the balance at the core of the institution’s beliefs. Still young, very impressionable, awkward and mostly a pariah with students of his age, Ichor never realized that Norvhila fascination with him, and her consequent attentions of sexual nature, were very much inappropriate. Ichor felt flattered, and mostly thought he was bound to allow her to do whatever she wanted with him by duty and gratitude since he was living in her house and she was teaching him so much (or so she manipulated him to believe). It took Ichor having a revealing conversation with Clirji when he was almost 18 to realize that he’d been stuck in an abusive relationship all along. Also, Norvhila had been hiding to him that his mother had been considered missing in action for months, because nobody heard from Shianead since her last report from wherever she was for her mission. Ichor found out, when inquiring about his mother’s mission, that Norvhila wasn’t the only person in the institution that was doing morally twisted things that somehow they still considered “part of the balance of the world”. In a last ditch effort to get free of Norvhila’s manipulations, Corey asked the institution’s schools’ council to go on a mission to find what happened to his mother and to consider that his “graduation mission”, a test that every student had to pass to prove that tey were ready to become a fullfledged member. Unexpectedly (and probably with a big push from Clirji), the council allowed him to leave. Corey somehow still believed the institution could do some good, if he just got rid of the “twisted people”. He just find a way to actually make the right decision that would ripple the waters enough for that change to happen. And he had a feeling that finding his mother was just the first step in a much longer path.

(As a note, extra info. I think this could be more for a DM than a player but still relevant for both, especially the part about Clirji that could be considered a little bit of the conversation that cleared Corey’s mind on how things worked inside the institution. Corey is still convinced that, at the core, the institution was doing good [it’s something he always thought]. But, the what the institution truly does in my mind is gathering knowledge to use it as a merchandise for trade; they don’t really care to whom they give it, if the purpose is to maintain a balance. They think, since they gather the most knowledgeable and smart people in the world, that they have the power to pick and choose who and what will tip the scale so that the universe won’t be destroyed. But mostly, they are the reason why wars start and end by manipulating other people so that they could get richer by selling their information to both sides [too much power corrupts and all that shit, you know...]. Clirji, despite being aware of the problem, stayed in the institution as a teacher to try and help the students, to warn them if he could, help them get out of that life too if possible, or scare them away with his harsh attitude if that was the only way that worked. Because he felt like he had no other way to break that machine that made him too other than trying to take away the best minds from them. In a sense, Clirji also tried as much as possible to keep the schools and the institution proper to be very distinct and separate, but it was very difficult since he was one of the few people that was fighting against the system from the inside [and teachers were mostly members of the institution too, it was rare to have outsiders as such important staff figures that could shape the students minds]. When Clirji tried to become headmaster of the higher level school, for example, everyone looking in as an outsider would have picked Clirji since he was so accomplished as a teacher. But the council knew by that point that he was against what the institution truly had become, so they just made him retire, telling him he was too old even to be a teacher. And they obviously picked someone that would fit them better and would turn a blind eye on behaviors like Norvhila’s.)

SUGGESTION CORNER

Suggested features Ability scores: High Wisdom and Dexterity (try to keep as high as possible Intelligence too), Low Charisma Skill proficiencies: Investigation, Insight, Perception Others: I had to really think which animal would fit for him as his bestial appearance. At the end of the day, I feel any bird of prey would fit him very well: a classic eagle, a nice hawk or even a raven would be wonderful. If you want to go for something more “classic but still different”, a fox could be a nice pick as well considering his backstory.

Suggested Characteristics Trait: I’m willing to listen to every side of an argument before I make my own judgement. Ideal: The world needs to be constantly in balance. But to keep it that way sometimes you need to act, be bold instead of keeping still. Bond: I want to unveil the corruption that’s hiding inside the institution that made me love knowledge so much. Flaw: After a shift, I behave more animalistic than usual for a little time. It unnerves me to no end when people get to see that wild side. (This depends on the animal you pick but it could be mimicking for a crow, pouncing like a fox, little thing like that, easy to roleplay and remember but that can really bring funny moment in a session too. Have fun with it!).

