#especially with zira. as a treat :)

[valeriapryanikova]

yeah okay

[hcdragonwrites]

A Tiger on the Mountain (a @semisolidmind Fanfic)

Here it is ! Another one. I made up a creature specifically so I could play out a scenario in my head and lead into another fic after this one. This is not a two parter but it leaves it open for a follow up!

TW: Blood and Violence and allusions to torture at the end. (Not of Peaches SHES fine)

“Get out before you become a new rug for me to wipe my feet upon.” Sun Wukong snarled over the table, his staff in his hands. The Nine Tiger Demon took a step backward at the fury. The expedition to this kingdom of monkeys and flowers had been a fools mission. Zari, The Nine Tiger Demon- Lord of the Eastern Waste and Terror of the Snowy Steppes, dipped his head cordially.

“As you wish, my Lord.” The tiger smiled and stepped out of the council room, his great black cape swirling as he exited in a flourish. He had made a jab at the Monkey Kings pride by calling him Lord. He knew that his patience was wearing thin with him. Especially after he had eluded to the weakness of mortal Ally’s.

“It is necessary to procure some of the goods they produce.” Wukong had waved the complaint aside. As if waving a fly. Zari was a lord of a snowy country where resources were few and blood was spilt as common as the snowfall. His kind had been hunted by poachers for their pelts. For the magic quality in their stripped bodies. Bones, blood, tendons, fur, claws… Everything in a tigers body was hunted for medicine, magic and mayhem. To hear that the most feared creature west of his kingdom, the great demonic Monkey King who had challenged Heaven, had made treaties with humans…

Zari had licked his muzzle sensing weakness.

“Why treat when you can take?” The tiger lord had questioned. His attendants beside him fidgeted, their hands straying to the scimitars belted to their sides. A twitch of his tail tip called them off. A tiger was playing with a monkey to see what sort of prey it had between his claws.

“And cause further disharmony around me ? Mortal men are easily placated. It leaves me free to put my resources into more important things.” Here the monkey leaned forward, eyes glowing with the torchlight. “Like seeking new territories in the east.”

The threat was received but Zari didn’t rise to the bait. He was a patient creature. The scars on his stripped hands and body proved how many battles and hunters he had outwitted.

Of course Zari had only come to sieze up the competition in the West. He never had any intentions of swearing allegiance to the ape. To debase himself to an ape? Never. So it only took Wukong a few more verbal jousts to also know the game was at an end. He had dismissed the tiger with a threat. Zari kept his claws velveted. For now.

As he stepped out of the corridor he let the slightest bit of agitation show in his whiskered face. A twitch of a tail brought one of his attendants forward.

“Gather the lower Claw.” Zari whispered. “They need a good hunt.”

“Of course my King.” The lesser demon bowed and raced off, light as a feather in the wind. At least that would humble the foolish ape—

Zari came around the corner and bumped straight into something soft, and pliable. His claws caught it reflexively before the thing fell completely onto his black armor and ruined his perfect complexion. He hissed, about to snap at this new weaker underling of a foolish king when the scent hit the top of his mouth.

Human.

“I’m so sorry!” It was female. The women pulled from the tiger claws. Her eyes remained cast down. Simple peasant clothes. Hair tied up in a messy updo. Flushed cheeks, good proportions. The tigers eyes had been blown wide.

“Are you alright miss?” Zira smoothed the twitching of his whiskers, kept the lashing of his tail to a minimum. But his instincts roared and his mouth pooled. “I did not mean to bump into so harshly.”

A captured peasant girl? A pet of this monkey kings?

“Oh no it was my fault!” The women said. She finally looked up and the tiger demon got a good look at the curve of her throat. The hot pulse just inches from his fangs.

From further down the corridor someone called “PEACHES!” The girl stiffened a bit then smiled sheepishly.

Zira felt as if he was a wolf in the sheep pen.

“I should have been watching where I was going. Carry on!” She bowed and then quickly scuttled off.

“Well well well…”Zira smiled to himself as another monkey ran past and after the fleeing women. He felt his grin widen, the drool threatening to slip. “Look like I have some entertainment myself…”

For Zari, The Nine Tiger Demon- Lord of the Eastern Waste and Terror of the Snowy Steppes, was whispered and feared by mortals across his snowy slice of the world. Legends told of how he would slip in as silent as a ghost. How he would visit families and paint their walls in red crimson and spattered gore. For Zari was a man eater, a enjoyer of mortal flesh. And his favorite prey that he enjoyed devouring most was women.

This conquest just got a bit more interesting.

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

“I Demand compensation.”

The threat would have come off more terrifying from the Monkey King if he had been dressed in his armor. However he was… not. Instead Wukong was at the present moment, begging on Peaches lap beneath a cherry tree. His face was a storm cloud as he lifted Peaches hands up to his head.

“I am afraid you won’t be getting any.” Peaches let her hand fall limply off. The stormy face broke into a beggars crocodile tears.

“PEACHESSSS!”

Macaque would have snickered at his sworn brother begging but he was also not getting any sort of touches from Peaches. He didn’t know why she had decided today of all days to deny both of them.

Why was she withholding scratches from her husbands? Well. For many reasons. For one, one of them startled her awake this morning by swooping her into his arms because he got a little too excited and woke her from her dreams. It also triggered a huge sort of panic because she has had enough of nightmares on being snatched away thank you.

Of course telling the one begging at her knees right now that his over exuberance this morning had been one of the reasons for no pats, would only lead to more exuberance.

A second reason she was including both and not just the one who scooped her ? Well because the day before Macaque thought it would be funny to pop one of his shadows beneath her while she was trying to brush her hair and in the fall the hairbrush - still tucked into her hair- wrenched. It had been painful and she had lost several bits of her own hair in it.

And thirdly? Because these two had, for all intensive purposes of the words, kidnapped her and forced her to live here upon the mountain. Yes she was still bitter about it. No she wouldn’t get over it. At least not today. Too many tricks were tugged and her personal space breached for her to simply let it go. A little bodily autonomy and boundary would be nice. Instead her two lovers would look at her as one would a family cat and go “awwwwwwww!” and scoop her up.

So two very peeved simians sat cross legged staring her down. Wukongs tail was lashing back and forth, his eyes narrowed like a cats. He reached forward and grabbed Peaches hand again. She had learned long ago that giving them the satisfaction of her resistance- how cute! They would say as she practically threw all manner of pellmell closet clutter at them- would only prolong their inevitable smothering of her.

Being impassive was her best weapon.

So she let her hand be limply lifted.

Just as limply it slid off the Monkey Kings head.

“Peaches! Come on!” Wukong groaned. He sounded like a kid begging for sweets. Peaches sniffed. The day was nice at least. She had made her way out of Water Curtain Cave and out onto the mountainside before her attendant could shove and stuff her into royal courtly attire. Not today! Peaches hadn’t wanted to attend court. She hadn’t wanted to be near that council room. Her accidental bump into that demon had been as close as she had gotten. A tiger demon? Now that was something she hadn’t seen yet.

Wukong laid himself over her lap, his face pouting up at her. He looked… adorable. It was almost enough for her to forget about his transgression this morning. It wasn’t enough. She turned her head away.

Only for Macaque to be there. He had somehow snuck up, as was his silent way, and pressed himself to her back. He slipped her into his lap, and Peaches felt a little spark of unease. Macaque was the slower of the two when it came to affection, sneaking it in or trying to tease it from her. Wukong was all action and joyful tugs and play. His was earnest and forward. Macaque was… sly. Teasing. A fox inside the chicken house.

“Sweet peach, come now.” His hands settled around her. His breath tickled the shell of her ear and Peaches fought the blush from rising in her face. Think of rocks and birds. What you will eat tonight. Anything but how his voice and how it feels rumbling against me.

“We just want to have a little comfort.” The dark furred monkey lifted her hand. He entwined his fingers in hers. They were so large. The practically swamped her own. The claws slide along the fingers as he lifted her hand and tugged it into his fur onto his cheek.

“Come on, little plumb.” His smile was as sweet as honey, as soft as downy feathers. If it had been any other day she would have mussed his fur and teased him back. However Macaque made a mistake of touching her hair with a free hand. Reminding Peaches that this little trickster had yanked some of her hair out.

She let her hand remain lax.

“No.”

“Then you leave both of us no choice.”

Macaque leaned back and with a woosh and gasp of air and black- they were back in their room. The pillow pit cushioned their fall, as did Macaque who lay beneath her. Peaches let out an indignant squeak as the demon monkey growled playfully in her ear.

“You have only a few moments before Wukong gets here. Do you want to tell me what’s up?”

“No.” Peaches sniffed. His hand was trailing along her skin, almost walking up her arm.

“Are you mad at him?” Macaque asked.

“Yes”

“Are You mad at me?”

“Yes.”

“Is it … a mad kind of day?”

She didn’t respond.

He tutted and tugged her hands free of where she had shoved them beneath her arms. He placed one against the side of his head, eyes gently closing. He kissed her palm, her wrist, her arm.

“Come on my sweet… just indulge us both..”

“No.”

“Little minx.” The purple eyes flashed along with that sharp toothed smile. Peaches felt her face flush. Macaque leaned in and over her now, his free hand twining in the hair on the back of her neck. The demon was angling her from being the one on top, to sliding her into the pillow pit with the dark haired monkey hovering above. He pulled her up and into him, and Peaches had the startling realization that she was so very very small and he was so very very large all of a sudden.

“What sins do I have to whisper into your ears ? What marks should I leave upon your skin to earn your affection again?” His eyes dipped to her lips. Peaches face felt like it was afire. “Should I sing your praises into your skin with my teeth?”

Oh dear.

And then the moment of tension was broken by a furious orange blur bursting into the room and tackling both of them. Peaches cried out while Macaques face looked deadpan at his sworn brother. The moment of tension, of turning Peaches pink as a lychee fruit, was over.

“MACAQUE! THATS NOT FAIR!” The monkey king was entangled with both of them as he grabbed the other hand and shoved it into his fur. Peaches only held onto them now as they jostled her. “HOW MANY HEADSCRATCHES DID YOU GET?”

