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lyranova · 1 year ago

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Since your requests are open~ and you've opened the door into all the captain wives being friends.... heres where I'll get shy

👉👈 ....maybe, one of them expecting a baby, and they have a little get-together between friends. Like a baby shower but more private?

Hiya Koneko! Of course, and I had so much fun writing this! I know it’s been a while since you’ve requested it but I wanted to make sure I got everything perfect before I posted this (hopefully I did everyones OC’s justice!)! Thank you for requesting it, this was so sweet and fun to imagine and I hope you enjoy 🥺💕!

Solara belongs to @thoughtfullyrainynightmare , Briar belongs to @koneko-pi (the requester), Josele and Sterling belongs to @loosesodamarble , and Lorena, Abigail, and Agnes belong to @hybridanafrost 🥰! While I own Zera! Aika (who is briefly mentioned) belongs to @simpingforthisonedeer !

Word Count: 2,781

Warnings: Mentions of Pregnancy

———

It was a lovely Autumn day in the Clover Kingdom. People were getting ready for the annual harvest festival that took place in the Capitol. It was a time of collecting food, wood, and other things before the harsh winter drifted down from Spade. But they were also celebrating the fact that they had a good harvest year, despite the Zogratis siblings' actions and all the devils that began to pop up shortly after.

It had been a very surprising year, in both bad ways, and in good ways.

Inside the Golden Dawn base, however, there was a different kind of celebration going on. It was a celebration of life, happiness, and excitement.

It was a baby shower. Albeit it a very small and private one.

Walking down the halls of the Golden Dawn base were a group of young women carrying trays with various foods as well as bags and boxes that contained gifts inside.

“ I hope Zera likes the gifts we brought her,” Briar Rose, girlfriend of Silver Eagles Captain Nozel Silva, said as she glanced down at the small box in her hands. She felt someone suddenly place a hand on her shoulder.

“ She’ll like them! It’s the food I’m more worried about,” Lorena Harlow, wife of Green Mantis Captain Jack the Ripper, said as she looked down at her tray of food. It was filled with various different meats from her butcher shop as well as different cheeses and crackers.

“ I’m sure Zera will like all of it, so don’t worry.” Solara Equinox, wife of Crimson Lions Captain Fuegoleon Vermillion, said with a warm and gentle smile. Knowing Zera she would probably worry about how expensive all the gifts and food were and would scold them for spending so much.

“ To be honest I’m sure she’ll love having the company more than anything else.” Josele Canty, wife of Vice-Captain of the Black Bulls Nacht Faust, said with a knowing smile and all of the women nodded in agreement.

Zera Cassia, wife of Golden Dawn Captain William Vangeance, had been put on bedrest by her doctor a few months ago. They hadn’t been able to pinpoint why, but the young woman’s body seemed to get weaker the further along she got. At first they thought the child may be pulling too much mana from her or vice versa and that was what was causing her to be so sick, but that theory didn’t make much sense nor did it contain any proof. So the doctor just put it to her having a weaker than normal body.

“ Oh, do you have Aika’s present for Zera as well?” Josele asked curiously and Solara nodded as she held up the bag.

“ I do, I also have Captain Charlotte’s gift as well.” Solara said with a smile as she held up another bag, the Blue Rose Captain was supposed to be there with them, but was surprised by her squad with her own baby shower on the very same day.

The group walked up to a pair of tall wooden doors and Solara knocked on them, they waited for a moment before it was pulled open to reveal the room on the other side.

“ You guys are early!” Zera said with a sheepish laugh as she held the door open. She had a smudge of dirt on her slightly pale cheek and she had her ash-blonde hair pulled up into a messy bun. Her beautiful floral sundress had a bit of dirt on it and she had her light gray sweater sleeves rolled up to her elbows.

All of these were tell tale signs that she had been gardening.

“ Are we? I thought we were pretty on time.” Lorena muttered as she looked down at her watch, Zera laughed a bit.

“ You probably are, I just lost track of time.” She admitted sheepishly as she moved aside to let them into the room. “ Oh here let me carry some of that!” She added as she reached out to take some of the food.

“ While we appreciate the offer, we’ve got it under control Zera,” Briar said with a small smile as she walked awkwardly past her, the other women said the same as they walked past her as well. Zera pouted a bit before closing the door behind her.

“ Shouldn’t you be on bed rest? What are you doing up?” Solara asked as she set the gifts and food down, when she stood back up she gave the plant mage a slightly stern look.

“ Well, y’see, I kind of got bored sitting in bed doing nothing and my babies were starting to look a little neglected so I decided to tend to them a bit.” Zera admitted with a sheepish look, the women looked at the flowers and saw some had been transplanted into newer and bigger containers, some were just freshly planted, and some were just watered and fertilized.

“ Heh, that’s the thing about us business women and Captain’s wives, we just can’t sit still even when we’re supposed to.” Lorena said with a laugh, and the others laughed and nodded in agreement.

“ I’ll make us all some tea, so everyone just sit down!” Zera said quickly as she walked to the small kitchenette in the room, but was stopped by Josele.

“ I’ve got it. You just sit down and rest, it’s your day after all.” Josele told her kindly as she placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, Zera sighed in defeat.

“ No one lets me do anything anymore.” Zera pouted before walking over to the couch and sitting down, Solara and Briar chuckled.

“ We’re just trying to help you out, is all,” Briar said with a small awkward smile and she sat down in a small chair across from Zera. Solara nodded in agreement.

“ We know you’re independent and that you like to do things yourself, but it doesn’t hurt to have a little bit of help every now and then, does it?” Solara asked with a knowing look, and Zera sighed dramatically. They both had a point.

“ It’s just annoying y’know? I feel like I’m nothing but a bother to everyone.” She admitted as she crossed her arms, the moment she started feeling unwell and was put on bedrest was the moment everyone started treating her differently. Especially her husband.

“ Believe me, we understand, but you’re not a bother to anyone Zera.” Josele said as she came back with a tray full of tea cups, the woman all nodded in thanks and each one a cup and saucer.

“ They’re right, and you should enjoy it while it lasts, ‘cause once your kid arrives all of the attention will be focused on them. Believe me.” Lorena said with a knowing smile, Lorena had two little girls from her first husband who had sadly passed away years ago.

“ By the way, where are Agnes and Abigail? And Sterling too?” Zera asked with a frown, both Josele and Lorena smiled.

“ They’re downstairs playing with Yuno and the others. They'll be here later.” Josele told her before taking a sip of her tea.

As the morning transitioned into the afternoon the women talked and laughed amongst each other as they ate snacks and drank their tea. The conversations mainly revolved around catching up on things they had missed as well as their husbands.

“ So, you’re saying William has been the one caring for your flowers for the past 3 months? Oh those poor things!” Briar said as a hand came up to cover her mouth in surprise, and Zera couldn’t help but laugh.

“ He has! Oh he nearly drowned my Orchids and Dandelions a couple of weeks ago, the poor things, so now he’s banned from coming near them ever again!” Zera said in a light hearted manner as the women nodded and laughed.

“ I certainly can’t blame you,” Solara said with a soft smile before she sipped on her tea. “ I can only imagine Fuegoleon doing something like that once I get further along.” She added as she placed her hand gently on her slightly protruding stomach.

It wasn’t only Zera and Captain Charlotte who were expecting, but Solara was as well. Although she was only three months along at the moment.

“ Heh Fuegoleon will probably be just as bad as William, if not, he’ll certainly give him a run for his money!” Lorena said with a laugh as she ate a cracker with a piece of meat and cheese on it, Briar chuckled as she set her tea cup down.

“ I wouldn’t be too sure, Nozel can be very protective as well, and I have a feeling he’ll be a lot worse than both Fuegoleon and William.” Briar said with a small knowing smile as she sat back in her chair, the other women only nodded. Nozel may act cold, but he was actually a very warm person.

“ Well I can assure you all that Nacht will have all your husbands beat on the overprotectiveness.” Josele said with a shake of her head but a loving smile on her face, all the women had to admit, Nacht would probably be very protective of Josele and their future children, if how he treated their adopted daughter Sterling was of any indication.

“ Now, should we open some gifts?” Solara asked as she clapped her hands together, and the women nodded.

Solara began to hand Zera different bags and boxes while telling her who they were from.

The first gift she was handed was a small box beautifully wrapped with green and gold paper and a small bow. Zera gently unwrapped it and smiled at what was inside.

It was a sling, one that wrapped around her body and held the baby close to her. It had a beautiful floral pattern and was made of lightweight fabric that wouldn’t get her or the baby hot, but it was sturdy enough that it could hold the baby’s weight.

“ We working mama’s gotta be hands free y’know.” Lorena said with a grin and wink, and Zera nodded with a bright smile as she thanked her friend for the thoughtful gift.

Next was a beautiful box covered in black, white, and gold wrapping paper with intricate designs on it. Zera gently opened the box and her smile widened.

Inside was a beautifully sewn hat, shoes, and coat. It was made in gender neutral colors and designs since no one knew if they were having a boy or a girl yet.

“ I thought the little one would need warm clothes since it would be arriving in the middle of winter.” Josele said warmly and Zera nodded in agreement as she thanked her.

The next gift was a beautifully wrapped red and gold box with beautiful patterns on it. Zera opened it just as she did the others and laughed softly.

It was a beautiful three tiered mobile. On the top layer were the stars and moons, on the second tier were clouds, and the third tier had the different continents, animals, plants, and people on it. It was simple, and yet beautiful.

“ Knowing you and William, I thought your child would be an adventurous explorer themself. So I thought I would give him a sneak peak at what the world looks like.” Solara said with a smile, and Zera thanked her before handing her something else. “ This is from Aika, and this is from Charlotte.”

Zera opened the beautifully designed boxes and couldn’t help but ‘ooo’ as she looked at them. Aika’s gift was a beautifully designed notebook that had a small note written inside, and Charlotte’s gift was a beautiful scrapbook for photos.

Finally Zera was handed the last gift, it was wrapped in silver and pastel green wrapping paper and had a beautifully delicate bow around it. She opened it gently, just as she had done before, and tilted her head at what was inside.

It looked similar to a communication device, but small and more round. She pulled it out and saw another beside it, she looked up at Briar.

“ What is it?” She asked curiously and Briar smiled while grabbing the other device and holding it up.

“ These are baby monitors,” she said as she began to talk into it. “ It lets you hear the baby from a completely different room, and it works all the way to the outside of the base too. So when you’re working on your plants or if William is outside with his squad you can still hear your baby.” She explained and couldn’t help but shift awkwardly as everyone ‘ooed’ and ‘aahhed’ over it.

“ This is a great gift Briar! Thank you so much!” Zera said happily as she placed the box and devices aside.

“ Don’t worry, everyone will get one during their baby showers too.” Briar assured her other friends with a small smile. “ I think it’s something everyone with a baby should have.”

Zera put all her gifts aside before asking how much all of it cost. Her friends all began to laugh and tease her, saying how it wasn’t any of her business how much the gifts were, and that they were completely priceless.

As the ash-blonde haired woman listened to all of her friends laugh and smile she felt her heart fill with so much warmth and love that it was nearly overwhelming. As a child she couldn’t have imagined having so many close friends, and she imagined they probably felt the same way. Suddenly she watched her friends look at her in surprise.

“ Hey Zera, what’s wrong?” Lorena asked in concern as she sat up.

“ Why are you crying?” Briar asked with a frown as she sat up in her chair, and that’s when Zera put a hand up to her cheek and felt the tears on them.

She was so overwhelmed and so thankful that she had begun to cry.

“ Ah sorry! I don’t know what came over me!” Zera said as she wiped her tears away. Solara and Josele moved closer to her on the couch as Briar and Lorena moved to sit in front of her. “ I’m just…so happy right now!”

“ I never thought I’d have an amazing group of friends like you, ones that support me and ones that I can support in return, ones that understand and are in similar situations that I’m in. It’s nice, and I’m so thankful you’re all in my life.” Zera said with a bright smile as her friends smiled back.

“ I…have a favor to ask of you,” She began suddenly after calming down a bit. “ If something happens to me, and I’m not around for my child, can you all watch over them for me?” She asked softly and the room went deathly quiet.

“ Pfft what are you talking about? Of course you’re gonna be here!” Lorena scoffed as she crossed her arms, and Briar nodded in agreement.

“ She’s right Zera, you’re going to be around for your child so there’s no reason to assume you won’t be!” Briar said firmly and with a serious expression.

“ Did the doctor say something to you? Or did he insinuate that your condition has gotten worse?” Josele asked in concern, and Zera shook her head.

“ It’s nothing like that! It’s just…” Zera frowned as she tried to find the right words. “ You know how some people give their children godparents right? Well instead of godparents I want my child to have an entire godfamily to rely on. I want my child to be surrounded by people who will love them and care for them and support them, and I can’t imagine a better group of people to do that than you guys.”

“ I see where you’re coming from,” Solara said thoughtfully after a moment. “ They say it takes a village to raise a child, and so you want us to be that village.”

“ Exactly! But only if you guys want to, of course.” Zera said quickly as she began to grow sheepish. The other women looked at each other for a moment before they all smiled and nodded.

“ I think we would all be honored Zera, but let’s hope that we never have to cross that bridge.” Solara said and the others nodded in agreement as Zera laughed.

“ Trust me, I don’t plan on leaving my child any time soon!”

Soon the conversation turned to much lighter subjects, such as the hope that all of their children will be as close as they are when they grow older despite being from different squads and families, and that they’ll look out for one another and support each other.

That hope filled the group of women’s hearts for many many years, and eventually, came to fruition.

———

Thank you all so much for reading and I hope you all have a good day~!

#asks #koneko🦆#my lovely mutuals #black clover #black clover oneshot #black clover oc fanfiction #black clover oc #oc; zera #oc; lorena #oc; solara #oc; briar #oc; josele #zera is mine #the others are not 😆

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cirilla-fiona-riannon · 3 years ago

Text

Ikevamp Act 2.5

Chapter 18 Romantic End

A few days after the events at the Black gathering...

Mitsuki: "So that black group got exposed?"

Comte: "Yeah. And those who were being sold as sacrifices were also freed. Thanks to everyone's cooperation."

(Thank God...)

I pat myself in relief as the string of incidents finally comes to an end.

On the day of the gathering, we, who had infiltrated the scene and helped free Ulfa and the others, got away with it after only being questioned by the police, thanks to Comte's help.

The organizers and participants of the gathering were seized at the scene.

They also found the culprits who set off the bombing at the World's Fair, clearing Halil's clan of suspicion.

Comte: "The bombing was apparently a protest by those who found out about the connections between the showmen and the group."

Mitsuki: "I see, protest. So those people caused the bombing for their own sense of justice."

No one was killed in the bombing, but many people were injured.

I understand their reason, but I can't say the means they used were right.

Comte: "It would be best if we could fix the mistakes without using violence."

(Everyone should know that, so why is it so difficult?)

(There are as many justifications and beliefs as there are people. And yet, one aspect of it creates mistakes and sacrifices.)

As I'm feeling frustrated that problems are not easily solved in reality, someone knocks on the door, and a person with a genuine smile appears.

Shakespeare: "Oh dear. You look like a wilted flower, Mitsuki."

Mitsuki: "Shakespeare! Comte was just filling me in on what happened after the incident."

Shakespeare: "I see, so you have been depressed by the reality that things are not as they should be. Well, I have good news for you."

Shakespeare: "They caught the showman who sold Halil's sister, and it seems that the treatment of his clan improved."

Mitsuki: "Really? Oh, thank god!"

According to Shakespeare, the people who were put behind the fence and on display are now out, talking to onlookers, sharing their family's culture, and interacting with people on a more equal footing.

I hope they look more alive now than they did back then.

(This world is not an easy problem to solve.)

(But in this way, we can change little by little.)

We can learn from the past, bring our thoughts and feelings together, and figure out a way to gently hold each other's hands instead of hurting each other.

(If we keep collecting beautiful things, I'm sure we can change the future someday.)

(That's right. Let's believe in that.)

Shakespeare chuckles as I ponder this.

Shakespeare: "Fufu, looks like the wilted flower has come back to life."

Mitsuki: "I'm just happy. I want to go to the World's Fair again!"

Comte: "Good idea. And the venue that was bombed is slowly being repaired with the help of craftsmen and volunteers."

Comte: "Let's go together this time. Mitsuki, Will, everyone at the mansion, and then..."

Comte and I looked at each other and nodded.

The faces that we thought of would probably be the same.

At that time, the three people Mitsuki had in mind were…

Faust: "Oh, by the way, those dhampir siblings..."

Faust: "I heard that there's a couple who wants to take care of them until they return to their hometown after the world's fair is over."

Charles: "Oh yeah. Leonardo stopped by the church the other day and told me about it."

Vlad: "Heh. Da Vinci, huh?"

Faust: "I heard the couple offered to let those kids get a taste of life in Paris, not just a place of work."

Charles: "Halil also told them about their own lore. And you know what?"

~~~~~~~~~Flashback~~~~~~~~~

Halil: "I've been told that our family has vampire blood in their veins."

Ulfa: "Look! You can see our fangs when we smile. Aren't you scared?"

Woman: "My goodness, that's a cute set of fangs. It's very charming."

Man: "Thank you for telling us. Can you please tell us more about yourselves?"

~~~~~~~Flashback Ends~~~~~~~

Vlad: "I see they have found a good couple."

Vlad: "This is another miraculous and fateful meeting between humans, huh?"

Vlad's eyes narrowed softly as he listened to the conversation.

Faust: "That aside, I heard that Comte also wanted to take care of the siblings at the mansion."

Charles: "But Leonardo stopped him, saying he couldn't let them see them drinking rouge."

Vlad: "Pft―ahaha! It's so Comte to reach out to someone right in front of him like that."

Vlad: "I guess some people are saved by his kindness."

Vlad's eyes filled with nostalgia as he gazed at the scene of a distant day.

Faust stares at him for a moment and then asks.

Faust: "Old man, why didn't you use your brainwashing power when you entered that place?"

Vlad: "................"

Faust: "If you had brainwashed everyone who was there, things would have gone much more smoothly."

Faust: "Did you hesitate because Mitsuki would see you?"

Vlad: "No, it's not like that."

Vlad simply smiles at Faust's offhanded remark and gets up from the bench he is sitting on.

As he slowly walks, his footsteps echo in the quiet cathedral.

Vlad: "My power is actually not that versatile."

Vlad: "Brainwashing several people at once takes a toll on my mind and body."

Vlad: "If I used my power halfway in that place, I might not have been able to save them all."

Faust & Charles: "..............."

Vlad: "And I've been thinking about some things ever since I met Mitsuki."

Charles: "What kind of things...?"

Vlad suddenly looks up.

The light spilling out from the windows appears like the last remaining hope scattered in Pandora's box.

Vlad: "I love this world."

Vlad: "I wanted to nip their sins in the bud and guide mankind so that they wouldn't make mistakes and lead us to a future of peace."

Vlad: "But I think my ambition and this brainwashing power are taking away the hidden potential of human beings."

Vlad: "That's what I've been thinking since I met Mitsuki."

Charles: "What do you mean by hidden potential?"

Vlad: "The power to create miracles."

~~~~~~~~~Flashback~~~~~~~~~

Mitsuki: "Vlad, you're not a God."

Mitsuki: "As proof, look, we can hold hands like this."

~~~~~~~Flashback Ends~~~~~~~

The warmth of Mitsuki's hand that held his blood-soaked hands still lingers.

Mitsuki's hand lifted Vlad up from his self-imposed destiny.

She connected his heart with a friend he thought he would never cross paths with again.

If Mitsuki had been brainwashed, this miracle would never have happened.

Vlad: "Mitsuki, you saved me again. Just like that snowy day."

Faust walks up to Vlad as he mutters to himself.

Faust: "Do you remember? I asked you a similar question before."

Faust: "I thought at the time that Mitsuki was the only one special enough not to be brainwashed by you."

Charles: "Mitsuki is special, isn't she?"

Charles: "From the day you guys met, I could see the love in your eyes as you looked at Mitsuki, Lord Vlad."

Vlad: ".............."

Charles: "I still don't know what love is, but that's how it felt to me."

Charles: "Mitsuki has moved Lord Vlad's heart."

Charles rushes bouncily to the door and peeks at Vlad with a smile.

Vlad himself found them and revived them using the door, hoping that he could use them as pawns for his ambitions, but when did it become natural for them to be by his side?

With this thought in his heart, Vlad tells them these in a soft voice.

Vlad: "I'll continue to love this world. But I also want to have a little more faith in people."

Faust: "So you're going to give up your ambitions?"

Vlad: "No. My ambition to protect the world has become a "dream" that I want to fulfill."

Vlad: "I'll leave my dreams to the people I love."

Faust & Charles: ".............."

It's the first carefree smile that Faust and Charles see.

Charles: "Fufu. I'm so happy. I feel like I'm finally getting close to the real Lord Vlad."

Charles: "Right! Lord Vlad, Docteur. I'd like to know more about the people in that mansion."

Charles: "I've only known them through Will and you, but I'd like to talk to them."

Faust: "Considering what we've done, I don't think they'll agree to it so easily."

Faust: "But, let's at least try to work together just like what we did in that gathering."

Charles: "Agreed. I'd like to see Mitsuki, too. Maybe the three of us can go to the mansion together next time!"

Vlad: "Ahaha, that's a good idea. I'd love to see Mitsuki's surprised face."

The three voices echoed through the light-filled cathedral as they began plotting their "assault" on the mansion.

In an art gallery on a corner in Paris...

A man named Gauguin appears from the doorway, looking down.

The picture of the vivid sunflowers he had just seen at the art gallery was stuck in his mind.

The artist, of course...

Gauguin: "Vincent. It seems my jealousy of your talent won't go away easily."

Gauguin: "I guess I'll just have to keep painting with this feeling."

Gauguin: "Haha, I can paint again. It's like a dream. I've been painting for what seems like an eternity."

Gauguin smiles to himself, still unable to grasp the joys and pains of painting.

Then, a couple of men pass by him...

Mystery Man 1: "That's right. You shouldn't even be here."

Gauguin: "What?"

Gauguin had no idea what had happened.

But as he looked down, he saw a sharp blade, which appeared to be the tip of a spear, deeply stuck in his chest.

Gauguin: "Who the hell are you guys?"

Mystery Man 2: "Farewell, poor vampire. I'll make you disappear before you even dream."

The last thing Gauguin heard was a gruff voice.

Before he could even see their faces, his vision turned dark.

Our mansion has regained its former peaceful lifestyle.

Then, one fine day...

Comte: "You suddenly sent me a letter saying we should have a tea party."

Comte: "Can't you do something about that impulse of yours, Vlad?"

Vlad: "Charles said he would make a lot of strawberry sweets, so I couldn't say no."

Faust: "Lord Vlad is a crazy strawberry maniac."

Charles: "I made something delicious, and I want Mitsuki to eat it. And of course, you guys too."

Leonardo: "I see, so we're just along for the ride, huh? Well, that's fine, but you guys insisted on it, so get on with it already."

(I was surprised when those three suddenly said they were coming, but...)

I watched from the dining room window as everyone carried in tables and chairs to prepare for the tea party in the garden.