[goldentouched]

what’s up sluts, my name is 🍰  🎀  𝒸𝓇𝒾𝓈𝓈𝓎  🎀  🍰  and my full time job is bullying noah, but only i am allowed to do it ⁠— anyone else gets a fite on site. nevertheless, i’m dummy excited to be here. this is mercy, otherwise known as cursey, the viral internet meme and inventor and ceo of wearing pink and whining about literally everything. under the cut i will give you the sparknotes version of my very long, obnoxious bio and if you would like to plot, please shoot me a like over here and i will shoot you a DM 💗 💗 💗

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐆𝐄𝐃𝐘 𝐎𝐅 𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐂𝐘 𝐉𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐒.

mercy was left on the steps of the briar heart pagan - worship cathedral by her birth mother in an adidas shoebox that also only had a little doll in it ( which mercy later named ugly ) and the nuns took her in

she got pneumonia and they were convinced she was going to die, but sister jones, one of the nuns, prayed to apollo to save her and apollo cured her

abuse tw: bounced around foster homes by run by mostly shitty abusive foster families, jane doe essentially, had almost no friends save adelaide wu at one point and seems kind of princessy now but got kicked out a lot for starting fights with the popular girls who bullied her for being poor and scrappy

always thought she deserved more than her piece of shit life built on being treated completely subhumanly, found her solace in stealing pretty shiny things from every home she was in ( jewelry, lip stick, fashion magazines etc ) and had dreams of becoming a famous actress ( mostly because she loved to pretend to be anyone but herself )

fled her foster home in her senior year after The Stolen Stash was discovered by her drunken foster dad who tried to kill her with a broken beer bottle, ran to The Altar Of The Gods, sacrificed ugly, her only possession and asked to be rich and golden forever ( god, she played herself w that last one )

the next day she won the lottery, 1.7 billion dollars, renamed herself mercy jones after sister jones, got famous, went to a list parties, built a social media empire and was working on kick starting an acting career 

when everything went horribly wrong

first part of mercy’s curse is that she’s going to be rich and have money forever, but it’s cursed to make her extremely miserable

ex: her sports car slid into her pool, jewlery turns her skin green, gets food poisoning at fancy french restaurants

became wildly infamous, the face of a viral internet meme called cursey, dropped from every celebrity event and became a joke and social pariah

the final straw was that during her most recent instagram live her huge chandelier came down and almost crushed her to death

so she finally answered the call of the curse database who had begged her to register her curse for years and is currently at their facility because shes scared to be at home and told her followers she went to the caribbean

ok final bit and worst part, part two of mercy’s curse is that she asked to be golden and the god’s love to laugh so the god that cursed her ( idk who it is, someone help me ) turned her blood into ichor

blood tw it makes her EXTREMELY SICK AND WEAK, she gets golden nose bleeds and coughs it up in clots into tissues, her organs are failing and will probably die w in the next couple years if not months, yeehaw!

𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐇𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒.

basically 2009 breakdown britney spears, cursed paris hilton, has a purse dog named versace, cries a lot, lives on the facility bc shes scared to rent or buy a house ( if anyone wants to be roomates hmu )

kind of a bitch because she’s constantly in a state of being uncomfortable and miserable somehow 

a lot smarter than she seems, she doesn’t really trust people so she plays dumb and is a really good actress

smells like prada candy and it gives her a rash, but, worth it

treated poorly by nearly everyone in her life ( small exception for lou and addie ) , doesn’t really know what love is or being taken care of basically only learned to take care of herself, numero uno, bc shes been burned a lot ( once Literally )

has beef with apollo for saving her bc he probably knew this would happen and did it to laugh @ her .. smhhh

scared and paranoid all of the time, pretends not to be cursed, very sensitive and has the potential eventually to be good but not all the way there

baby af

“listen who would have thought behind the pink juicy couture tracksuit there was a real human heart“ me in mars’ dms

like i said, probably going to die soon half bc of the ichor half bc im noahs least favorite: no one get attached to her

hmu, please don’t b afraid to get spicy, mercy needs depth bc she is about as shallow as the kiddy pool, the end.

[alwaysahiccupandastrid]

Hiccup + Astrid Relationship - Analysis + Thoughts

It’s no secret that I am a hardcore Hiccstrid shipper - my username is literally Hiccstrid-related in the most obvious way. I’ve been thinking a lot about their relationship, and how it developed over the course of the movies and television show, and I wanted to write all my thoughts/analysis in one place.

This ended up WAY longer than I thought it would, but I’m aware that people don’t want their dashboards clogged with it, so it’s under a “read more”.

Spoilers for all three HTTYD movies, Riders of Berk, Defenders of Berk and Race to the Edge under the cut!

I think what I love the most about Hiccup and Astrid’s relationship is how it progressed so healthily and naturally.