“None…” His face was exasperated, his tail twitching at the tip.

“None?” Wukong echoed.

“None!” Macaque slammed his head closer to Wukong. Peaches was perfectly sandwiched between her husbands very bare and very exposed chests as the two brothers bristled at each other. She was loosing her own power of wills because … well. Peaches was only human. She could barely stay mad at one Monkey half dressed. Two half dressed and practically pressed cheek to pec against either side of your face ? It was a marvel her body didn’t burn up on the spot from how much she was blushing.

“Why you shouting at me then?!”

“You spoiled my sport before I could tease some out of her.”

“Oh?” Wukongs eyes shot downward. Peaches looked away, feeling like she got caught watching.

Oh no.

The two demons looked down on her. And Peaches felt like she was in danger. Not a you-will-die-and-be-disemboweled way. More of you-will-be-turned-into-a-second-sun-from-how-much-we-will-tease-you kind of way. They loomed over their mortal wife, ears perked forward and grins becoming sharp and feral.

Another burst through the door however saved Peaches from being turned into a puddle beneath the attentions of her husbands.

“Ugh what is it now?” Macaque sighed.

“My King! We are under attack!”

The two warlords changed from flirting devils to stiff and immovable stones as they stood. Macaques ears swished, forward and back, each set twitching as he confirmed it.

Wukong was across the room, his armor back on his body in a flash. His staff was plucked free from his ear, elongating in a flourish.

“Where?” The Sages voice was a silent rumble.

“Off the south slope- a band of panthers by the look of it.” The sentry’s tail was puffed in fear. Wukong nodded and was off in a flash of fur and fury.

Someone was attacking the mountain? They must be crazy. Insane. Or have a death wish.

Macaque set Peaches firmly in the Pillow pit, eyes somber.

“Love don’t move. Don’t leave this room. Understand ?” His face was pinched in worry bordering on fury. He was trying to maintain his composure for her, to hold back the anger that was threatening to bubble upward. Peaches may think of her boys a lot of way. They were selfish when they wanted her attention. They had taken her away reluctantly from her home. She had been forced to live her for the past decade or so. Her husbands were warlords, murderers and Demons.

They also cared for her a great deal, in a way that no mortal could compare. They clothed her in the finest garb but also gave her the option of comfort. They brought her to the Palace and laid laws down among the fellow demonic ally’s that she was to be respected and treated as an extension of Wukong and Macaques power. They brought her gifts from the outside world when they came back from expeditions, made her foods from the finest ingredients, told her stories of their travels. On nights when the past came back to rear it’s head she could find comfort in one or both of their arms.

And at times like this, she felt thankful that, of all the kidnapping creatures in the world, at least it had been these two.

That didn’t sound like a plus at all.

Macaque was waiting for her response. Peaches shook herself free of the cobwebs, of the past and back into the present. The mountain was under fire. Something was trying to earn the ire of the Monkey King and his People. As a very soft once mortal immortal now, Peaches had no sort of power to defend with or help. She was a liability, at least until she began her own cultivation, on the battlefield. So Peaches nodded.

“Yes.”

It was all Macaque needed. He pressed a kiss to her temple and whispered “Good girl.”

And he was gone, falling into shadow.

“Hellooooo?”

Peaches started awake at the voice. Disoriented she disentangled herself from the soft fur and pillows she had been wedged between. She must have fallen asleep some time in the day. The light coming from the windows was a burnished gold, sunset settling on the

“Someone help! Help me please…”

The voice was disjointed, the sound echoing from beyond the closed doors. It set her skin to crawling. Shouldn’t there be guards ? Shouldn’t there be someone outside the doors?

“HELP. SOMEONE HELP!”

The voice sounded like a baby! The shrill high note cut through the last hesitation Peaches had. She opened the door and rushing out into the corridor.

The echos of her footfalls bounced back to her from the stone walls. The cry came again, a baby monkey hooting in distress. It came from around corridors, downs passageways. Peaches raced forward until she had burst out of the cavern and into the dying light of the sun.

The grass swayed in the breeze. The shadows danced across the field, like stripes on a great tigers back.

She felt a shiver go up her spine. Something was terribly wrong. It felt off - the world felt off. The mountain was usually brimming with life and sound. Birds would be calling even at this late hour when day turns to night. The cicadas would be sonorously screaming their complaints to the night air. However…

Everything was still. Not a insect nor a bird called out. There were no generals or other monkeys present on the mountain. Usually sentries were littered about the fields and slopes. There was no one here at this moment.

That’s wrong. Completely wrong…

A faint gurgle, a dying cry of a baby monkey from somewhere just ahead.

“Where are You?” Peaches called. The child sounded in pain- and the sooner she got them inside the cave, the better. “You have to tell me where you are so I can help you.”

“Typical mortals.” The voice came from behind and peaches whipped around. A tiger demon, a creature of immense size and with terrifying teeth, toward behind her. Zira held the languid look of a cat with a full belly, tail swaying in the grass and claws meticulously being groomed. The blood from those long claws was the fresh scarlet of new blood.

“Your kind always come when lured by another— I was wondering if I should do a human baby or a mortal imitation but, seeing as you’ve been collared and tamed by monkeys, I thought that would be the easiest way to lure you out.” The tiger lord grinned. Peaches saw that he was fully armored. The black leather of his body was painted in dark splotches of red.

He’s … killed people. Who has he killed?? Where’s the baby ??

Peaches stepped cautiously back into the grass, heart racing. The tiger lords eyes grew round.

“Are you trying to run?” His voice was practically a pur as he stood straighter. “Please do. The chase will be good for me and clear this monstrous smell of ape blood.”

“What do you want?” Peaches needed to stall. To find a way to keep the beast talking. He liked to talk to full the silence. “Why are you here?”

“Those are boring questions dear morsel. Boring indeed. You mortals think all the same- but at least you taste better then your little brains think.” Zira stepped forward and into Peaches bubble- forcing her backward and further away from the cave. “Why am I Here ? Well to play. It’s been so long since I’ve had a chance to play with another demons pet.”

Another slow pace forward. Another hasty retreat from Peaches.

“I can understand. I play rough. It’s hard when you all … scream at the slightest break of bone. At the sudden loss of limb…” the tiger lords body seemed to grow, a secondary face appearing from its left cheek. The new muzzle opened and in horror peaches heard people crying, of mortal women begging for their children. The voices of men pleaded for wives and sons and daughters. Anguished cries, cries of pain. Voices from the past.

Dead voices.

“They never last long.” The tiger smirked, that new face along his left side turning upward as well.

“So when I came to see this terrifying demon lord who has challenged heaven I expected him to have a show of strength. What I didn’t expect was a pet like you.” Those eyes flashed.

“Why? Wukong is the strongest Why—“

“Why did I not expect you?” Zira snorted. “Because demons forget themselves when they stop consuming lesser beasts and start befriending them.”

Peaches looked about her. She wouldn’t be able to make a dash back to the caves. This tiger was driving her further and further from safety. She had been a fool to try and help, a damned fool. The next best thing she could do was to try and stay alive long enough. Long enough for her to call out. Wukong or Macaque would hear her. She had no doubt on that. There was also the willow tree just ten feet behind her. If she could get to it and climb she may be able to stall out this demon.

“Now dear. How would you like to die?” The tiger was closer now as Peaches kept stepping back. She was almost back pedaling, trying to stay out of the range of those claws. Of those red teeth. “I could kill you by fang or claw. Or maybe a sword would be better. But then… where’s the fun in it for me if you die so quickly ?”

Peaches spun on her heel and ran.

“HELP!” Her lungs filled with more air, to shout to the Heavens above. The grasses bent beneath her flight. She had almost made it to the tree, almost got enough air to scream again when something slammed into her shoulder. Bright hot pain bloomed and she fell to the dirt. Her hands reached up and came away with sticky blood.

“Calling for help is useless.” Zira licked the fresh blood clean from his claws, enjoying the taste of terror on his tongue. “My men have them busy against the farthest side of the mountain.”

Peaches rolled, to get up to get away she did not know. Her movement was stopped by a booted heel to her shoulder. The new pain elicited a scream to peak from her lips. It rang eerily off the mountain that was so still. So awfully still.

“The pain will only be temporary.” Zira knelt. The tiger reached down with his clawed hands. He cupped her face as she fought him. He smiled and opened his jaws wide to close over her throat.

The suns last dying ray cast a shadow as black as night over the grassy floor. It pooled beneath the mortal women and then, with a slip and tug, Ziras prey was swallowed by the black. The tiger snarled claws raking the soil in a vain attempt to dig her back out.

“So it was you.”

Zira turned.

There, leaning against his staff was the Monkey King. His clawed hands and golden armor were covered in black blood. Zira felt a worm of unease creep into his calm and cocky smile. Those warriors had been the best of his Claw- the best in the Snowy Steppes. There was no way they had failed—

“Ah King Wukong!” The tiger Lord began. If he could stall him out, lead him into a false sense of security, then that would be better. It would buy him time to get closer, to steal into range and pounce. “So nice to see you agai—-“

The tiger lord didn’t even see the moment. On second the orange monkey was standing before him and the next he felt a blooming pain cut along his secondary face. He roared in confusion as the sight from those eyes was lost in a shower of blood. The tiger had no time to reorient himself however. The neck blow was to one of his hands. Sun Wukong clasped one in hand and with a terrible crunch, shattered all the bones within.

Panic came traipsing up the tigers spine. This was not good. The monkey was moving incredibly fast - too fast- for him to counter. He reached for his Scimitar- the blade of Nine Tigers- to end the fight. This blade could cut mountain in half- it could cleave souls from bodies and leave the flesh whole.

“You come to my mountain…”

The staff slammed into the side of his head, casting several of the tigers teeth from his jaws. He was unbalanced but determined. He just had to grab his sword —

“You attack my home…”

Another blow to his middle sent him slamming into the willow tree. The force of it snapped the bark and collapsed the Willow behind him. Zira felt stars float in his vision, tasted his own blood. He had a hand on his sword now though. He drew the blade, cutting it across the insolent ape that towered over him. Wukongs soul would be cleaved, his body left behind for the flies to lay eggs in. He would be dead. The blade sliced —

And snapped in half.