Seeing them working together somehow made me smile.

Sebastian: "Mitsuki, is the tea set ready?"

Mitsuki: "Yup, it's perfect! Oh yeah, I bought some new tea leaves the other day."

Mitsuki: "These tea leaves were specially mixed in to commemorate the world's fair. Since it's so special, let's brew this one."

Sebastian nodded and tilted his head.

Mitsuki: "What's wrong?"

Sebastian: "Oh, it's nothing. Speaking of which, there's one thing that's been bugging me."

Sebastian: "There's no recorded event of a bombing at the Paris World's Fair."

(Huh?)

Sebastian: "But history is not always true, so I'm sure it got buried in the history books."

Sebastian: "Just a small wonder from a former historian. Forget it."

Sebastian then accepts the tea from me and carries the tea set.

(The bombing didn't happen in history, but the incident still happened.)

(Maybe history has changed or something?)

If so, then that means...

Sebastian: "Mitsuki? Let's go."

Mitsuki: "O-Okay!"

I put that thought aside and walked to the garden where everyone was waiting.

Surprisingly, the tea party turned out to be lively...

Sebastian: "Would you like another cup of tea, everyone? We also have strawberry sweets that Charles made for us."

Sebastian: "Please also try the apple pie that Mitsuki and I made. Isaac gave us his seal of approval!"

Charles: "Seal of approval? Does that mean you like apples, Newt?"

Faust: "Newton and the apple. Ah, you mean the universal gravitation?"

Isaac: "Ah, geez! Stop talking about apples already! And stop calling me Newt!"

Arthur: "Pfft...Newt's apple story is so classic."

Napoleon: "Guys, go easy on him."

Napoleon: "I get why you'd want to tease him―Yeah, no, never mind."

Isaac: "You just said you want to tease me! I thought you were on my side."

Mozart: "I think they're teasing you because you react like that. Well, I guess you're having a hard time, too."

Isaac: "It's true. Oh, by the way, Mozart, you said you have a concert coming up?"

Mozart: "Yeah. I've been turning down performance requests, but from now on, I'll try to accept as many as possible."

Mozart: "I guess I've come to terms with my past a little bit."

Isaac: "I see."

Jean: "Then I guess I'll have more chances to hear your music."

Mozart: "Yeah. I'm still aiming for ultimate music, and I don't intend to end up with self-satisfaction. So look forward to it."

Jean: "I will. Oh, I get it."

Jean: "I'm excited to have something to look forward to in the future."

Vincent: "Exciting, huh? Will, don't you have a new play coming out soon?”

Shakespeare: "Aye. My next play is a comedy with a happy ending."

Shakespeare: "From now on, I intend to write various plays, not just tragedies."

Shakespeare: "I'll face myself on the stage of life, rather than on the sidelines."

Vincent: "Yeah. Hehe, I wonder what your happy ending will be. I'm definitely going to see it!"

Dazai: "I won't miss that comedy you're writing."

Shakespeare: "I think it's a little different from your idea of a comedy."

Dazai: "At any rate, I'll go with you, Vincent. It's a date, okay?"

Theo: "Hey, bastard. You're not going on a date with broer, got it? I'm not going to let you!"

Arthur: "Cool your jets, Theo. Your bother complex really knows no bounds. Though, in a way, I respect that."

Charles: "You don't have to be so mad. I also go on dates with Docteur, see?"

Faust: "I didn't, and I will not. Charles, don't call it a date every time we go shopping."

Faust: "Seriously, if you say one more stupid thing, I'm going to sew your mouth shut."

Theo: "I'm starting to see how you guys really are. Arthur, don't lose to them."

Arthur: "Mate, I'm not trying to compete with them in the first place."

Dazai: "Ahahaha! I'll never get bored in this mansion."

I watch from a distance as everyone gets excited while I show Vlad around the garden to check the flowers.

(I remember back when we had a tea party like this.)

Vlad: "Mitsuki."

Mitsuki: "Oh, sorry. The roses are blooming over there."

Vlad: "No, I just thought you looked beautiful with those kind eyes of yours."

His bluntness made me blush.

Mitsuki: "Thanks. But it's kind of embarrassing to hear you say that so suddenly."

Vlad: "But it's true. Even in this simple moment, you're more beautiful than anything else."

Vlad: "Hey, what were you thinking just now?"

Mitsuki: "I was remembering something that happened a while ago."

Vlad tilts his head slightly, prompting the conversation to continue.

Mitsuki: "When I couldn't go back to my world, everyone in the mansion threw me a welcome party."

~~~~~~~~~Flashback~~~~~~~~~

Leonardo: "What's the matter, Cara mia? You've been smiling for a while now."

Mitsuki: "Hehe, I'm having so much fun. I just couldn't stop smiling."

Mitsuki: "Besides, everyone here was born in different times and different countries."

Mitsuki: "It's strange that we're sitting around a dinner table together, but I think it’s wonderful."

Mitsuki: "When I'm with everyone, I feel we can connect no matter who we are."

~~~~~~~Flashback Ends~~~~~~~

The feelings I had at that time came back to me again.

Mitsuki: "Right now, I'm just happy to have Faust, Charles, and you in addition to everyone in the mansion."

Vlad: ".............."

(So much has happened to get to this day.)

I sometimes don't know what I can do as a mere human being.

And I'm sure every one of us had a lot of emotions swirling around in our hearts, past that we can't forget, beliefs that we can't give up, and doubts.

But we overcame them and are gathered here now.

Mitsuki: "I think it is difficult for people to understand each other."

Mitsuki: "But nothing will change if we don't try to understand and stay away."

Mitsuki: "Even if it's baby steps, we should start communicating and give each other more chances to get closer."

Mitsuki: "I want to make the world a place where everyone can connect as a human being."

Vlad: "Mitsuki..."

This world is not made by one person.

The world is made by humans, vampires, and purebloods.

Everyone should be able to connect their hearts and live together.

As I speak out my feelings, Vlad gently narrows his crimson eyes like a man who has found a lost treasure.

Vlad: "Hey, Mitsuki, I'm here now because you found me."

Mitsuki: "Huh?"

Vlad: "You've kept me connected. You connected me to this world where humans and vampires live together."

Vlad: "Thank you for connecting me to my heart."

Vlad's eyes right now have the purity of a kid...

Mitsuki: "Let me also say this. Thank you for trying to protect this world, Vlad."

(Protecting something, helping someone, and keeping a fragile heart together...)

(Even if the means are wrong, the thought alone is precious.)

Vlad suddenly pulls up my hand and grins wickedly.

Vlad: "By the way, Mitsuki. I've been thinking. Maybe you should come to our castle after all."

Mitsuki: "Ehh?"

Vlad: "The flowers in this garden are beautiful, but I'm sure you're already bored after living in this mansion for so long now."

Comte: "Haha, what are you talking about, Vlad?"

Mitsuki: "Comte!"

Comte comes in with his coat fluttering and stands behind me.

Comte: "Mitsuki is already my family. So how can she get tired of being part of it?"

Vlad: "Then Mitsuki, how about you and I become more than family?"

Mitsuki: "More than family?"

Comte: "As the patriarch of this mansion, I can't simply accept that."

Vlad and Comte exchange a cheery but somewhat intimidating smile across me.

(Is it just my imagination that it looks like sparks are flying?)

Leonardo: "Seriously, those two still didn't learn their lesson. Leave those little mocciosi alone, Cara mia."

Leonardo: "I'll take care of you, okay?"

Leonardo chuckled as he touched my head and looked into my eyes.

Vlad: "Wait. You can't be too careful here, Da Vinci."

Comte: "Why do vampires like Mitsuki so much?"

Their interaction is somewhat childlike, but their deep, kind eyes make my heart pound.

Shakespeare: "Oh? I was wondering where Mitsuki was, but it looks like those three took her away."

Faust: "Are all the pureblood geezers like this?"

Charles: "Count me in, Lord Vlad. If it's about seducing Mitsuki, I won't lose."

The people at the table beckon us to join them.

Mitsuki: "Hehe, everyone is calling us. I'll make us a fresh pot of tea. Let's go!"

Leonardo: "Good grief, it's going to be hard to get out of this."

Comte: "Who will seduce Mitsuki? I guess it all depends on the fate that lies ahead."

Vlad: "Let's go then. Mitsuki..."

Vlad gently and invitingly pulls my hand he's holding.

While Leonardo gently holds my other hand.

Comte: "Sometimes I think about the past, the beautiful memories and the bitter ones, but maybe all of it was meant to lead us to where we are now."

Comte's words fall into the distant sky as he reaches his hand toward me.

Leonardo: "Present, huh? I guess you're right. Even though we experience pain and sorrow, the joy still outweighs it."

Leonardo: "That's what encounters with people are like. That's why I'm drawn to people. I can't take my eyes off them for the rest of my life."

Vlad: "People sometimes create miracles that change destiny. That's what I like about them."

Vlad: "Mitsuki made me realize that."

Vlad: "I wonder what kind of future awaits us in this world we're building with you."

(The world we're building?)

Mitsuki: "What lies ahead must be..."

A destiny yet to be seen, a miracle yet to be performed, and unquenchable hope.

We will live in this world with the warmth of our connected hands.

In this world, there is a “reason” that cannot be changed in any way.

Life begins its destiny as soon as it sprouts, and it will eventually fall into eternal sleep, for that is its destiny.

There is no such thing as a flower that never withers. No, there never was.

Are these vampires who have deviated from "reason" good for this world?

Or are they evil?

Mystery Man 1: "It looks like the vampire's presence has distorted another destiny."

Mystery Man 2: "They are nothing but a blight on this world. I wonder what they were born for."

Mystery Man 1: "Why don't we ask them ourselves whether they are right or wrong?"

𝓕𝓲𝓷.

Previous Chapter╏Romantic Side Story

#ikemen vampire #ikevamp act 2.5 #ikevamp 2.5 #ikevamp jp #ikevamp #cybird #ikevamp translations #ikemen series

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shadow--writer · 4 years ago

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hi! could you maybe write something for muriel where the mc hears him talking to asra about how he doesn’t like the mc’s constant touching and how she talks too much, so the mc completely stops touching him and only speaks when spoken to? and maybe the main six realising more and more that the mc is keeping to herself and trying to find out what’s wrong, but she’s deeply hurt and embarrassed? sorry if that is too specific, it’s a dream i’ve had x

I’m gonna take it you want a she/her apprentice for this one? There aren’t any names here but there are gonna be she/her pronouns! Heads up here!

I wrote a little fic for it. First person since I’m still trying to get a hang of second it’s a work in progress XDD.

This is very angsty with Muriel and Apprentice (kinda ooc Muriel? Idk think of this as towards the start of his route. I love him so much this hurt to write)

Also sorry this didn’t go over everything you asked lol this got a little long but maybe I’ll add more later if y’all want ^^!

Requests are open! Fic and headcanon requests open still check out my pinned post for info!

I hope I did this ask justice XDD lol have fun with the angst!

TW: None.

Tags: Angst, tears, hurt/comfort, good friend Asra, great friend Faust. Lot’s and lot’s of angst.

~~~~

My day started like any other.

Woke up to Asra’s soft snoring and Faust’s little tongue blepping out as they snuggled together on their half of the bed. I was a bit groggy and my body ached, but I got up and ready for the day.

Making breakfast I thought about what I would for the day. Nadia and Portia were out. Julian was making housecalls all day, I didn’t know what Asra was going to do but judging by his snores he would be asleep for a while.

A grin broke it’s way across my face as I thought about visiting Muriel. I’ve been meaning to say hi again to the ladies (the chickens) and give Inanna a gift I had made for her a bit ago.

I finished up breakfast and hurried to get my things together. Surprised, I found no Asra in our bed. He must’ve left while I was eating.

It was no matter, I had a mountain man to see! My heart fluttered a little as I thought about him, he just...he made me so happy.

His little blushes, when he actually smiled. Oh that soft smile was killer. I couldn’t be mad or sad when he gave me that soft little smile.

My skin buzzed as I thought about touching him. Running my hands along his arm as we talked (me talking more, chattering on about what was going on in the shop and what everyone was doing while he listened, nodding along).

I seemed to skip on my way to his house, humming a happy song I heard a while back from Julian.

“Hi little Apprentice! How are you?” Selasi called, smiling at me. I waved vigorously, grinning back at him.

“I’m doing great Selasi! Going to see a friend!”

“Would you like some pumpkin bread for the lucky person? New batch is coming out of the oven now!”

I pursed my lips, fighting back another large grin. “Okay! I brought enough for it anyways!”

“Ohh dear you don’t need to pay I’ll make it special for you!”

“Selasi this is a very poor business you’re running,” I chided with a laugh. “Let me pay for it, please.”

He sighed before laughing. “Stubborn as ever, fine. But it’s half off. Just for you.” He winked, making me roll my eyes. I would not win this fight.

I paid for the bread, Selasi handing it to me in a small bundle. The spices wafted up to my face, making me sigh with happiness.

Selasi laughed, waving me off as I headed back to the forest. “Have fun up there apprentice!”

I waved back with a large smile. “I will!”

It didn’t take long for me to get to the forest and begin my trek through it. My cloak got caught on a few branches but it didn’t do anything to sway my mood. I was determined to stay happy today.

Today was going to be a good day.

Turning against the now beaten path, I spotted Muriel’s hut. I picked up my cloak and started to run, the chickens running around my feet, cooing at me. I bent over to run my hands along their backs. Their feathers were so soft, almost like silk.

I wondered if he used a charm when bathing them, or maybe they just were taken care of so well their feathers reflected it.

“Hey ladies, can you point me in the direction of Muriel?” I asked, one of the chickens squawking like a reply.

I nodded, pretending to understand. “Oh! He’s inside his hut? Thank you darling I’ll head there right away.” Another squawk. “And bring food out. Don’t worry.”

Tucking the bread into my side, I made my way to his door. I wanted to surprise him with the pumpkin bread, he seemed to like it a lot. Even asked Selasi for the recipe (the former replying with a wink saying ‘that’s a family secret’)

I could hear muffled voices when I got to the door. The door was cracked open. I tensed, magic sparking at my fingertips.

Then I heard Asra’s voice and relaxed. I smiled again. He was here! Great! He would be ecstatic over the pumpkin bread I brought.

I snuck closer, listening to their conversation. It sounded heated. I stopped moving. “-I just hate how touchy she is!” Muriel’s voice.

I froze.

Was...was he talking about me? I was the only person to touch him as often as I did but...

“Muriel she doesn’t mean any harm by it! She’s just friendly!”

“Yes but I don’t like it when she gets so close to me like that. Like she’s always got to be touching me or she’ll die.”

I froze.

When Asra dropped my name my blood ran cold in my veins.

“Muriel she’s just being friendly. She loves you and she loves being around you. Touch is how she communicates that!”

“Yes but she talks so much and I never can get away. She always so touchy and always talking. It makes my head hurt. What if I want to be alone?!”

Asra let out a small sigh. “I understand. I know what you’re feeling but Muriel please understand she loves touch and she loves having conversations with you.”

“She just talks too much. Touches too much. It’s all too much.”

Each word was a knife to my heart.

I did talk too much. I did touch him too much. And he hated me for it. Of course he hated me for it.

Tears sprung up in my eyes. I didn’t know any of this. He never told me any of this.

I thought he was fine with it, used to it!

It just hurt so badly.

Swiping at my eyes I turned and started to run. I dropped the pumpkin bread along the way but I didn’t care. I just needed to get away from them. Away from Muriel especially.

I let out a choked sob, tree branches scratching my arms and my cheeks. My tears fell faster and faster, my stomach curdling. All hopes for a good day were dashed.

Tripping on a branch I went sprawling, my cries getting stuck in my throat as I pushed myself to sit upright. My hands were scratched up and they stung but I didn’t care. My cries were silent, my chest heaved and my body trembled.

There was a cracking of twigs to my left. I tensed, but it was only Faust.

Friend?

I sniffed. “I’m fine Faust. Go back to Asra.” She flicked her tongue at me.

Friend hurt!

“Faust I’m fine.” I snapped. She blinked, and she stopped swaying. I wanted to bite back my words. Just because I was hurt and upset didn’t mean I could make her feel like that. “Faust I’m...sorry. I just...”

Muriel? Touch? Friend sad.

I nodded. “Nailed it right on the head.” She slithered closer, curling onto my lap. I ran my hand along her head and down the coil of her body.

Faust help.

“I don’t know if you can help...Muriel hates me. I’m so stupid!” My hands shook. My head was starting to hurt. Dizziness would soon set in. My hands, arms and face were still bleeding.

Friend not stupid! Friend smart!

“Friend hurt another friend by not picking up body language clues.” Faust looked down at my bloodied palms.

Friend needs help.

I smiled, tears rolling down my cheeks. “Yeah. Yeah. I’ll just go home. A-And sleep.” My voice cracked as I spoke. “I want this all to be a dream,” I whispered to the snake on my lap.

The day had just started and I already wanted it to be over.

Faust curled around my arm. Faust come with friend.

I got to my feet, my legs shaking under me. I’d go home, clean up, sleep...and then....figure something out from there.

“Thank you Faust,” I said softly making my way home.

The days after that moved slow and sluggish. Asra watched me, concerned with my wellbeing. I didn’t eat much. And I was sleeping more.

I knew he knew. When he brought back the cheesecloth the bread was in I knew he knew.

He didn’t mention it. We only went about our days.

Me only talking to Faust in fractured sentences. Whenever I saw Muriel I kept silent unless he spoke first.

I never touched anyone, keeping my hands curling into my sides, tucked into my arms.

Just not touching him.

He seemed to notice my behaviour with a wrinkle in his brow and a small huff.

I didn’t care. I didn’t care.

I didn’t care about how my skin ached without touch. I didn’t care about how I wanted to cry every time to open my mouth to give a short answer to a question or conversation.

I didn’t want to make him uncomfortable. I didn’t want him to hate me.

So I swallowed into myself.

And

#the arcana #the arcana fic #the arcana muriel #muriel x apprentice #she/her apprentice #uses pronouns but no names!#muriel #apprentice #angst angst angst #lotsa angst #writing requests still open!#fic request

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dreams-of-the-arcana · 5 years ago

Text

The wedding fever came for me today! I was inspired to write this after some wedding OC asks by @theroyalmage and now I’m taking you all with me! Plus an ending partially inspired by @greyhands recent art 😉

Pairing Muriel x OC! Cleo

Post-Death

(Dress inspiration with winter modifications, unknown designer)

New Beginnings In the Snow

Far away from the bustling streets of Vesuvia, the Shining Steppe seemed to cover everything with its silence. The first winter snow blanketed the ground and ice gleamed like gems on every tree. The Kokhuri once called this place home but it had been so long since the sounds of the peaceful village had echoed through the land. Now though, a small joy was blooming in the midst of the freeze.

Cleo watched the light snow flakes falling from inside the house as Portia whirled around getting things together and chatting away.

“It’s just so exciting! And so romantic!” Portia gushed as she pulled the last of her outfit together and turned to Cleo.

“Penny for your thoughts?”

Cleo started a bit at the sound of Portia so close all of a sudden.

“Oh, sorry Portia. I guess I got lost in my own thoughts,” Cleo smiled and reached out for Portia’s hand.

“Well now is the time to come back here! We have to get you dressed and ready! Now obviously you have to look the best but I think I look pretty good myself, hm? Maybe there’s some eligible secret royalty out tonight for me~”

Portia tapped Cleo’s head lightly and winked before moving to the other side of the room to unpack. Cleo took the moment to look around. Muriel had built this house himself when they started visiting his homeland more. The rooms still smelled of freshly cut trees and seemed to be bursting with life all around them. He’d also insisted that Cleo have their own place to get ready in and said he would be fine in Khamgalai’s hut. Granted, Cleo knew this was the better arrangement since she’d gone more extravagant than Muriel on her outfit.

Portia walked over and proudly presented the dress.

“Oooh Cleo I’m so happy you got this one! It’s going to look so beautiful on you!”

Cleo couldn’t help but smile as Portia helped her step into the dress. Both women had practically radiated excitement since the announcement and now they were finally here.

The dress slid on and Portia began lacing Cleo into it. They both stole glances in the mirror to admire it. The champagne color complimented Cleo’s pale skin and wouldn’t clash with her vibrant red hair, a very important detail she’d insisted on. The ballgown silhouette felt too flashy at first but Cleo had harbored the secret desire for the large gown and once Portia found out it was over. The lace and beading had practically made the decision for Cleo. It was intricate, extravagant and beautiful. Plus Muriel always wanted a reason to call her a city dweller.

“It certainly was the right choice. I’m so glad you talked me into it!”

“Of course! Why not be a little fancy? It’s your wedding day after all!”

Over in Khamgalai’s hut, Muriel tried to relax as Asra fixed them a cup of tea.

“Stop fidgeting, you’ll rock the whole house down,” Asra chided Muriel softly. He was used to seeing his friend nervous but never this nervous without crowds around.

Muriel rolled his eyes and went back to staring out the window at his house. Maybe he hoped to catch a glimpse of her even though Portia had made many violent threats if he did. He shuddered at the thought.

“Muriel, sit down and drink this. You know Portia will send Illya in here if she catches you looking,” Asra brought the tea to the table and lounged in one of the chairs. Muriel slumped over and fell heavily into his seat.

“... why’d she have to bring him...”

Asra laughed and pushed a cup to Muriel who accepted it just to have something to do with his hands.

“Maybe because Illya is our friend. And he’s been very helpful to the endeavor out here,” Asra gestured to the window.

Muriel couldn’t argue with that so he drank his tea instead and grinned a bit when he tasted something more in there, definitely courtesy of Asra.

When things had finally calmed down in Vesuvia, well as much as they ever would, Muriel began to return to the Steppe. The land had been empty for so long apart from the memorials that it seemed as though it would fade entirely. The idea started with a sudden trip by the docks.

Nadia has asked Muriel and Asra to visit with her in hopes of finding the cities orphan population and persuading them to live in the newly built Orphanage. The theory proved much more successful than the reality. The kids didn’t trust the Vesuvian government to take care of them and still told horror stories of what happened to orphans during the plague when Valdemar came around offering shelter. Nadia was discouraged and turned to the two for help. Asra convinced a few of the kids to move in but many wouldn’t even consider it. Suddenly Asra thought, ‘It’s Vesuvia they don’t trust, what if they didn’t have to stay in Vesuvia?” Massive amounts of land laid unclaimed in the Steppe and Asra was determined that it could be a great place for them to have a fresh start. Muriel could barely believe the idea at first but as he visited more and saw the land barren he came around. Nadia pushed the funds, Asra advertised, Julian provided the medical help, and Muriel and Cleo transported and taught the kids how to live like the Kokhuri as best as they could.

Now the village was dotted with homes where not only the orphans inhabited but others came to seek refuge. They all believed in peace and with Khamgalai’s history they began to grow.

It was here that Muriel began to see a future and in it he saw Cleo. On one such visit he watched her teaching herself how to make tapestries in Khamgalai’s style then still make time to visit the memorials. It was right then he decided she was real and he wouldn’t want to live a single day without her.

Muriel proposed in front of his parents with a ring he’d forged himself and if any tears were spilled, only the spirits knew.

Now the day was here.

“Let’s head out there,” Asra offered gently and touched Muriel’s arm. Muriel nodded and they walked out together.

The snow continued to lazily fall from the sky as the villagers gathered. The air buzzed with excitement and the sounds of whispered conversation. Winter air carried the smells of the forest and Muriel took a deep breath to calm himself and looked down at Inanna who wagged her tail. Portia had even given Inanna a golden bow so she wouldn’t feel left out. Asra signaled to Illya who stood at the ready with his violin. The tune he’d chosen wasn’t traditional, he’d gone with something happier. ‘It’s not everyday we get to see soulmates joining together in the most sacred union. It shouldn’t sound like a funeral!’ Everyone had just rolled their eyes at the dramatic Doctor.

The tune floated through the air and seemed to fit perfectly, Illya called the song ‘Hope’. He was a romantic after all.

Muriel watched as Cleo stepped out of their house with Portia leading. The stunning light blue of Portia’s dress pulled everyone’s attention but then all eyes were on Cleo.

All around her the world seemed to sparkle and glow. Muriel’s breath caught in his throat.

The lace of Cleo’s cape glided over the snow and the crystals studded throughout caught every bit of the setting sun. Muriel was moving before he even consciously made the decision to, he just couldn’t wait. He reached out his hand and Cleo sped up to reach for him as well. As soon as their hands touched they twined their fingers together.

“... you’re real...” Muriel said breathily and cupped Cleo’s cheek. She beamed up at him.

“I am and we’re here together.”

Asra preformed the ceremony and managed to throw in a few jokes about eagerness as he wound a red ribbon around the two’s hands. The couple only had eyes for each other though. All the planning and worrying melted away now that they were here. The ceremony seemed to go so fast and when Asra finally proclaimed them bound under the eyes of the Hermit and Justice, Muriel lifted Cleo into his arms immediately and pressed his lips against hers. The crowd cheered (Julian wolf whistled before Portia stepped on his toe) and Asra jumped towards the couple to wrap them in a hug.

Cleo and Muriel heard the well wishes of every villager and accepted the gifts they’d brought. But as the crowd winded down to head to the village center where food and music waited Cleo let out a breath and quickly sat down.

“What’s wrong?” Muriel was kneeling in an instant and searching her face but Cleo smiled and waved her hand.

“Nothing, my dear. Just a little overexcited I suppose,” her cheeks grew slightly red.

Asra, Julian, and Portia came over with looks of concern but Cleo assured them all that everything was fine.

“Well, I suppose with everyone here I should make a little announcement.” The blush grew on Cleo’s face and she looked to Julian briefly who nodded. She turned and took both of Muriel’s hands in hers, grateful that he was kneeling already.

“My love. My Muriel. My husband. You and I are bound before your ancestors, the Arcana, and our friends. I wanted to wait till things settled a bit but Muriel,” she paused and took a breath.

“We’re a family now.”

Julian grinned and placed a hand on Cleo’s shoulder, Portia and Asra stood in confusion, and complete lack of understanding was written on Muriel’s face.

Portia realized it first.

“OOOOOOOOOOOH! Oh Cleo!! Really??” Her voice jumped a few octaves and she began almost bouncing around Cleo. Asra was next following this outburst.

“Congratulations! Faust! Did you hear that! Illya! You KNEW!?” Portia and Asra turned on Julian quickly with angry stares and he held up his hands and backed away slowly.

Muriel watched on in confusion until Cleo reached out to take his hand again and gently led him to place his palm on her stomach. Feeling the slightly swollen lump, everything suddenly clicked.

“... a family...”

The couple stared into each other’s eyes and Cleo watched as the joy took over Muriel’s entire face.

The Shining Steppe was slowly returning after so long and the spirits watched on happily as their people came alive once again.

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alrighty-vigilante · 4 years ago

Text

Felix Faust and his one braincelled offspring – an epitome of DC's lost potential; a himbo,a dumbass and a fucking rat

It's not like any of you asked but it's the thing that wakes me up at night. DC created a lot of great characters: good, evil and morally grey.

And just like that... They abandoned them. Not like "stopped using them in their stories" – stopped caring.

Let me show you what made me so obsessed with DC's Faustfamily: the good, the bad and the ugly.

The Good

Sebastian, the firstborn of Felix, Abraham to his Isaac, is constantly haunted by the sins of his father and bashed for them. Around him heroes are not heroes anymore, too distrustful to treat him with decency, always suspecting scheming.

The Bad

Since every magic user pays some price for their skills I feel like his price is not being able to experience love or not for long. In Outsiders (1993) it was stated, or so I believe, that he has a hard time experiencing feelings because of his lack of soul. Even if not: since Halo was reborn many times, she doesn't even remember Sebastian. June Moon was completely apathetic after Enchantress persona was ripped out of her. Zatanna is Zatanna, I think their relationship was only mentioned in Mystik U so it's thankfully not anywhere near canon. In totally awful Suicide Squad: Black Files it's told Sebastian's wife is dying (and pregnant) so he enchanted her until he finds a cure. Even motherly love he cannot experience – no matter the author's approach, his mother is not around him for long and he feels responsible for her death which may have be the reason why she tried to look after his sister for as long as it was possible. Sorry I need a moment...

I'd have to be naïve to even hope for anyone in DC being so competent to show Sebastian as aromantic/demiromantic without showing people on this spectrum as soulless.

Fauna lived to be "lesser than Sebastian". Suffered the same fate as her brother but was neglected by her father from the start, unlike Sebastian who was taught by him some time. I don't think she and her father nor she and her brother ever bonded in any way. For me Fauna is the embodiment of the anger only an abused abandoned teenager can feel. Raw blinding rage not directed at anything in particular but everything and everyone including herself because she is not sure what and who should she hate the most. And in the end, it is she who suffers the most. It drives her a path of evil. All her attempts at being better than everyone and most of all – better than her father, are in real just attempts to get his approval.

The only time she felt free was when she got with Syonide (yeah folks she's lesbian) but, well, it didn't last long.

One thing about her that especially wakes me up at night is how in Raven she mentions her ancestors but stops, saying she's better than them anyway. Well, there are no such characters in whole DC. No Majica the Magnificent or whoever. Let's pretend it's not just a hole in the universe because probably it is just that: it leads to conclusion that Fauna made it up herself to back up her narcissistic attitude and the right to do what she want and take what she want OR her father made that up, and that leads us to Felix Faust himself.

The Ugly

WHERE DO I EVEN START, if I start to lost what's wrong with him you'll be reading this to the end of your life.

The most prominent personality trait of his is that Dumb bitch hours are 24 hours. Second: he is full of opposites. Is he intelligent? As hell. Is he still a gullible idiot? Oh yeah. Is he doing bad things? Yes. Is he a villain? No, he had his time of being neutral/good. He is driven by the need for power. What would he do if he gets it? The most probable scenario: nothing. What would he need it for, then? I can bet all my money, which are around 5$ and a bagel, that what he really want is respect (and that ties neatly with making up his genealogy tree). Now, his background varies depending on the author, of course they couldn't develop consistency, but many things are common nonetheless. So, if we just generally look at him, we see a man who, before being possessed by 5000 years young ghost, was nothing more but street magician – guess how much respect he got. This old sorceress that eventually took over his body also was humiliated in a great defeat. In the 70s he was called the greatest foe of the Justice League. Nowadays, even some drunk warlock junkie rat (yeah, I mean Constantine lol) makes fun of him. What could he crave more than some basic "this is Felix Faust, the greatest sorcerer alive who hoards all the knowledge"?

I would say it doesn't matter whether he sacrificed his son to help his dying wife or to get more power (he later sacrificed his daughter just for the latter reason. He just never learns). Generally sacrificing your children is shitty thing to do so there's no justification for his actions. He doesn't know when to stop and even if he feels regret for things he has done, he just keeps going in an everlasting chase.

Damn, in a way he is quite relatable: despite the efforts, he fails every time. Despite the education in three majors, he is so gullible. Making him not talented enough to match his knowledge truly is tragic.

What DC never explored, and never will, is he was a single parent, who didn't know how to carry on without his wife, how to bring their children up. Too focused on his "career" he neglected his children. Having Sebastian to grow up to be a better person and better sorcerer than he ever will be visibly drives him up the wall. At the same time he struggles, trying to get close with his son a bit – these clumsy attempts to scold him are actually meant to be compliments. (No such scenes with him and Fauna because apparently writers forgot about her completely smh).

I don't enjoy New52 events but I think a lot about how Faust was trapped in the Tower of Fate with Neron, the ruler of hell and also his abuser. He kinda had it coming but it's traumatic nonetheless

Another thing that could be explored by DC more is that in a way, heroes are pretty much the guardians of the status quo. Not only Sebastian takes the blame for everything and is not trusted by them, but they also haven't done much to keep Felix on the good side, never thanked him for his service nor did they tried not to push him into villainy. But such behaviour also affect other characters so I won't be focusing on this.

To sum it up nicely: just because this is about fictional magicians doesn't mean their story is unrelatable. People out there are emotionally absent in their family's life sometimes because of tragedy they went through or because they were not ready, or because something else. People may hate their abusers, love their abusers, be children of abusers. Parents put their children through harmful situations. Family are not always bonded and happy. Family members may long for contact but don't know how to get it. Etc etc, you probably got it.

Not only these characters suffers from lost potential but many, many more. Instead of seeing same characters like Batman or Wonder Woman over and over again, I'd prefer creators to go back and develop what they already have.

#dc comics #dc comics characters #dc comics hot takes #faustfamily #felix faust #Sebastian faust #fauna faust #ch: felix faust #ch: sebastian faust #ch: fauna faust

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onebourbon-oneshot-onetear · 4 years ago

Text

Aquatica

Chapter 5- Paradise Lost

I do not own D.C Comics, and I only own my OC and my versions of the plots.

"…28…29…30" I huffed, out of breath with sweat dripping down my forehead. I set the dumbbell back on the holder and grabbed a towel off the shelf next to it. I dabbed at my forehead and the back of my neck and was a little disgusted at how quickly the towel became soaked. I grimaced and quickly threw the towel into the bin that held the dirty ones, grabbed my water, and headed towards the door.

It had been a slow day for the Justice League so I decided to head down to the gym and go through my old routine. I started with running 5 miles on the treadmill, an hour of core exercises, and then another 45 minutes of weights. To be honest, this is less than what I am usually used to, but considering I haven't done an actual workout routine in weeks I didn't want to kill myself within the first two hours.

As I'm heading out the door of the gym into the locker room I noticed a certain resident speedster running on the treadmill. Why would the fastest man alive be running on a treadmill? Who knows. But my curiosity got the best of me and I walked over anyway. "Flash, what exactly are you doing?"

He grinned and started slowing down a bit. "Running. It's like walking but faster." He sassed at me, knowing that I would find that annoying as hell.

"Yes Flash, I know what running is. My question to you was why exactly are you running?"

"Well, uh…you see…" he stammered out, completely stopping his machine and slowing to a stop. It was at this moment that I realized that his treadmill was positioned so that he had a clear view of the weight lifting stations, you know, the place where I just was. I should be able to have some fun with this, I thought to myself.

"Wait, you weren't spying on me, were you?" I asked him in the most innocent voice I could muster. He started getting all flustered and he tried stammering out a response but he was so nervous I don't think he knew what to do with himself. A few minutes of this and I figured that I had had enough fun. "Okay, okay Flash, chill. I'm just messing with you. Next time you want to watch me work out at least come over and spot me." I said. He immediately relaxed and went back to being his usual cocky self.

"I might just take you up on that offer Evie!" Flash said giving his usual smirk. I rolled my eyes and shook my head playfully. Over the months Flash and I had grown pretty close. Not in a romantic way, but he was more of a big brother I never had. He was always protective of me, even though he constantly flirted with me. I thought it was okay, as long as he knew that he had to take what he dished out.

I waved goodbye to Flash and headed towards the showers. I got my outfit out of my locker and went to go turn the water on. Ten minutes later I was drying off and getting dressed when my earpiece went off.

"Evie, you there?" Superman asked.

"Yeah, right here, what's up?" I asked him, immediately starting to get changed. If Superman was calling, I assumed I wouldn't be in the Watchtower much longer.

"Tropical Storm Gardner was just upgraded to a hurricane, it's looking pretty bad out here." He said. I was hopping up and down on one leg trying get my leggings on, hoping that he couldn't hear my struggles. "Could you come down with me and Diana to try and help some people out?"

I finally put on my leggings and was working on my leotard top. "Yeah, give me three minutes and I can meet you guys at the jet."

"Okay, over and out." Superman said and the small beep in my ear told me that he had hung up the call. I raced through putting my clothes on and threw my hair up in a ponytail. There was no point in it trying to look nice, especially when I was about to jump into a hurricane.

Within five minutes I was rushing to the flight deck and had met Diana and Superman in the jet. Due to the terrible weather we had to cut our flight short and literally jump out of the jet. I was practically thrown back off my board from the sheer force of the wind. I steadied myself out and listened to Superman's instructions.

"Evie, you take the south side of the city and Diana and I will take the north. Let us know if you need anything, alright?" He asked trying to stay straight in the air himself.

"Sure Supes, whatever you say." I said. I gave them a two fingered salute and headed south, toward the side of the city that had the most water in it. I headed to the harbor where the water was coming up and over the walls in waves. Nobody could possibly be out there in this weather, they'd have to be an idiot, I thought.

Turns out there is not a short supply of idiots in Metropolis. I almost missed him, but through the sheets of rain I could barely make out the outline of a man. He was wearing a bright yellow rain coat with a matching hat and boots. I would have thought this old man was absolutely adorable…if he wasn't standing on a pier in the middle of a hurricane.

"Umm, sir? What exactly are you doing?" I asked, jumping off my board and walking over to him.

"What does it look like I'm doing?" Well it appears to me like you're trying to meet your maker a little early. "I'm fishing of course. These babies aren't going to catch themselves." He shouted over the wind. "Kids these days…don't understand hard work anymore. All you youngsters do is stare at electronic screens all day." He grumbled loud enough for me to hear him.

I rolled my eyes. "Okay look, I appreciate your love for the outdoors and everything and I'm not sure if you've noticed but we are currently standing in the middle of a hurricane right now! I need you to go find shelter." I said

At this point the man looked around and must have realized exactly how bad the weather really was. He quickly packed away his fishing gear and high tailed it off the pier and went home. I followed behind him to make sure that nothing happened to him, and I left when he walked through his front door.

I continued through the city for another hour or so before I heard form Superman again. "Evie, you still there?" I jumped a little bit at the sudden voice but I quickly recovered and pressed the button to respond.

"Yeah, I'm soaking wet and cold, but I'm still here."

"Good, because Diana left. It's just you and me." He said.

I blinked, making sure I heard him right. "What the hell do you mean 'she left'?"

"She wanted to go back to Themyscira, something about talking to her mom and making things right." He said. I rolled my eyes again.

"Seriously? She couldn't have gone when, oh I don't know, we weren't in the middle of a hurricane?! I understand she's a princess and all but come on, the world doesn't revolve around her." I huffed out, totally exasperated. I was already tired from trying to stay upright in this damn rain, I certainly wasn't in the mood to deal with the princess' problems.

"Don't blame her, she's having a rough time. We should be able to handle the rest of the city, right?" I still don't understand how Supes could be so calm and collected, but I decided that now wasn't the time to call Diana out on her B.S.

"Yeah, we can handle this. I think the worst of the damage is done, and everyone is inside. There shouldn't be too much to do."

After another few hours of flying around the city and keeping people and stray animals out of the rising water, the storm started to let up and we decided to call it a night. I couldn't wait to get back to the Watchtower and take a really hot shower, and go sit in the bottom of my pool and relax for a little bit.

"Oh, by the way, Diana took the jet, so unless I bring down another one you might want to go back to Gotham for the night." Superman said looking at me a little worriedly. Well there goes my plans for the night, along with the last bit of patience for the day.

"Why the hell did she take the jet? Last time I checked Diana was perfectly capable of flying to wherever she needed to go. But no, please, let's not save the jet for the girl who can't go into space without dying! No no, please, take it for yourself." I ranted, throwing my arms up in the air. Was this unprofessional? Sure. Did I care at the moment? Nope.

"Evie, she hasn't been home in 8 months. I'm sure she's homesick and wants to see her mother." Superman calmly tried to explain to me.

"Yeah? I haven't seen my mom in twelve years, but you don't see me leaving anytime soon to try and talk to her." I grumbled out. Now I was in a really bad mood, thinking that my parents and how I couldn't see them. "You know what? Forget it." I said turning away and creating a board. "I'll fly back to Gotham myself, I need to clear my head anyway." Before Superman could say a word, I was already off in the air, not being able to hear anything except my thoughts and the wind rushing past my ears.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

By the time I got home and took a shower I had managed a few hours of sleep before my earpiece went off again. "Evie, wake up." The deep voice of Superman told me. I shot out of bed, his voice startling me a little bit.

I calmed myself a little bit after I realized that nobody was in my room. "Evie!" Superman yelled again. I pressed the button to respond.

"I'm up. What's going on?" I asked him, a little grumpy from my measly three hours of sleep.

"Diana was just seen destroying a museum. I need you to meet us all there."

I started getting my uniform on and ran a brush through the mess that is currently my hair. "Okay, which museum? I can be there in 20 minutes"

"The one in Central City. Meet us on the roof once you get here." He said and with a small click I knew he had hung up. I finished getting ready, grabbed my staff, and headed toward the fire escape. I jumped on a disc and flew off as fast as I could towards Central.

I arrived there and saw that Superman, J'onn, Flash and Diana were all on the roof. I dissipated my disc and landed on the edge of the roof and walked over to them. "Of course I don't trust this Faust. But what else can I do?" Diana said with her arms crossed and a hip jutted out to the side, a classic defensive stance.

"Wow, way to start the party without me." I grumbled finally making it to the middle of the roof where they all were.

"Time is of the essence, I thought you could have been here a bit faster." Diana said to me. Really? Your ass is in trouble and you want to give me attitude? I took a step forward but I caught the look J'onn sent me and decided yelling at her wasn't worth it right now.

"I say we go back and kick that would-be sorcerer's butt." Flash said. I didn't know what sorcerer he was talking about so I stayed quiet.

"No. Men are forbidden from ever setting foot on Themyscira." Diana said quite stubbornly. Okay, what the hell is going on? I asked myself.

'Felix Faust is a sorcerer who broke into Themyscira and turned all of Diana's sisters and her mother into stone. Diana now needs to collect these artifacts and give them to Faust in order to save her mother and sisters.' J'onn spoke in my head. I jumped at first but I understood what he said. I sent J'onn a nod and a grateful smile. At least now I knew what was going on.

"Somebody should've told him that." Flash said.

"Besides, I gave my word that I would find the other relics." Diana said. Boy, for someone who wants help she sure is being stubborn about it.

"Look, the way I see it, a man already stepped foot on the island anyway therefore making the whole 'no men shall enter here' null and void anyway. If you want to save your family without being double crossed by this Faust guy then you just need to accept the help." I told her.

J'onn finally spoke up. "Evie is right, that only leaves us with one course of action. We'll have to help you." Diana smiled after he said this so I guess she finally understood she couldn't do this by herself. Why she didn't understand that when I said anything? Who knows. But thank God for J'onn.

We decided to split up in order to find the lost relics. J'onn and Flash took the jet and went one way and Superman and Diana took the other gem to find the last relic. I was about to go with J'onn and Flash when Superman stopped me.

"Evie, you should stay here, just in case something happens. That way you won't be tied down with the rest of us." I was disappointed at first. I mean, did they not think I could handle this? But with a little more thought I realized that Superman was right. Someone should stay behind in case either team needed an extra person.

I nodded, "Sure, no problem Supes." He gave me a warm smile and the four of them left, leaving me in Central City by myself. I floated up about a hundred feet above the roof and lazily flew myself around the city, waiting for anyone to call.

It was absolutely freezing and I pulled my jacket closer around me. That was really the only problem with controlling ice and water, it always made me colder than usual, which is one of the reasons that I wore the jacket in the first place. I don't know how Diana does it, wearing practically nothing. I would turn blue and shatter into a million ice cubes.

*Beep Beep* I jumped again but it was only my communicator going off. "Evie here." I said.

"Why aren't you with the others?"

"Well hello to you too Bats." I said.

"Are you busy?" He asked.

"No, I'm the back up tonight. I'm not doing anything." I told him, knowing that he was probably going to make me leave the pretty clouds I was floating in and go help with something.

"Good, you can come with me." He said. "Meet me at the university in Gotham." And with that, the man hung up.

I guess I'm going to Gotham now. I started my way over and it took about 20 minutes. I probably could have been there faster, but the weather from the hurricane was still lingering and I found myself trying to fly in heavy rain. And, as if the rain wasn't bad enough, it was lightning and thundering the whole time.

I found the University and landed on the front path that led to the doors. I looked around and didn't see Batman anywhere. "Of course he would be late. The man makes me fly through a thunderstorm and he couldn't be here on time. Typical man behavior." I huffed.

"I'm not late." A voice said behind me. I jumped and whipped around, my staff already in my hand, only to see Batman behind me with a smirk across his face. All the tension drained from my body and my shoulders slumped.

"Jesus Bats," I said putting a hand over my thundering heart. "Are you trying to give me a heart attack?" I practically shouted at him. His smirk only got bigger and he walked past me.

"No, but I figured you deserved that since you didn't like my 'typical man behavior'." He said. I could almost see the air quotes he put in around 'typical man behavior'. Lighting flashed and illuminated the whole area in a purple-blue light.

"Sorry," I said sheepishly. "I'm running on three hours of sleep. It's been a long day." He just nodded in understanding, but he still seemed to be pleased that he had snuck up on me. "What are we doing here anyway?" I asked following behind him.

"We need to talk to a Professor Erlich. He should know something about Faust." He leaned up against a giant pillar and for the first time ever I saw him relax a little bit. "Do you think you could do something about the rain?" Apparently the rain was bothering him more than it was bothering me.

"Oh, yeah sure." I looked up and made the rain form a dome around our heads, shielding us from the incoming rain drops. "I'm sure you're perfectly capable of talking to a professor yourself. What am I doing here?"

"I figured you wouldn't want to be the backup anymore and wanted something to do."

Oh. Well that was oddly nice of him. It kind of made me uneasy. "Oh, well thanks." I said giving him a small smile. He suddenly looked past me and he pushed himself off the pillar.

"He's here, get behind the wall." I was confused for a second, why would he hide if we needed to talk to this guy? Apparently I was too slow because Batman grabbed my arm and pulled me behind him, and my sudden lack of concentration caused my water dome to fall to the ground with a big splash. Thankfully it was raining so hard the professor probably didn't notice it over the sound of the rest of the rain coming down.

This man was a stereotypical professor, from the messy white hair to the red bowtie, but he looked like a nice, sweet old man. He walked under the overhang and I saw his umbrella was inside out, probably due to the crazy blasts of wind, and he was soaked to the bone.

At this point Batman stepped out from the shadows. "Professor Erlich?" He asked. The poor man didn't even turn around to see who was behind him.

"Uh, no conferences without an appointment." He said, reaching for his keys in his pocket. "See my secretary if…ah!" The man didn't get a chance to finish his sentence before lighting flashed and he saw a giant bat shaped shadow behind him. I literally threw the palm of my hand against my forehead. Why did Bats have to be so dramatic? We only needed to ask him some simple questions, not give the man a heart attack.

The professor looked scared out of his mind as he watched Bats glide down to him, with his cape open. How the hell did he even get so high up in the first place? I rolled my eyes again. Batman landed and stood up to his tallest height, with his cape around him. He even looked a little creepy to me, especially with this storm raging on.

"Tell me about Faust." He growled out, in a deeper voice than he even used with me. He kept getting closer and closer to the professor until he was blocked my view by a black cape.

"Well, this is fun." I mumbled to myself. I couldn't hear what they were talking about so I figured there was no point in trying to spy on them anymore. I leaned against the pillar and waited until Batman told me I could leave. After about ten minutes the professor picked up his books and practically ran down the path and towards the street.

I figured that it was safe for me to come out of my hiding spot. "Sorry!" I called out to the professor but he was long gone. I turned to Bats. "Seriously? Why are you trying to give everyone heart attacks tonight? That poor man is so old he could have dropped dead!" I said walking over to the door which was now open.

"People tend to talk when they're scared." Really? That's all I'm getting? I just shook my head.

"Whatever. Did you get the information we needed?"

"Some of it, we need to go up to Faust's office for the rest." He said walking through the doors and into the hall of the building.

I followed him and got all the water off our outfits, made it into a ball, and put it outside. Batman turned his head and gave me a confused look. "What? We already scared the poor man, no need to get everything in the building wet too." I said.

"I didn't scare him that badly." He tried to deny it but one look from me and he seemed to realize just how pissed off I was.

"No more scaring old people." I said. "Now, which room is it?" I asked him looking at the directory.

"Fourth floor." He said and he started walking up the stairs. "I already contacted the others. They should be here soon." We continued walking up the stairs as I looked around at the beautiful marble walls.

"You know, I wanted to go here for college?" I don't know why I was trying small talk with Batman, but I figured he would at least listen. "Yeah, I had already decided what my major would be and everything. But when my parents died, plans changed…" I said trailing off at the end.

"You've never talked about your parents before." He said, surprising me that he would even say anything at all.

"Yeah well, it isn't exactly my favorite subject, you know?" I shrugged.

"Yeah, I do." He said quietly. My brows furrowed but before I could ask him what he meant we had stopped in front of a door. "Here, this is his office." He opened the door and we both walked in.

The room looked like a typical professor's room, with a desk, table and a few bookshelves. It wasn't until I took a closer look that I realized just how weird the room actually was. He had old relics and statues scattered everywhere, some of them were quite scary looking.

Within a few minutes the others had arrived and we were all looking around the room.

"Fascinating. Faust clearly has a great passion for learning." J'onn said.

"Yeah, learning about creepy stuff." I scoffed. I was over standing next to Bats looking at a book.

"Where did he get this stuff? Warlocks-R-Us?" Flash asked us. I turned around to see him holding a weird staff with a glass piece at the top.

"Uh, Flash…" I said but before I could say anything else there was a slight buzzing in the room.

"Don't touch that!" Batman said but he was a bit late. Flash turned towards us and a bolt of light shot out of the staff. Batman ducked, pulling me down with him as the bolt hit the wall and made a nice hole in it, right where our heads just were.

"Oops." Flash said, lowering the staff a little bit.

Batman stormed over and grabbed the staff out of his hands. "Don't touch anything!" He said. I flinched a bit when he grabbed the staff again. Right, let's not handle the magic staff with care, let's keep grabbing it. "We don't know what kind of powers we're dealing with." He said setting the staff back where Flash picked it up from.

I looked around and saw that everyone else had picked something up and were slowly putting it back down, making sure they didn't feel Batman's wrath next.

"So who is this Faust?" Superman asked. We all turned to Batman for his explanation.

"Felix Faust was once a respected professor of archaeology." He said throwing down a picture of a man with dark hair, sharp cheekbones and bright blue eyes standing in front of a wall of Egyptian hieroglyphics. He could have even been considered handsome, that is if he didn't have a crazy look in his eye.

"But when he became fascinated with the mystic arts he was kicked out of the university for his heretical ideas." Bats had moved over so he was standing in front of the window. "He swore revenge on those who mocked him and several later disappeared under mysterious circumstances." Batman had turned around and was staring at something on the wall.

We all followed his gaze and saw three stone masks of human faces, which looked exceptionally life like. My stomach lurched as I realized what happened to the mockers. "I have a pretty good idea what happened to them." Diana said.

I forced myself to look away from the masks and down at my boots. That was sick, how crazy do you have to be to not only turn people to stone, but hang their faces up on your wall where you can look at their terrified expressions all day? Faust was worse than we thought he was.

"EW!" Flash said, cringing a little bit and stepping away from the wall.

"He's mad." Superman added in, reflecting my thoughts of Faust.

"It gets worse." Bats said.

"Oh great, what else could he possibly do?" I muttered.

"I found his journal. The last entries make reference to Tartarus." He finished just as a flash of lighting lit up the room.

"The pit of lost souls." Diana said. I have to admit, I'm not her biggest fan but even I was concerned at just how scared she looked.

"Isn't that just a myth?" Superman asked her.

Diana turned away and glanced up at the vases that lined a bookshelf. "If only it were. Long ago, in ancient times my mother Hippolyta, fell in love with a God, Lord Hades. When war broke out between the Olympian Gods and their ancient foes, the Titans, Hades struck a treasonous bargain with the enemy.

"He would deliver Mount Olympus into the Titans' hands. In return he would be given dominion over all humanity. Hades tricked my mother into opening the gates of Olympus to the invading Titans. There was a battle of which the muses still sing.

"The Gods fought back and eventually prevailed. As punishment for his treachery Zeus cast Hades into the pit of Tartarus where he would rule over the dead for all eternity. And for her unwitting role in Hades' plot, my mother was charged with guarding the gateway to the underworld. To make sure the gate could never be unlocked its only key was broken up and scattered across the globe. Mother told me she kept one of the pieces in the temple, as a daily reminder of her eternal shame."

"Then these relics we've been gathering are parts of the key?" J'onn asked. Superman held up the connected parts of the key we had, but it was taken out of his hands by Flash.

"But why would Faust want it?" He asked, looking down at the key. In a flash, pun totally intended, Batman had grabbed the key out of Flash's hands and set it down on the table.

"Only one reason." Batman said.

"He wants to release Hades from the pit, doesn't he?" I asked out loud. My only response was the clicking of the stones connecting into the rest of the key.

Batman turned around and said, "He intends to use it." I just stood there in shock, not fully being able to wrap my head around the fact that we are now dealing with Gods from Olympus instead of some weird man with an obsession for creepy trinkets.

"Where is this gateway to the underworld?" Superman asked, finally breaking the silence.

"Beneath Themyscira." Diana said. Of course the door that should never be opened under any circumstance would be exactly where we would need to go with the key that unlocks said door. Not like it could have been halfway around the world under a volcano or somewhere else that was practically impossible to get to.

"Diana, you can't give Faust the key." Superman told her.

"If I don't, my mother and sisters will remain petrified forever." She tried arguing but I quickly spoke up.

"Yeah and I'm starting to feel a little sympathetic towards you, but if you give him that key then we are all gonna be turned to dust by Hades. I think there is a bigger picture we need to look at here." I said. The look she gave me probably would have killed me had J'onn not stepped in between us.

"What are you going to do, Diana?" He asked her. I wasn't being sarcastic before, I was a little sympathetic towards her. It's hard to pick between family and the rest of the world, but sometimes the best thing to do isn't the easiest thing.

She kept looking at us with such a defeated expression on her face. I sighed and stepped out from behind J'onn. "Look, we are all willing to help you Diana, you just need to be willing to break a few rules." Everyone looked at me questioningly so I just continued.

"Look I know your people don't like men, but the only way to prevent Faust from getting that key is if we all go and stop him." She looked like she was going to protest but I held up my hand to stop her. "Faust probably won't be expecting you to have anyone else with you. You have him release your mother and sisters, you hand him the key, we all pop out and take the key back from him and haul him off to a nice jail cell." I said shrugging, as if it was the easiest thing in the world.

"That could work," Superman said rubbing his chin. "but we would have to work out some details first." I smiled to myself, feeling like for the first time today I had actually helped out on this case.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

We had gone over the plan a bunch of times and fine-tuned the details, but for the most part it was the plan I had come up with. We all went to the jet and headed towards Themyscira. I decided to pass the time by looking at the clouds going past us and imagining the different shapes they made. It was a game I played as a child and it always soothed me.

Within no time we had landed on Themyscira and were heading towards the main temple. I wanted to look around but I figured time was of the essence and we needed to hurry. "Okay, Diana goes in by herself, Flash covers one side, J'onn and I will cover the other and Batman and Evie will go by themselves. We all know the signal, right?" Superman whispered to us looking around.

"If we didn't know the plan the first two hundred times you asked, I'm sure we won't know it on the two hundred and first time Supes." I said patting his shoulder.

"Alright then, good luck." He said while Flash dashed off to one side of the building and Superman and J'onn went to another part. I looked at Batman and he was already grappling up the building, heading towards a hole in the roof. I followed him up on my board, and we both climbed through the hole and hid on the shoulder of a giant women with an owl on her shoulder.

Sorry Athena, I thought to myself. Batman and I kneeled down and saw Diana rush in the room and confront Faust. We couldn't really hear what they were saying but we saw Faust turn around and hold up a circular object that glowed. After he held it up to a statue of a woman, the 'statue' became a real life woman who collapsed on the ground. Faust had turned around and picked up the key while Diana went to check on her woman, who I assumed was her mother.

Faust turned back around and held up the circular disc to Diana and her mother, but with a blur of red, the disc was out of his hands and into Flash's.

"That's our cue." I whispered. Batman grappled down to the ground, and hit Faust in the face and I hovered down next to him.

"You brought men here? To Themyscira?" Diana's mother asked her. I rolled my eyes and turned around.

"Yeah, be lucky she did or else you would still be a statue." I growled out. I was slowly running out of patience for princesses and gods today.

"Did you really think she'd trust a scum like you?" Batman asked Faust who was currently laying on the ground holding his jaw. Superman and J'onn flew out of their hiding spaces and flanked Batman on either side.

"It's over Faust. Come along quietly." Superman said.

"Never!" he said, throwing a bolt of light from his hands, causing the men to scatter themselves.

"Here we go again." I mumbled. I pulled my staff off my side and extended it to its full height. Faust kept trying to take out different members, but the blast didn't do anything to Superman and Flash was too fast to get hit by the lights.

I guess Faust realized this because just as Flash was heading towards him, Faust broke up pieces of the ground and Flash tripped over them and rolled across the room. I rolled my eyes, for the fastest man on Earth he sure was the clumsiest.

While Faust was watching Flash, J'onn shoved Faust down some stairs, causing him to drop the key. I moved forward and stood next to J'onn. As soon as Faust recovered he threw a bolt at J'onn but it went straight through him. Frustrated, Faust conjured up a bigger ball of energy and through it our way. I dove to the side and sat up, making sure that no one was hurt. It appeared that no one was hurt.

Straight across from me Batman was thrown forward and landed on the ground. I saw a movement next to him and I saw a column about to topple and fall on him. My heart lurched into my throat as I saw that he wouldn't be able to move out of the way in time. I scrambled to get on my feet to try to help him, but thankfully Superman was quick enough to catch the column before it could fall.

I let out the breath I had been holding in, and looked around for Faust. I saw him running towards the doors with the key in his hand. "Oh no you don't." I said. I threw some water at him and created a sheet of ice.

His feet went flying out from under him and he was thrown up in the air by his momentum, but before he landed a wire flew through the air and wrapped around him. I looked back and saw Batman struggling to pull Faust forward. Diana joined the fight and decided to pull out her lasso and help pull Faust.

I looked back at Faust just in time to see a purple light fly up the length of the cords and electrocute both Batman and Diana. They both flew back with a yell and laid on the ground. I ran back towards them and kneeled next to their heads.

"Are you guys alright?" I asked. Before they could answer there was a rumbling coming from the ground and four tentacle looking vines came out of the ground and wrapped themselves around Superman and Flash. "I hate magic." I grumbled.

By this time Bats and Diana were moving so I left them and went to go help the others. Flash had picked up a sword and tried slashing the plants, so I made an ice sword of my own and stood next to him, trying to help.

"Anybody got some weed killer?" He asked, right before a vine wrapped around his waist and hauled him in the air.

"Now isn't the time to be funny, Flash." I called up to him. My yelling cost me, cause the second I looked up at him the vine wrapped around me, causing me to drop my sword and I was hoisted into the air.

Did I mention these vines have thorns? Cause they do. And they hurt. A lot. I tried prying the vine off me but there was no use. I looked around and saw J'onn, Flash, and Superman were all hanging from a vine, all of them being completely useless. I tried conjuring up more ice but I was swinging around so much that I couldn't make a proper form.

Apparently Diana and Bats had joined the fight because I heard Diana call out to her mother and her voice was directly underneath the vine that was holding me up. A little help here? I thought, but she was going to be too distracted by her mother to be any help to us.

I was being thrown around some more and I was starting to feel a little motion sick. Everything was just a colorful blur and it was all moving too fast. Suddenly, the vine holding me up became very brittle and it snapped, sending me falling to the floor.

I hit the ground and I felt all the air leave my lungs. I closed my eyes as I waited for the ringing in my ears to subside and I tried taking in deep breaths. When I opened them a minute later, Batman was standing over me.

"Are you ok?" He asked, looking over my body for injuries. I suddenly became very self-conscious and sat up quickly.

"Yeah, I'm fine." I weakly said. Bats held out his hand and I grabbed it and he pulled me up. "Thanks." I muttered.

Batman looked to the other side of the room where some of the others were gathered. "Faust is gone. And he took the key and Hippolyta."

"Great." I said. We both walked over to the others to see what they were looking at. There was a small crater of dust on the ground, where Faust must have made when he teleported himself out of the building. Bats bent down and rubbed his fingers through the dirt and rubbed them together, as if he could tell what kind of dirt it was just from the sight of it.

"There's only one place they could have gone. Follow me." Diana said quietly and started walking towards one of the walls of the chamber. We all looked at each other and then followed her.

She took a torch off the wall and walked over to a door that blended in with the surrounding walls. She pressed a concrete slab on the wall, and it sunk in, revealing a dark stairway that headed down into the Earth.

Diana went first into the tunnel lighting the way, followed by Batman, Me, Flash, Superman and J'onn.

I looked around at the walls and marveled at the marble designs.

"Woah, what's that smell?" Flash asked. I sniffed a little and realized the stairwell did have a weird smell, almost as if something had been out in the sun for too long.

"Don't ask." Diana said, responding a little too quickly for my liking. If she didn't want to tell us then I wasn't even going to think about what it was.

We went down what seemed to be thousands of stairs until we reached the bottom and it walked to a giant cavern, full of crumbling structures and stones. As we walked closer to the edge of the cliff I saw that an entire city was here, wasted away to rubble and dust.

Suddenly the floor started to shake and there was a large grinding noise, as if two giant rocks were sliding against each other. We headed to where the sounds were coming from and saw that a giant mechanism was opening a very ancient looking door.

"Uh oh." I said. Everyone sprang into action. Superman grabbed Batman and held him as he flew. J'onn grabbed my arm and carried me. I didn't mind and I guess in this case it was a little quicker than flying.

"Hera help us." Diana said. Suddenly the doors opened and a bright yellow light shined through, temporarily blinding me. The light was so bright it was like looking into the sun. I immediately felt he temperature in the room heat up. That probably won't be the best thing for me, I can feel it now.

Suddenly a dark figured stepped out of the light. His silhouette was tall and broad, like he was perfectly muscular. I was hoping he was wearing a helmet, at least I hoped it was a helmet. It had red eyes and two giant horns coming from the top of its head.

We couldn't hear what they were saying, but Faust had kneeled down in respect for his master, and then he gestured to Hippolyta. The man finally took off his mask to reveal quite a handsome face. He had dark hair, the darkest shade of black that I had ever seen. He had a neatly trimmed goatee that accentuated sharp cheekbones and a strong jaw. All in all he looked quite handsome, I can see how Hippolyta could love him.

Hades leaned in and touched Hippolyta's face, squeezing her chin so that she was forced to look at him. Thankfully the little love fest ended when Faust walked over and interrupted them.

By this time we had stopped flying and were hiding behind some pieces of rock, at least all of us except Diana. She flew down and hid behind a pillar close to her mother. Suddenly Hades touched Faust and with a scream he became an ancient looking man. Faust fell to the ground and I looked down in disgust.

"Good Lord." Superman said, apparently feeling just as awed as I was. At this point, Diana must have had enough because she ran from behind her hiding place and grabbed a sword out of a long dead soldier's chest.

She jumped over the column holding her mother and broke her chains, letting her free. Hippolyta slid down and landed on her feet. Hades looked confused for a second, but then he smiled. Not a nice smile either, but one of those 'I'm going to kill you' smiles.

He stepped forward and said something, then he opened his mouth and with a roar he blew a fireball out of his mouth. It hit a column that Diana and her mother ducked behind for cover.

"Are you kidding me? This guy breathes fire now too?!" I asked to no one in particular, but Flash grunted in agreement. Hades stepped through the smoke and flames and he appeared to have grown in size. He was now towering over Diana.

"I wonder if she's as loving as her mother." He said, his voice now echoing off the walls of the cavern. Suddenly Superman flew out and gave an uppercut to Hades, but it only made him stumble back a little bit. Superman went in for another hit but he was met with a backhand that sent him flying and he landed in a pile of rocks.

A whoosh went past my head and headed straight for Hades. It was a batarang, and I knew that it wasn't going to do us a bit of good. Unfortunately I was right, Hades caught it and looked at it curiously. The batarang exploded and when the smoke cleared Hades was walking forward without a scratch on his body.

Batman threw another one but Hades deflected it and it exploded behind him. The rest of us knew it was our turn, so Flash and J'onn raced forward and I followed behind them. Flash raced around Hades trying to throw in a punch, but he didn't feel anything.

Hades must have had enough because he blew a column of fire at Flash. Flash, of course, outran it and said something about breath mints. I don't know, I was too busy to pay attention. I tried freezing his fire, hoping that the cold would stop him. I started freezing the area around him, but Hades barely acknowledged me as he threw up a hand, which caught me in my ribs and sent me flying through the air about twenty feet. I landed on the ground with a thud as the breath was knocked out of me again.

I rolled over onto my stomach and kneeled, trying to force air into my lungs again. I saw Hippolyta had grabbed some weapons and was stalking toward Hades, with a murderous look in her eyes.

"You dare to challenge a God?" Hades yelled out. He threw his hands up and the rocks that he was standing on jutted up into the air. It was silent for a half second, and then something grabbed my ankle. I jumped, effectively loosening the grip on whatever had me and I threw a slice of water at it, cutting off a hand.

"Ew! Ew ew ew ew!" I said, trying to shake the remainder of the hand off my ankle. Then two more arms came out of the ground and grabbed my knees. I immediately swung my staff down and sliced the hand off at the wrist. I flew onto a board and levitated off the ground, enough that nothing that came out of the ground would be able to grab me.

"Is this guy seriously fighting us using dead guys?" I shouted.

Corpses started popping out of the ground, wearing ancient Greek outfits. These bodies were rotted, practically skeletons, with red lights in their eye sockets. I watched as Batman and Flash were both pulled down to the ground.

"Behold, the fate of all heroes." Hades said, standing proudly on his mound with his arms cross. I threw an ice dagger at him, hoping to catch him by surprise. Of course, the God caught my crystal and threw it back at me, with an even deadlier accuracy than what I had. I had seconds to react, so I jumped off my board and fell to the ground.

It was a stupid decision really, because as soon as I landed I was immediately grabbed my rotted hands. I looked up and saw that these things were not only coming out of the ground, but through tunnels in the walls and in different crypts that I hadn't noticed before.

This army of the undead came charging at us and soon I was surrounded by hundreds of them. I ripped my arms from the grips of the ones that were holding me, and tried to fight them off. It worked for the first three zombie things but after that I kept getting more and more overpowered.

I saw Superman fly over me and went to flash. Then I saw Batman using his grapple to get high above the zombies. "Well, I guess it's up to me then." I said, since no one was coming for me. I kicked a zombie so he bent over, then I jumped on his shoulders and as high into the air as I could. I was able to form an ice board under me and I flew to the ceiling, trying to get the feeling of dead people off me.

From the air I was able to freeze whole blocks of these things together, although with the heat the fires were creating, it didn't look like they would stay frozen for too long. But I figured that it would buy me enough time to try and find a way to stop this army.

After I had frozen about five blocks of these soldiers I looked over just in time to see Hades throw another ball of fire at Batman and J'onn. Without thinking I flew over and put up a giant wall of ice. It bought them a few seconds, but it was no use. My wall broke from the impact of the blast. My board melted as well, so I stumbled on the ground but I kept running.

A few seconds later the impact of the blast caught up with us and we were thrown through the air. When I hit the ground I flipped over and must have hit my head on something because when I landed next to Batman I saw stars dance in front of my eyes. I laid there for a minute, trying to get my bearings straight.

I heard Hades laughing in the background, but I couldn't make out what he said after that. Everything in my head was spinning and ringing, I couldn't even open my eyes. I felt a hand on my shoulder and on instinct I flipped over, grabbing the hand about to throw it off me.

"Evie!" Batman shouted at me. He must have been talking to me for a while, but due to the ringing I couldn't hear him. After another moment the ringing in my ears had finally stopped and I could hear him now. "Are you okay?" He asked, looking at my head.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I just hit my head." I said. "That's the second time you've helped me up today." I said.

"Don't make it three." He said. He helped me stand up and we looked at Hades, who was encased in a blue light. The blue light vanished, but in its place stood Hades, but he looked even worse than before. Now he had a cat-like face with horns coming out of his head and three tongues sticking out of his mouth like three snakes.

"Man, today just sucks." I said. Batman just looked at me and pulled me over to the side.

"Stay here." He said and he tried walking away. Stay here? I don't think so.

I reached forward and grabbed his arm. "And why the hell am I staying here?"

"You're hurt." He said. Apparently he thought that explained everything.

"Everyone is getting hurt Bats. I'm not sitting out just cause I hit my head." I said. He tried giving me his famous bat glare, but I glared at him right back. Another rumble shook the place as Diana was thrown into a column and slammed to the ground. Ouch.

"Fine, but you stay with me. Understand?" He growled. I nodded and let go of his arm, which I was still holding onto. Oops.

Bats turned around and began to run, dodging in and out of the shadows, trying to stay out of sight. I don't understand how he does that all the time but that is really hard! We were moving closer to where Diana, Hippolyta, and Hades were.

Suddenly Diana flew over to the opening of the door and landed in front of the key. Hippolyta was thrown down by Hades and he kneeled over her, pinning her arms above her head. What did she even see in this guy anyway?

"Diana, destroy the key!" Hippolyta yelled out to her. Hades knocked Hippolyta out, got up and ran over to Diana, who was struggling with the key. Just before he got there, Diana had lifted the key up over her head and turned around to face him.

"No!" Hades yelled out reaching for Diana.

"Back to the pit, you monster." She yelled, throwing the key down and it shattered into pieces. A bright golden light flew up from the broken key and into the doorway of the underworld. A spiral was formed and it started sucking everything into it.

Hades was trying to scratch and claw at the ground, anything to avoid being sucked into the pit. I dug my feet into the ground but I was still slowly being sucked in. I looked over at Batman and saw that he was trying to hold onto the pillar we were in front of.

The suction was increasing with each second. I looked back and saw that Bats was struggling just as much as I was. Suddenly his feet slipped out from under him and he went flying towards the opening.

"No!" I yelled out, letting go to the post I was holding onto and I was being sucked with him. The doorway was approaching faster and faster and I wanted to close my eyes. The heat coming from the doors was incredible. If hell doesn't kill me, the heat will, I thought, knowing that it was probably going to be my last thought on this earth.

Suddenly a hand grabbed my waist and I felt myself being pulled away from the force of the wind. I looked up and yet again, Batman had come to save the day. The man had somehow been able to shoot a grapple, have it wrap around a column, grabbed me, and was now holding on for dear life so we both weren't sucked down into an eternal pit of fire.

"What were you thinking, letting go?" He shouted at me. I rolled my eyes. Even in the face of being sent to hell he would still have something to be angry over.

"You told me to stay with you, so I did." I yelled back, grinning cause I knew he would probably get pissed off at that answer. Suddenly the wind died down to a stop and Bats and I land on our feet. I looked over at him he had a small smirk on his face.

Something deep inside of me hoped he was smiling at what I said, but the more reasonable side of me said he was just happy to be alive.

We looked over at the door and saw all the gears shifting back and locking themselves. Diana and Hippolyta were kneeling in a pile in front of the door, trying to catch their breaths.

I looked around the room at the damage that had been done, and thought about the fact that a Greek God was almost released and wanted to destroy humanity. "I don't know about you guys, but I think I'm gonna need a lot of alcohol tonight." I said. Flash started chuckling, then J'onn, then Supes. Of course, Batman was too cool to laugh, but I swore he nodded his head in agreement.

After a few minutes, all of us headed back up the stairs that led us out of the cavern. Well, I didn't walk. I had persuaded Flash to give me a piggy back ride all the way up. It was nice, not having to walk up a bazillion stairs.

We go up to the entrance to see that all of Diana's sisters were still stone. The magic hadn't been revered and Faust was long gone. Hippolyta buried her face in her hands. Poor woman, she had been through so much in the past day, I would have been a hysterical mess by now.

"Is there nothing we can do for them?" J'onnn asked.

"I still have this snake-headed doohickey." Flash said, pulling the medusa medallion out of his pocket.

"But only Faust knew the spells. Without him…" J'onn said, but he stopped when the sun rose and hit the medallion. It started glowing and flashing and it must have become hot because Flash dropped it, yelling ow.

The medallion continued to glow until it was so bright I had to shield my eyes. When I opened them, the previous stone figures turned into woman.

"But how?" Flash asked.

"Faust's enchantment could only last as long as he willed it." Batman said.

"So now that he's gone, the spell is broken." Diana said, looking around at all of her sisters. I looked back at Flash and I thought his jaw was going to hit the floor. All these beautiful woman and he was right in the middle of them. It must have been a dream come true.

"It's a miracle." Diana said, hugging her mother.

"Athena be praised." Hippolyta said looking around at her island. I, personally, was glad that her sisters were okay and everything but at that point in time I really just wanted to get home. My three hours of sleep was catching up to me and my head had started to throb again.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

We were getting ready to leave the island when Hippolyta decided to have a ceremony for us on the beach. We were in the middle of the ceremony when my eyelids were growing heavy and I was having a hard time staying awake.

"And for your brave assistance against the sorcerer, Faust, and the mad God, Hades, you have earned our eternal gratitude." Hippolyta said. She was sitting on her throne and she looked exactly like a queen should have looked.

"Did you hear that? Eternal gratitude. After she hands out the medals how about you and me taking a private tour of paradise?" Flash said to the Amazonian guard standing next to him. I reached over and slapped his chest lightly.

"Stop flirting with the Amazons." I mumbled.

"She wants me." Flash said.

"Yeah, sure." I said, just as J'onn said "Indeed."

"Before you leave please accept these royal offerings." Hippolyta said, ending whatever Flash was going to say next. Diana and some other Amazonians stepped forward and gave us golden wreaths to wear around our heads. I held mine, not wanting to put it on. Knowing my luck I would break it.

"You are all truly heroes." Hippolyta told us. Well, that's nice to be acknowledge for your work every once in a while.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Superman said, bowing respectfully as he spoke. I leaned my head on J'onn's shoulder. This whole thing was taking too long.

"Diana, Princess of Themyscira, stand forth." The queen said to her daughter. Diana stood in front of her and bowed her head respectfully. "As your mother I am overjoyed that you have finally returned to us." Uh oh, there sounds like there is a giant 'but' coming here. I stood up straighter, waiting for what she was going to say.

"But as your queen I am obliged to uphold the laws of Themyscira. And in bringing these outsiders to our island you have broken our most sacred law. This cannot be overlooked." She said, looking sternly at her daughter, but behind the cold mask I could see that this was killing her to say it just as much as it was hurting Diana to hear it.

"But, mother…" Diana tried protesting but Hippolyta stopped her by holding up her hand.

"Diana, I have no choice. It is with a heavy heart that I must exile you… from Themyscira" She said while standing up from her throne.

I shook my head and looked down at my boots. This was totally unfair. Flash stepped forward, and I tried to grab his arm to pull me back but I couldn't grab him quick enough.

"You can't do that! She risked her butt to save all of you." He said pointing up at the Queen. "She…Hey!" Four different spears were pointed at him and he quieted down.

"Please, she did this because she loves you." Superman tried pleading with the queen. "You can't punish her for that."

"No, mother's right." Diana said quietly. "I did break the law and I humbly accept your judgment." She looked up at her mother for the last time. "The fates were against us mother." She said, her eyes filling with tears. "Goodbye." She said, turning away towards the jet.

The look in Hippolyta eyes broke my heart. She looked like she wanted to take it all back and run down and hug her daughter, but her duties as a queen came first.

"Present arms!" One of the guards called out. The warriors lined up and held their spears out, their way of saluting Diana, and saying goodbye.

"That's it? You're just gonna walk away?" Flash yelled again.

"Flash, stop it." I whispered, grabbing his arm but he just shrugged me off.

"This is so bogus." Flash said turning to Hippolyta. Suddenly an arm reached past me and grabbed Flash's arm.

"Don't make this harder than it already is." Batman said to him. We all walked back to the jet, but Diana stopped at the bottom of the ramp. She stayed quite still for a minute, then with her head held high, she walked into the jet and didn't look back.

I walked on after Bats did, and I found my seat. I buckled myself in and leaned my head against the window. I felt the stress from the day fall onto my shoulders, exhausting me even more. Diana will see her again, their bond is too strong to be broken, was the last thought I had before I fell asleep.

#Batman #Bruce Wayne #Batman x Oc #Bruce Wayne x Oc #Dc #Superhero Oc

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ironbloodaika · 5 years ago

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My Little Pony Series Finale

9 years. NINE YEARS! Wow...time sure flies. Feels just like yesterday that this series started and made waves that could be felt all across the internet. I was just out of highschool and in college then. Simpler times. This post won't be a review or the like on the series itself since I highly advise everyone to watch it for themselves to get the full experience that my summation could never do justice. In way I'm sad, but at the same time not. It's not exactly bittersweet, but still kinda is? Hard to put into words. I'm sad to see such a fun, colorful, and creative show end after so long, but at the same time I'm glad it ended on a high note without dragging itself to a slow and forgettable conclusion. It achieved what few shows, few franchises, ever did. I admit that I was worried and nervous when I learned this was the final season and what would happen after the show ended. I was worried that the series would be forgotten and people would move on. That it would, in the end, be a fad that was merely a flash in the pan. But the more I thought about it, especially after watching it, I know that isn't true. The show reached an audience no one expected it to. It produced one of the most creative, talented, and generous fandoms I've ever had the pleasure to see. It united friends and couples together who never would have met if not through their shared love for the show. Such an impact like that on that scale couldn't just be forgotten when the last episode airs. It's had movies, spin-offs, comics, and plenty of references in other shows and pop-culture. A good chunk positive. It's managed to reach people to a degree most other Hasbro products outside of Transformers fail to do and will no doubt inspire future generations within the franchise to reach similar heights in standards. I guess what I'm saying is, that as much as I miss the show and am sad to see it end, it's still NOT the end. The show will live on and so will the characters. Shows like Danny Phantom, Kim Possible, Teen Titans, and so many others with long franchise histories like Transformers and GI Joe continue to live on with fans of all ages and continue to create new stunning work. Just because there are no new episodes doesn't mean they'll be forgotten or their impact ignored. Not only can we expect a new Generation in the next year or so with a similar adventure focus, but the Mane 6 will continue to live on in a move taken straight from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. That's right! We're getting a Season 10 of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic in comic form to keep the characters and their stories going and, I'm hoping, seeing some events that lead into the future finale. Well that's all I wanted to say on the subject. Thanks Lauren Faust, for all you did to create this fresh new take on the franchise and the characters and places we've all grown to love. Thanks to all the cast and crew who made these places real. Thanks to all the bronies and pegasisters who made this fandom great! And thanks to the Mane 6 for teaching us all lessons we all needed to learn.

#My Little Pony #Friendship is Magic #My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic #MLP:FIM #Hasbro #Lauren Faust

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atopearth · 4 years ago

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The Legend of Dragoon Part 4 - Moon and Fate

It's the final chapter!! It's definitely going to be a blast like the others, I'm kinda sad it's going to end😭 Woww, I can't believe Miranda hit Rose, that was so rude. She didn't need to take what Rose said so personally honestly, because it's obvious that Rose is heartbroken, confused and doesn't know what to do right now. I'm sure she's the one that wants to lash out the most yet she's holding it in! What right does Miranda have to hit her? Anyway, Death Frontier is such a nice place to train! I don't even need to run around for monsters because they jump on you instead! Now I can take everyone to Dragoon level 5~🥰 Death Frontier is a pretty annoying place though, I'm glad I just used a map online lol. Anyway, so the Ulara Wingly Forest are the ones who made a choker for Rose that made her time stand still for all these years in order to fulfill her mission.. Honestly though, I think if the Black Monster was someone Dart didn't know, I'm not sure if he would be able to come to terms with it so fast, but I guess it's a good thing that it was Rose because it made him understand her burdens better and how much it hurt her to have to do it for so many years just to protect this world. Ohh, so Charle Frahma who made the choker for Rose is the older sister of Melbu who was the leader of the Winglies. Zieg killed Melbu during the Dragon Campaign, but apparently there is another person named Faust who led the Winglies too. This name was mentioned somewhere else for a side quest I think? Hmm, even though Faust was Melbu's right hand man, he was wary of him due to his enormous magical power and how he was able to make an apparition of himself that had similar powers, so he somehow made(?) a Vanishing Stone that could make the apparition disappear just in case he ever needed it. Faust controlled the Tower of Flanvel that killed other species hmm, but it was shot down by a human contraption, the Spear Shooter, so now it's under the glacier huh? And I assume if they think he was dead after that, it probably either means he's still alive hiding there or his apparition still remains there to this day... So, even though there used to be five towers of Signet Spheres to be broken, now there are only three and that's why Zieg needed three Divine Moon Objects to break them and get access to the Moon That Never Sets. Ohhh, so that weird place in the Crystal Palace at Deningrad was actually a Signet Sphere! It was broken by the Divine Dragon! Guess it was meant to be... But I guess the Divine Moon Objects really are as simple as they are, they really are just items with enough amount of magical power to break the Signets. I see, Melbu and Charle both wanted different things, he wanted to rule and dominate whereas Charle wanted everyone to be free and at peace. She made the Signet Spheres to restrain the power of the Crystal Sphere, but Melbu realised her plan and so made the Divine Moon Objects to counteract them. So, Rose and Dart did resolve their "differences" with a fight at Death Frontier before coming to Ulara. She accepted death, but Dart told her that the Black Monster was dead, and that they were only left with a companion that was going on the same road as them. That was really kind of him to say tbh. I'm happy he told her that she's no longer alone and has companions now. Rose can rely on others now without carrying the weight of everything by herself🥺 I think it's kinda interesting how for a city that makes anything and anyone inside it immortal, there are so less...facilities, but there is a bar. They understand how immortality brings unhappiness and so they have a bar for Winglies to drink away the pain of immortality and yet no one chooses to step outside of this place to live a limited but possibly happier life. It's just... interesting to think about tbh. It was nice to stay the night in Ulara and look for our party. It's been a long time since we got to really interact with them considering how most of it has just been plot stuff, so it was nice to be reminded of all their respective reasons for going on this journey and for continuing it to the end.

After treading through the Home of Gigantos back to the Twin Castle of Fletz, it was nice to just be able to ride the ship to Rouge (Haschel's hometown) haha. On another note, we finally get to know who Princess Lisa has been admiring with her telescope all this time!! I should have known I guess, because just like Princess Lisa, Nello was the first one I talked to and I was so happy for him because he's finally succeeded in growing greens on barren land, so he hopes to be able to make the whole Barrens into a place of green. It's still hilarious that Princess Lisa was stalking Nello with a telescope this whole time though hahaha. It was also nice to take Albert to Princess Emille so he can have a proper farewell with her. I think it was really sweet how he shared his fears with her and she accepted it wholeheartedly and wished for his safety. It was sad that she couldn't find it within her to send him off because she knew she would plead for him to stay if she did, so it's understandable. I hope they get a happy ending later on. Wow, there were so many Wingly cities and they were so organised about everything?! They had the birth city where they only allowed selected babies with strong magical power to live, they had the death city for where all the "deaths" went, the magical city to research magic and the law city to like govern and rule with their justice system in a sense. Lmao at the Mayor of Rouge's description of a random stick in the water, I honestly thought it was a stick but it's literally a tower hahahaha. It's definitely one of the cities with a Signet hahaha. On another note, I see, Martel was gathering stardust to save her daughter and to wish for happiness for her after her coma. I think it was really sweet how the stardust we gathered for her made her daughter wake up, but the daughter told her that having her mum and baby brother with her was happiness already, so she didn't understand why some lady told her she would be granted happiness in her dream hahaha. She's a wonderful daughter. Omg though, to think that the last prize of the stardust would be the Vanishing Stone! Isn't that the thing that will make Faust's apparition disappear? I guess this is important for a side quest then... Ohh wow, it was so cool when the sea split and a path was made to the Magical City of Aglis! I guess someone has been there all these years?? It's kinda amazing how Savan has been here by himself for thousands of years just waiting for Rose. Initially, he researched magic hoping to revive a world where Winglies ruled, but after watching over the world through his mirror, he realised that wasn't needed. But, when Rose appeared, he found a new meaning to his research in saving the world etc by seeing her courage and endurance, he then made the Psychedelic Bomb and Moot, where the former has lots of magical power and the latter can probably seal the Moon That Never Sets? I like the individual challenges of courage each character had to go through in order to activate the Psychedelic Bomb and make it more powerful. Seeing Kongol face head on with Emperor Doel and believe in his friends now was really nice, he isn't estranged by his past where he was alone fighting for the dream of every species being equal through violence, he is now fighting for it with his friends and the people that helped them come here to save the world. I think Albert's one was really fitting. Like, it was obvious that he needed to stay here and prioritise his duties as a Dragoon before a king, but I think it was something hard for him to choose, because as a king, he has to carry the responsibility that he is on this journey and not protecting Serdio. I think it was nice to see how much Bardel's little sister's death actually weighed on Meru, but also how she needed to overcome that to have the courage to continue on this journey to save the world. I also liked Haschel's one where he needed to accept the past that he wasn't able to stop Claire from leaving. It's hard to face, but it's true. I think Rose not needing a choice was perfect for her. She has already come to terms with what she must do to continue her journey and will not waver, so it was unnecessary for her to even hesitate, and I really liked that. And, as expected, Dart's one was related to choosing to save Shana no matter what. Courage to love but also to save the world, from the moment he went on his journey, he already possessed such courage (as expected of the protagonist haha). It's kinda cool how the Psychedelic Bomb is actually an item you can use in battle! It's also repeatable, nice! As expected, Zieg was able to manipulate the Last Kraken (guardian of the Moot) and I guess now our hope of sealing the Moon That Never Sets is gone... I feel so bad that Savan ended up dying alongside the Signet Sphere and Moot... I didn't think the Dragoons could create such a reaction against the Signet Sphere... It was nice that the magical creatures and Savan prepared for Dart and them to be teleported to Zenebatos before they died. They may have perished but at least they did their best for the future they believed in... Anyway, now that we have Coolon, the wings that Savan provided for us to fly back to previous cities, it's a bit easier to access side quests! Still have to run through annoying places midway zzzz but I guess it's a tiny bit more convenient lol.

Time for side quests! It's kinda silly but it took me until we got to Vellweb to realise that Shirley was the White Silver Dragoon from the Dragon Campaign that we saw in Rose's memories. To be fair, Shirley as a ghost doesn't look as radiant as before so it took me a while okay?! Haha, anyway, I'm glad that even though Shirley isn't able to take the other four Dragoons to rest, she at least had the time to ask Rose to help them. I see, the reason why Syuveil (Jade Dragoon) can't rest is because after researching life and death his whole life, he realised the darkness of the world where death lies and fears going there... I guess ignorance really is bliss... Rose's words giving Syuveil hope that life is just a great wheel where you cycle through life and death may give him the hope that he can experience the warmth of life again, and I hope he does. But whatever is awaiting him, he may be able to face it better now. Omgg, Damia (Sea Dragoon) was only 15 when she died!! That's so terrible... I mean, sure she had special powers due to being half human and half mermaid, but in the end, the fact that she stayed here all this time because she didn't want to go to the after world alone really shows how much of a kid she still was and how scared she must have been... I guess it's nice that at least the other Dragoons will join her... Ooh yeah, Belzac (Golden Dragoon) was the one who was trying his best to protect Shirley but they both ended up dying... It's pretty sad though, it's kinda like how Zieg did his best to protect Rose, and at least he succeeded... It was kind of unexpected that Kanzas (Violet Dragoon) was a man that killed many and kinda had memento dolls for every kill, yet somehow Shirley's nobleness was what attracted him into joining the Dragon Campaign and hoping to find a "brighter place" by fighting with them instead of just killing without any other meaning to his life. I guess Shirley really must have been a beautiful soul to attract so many people haha. It's rather saddening to see Rose's memories when she goes to Fort Magrad, because the Zieg there says that even if one of them dies, their affection will last forever. For Rose, it really did, but for Zieg, is that really true? Otherwise, it's nice to see the place where Diaz rallied up the humans and the the Dragoons to win back their freedom from the Winglies. The Polter Armour was much easier than the Dragoons though! You just need a Talisman to keep things less annoying and then just heal as needed lol. The Dragoons did much crazier damage and their skill animations took so long haha. As for the Magician Faust, I'm pretty glad I got the Legend Casque (I spent a lot of time farming those robots for money with Miranda loll) for my team because his magic counters and his amount of turns are pretty dangerous lol, he would have done so much damage if I didn't have them! I would have had to heal every turn I think lol. Otherwise, it's kinda crazy that he's been plotting world domination in this hole for 10,000 years, like, does it take that long to try and mobilise his Flanvel Tower again?

Anyway, Zenebatos is an interesting place. I found it funny how you can change the law! And lol, I checked out getting arrested and being sent to the prison for fun, and lolll, Kongol saves Dart and them because he was too heavy for them to teleport him straight to the prison hahaha. It was annoying how you had to do the whole process again to go to the Death City Mayfil though😭 The Wingly battle music gets so repetitive btw lolll. Anyway, Mayfil is a very interesting place, because it keeps a lot of the dead and those who haven't "completely died" because of their respective reasons for wanting to stay in this world. It was interesting to see the Dragon Spirits like the Divine Dragon who couldn't die properly because it was so prideful and couldn't accept its death, but at the same time, it was sad to see Lavitz. I didn't expect to see Lavitz, and I didn't expect to see him manipulated in his death, so I'm glad we freed him, because it seems that he wasn't able to die properly because he was so worried about Dart and his journey.. Why is he such a bro?! T_T So, I'm really glad that even if it was in death, he was able to see Dart and Albert one last time and be able to show them where the Signet Sphere was. It was really heartwarming to see them all together again even if it was brief. Dart's right though, Lavitz lives on in their hearts. Anyway, as expected, the last Signet Sphere is broken as well, but nothing deters Dart since he's not going to give up until it's really the end! The Divine Tree is kinda creepy, like just thinking about how species came from these fruits and how if the God of Destruction were to be born, it would be through one of these fruits too. Soa really is playing with them by dictating everything as if all the species are his pawns.

Omgg the individual battles! I know they're not too hard, but I still remember being so surprised with them as a kid that it's made me paranoid into levelling every character at least a bit now in every game I play lmao. Anyway, it was nice to finally see a bit more background to Miranda's story. As a child, she was so hurt and broken over her mother leaving her, it changed her into becoming a strong and independent person, but as she became strong, she couldn't shake off the loneliness of the abandonment and the lack of love. She always focused on the fact that she was abandoned and never wanted to understand why it was such a difficult decision for her mother to leave her (since the father was terrible and always took her money to drink etc). I'm glad that even if it took a long time, Miranda has finally come to terms with the pain of her childhood and can maybe believe in love and friendship more now. Haschel facing the Claire that couldn't bear the burden of his strict discipline from a young age was quite disheartening to see, but I'm glad that after going on this journey with everyone and having time to think about it himself, he was able to realise that what was important wasn't his ancestral art or the amazing latent potential of Claire, but instead Claire herself. It’s just sad that he’ll never really get to see her again... It was really nice to see Kongol's first meeting with Doel. No wonder why Kongol admired Doel so much, he met him when he was a child after all his clan had perished. He found a new reason to live with Doel. It was cool to see a more wholesome battle this time around. Kongol has always been a good guy, so it was nice that he just needed to overcome his admiration for his brother's strength in order to feel that he's really strong enough to help Dart. It was sad to see that not only did Rose have to kill the Darkness Dragon to get the Dragoon Spirit to fight in the war against the Winglies, but she also ended up having to kill the baby Darkness Dragon she raised because it got out of control. She's killed so many people and creatures because she always prioritised the people and world above all else, and it honestly hurts to see her be hurt by all that. I'm glad that Doel killing Albert's father was addressed again, it was somewhat brief though since you're not really sure whether to believe in Doel or Albert's memories, but Albert is right, even if it was true that Carlo wasn't a great king, Doel didn't have to kill him like that and then reign in the way he did after. His reign was consumed with the idea that power dominates and it definitely killed and hurt a lot of people just as it saved some. But I also think that if Albert didn't go on this journey with Dart, he might not have necessarily been a great king either, so I think this was a good experience for him to learn through Doel that power isn't everything, and that he needs to rely on others and not just himself like Doel did. I really liked Meru's ordeal. Although Meru isn't exactly prideful as a Wingly, I'm sure she was at least a little worried about going to the outside world herself when she's never met humans before, so I think it's nice that she met Dart and them and understood that there wasn't any need at all for Winglies and humans to segregate each other, because everyone is equal and should be the same. Btw I love the wacky room with the static and then the moon showing up, it's such a cool room!

Melbu Frahma possessing Zieg by transmigrating his soul to Zieg's body was something I kinda remembered along the way, but it's kinda saddening to see Rose and Dart have to face this. They solidified their resolve to defeat one of the most important people in their lives and it turns out that he was being controlled all this time... I knew it was about time for Lloyd to appear again, just because he needed to give the Divine Dragoon Spirit to Dart, but I'm so annoyed that he appeared just to be killed for that, it makes me so sad because even though he killed lots of people, he dreamed of a utopia for this world. I hate that he just died like that... Otherwise, I love that Meru never really expected anything from this journey when she first followed Dart, but now that she's experienced how awesome this world is, she wants to protect it and I think that's really cool. I have to admit, after farming the 00parts for my Legend Casque and Armour of Legend, it really makes the last boss battles really easy lol. Not complaining though since the last battle still took so long lmao. The Divine Dragoon Cannon was a pretty cool skill, but yeah wow, Dart looked pretty cool and monstrous as the Divine Dragoon haha. Anyway, I guess it was to be expected, but Rose and Zieg killing Melbu Frahma and sacrificing themselves to make sure of that was understandable, I mean that's where everything started so killing him again should be where everything ends. It's sad that Zieg never got to properly talk to Dart, I mean I had questions too, but seeing Rose and Zieg finally get to be together forever made me happy for them even if it's in death. I guess they can reunite with all their friends now. As for the rest of party, Haschel and Kongol staying in Rouge to teach children was really cute. I'm also really glad to see Princess Lisa get to finally talk with Nello lmao. Meru and Guaraha going around Lohan and just enjoying themselves was hilarious but wholesome. Miranda staying with her sisters and the Queen was expected, but it's nice to see her have a brighter disposition. Albert marrying Princess Emille was a great moment, since he's finally back to being king and taking care of his people haha. Dart and Shana rebuilding their home in Seles was such a heartwarming moment though, he's finally able to prioritise what's most important to him as Lavitz told him to, and is making a happy family. It was so nice to see.

Overall, I really enjoyed the game! I think the last disc was a bit rushed compared to the rest and was a bit too “scripted” for me in some parts, but I still really liked it all. Like, even though it felt really scripted, I really enjoyed how each character had to get past their mental barriers to further strengthen their resolve, it's kinda corny but I really like those haha. I loved the variety of Additions, I feel like Rose could have had more but oh well, I spent the whole game levelling up everyone's Additions at my own pace and only really finished them all when I got to the Moon, which I'm glad of, because once I finished it, I got bored of them hahaha. Anyway, back to the story, I really enjoyed Dart and everyone as characters. I absolutely loved how well Haschel and Meru got along since they were both such big kids, but I also really loved how Dart and Shana developed their relationship. Lavitz was such a bro that I could never forget even though he only appeared in the first disc, but I think his existence really makes you realise how important it is to cherish the people next to you when you can. However, I think what I loved the most was Rose's story. You only get glimpses of it until near the end, but I think Rose as a character really grows on you, and makes you really feel for her circumstances once you realise that she was fighting alone for 10,000 years. So, I'm really glad that she got to be with the real Zieg in the end. Kongol is the wholesome and kind giant that I never knew I needed. He was such a cinnamon roll that I couldn't help but like him. I'm sorry young me called you ugly and never used you!! Young Lily was such a fickle girl lmao. But yeah, I really loved the whole journey because it was really fun to get to know about each character and their motivations alongside the plot, I still kinda wish we got to see more of Lloyd but oh well, I'm okay with it I guess haha. The Divine Dragoon was pretty monstrous looking btw haha, but otherwise 9/10! I loved the game! I'm glad that my childhood memory of loving this game still persists through adult me! Definitely one of my favourite classic JRPGs. Now, I really want to play Thousand Arms again lol.

#the legend of dragoon #legend of dragoon

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tarashima · 6 years ago

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Hiya :D I was hoping if I could ask you a question, if that's okay? Ever since episode 58 came out, I've seen a lot of debates about whether or not Yusaku has Stockholm syndrome towards Revolver. I've done a lot of research on the subject, and from what the series shows, Yusaku doesn’t seem to have the syndrome at all, towards Revolver, Dr. Kogami, or any of the Knights of Hanoi. But I’m seeing the term being misused a lot. So, I want to ask: What are your thoughts on the matter?

Thank you for asking this, anon, and I‘m sorry for the late reply. I feel like this response/post is a bit overdue since I know there a lot of fans out there concerned about the misuse and application of the term.

Because canonically, Yuusaku doesn’t, and has never, suffered from Stockholm syndrome.

To truly answer your question, anon, we’ll have to first analyze Yuusaku to see if he meets the criterion to develop the syndrome and then continue by figuring out if he displays the symptoms in the series.

Now, this is going to be pretty picture heavy and long, so bear with me. Also, this will contain spoilers.

All through season 1, Yuusaku is hunting for the truth behind the Lost Incident. He did at one point make the connection between it and the Knights of Hanoi, due to its other name, the Hanoi Project, hence why he hunts them as intensively as he does. He wants revenge and he won’t get it until the ones responsible pay for their crime.

Early on in the series, he states that the Knights of Hanoi are the only ones he hates. Does that mean he also hates Revolver?

Yes, he does. Revolver is just another piece to use in the search after the truth. However, Yuusaku never makes the guess that the leader of Hanoi is the same person as the mastermind of the Hanoi Project. Yuusaku is heavily driven by logic and never makes hasty assumptions but rather conclusions and only when he’s absolutely sure.

But we all know Yuusaku’s perspective shifted when he learned Revolver was his special person, as well as the one who made the anonymous report to uncover the incident. Shifted in the sense of learning where Ryouken came from, hence turning part of his mission into no longer being about crushing Revolver as a part of Hanoi but dragging him away from it. That’s important to remember.

Now, let’s move on to Stockholm syndrome.

The most common description of the term that most people uses, and the very basic one, is “a hostage developing sympathy for their captor”. Which isn’t entirely correct; it’s closer to the truth to instead say that the victims start to identify with their captors, especially when they to cope with the fact that they’re captured, feeling like their old life were empty and meaningless, or to sum it all up in one sentence; a psychological alliance as a survival strategy during captivity.

What everyone agrees on, however, is that it’s generally considered as a highly irrational condition, so no further argument is needed on that point. But just like any other psychological term, there is way more to it than just that.

And when it comes to Yuusaku, we don’t have to continue before it already falls apart.

Let’s go back to episode 58 that started this whole debate in the first place:

VRAINS tells us it was eight-year-old Ryouken.

The show has so far not shown us how exactly the kidnapping happened, other than it was child Ryouken luring Yuusaku away, a method not uncommon to use when luring away others into captivity, and it’s clear that Dr. Kougami used it to his advantage.

Here’s the thing, though, and what most people may have missed or forgotten about; Ryouken luring Yuusaku away doesn’t make him the most responsible for Yuusaku’s captivity. The ones to blame entirely are the adults involved, and, most specifically, Dr. Kougami.

“But Ryouken is equally guilty since he was a part of it!”

Yes and no. Ryouken’s guilt complex has its origin from this since he did lure away Yuusaku (if he lured away the others is still unknown, but so far, it doesn’t seem like he lured away Spectre and/or Takeru). But Ryouken also confessed that he didn’t understand what was going on, which shouldn’t be too surprising due to being as young as he was. And putting such heavy blame solely on a child is questionable on too many levels.

Yuusaku himself has stated himself as well that Ryouken was, indeed, too young to be blamed for the Lost Incident.

In this specific case, the roles as kidnapper and captor aren’t shared by the same person, or even on equal grounds since that would mean Ryouken was just as involved in the project as Dr. Kougami himself, or even Vyra, Dr. Genome, and Faust. But he wasn’t due to his age, and it’s even implied that he was left in the dark, which would be more than understandable.

It’s worth mentioning as well that Dr. Kougami did admit guilt over dragging Ryouken into the mix to begin with, implying even further that he wasn’t involved more than the show suggests.

This is what we, the audience, get to know. But Yuusaku is aware of this as well, at least in a matter of it being a different person guilty for locking him away. In other words, Yuusaku never developed sympathy or psychological alliance with his captors; he makes a difference between captor and kidnapper just like the show portrays it. Furthermore, he thought for ten years that Ryouken was imprisoned as well:

Based on all this, it’s not too far-fetched to assume that Dr. Kougami took Yuusaku away when Ryouken wasn’t in the same vicinity. Otherwise, he should’ve known that Ryouken was in cahoots with Dr. Kougami.

All Yuusaku’s hatred towards Hanoi is because of them imprisoning him, something a hostage with Stockholm syndrome doesn’t feel since the lack of hatred and negative feelings is the main factor for the condition developing in the first place. Wikipedia uses a quote from the psychologist Thomas Strentz: “The victim’s need to survive is stronger than their impulse to hate the person who has created the dilemma.” Nothing we see in the show indicates that that was the case with Yuusaku. He was a tortured, starved child who just wanted it all to end so he could go home, never once showing any sympathy as a way of coping or attempts to lessen the experience.

Now that I’ve taken apart the basics of Stockholm syndrome that most people are used to, let’s move on to see if Yuusaku actually shows the symptoms or not:

“One criterion is how the victim refuses to cooperate with authorities and rather let their captor be left unpunished, and Yuusaku hasn’t reported Ryouken for the Lost Incident or any other crimes, despite knowing all the details.”

While that is true, it’s also obvious Yuusaku is in no position to do so. Not only because of reasons stated earlier but also:

Yuusaku has obtained all knowledge through illegal means (he is a hacker, after all), and while Yuusaku isn’t afraid of his identity being revealed, it doesn’t mean he’s willing to give it away. SOL knows that Playmaker has the information, and they’ll do all they can and even more to uncover the identity of the insufferable duelist that causes them so much trouble. And Yuusaku hasn’t shown any signs of allowing that to happen.

SOL Technologies covered up the Lost Incident, so the public, as well as the authorities, wouldn’t know about it. And they will most likely continue to do so in the future.

Yuusaku hasn’t shown any hint of trust towards authorities in the first place; he’s taken matters into his own hands instead, as well as stated that he keeps to his own justice rather than anyone else’s.

One can absolutely argue that the possibility of Yuusaku leaving an anonymous tip exists, but with all of these points stated, can he really? Would he really?

It’s not even about Ryouken specifically, because Ryouken isn’t the only person responsible. This is about the Lost Incident, SOL Technologies, and the Knights of Hanoi combined. A person with Stockholm syndrome refuses any sort of assistance from authorities, but that’s not the case here since no authorities have been actively involved from what we’ve seen in the show, not even after Vyra escaped.

“But he did report Vyra?”

He did, but because of the Another case and her being responsible for the computer virus, not because of her involvement in the Lost Incident, which he had no knowledge about at the time.

Also, it wasn’t as much as reporting the crime as it was calling an ambulance due to her unconsciousness/presumably death, and it’s doubtful he and Kusanagi actually stayed long enough to explain the situation, or even stayed at all until the ambulance arrived since that would’ve raised the question what they were doing there in the first place. The evidence of Vyra’s actions was right there in her apartment.

To be fair, though, the Knights do live on a boat at the moment, and while it hasn’t been outright stated, it’s easy to guess that it is probably to hide from authorities. The police, however, hasn’t shown signs of prioritizing catching them.

The only ones that have indeed shown signs of catching the Knights of Hanoi so far, has been SOL Technologies, which isn’t too surprising with all the havoc they caused back in season 1, havoc that most people in the VRAINS-verse know about as well. So, if SOL is the only ones prioritizing catching Hanoi, and Yuusaku doesn’t have any reason to work with them because of the LI and their plans about the Ignis, is it really only about Ryouken personally then? Looking at the bigger picture, SOL is the bigger enemy here, especially from what we’ve seen so far in season 2.

“But Yuusaku is clearly projecting an image of young Ryouken that doesn’t exist anymore on present Ryouken.”

Actually, he doesn’t. Yuusaku is well aware of who Ryouken is in the present and what ten years did to his special person. If he wasn’t, he would’ve treated Ryouken as a saviour in every regard of the word and brush off his crimes without a second thought, but that’s not what he does. While he is reluctant about fighting Ryouken at the end of season 1, he also knows it has to be done and doesn’t hesitate when it’s clear there’s no other way. Like I mentioned earlier, Yuusaku is a logical thinker and he can put his feelings aside to do what must be done. That determination is obvious all through that final duel, a determination that wouldn’t exist if Yuusaku had been projecting.

Yuusaku wants to save Ryouken, true, but that doesn’t mean he’s siding with him. They clash and argue constantly about the Ignis. Yuusaku wouldn’t be capable of doing that if he truly had Stockholm syndrome. Every time they’ve clashed, Yuusaku has tried to change Ryouken’s point of view, making him fail to fit the criterion of how the victim starts to side with their captor. While their current truce means they work for a shared goal, it doesn’t mean Yuusaku is willing to put their differences aside permanently.

It’s also worth remembering that Yuusaku has stated that he still isn’t saved from the Lost Incident.

Realising that Ryouken was his voice of hope didn’t change that. He wasn’t saved because he was given strength to continue endure those hellish days, all he knows/feels is that he can be saved, and that’s a huge difference.

Yuusaku also clearly doesn’t believe Ryouken is capable of saving him unless he walks away from the path towards self-destruction, but that doesn’t mean he’ll never be able to. Is it blind trust? Definitely not. It’s a belief in a brighter future for them both. Otherwise, Yuusaku wouldn’t spend so much energy on trying to talk sense into Ryouken over and over again.

Yuusaku wants to save his special person, but that doesn’t mean he’ll let Ryouken succeed with his goals. As much as Ryouken wants a rematch for the sake of pride as well as closure, Yuusaku wants to be the one to personally stop Ryouken just to make sure he won’t continue down the path towards self-destruction.

“It’s problematic that Yuusaku doesn’t view Ryouken as the threat he is!”

It would be if Yuusaku was, in fact, doing that, and he’s never really given any sign of seeing Ryouken as a threat towards himself. But just because Yuusaku doesn’t perceive Ryouken as a threat for him, it doesn’t mean he believes Ryouken doesn’t pose a threat overall. Yuusaku won’t accept Ryouken falling back into his old ways and will stop him if it comes to that. But as the show has progressed, it’s getting clearer and clearer that Ryouken’s improving (i.e. being less of a threat overall), an improvement that definitely comes from lack of influence from Dr. Kougami since Ryouken now operates differently from season 1. Again, it’s not blind trust from Yuusaku’s side, it’s a choice of believing in Ryouken’s improvement, which isn’t the same.

The only thing now that I haven’t dealt with that Wikipedia mentions is the criterion “no previous hostage-captor relationship”, but I won’t be doing that since it’s so self-explanatory that there’s no point. Yuusaku didn’t develop sympathy for Dr. Kougami or any member of the Knights of Hanoi, and he had already met Ryouken as a child and a voice before the shift in his perspective happened. It falls flat right away on its own.

So with all this said, it’s clear that Yuusaku fails to meet any of the criterions necessary for developing Stockholm syndrome and he doesn’t display any of the symptoms mentioned, making the label heavily misplaced.

If it hasn’t been clear, this is not meant as a criticism against headcanons; people are free to play around however they see fit. It’s the misuse and misapplication of the term that is problematic, as well as it being treated as canon rather than fanon/headcanon. Carelessly labelling anything as Stockholm syndrome without fully understanding what it is should be avoided, because such labelling could trivialize the experience of those who may have actually developed the syndrome.

Thank you for staying with me to the end, I appreciate it :)

#Anonymous #vrains #ygo vrains #vrains spoiler #playmaker #fujiki yuusaku #revolver #kougami ryouken

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veiljumpernyssa · 5 years ago

Note

could you just... like... answer all of those questions at once? I can't pick one but I wanna know all the things

Oh God okay

[[MORE]]

1. When did you start playing?

Oh a long time ago...over a year ago I’d say? The main 3 were only up to uhhhh the Hermit book I think. I remember I stopped playing after that gross fetishy Asra CG came out.

2. What got you into the game?

The beautiful art and the tarot theme. This was before I knew what I know fdjhksd

3. Who was your first route?

Julian!

4. Who is your favourite route?

Honestly Muriel is shaping up to be my favourite so far. Before that, I loved Asra’s route.

5. Who is your least favourite?

So far, Portia’s. Don’t get me wrong - it’s nothing to do with Portia herself. It just feels a little stagnant and flat.

(I bet you expected me to say Lucio, didn’t you? Well, you’re wrong).

6. Who do you play in Heart Hunter?

Chibi Chandra!

7. Who is your favourite to chase in Heart Hunter?

Portia or Muriel!

8. Who of the not playable LIs do you wish you could romance?

The baker. Selasi route when?

9. Opinion on Asra?

Asra is often mischaracterised imo and held to an unfair standard that a lot of the other characters aren’t. I’ve seen many of these arguments and I’m tired.

Asra is not jealous, possessive, creepy, manipulative or shady. Not once does he act possessive towards the MC in any of the routes including his own (a possible exception could be made for the Reversed Ending, but what do you expect? That’s after the MC literally enables that behaviour).

Being sad or cautioning the MC against Julian is not being jealous or possessive. The way he talks about Julian it’s pretty obvious he felt more for the man than he realises, even if he doesn’t understand that himself.

Asra keeps secrets from the MC because canonically trying to remember too much too fast harms the MC. This has been established. In his route, he literally tells you that he hates keeping secrets from you. He takes you into his own personal gateway - an expression of trust and a willingness to open up to you. Does he do these things in the other routes? No, but that’s because you’re not spending that time with him.

I also see people angsting about how sad Asra is going to be when you tell him about Lucio in his route. Lucio harmed his parents and has been cruel to Asra so like idk what you expect. The MC doesn’t know this of course, but you do!

I think we also forget that Asra took a considerable amount of time and effort to rehabilitate the MC, care for them and reteach them basic tasks as well as magic.

Is Asra a perfect person? Of course not. He’s probably overly cautious, he can be a little distant and he reacts badly when in a crisis (see the deal he made with the Devil). He’s not always brave and not always strong, but why should we expect him to be? He’s a human being and he’s bound to have faults, but he has a generous nature and is remarkably well-adjusted considering the trauma of his childhood (don’t tell me that suddenly losing your parents is not traumatic).

10. Opinion on Julian?

I once said that Julian is likely hypersexual and I still maintain that. (For those of you who don’t know, being hypersexual is like..a tendency to engage in compulsive or self-harming sexual behaviour, sometimes as a result of trauma). I think Julian craves affection and associates sexual interest or sexual contact with his worth as a person. I don’t think he does it deliberately or to be manipulative, but because he has a definite self-esteem problem. I honestly see him as bipolar like me.

I think the way the fandom treats him as this dumbass uwu subby boy is kind of annoying. A lot of people I feel erase his bisexuality either by just ignoring it or by making homophobic jokes where the punchline is ‘ha ha he likes dick like you do!!!!’ like no shit, he’s BISEXUAL. But he’s also hard-working, brave, clever, pleasant and good-natured, and once he starts to really come into his own, he’s cheerful and optimistic. He has so many more good qualities than just ‘submissive and kinky’.

11. Opinion on Lucio?

This may surprise y’all but I actually don’t hate Lucio that much. I love to hate him as a villain.

I think he, like all of us, is a product of his environment. He grew up in a clan with a strong martial culture; his clan were warlike and frequently made war on his neighbours. We’re all influenced by our upbringing and I don’t think he’s an exception. I draw the line at saying he ‘just didn’t know right from wrong’ though. He’s not a baby.

But the differences between Lucio and the other LIs like Portia, Asra, Muriel etc is that Lucio’s life and his fate and the hardships he’s faced are almost entirely due to his own choices. It was he who decided on the eve of his eighteenth birthday to kill his parents. He sought out Vlagnagog with the intention of making a deal. He chose to continue to make deals. He knew he carried the plague and he chose to carry it across the continent including into Vesuvia, causing the deaths of thousands. He murdered and blackmailed his way across the continent. He wouldn’t have even needed to bargain for a new body if he hadn’t caught the plague that he brought into Vesuvia himself after making a deal etc.

Do I think he is a sort of cackling, villainous cliche or unrepentantly evil? No. I think he’s a person who has made deliberate choices that he is facing the consequences for and IMO it’s important that he face those consequences. I do think his main issue is entitlement and a profound lack of self-esteem (I don’t think he really believes any of the stuff he actually says about himself or other people; even Lucio’s not delusional).

I mean that’s about as generous and objective a take on Lucio as I can give you. I’ve made my feelings clear on him, but I don’t want to give the impression that I don’t actually understand him as a character, hopefully the above will prove I do haha.

12. Opinion on Muriel?

Out of all the LIs I think I relate most strongly to Muriel because of a few reasons: trauma, touch-starved, lonely and wants to connect but afraid of getting hurt (physically or emotionally).

Now that I’ve gotten personal, I really hate the way Muriel is treated by the fandom. He’s either called bland or boring, or he’s treated like he’s an animal, called feral and animalistic. He’s none of those things.

Muriel has a big complex about being alone. He was literally given away by his parents and left in Vesuvia on his own, to fend for himself on the streets. Being abandoned by his parents and not knowing why, not remembering is traumatic enough, but because of his size he’s often characterised as aggressive and strong when he’s always been gentle. Later in his life, Muriel was forced to fight and kill people against his will. I don’t think a lot of people get just how traumatic that is; not only being forced into doing Lucio’s bidding, but being forced to violently take someone’s life. I don’t blame him for leaving to live at his hut and resist connecting to anyone. It’s common for traumatized people to withdraw and isolate themselves, because the thought of getting hurt again is more frightening than being alone. But everyone needs human contact, and I think Muriel struggles a lot between wanting connection and contact (physical or emotional), between not wanting to get hurt again, to not feeling like he’s worth the effort. That struggle is something very close to my heart and that’s why I’m attached to him.

13. Opinion on Nadia?

Nadia has the biggest youngest sister complex and it’s almost amusing because I, too, have the same complex (even though I’m actually the older sibling!). Nadia, like me, feels like she’s always been compared unfavourably to her older sisters, and has felt like she has to work harder to prove she’s their equal.

It’s probably because she’s a Cancer like me. We have dual natures sometimes; the caretaker and the ringleader, who feel like we have to take it all on ourselves to get the job properly done, but who have moments where our self-doubt takes over.

I do find some aspects of Nadia’s route to be sort of odd, where it’s mentioned that the people of Vesuvia find her to be a tyrant. There’s literally no evidence to suggest that, so the only reasoning I can find next is she’s a woc. But race doesn’t matter in Vesuvia apparently so...what else could be the reason? Not to mention she’s been asleep for the past three years, so the people haven’t even seen the Countess in that time.

I feel like we didn’t really get to understand a lot about Nadia even from her route-why did she fall asleep? What on Earth did she see in Lucio? Why did she let him do all those bad things in Vesuvia before he died? (My initial thought was Cancers can be sloth-like and passive, so that could be why).

14. Opinion on Portia?

Of all the LIs I feel like it’s Portia I know the least about despite having probably the most appearances. Sure, she’s quirky and fun and cheerful, and that’s cute, but...what does she want? What does she fear? How does she feel about her brother being on trial?

I’m hoping we get to expand more of her personality in her route. I know her patron Arcana is the Star, so her route will likely be about learning to have faith in other people, but who knows.

15. What is your favourite Arcana card?

Justice. The Empress is a close runner-up.

16. Have you bought any of the official merch?

No, I refuse to give a single cent to Nix Hydra. (I really want those Tarot cards though hhh)

17. What is your favourite CG?

The one where Asra is sitting in the gondola. Squishy cheeks :3c

18. How many Arcana themed blogs do you have?

Three! This one, then I run an Ask Muriel blog at @ask-muriel-inanna and an Ask Asra blog at @ask-asra-and-faust

19. Do you draw any Arcana art? What is your favourite image you have drawn?

The cover I just did for my Arcana comic! I cant link but it's in #arcana comic and #my art

20. Self insert or apprentice insert?

Both are valid, but I have an apprentice OC.

21. Do you have an apprentice?

Yes I do! Their name is Daya

22. If there is one thing that could be made with the Arcana theme on it, what would it be and why?

Idk what this means I big dumb

23. What is your favourite ship?

Outside of the LI x MC ships I really do like Asriel and Portia/Nadia (but only if Portia isn’t her servant anymore).

24. What is your least favourite ship?

Muriel x Lucio, Asra x Lucio or Julian x Lucio. None of them would even consider ever touching Lucio with a ten foot pole and y’all know this.

25. On your first play through, what direction was your ending for the LIs?

Upright babey!!!!!

#the arcana game #anonymous #asks

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ibroughtthisonmyselfpixels · 6 years ago

Text

Pose credits: Random Assortment, SitLove, Bangsain Sofa Poses 2, Couples Couch poses, various sit poses like that

Read coda from beginning: Here

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Damn. SoS is all over, after two years of play and more than that of writing. These projects of mine just seem to take longer and longer to complete, don’t they? But I would say, this time, for the better. While not quite as revolutionary in some areas as Limerence, I like to hope this project has been more enjoyable for you all than that story, much less Chambers. And as usual, a humongous chunk of what’s made this such a joy to play, even in its most frustrating moments, has been the contributions made from Simmers, readers, and everyone involved. You all made this what it is.

First and foremost: a huge thank you to @autistichatkid for Lavandar Ink. You went out of your comfort zone to bring her to life, neuroses and all, and I am so pleased for you that your efforts paid off and that I was able to do her justice in your eyes. I am going to do my damnedest to keep this little nugget safe and sound from now on! Trust me on this.

An equally large thank you to @harmoniouspixels for Felicity Rose, and by extension Elias Rose and Cathy Baines. As terrifying as the prospect of turning her into the killer was, it allowed me to take the story in a more interesting direction that I perhaps would’ve taken it otherwise. I appreciate you being a good sport about the thing, and I am glad you’re happy about the victory and full of ideas for the future…

Thank you to the 12 other competitors, and their Sims thereof - @melien for Eden Lee Tisdale, @theunnamedsimmer for Percy Fairbairn, @turtlepixels for Kira Raines, @roaringgheights for Lilith Matel, @tiny-tany-thaanos for Cornelia Faust, @ahplumbobs for Toby Hale, @toxoplasmajuice for Ginerva Ebonywood, @futurecarrie for Katya Sokolovski, @onemoreordinarysimblr for Troy Cranberry, @tosimornottosim for Catherine Axiom, @simstrations for Scott Barely, and @berriesandbrownsugar for Emily Trophy. Some of you aren’t active or around anymore, either thanks to December’s fuckery or having been gone for a while regardless; but irrespective of whether you’re here or gone, this crop of disabled contestants was a blast to make bounce off of each other.

Extra thank yous to Jack, Kasper, Vid and Clover for being part of the discord server in the latter half of the project, and providing emotional and mental support throughout. You are all my close friends and it’s a pleasure to see your reactions and get your advice. I don’t deserve any of you.

Extra thank you also to Lissa - both for the reason listed above, and for being my secret keeper when I was at my most frightened that I would fail.

Thank you to @rainbowsconnect, my beautiful girlfriend, for letting me bounce ideas off of you, helping me get my shit together, and your infinite patience when I was writing the last three full episodes in the middle of our holiday. I hope you’re still proud of me.

Thank you to ds/tars/ims. And, to a lesser extent, catchingpixels. The first let me make a Maurer to compete in a space to which I am unused, thus expanding my horizons. The second taught me that far fewer people will expand theirs, given the chance - but not to let that limit me in turn. And without you both combined, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to refine my Maurer into Lyra, to allow her to bolster Lorelei’s story and have hers bolstered in turn. You both helped me simultaneously redefine and break my niche. In spite of everything, thank you for that much.

A tentative thank you to my mother and father. Your inadvertent lessons helped me write Lorelei, victim of her own past, well enough that Intermission 2 and all around it passed muster - better, though, than would make for a perfect world.

Thank you to all the individuals who created poses that I used, and to those who liked, reblogged, and supported the posts within the MMBC, however early or late you started or frequently you did so. Thank you for your watching, patience and patronage, if you will.

Thank you to my 486 followers, and to people who don’t follow, alike. Thank you all.

Next on @socialjusticesimblr: catching up on UTAU and Mimikyu, the next three restrictions of AR, and maybe some Saving Grace too, god forbid! Plus even more contestants from my immense backlog of them, and stories unfolding into more MMBCs unfolding into even more stories.

Stay tuned - this blog has not even begun to explore.

#sims 3 #end credits #text post #acknowledgements #best laid plans #sos mm bc #sos mm bc coda

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thenightling · 6 years ago

Text

Salvation (A G rated Castlevania one shot)

Disclaimer: Castlevania fanfiction. Though Dracula is a public domain character he was first used as a vampire by Bram Stoker for his novel, Dracula, in 1897. This particular depiction of Dracula and the original entity known as Doctor Lisa Țepeș are owned by Nintendo and were first used for the video game series Castlevania and are currently depicted in the animated series Castlevania on Netflix.

Scene inspired by Faust’s reunion with Gretchen in Faust Part 2. Also the album Black Halo by the band Kamalet in the songs Nothing Ever Dies and Memento Mori. (The Kamleot albums Epica and The Black Halo tell the story of Goethe’s Faust Parts 1 and 2.)

Warning: This IS very maudlin.

Mild content. Nothing graphic.

Consider this a Yule present for Castlevania fans.

@doctorleopard for giving me the right push to write this and wehavescones for making me realize how many fans have such a cynical and warped idea of damnation / salvation that can’t even fathom there wa sa time when literature even forgave its monsters.

Story below:

Damnation for a vampire isn’t the prospect of going to Hell. It’s not some fearful Sunday morning sermon about wailing souls trapped in unending flame. It’s not the idea that their existence ends when the body is destroyed. No. Many vampire hunters will tell you that destroying a vampire’s body releases the soul, it frees the vampire and allows them to move on to whatever afterlife awaits them. That is the nobility of the hunter, that not only is he saving other human lives from a monstrous predator but that he knows he is setting free a soul, a soul that is likely in torment by their eternal existence. The real damnation for a vampire is their very existence. It is the struggle between the human soul and personality against predatory inclinations and instincts- the desire to hunt, the quest for prey. It is the intoxicating thrill and delight that comes from breathing in the fear, which quickens the undead heart. Dracula was always a feral creature, who embraced this predatory inclinations and did not see them as a curse. Perhaps he had been that way when he was human but it had been so long ago that he was not sure he could accurately remember what his human nature had been like. He only knew that there were those who would probably say he had always been the monster that he would be remembered as. Even though it may have been repressed even when he was human he did have a humane nature deep inside of himself. It had been buried but it was there, just the same. It was love which woke his long repressed human nature to rise above the predatory but it was that same broken heart which sent it plunging into the abyss of his own range, despair, and madness... The blinding physical pain was gone. The despair, however, lingered.

The madness was over now. The last clear memory was stumbling forward, reaching, grasping for his son, his child, that one final embrace he so ached for. He knew Adrian (Alucard as he called himself now) would kill him but it was worth it for that one last touch, one last moment of grace...

It had to happen. Adrian had always had his mother’s wisdom. He had known all along, hadn’t he? That this was the world’s longest suicide note... Deep inside, part of him never really wanted to end the world. He had only wanted release. He had only wanted peace. But he did not believe it was what he deserved...

He expected the heat of orange flame, the stink of rotten sulfur (How many mortals don’t realize brimstone smells like rotten eggs?) He expected so many classical and mystical descriptions and depictions... Lisa had never believed in Hell. Ah, Lisa. Sweet, Lisa. She believed in goodness and goodness triumphant. She believed life’s purpose was to make the world a little better for your presence in it. She knew the supernatural was real. She knew evil was real but she had never thought of it as necessary. She did not believe in The Adversary- The Devil, as a literal being. She believed in a benign, and forgiving God. So radically different from the God that Bishop of Gresit had believed in. Her God was something she held like a secret promise - precious and private. A hope for a being of pure love and light. She could not abide the idea of eternal damnation in the bowels of Hell. The idea was repugnant to her sense of justice and mercy. She understood that demons existed and that they came from a terrible place beyond her world but the idea that a soul, human or otherwise, might be condemned to such a place, after death, for the mistakes of life- this was something her conscience could not accept. And like all doctors she wanted to save everyone... Even him...

Even him...

Lost in his memories he had not noticed it at first or perhaps it had come on suddenly, that invasive and bright radiance swallowing the darkness. The light was intense. It was like the full impact of dawn yet it did not bring aching pain to his sensitive, nocturnal, eyes. He raised an arm to shield himself, or he thought he did. But there was no pain. And there was a shadow in the light, a shadowed silhouette, a feminine figure moving from the heart of the brightness. Familiar. He did not dare hope. There was a faint, almost subconscious scent. Night Jasmine and... Aloe vera, Valerian root, and peppermint. Medicinal. She often had carried some of these in her pockets. Aloe vera to treat sores, rashes, and burns. Valerian root was a mild sedative to ease nervous conditions and insomnia and the peppermint was to treat petty stomach ailments such as indigestion. He did not dare hope and yet he knew who and what he associated with those scents... It was her. It could only be her... How dare he think this way! Foolish. Foolish to hope. Foolish to dream...

And then he saw her as the image cleared from the haze of the light. He felt a tremble through his entire being. He thought he was going to fall. Her golden hair blended with the intense light behind her. Her eyes were clear and proud. She had that same look of certainty and determination that had been on her face when he first laid eyes upon her in his castle so long ago.

He felt strangely at peace- at ease. He wanted to move toward her.

It seemed that all things were good. All things were right. All things might actually be forgiven...

And that was when they came. Of course they had to come, didn’t they? He had expected this. Even if you acknowledge there are shades of grey in human (or sapient) nature, sometimes it’s just easier to separate things into black and white, the good and the damned. The forgivable and the unforgiven. What you sew is what you reap. Our sins can’t be undone. There they were. He could not close his eyes to it. All the nightmare-beasts that wanted to lay claim to his very soul for all the things he had done and then some. Some were once human, some had never been human. And they were all there, vicious, and hungry and waiting- waiting for him. Waiting to rip his very soul to shreds. Twisted and dark, and devoid of compassion or mercy- human and inhuman alike. Shadow-monsters with gnarled hands that groped like tree-limbs in an ominous, night-scape forest. They reached for him, clamping down on his limbs (or were they limbs? He knew he wasn’t really a corporeal being anymore.) With grasping claws as powerful as iron they caught hold of him, pulling him away from her and toward an uncertain darkness behind them. This was it, he thought. Now he would truly pay for his crimes, his life of sins. The sins she had tried to steer him away from with her humanity. Now he would never be with her again. But where is the justice in that? Was the question from his own thoughts or was someone else asking it? What do you mean? Of course it was justice!: He reasoned to himself. He had done so many things, so many unforgivable things. Ah! said that intruding thought that seemed to be his own mind and yet curiously seemed to be from elsewhere. Why would it be a justice to take a woman, whose life was dedicated to kindness and compassion and deny her that which she loves so dearly? Surely to punish her in this way- that is an injustice. And if she loves you- truly loves you- then maybe there is something of you worth saving, is there not?

Was there an argument happening that he could not hear but somehow feel? A confrontation on some level of consciousness he could not comprehend. “Ours!” The shadow-demons and twisted souls hissed. “Ours!” They are devoid of love. Perhaps they never had it. Love is the only truth. Do you believe in love’s power, Dracula? What a stupid question that was! Of course he believed in love. He had loved Lisa. He had loved their precious boy, the gift she had given him. He had loved her enough to find that which he never knew he had- his humanity. And when that love was lost and it had broken his heart in two it was love that turned to despair and madness and finally despair again. Cruel and powerful and... he would not trade that love for anything. Yes, of course he believed in it. It was all that was left of him in the end... There was some darkness opening behind him. He could not see it, but he could feel it. A great, gaping maw ready to swallow him and they were trying to drag him toward this darkness. “Ours! At last! Ours!” they howled in triumph. These were not the musical howls of a family of wolves beckoning a fellow hunter to join the pack for a good hunt. No. Those sort of howls were a delight to him as much as his on baby’s laughter. These were howls of madness and chaos. Believe. If you ever believed in anything, believe now, Vampire King. You must believe. Take that love and remember. It is your only chance.

He struggled, lunging, trying to pull free from the demonic horde that meant to claim him. It seemed futile. For all the power he had in life he felt utterly helpless here in this place between worlds. But a pale human-looking hand was raised. Lisa was emanating a power all her own. It had enough force to overwhelm his spirit and envelope the world around them, such was the strength of its power. Had she always had this power? This power to consume and extinguish the darkness?

“Mine.” she said in a matter-of-fact tone. The first audible voice in this whole ordeal. Not like the voice that seemed to be his own maddened thoughts externalized. Her voice that he thought he would never hear again...

The creatures shrieked in shrill rage and perhaps fear. They dispersed behind him in a whirlwind frenzy of panic and outrage. The light swelling and spreading around her. From behind and all around the light swallowed the two, woman and vampire-husband. The terrible shadow-creatures were gone. And finally he understood. The one thing that can save any soul, the thing that can grant mercy to even the most wretched and terrible of creatures, that thing which he hadn’t even known he was capable of until she walked into his castle and his life. Love.

And he remembered a vaguely remembered passage from his mortal life. How did it go?

(“Love is patient. Love is kind. Love always forgives, trusts, supports, and endures. Love never fails. When every star in the Heavens grows cold, and when silence lies once more on the face of the deep, three things will endure: faith, hope, and love. And the greatest of these is love...”)

He thought he could feel the heat of heavy blood-tears in his eyes but he understood that he was not a corporeal being. This was all illusion. The demons were gone and it was just him and Lisa now. And she clasped his hands into her own. And there were tears. But they were clear and light. Human. “We have each other now... for the moment.” She sounded wistful, almost sad but relieved. “For the moment?” He asked, dreading what the response might be. She nodded. “Yes. It will be a very long time before you and I are reunited forever but I am patient, my love.” Her soft lips brushed his. “I will wait.” He could feel her warm fingers as if they were both flesh and blood. Her warmth against his cold. “I don’t deserve...” he couldn’t quite choke out that he did not believe he deserved her forgiveness. “Would you punish a madman for his deeds?” she asked in a mild scolding. He did not answer. There was a time, not too long ago, that yes, he would have... “You are my Heaven. And I will wait for you for however long that takes. But so long as you are capable of love, you are never truly lost. Remember that. Remember that even if you don’t remember this short reprieve. You must remember my love.” “Short reprieve?” He felt confused, lost- like a child in the woods. “Yes.” She said. “There are forces that- with dark magicks and machinations will take you from me, pull you back to the world of the living, the world of loss, and of grief and... your loneliness.” she said sadly. “And you may forget these intervals until the times in which they com. And they will come. Your brief releases from the living world, but your heart will remember. And someday... Someday the reunion will last. I promise you that. You aren’t as evil as you think and all men can be forgiven so long as he is capable of love.” He did not remember letting go of her. How could he even bring himself to let her go? But he must have released her because he felt her hand now against his chest, right over his heart. “Be patient, my love. Know that I will forgive you. Our son still loves us both. That is why this hurt him so bitterly. And one day we will be reunited. Until then... Let us have this moment... You have suffered enough.”

He felt so weak and so vulnerable. He was so very tired and now he was finally in this soft and comforting dream. But it was not a dream. It was reality and he wished he could carry that with him forever, this precious knowledge, but in his heart he knew he could not. He shut his eyes, savoring the moment.

He opened his eyes again and he slumped against her and that intense light became a warmth, mild and comforting. It was soothing and healing. And there was only love. A love where all things were forgiven and all things were good. A place without fear. A place without doubt. A place without pain. And he was not the king of monsters. He was a part of this love, this profound and soft thing more powerful than any demon and yet as gentle as a sigh...

They were together for the moment and that was all that mattered. And she had promised- as she was always right with such things- one day they would truly be together forever. Even if he was summoned back again and again and again, she would wait and they would reunite and one day this sense of peace and love would truly be eternal. And maybe, just maybe by then he’d actually feel as if he deserved it and her and this love. High in an old room in the castle a blond haired young man, not quite of the nosferatu world, not quite of the human world either- a being who was of both worlds but felt he belonged no where- also an orphan, sat alone. His sobs echoing through the empty halls. He would not realize for a very long time, his parents were there with him and their love would never leave him...

____________________________

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” - 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (The King James Bible.)

#Castlevania #Dracula #Lisa #Dracula Tepes #Lisa Tepes #Adrian Tepes #Alucard #Fan fiction #fanfiction

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broken-clover · 6 years ago

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Dust Strikers Story Mode 4/4

Part four of the story transcripts for Guilty Gear: Dust Strikers. I apologize for taking so long to submit this last section, I was suffering from a case of my-computer-is-laggy-and-I-can’t-play-Anji-to-save-my-life. I hope you can forgive me.

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4 (Slayer, I-no, Zappa, Bridget, Anji)

Slayer

Slayer: Interesting Bridget: What is it? Excuse me, you don't happen to have a bounty on your head by any chance? Slayer: Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm not worth much of anything. But if your skills measure up to me, I might be worth your time. Johnny: Even though he's an old guy, I'm impressed that she wants to take on a guy. It just fascinates me. Anji: You think? I'm interested in guys too. Johnny: What did you say? Anji: Don't get any wrong ideas, now. I'm interested in their powers. Slayer: I agree with that way of thinking. That simplifies matters. Johnny: Wait, I'm not really... Anji: Now you're talking! I'm pumped!

Faust: This is an interesting symptom. I see, it's a cause and effect cycle. Axl: You, I never asked you to check up on me! Even though it's true that I've been through a lot, I've never had any doubts about my body. Faust: Oh, is that right? If there aren't any cures, that may very well be the best treatment. Axl: I'm more concerned about your body. Looks a little mysterious. Faust: Not to worry. It's all functional Slayer: Irregulars with an added spice that changes the world of men. Axl: You talking about us? Slayer: It's because of people like you that makes humans interesting. Even though you're blessed with great powers, it's normal to you. Very typical of how humans behave. Axl: It'll stress you out if you think so deeply. Zappa: Hahahahaha! Slayer: Look. Yet another fellow favored by the goddess of fortune. Axl: I do like women but I'm not sure about the goddess. Slayer: It must be the uncertainty factor that led you into running into me Axl: C'mon, let's just have fun...I thought this was supposed to be a party!

Potemkin: I heard from the president. I've been looking forward to this day to finally exchange shots with you. Slayer: One of the disciples, I gather. You think you can take me? You should beat him before coming to me. You'll pay a high price for this! Chipp: HEY! Hold it right there! You're the dude who founded the guild, aren't you? Slayer: That was quite a long time ago...I no longer have any involvement...but it is true that I am the founder. Chipp: That simplifies matters. I'm gonna destroy you! Jam: Looks like I've gotten myself into a hostile environment. Better get outta here... Slayer: Hmm, looks like you're a ki wielder. I'm interested in your combat style. Would you mind showing me some of it? Jam: I'm no cheap street performer. If you give me some of that spice, I'll think about it. Slayer: I should be able to accommodate you. Jam: That's a promise! Chipp: Quit ignoring me, both of you! You're going down!

Slayer: This is quite an unusual combination. Sol: I'm starting to get tired of your face Testament: Different being. What do you want? Slayer: Nope. Nothing in particular. Just happened to pass by. Testament: Then please go away Dizzy: Oh, you're Mr. Slayer, aren't you? Please excuse Testament's words. He doesn't mean any harm. Slayer: I'm not bothered by it. Don't worry. But this is quite interesting. Sol: So what the hell is your point? Slayer: Those who have veered off the path. I guess the same must be said of me. Testament: What are you insinuating? You better have a good explanation Slayer: My apologies if I offended you. I'm just genuinely interested in your powers Sol: You using us to kill your boredom? I think it's time you hung em up.

Millia: So...we meet again...Zato. Eddie: So you still haven't gotten over him? Millia: Shut up, you damn beast...I'm talking to him, not you! Eddie: What do you want to talk to ME about? Millia: I'm taking you down. I'm sick and tired of looking at your pathetic, bony remains. Venom: Not so fast...! Master Zato is regarded as the crown-jewel of the guild. You'll have to hand him over to me...! Slayer: I've told you the Guild is no more. No raison d'etre and no purpose. Continued existence will only bring further regret and despair. Venom: Oldtimers can keep their mouth shut. The guild no longer belongs to you. Millia: It has nothing to do with me anymore, I don't care what happens to it. I just want to take care of this guy with my very own hands. Eddie: Do you think it will be that easy? What do "I" think?"...Not so easy, "I" say. Venom: I sense you...Master Zato. I am going to free you, Master, from the evil spell of death! Eddie: Ha ha...this is great! Lowly humans who cannot accept death. That's the right evil spirit to have! Slayer: I'm the one who started all of this. I must atone for my past deeds. Fine, let us put an end to it all.

Slayer: Just when I thought it was all over. Gig: Grr... Slayer: Don't want to be adding more trouble. You looking for a dance partner? Gig: Grrrgh! Slayer: Very well then, mademoiselle.

Gig: Grr...grr... Slayer: That was very passionate, wasn't it? I had better get going now... Gig: Ghhh... Slayer: So long! Farewell!

Slayer: Take a look, Sharon. Tonight the moon shines beautifully. The red moon in the dark night sky seems to epitomize the world of man. Those that will shine and stand out amidst this corrupt day and age are those with immortal justice....Don't you think, Sharon?

I-no

I-no: That's an exciting combination. Potemkin: That red outfit and guitar...you must be... I-no: You remember me? That's nice to know. Potemkin: Someone like you go unchecked...lucky for you I'm a little busy now. You pull out and I'll let you go. Zappa: Grrr! I'm gonna curse you! Faust: Looks like this won't need treatment. If we take too much time, the patient is not going to make it. I-no: Look, the beasts are making noise. But I'm afraid I don't understand what they're saying. So loud and annoying. Potemkin: That should be enough! It's time for me to shut you up. Faust: Looks like it is your mind-set that needs treatment. Fine, I shall treat you, then. I-no: Trying to act tough, are we? You damned animals. I'll cut you up and feed the dogs!

Bridget: Something I can help you with? I-no: What a sweetie you are. What do I want? Let's see... May: If you're asking to be hooked up with Johnny, there's no way. I-no: I see, so there's more of you. Hey, I have a fun idea. Bridget: What is it? I've got cool tricks too. I-no: Demons' groaning sounds beautiful. Even more when they're in harmony. Dizzy: Are you trying to hurt everyone? I'm not going to let you do that. I-no: I love all that energy. Come on, play a tune for me. Bridget: I wouldn't underestimate me if I were you. Fall into the hands of the law.

I-no: What do we have here, the desperate bachelorettes council? Baiken: What kind of greeting is that? That's not a very nice thing to say Jam: That's right! You're rude! And what about you? I-no: Oh dear, don't be so uptight. It's just a joke, honey. Or were you offended 'cause I was right on the mark? Millia: You're a joke. Why don't you get outta here. I-no: Oh no. I'm scared. I guess this is how women become as they get older. Baiken: You crazy! I'll cut you up into pieces! Jam: I'm not showing you any mercy either! Millia: If you're not gonna get outta here, we'll have to get rid of you. It's as simple as that. I-no: You're such sweethearts. Very well, I make you cry lots. We'll find out how loud you can cry.

I-no: Hi there. Testament: What the hell do you want? I-no: Don't glare at me like that. You're scaring me. Testament: Get the hell outta here if you don't want anything. Unless of course you want to die. I-no: What do I want? Let's see...I'm here to hunt down all the monsters. I'd like all of you to die. Slayer: Ha, calling us all monsters, huh? You do realize I'm a disparate type? Too caught up in your own powers? Let me give you a lesson on manners. Eddie: Some excellent subject material. I shall test you to see if you are adequate for my body. I-no: Who do you think you're talking to? You can all bathe in your own blood! Testament: I'll show you this monster's power. You can repent your losses in hell!

I-no: You're late. You shouldn't make ladies wait like that. Sol: shut up. What are you wandering around for? Johnny: Hey, what a coincidence. Didn't expect to run into you here....guess yu're busy with a woman Sol: You stay out of it I-no: Ooh, another cute guy Ky: All of you! Freeze right there! I-no: and now a cute boy, too. Ky: Sol..! And Johnny the pirate, and you're..! I-no: I'd stay out of it if I were you. Why don't you just go home to mommy? Sol: That's enough chit chatting. Let's let the fists do the talking! Ky: ...Sol! I-no: The violent guy as always. Sure, why not...I'll cut you all up into pieces! Ky: I guess there's no alternative. Holy Knight combat was initially meant for handling multiple enemies. I'll show you what it's all about!

I-no: I see... Gig: Grr... I-no: So the caterpillar couldn't become a butterfly. Once a piece of junk, always a piece of junk, I guess. Gig: Grrrgh! I-no: Hahaha! What a joke!

Gig: Grr...grr... I-no: How was it? Did you like it? I'm sure you're quite satisfied. Gig: Ghh... I-no: I say that's enough for one day! Time for you to go to hell! Gig: Grr...

That Man:...good. Job well done. You may go now. I-no: Yes, sir! That Man: Well...I'll let you go this time. But refrain from actions that may throw off our plan. Especially if it had to do with him. I-no: But sir! That Man:... I-no: My apologies, sir. That Man: Now there is another good reason...to be killed by him.

Zappa

Zappa: Hey! Miss! Millia:...Yes? Zappa: If it's possible, can you be my wi... Millia:... Zappa: Actually, never mind... Axl: Dude, let me show you how it's done. Hey, you in the beautiful blond hair! Let me buy you a cup of coffee so I can see which glows brighter, your hair or your eyes. Millia:...Um, I'm in a hurry. Ky: You're Millia, the former assassin. If you're not with the guild anymore, leave the rest to the police force. No need to put yourself in danger. Millia: I'll take care of him. It's none of your business. Ky: But no, we have to... Zappa: What's all this talk about? Even the police are here. Maybe I should get outta...NO!...Happiness. Hatred! Hatred! Millia: Why don't I ever have luck with men?

Johnny: Whoa, check out this beautiful lady. How flirty you are. Jam: I'm not into guys like you. Take a hike. Johnny: Playing hard to get, are we? Zappa: Good cook! Good cook! Good cook! Jam: What's that? Zappa: High points as a wife candidate. Ready for engagement. Let me eat you up! Johnny: That's a dangerous pick up line Jam: A ghost? Very unscientific. Eddie: Ha! Your body shall be mine! Jam: You're much more scientific than him. Anyway, you're not my type either. You can all take a hike.

Zappa: Um, excuse me! I'm lost and was wondering if...if, if you wanted to die! Sol: Out of my way. Zappa: Where'd this big burn come from? Help me! I don't wanna die!...Die! You shall die! Dizzy: What's going on? No, Necro! Zappa: Wh, what?! My head's cold...It's blood! No! No! No!...Tear you up into pieces! Slayer:...Just a little nudge. Zappa:...Huh? Why am I going backwards when I'm moving forward? Huh? My head's on the wrong way...

Zappa: Um, excuse me, I was wondering... Baiken: Yeah what? Why are you so fidgety? Act like a man, will you? Zappa: Oh, I'm sorry. I'm looking for a person, Fa- Baiken: Fa...who? Zappa:...Fricken nasty! Baiken: What's going on here? I'm surrounded by freaks. Testament: How rude of you to say that. I've long given up my human name, but by no means am I a freak. Venom: This is a supernatural phenomenon. Quite interesting. I'd like to see more of your powers. Baiken: Man, this is a real drag. I'll blow you all away! Testament: Lowly humans shall die!

Bridget: Wow, what a massive frame you got. Potemkin: Well, I was born big. This fist I use for what I believe in and to engage in art, nothing else. Bridget: So you're an artist. Good for you. Maybe you can draw something for me? Faust: Should be safe if I've come this far. Bridget: Wow, landing using just an umbrella, that's amazing. You from the circus? Faust: No actually, believe it or not I'm a... Zappa: Dr. Faust! (sigh...sigh...) Faust: My goodness, he's caught up already. Bridget: This is remarkable! How do you bend your joints and run like that? You must be a yoga expert. Zappa: Quick, doctor, please do something! Look! I'm bent all over the place! Oh no!!! Faust: Looks like it's begun. I'll have to take drastic measures. Potemkin: Is it fate that I happen to be here? What the heck, I can help out. Bridget:...! What amazing tricks! Now it's my turn! Check this out!

Zappa: Good grief! I'm lost again. Plus it's getting dark. Gig: Grr... Zappa: Huh? Excuse me, is someone there? Gig: Grrrgh! Zappa: Aaaagh! Good time to pass out!

Gig: Grr...grr... Zappa:...I can sense it from you! I sense...a bitter grudge! Very similar...to me...aaaagh! Gig: Ghhh... Zappa:...Huh? What's going on? Why's my whole body so beat up? Gig: Grr... Zappa:...Huh?

Bridget

Bridget: Are you Testament? Testament:...you a bounty hunter? Bridget: You got it. Testament: Aren't you a little too young? What is this world coming to? Bridget: Nothing's going to change if you're so pessimistic all the time. Testament: How come you don't realize you are turning yourself into a machine at the price of countless bloodshed. I must teach you a lesson! Ky: Hold it right there! International Police Force is now... Jam: Ayah!!! Yes! This is my lucky day! Testament: Yet another shameless human looking to land a bounty... Jam: That's not what I'm here for. It's not very often you can hire 3 cute waiters in one day! Bridget: Umm, I'm a bounty hunter. Jam: Quick, let's have a match! I win, and you all have to work for me! I don't mind if it's 3 on 1. Cute guys beating you up is cool too! Testament: I can't deal with this. Let me through. Bridget: Fine, then. We'll do it all in one go! Ky: What? Me too?

Axl: Hey, what's that you're holding? I didn't know you had those toys, even in this day and age. Bridget: This is not a toy! It's a tool of my trade! Axl: Ouch! I'm sorry! What have we here? Playing pool at a place like this? Venom: How dare you insult my combat style. I say you deserve a beating. Axl: Hang on a sec! Something wrong with this era. Every toy's being used as a weapon. So what do people actually play with? Johnny: The best for of entertainment, I'd say is the thrill and romance of playing with fireworks at night. I'm pretty sure that's the consensus. Axl: You know what you're talking about! I'm actually great with fire myself...here we go!

Bridget: Whoah, everybody looks tough Chipp: Hey! what's a kid doing here? Eddie: A child. Attractive in terms of her youthfulness but too immature to become my host Bridget: You're not taking me seriously? Then let me show you my moves Sol:...back off. Don't be wasting my time Eddie: Interesting. I shall keep a record of the battle results for future reference Bridget: Don't be surprised! Here I come! Sol: What am I, a babysitter? I can't deal with this...

Bridget: Whoa! What's this? Gig: Grr... Bridget: Some sort of costume party? That's a great costume. Gig: Grrrgh! Bridget: Wait. Is it real?

Gig: Grr...grr... Bridget: Phew, that was hard work. He's a big guy but that made it easier to get up close. Gig: Ghhh... Bridget: Umm...guess there's no bounty. Okay then, see you later. Gig: Grr...

Bridget: Hmm...starting to run out of travel money...and I'm getting hungry. Hey! That guy! Maybe he's... Bridget:....Umm, excuse me, sir...is there a bounty on your head?

Anji

Anji: You must be Ky Kiske, former leader of the Sacred Order of Holy Knights Ky: Yes, that would be me. And who are you? Anji: Last name is Mito, first name is Anji. I'm just a journeyman Ky: So what can I help you with? Anji: I'd like to challenge you to a match. I wanted to see firsthand the skills of a top-class warrior like yourself. Ky: I can tell from your presence that you're not an ordinary foe. Asian martial arts? Interesting. I accept your challenge. Slayer: In that case, count me in too. Fighting for the sake of fighting. To me fighting is life's best form of entertainment. Don't you think? Potemkin: I myself haven’t had any worthy opponents recently. Sure, I'll take you on. Ky: This is getting interesting. It's been a while for me too. Bring it on!

Anji: You're using that thing as a weapon? 'Assassins' are something, aren't they. Venom:...You should talk! Your combat style is bizarre too! Anji: I don't mean to be conceited, but my moves are second to none. How about a quick match? It may help me to learn new tactics. I'd like to say yes to your offer, but... Anji: I guess it's not going to be 1 on 1. Chipp: That's right. I'm not a nice enough guy to let go of this great chance at revenge! Testament: Sacred treasures? How effective my sorcery will be....please allow me to test it on you.

Anji: So you're Dizzy... Dizzy:...That is correct. What can I do for you? There's no bounty on my head anymore. Anji: Nope, nothing vicious like that. Jam: By the way, I'm the one who got the bounty. Thanks to the money, I've been able to open up my own restaurant Bridget: Hey, I wanted that bounty too. First come first serve, I guess. Life isn't always fair. Anji: I wanted to know where 'That Man' is. Do you know something? Dizzy: I'm sorry, I don't know much. Anji: All right, then. I guess I'll try somewhere else. Bridget: Is there a bounty on his head? Then I wanna know, too! Jam: I wanna know, too! Good chance to expand my restaurant! Anji: Hey, you guys are missing the point.

Anji: You know Sol, don't you? I-no: You meet a woman for the first time and that's the first thing you ask me? I want to know more about you. Anji: My apologies. Last name is Mito, first name is Anji. I'm just a journeyman. I-no: thanks for the introduction. And what can I help you with? Anji: I've been wanting to meet 'That Man.' I-no: Really. You won't live long, dear. Eddie: That's not necessarily the case. As long as you become a part of my body! Ha! Anji: Two on one? This is a tough situation. Faust: Looks like you're having trouble. I can assist you to the best of my humble ability. I-no. Thanks for showing up to your own funeral, doc! Faust: No matter who, my mission is to save lives. Let us apply some drastic remedies, shall we?

Anji: Finally found you. Sol:...It's you again. Anji: Let me ask you straight out. Do you have any idea where 'he' is? Sol: So what if I know? Anji: Can you tell me where he is? Of course I'm willing to work for it. You and I have a bout, and if I win, you tell me. Sounds fair? Baiken: Wait! Let me in on the festivities Sol: Sorry, not interested. You guys enjoy each other's company Anji: Even Justice feared my powers...Still not interested? Sol:...! Baiken: Shut your trap! You're starting to get on my nerves. I'll kick all of your butts right now! Axl: Whoa!...Damn it...is this a bad time? Baiken: Eavesdropping, are we? I'm not impressed! Axl: I just wanted to ask chief something Sol: And even you. Why does everyone want to stick their noses in other people's business! Axl: No worries, chief! Just a quick bout, no hard feelings! Sol: I'm not responsible for what happens.

Anji: Well, well... Gig: Grr... Anji: I'd like to see if my calculations...were correct or not, but... Gig: Grrgh! Anji: He's probably not willing to talk.

Gig: Grr...grr... Anji: Man, I thought I was gonna die! My victory, nevertheless! Gig: Grr...

Anji: If Gear wasn't created as a weapon...then what was the creator thinking...actually, no point think about it. Anji: Won't know until I meet him anyway. So...I wonder where he is now...

#guilty gear #Guilty Gear Dust Strikers #resources #dialogue #Slayer #I-no #Zappa #Bridget #Anji Mito

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archagentnexus · 6 years ago

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Archagent Scenes: Johann and Jakob Talk

(Scene Context + Synopsis: Johann and Jakob are at the top floor of the Archagent HQ tower in the hallway just before the doors to the High Chancellor's throne room. The two are arguing about the future of the Covenant in what direction it needs to go for the good of mankind. In this last half of their exchange, Jakob is appalled by Johann’s suggestion that they dissolve the House of Lords, a parliamentary congregation of wealthy/talented mages that are “elected” to represent their particular country or district of the country.)

[AN: There are a lot of references to the Archagent lore in this. So much so that I can’t really put up a reference page at the moment, but if you’re ever curious about more on the details of the context, just IM me or shoot me an ask!]

"Johann, y-you can't be serious! How could you say that after all we've done to stop the civil war? To put an end to the madness caused by Richtofen and his Eve of Adam?" cried out Jakob in disbelief.

Johann held a strong posture with his hands folded meticulously behind his back as he was facing the window away from Jakob. "Do not presume to know me, child. I am aware that the Archagents who collaborated with the Eve, regardless of their intentions and personal beliefs, were dangerous fanatics and traitors to our cause. We are in agreeance on this... however..." His stoic expression becomes grim, almost angry when recollecting his thoughts on Eve’s attempted coup. "While I condemn their actions wholeheartedly and shun their New Human supremacy nonsense, the one thing I cannot ignore is their anger... and where it stems from." He turns his head over his shoulder just slightly to address Jakob more directly. "You of all people should have seen and heard what was going on in that battlefield... For on both sides, the Archagents did not just mourn the loss of their comrades, the people who they once called friends and family, but they screamed out in utter confusion... as to why protecting the House of Lords was considered loyal while the Eve's attempts at purging the corrupt Magistrate system was considered treason."

Jakob bit his lower lip. He knew well enough what Johann was talking about. He was there. He knew where that pain stemmed from, that anger... and yet... "We don't get to decide that, Johann. You know the face of the New Eden Covenant depends on our ability to preserve our own ideals on democracy! We need that balance. We need to be able to divide that power amongst ourselves even if we disagree. How could the rest of the world view the Archagents as 'liberators' if we suddenly decide to become usurpers and act like our own brand of Gods? It's not right, nor is it just-"

“Just?!" roared out Johann as he turn around, picked up Jakob by the collar of his blouse several feet into the air and pinned the frail brunette against a marble pillar with his massive forearm. "Since when has turning a blind eye to the Magistrate's whole history of corruption ever been just?! Our whole civil war was made possible because of their petty factionalist politics, their greed, their exploitation of OUR ideals!"

After a few seconds of taking deep breaths from the outburst, Johann released Jakob who collapsed on the floor wheezing as he struggled to get up and compose himself upright. "I... I understand why you're angry," said Jakob quietly. "I've read the archives... about the deal that was struck to stop the investigation on the German magistrates for any collaborators of the Hand of Faust in exchange for-"

"You're too young to understand, child," interrupted Johann. "You haven't lived long enough to have seen that history yourself. You may have your books and your data, but you never had to sit there and watch the very people, the perpetrators to the destruction of your homeland, become part of the most powerful government in Western Europe and then watch them receive praise and gifts as if they were also heroes of humanity... You never had to hold your tongue and had to listen to the mass graves that cry out for justice when you knew you could deliver but chose not to... because you were told that this was for the greater good..." Johann's voice trailed off as he turned away and started pacing to cool himself off.

Jakob frowned deeply as he walked slowly and hesitantly over to the other. "I get it, Johann... I know what that's like. Believe me, I do. I-I know you've always looked down on me... for having been the Optic's branch leader because of the circumstances around Richtofen and the Third Generation... Not once did I ever believe that I deserved to take that position nor did I ever desire it myself, especially not after know who my predecessor was... but even still... the Third Generation was my fault. It was based on my serum, the one I thought Richtofen was going to implement safely with adults who willingly consented--- but ignorance is never an excuse for the lives lost. I know this... and I have to live with that every day, trying to make amends by helping the ones who did survive while ensuring that we never go down this route again... And for a long time, I felt that the burden of guilt was all on me, but I realize that... it's not just about me, but it's about how the Covenant had participated in letting it go this far... That's why for me, it's important that we always do the right thing, so we never have to go down that path again."

Johann remained silent for a moment then he speaks without moving a muscle. "If you truly believe that, then you know that the right thing to do is to abolish the House of Lords and have the Magistrates subordinate to the Archagent's authority."

"No! That isn't the right thing to do.... E-Even if we destroy what's corrupt, whatever we do to replace that system, to restructure our society, no matter what, it would be on a foundation of fear!"

"Humanity has always acted in the interest of embracing as well as combating their fears, Bishop. The fear of death, the fear of loss, the fear of being isolated and forgotten... these things drive every human instinct and rationale. It is not an unnatural thing that we should be honest about that. When the Magistrates fall in line, they will do so because being alive and having some semblance of their former power will be in their self-interest... Meanwhile the public will, for the most part, have no qualms about this either. They would be joyous at the fall of a decaying bureacracy set up by the elite Magistrates and would either cling to our promises of security, which we would always uphold justly, or they will quietly dissent amongst themselves, but they know either way, they wouldn't change a thing because we'll still provide for them everything else they need."

"But you would take away the one thing that the Archagents had promised them from the very beginning, Johann," said Jakob sternly. "You would take away their hope."

"Hope!" scoffed Johann as he turned to face Jakob with distainful eyes. "And what use has hope to do with us now? They should be grateful that they still have hope to see tomorrow in which they are not yet forced under the heels of Angels or Demons! You are a man of science and rational thinking yet you fancied such pitiful thoughts as creating a system of governance soley based on hope?"

"And what is wrong with wanting to preserve hope?" demanded Jakob. "Is it not every man and woman's right to want something better for themselves and the people they love? Is it not our nature to desire the future in which we could be truly free from fear and not bound by it? I do not need to remind you... that the very core of our Psionics, our power, is predicated on the concept of our Willpower... and mind you, I would be damned if such a thing were never influenced by clinging to our hopes and our dreams."

"Hmph. You speak appropriately for your youth. So silver tongued, yet damnably naive..."

"And you talk as if you've never had hope once in your entire life!... But we both know that's a lie..." Jakob's expression softens now. "Somewhere in you, you must have believed in that too... at some point in your life, right?"

The muscles under Johann's visibly twinged with a mix of incomprehensible emotion before he snarled at the other. "Don't play therapist with me, child. That pitiful game only works on the broken and the lost, and I am neither of these things... And whatever hope I once felt before has long since past. You surely must have done your homework and read into my tragic history and how I lost my family all those decades ago, but I've since moved past that-"

"I wasn't referring to that, Johann... I was talking about Sindro... your former apprentice."

Johann froze and for the first time in what seemed like decades, his expression lost color as it displayed shock.

"He and I were close friends you know, so... it shouldn't really come off as surprising in that he has talked plenty about his experiences with you when you mentored both him, Palladino, and Ulysses... He spoke highly of you, you know... and not in the obvious sense of how powerful or awe-inspiring you were as a leader, but how you were... 'coming around' near the end of the apprenticeship... He was proud to have been your apprentice, did you know that? He thought of you as his fath-"

"Enough," snapped Johann though the anger in his voice trailed wistfully.

Normally Jakob would have stopped to let the other recover and absorb all this, but the outcome of this conversation was too important to allow Johann's stubborness to reemerge. "Just answer me this. Did you not have high hopes for him at the time? When you got to shape him into the man that we knew and honored?"

"...So what if I did?" growled Johann. "Even then, where has that sentimentality led us? Led him? Six feet under, that's where! He didn't just carry my hopes, Bishop. He carried EVERYONE'S hopes! The day he died was the day... the day I'd failed him... that I let myself believe too much in the pipe dreams of a foolhardy boy who let the weight of his heroic symbol crush him, and because of that, I let him die when I could have been there to save him... It was the day I had to, once again, bury a son of my own making and then carry that pain with me until the day I die!" Johann gritted his teeth and tightened his fists, shouting at Jakob now. "Is that what you wanted to hear? That I’m just some senile old man who’s afraid of loss and pain? That I have no one else to protect while you have everything?"

"No, you're wrong, Johann!" insisted Jakob. "You don't have nothing... You may have secluded yourself from the rest of the world, but there are things that are still here for you. Your other students are still here and alive. Are they nothing? You wouldn't have trained them unless you felt something for them right? Or what about Zep in particular? Sindro's apprentice? His hopes and dreams live through Zep in a new light! Are you to tell me that everything you done to help Zep and everything that Zep has done to prove he's gotten strong enough to stand against an oppressive world means nothing?"

Johann looked away in defiance as a look of pain and confusion marked his features.

"And what about Elise?... Your own granddaughter? An individual who had nothing, was born into nothing, and yet she now sits as the new High Commander of the Sword Branch? A seat that you once held! Is she nothing to you?"

"She is..." Johann started quietly, trying to think how to even answer such a thing like that. "...stronger without me... She always has been."

"You don't believe that... I know you don't... and neither does she."

"You talk and pry too much, Bishop... How can you even think to discuss family when you yourself have nothing of the sort?"

Jakob gives a weary smile. "The Archagents are my family, Johann... They always have been... and that's why it's important, that as a brother-in-arms, that we win this fight the right way. But to do that, we need to... as you aptly put it in many of your speeches 'set the example and stand on which many may dream to stand on'... or something to that effect." He chuckles softly.

Johann scoffed. "Silver-tongued brat... You are lucky I am too old and tired to continue this further... but I will, out of respect for your insolence, contemplate... on what has been said..."

#Archagent File: Story

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