Let’s go back to the very beginning of the first movie; Hiccup is seen as an outcast in the village, a social pariah, the Chief’s “little disappointment”. Astrid is the ideal Viking - she’s strong, beautiful, handy with an axe and brave. We see that Hiccup basically has a very big crush on her, is in awe of her and who she is - or, at least, who he thinks she is. It’s very much akin to a fanboy crush. On Astrid’s side, it’s almost-indifference - she doesn’t pay him much attention or associate herself with him, perhaps because her family name is already mocked due to her uncle “freezing” in front of the Flightmare, and associating with Hiccup (the village disappointment) would definitely have made her life more difficult. Having said that, she doesn’t bully him like the other teenagers do, nor does she stop them from doing it to him - she tries to keep neutral for the most part.

Fast forward to dragon training. Suddenly Hiccup is showing surprising skill in the arena - and Astrid is mad because she was supposed to be top of the class, because earning the right to kill the Monstrous Nightmare would prove that she’s Viking enough, it would bring pride to her family. Suddenly Hiccup is taking over, and it frustrates her because NEVER has he shown any kind of skill with dragons before - it feels like everything she’s been working for since she was old enough to hold an axe is being swept away because of him. It’s infuriating, even more so because he acts weird about it and sneaks off every day, like he has a secret.

America Ferrera: In the first film, she was thinking: ‘Who is this guy? Why should he get to be the Chief of Berk when I’ve worked hard my whole life?’

And then there’s the Romantic Flight - and this changes something. Suddenly she starts to see a whole new perspective on things, on dragons - and, importantly, on Hiccup. He’s the one who shows her all of this new stuff from the back of a dragon he trained, and that’s when she starts to have some admiration for him in turn. From that point onwards, having been shown a new perspective on everything, she relaxes and is more friendly to him.

Over the course of the three TV shows, we get to see them actually get to know each other - they’re friends (despite the few kisses as teens). We see that Astrid respects Hiccup as a leader, and that in turn he trusts her to be in charge when he’s not around. They definitely care about each other and worry over each other more than the other teens when in danger.

And here’s where the relationship really becomes beautiful - them actually really getting to know each other.

Astrid no longer sees Hiccup as a nuisance or a runt or even weaker than herself - she grows and has respect for him. She loosens up a little, starts allowing herself to have fun. More importantly, Hiccup stops seeing Astrid as a prize to be won or a goddess/angel. That fanboy crush fades into actual feelings for who she actually is. It’s no longer “Astrid is every Viking boy’s dream girl” but “Astrid is brave, loyal, I can trust her, she has a good heart” etc. He sees her bond with Stormfly, that she’s willing to risk her life for what is right, for these creatures that need their help. But she’s also not going to blindly follow him - they can banter and fondly tease each other without worrying they’ll offend the other, because they have a friendship forming.

Hiccup never stops wanting to be with Astrid - now it’s just more “I actually love her for who she is” and less “she’s awesome and the best Viking” kind of thing. It’s not just “she’s pretty and every guy’s dream girl”, it’s the fact he actually knows her and likes her for who she actually is as opposed to some projection his mind has of her. He sees her as an actual human being - and he loves her for who she is.

Their relationship only grows stronger through the years, probably because they already have their friendship as a foundation for their romance. They know each other’s limits, they know what makes the other uncomfortable, and they respect each other’s boundaries. Any issues that they have in their relationship are solved near the beginning of their romance; they make it clear that they don’t want their romance affecting their work as Dragon Riders, or how they interact with everyone else. When they run into a bump with Astrid feeling like Hiccup doesn’t care, like she’s invisible, they end up talking it out like adults. She apologizes for overreacting, and he apologizes for taking her for granted - because they both recognize that there’s no one person to blame, it takes two to make the relationship work.

By the second movie, it’s clear that they’ve gone past both the honeymoon and the rocky stage; Hiccup lets her help him with the map, Astrid gives him reassurance that what he’s searching for isn’t out in the unexplored world but inside of him - because he doesn’t need to prove himself, not to her, she knows who he is and she loves him for both the good and the bad. Astrid comforts him when his father is killed, even though she’s mourning the death of her Chief too, and is supportive when Hiccup has to step up and be Chief - she knows he can do it, that he will be a good Chief in his own way. 

America Ferrera: But this time she’s his number one supporter because she sees that he’s special and totally capable of leadership. he is a partner in his adventure.

America Ferrera: They’re both incredibly independent spirits and very independent in their own rights, but are incredibly supportive of one another. Astrid is Hiccup’s number one defender and champion but also her own leader in her own right.