“You tried to devour my wife…” Fear is not something a tiger experienced often. It raced over his stripes, twitched his crushed whiskers, and made his eyes widen. That had been his wife ? That common little dustmote ? Zira had miscalculated. A pet was one thing. But a wife —

“You took… a mortal… as a wife? Pa—“ Zira tried for bravado, tried to spit into the monkey lords face. The tiger was desperately clinging to what remained of his pride. He had chased a rabbit into a ravine and found wolves.

Zira opened his jaws to cast his last disrespect. Only for the claws of Wukong to cut along his jaw and crush it closed before he could finish.

“I will break every bone in your body before I let you die. You will wish you were dead before I’m done with you.”

The shadows swallowed Peaches and arms wrapped around her but she was still flailing. She grabbed at fur and skin and battered her fists and nails against it.

“Ow - PEACHES - PEACHES ITS ME!” Macaque voice cut over the adrenaline that floated high and fast in her blood. She blinked at him. They were back in their room, back inside Water Curtain Cave. Peaches hand was still curled in a fist, still raised up to beat along her captors face. Only. This wasn’t the tiger anymore. It was Macaque.

“It’s just me.”

“I’m not dead am I?” What stupid words to say but it was the first thing her numb mind could think on.

“What? No.” Macaques face was a sea of worry lines as he gently turned her shoulder to him. The blood was sopping beneath the cloth of her shirt. He gave it a sniff and murmured in soothing tones. Mostly to himself. “But I’m concerned for your shoulder. Let’s get that looked at alright ?”

Peaches nodded. Macaque used his claws to rip free the ruined cloth of the shirt and gain better access to the claw marks.

“It’s an ugly scratch but nothing deep.” She felt his hands, paper soft press along the skin. She hissed at the fiery pain as damaged nerves and sore skin protested. “Peaches you will have to be brave for me and let me stich it closed ok?”

She nodded. Her mind was still processing the events just moments ago. Of tiger teeth flashing to bite her throat. Of claws cutting her skin. Macaque returned to her and tugged her into him. She didn’t protest. Didn’t stop as he pulled her hand up to his face. She twined her fingers into the fur, needing the grounding almost, if not more, then he did. Macaque made soothing chirps and soft noises as he worked, pulling needle through flesh and closing it up.

It was only after a time, when Peaches own fear began to fall away, that he asked her.

“Why did you leave the room Peaches ?”

“I heard … it sounded like one of the babies Mac.” One of the little monkey babies all alone and crying for help. The haunting sound echoing off the stone and always just out of reach. “One of the littles in pain and hurt. I didn’t think. I just … acted.”

“Mmm.” Another stich pressed into her skin and she flinched. “You know this means you will have to have a day guard now yes?”

“Are you putting more restrictions on me after I almost got devoured ?” It was a bad attempt at humor but Peaches tried anyway. Whenever something happened to her - if it was an imagined insult from a courtier, a threat to her life because she tried something new and it didn’t agree with her- the boys would set new limits, new conditions. Macaque scowled at her and she bit her tongue from adding to the humor.

“Precautions. If I hadn’t heard you—“ His voice chocked at the end. Peaches looked back. Macaques ears were all low, dropping like flower petals. For all their faults, for their transgressions in taking her choices from her, they loved her. Peaches could see that love in Macs eyes as he imagined the possible outcomes that could have happened. She twirled her fingers around s patch of his fur, soothing him and herself with the confirmation that this was the reality now and not those flashing teeth.

“We can’t loose you Love. I — we — we were so afraid.” When Macaque had heard the strangled help in the heat of battle he had stopped. He had felt his heart give a lurch and Wukong had been of like mind. That battle was practically won. Between the two sworn brothers, nothing much could stand in their fury. But hearing Peaches— Peaches who they left back safe in their room, in the palace, calling for help—

“I was too.”

“When I tell you to stay inside - stay inside. Understand?”Anger laced Macaques words as he pinned her with a look.

“Yes.” It wasn’t good enough though. Not for him. It wouldn’t be for Wukong. The next time the mountain was under attack—if there was a next time— Macaque would lock the doors and the windows. He would shudder the room in shadow if he had to. But. A yes for now was the best he would get from her.

“Good. That’s all the chewing out I’ll give you because when Wukong gets here he’s going to have some very harsh words with you.” Peaches shoulders flinched a little.

“He’s mad at me?” There was genuine hurt and dismay in her voice. Wukong and Peaches had the toughest days when it came to their relationship. Some days she could forget he had taken her without her consent from all she knew- had wiped her village clear off the map. Other days she only saw the blood soaked Warlord in all his fury. On those days arguments ensued and the kings mood was ever sour.

“Never mad at You.” Macaque reassured. Wukong never was genuinely upset at their peach. How could he be when he was enamored with her so? Macaque couldn’t even keep his own anger at her negligence of self after todays events. All she had to do was look at him with that puppy dog look and he was wanting to tease and soothe her into smiles and comfort. “Never. Afraid for your life ? Absolutely. He has half a mind to keep you indoors from now on.”

“He said that ?”

“As we were racing to come get you yes.” Macaque finished the stitches with a pull and tug. The cord came free in his claws. He set about binding cotton gauze around the area to protect the stitches. In the morning he would let them breathe.

“But I think if you let him coddle you for a few days and you agree to a guard, he won’t take your outside privileges away.” Macaque teased and gave advice. Wukong could get a bit … territorial when it came to their Peach. He understood how important it was to give some sort of semblance of freedom to her. Peaches was like a flower- she needed light and air to thrive. If Wukong took that away, he wouldn’t like how she would wilt. Even though Macaque himself had half a mind to keep her inside forever. Especially after today.

Peaches head brushed beneath his chin suddenly and the monkey was jarred from his thoughts. She was nodding off, fighting sleep. Macaque gathered her up easily and set her into the bed they shared. He took care to arrange the pillows, to settle her into her most favorite blankets and soft things. It was a distraction from the rage that now was bubbling upward. For though Macaque had the calmest demeanor- he was just as bloody and furious as his brotherly counterpart.

“Go to sleep.” He commanded. Peaches yawned, catching the trailing end of his tail.

“You won’t leave me … will you?”

“I will be right here till Wukong gets back.”

It was hours later when Macaque heard his brother step into their rooms. Wukong had bathed and cleaned himself elsewhere from the smell of the water and floral oils coming off of him. They both knew how Peaches had an aversion to the scent of blood. The monkey king was across the room and hovering over the pillow pit where she slept.

“How is she?” Wukong asked. All the rage had gone from him. Only worry remained. His tiny little wife… he could still see the Tiger hovering above her, his jaws parted wide over her throat to devour. It made Wukong wish to break his muzzle again.

“Worn out. The cuts are superficial at best. I stitched them up.” The sheen of white medical gauze and cotton took over one lovely shoulder of Peaches back. Wukong felt his teeth beginning to grit in a threatening smile.

“Why would she go outside?! Peaches isn’t a fool.”

“And she wasn’t one.” Macaque soothed. He was standing now that Wukong was here, making his way to the door slowly. “She went outside because she heard the bastard imitate a baby cry.”

“A baby?”

“She thought it was one of the babies.” Wukongs heart gave a shudder. Of course she would throw caution to the wind. His Peaches loved the children of the mountain almost as much as he himself did. “Peaches said she went out to look and that’s when he leapt at her.”

Wukong felt a bit of his anger ebb. He was never angry at Peaches. He could never be. But anger around how she acted ? … yes. That was a possibility. Hearing how she didn’t go out until she thought it was a baby- well. He couldn’t fault her for that.

“The sentries are dead.” Wukong had come across their bodies after restraining the tiger demon. Seeing his peoples cut throats and crumpled bodies had not soothed his anger. He hoped the tiger healed quickly enough so he could repay them for each of his peoples lives. “The tiger killed them. He thought he could kill me by swinging his fancy sword. Too bad it snapped on the first try.”

“Did you leave him alive?” Macaque was at the door now, his fists uncurled.

“He’s somewhere beneath us in a wet cave. I broke all the bones in his body. But … I Left the tail for you.”

“Good.” The door opened and his brother was gone.

Wukong stared at Peaches as she slept for a moment. He had almost lost her today. He half wanted to wake her up and shake her and the other half just wanted to keep her tucked away and safe inside the mountain. Wukong would pull promises and such from her tomorrow. In fact, he may have to teach her some basic self defense. She would never be able to stop a full demonic beast. It would ease his mind however - it would sooth him and settle the fur that kept rising along his back- if she at least had an understanding of what tricks and traits demons used to tempt food out of hiding.

Wukong slid into the nest, settling himself so he didn’t jostle her awake. Tomorrow he could sit her down and tell her the new precautions he would have to merit out. A new guard, lessons in defense, maybe even a copy of him nearby or in the shape of some common item… Wukong could gift her a hairpin each morning and do her hair with a copy of himself. A magical copy that would have ears out for any mischief she may wind up falling into.

It would give her the illusion of freedom without telling her I put a spy on her person. That made Wukong feel better. For the next few days however, she wasn’t leaving his side. He didn’t care if she cried out or pouted or started to throw things. They had almost lost her.

Peaches half woke with a start as Wukong adjusted the blankets about her. Her face came upward, staring and trying to see all about.

“Wukong?”

“It’s just me… you can go back to sleep.”

To his astonishment Peaches shifted, settling herself into his chest. Wukong welcomed her tangle, twining has hands into her hair as she tugged on his fur. Her cheek was pressed to his chest where his heart must be hammering beneath. The Monkey king made soothing chirps and soft calls to her, a reassurance of safety and care. Soon enough her fingers relaxed again as she fell into sleep.

He kissed her temple and nose, twirling his fingers through her hair. It was just as soothing for him as it probably was for her.