The third film just proves it even more. Both of them seem to know that one day they’ll be married - they’ve been together for years - but Astrid especially knows now is not the time. She knows that Hiccup relies on Toothless, she doesn’t get mad about it but she knows that so long as he’s so focused on Toothless, it’s pointless to try and compete. In a deleted scene she even says that she’s not opposed to the idea of marrying him, but she doesn’t want to get married for the sake of getting married - it has to be the right time, and that time isn’t now. “He thinks he’s nothing without Toothless” she tells Valka, and she recognizes Hiccup’s reliance on Toothless. She doesn’t want to replace Toothless - no one can do that - but she finds her own way to support Hiccup when he needs it most. She takes him to the Hidden World, and is visibly concerned when Hiccup is upset - they both see that Toothless is where he belongs. She doesn’t need to say anything sometimes, she just knows she has to be there for him - she doesn’t resent him for that, she just knows that this is difficult for him because of how much he relies on Toothless, how much of his own value he attributes to the Night Fury.

As Valka says, “he’ll listen to you” - and he does. It’s Astrid who inspires him in both the first and third movies to act. “What are you gonna do about it?” “Ehh...Probably something stupid”. She doesn’t just think Hiccup is valuable because he rides a Night Fury or because he’s the Chief - “I was the first to believe in you, and I have watched you doubt whether you’re worthy ever since” - she loves him for him, not for a dragon or title.

Perhaps the most interesting part of her speech on the cliff is when she admits that “I’m the person I am today because of you - I’ve never told you that but it’s true”. She’s not just saying that to make him feel better or to stroke his ego, it’s the truth. Because of Hiccup, she rode on Toothless and saw that everything she previously thought about dragons was wrong; because of Hiccup, she learned to train and befriend Stormfly (who she has such a close bond with to the point where she was willing to get herself poisoned by a Slitherwing to save her). Because of Hiccup, she’s no longer solely focused on being the ultimate Viking warrior - there’s a softer side to her that was always there but he brought out. 

Cate Blanchett: They’re absolute equals. They're competitors, they challenge one another, but they’re also able to be gentle with one another and tell the truth to one another.

Like Valka said in the deleted scene, “you bring out the best in each other” - Hiccup’s own mother recognizes that Astrid also has a positive effect on her son. No one else could have convinced him to do something crazy like get the rest of the gang to ride on dragons to defeat the Red Death, no one else could have inspired him on that cliff to come up with the plan of having everyone wearing the wings to soar through the air. In Race to the Edge, he even tells her straight out “I couldn’t have done any of this without you - not the dragon riders or the Edge”. If Astrid hadn’t been there to talk him through his darker/uncertain moments, he perhaps would have just stood there and been lost. A lot of Hiccup’s development is due to two people: Toothless and Astrid. Without the two of them, he wouldn’t be the Chief we see him as in the last film. Hiccup has the ideas - Astrid inspires him to develop and use them.

Jay Baruchel: They complement each other, y’know? Hiccup is 'reason' and Astrid is 'action'.

When Hiccup makes that final decision to let the dragons go, neither of them need to say anything to each other - they both look at each other and know. Astrid is the first one to undo her dragon’s saddle, to show that she will follow him and trust his decision. She stands by his side and supports him when he has just one leg, both before and while watching the dragons fly away.

And then there’s the wedding, of course. There seems to be only slight hesitation from Astrid, and that hesitation seems to be “I want to be sure he’s certain he’s ready” - and he is, by Thor, he is. You can see her little nod and wide smile as she takes his hands, as if silently saying “yeah, let’s do this - we’re ready”.

The look on his face when she takes his offered hands is full of pure love and adoration for her. It’s like he’s thinking “I am the luckiest man in the world”.

^Hes so in love, bless him

This relationship is about 6 years in the making, give or take (since we don’t really know how long it took to build New Berk - it seems like they maybe got married a few months after the dragons left). They’ve known each other most of their lives even before being in a relationship, even before being friends. There’s a trust and love betwen them that can’t be disputed. And here is the culmination of those 6-or-so-years - the two of them maturing as adults, taking that step together as they rule over their people, as they continue to try to build a better world without their dragons, one that will hopefully make it safe for dragons to return someday. When they kiss as husband and wife, he takes her face in his hand, and you can see the love and passion between them even in that simple kiss - it’s the start of their new lives together. It’s that air of “finally”.

Speaking of kisses, you can see the dynamic between them as it develops through the little touches and kisses, through every action.

In the first movie, Astrid has a little habit of punching or hitting Hiccup - and no, that’s not okay, but it was in no way to control or abuse him. She does it when he’s being weird in the cove, and then for lying to her. In the cove after flying Toothless, she punches him on the shoulder - but it’s not violent, it’s half-hearted, because she kisses his cheek immediately after. She also has a habit of doing it to the other dragon riders, so it’s not to control Hiccup or anything like that. To add, it’s obvious that young Vikings like to be rough - like Ruff and Tuff hitting each other.

“It’s not violence, it’s communication” — Astrid says this to Fishlegs in Riders/Defenders of Berk. Again, I’m not saying it’s okay to go around punching or hitting people, but I think it offers some insight into why she does it. Astrid isn’t comfortable with being open with her emotions at first, especially in regards to her growing feelings for Hiccup, and so I think for her that’s her way of saying “I kinda like him but I’m scared to admit it” or something. It’s like Ron and Hermione always bickering in Harry Potter, because there’s romantic tension that neither of them want to admit to. For her, I don’t think romance is something she’s comfortable with - it’s always been training and proving herself, and she wouldn’t have had time for thinking or wanting relationships since she wanted to be a shield-maiden/the best Viking warrior to prove herself/restore her family name.

Relating back to the above point, Astrid’s little punches/hits only seem to happen when they’re younger - as they get older, she stops completely. I think that’s because she matured and became more comfortable with expressing her feelings for Hiccup as well as in general.

In HTTYD2, she gives Hiccup an affectionate weak punch that activates the spring coil in his suit. His annoyance isn’t from being hit, but from the fact she’ll wear out the spring coil - that flight suit is pretty thick, to add, so I don’t think it particularly hurt him. The second time is not a punch or hit but her pressing the button intentionally. He’s not even that annoyed about it since he pulls her in for an intense kiss afterwards.

To my memory, she doesn’t once hit Hiccup in the third film. Any touches between them are softer, more care behind them

They do play-wrestle a little on the cliff, and that is started by Hiccup, who pulls her onto him after she makes a joke about Snotlout marrying his mum.

She tries to get away, laughing as he holds her/perhaps tickles her, and he says “no you’re not getting away!” - which is when she grins, grabs his wrist/arm and twists it behind his back until he yields and says “you win!”. After that, they briefly cuddle up to each other (“you knew what you were getting into” “uh-huh, right”) It’s purely all affectionate and loving, no harm done. They definitely seem comfortable to play-wrestle and tease each other.

Towards the end, Hiccup and Astrid rest their heads against each other, in this really beautiful moment where they don’t need to talk - the intimacy is obvious. You can also see him with his arm around her as she helps him stand without his prosthetic; they’re both close and comfortable, with her hand against his chest and his hand on her wrist, holding her close.

When they get married, Hiccup holds out his hands for her to take. He doesn’t just grab her hands, he gives her the decision - she can take his hands and marry him, or she’s fully able to turn around and say “I don’t think I’m ready”. Granted, it’s a bit late given that it’s a wedding ceremony and the whole of the village is watching, but he’s giving her that moment anyway - a last chance to back out. He’s giving her the choice to take his hands and get married once and for all. It makes it seem so much more mutual, in a way, like they’re both making that decision. Again, it’s just a nicer, more consenting action than just grabbing her hands in his own.

And yeah, she takes his hand - they’re in this together. She gives him that nod, a final little way of saying “yeah you dork, of course I’m going to marry you, I’m here, aren’t I?”

What’s also interesting about Hiccup and Astrid is that Hiccup definitely grows more comfortable with initiating, and he grows more comfortable with showing affection; you’ll see him taking Astrid’s hand, touching her arm, intitiating kisses, etc.

Speaking of kisses...

At first, Astrid initiates all the kisses. The two in the first film, Snoggletog, the one after the Thawfest games etc. These are all before their romance even properly starts. The kisses in the first film especially have her grabbing him by the shirt and pulling him in - not that he seems to mind that much.

Their first kiss in RTTE is more both of them leaning in at the same time - a mutual action to seal their newfound status as boyfriend/girlfriend.