Wukong was glad the tiger had been able to survive him. He couldn’t wait to gift his pelt to her when he was finished with him.

If Macaque didn’t kill him after all.

[shinybearnerd]

"Under The Rain's Look"

Hi! So, this is a request made by the lovely @shuichiakainx. I hope that you like it, my darlings. Enjoy!

Pair: Crowley x GN!reader Words: 2,4k Genre: angst, fluff at the end (our favourite demon is an idiot)

Story: Y/n have feelings for Crowley but they are afraid that he won't reciprocate and therefore won't declare themself. One day, in Aziraphale's bookshop, Y/n overhears the two talking about them as Crowley starts being an asshole...

English is not my first language. I'm sorry if there're any mistakes.

(he's so hot. I can't...)

The atmosphere inside the bookshop was calm and relaxing. A Tchaikovsky’s vinyl was playing, echoing all over the room with Aziraphale’s humming. The angel scribbled something on his desk while Y/n was on the armchair, enjoying both the music and each other’s company. Spending time with Aziraphale was one of their favourite things. Especially when outside, like in that moment, for example, there was a storm. Even in times like that, where they weren’t talking to each other. But if there were a chance to meet a tall and mysterious demon, they wouldn’t mind breaking their quality time… God… They really shouldn’t think about him, or they wouldn’t be able to stop. They shouldn’t think about the way his fabulous red hair flamed against the sunlight. The little smirk on his face that he shows every time he teases them. Or his laugh echoing through the room. And they really shouldn’t think about how their hands accidentally touch. The little winks that he sends them, lowering his glasses so their eyes can meet.

His eyes! So deep and expressive. Him being so sweet and gentle, trying to hide it in every way possible. Yes, they shouldn’t think about this cause other thoughts could occupy their mind… Like, his physic. So strong and tonic. The way he uses to sit with his legs open, making them wish they were between them while- <<My dear?>> The gentle voice of the angel and his delicate touch made Y/n return to planet Earth. <<You’re okay? Do you feel well?>> <<Oh?- Yes, Aziraphale. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.>>

The celestial creature was well aware of their feelings towards their shared friend. But revealing their thoughts would be rather embarrassing. For both. <<Oh, do not worry.>> The angel smiled. <<I was wondering if you wanted a cup of cocoa.>>

Yes! That should keep their mind off things. <<Oh, yes. I’m going to make it some.>> They replied and got up so fast that Aziraphale didn’t see it coming. <<Dear, there’s no need- >> <<Oh, don’t worry, Zira!>> They were already in the kitchen. <<I’ll make it. My treat! I’ll make it extra sweet, just as you like it!>>

In hearing that, the angel could already feel his mouth-watering.

He chuckled slightly, patting his waistcoat. <<Well… If that’s the case, then.>> Y/n smiled as they started to move inside the kitchen with ease. They spent a lot of time in that bookshop that they could make a very detailed drawing of that building with their eyes closed.

The angel walked silently inside the room, looking at them, smiling. Y/n noticed his presence and turned towards him before returning to making the sweet beverage <<What?>>. <<Nothing, my dear.>> <<Zira?>> They knew for granted that something was up. They could feel it. <<Oh, all right…>> he said, getting closer. <<Did you talk with Crowley about- >> <<I’m sorry, but I’m gonna stop you there.>> Crowley was a very delicate topic. Maybe the most delicate of all. <<As I told you before, I’m not going to tell him anything.>> <<But, dear child- >> <<No, Aziraphale. Please, don’t twist my arm in this.>> They shook their head. That familiar knot in their throat was showing up again. <<I appreciate everything you’ve been doing for me, but I’ve seen it already... I start to feel something for a person, I decide to tell them ‘cause it seems like they feel the same way, and then… bam! I make a fool of myself.>>

Aziraphale tried to say something, but the little bell inside the shop rang. <<Hold that thought.>> he said, fixing the waistcoat. <<This conversation it’s not over.>> <<Believe me, it is.>> Aziraphale turned towards them one last time, mumbling, and then returned to the bookshop.

<<Hello. I’m afraid we are quite- Oh, it is you, Crowley!>> The angel couldn’t help but smile at his demonic friend. <<You want some cocoa? In the kitchen, there’s- >> <<No, I’m good, angel.>> <<Oh, okay then.>> Something about his friend seemed a bit off. He wasn’t his usual teasing self. Aziraphale watched him as he sat on the sofa next to his desk. If “sitting” was the correct verb to use, considering the way the old snake did so. The angel, tho, was so used to it that he didn’t even seem to notice.

<<So…>> He started, sitting on his armchair. <<Don’t.>> <<I didn’t say anything!>> <<I know what you’re going to say, Aziraphale. I’m fine.>> The celestial being nodded, even if he knew that wasn’t true. In fact, he continued <<Is this about Y/n?>> Crowley had a weird look on his face. Like his face was neutral but had something under it. Like he was wearing a mask. <<Y/n? What do they have to do with this?>> <<I don’t know. You seem to be a little… gloomy when they aren’t around.>> <<“Gloomy”? What are you talking about? I’m always like this.>> Aziraphale decided to not pay mind to that, shaking a hand like he was shooshing it away.

<<So, when are you going to tell them how you feel?>> <<Aziraphale, what on heaven are you talking about?>> Crowley felt suddenly tensed and much irritated by all of that. <<Oh, come on, my dear. I see the way you look at each other! You’re very cute together- >> <<Ok, now you listen to me, angel.>> Crowley got up instantly, towering over his friend with his height. <<I have no feelings whatsoever for Y/n. They’re just a little stupid human, okay?>>

<<Crowley!>> Aziraphale got up immediately, shocked and horrified by the way he was talking about them. <<What are you saying? Stop it! That’s not true.>> <<I don’t know how we both manage to stand them, with all that… human talk. I’ll never have feelings for them! Do you hear me? I’m a… demon.>> The last word was delivered with hurt. The angel was finally able to figure out what was really going on only at that moment. Aziraphale shoulders relaxed. On his face an expression of pity and understanding. <<Oh, Crow- Y/n!>> When Crowley heard the human’s name he turned around quickly. His heart shattered. Did they hear what he said? Both the angel and the demon got white as a ghost when they saw the human standing in front of them. <<Y/n, I- >> The human didn’t give the time to him to explain himself. They didn’t want to see him anymore. He was just like everybody else. Of course he was. They were like a magnet to those kind of people…

<<WHY THE HEAVEN YOU DIDN’T TELL ME THEY WERE HERE?>> <<I WAS GOING TO! You cut me mid-sentence when I asked you about the cocoa! Y/n was in the kitchen preparing it.>> <<Oh, Satan…>> Crowley was hyperventilating. He went up and down the bookshop with a hand on his forehead. Whispering <<It’s over. I fucked all up… I know I would…>>

Aziraphale was shocked and unamused. <<That’s why you didn’t tell them? My God, you’re an idiot!>> Crowley looked at him surprised. <<They love you, you fool!>> <<They- What? WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL ME BEFORE?>> <<BECAUSE THEY TELL ME NOT TO, YOU MORON!>> <<STOP INSULTING ME!>> <<YOU DESERVE IT!>>

They both panted, overwhelmed by all that screaming and all those raw emotions. Suddenly, a lightning lit up the whole street, followed shortly after by a thunder. <<The storm is getting worse. I-I need to go after them.>> <<…THEN. GO! What are you waiting!>>

The angel saw his friends running out of his bookshop, forgetting his glasses inside, and going on in the Betley, rushing after Y/n. He noticed them only after the car was nowhere to be seen. Aziraphale took those and folded them nicely, mumbling <<Lord, give me strength with those two...>> as he put them on his desk.

The thunderstorm had worsened more and more by the second. Y/n was drenched and cold but they didn’t care. All they had in mind was the way Crowley was talking about them. <<Y/N!>> They recognized that voice. They’ll always recognize them, even in a room full of people… But they didn’t want to do anything to do with him anymore. <<Y/n, please. You’ll get sick! Get in the car.>>

They kept ignoring him, starting to walk faster. The demon steered the steering wheel as he pressed on the accelerator. The Bentley was now on the road in front of Y/n, blocking their path.

The human stopped abruptly. Both tensed and angry.

<<What the hell do you think you’re doing! You can hurt someone!>> They screamed as they watched Crowley approaching. <<I’m sorry, I really am. I didn’t- >>

<<“-know you’re here”? Yeah, I figure that out.>> They turned around and started to walk away. Crowley was immediately after Y/n, trying to stop them. <<That’s… true. But it wasn’t what I was going to say!>> <<I think you said enough, Crowley. Don’t you?>>

Crowley tried to open his mouth, but nothing came out of it. He was very aware that Y/n was right. That he was behaving like a child. But he couldn’t let them go like that, with them thinking that they weren’t enough. He needed to come clean. For them.

He continued to call their name, trying to grab their arm to stop them. Nothing, however, seemed to work.

<<Let me go!>> <<Please. You have to listen to me…>> <<Why should I?>> They jerked their arm, freeing themselves from his hold. They look at each other's eyes for the first time that day. Y/n was surprised. They noticed that the demon’s eyes weren’t covered. Did he get out of the bookshop without them? He had some for backup inside the Bentley, they thought immediately after. So it was all for the show. They also noticed, tho, that his eyes were red with a look full of sadness and fear. Like… like he was feeling the same way as them.

With a shove, they got him away from them. Crowley was surprised and hurt by that. But he knew he deserved it. <<Why would you say that? What I’ve ever done to you to make you say those things? Uh?>> Another shove. <<Y/n, I…>> <<You made me feel horrible!>> Another one. <<Wortless!>>

Another… <<I thought you were different! But you’re just like everybody else!>>

…and another… <<Why should I listen to you?>> and another followed. Pushing the demon away from them as they started to feel tears in their eyes. <<Y/n, please… Stop…>> He didn’t even have the energy to fight anymore. Seeing how he was able to wreck them… Since he understood that he felt something for Y/n, he decided that nothing could happen between them or he would hurt them. But now, seeing them like this, because of him, made him realize that that was worse. <<Why?>> <<I-I love you…!>> Y/n stopped. Gazing up at him, as they take a step back. <<What?>> <<You heard me…>> He blushed a little, looking away ‘cause he was flustered. <<Say it. Again.>> Crowley huffed. <<I… I love you.>> He looked at them. <<I love you.>> Y/n didn’t know how to feel… <<I think I always have…>> …it was like in one of their dreams… Minus the angsty part of course. <<I didn’t tell you anything before because… I’m a demon, and you’re far too nice to want something to do with me in that way.>> With that sentence, their heart shattered. <<Crowley…>> <<Y/n, I never even for a second thought that.>> He walked closer to them. <<Believe me… I was just being an idiot…>> <<But why saying those things? You could have just said “No” to Aziraphale.>>

Crowley groaned softly, in pain. <<Every time I look into your eyes, I see them…>>

<<"You see them"? What are you talking about?- Have you gone mad?>>

<<The stars, the galaxies that I created! I-I see them every time I look at you… I made the stars more than six thousand years ago. The more I created them, the more beautiful they were. Creations worthy of God Herself! They always told me it was to enrich the sky, like a giant wallpaper for your people. …But then you-you came along and…>> They could see the change in his posture and his gestures. From huffing and mumbling something, trying to find the words and an escape. To seeing his expression softening, his eyes getting teary.

<<I realised that I created those galaxies. Those nebulas. To celebrate your beautiful eyes. Those fucking beautiful eyes… Every time I see you looking at the sky. I see you smile, saying how beautiful the stars are… I feel something in here>> He touched his chest. <<a kind of pride because you do nothing but admire my creations. But also jealousy ‘cause I think that all I ever did was create an enormous looking glass in which you can mirror yourself. And nothing else… &lt;<And-And if before I cursed Her because She gave me those eyes so that I couldn’t see them again… I thank her ‘cause She gave me… you.>> Y/n didn’t know what to say. Crowley looks around, growling, frustrated by all these emotions. <<I feel a nebula creating stars in here! That explodes and makes me want to see and hear you and only you. That’s what I feel! <<I can not live without you! I can't function properly. I want to be with you! I want to kiss you. I want to hear you whisper my name while I kiss your neck. While we make love… And I wish it would never end. I want all these things! But I won't tell you because I know you’ll never feel the same way. So I stay quiet. And-And I do the asshole ‘cause is the only way to protect myself…>>

<<…holy shit!>> Is the only thing that came up in your mind. And it seemed to eased up the tension a bit. You even chuckled. <<God. You're such an idiot!>> Without giving him the time to reply, you took his face, kissing him. Crowley was startled but he then took their hips, bringing them closer. Deepening the kiss. They separated when they heard a thunder. They both were breathless, looking first in the sky and then at each other and starting to laugh before kissing again. <<You know, I have to say that you were right about the “kissing under the rain” thingy.>> The demon chuckled. <<There isn’t the canopy, tho.>> <<No, I guess not.>> Huffed amused. Y/n put their arm around Crowley’s neck, while he caressed their hips, kissing them again.

[devilsrecreation]

Some more angsty TLG stuff cuz we all need some angst in our lives

- Tamka having a breakdown over his lack of intelligence in his episode. After he finds out he was being used by the mob and he pushed his friends away, he thinks he’s all alone and starts to cry

- Jasiri remembering her past and how she seems to be forgetting her mother…. oof

- Chungu realizing he’s never going to find his parents (it’s brief, but still upsetting)

- I’m imagining at some point when the OG trio come back, they start inviting themselves into Janja’s life more and more. Shenzi especially does this since she didn’t get to be much of a parent when she was forced to leave the Outlands as to not get suspected for killing Scar by Zira. It’s honestly fine for the Janja at first, then it starts getting annoying when Shenzi (unintentionally) becomes degrading by providing unnecessary protection. It gets to the point where Janja snaps at his mother about how he isn’t a cub anymore and she can’t treat him as such after leaving for so long

- So my Sibling’s Day idea, right? Where Jasiri invites everyone’s siblings over for a celebration and to let them know they’re appreciated? Cute wholesome family moments, right? Well, not for a certain lizard cuz Njano slowly gets more upset the longer he looks at everyone having a good time with their respective siblings, reminding him of Danganya. He legit goes from “Aw that’s nice” to “heh…they look pretty wholesome” to “maybe a little too wholesome” to “just like….him”. He acts all fine when Shupavu asks him if he’s okay but inside he misses his late brother :(

This episode idea is one of the rare times he actually frowns. Njano’s a generally happy skink, but when he gets upset, Danganya has something to do with it

- Reirei: What are you scared of?!

Goigoi: I’m scared of you

Reirei: Me??

Goigoi: I'm scared that... One day, you'll see yourself as I see you... Perfect.. And... That you'll leave me for someone you deserve..

-I think I’ve mentioned this before but Nduli’s trauma caused him to have a fear of abandonment and it shows. Ever since he lost his mother, he’s scared that his float would leave him like the majority of animals he knew. He can’t even handle being alone for a few hours cuz he’ll get paranoid. He’ll try to be optimistic at first, but the more he’s alone, the more worried he gets cuz there’s always a possibility his friends aren’t coming back. So he has to be with at least one of his friends or else he becomes a scared child

There would be an incident in the future when he has kids where the float wakes up at the end of the dry season and one of Nduli’s daughters, Shauri, isn’t there and Nduli straight up has a panic attack (dw she’s fine. She just got woken up in the Dry Season)

-Kiburi frequently still has nightmares about his father’s death. Every time he wakes up, he snuggles just a little bit closer to one of the other float members

-Kenge and Shupavu go through the same thing with Ushari’s death. If only Kenge had been there instead of ditching his only friend…then maybe Ushari would still be alive. Shupavu could have done something instead of staring like a fool, but she didn’t

- Sumu blaming himself for Kenge getting hurt when Mkatili’s chimps attack. Kenge keeps telling him to shut up and that he’ll be fine but Sumu can’t help it

-Selena Gomez’s “people you know” perfectly encapsulates Makuu and Kiburi’s rift

We used to be close, but people can go

From people you know to people you don't

And what hurts the most is people can go

From people you know to people you don't

That’s basically them

-Imagine how Pua must feel knowing that basically all of his friends had passed on. It’s basically that one drawing of all the regular show characters and Skips being the last one left

-Mzingo constantly being reminded of the fact that he nearly killed Janja by trapping him in Pride Rock even though he didn’t know the hyenas were there in the first place

- TW for character death

This isn’t gonna happen anytime soon but…Pua finally completing his journey. It was a peaceful death with all the crocodiles by his side. He has last words for everyone (basically all the crocs we care about). Everyone, even Makuu and Kiburi, cried

Tamka takes it the hardest, he thinks he should have been a better son :(

-Sometime, in the far future, when all the kids are grown up and Wakali’s the new leader of the crocodiles, Nduli’s gonna be the last of his generation to still be alive. He’s still the same Nduli, albeit a bit sadder cuz all of his friends have gone without him. He’s no longer the baby during that time and while he has to be strong for the sake of the float, it’s proven hard for him cuz he can’t help but miss his friends

[kxosrexgns]

⸺ KIARA && KOVU

( FC: samantha logan && aubrey joseph )

the two have known each other since they were in elementary school/little kids.

kiara is set to become the next ruler of the pride lands, and she wants kovu to be her king.

also- for context, because i'm adding in almost every fairytale even the ones with animals they are explained in a way similar to an Animagus from HP. aka they can turn into whatever animal they're supposed to be opposed to being those permanently.

kovu has saved this girl’s life on more than one occasion.

( it’s not my fault that people keep trying to plot against my life - Ki )

( by people you must mean yourself and your clumsiness - Vu )

if you know the lore- these two actually met when they were kids and kiara was exploring the pride lands & the two ran from a group of crocodiles together.

because of who kovu's mom is ( ms zira ) ig he's "technically" considered a VK, but like i could see him also living in auradon because his mom dies pretty soon/early in his life and in the story of the LK

kovu helps kiara realize her flaws and find ways to fix them. a part of their first interaction was him making fun of her for "always doing what daddy says" and when he then sees that she doesn't/didn't really listen to anyone, he basically teaches her abt herself

he says that she doesn't understand how privileged she is compared to everyone that goes against her family/has been banished

at first kiara thinks he's a dick and disregards him entirely, but then she starts noticing how she treats other people n is like "oh shit.. i do kinda just do shit without thinking of the consequences for others"

kiara ends up running into kovu in the pride lands on one of her supposed unsupervised runs around the pride lands

their theme song is Roommates ⸺ Malcolm Todd

they are in love your honor !! like this song, to me, is from Kovu's perspective. like-

I'm losing the person I was when I found you Am I acting different when I'm not around you? I'm being dramatic, I say that I'm losing I wanna show you all the things I've been doing I'm going on dates and I'm hanging my head I wanna share an apartment, a room and a bed I wanna tell you I love you but I cannot reach you I'm learning to lose, that's the thing they don't teach you

^^ like imagine this is all around the time their families were still beefing and Kovu's mom was still pushing him to marry off for power and kill kiara's dad. but he realized he started falling for her and the guilt he felt throughout the whole thing???

this part - being when he's noticing how he's smiling more, nicer to her, and genuinely having fun with her while they're secretly hanging out as kids.

the red section being him denying it and choosing to attempt to move on in order to please his mother, but it never working out???? sjhfdabkud

and the purple part just being him finally admitting all the feelings and wanting to share parts of his life with her

the pink section being about how he's never felt heartbreak before and now that he has her and this feeling he's mourning the loss

god these two have me in a chokehold

although she gets herself into dangerous situations, and though he may not like it, kovu will never force her to change her mind. he knows she's strong willed, its part of what he loves about her and he would never ask her to change herself, he just asks that she always let him join her.

kiara makes a point to never make kovu feel like he's unwanted/unneeded. especially because of all the possible trauma and issues surrounding his mother, her abuse ( LES NOT FORGET HIS FACE SCAR ), and generally being exiled twice.

these two are constantly in awe of each other it's actually so adorable. like kiara gets to show kovu so many cool things about the pride lands as well as its people.

they're the type to never run out of things to say. kiara is a biiiigg yapper, kovu's more of a listener ⸺ that and this mf is the type of guy to admire her while she talking, whether that be to him or not. head on his hand n everything, no shame.

"In a perfect world, one we've never known, we would never need to face the world alone. They can have the world; we'll create our own."

ALSO!!!! THIS SHIT ^^

To Be Continued . . . if i decide to add more.

[comic-sans-chan]

Crowley's moments of jealousy in S2 are especially funny when you remember that Zira and him are immortal cosmic entities of incredible power and immensity and we're like their beloved pets. Very brief lifespans, wonderful creatures, should always be treated with dignity and respect, but also they will just carry on their own ineffable conversations over our heads without worrying about whether we understand any of it, because of course we don't. They'll turn us into lizards in the middle of an argument. Accidentally lock us in somewhere for hours and just go, "Whoops," and immediately move on. Smile when we threaten them because it's so cute that we think we can hurt them and then reward us with a new phone when we behave. Crowley can't even be bothered to remember humans' names sometimes. So Crowley being jealous of the mysterious naked guy and that dude in the pub sitting with Aziraphale is like if a dog was humping someone's leg and their partner got territorial about it. That's so embarrassing for him.

[everythingtoony]

Forever (oneshot)

Alright i have an oc named Nyekundu, she’s a lion cub, she’s part of Zira’s pride (meaning she’s the daughter of Zira and the sister of Nuka, Kovu and Vitani).Her and Nuka are the closest.

One night, Nyekundu is bothered by a question, and she hangs out with her brother to talk about it, resulting in them growing closer.

With that, I give you this one shot.

It was the middle of the night. The stars in the sky twinkled, and Nuka lay on a ledge above the den, looking out to the outlands. This was something he did a lot. He came up here to be alone. To ponder. To think. It was perfect, too. No one else was usually awake, so he could think about whatever he wanted without anyone bothering him. He thought about a lot of stuff. There was the usual thought that came into his mind all the time. He should have been the chosen one. Not Kovu. But then…there were the thoughts about Zira and Scar. 

How they both ignored him his entire life. How Zira doesn’t seem to be satisfied with anything he does. Then there’s the rarer thoughts. The thoughts of his little sister, Nyekundu. Why did she have to be born into this? He didn’t dislike her. Quite the opposite, actually, although he didn’t really show it often. He was…worried. Zira treated all her children the same. She gave them all intense training and the motivation to be cold-hearted killers…but she also took her anger out on whoever was near…and while himself, Kovu and Vitani often handled it well…Nyekundu was only a cub. She wasn’t as strong as Kovu was when he was as a cub…she wasn’t as strong as any of them were when they were cubs. And although she acts tough most days, Nuka could see…He knew deep down that she was just a scared little kid. And even though he acted tough most days…he knew he genuinely cared about her. He knew he’d lose his mind if anything ever happened to her…yet…he was almost scared to admit it. Almost scared to let his guard down. Scared to show that he’s vulnerable.

To be quite honest, all the lions in Zira’s pride were.

As the thoughts rolled through his head, he heard a small noise next to him. He looked over, and to his surprise, Nyekundu had joined him. She lay by his side, resting her head on her paws. He was confused. Why was she up so late? Did something happen? He looked back at the stars and pretended not to notice, but soon, the silence became almost unbearable. It was different when he was by himself. It was a peaceful quiet. But now that someone had joined him…it felt strange. Unnerving, especially for Nyekundu, who almost always had something to say. After a few more minutes, Nuka was the first to speak.

“...you okay, bug?” He asked, turning to look at her once more. “You’re up later than you should be.” He adds, putting on a snarky tone. Yet…when he saw Nyekundu, he couldn’t help but feel something was wrong. Maybe it was his instincts as a big brother, or maybe it was Nyekundu’s body language as a whole. Maybe it was the unnerving silence that came from her, but he felt something was up. Nyekundu simply looked at the stars.

“You’ll be here forever, right?”

Nuka blinked. “...what?”

“Will you be here forever?” She asks again, this time looking at him. She wore a serious expression on her face. Nuka tilts his head, completely startled by this question. What did she mean? Why was she thinking about this stuff? He now rests his head on his paws.

“Well…yeah, kid, sure I will. Why? What’s up?” He asks, his tone losing the snarky-ness it had before. Nyekundu stared up at the stars again, as if looking for someone.

“Well…Scar’s gone. I know that. I know he’s not coming back, and I know that means we all have to go somewhere one day…but…I dunno where that is…I dunno when that is…and I wanna know if you’ll at least be here with me forever, even when it’s time for you to go. I wanna know if you’ll stay here with me. I don’t want you to leave like Scar did…Mother is always so…angry about it…and…I don’t want you to go anywhere. I want you to stay with me. That’s why I have to know…That’s why you have to tell me if you’ll be here with me forever.” She spoke, her tone quiet. Serious. Almost…sad. Nuka listened to her explanation. He looked at the stars, thinking hard.

“...yeah. Yeah, bug, I’ll be here with you forever.”

Nyekundu looks at him, her ears pricking up. She’s…surprised. Surprised at the softness in his tone, surprised at the way he responded. Nuka sensed her shock, and looked away from the stars and her. 

“You’re my sister. And you’re the only one who actually talks to me. Even if you’re a pest most the time, I still gotta protect ya.” He said, nudging her with his paw.

“You always get so annoyed with me…and you wanna stay with me?” Nyekundu was confused. Nuka sighed.

“Look, kid. Don’t seem so shocked. Siblings are ‘sposed to care for each other, right? I’m being a sibling. Yeah, you annoy me, but I’d rather you annoy me than not talk to me at all.” He said, his snarky tone coming back. Nyekundu thought about this for a moment, before she rests her head on his paws. Nuka looks down at her, tilting his head. She finally spoke.

“You’re the only one who talks to me, too.”

Nuka blinks again, before shaking his head. “That can’t be right. Mother talks to you a lot.”

“Mother’s mad at me a lot.”

“So?”

“So, she only talks to me when she’s mad.” Nyekundu’s tail flicked back and forth in annoyance.

“What about Vitani? Or…Kovu?” He rolls his eyes when he utters his brother’s name. Nyekundu stays silent for a while, before resting her head on her paws once more.

“They rarely talk to me…” The ash-colored cub lamented, looking away. Nuka sighed a bit. 

“Hey.”

Nyekundu looked over to him. Nuka lowered his head, making sure he was at Nyekundu’s level.

“No matter how much they ignore you, just know that I’m here. Okay?” Nyekundu nodded a little. Nuka smiled slightly.

“Good. Now…” he uses his paw to slide Nyekundu closer to him. He pushes her gently against his side. “This is a one time thing, so don’t get used to it, but you can sleep up here with me. But just for tonight. Got it?” He asked. Nyekundu nods, and he seems satisfied.

“Good. Glad we understand each other. Now…go to sleep. Get some rest, bug. Tomorrow, I’ll take ya hunting.”

“Really?” Nyekundu’s ears pricked up as she smiled. Nuka nods. “Yeah, yeah, yeah, don’t get your hopes up. You gotta sleep first, you little runt.” He teased, before sighing.

“I’m not gonna go anywhere.” He whispers, before him and his sister soon drift off to sleep together.

[blackwinged-soul]

Gonna post some thoughts I'd written down but forgot to transfer to my online journal.

A thing from late August: I was maybe already a little Li|ith shifty because of Othercon. I did see a Luz and a King in the chats (and if you were there, hi, hello, I'm Zira and I'd love to talk to you!)

Anyways, I listen to Pandora at work, and the song Co||arts and Suits by De|ain came on, and oh my STARS, it was relevant to how I felt about the Emperor's Co\/en in my youth. The desperation to prove myself, to be someone Important, and yeah, sure, maybe to have that privilege and power, but also that VALIDATION. The attention.

(There was, uhh. Definitely some Mommy issues going on there... Maybe an inferiority complex, is that what they call it when you're Showed Up so often you get really insecure and thus try Especially Hard to prove yourself to be Just As Good, Preferably Better?)

But also how they treated us in the Co\/en.

"Trying so hard and they say, you're just a signature away, just one handshake..." "Once more, it's your chance, just take it. Once more, don't be so blind! For all I care, you fake it. It's your chance to shine." "And it's all, all I really want! There's nothing I want more! There's nothing I would trade it for. All I dream of..."

And the disillusionment I eventually matured into. (....Eventually. After, you know, two decades.)

"Why would we change our own game? These are the rules by which we play." "I don't believe in a way to skip a chapter and be great. There's no such thing, where all traumas and flaws are gently erased." "Here's to the collars and suits, and the things they say: better bring something better to the table to tempt me...Better put your money where your mouth is."

And the fact that I had so much guilt over what happened with Ed|a and the desperate drive to Fix That and Heal My Sister and Undo My Mistake and generally just. Desperately wanting things to be better, easier, thinking it would fix Everything...

"All at stake if I'm not taking it, my mistake if I'm not making it...."

[mask-of-prime]

TLG: Breakdown

"I can't... I can't take it anymore... I-I can't..." Vitani managed to whimper between hyperventilated breaths. Never did she think she was the type to have a panic attack. She had felt them coming before but had always kept them inside, thinking of them to be nothing more than intrusive glimpses of an irrational feeling. This time, however, she wondered how it felt to finally let one slip. She didn't care anymore, she hadn't cared for weeks.

Tiifu, nor anyone for that matter, had ever heard such fear in Vitani's voice. It was sudden and loud, like she'd been screaming bloody murder. Speaking of Tiifu, Vitani had unfortunately chosen her of all people to witness her episode. She never meant to put Tiifu through such distress, at least, she didn't mean it now... Vitani profusely apologized to the stout lioness that had approached her. She apologized for everything. She'd been especially harsh with her Guard, snapping at them and her brother and even Tiifu a few times, she'd even caught herself mouthing off at the older adults of the pride. Everyone annoyed her and she didn't know why. She really didn't know why it felt so good to be such an obnoxious, callous jerk to anything and anyone that annoyed her lately. But she was very sorry now, and was back to complying and agreeing with everyone, hoping it would patch up possibly tarnished relationships. It's like she'd just lost that little cautious voice in her that told her to be careful. It felt as if she wanted to show how unwell she was by showing everyone just how much she didn't care anymore. No more respect to authority figures, no more keeping personally cutting insults against friends and family inside, no more consistent sleep, and no more eating with the pride. She felt like she wanted to be ill in all aspects, be it physically and mentally, even socially if that was a thing. Any kind of escape, anything that would make her pain noticed, anything to excuse her from the piling stress, even though she, herself couldn't quite grasp what the source of that pain and stress was. The lioness, who was now nuzzling her, may have had the answer. "Vitani, you often tend to be your own worst critic. No one here is ever going to treat you as badly as you treat yourself." Vitani sobbed and glanced down, unable to find herself to respond. The only other worst critic Vitani had known was her very own mother. Could Vitani.... perhaps be internalizing Zira's grating words? Vitani had only ever known criticism. There'd always be something negative to say about everything, like everyone was awful and not to be trusted, and that there'd be no such thing as a real accomplishment to be proud of. There was to be no slacking off, nourishment and rest would be earned, rather than a priority to come first to guarantee success with work. Crying was an annoyance and would not get you anywhere. There would never be time to truly express yourself, just the need to serve others without question. These were all philosophies that Zira had said, and by no other authority figures Vitani had known. It made her realize that Zira's way of teaching was not at all normal, but it had been what she had grown up with, so it was not easy to shake that voice from her mind. It was probably to carry on her whole life. If it was going to stay in Vitani's mind, then she was not about to let her internal Zira manifest on the outside. That was the one thing she knew she could to not become what she feared... Vitani let Tiifu keep nuzzling her, and even let Tiifu turn the nuzzle into a warm, loving embrace, but Vitani had been too stunned and in deep thought to return the gesture. Tiifu wasn't at all hurt by it, she knew very well that Vitani wasn't trying to be rude or unloving. She suggested that Vitani go find some time and a place to finally get some long-needed rest. __________ Literally this whole picture and the fic written underneath it was me almost directly projecting all of my feelings as of late unto Vitani. Why Vitani and Tiifu? idk, I've always wanted to draw Vitani showing a softer, more vulnerable side to Tiifu To clarify no, my mom isn't the problem parent, it's my dad if anything. But... my mom isn't really helping the dysfunction. I think I just... wanna spend less time with them. Not out of hatred but just, a natural, temporary loss of vibes I'm having with them. I'm an adult and they shouldn't feel the need to tell me who I am

[raccoonzinspace]

IZ OC Snippets: Zira

Much like many other individuals on the autism spectrum, Zira has a special interest that has stuck with her ever since since arrived on Earth. 

That special interest is the old-school machines that the humans have invented throughout their history, with a particular fixation on the railroad and locomotives. This makes sense as Zira was a skilled engineer back on Irk. 

She is interested in many aspects of these iron horses, but the ones that intrigue her the most are the inner workings, the history, and the sounds they make. The sound of the pistons and whistle are like music to her ears (or antennas, rather). 

Sadly, Zira thinks that she’s not allowed to get excited when she sees one of these up close due to how she was treated on Irk. She thinks that the humans will mock or even punish her if she even shows a sliver of excitement on this topic, so she keeps it under strict wraps. This is despite the fact that there are many, many humans who are just as passionate about the railroads and would happily accept Zira. 

The only time when she let it slip was when she was at an amusement park that had a real working steam locomotive that people could ride. Try as she might, Zira could not hide her excitement upon seeing one up close and thus started bouncing off the walls! 

“TRAIN!! WANNA RIDE THE TRAIN! ZENNITH, CAN WE RIDE THE TRAIN?”

Zennith never really mocked or even told anything to Zira in regards to her special interest, and neither did any of the other defects (Zim never really acknowledged or even knew Zira had that interest). In a way, Zennith kind of understood why Zira liked them; they were a nice change of pace from all the high-tech malarkey on her home planet. 

So, that concludes this snippet. I personally was one of these “railfans” when I was younger (almost to the point where I was annoying); I still kinda am, but I’m keeping it under wraps and showing a bit of interest from time to time. I wanted to integrate this into Zira’s character as I thought it’d be interesting (especially for a creature that hails from an imperialistic alien hive mind that has no room for flaws or stepping out of line).

[fellthemarvelous]

@eidetictelekinetic Right?!?

People wanna crucify Az for everything in s2 without taking even a second to consider why Aziraphale was huffy in the first place. I would have been a mess if the person who had tormented me for 6,000+ years was in my safe space too, especially knowing that helping this person was the right thing to do even if it was scary.

Crowley's reaction was perfectly normal too, but I think everyone believes that if Az isn't automatically deferring to Crowley then he's somehow in the wrong.

I have so many issues with the way fandom treats Aziraphale though, mostly because they treat him like a prop for Crowley's character without considering that Aziraphale has his own unique perspective and that he isn't automatically wrong just because he disagrees with Crowley on something.

It's triggering af because of my experience with religious abuse and trauma. This entire season focuses on shades of grey but the people hating on Zira revert to that black and white form of thinking when they keep talking about how they can't wait to see Crowley treat him like shit in s3 because apparently he deserves it or something. 😬

Aziraphale was following Jesus' teachings

I'm not sure how Aziraphale putting his foot down and saying he's going to help Jimbriel whether Crowley likes it or not is somehow a failing on Aziraphale's part when he was doing the right thing.

We all know this parable from the Bible.

Crowley's immediate reaction was to find a place to dump Gabriel, and while I do not blame him in the slightest for wanting Gabriel as far away from both of them as possible, this whole ass parable from the Bible exists.

And what are all of us preparing for in season three?

The Second Coming.

Yes, it was dangerous to keep Gabriel around, but he's the one who showed up unannounced, completely naked, and looking for help. The danger wouldn't have disappeared if they had driven to Dartmoor and dumped him on the side of the road.

And Aziraphale isn't the kind of person to turn away someone in need.

He forgave Maggie eight months rent just before Gabriel showed up, and while he said it was for purely selfish reasons, he's also really fond of Maggie and has known her for a long time (at least in human years) and would not toss her out onto the streets.

"Whatsoever you do to the least of my people you do unto me."

This is all part of Jesus' teachings.

And we're heading towards Judgment Day.

[ihopesocomic]

The scars on Hope look really good and lifelike. Do you have any tips for drawing scars and blood/gore, especially when it comes to shape and color?

When it comes to scarring, you want to keep in mind what is doing the scarring and how it happens. In Hope's case, another lion slashes down with their claws. Lion paws are big and claws will leave 4 slashes (5 if the dewclaw manages to land) but I also keep in mind that since it's her face that gets slashed, and her head is a pretty sturdy target, the scarring conforms to the shape of her face. That's why Kovu's scar doesn't make a whole lot of sense considering how Zira struck him horizontally. But you also have to keep in mind which areas on a character are exposed. My Dungeons and Dragons characters without armor are going to sport more scars on exposed skin than any of my armored characters. And since they're typically moving and not standing still, the scars will look sporadic, as if they made an attempt to get out of the way of their attacker. In a lion's case, a mane is armor, and exists specifically to keep the neck safe, so a thick-maned lion like Mufasa wouldn't have a neck scar but maaaaybe a thin-maned lion like Nuka would.

It also helps to (carefully) research how body parts respond to trauma because some parts will bleed more than others and also blood can coagulate to protect the body, a tourniquete will reduce bleeding, and some body parts will bleed alot but it looks worse than the injury actually is. How fast (and how well) an injury gets treated will also determine alot

[zero-is-nebulous]

Okay this is so real but it's even more tragic the more you think about it and the other options we're left with as a result and I NEED to talk about it sorry OP

If Aziraphale was being controlled (coffee theory), it's tragic bc just IMAGINE Zira waking up from his haze and just, REALISING what happened. Like I agree with you, it does NOT seem in character at all and especially the way he seems almost overly aware after the kiss could have been a sign. Also I've been seeing coffee cup insignia on some (official? Don't quote me) art, as well as the EMPHASIS on that scene?? Sus

Anyway the REAL tragedy comes in when you assume WITHOUT the coffee scene because, and some people forget this, these two are 6000 years worth of complex character developments. Imagine how much humans can change over about 80 years, and now look at these two beautiful tragedies

Aziraphale has a relationship with heaven that is simular to that of a toxic home life. They constantly bully him, he's the black sheep of the family and yet he's the ONLY one who's really an angel. Apart from maybe Muriel (name??) But that also shows you JUST how toxic heaven is because. Omfg. They know JACK. SHIT. about earth. Proven by the whole teenage child bit, and also they just treat everyone with actual goodness like absolutely awfully for no reason. Its almost as if they know what they're supposed to be like and envy the ones oblivious or STRONG enough to maintain true angelic goodness

Like we know AZ has sinned in the common 21 century human sense (sloth, lack of faith, gluttony, also he fell in love with a demon and thas probly in the bible somewhere) but he is, fundamentally, GOOD.

Anyway, he's treated like rubbish by his only "family". They give him a scrap of attention and love and promise things will change and he believes it because he's a tragic hero and his tragic FLAW is that he's too kind. Too optimistic. He is told things will change and beleivs it. He wants to fix things, and he's so eager to join heaven again because he believes that there's a chance to fix the broken system. He cannot in good faith run away like Gabriel and B did because he cannot leave the humans he cares for to suffer at the hands of an injust system

He wanted Crowley to join him because he can't do it without him. And he's so happy that he can bring him too because it means they can have the consequence free life they WANTED. Also I see a lot of "he knew crowley wouldn't like that''s so may I remind you of:

He did think of that, he said "I don't think he'd like that" or smth of the sort to meta-mind head guy (often used to explain coffee theory [more he drinks the less in control he is])

He doesn't think he doesn't belong to heaven, he genuinely thinks that he could stop heaven from treating him like shit if he was amongst them again

The way they both miscommunicated was insane like actually.

Aziraphale thinks of this not as "fixing" crowley, or fundementaly changing him, but moving him to a place he is safer. Aziraphale wants to fix heaven FOR crowley, and wants him by his side while he does this bc it'd just be a lot easier let's be real

Anyway their entire argument was this:

Crowley: I love you, come with me, stay with me. We can live in peace, without heaven or hell

Aziraphale: I love you, come with me, stay with me. We can live safely, without fear from heaven or he'll coming after us anymore

I'm so tired so let me end this on a finishing statement (it's probably going to be a long one)

Aziraphale is clever. He wouldn't do this without reason and, while I respect and can see the appeal of the coffee theory (ily OP for the piece of the fandom you represent, as is to say you're valid for your theories don't take this as a slight) I personally LOVE the idea that he did it on purpose a lot more because it explores the complexity of his character. Like he wants to save Crowley for once. He wants life to be safe forever. He's so good he can't stand by and let things go to shit (he knows they will without him, armagedan part 2 electric boogaloo) and most of all he wants crowley safe for GOOD this time. People talk about how Azi should apologise and how much they hate him now and I'm defending him like this

Because while yeah he does need to apologise for the way the whole thing came across, they BOTH did nothing wrong. And should be slapped gently on the shoulder for not saying things bluntly. Azi is my favourite subject to analyse because he's so much more than a lot of people see him for. And I love that

Also fr, Azi doesn't even drink coffee. If meta ass even KNEW him at all (like crowley, who tidied his bookshop for him and queued their music in the bentley) he would have gotten him tea, which I know that Nina does because of that one scene with Maggie. So, fuck you mutatron you're like a surprise divorce attorney who they don't pay enough

What if

What if he was being controlled by the metatron??? He kept hesitating to go, he didn’t want to, he was about to say something he wanted to bring with him but stopped and was completely fine. Aziraphale would NOT react like that to losing Crowley, definitely not by his own will, anyway. Think about it, would the voice of god really let an arch angel love a demon??? Fuck no. He was using that to get aziraphale back into heaven to control him. My point? Metatron Kys

[piratestrash]

I wonder if there have been moments that Jack missed his mom and wished she was there for him. Also do you think his family treated him better when his mom was still alive?

Absolutely. His mother was one of the few people who both cared about him and acted like it.

She's always been a source of comfort for him. Her death absolutely shattered him and he will constantly wish his mother was still here, her soothing presence and words offering him unconditional love.

And yes, his family treated him far better when she was alive. He was still a scapegoat, but she never let shit fly. Teague, especially, got worse.

If anyone, including her husband, had touched her son while she was alive, there would be hell to pay.

This is one of the reasons he bonded with Calypso so closely. She reminds him of his mother. It's kind of like trauma-bonding, but also not really, because she was never the abuser

I also am split on two names, which I have come up with for her. Dena or Zira.

[iceflowerglow]

This is based on something I saw in a dream back in February. I don't get fandom-related dreams often, but that one had a brief scene of Vitani (I think) mentioning something called "Nuka's gang" and a vague shot of Nuka with several other animals. I decided to develop the concept, so this is now an AU!

This is Nuka, who survived the log collapse and was rescued shortly before the dam completely broke, now leading a gang of misfits. There are two lionesses who left their pride, a young male rogue, a hyena who left her pack after a conflict with the new matriarch, a jackal couple who were initially in search for a better territory, and an older drongo bird nicknamed "Old Man", who tells the best stories. I imagine that initially, there were only these two lionesses and a hyena, unlikely friends - they were the ones who stumbled upon Nuka while in search for food stores to steal, and rescued Nuka from the dam some time before it broke. He was very weak and injured, and they had to care for him until he partially (though never fully) recovered. They didn't think much of him at the beginning; he didn't seem to be particularly smart or capable in any manner. But that changed after he helped them escape when another lion pride noticed they stole food with a few stealthy tricks that used to help him avoid his mother's wrath. The lionesses and the hyena now listened to his input in planning new missions, and he showed to have a number of valuable tips on how to avoid getting caught (and what to do if they do get caught). The little gang became more successful, and gained a few new members. By the time, they started to see Nuka as their sort-of leader (something that he didn't even realize happened). The gang are low-key thieves and vigilantes, surviving by stealing adequate amounts of food in more prosperous lands. But what they are particularly good at is defending vulnerable individuals who are mistreated in their groups, especially the disabled, the young ones, and the elderly. They don't confront anyone directly - they simply don't need to. Nuka uses his cunning side to make missions run smoothly; oftentimes, nobody even realises there was someone behind the strange things that were happening! And after making sure the ones they protect are safe, before leaving the place, the gang does their best to guarantee that no one would get hurt in such a way there again. They don't seek to punish the perpetrators, or hurt them, or assert control over them. Rather, they try to make them realize that abuse and bullying won't fly anymore. Over his journey with the gang and helping others, Nuka has to confront painful memories of his life in the Outlands. Like the ones the gang strives to protect, he knows what it is like to be mistreated or to deal with physical and mental issues. But it's difficult for him to acknowledge that the way his mother treated him was wrong. Over time, he can admit that Zira neglected Vitani, or that the militaristic way of living she had established in the Outlands went way overboard, and that maybe if she'd have given him a chance earlier, he would have been better fit to serve his pride. His gang, though, is different. They never treat him like a burden - they acknowledge his limitations, they do what he's physically unable to do, and help him calm down from panic attacks. Even though he has many issues, they still see him as an equal. They may make an occasional joke at his expense, but they still respect him. Eventually, he can't deny the truth - he has been treated horribly, and no matter how much everyone (including himself, at times) had deemed him useless, he didn't deserve it, because nobody deserves such things. He has been protecting others from mistreatment, and was he really any different from them? Weren't the ones he was pretecting also considered useless and "less than"? He starts feeling growing resentment towards Zira, and thinks that if he'll ever meet her again, he would confront her about everything she's done to him and his siblings. In the meantime, rumors about the gang reach the Pridelands, and reach Vitani. She hears about it being led by a scrawny young lion with a scraggly, curly black mane. She hears about their 'tricks' with a flair of mischievous humor. This immediately reminds her of someone she misses so much, but she can't allow herself to get the faint hope that her older brother might be alive. She doesn't want to be disappointed after, as she thinks, it will inevitably turn out that it's someone else who leads the gang, who just happens to be similar to Nuka. The gang has never appeared near the Pridelands, which seems odd; rumors say that they travel everywhere. Vitani wants to know for sure if it really isn't what she thinks, so she makes the decision to leave the Pridelands and search for the gang, under the pretense of volunteering to investigate. Only Kovu knows the real reason why she leaves. The gang remains elusive for a long time, but Vitani follows the trail of rumors. She was good at spying and getting information while serving her mother's cause. At some point, she becomes certain that she's close to discovering the gang, and one day, she succeeds...    

[celticat21]

Echos of the Past Day 1: Hometown

@arcana-echoes

I am a little late to this but would like to partake where I can! :) 

Alessa: Padr was her homeland, based on Portugal (which I have the most experience in this culture being Portuguese). People there are deeply rooted in tradition and, for the most part, shun magic and magic users. There are many women like Mazelinka who kind of run the towns and keep an eye on everything. They’re also known to be tattle tales, and always tells a child’s parents if they misbehave slightly. Alessa did like her home and still loves to partake in their traditions, but is still glad she left to experience more of the world. Considering her job, she wouldn’t move back if given the chance, but she loves to visit! 

Tabitha: She is from the equivalent of the pacific islands. She absolutely loves her home and travels back to visit whenever she gets the chance! Most of my apprentices love the culture of their homelands so Tabitha is now different. Most of the skills she knows were taught to her my her mother and father, especially her skills in woodwork and building things. She even built her own boat house she uses to travel in! The people in her tribe were very supportive and a tight knit community. While she loves her home, she still left as soon as she could, eager to travel the world.

Freya: She comes from Fjodr, based on Sweden/Scandinavia. Growing up, she wasn’t a fan of her home, the traditions, or the people there. She as often regarded as fragile yet special, and treated as a “blind-oracle” stereotype. People would choose her outfits, make her food, put on her make up/face paint, and not let her make any decisions for herself or even teach her how to do these things. She had to learn to do these things from other people along her travels. While she was allowed to be a teacher, she also had an “obligation” and “duty to the people” to provide them with their fortunes and her magic to help. While when she was older she was able to recognize they were well meaning, she still would rather not go back. It wasn’t until later when she gained more pride in her culture and traditions and held them tightly. 

Winona: I don’t have a name for their homeland, but they grew up for a while in a Western tribe. I had an idea for their tribe being along the lines of BOTW aesthetic but I might have just been hyper-fixating on that game for a while. They grew up under the care of their aunt and uncle after the disappearance of their parents, but in reality all of the children are looked after by everyone in the tribe. While they did like their home, they also longed for more Disney Princess style  and left. They were much happier traveling with pirates. 

Zira: Mariena is a completely different dimension, where half the residents live underwater. Although realistically most of the people live on land and in the water, half and half through the year, where they change houses depending on the seasons. There is sort of a civil war brewing where the permanent under water residents believe themselves to be better than those living on the land, since their species is designed for underwater life. Those permanently living on land feel they are more progressive and “advanced” than those in the water. They even slash their gills as a sign of them denying the water as their home. While most people are neutral, tensions are still very high. Zira, looking to take over her mothers place as Duchess, was trying to stop the war from breaking out until she was attacked by her mother. 

Katarina: Katarina lived in Vesuvia for a large portion of her life, and was born there. She prefers Vesuvia, but has always wondered about traveling to other places. For a short while, during a minor breakout of the red plague, her family had moved to Padr, before moving back. At the exact wrong time, go figure. Though, for a very long time she would say she hated the government and preferred the actual people in her city, after Lucio’s death and seeing Nadia try to right things, she had faith once again her city would return to its former glory; the way her mother always talked about.