In the early days of their relationship in RTTE, Astrid is the one who initiates kisses, and then it’s Hiccup who reciprocates - I think this reflects how their early relationship is, with Hiccup still being a little uncertain about it and waiting for Astrid to take the lead since he doesn’t want to push her or make her do anything she doesn’t want to at first. It also relates back to the fact that Astrid is more sure of herself, more confident, and more likely to take action whilst Hiccup thinks about things first

While she initiates, he always reciprocates - he’s clearly happy that she is kissing him, he’s just not ready to initiate it himself at first because he’s not as confident yet.

But then Hiccup grows more confident as the series progresses; he kisses her head or touches her slightly more and more. In Mi Amore Wing, it’s Hiccup who initiates a kiss and pulls Astrid towards him. Again, in the King of Dragons Part 2 (the series finale), it’s Hiccup who pulls Astrid back to him before she can run off and he kisses her - and she’s happy to let him do it.

In HTTYD 2, Astrid first gives Hiccup a kiss on the cheek; slightly later, Hiccup presses a kiss to the side of her head. Finally, towards the end, it’s Hiccup who reaches for Astrid, pulls her to him, and kisses her in front of everyone.

Finally, in HTTYD3, Hiccup initiates both of the cheek/side of the head kisses. First, when he’s making Toothless’ new tail and he pecks the side of her head after saying “it’s just until he brings her back”. Then there’s the side kiss on the cliff after she says “that’s the Hiccup I know”. He’s so much more sure of himself, so comfortable with their relationship, now as opposed to how it was in the first film/RoB/DoB

Finally, the wedding kiss. That’s another one where they both go in for it - the two of them lean in and meet halfway. It’s symbolic of how a marriage should work, both of them meeting in the middle and neither of them doing all the work. It’s a kiss that seals the deal, one that represents the beginning of their new life together, and how they will support each other in their marriage.

I love that they’re not afraid to disagree with one another - Astrid will not blindly follow Hiccup if she’s uncertain about one of his ideas, she will discuss it with him, and if all else fails, she’ll go with him to make sure he doesn’t get himself into danger. Astrid doesn’t stroke his ego or lie to him - on two separate occasions, she agrees that he’s messed up whilst he’s self-pitying himself; first in “Guardians of Vanaheim in RTTE:

Hiccup: This was a really bad decision, Astrid. Really, really bad.

Astrid: Yeah, you’re probably right.

Hiccup:...Well, you’re not supposed to just agree with me like that. You’re supposed to tell me I did the right thing in a tough situation.

Astrid: I could tell you that but it wouldn’t be the truth. And you know that.

Hiccup: Yeah, I guess I do.

She could have easily lied to him to make him feel better - but they respect each other enough to be honest with one another. Astrid instead reassures him in a much better way:

Astrid: Hiccup, you make a hundred decisions every day, they aren’t all gonna be correct. What’s important is that you keep making decisions, that after you fail, you move forward.

Another example is in HTTYD3, after Grimmel has captured Toothless and taken all the dragons captive. On the cliff, as Hiccup paces and Astrid approaches him, she tells him the truth again:

Hiccup: I shouldn't have dragged you out there. He wouldn't have flown me back. She wouldn't have followed.

Astrid: Yep.

Hiccup: Aah! I feel like the same screw up I was before I met Toothless.

Astrid: I can see that.

Hiccup: Are you just gonna stand there and agree with everything?

Astrid: Well, you're right. You're back to where you started. But I was the first to believe in you. And I have watched you doubt whether you're worthy ever since. But you know what... I am the person I am today because of you. I never told you that, but it's true. You are the bravest, most stubborn, most determined... knucklehead I know. Toothless didn't give you that, Hiccup. He just made it--

Hiccup: Easier.

Astrid: And now it's gonna be a lot harder. So... what are you gonna do about it?

Hiccup: Probably something stupid.

Astrid: That's the Hiccup I know.

Again, she could have easily said “no it’s not your fault, babe” but she knew that that would have gotten them nowhere. She’s not necessarily saying it IS his fault - her “yep” is more in the vein of “I’m gonna let you rant it out and agree with you until you’re ready to listen”. She’s not particularly serious when she says it either - before she can get through to him, it’s that he’s pacing about frustrated, feeling both angry and sorry at/for himself, and she knows that he needs to get it out of his system/snap out of it before she can attempt to get through to him.

Everything about their relationship - from little touches to kisses, to supporting each other etc - has such a natural progression that also reflects how they both develop as individuals. This series has such themes of growing up and maturing, and I love that the film-makers put so much effort into reflecting their growth as individuals and a couple.

And just because I like to keep posts nice and cheerful, I leave you all with this gem: