#future state swamp thing

[filthy-vigilante]

Top 10 Future State Covers

10.

Future State Swamp Thing #2

9.

Future State Aquaman #1

8.

Future State Green Lantern #2

7.

Future State Superman, House of El

6.

Future State Nightwing #1

5.

Future State Harley Quinn #1

4.

Future State Kara Zor-El, Superwoman #1

3.

Future State Legion of Super-Heros #1

2.

Future State Wonder Woman #1

1.

Future State Catwoman #2

[transgenderer]

kudzu has such a reputation as an inevitable threat, like its common in near-future sci fi for kudzu to have become massively out of control and grown everywhere but its been around for a long time now, and its like. obviously fine. i mean its not GREAT but its not like a *huge deal*. anyway i wanted to see if i was right about this and i am:

its like. its fine

In news media and scientific accounts and on some government websites, kudzu is typically said to cover seven million to nine million acres across the United States. But scientists reassessing kudzu’s spread have found that it’s nothing like that. In the latest careful sampling, the U.S. Forest Service reports that kudzu occupies, to some degree, about 227,000 acres of forestland, an area about the size of a small county and about one-sixth the size of Atlanta. That’s about one-tenth of 1 percent of the South’s 200 million acres of forest. By way of comparison, the same report estimates that Asian privet had invaded some 3.2 million acres—14 times kudzu’s territory. Invasive roses had covered more than three times as much forestland as kudzu.

And though many sources continue to repeat the unsupported claim that kudzu is spreading at the rate of 150,000 acres a year—an area larger than most major American cities—the Forest Service expects an increase of no more than 2,500 acres a year.

The hype didn’t come out of nowhere. Kudzu has appeared larger than life because it’s most aggressive when planted along road cuts and railroad embankments—habitats that became front and center in the age of the automobile. As trees grew in the cleared lands near roadsides, kudzu rose with them. It appeared not to stop because there were no grazers to eat it back. But, in fact, it rarely penetrates deeply into a forest; it climbs well only in sunny areas on the forest edge and suffers in shade.

kind of a painfully on the nose metaphor for the way the appearance of things swamps the actual truth of thing in "common knowledge". the growth pattern of kudzu is *literally* superficial

[dailydccomics]

Future State Swamp Thing by Dima Ivanov

[weird-an]

Billy comes home from work, limbs aching and fingers dirty from working at the garage all day. Their apartment is a shitty little thing, a dumpster how Mrs. Harrington called it the one and only time she had been visiting and Steve told her it's more of a home than the big empty house back in Loch Nora.

He stops dead on his tracks. Steve is wearing his best dress shirt and there's a fucking rose next to a candle on the table.

"What is this?" Billy asks. His heart is sinking into a swamp. He hates surprises as much as he hates turning his back against the door.

"Just some... uh.. slightly burned lasagna." Steve's face turns red.

"That's why I do the cooking." Billy frowns. "Are you breaking up?"

This doesn't make any sense. They don't do romance. Billy can't.

"What? No!" Steve groans. "Why would I try to bake cherry pie for that?"

Billy huffs out a laugh, more relief than anything. Also, there's a red smudge on Steve's most expensive shirt.

"We've been together for five years now," Steve begins. "Even if you were in denial for... like the first three years."

Billy swallows hard.

"I love you," Steve says. "And I know you love me, too."

Billy bites his tongue. He has never said it. He can't, stumbles over his own tongue the second he thinks of it. He tries to show Steve instead, sometimes too harsh or too clumsy, because he isn't really sure what gentleness is supposed to be, but he tries.

"Billy, I want to stay with you forever." Steve gets out a tiny black box with shaky hands. "I'll love you every day, every night. Do you wanna marry me?"

He opens the box. The golden band sparkles in the candlelight.

"We can't get married," Billy croaks. The ring is broader than a usual wedding band - which it can't be anyway, because they can't get married and because Billy isn't stupid enough to believe that Steve wants to stay with him until death.

Steve grins at him, a shining star in the dark of the night. "We fought against monsters. We left Hawkins. We can do anything."

"But it's- The state-"

"It's not about the piece of paper," Steve says. "It's about us."

"Yes," Billy hears himself say. Because he can never say no to Steve Harrington. Because he tried to get away from him, but every way to happiness leads back to him. Because Steve is a gift Billy didn't know he needed, because Steve is his ocean, because Steve is the sun rising in the morning.

Steve's smile is brilliant. His lips taste like burned cheese and red wine.

Billy never thought he'd get married. Billy never thought he'd have a future. Billy never thought he could love someone like he does love Steve.

"I don't want six kids," he mumbles. He wouldn't know how to be a father, he thinks.

Steve gives him a knowing look. "How about five?"

[astaroth1357]

We Gotta Talk About Barbatos (And Kinda Solomon But This Ain't About Him)

SPOILERS for up to Chapter 16 of NB

These recent chapters have been giving us breadcrumbs about the pasts of both Barbatos and Solomon, the two of which seem to be deeply entwined. I have yet to make a post about Solomon's past (which gets twistier and twistier by the minute btw), but right now I just want to touch on my questions about Barbatos and... well. The hell is he up to?? I have one question that has been eating away at me the longer NB goes on and I think its answer could solve everything:

Is there only one Barbatos?

What I mean by this question is something along the lines of my Timeless!Barbatos idea from a while ago. Is there only Barbatos, i.e. is Barbatos a being that exists outside of the constraints of time? Is he like the controller/arbiter of time, but not subject to things like continuity himself? When he exists in a certain timeline, is that mirrored through every other timeline (i.e. multiple Barbatos that are spread throughout multiple branches) or is there ever only ONE. Just him. And he selects which timeline to inhabit?

I have this question because there are things about the Barbatos we interact with and hints dropped by others that Barbatos is, potentially, far, far older and far more powerful than I think we can actually grasp.

Thirteen's last point is the one that really makes me wonder, because if Barbatos really has such a broad ability to transcend time and space, then it would be a bit of a nightmare if there were a billion of him running around. Any random change makes a new timeline that makes a new Barbatos with those same godlike abilities until you're completely swamped in the man. Plus, Barbatos never gives us any indication that he speaks to or witnesses his past or future selves, even when he's manipulating things from sidelines...

If there is only one Barbatos, then 1. Little Dia managed to convince, like, the singularly most powerful being in the universe to play House with him, which is such a power move. And 2. That also means any interactions we have with Barbatos in this (or any) timeline cannot be replicated elsewhere. No matter how funky our time adventures get, that Barbatos remains a constant. Thus, NB Barbatos IS OM Barbatos. Probably just hijacked by Solomon to go to past. A past he was no longer present in, because he exists in a continuous state of "present" (his presence is instantly erased from past and he doesn't appear in the future).

And for a being THAT powerful, you really have to wonder...

How much has he changed...?

In Chapter 16, we learn why Beel went berserk and destroyed the Castle. He was triggered by Lucifer explaining a banshee's scream. In OM canon, two kinds of people can hear these screams: those who will die or have a loved one who will die soon and those who have heard it before.

Beel heard a banshee scream in the human world before the War and internalized it as the warning that Lilith was going to die. Naturally, he thinks that if he had told Lucifer then he may have changed his mind but Satan drops this bombshell on us.

A baneshee's warning is supposed to predetermine time. According to Satan, Lilith was alway going to die. But we have a problem here...

Lilith just. Is not dead. Like. Canonically in both the OG title and in NB, Lilith survives the War. So... what gives??

Beel can hear a banshee scream and nobody else can. There's no question that someone was supposed to die. Which only leaves three options:

1. Lilith is dead. Even as a human, she perished.

2. Lilith was never made human... Someone lied to Lucifer and she's actually dead.

3. Barbatos fucked with time to save Lilith.

Option 1 would be pretty lackluster, all things considered. Though it would be a little darkly humorous if Lilith fought and survived in a Celestial War, then got hit by a car one year later or something.

Option 2 would be... so fucked up. But could also shed some light onto Diavolo's guilt about taking in the brothers. Like, imagine if he knew that nothing could be done for Lilith and still tricked Lucifer into eternal service anyway knowing that he could never check his bluff. That would be downright diabolical... and out of character, so I don't think that's the case. (Though, I could see Barbatos lying about it if it gave Diavolo Lucifer's loyalty in the end.)

But Option 3... I think that's actually spine-chilling. Imagine if Diavolo ordered Barbatos to find some way to twist time to save Lilith. And not just spare her life, but to somehow turn her human. That means that we're already playing the events of an altered timeline.

Now combine this idea with our Singular Barbatos theory. If there is one Barbatos, then this is the only timeline where he currently resides. If Barbatos wasn't in THIS timeline, Lilith would be dead. In every other timeline, Lilith is dead. And if OM keeps the detail about MC's lineage, then MC NEVER GETS TO EXIST. They can only be alive in THIS BRANCH OF TIME. There are no other MCs. Just the one (and the corpse that got phased out of being, but we don't talk about them). And this could explain why MC's very existence would be so important to a time-travel being like Nightbringer. There's only one MC to use.

Now, since MC is so powerful (possibly as being that is an aberration in time) it makes me wonder a whole lot more about where someone as powerful Solomon actually came from... How much meddling as Barbatos really done here? If... it was even Barbatos at all. 👀 (Speculation for another day)

[thesamoanqueen]

Blackwater X

Raiting: 18+

Warnings: Drama, trust behaviour.

A/N: and that’s how you turn love into a toxic relationship...

He had her for breakfast. In the bed, ending up waking her already with a broken voice and shortness of breath. And he'd had her for breakfast again on the kitchen counter, breaking the plate he'd eaten from and a couple of glasses. But he would have gladly had his third breakfast of the day at that moment, against one of the trees, in the SUV, even standing against the fence of the refreshment ticket area, not giving a damn about whoever was around, showing them what they would never have, why they were not like him, like them.

- What a nice view - he noted with a grin, gazing the perfect curve of her glorious ass, tight in that white skirt that wrapped her up to her ankles, the same ankles that that morning she had crossed behind his head, while he was eating her alive.

Y/N turned to face him, same smile, drumming her fingers on the fence, her hair flowing over her shoulder only partially covered by the top that left a strip of caramel skin in full view just below her breasts.

Her. Just for him.

- True – she agreed, letting out a laugh when Roman put his hands on her hips to pull her against him – did you ever come here as a kid? – she asked curiously, looking away again, to put her attention to the lake where they had stopped.

It was one of the largest in that area, just outside one of the cities near the bay area and now it was a kind of park for people, a point of reference. There were kidz running everywhere, some couples with no great prospects, even a group of old people arguing animatedly over who knows what game under the huts on the other side of the bank. If he remembered correctly Heyman had advised him to approve the works for the coffee shop and the nearby store, he received dues every year, but he received them from basically the entire state, he had lost count. But he remembered that place, because years ago it wasn't like that, not even close to it.

- A few times, was outside the pack land. It was a swamp down there, with alligators swimming around and outside wasn't any better… we didn't have a good reputation at the time – he said, seeing Y/N looking at him seriously, before gently rubbing her head against his shoulder to comfort him in silence.

That part of the county far from the mouth of the river had been marshy for decades. Mud and private land as far as the eye can see, with a few useless towns in the hands of alphas that weren't worth even one of his legs. No one had ever seen potential there, especially since it bordered the edge of what was once territory that his dad and uncle had hard-won for their family. They traded, lived as a pack and for decades people had called them savages, deciding to have as few contacts as possible, investing elsewhere and forcing them to make absurd trips to earn something with shameful deals.

His family had honor, they had always refused to compromise and Roman had grown up with impossible rules, seeing his father disappear for months to ensure everyone a poor future, while his mama and uncles kept things in check. He had dealt with all the idiots and their dumbass families who had called savages after him, but he couldn't remember their faces, they had never been worth it. But he remembered the beatings that him and his cousins had taken sometimes for crossing the border when they were kidz. And he had given them back with interest.

Now no one called his family savages. No one dared even say a word from the reserve to the next state if they crossed their path. And where those little dogs had left trash for years, he had built everything, showing them that he was better, that his family was better and that they even had to thank for the air they breathed. Now everything around him was his and one day it would go to his sons and they too would do whatever they wanted.

- Have you ever swam with them? Alligators I mean - Y/N distracted him, pulling him out of his mind with a harmless movement of her hips that made him lower his head to look at her.

- I tried to avoid it - he laughed, recognizing an all too curious look on her face and her tentative to improve his mood.

- But did it happen?

- That's not a question you should asking me sneaky lil - he pinched her and the bratty face she showed him forced Roman to wedge her against the fence to press his body against hers.

What wouldn't he-

- My Tribal Chief - Heyman called and Ro stopped looking at Y/N, who just as silently, seemed as unhappy about the interruption as he was, even if he knew the reason for that face.

Her and the Wiseman didn't get along, they tolerated each other, to be honest it was a miracle that he still hadn't seen her cut off his head mercilessly. Especially since Paul had perfect timing for the wrong moments.

- I'm sorry to interrupt you, but here... that agreement that had to be signed today, things has become a lil complicated now - Paul insisted, mistaking the silence of both on them for a go-ahead.

- What's complicated? They can't write their names? – he asked annoyed, seeing Y/N suddenly turn around when Paul started laughing at the joke.

He hadn't meant to be funny, but she definitely was with that face. He was torn as to whether she was shocked or disgusted, but whatevere it was, he liked it. She was adorable, always narrowing her eyes as if she had to force herself to see better when there was nothing to see.

- My Tribal Chief, it's funny, you’re so funny. I got a call, though… it was one of the other side's lawyers, a kid I had kicked out of a Dumbo studio years ago, he wasn't even qualified to be an assistant, but apparently they've been doing charity work lately. He reminded me who he was at our first meeting and I reminded him what happened, so he must have thought to be smarter this time and do his job well

- Wise man - Roman called him back, instantly stopping the river of words that he was emptying on them, because Paul Heyman who started talking in bursts would have been too much for anyone.

- Yes, going straight to the point... there are other parties involved. They are… I quote, thinking about it.

Y/N still under his arm bent her head almost imperceptibly at that news, but Roman found himself just as quickly finally turning to his special counselor, frowning. Had he really interrupted him for that bullshit? What was that supposed to be, a joke? Now they allowed themselves to bother him and joke about business?

- There's no one except me, there’s only my family here. There's only me – he growled not at all amused, but before his mood could even cross the limit, probably making Paul cry, Y/N leaned on his arm, her ponytail full of waves swinging behind her shoulder.

-It wouldn't be a bad idea, however, going there, just for checking things - she reflected, giving a cold look to Paul who had breathed a sigh of relief.

Show up? Should he bother himself and go to them? That wasn't how it worked, he was the alpha, the head of the table, they weren't the ones dictating the rules.

- I don't have to go. It's not my place, they come to me and if they want to talk to someone, they can talk to him.

- Yes, but it would be a way to remind everyone how things are, that he's not the one running your family's business. And I already had plans for the day, remember? You have nothing to do, keep yourself busy doing something useful - she tried to reason with him and although she was right, Roman ended up turning up his nose at the idea of getting into the suv again and what's more without her.

Plans, she had plans. He knows, she'd told him during the boring breakfast and she'd been firm, but those plans didn't sit well with him.

- Naomi can wait – he muttered annoyed, making her raise an eyebrow.

- No. I'll go to her, you to take those business done or whatever should happen - she cut short, without even negotiating and Roman moved his gaze to an empty spot in the park, swallowing the bitterness that had risen in his mouth .

He didn't like knowing her in town with Naomi, he didn't like the idea of splitting up and he didn't like not knowing what might have happened since Solo had to stay with him and the twins were still around trying to undo the damage they had caused a month earlier. The instinct to stay close to her made him nervous, there were too many people in town, too many places to disappear, but he had promised to give her space now that things had changed, he said he would trust her...

He felt her tug at his neck, her face leaning softly against his, her lips leaving a quick kiss on his beard and then rubbing against his ear, sending a rush of heat into him.

- I'll be with her, I promise. No runs. Be good and I’ll be good for you too - she whispered, moving to look him straight into his eyes.

She was a blessing and his fuckin endgame.

***

Y/N was so happy to hug her again and it was a strange feeling, without a definite purpose, the simple excitement of a rekindling a bond. Since she'd crossed the border and settled there, so much had changed, but what continued to amaze her most of all were the bonds she was building. She had kept everyone at arm's length her whole life and now she had someone to come back to, someone to tolerate, people to miss. Everything had changed so quickly and so radically that she always felt like she was dealing with her first times.

- Don’t do it again! It's so strange… I missed you – she admitted, frowning and immediately prompting Naomi to break their hug to glare at her.

- Is it weird if you miss me?! Yo what?!

- I'm not used to missing someone... but now that we’re talkin’ I'm having second thoughts.

Sitting back down and taking the drink and jerking back, pretending to be offended, she watched Naomi pout to look her up and down knowingly.

- You kept yourself busy though – she teased her and Y/N nodded with an exasperated smile.

They had last spent time together the day before that night, and things were different back then. They hadn't been able to talk while she was at her parents' house, every time Y/N tried to call she didn't answer and she had hardly heard from her after the twins had left to take care of who knows what business for the family. Roman had been almost her only company for over a month and well, that said a lot about how much things had changed between them.

It was strange to talk about that, too, now that she thought about it. Another absolute first time.

- You know… I think Paul is jealous, but I get it, it's difficult to see your ex with someone else, especially if the other one is me - she joked seriously and Naomi nodded even more seriously.

- The way he looks yo mate… mmh, it’s weird.

- Don't get me started! - she smiled, trying to chase the image from her mind -But... it's going well. He takes care of me, he treats me like he should, no problems, no dramas. Sounds boring – she mused jokingly, her fingers twirling the straw inside her glass.

Y/N for one would not have bet a dollar on her and Roman together and instead they ran as if they had done nothing else before. From one moment to the next everything had been perfect and it felt so strange, because she knew she had put him in a corner with her attitude and that she was still impossible sometimes even today, but Roman hadn't backed down. He respected her, made her ask for nothing more, he had learned to control himself - not completely, but Y/N acknoledged his efforts -, he didn't miss one time and even spoiled her. On his initiative, he had also decided to make dates, to really get to know each other beyond the idea of destined mates and make up for the years they had spent apart. They had done it for an entire month, every day, but he kept to organize dates anyway to spend quality time together. It was as if everything she had avoided and pushed away, every doubt, every fear, had been shut out by him.

- Don't make that face. Don't even try! It was terrible just looking at you before, you always looked broken and I can't buy the story of you all bored and sitting at home with those marks on you – Naomi pointed out and Y/N didn't even bother to figure out where she was pointing, giving in to a laugh.

Leaving marks on her was the compromise in order not to get bitten on her weak spot, she had to grant it to him and she didn't mind in reality. He was good at those things, she acknowledged it.

- Well, its not so bad

- Wha-what? Not so bad? Now its not so bad! And you didn't want hear talking about it before!

- It has its positive sides, are you happy?

- Yes, yes

- Good!

- Good for you. Honestly when there was that story about your presentation with the elders and the trial I was worried, it didn't sound good and I didn't want it to end badly… I'm happy to see you like this – Naomi admitted, drinking a sip of her drink, but Y/N remained stunned shot.

- What? – What she was talking about? Trial, presentation? Was something she didn't get?

She watched her set down her nearly empty glass, hands raised in a silent apology at the confusion she read on her face.

- You two are true mates and the whole family was involved, I know, but even Jimmy's dad didn't see our bond well at the beginning, I know what it feels like. We both got out though! And now that Jimmy and Jey are back here, maybe we can start over? Roman will be fine with it, right? He doesn’t want problem? – she asked, her tone serious for that last question and Y/N nodded without even knowing what, so as not to remain speechless or make that moment between them one to forget.

Mate's good with us.

Her she-wolf's voice rumbled in her head as soon as a glimmer of doubt made its way into the confusion of her thoughts, but Y/N ignored her, impassive, waiting for her to silence again as she had been doing for a month now.

- Yes, yes sure. I'll talk to him – she promised, feeling Naomi take her hand to reassure her.

- Everything works out, that's how it goes when you have a big family and now you're in it too! You will get used to it! - her smile made her chest tingle, her hand tightening around hers in return.

The ringing of a phone stopped her before she could say anything and Naomi was quick to rummage through her purse to retrieve it, standing up as her eyes caught who was calling.

- Wait it's chicken nugget, they were already back.

- It's ok. I'll finish my drink – Y/N released her, mentally thanking for that moment of pause, while Naomi walked away from their table.

- Take another one for me too, I’ll be back, hey babe!

Silently Y/N saw her glow just talking to him and for a long moment she froze, watching her move past the venue, her attention fully turned to her mate, the one she had chosen for her.

She hadn't chosen Roman as Naomi with Jimmy or her parents, but she had chosen to give Roman and their bond a chance. She had chosen to build something, to move on, to open up and it had all gone so well since then that Y/N didn't know what to feel now. Part of her wanted to go back to being angry, but had to?

They had talked about what had happened that day. He had said that he had been cornered for some reasons, that he was mad for all the pressure his family was putting on him, the responsibilities and by what she understood from Naomi's speech, he had not lied. Not completely. He hadn't told her she was the reason for that pressure, but maybe he hadn't because she wasn't the only reason. Now Y/N knew what he faced every day, he told her about the plans, he showed her what he had worked hard to achieve, Y/N had listened to him talk about what his family had gone through in the past, what he had gone through and how those efforts had changed everything. Maybe her presence had been an extra pressure to add to the load and his family had worried about how he was reacting, she hadn't made things easy for him anyway… but she was his mate, she was nobody to them, Y/N didn't even know them. If she wasn't the only one who caused that trial, court or whatever happened, why would he hide it? Now that she thought about it, when she'd just arrived, Solo'd said something about her and how Ro'd ordered anyone to not talk about her to the elders.

Looking away from the street, she thrown down her drink, raising a hand to order another round without even thinking. She felt her muscles tense again and that feeling of tension that she thought had left her once and for all… she didn’t like it.

***

Her scent had guided him through the forest to the river dock, replacing the chaos of his day with the beating of her heart, her breathing slow, a little heavy. He would have preferred to find her at home, to know her safe in a place that was only theirs now, but he had to give her some freedom, he knew that and up to that moment she had never gone beyond the reserve without him. It wasn't a good time, things had suddenly added up that not even the Wiseman had taken into consideration, but Y/N loved to run and as long as the situation didn't get more complicated and she remained safe, it was a whim he could give her.

Roman found her sitting at one of the only two tables they had set up next to the river. There was a nice view from there, the river curved in a larger area between the slopes from which you could see part of its course, the water there always had the color from which it got its name. When his house was finished, years before, he had bought a small boat to move along that stretch of the river, he had arranged some tables, a housing for the bonfire, but no one had ever used any of it over the years, things had changed quickly. Now Roman had a big barbecue in the backyard that only his cousins had used, a yacht at the docks downtown that he'd only signed a few deals on. Perhaps, however, things would have changed again, as had happened in those months, perhaps Y/N would have liked it.

He sat next to her on her bench, immediately wrapping his arms around her hips and burying his face in her neck, to inhale her scent.

- We haven't been separated for days, you know? – Y/N sighed in resignation, feeling him leave a streak of kisses up to her temple.

- It was enough.

It had been. Having that meeting without any warning, having to deal with certain issues again, like it was not clear enough out there who was in control, staying away from her. He had gotten used to having her close all the time, in that month they had hardly ever moved away from each other and even half a day at that point seemed too much to Roman. She calmed him down. More or less.

-You're so dramatic... how it went? – he heard her ask, as his hands worked their way under her top, touching as much of her as they could, pulling her closer and closer until she was wedged between his legs.

- They'll sign - he stammered, his face still buried in her neck, heat building.

Her presence, touching her, managed to close every external door in his head, as if his wolf ceased to sense anything other than her. Nothing mattered beyond the curve of her back, her fingers lazily scratching his thights or the back of his neck, that scent he couldn't living without anymore.

- What were the agreements for? – he heard her ask softly, his kisses becoming more needy.

- Let's not talk about it... it doesn't matter now...

Those stuff had value outside, not when she was with him, when no one could disturb them and he was able to give a boundary to the rest. In those moments all he cared about was having her as close as possible, his breathing slowly replicating hers, her pulse rumbling in his ears, his bones turning liquid as the blood boiled. It was something he would never tire of having and seeking, like an addiction he fought to get worse.

He growled against her skin, biting lightly into her shoulder, feeling Y/N gasp as he licked at the spot she still refused to give him and he fought hard to avoid. He released one hand from her top, moving up along her throat, placing the other on her soft hip to keep her pressed against him, his boner starting to wake up on his pants.

- I don't want to mind your business - Y/N said, her head bending - I was thinking, however, that I'll have to do something now that I'm here, so maybe I could help in some way... - hands that kept stroking him slowly, too slowly - I've never done this before, but there will be something I can do. If Paul can do it, I’ll be great, right? – and Roman froze, what was that story?

She was always attentive when he showed her something and she had been even in the weeks when things still didn't work out between them, but she had never seemed interested to the point of wanting to help. And besides, she didn't even have to do it, he was the one to provide for everyone, especially her.

- You don't have to do anything, there's no need. You have everything and if something isn't enough, say it, I'll take care of it – he assured, stroking her chin and watching her shrug.

If she needed anything, whatever, she just needed to tell him. He wouldn't deny her anything and there was nothing he couldn't give her.

- I want to help you. Do my part, so maybe we don't get another trial popping up for me that I don't know anything about - she said as if they were talking about the weather, and Roman stopped the instant the word left her mouth.

Speechless, he watched her impassively return his gaze, her hands still in their place, her body that showed no sign of moving and that he was only now aware, hadn't moved to reciprocate his attentions.

Where did that trial story come from? She shouldn't have known anything about it, he hadn't told her, he had kept her away from that story, how was it possible that she knew anything about it? She spoke little or nothing to Paul, they weren't compatible and Solo… Solo hardly ever opened his mouth with anyone, was impossible. She couldn't have found out by walking around town for half a day, people were talking about her family's business, but that was a confidential matter that very few knew about.

That last thought hit him full force and without even controlling himself, he pursed his lips angrily, brow furrowing, nervousness mounting. Very few knew about that story and the only person she had spent the day with as far as he knew, the only one he had sensed a trace of on her was his cousin's wife and that was definitely none of her business.

- Naomi said that to you? Now she talks about me when ain’t around? That story ain’t even her husband business, she has no right- he growled, going from nothing to exploding in less than a second and Y/N turned to face him just as quickly.

- It's about me though – she noted seriously and Roman wrinkled his nose, moving his gaze elsewhere in an attempt to uselessly control his anger.

They shouldn't have had that conversation, should never have had it. He still did everything after a month to avoid it and half a day away from him was enough to get there. He was furious, so angry that he felt his wolf growl in his ears to get out. Because yes, it was about her and he didn't want her to worry, he didn't want wrong thoughts in her mind.

That's not good for our mate. Stop it.

- She wasn't talking about it, it's not her or Jimmy's fault, she just mentioned it… she assumed that I knew and wanted to give me her support, but I had no idea what the hell this trial was about, because you didn't tell me anything - she said slow and Roman looked back, breathing short, muscles tense.

- Because there was no need, I'm the one to provide for others, for you. Im the giver, I'll solve it, I-

- That's enough, hear me out now- the tone in which she shushed him wasn't the kind of tone an omega would use, not with an alpha, not with anyone else. No one shushed him.

But she was his omega, she was his mate and however badly he might have reacted, his wolf couldn't help but stop himself and certainly, feeling her hands caressing him helped. Overwhelmed, he looked down, following the movement of her fingers tracing the tattoo on his arm, her tatau, her thumb rubbing the back of his fist clenched around nothing. He heard her take a deep breath and lifted his brown eyes again, anger slipping away from him as she returned his gaze with a different expression.

- I like this thing between us - she confessed and Roman clearly perceived the weight of those words, like a boulder on his back - At first it didn't go like this, but now I realize that I needed it... I like it. I like that you want to take care of me, that you are always there trying to gimme everything and that everything around me is perfect, but if something is wrong… we should talk about it, you need to tell me what’s going on. You always say that I'm your mate, I shouldn't be your mate only on certain occasions.

Since the night after the trial, things had changed between them in many ways. In ways that even he hadn't planned on and that had spiraled out of his control. Y/N had become fundamental. The stories told so much about mates, but not even the most unrealistic of those stories could have prepared him for what she had become in his life. It wasn't about attraction, complicity or who knows what else, he needed her like the air he breathed and knowing that it was the same for her now, it went to his head. Because he wasn't going to lose everything, to see that doubt, that look on her face after what he'd worked hard to achieve. He made a promise to make her happy, he had given her everything, everything she had never had and he didn't tolerate that some stupid rumor, a useless doubt born of someone who knew nothing about it, undermined what he had built for them. Roman didn't allow it, he couldn't bear it, no.

- We shouldn't even have this talk, it's not like that, it's a stupid drama, it comes from outside, it's not between us. We're fine, there's not a single problem between us - he tried to reason with her, hand now rubbing his beard.

They were fine, they were finally fine. They woke up every morning together, they talked, they spent hours doing anything to spend time with each other, they started talking through bonding during runs, they fucked every freakin day without getting tired, she laughed even. She was happy, she had even admitted it and Roman had found what he had always lacked, they were fine! There was no need to talk about that story! They didn't have any problems to discuss or solve, they were perfect, dramas came from outside. It was others’s fault.

Its them again.

- Ro a month ago you weren't good at all, I was there, I saw you. And now I find out it was because of me? - his head moved quickly before she'd even finished speaking.

- Nah, nah. It wasn't you, it was a problem that came from outside, like this one and I solved it anyway. It's okay now, you're fine, we're fine. I take care of everything as I always have and as I will continue to do. You don't have to think about it – he reassured her, hands moving up to hers, stroking her cheek, holding her shoulders.

That trial had come upon him for no reason, because of those who still doubted despite all he had done in those years, guaranteeing everyone better lives that they had not managed to achieve on their own for decades. It had been a low blow, thrown at her because she was now his weak point, but he'd gotten out of it anyway. He had gone out with her. Because whatever obstacle life put in front of him, he found a way to overcome it, it was in his nature and it was also in his nature to go further. Just like he was doing with her. They had gotten off to a bad start, but now they had a bond that no one out there could replicate and so it should continue to be.

- I just want you to tell me if something is wrong, I want to do my part if it's important and not find myself in situations like this like some shit that ends up in someone's foot during a fight-

- If I’ll ever need you by my side, I'll tell you. But don't think about it now. It's stupid, I'll take care of it.

It was his job, it was his role, and he was in control. She just had to stop worrying. It wasn't what he had in mind for her, not what he had planned, it wasn't what he wanted for her.

- Care of what? – he heard her ask in exasperation and he tightened his grip on her shoulders, resting his forehead on hers, inhaling her scent.

- Nothing, cause whatever they said to you its not true. Everything is fine. We're fine.

- Ro…- Y/N called him, his eyes fixed on hers and Roman nodded, his hand caressing the back of her neck with love and devotion, sinking into her soft hair.

- You have my word – he promised seriously and for a long moment, Y/N didn't move looking at him and deciding what to do.

He saw in her eyes the same expression that had haunted him for weeks, that judgment that had kept him in the balance, that had driven his wolf to try anything to win her approval. As if she was looking inside him for an answer and Roman remained silent to return her gaze, his fingers unable to stop moving along her skin, caressing her as he had done every night for the past month to help her fall asleep more quickly and give up completely into his arms. Who knows how long seemed to pass, his mood began to mount again, his patience to run out, but just as she had begun that speech, Roman saw her leave it with a heavy breath and a nod of her head, quick not so sure, to hide herself anyway in his neck and allow him to squeeze her again.

- I'm a man of my word - he reminded her, kissing her hair and feeling her hands tightening on his white shirt, behind his back, as if she were clinging to him.

- I know

Tag squad: @sunnyfleur23 @racerchix21 @alyyaanna @angelreigns444 @romanreignsdefencesquad @romanstheory @claymorexpunisher @keybladeofsteel @msbigredmachine @nayys-world @gobbersworld @utika151209 @cumxxslutt @civildawn @romanmydaddy @triscillal @papireigns-05 @helensanders92 @darqchilddaydreamz @meggylynnloves @unfriendly--blvck--hottie @nicolewoo @wrestlezaynia @reignsx @reigns-central-blog @kianaleani @daguenoire @extra-11 @thedonsfactory @snowpanda18 @brattyfics @mzv11 @romanreignseater @namjoonspinkytoenail @tribalchiefdaily @2baddies2furious @vebner37 @depressedneedingrevenge @cyberdejos2 @thewarlordsworld @jeonmahi1864 @jxtina-86 @harmshake @harlem11680 @joanoai @southerngirl41 @blkbutterfly816 @spritelucozade @sheerbeautyreigns

[minecraftbookshelf]

In the Age of Icons: Mistakes Are Made

Chapter One: The Day Of

A Marriage of State AU Fic

[AU Masterpost (includes the AO3 link)]

Characters: Jimmy Solidarity, Xornoth, Katherine Elizabeth, Mythical J Sausage

Relationships (for the AU as a whole): Eventual (very slow burn) Flower Husbands, (established) Shadowbeans/Jizzie, (obnoxiously new) Jornoth, Eventual (very far future) Nature Wives

Wordcount: 4214

Rating On AO3: This particular fic is rated T, future installments in the AU may go all the way up to E for graphic violence but most will be between T & M

Chapter POV: Jimmy Solidarity & Xornoth

Summary:

The Codfather weaves his fingertips together so that the slight webbing between his fingers touches. It's the first time in a while he's had both hands away from his shoulder, where at least one has been hovering near his sword hilt almost the entire time, despite Katherine's glares. "It's a marriage treaty, between the royalty of the oppositions, bound in blood and salt, for peace and mutual gain." His voice has gained a slight sing-song cadence to it, even through what is clearly a slightly stumbling translation, that Xornoth recognizes from their own anytime they are reciting something from their childhood lessons, even to this day.

Warnings: A sort of general reminder of the narrative tool "Unreliable Narrators"

This AU features multiple arranged marriages across the spectrum of platonic-romantic and the complicated nuances of chosen and arranged.

Any section from Xornoth's POV does have parts that read like very violent and occasionally graphic intrusive thoughts due to the whole "there is a demon living in their head" thing. If that's something you think you might have issues with, please proceed with caution if you choose to proceed at all.

--

Jimmy spends the majority of his flight to the Overgrown fuming and imagining the many different ways he could kill Sausage. It's cathartic indulgence and if he's busy imagining swarms of axolotls and pufferfish descend on the Mythlandic king in his minds' eye than he isn't worrying about the actual situation and what it could potentially mean for him and the Swamp.

Much. He isn't worrying about it much.

The fact that Sausage had made it past the Swamp border and all the way to Jimmy's house without being seen or stopped is...fine. It's fine.

The wind catches Jimmy's elytra at an odd angle and he dips alarmingly low for a heart-jolting moment; his tail flailing out on instinct in an attempt to steady him in a non-existent current. He catches himself before he actually crashes into the treetops, though he does have to bank hard to the left in a way that pulls the harness sharp against his shoulder. The joint twinges at the strain and he grimaces. He'll probably feel that tomorrow. He's been skipping out on his stretches, in all the chaos of the escalating tensions, and his bad side has been worse than usual. He can feel the tension of the old scar tissue at his elbow and the tightness of the muscle down his neck and shoulder.

Joel will yell at him for that.

On the bright side, maybe he'll go to war with the Mythlands and then he'll be too busy to get yelled at. He thinks Pix would call that 'silver linings.'

The trees thin out and give way to green grass fields dotted with sheep and flowers and Jimmy angles his trajectory downwards. The magic saturating the Border of the Overgrown brushes his scales as he enters and he shudders. It doesn't matter how many times he comes to visit Katherine, every time is just as unsettling. It feels like the time he bit an electric eel as a fry. A tingle and a buzzing that leaves the webbing between his fingers numb and his teeth hurting.

Katherine's house materializes on the horizon, the layers of glamour falling away and Jimmy banks into a spiral to land. He's been airborne for so long that he's barely even damp and, last minute, he decides to land in the water feature instead of on the grass surrounding it. He lands in the fountain with a splash and a sigh, the water closing over his head and offering blessed relief. His gills flare, water flowing freely through his right side and even managing a pass on his left. He allows himself a moment to settle beneath the surface and let the itchy dry feeling of his scales fade, away from the biting cold and thin air of the skyways.

He rolls over and stares at the sky, taking a minute to just exist. It's uncomfortable; his elytra, his trident, and his sword all pressing into his spine, but at least it is calm and quiet.

His view is almost immediately obstructed by a far, far too familiar silhouette tinted red and gold.

Jimmy bolts upright and almost slams his forehead into Sausage's.

He scrambles back and to his feet where he stands, dripping, in the fountain to the backdrop of the displeased gazes of Katherine's door guards and the giggles of the King of Mythland.

How did this go so wrong so fast?

"Hello, Jimmy!"

He manages to clamber out of the fountain without tripping and falling flat on his face at least. He splashes Katherine in the process, where she is hovering off to the side but he can't really be bothered to worry about that. All he can manage to do is stare at Sausage's smirking face.

"Hello, Jimmy!"

Katherine's greeting is much less mocking and Jimmy looks back down to acknowledge it. Way down. Katherine is the shortest emperor and the white tips of her ears barely clear his elbow. She is smiling up at him as if she hasn't invited him to her house only to ambush him with one of his greatest enemies. As if he hadn't trusted that her home was safe. As if he hadn't trusted that she would stand with him.

"What is he doing here?" He jerks his chin at Sausage, who is still giggling like a child. He sees Jimmy looking and grins at him, all teeth.

Behind the mask, Jimmy bares his own teeth and takes some comfort in the knowledge that he has more of them; and they are sharper. He straightens his spine and does his best to stand at his full height instead of curling slightly to the left. His sword and trident clank softly together over his shoulder.

Katherine looks briefly unsure before she sets her expression and gestures at her door. "We should all go inside and talk there. I would like to help negotiate peace between The Swamp and Mythland."

She's using her official voice. Sausage keeps giggling and Jimmy can barely hear it beneath the roar in his ears. He leans down to try and whisper into the faerie queen's ear.

"I really need your alliance right now, Katherine." He hopes his desperation doesn't show in his voice.

She gives him a reproving look that throws him right back to his brief time spent in a classroom. "I'm allied with everyone, Jimmy. You know that."

"He invaded the Swamp," Jimmy hisses, his ear-fins flaring, ignoring the shudder down his spine from her use of his Name, even in part. "He crossed our borders. Again. He's threatened war." He's no longer whispering by the end, standing to his full height, shoulders back, sword hand by his shoulder.

"And according to him, you've threatened it right back!"

It's almost a physical blow, the way the betrayal hits him. He manages to keep from physically staggering back only because Sausage appears beside him and throws an arm over his shoulder. Something the Mythlandic king has to stand on tiptoe to accomplish. It yanks Jimmy uncomfortably sideways and down and his trident almost slips from his back.

"Come on, Jimmy! Let's talk!" Sausage smiles, all teeth like an alligator, lurking on the surface of the water. "We can make peace!"

Jimmy knocks his arm away and straightens, doing his best to loom over the other ruler. His extra foot of height should be more of an advantage than if feels like. He grabs for the hilt of his sword and is only stopped by Katherine, who flies right up into his face to frown at him.

"No weapons!" She shakes her finger right in front of his mask and Jimmy clamps down on the instinctive urge to yank up the Codfather head and bite it. That would be no help to anyone, especially himself. No one takes him seriously as it is. Except maybe Pix. Maybe.

Instead he focuses on glaring at Sausage over Katherine's shoulder. The king of Mythland beams back at him, hands clasped innocently in front of himself (well away from the hilt of his own greatsword), head cocked to the side. The picture of harmless amiability were it not for the malicious sparkle in his eyes. Ohhhhhh how Jimmy would love to feed his organs to Lizzie's axolotls. He flexes his claws before Katherine grabs his arm and tugs him towards her front door, six tiny fingertips digging into his scales above his vambraces. (The embossed leather the only armor he'd worn, he hadn't realized he'd wish for more.)

Sausage trails behind them and as much as Jimmy reminds himself that not even Sausage would have the audacity to attack him in Katherine's house (probably) he can't quite shake the prickling tension from having an enemy at his back. It feels like the first time Lizzie and Joel took him to clear an ancient monument and he'd stalked through the twisty corridors and boxy rooms with the creeping feeling of being stalked in turn.

Sausage slips and almost falls on some of the tacky slime he'd accidentally tracked in and that does help. Even if he does feel bad for messing up Katherine's floor. He can feel the impassively judgmental stare from Katherine's guards, who's features do not change but still somehow radiate disapproval. He knows he probably shouldn't take it personally, most fae don't think highly of outsiders but it still feels personal.

Sausage recovers quickly and shakes out the fur lining of his coat. "Is it just me or does it smell fishy in here, now?"

"Sausage," Katherine looks disapprovingly back over her shoulder. "That's rude."

"Oh," Sausage blinks at them both, "I'm sorry, Jimmy, I didn't realize."

Jimmy wants to stab him so badly, he sets his shoulders and refrains. He can do this. He's technically trained for this, even if the skills are rusty, fallen aside before the more hands on duties that rebuilding the Swamp has required.

"Oh, this one is new!" Sausage immediately changes the subject, pointing at one of the skulls hanging on the wall of the hall. It's some kind of middling-sized land animal...a sheep maybe? with poppies filling the eye sockets and woven in a crown, there are delicate lines of gold painted across the surface of the bleached bone.

Katherine beams, her irritation at the rudeness forgotten (or at least set aside, fae never truly forget breaches of etiquette) "It is! It's a gift from a childhood friend," she looks fondly upon the skull for a moment. "We've been reconnecting lately."

Sausage nods sagely, "It is always good to spend time with your friends."

"It is," Katherine's ears twitch and her wings flutter briefly before she resumes walking. "Which is why we are going to fix this."

She leads them down the hall towards her library, a room so thoroughly warded that Jimmy can feel the magic against his scales when he passes through the door in an echo of the fae-realm boundaries.

It is a cozy room, despite the elegance and delicacy. It makes Jimmy feel out of place and reminds him a little bit of Lizzie's war room, if a better lit and less damp version. Every corner is full of plants and flowers and books and crystals, and blessedly free of guards and staff and other judging eyes. It's just Jimmy and Katherine and Sausage and the Elvenking sitting in the corner.

Jimmy may or may not do a full and proper double take.

Huge white and black wings, glittering obsidian antlers, an incongruous cup of tea on the side table. Apparently this meeting has interrupted the...reading time? of the King of Rivendell. Jimmy grits his teeth at the presence of one more ally for Sausage and turns his attention to the other two rulers instead. He'll worry about the Elvenking if they decide to become a problem.

-

In retrospect, Xornoth probably should have left as soon as Katherine escorted Sausage and The Codfather into her library, her expression tense and serious despite the cheerful tone to her chatter but in all honesty they were so startled at first that they froze. Now its been just long enough it would be too awkward to get up and leave. And the others are in-between them and the door, which just makes it worse. So they sit in the corner, tome in hand, trying their hardest to pretend they aren't getting a front row seat to the latest incarnation of the Mythland-Swamp dispute, featuring The Codfather's tangible rage and frustration over Katherine's stubborn neutrality.

(Which is understandable, but arguing a fae over their nature is a futile task and The Codfather seems too much a fool to realize it.)

The palpable hostility in the room has Xornoth's feathers fluffing against their will. Katherine is doing her best to mediate but she might as well try to climb a cliff-face in a blizzard. Sausage seems more interested in taunting The Codfather than coming to any kind of agreement and The Codfather himself stubbornly refuses to even consider any kind of negotiations until...a disc is returned?

Meaningless frivolity.

Xornoth isn't quite sure of the intricacies of the Mythland-Swamp conflict, since most of it happened during Rivendell's seclusion and so they don't even have any accounts of it other than what has been acquired in the past few decades. Accounts that are, somewhat understandably, for the most part slanted towards the Mythlandic perspective. (It is Mythland that Xornoth is allied with and it is Mythland that writes things down while The Swamp seems to lean heavily towards oral histories.) They don't think they've heard anything about a disc before, that might be new.

Both Sausage and The Codfather are known for their chaotic natures. If this does escalate to war (as both have threatened multiple times in the past hour) they will both involve their allies. As much fun as it would be to go toe-to-toe with the King of Mezalea in the arena, if Xornoth has to deal with wartime logistics because of these two acting like elflings not yet out of the home, they will just walk off into the mountains and wait for the winter to take them.

Do not pretend such reluctance. I see the truth.

Xornoth turns a page.

"At this point," The Codfather snarls, leaning on the back of the sofa he is standing by, looking inches away from leaping across the library to strangle Sausage (or try to at least) regardless of Katherine's policy on unapproved violence, his speech has been steadily growing more formal as the debate raged on, but also with a lot more insults in a multitude of languages. (Which Sausage had been more than happy to return.) "I don't think I'd trust even a-" he makes a series of humming, clicking syllables that Xornoth recognizes as Oceanic, but does not understand "-from you lot!"

That, of all things, is what grinds the entire conversation to a halt. Even Sausage stops his mocking dance around the edge of the room to look at The Codfather in confusion. "A who now?"

Katherine is frowning in concentration, mouthing words to herself while she tries to translate. "An...in-law treaty?"

"You know," The Codfather waves a hand dismissively. "A Binding Agreement."

At least he's speaking Mythlandic again, a language Xornoth supposedly understands.

"No, we don't know," Katherine still looks confused by also speculative. "Please explain. What kind of binding exactly is this?"

The Codfather weaves his fingertips together so that the slight webbing between his fingers touches. It's the first time in a while he's had both hands away from his shoulder, where at least one has been hovering near his sword hilt almost the entire time, despite Katherine's glares. "It's a marriage treaty, between the royalty of the oppositions, bound in blood and salt, for peace and mutual gain."

His voice has gained a slight sing-song cadence to it, even through what is clearly a slightly stumbling translation, that Xornoth recognizes from their own anytime they are reciting something from their childhood lessons, even to this day. They've never been able to quite shake the "student voice."

You are still only a student. And you will be so long as you refuse to take what is rightfully ours.

"Oh!" Katherine's face lights up with recognition and she bounces on her toes, wings aflutter. "I read about that! It's an Oceanic thing!"

Oceanic, not Swamp. Interesting.

The Codfather tilts his head to the side, radiating bewilderment despite the mask completely obscuring his features. "Um...yeah? Wait, do land-folk not do those? At all?"

Both Sausage and Katherine shake their head and Katherine expands verbally, talking right over the Codfather's hushed 'oh.'

"Not between empires, not since the Worldspawn Treaty. It's not uncommon for different families within an empire to form alliance through marriage though."

Xornoth wisely stays silent, though they can't quite help but touch the enchanted jewel fastening their cape at the shoulder. Only Katherine notices, but she's the only one of present company who knows what it means anyway.

"Oh," The Codfather seems a bit taken aback. "I thought it was just that it hadn't happened recently, not that you didn't at all."

"No," Sausage looks intrigued. "We don't."

"We could though," Katherine says suddenly, looking ecstatic. "The treaty just rendered those kinds of alliances of limited use, it didn't forbid them. What about a marriage truce between The Wither Rose Alliance and The Swamp!"

All three of them stare at the faerie queen like she's crazy. (At least, Xornoth is assuming that's what The Codfather's emotions are.) Sausage's eyebrows alone are conveying enough skepticism for the whole room. The Codfather's tail swishes uneasily.

Like a fish on a hook.

Sausage latches onto the movement with a smirk. "Aw! Do you not want to marry me, Jimmy?"

"I would rather move to the desert," The Codfather says without hesitation. "Or the Nether."

"Maybe not the two of you," Katherine says, even her spiteful optimism clearly powerless against the reality of what the outcome of that would be. Wise of her. Xornoth doesn't trust them to not kill each other before they make it to the wedding night. If they even made it to the wedding itself. "We are trying to make peace, not break it irreparably. But the Wither Rose Alliance is the largest alliance. Surely something can be arranged. For a...Binding Agreement the two parties have to be of equal or near-equal standing, right?"

"Well yes, but-"

"So," she says triumphantly, cutting The Codfather off before he can even get started. "One of the other emperors?"

There is a moment of silence as they all contemplate, even Sausage looking more focused than usual.

They are going to hurt themselves, trying that hard to utilize what little intelligence they have.

"Fwhip?" Sausage eventually offers, somewhat unsure, but also clearly just trying for a reaction.

And he gets one; a loud, rattly, snarling hiss that, despite usually considering The Codfather's threat level somewhere between "negligible" and "non-existent", Xornoth find themself sitting up straighter and even has Sausage taking a step back, visibly startled. Deep in the corner of their mind that Xornoth does their best to ignore, a shudder of disquiet resonates for a moment before being cut off.

Katherine's eyes are wide and, seemingly without realizing it, she takes to the air slightly, hovering over the floor, set to evade any attacks. Xornoth realizes that their hand is on the hilt of their sword and slowly, so as not to draw attention, they withdraw it back to their book. Their wings stay mantled, primaries brushing against he walls of their alcove.

"Okay, not Fwhip," Katherine says hurriedly, slowly dropping back down to the floor and smoothing her skirt out in a nervous gesture she's had since she was small. Usually she does better at controlling herself. She'd had the unphased exterior trained into her well before Xornoth ever met her and, however amiable and relaxed she likes to appear, they know its always there beneath.

If we pinned her wings to the wall like a butterfly and made her watch, that would phase her.

Xornoth contemplates smashing the side of their head into the wall. Unconsciousness has about a 50/50 chance of bringing peace and quiet with it. Unfortunately, the hangings in this library nook are imported from Rivendell, several layers of thick woolen brocade. It probably wouldn't be a very effective attempt. And would have them looking crazy in front of two allies and a...not quite enemy. (Though if they don't sort this out that will probably be changing very soon.)

Let there be war, one step closer to our full power.

Katherine has moved on. "What about Gem?"

Sausage snorts a laugh but also looks a little terrified at the idea of even suggesting such a thing. Perhaps the wisest he's been all day, based off what Xornoth has gathered about what seems to amount to a neighbors' spat between him and The Codfather. (Albeit a neighbors spat with centuries of animosity behind it and that is now threatening war.)

The Codfather shakes his head a little frantically, the copper-beaded tassels on the side of the mask clinking against the trident slung across his back. "She's scary."

He seems to realize that he said that out loud and quickly scrambles like a fish suffocating on a rock to cover for it. "And, uh, Great Wizard isn't a title with a lot of..." He flounders a bit. "There could be a new Great Wizard tomorrow, if someone beat her. It has to be a more permanent title."

Personally, Xornoth finds the likelihood of anyone replacing Gemini Tay at any point during a mortal lifetime (and possibly longer) very, very unlikely. It takes a lot to outshine bringing the dragons back. But The Codfather is right. And not only is Gem scary, she's also mean. Which most people don't realize because she spends so much time keeping Fwhip and Sausage from getting themselves killed. Xornoth has been to enough Wither Rose meetings to fear her though. She would eat The Codfather alive.

They do also find themself a little bit impressed, they hadn't thought he had that level of awareness of the internal workings o the other kingdoms.

If we gutted him like a fish he'd squeal so nicely.

It's been a while since Xornoth turned a page. They turn a page.

"Pearl can't be that closely tied to any other ruler," Katherine keeps going. "Too many people across the Empires rely on their trade with her and it isn't fair to your people to risk their well-being that way."

Honestly, if it came to war, Xornoth is fairly certain that Pearl would fight to remain neutral. It would destroy her, being unable to help her friends. Rip that golden heart of hers right out of her chest and shred it in the dust, but so many people from all the lands depend on Helianthia's crops and herds to remain fed. And her sense of duty, to her own people and all the others would take precedence over her loyalty to her friends, and that would kill her swifter than any blade.

If the war did not destroy her lands, and her with them, first.

The page in their white-knuckled grip begins to tear on the edge.

Rip them all to pieces, give the farmer the fight she wants.

Rivendell would follow Helianthia, Xornoth acknowledges. They are not as selfless as Pearl. And even if they were, they could not condemn Rivendell to another harsh winter of starvation and death. They would stand to defend her against all comers (and there would be many who came, lured by the resources she guarded) both as a friend and as a political alliance. Rivendell is not back to the point of being able to sustain themselves, not if the winters continue to worsen the way they have been. Loathe as they are to admit it, even inside their own head where no one can hear.

Well, no one but-

Wheat fields burn so easily, all it would take is a single spark in the right place and all of Mythland would be in flames.

Carefully, carefully, Xornoth sets their book down on the table beside them and places their hands in their lap. Katherine will stop allowing them to borrow her books if they start spontaneously combusting them. Hopefully she doesn't notice the slightly singed cover.

"Joey?" Now it is Katherine who's skepticism is betrayed in her voice and Sausage actually snorts a laugh. All three of them look over at Xornoth, though The Codfather quickly looks away again.

Free us of the silly bird.

"Good luck with that," Sausage says, giggling, and waggles his eyebrows at Xornoth. They pretend to not see, giving their full attention to the tapestry on the wall beside them in a vain attempt at pretending that their painfully un-subtle affair is not the most gossiped about topic among the emperors at present.

This is an old one, probably gifted by their grandparents to the House Blossom Lady of the time. The knot-work symbol in the corner is one they are unfamiliar with, not the signature of any artisan from their lifetime.

"And Xornoth is already married," Katherine doesn't acknowledge Sausage's behavior, beyond an annoyed look, which is probably for the best.

The Codfather jerks his head sharply to the side, "and that's all the royals in your alliance." He sounds almost smug. "None of them work."

And that is when Xornoth makes what they will refer to for centuries to come as "The Mistake." They pick their book back up and affect disinterest as they impulsively decide to wipe the smug grin they are imagining off The Codfather's face. "There is my brother."

There is a long moment of silence. Xornoth eventually looks up and gets their first inkling of how badly they might have just messed up when they see the astonished expression on Sausage's face, and the slowly dawning delight on Katherine's. They stubbornly ignore the blank cod-face staring directly at them.

Why do you consistently choose to prove your incompetence.

"Your brother is alive?" Sausage says but is cut off by Katherine.

"Oh!" she says, bouncing on her toes, hands clasped under her chin. "That's perfect!"

--

Chapter Two [TBA]

Chapter Three [TBA]

[chaotickasugaicrows]

Tied with the Kaigaku art on the recent poll was the Avatar AU. So here is some stuff on our Avatar the Last Airbender AU for Demon Slayer which we are calling Sticks and Stones.

Zenitsu is a blind orphan born in the Earth kingdom who unfortunately lives in Ba Sing Se. He’s also the Avatar. He spends a good amount of his childhood on the streets before the Earth Kingdom authorities finally get their directional geomancy to work and figure out who the Avatar is. Then he gets brought (cough kidnapped) to the Upper Ring and is protected (watched) by the Dai Li. The Dai Li impresses on him that it's essential he learns the elements in order according to the Avatar cycle so he learns Earth bending first. The Dai Li stall on getting him a proper Earth bending master never mind the rest of the elements. Once he does learn a bit of earth bending, he uses it alongside his enhanced hearing to navigate the world better. His animal companion is a badgermole by the name of Maru who he made friends with at age 10. Eventually Zenitsu realizes that something isn’t right with the Dai Li and escapes with the help of Genya who he sorta made friends with when he was on the streets. The two of them are framed for the death of the Earth King, making them fugitives.

Genya is a non bender that lives in the Earth Kingdom. His entire family, sans Sanemi, was killed by Fire Nation soldiers. Sanemi left him behind so he helps Zenitsu with the condition that they find his older brother on the way. Genya has some things to say and maybe some frustration to unload (a punch in the face). He starts out using a sword then switches to several long range weapons and finally settles on smithing his own gun. 

Sanemi is a non bender that eventually figures out he’s an air bender. He runs an illegal fringe resistance group focused on revenge against the fire nation. He’s a little too black and white and not the best about reducing collateral damage. He left Genya behind in the Earth Kingdom for safety reasons.

Inosuke is a water bender from the swamps so more like a vine bender. He likes covering himself in vines and making a swamp monster to destroy enemies. He has a catgator pet named Shine [she-neh] that he sometimes also covers in vines and rides into battle. His weapon of choice is a big club which he acquired from Giyuu (after much bugging). Makomo taught him how to wield it. He’s also covered in henna. He joins the Avatar’s little road trip on the way.

Aoi is a water bender from the Northern Water tribe and a healer who joins the Avatar’s group on their journey. Inosuke drives her insane because he didn’t know water could heal and is basically a self taught menace. She refuses to use water bending to attack but she does end up learning defensive moves in secret, affected by the rest of the group. Eventually she learns blood bending too. 

Giyuu, Sabito, Makomo, and Urokodaki are all from the Southern Water tribe. They are all water benders except Sabito. Urokodaki adopted the three of them after they lost their family to Fire Nation attacks. Giyuu uses a water tribe club, Makomo fights with an ice shiv that she creates with bending, and Sabito has a boomerang and a short sword. 

We have more but that will be for a future post. The state of the Fire nation and fire benders like Tanjirō and Nezuko requires quite a bit of explanation. 

[sillyfudgemonkeys]

Kirima's Heritage Theory (Yangchen Novels spoilers)

Ok ok ok ok. I know I (half) joked (half hc'd) that Atuat (and Amak) were grandkids/great-grandkids of Kavik and Yangchen. (reasons being nothing more than Atuat and Yangchen having great healing abilities, and Amak being assassin/up people's business reminding me of the political shenanigans Kavik/Yangchen get up to. Not a lot to stand on other than "it would be funny.")

But I woke up in a cold sweat today and realized "What if Kirima was actually Chaisee and Kaylaan's great-grand/great-great-grandkid? O_O

Tbh I've always just headcanoned her as someone who came from the Swamp Bending community (and ran away from it). But the more I think about the Chaisee/Kaylaan thing.....the more it might kinda works jskljf TT0TT Like both with what context we have on the chars (like it's plausible) AND in a satisfying narrative sense.

Chaisee/Kaylaan have to go into hiding with their son after the events of Legacy. Always on the move. Chaisee, though her land is in the Fire Nation territory, her heritage is a mystery (iirc) with no bending lineage. Then you have Kaylaan, who provides the waterbending for this theory. Their child is of mix heritage, and Kirima is most likely mixed as well (considering Kyoshi and Jingsu are, and Xu is hinted to be, and Kirima wears EK clothing except for a pelt, it's possible Kirima has at least some EK mixed into her because of how often it comes up in Yee's novels, tho genetic wise her WT side appears to be the dominant gene).

Anyway, the important thing I wanna focus on is, genetic wise it lines up and their situation lines up as well.

This is what Kirima states when Xu comes back:

Chaisee/Kaylaan would've been on the move running from the Earth King for the rest of their lives. I can see their kids and grandkids maybe even adopting a similar stance. Wouldn't be surprised if she joined Jesa's gang partially cause it was easier to stay on the move.

Combine that with, the entire reason Yangchen let them go on the run in the first place, it'd keep them from gaining power and status. Which would possibly make the family poor/not in good standing. Which is a big reason why a lot of (normal/general) daofei exist:

Narratively it'd be kinda satisfying imo. An action caused by Yangchen over a hundred years ago, aka "Showing mercy to her villain" only for it to come back and HELP a future Avatar? Usually we have a trickle down of Avatar's actions harming their successor, but this would flip that on it's head.

It would've been such a balm, such a shining light from all the BS Yangchen hand to go through and the problems she caused. (because, her actions did lead to Kyoshi's circumstances, because how Kuruk had to address Yangchen issues first, yes we know these issues started with Szeto and probs started with his predecessor before him and yadda yadda). But it would've been just SO GREAT for the girlie to get a win for Kyoshi. TT0TT

And if that's not enough to convince you. Consider this. Kirima telling Rangi "Hey yeah I'm also part Fire National, did you know?" and Rangi just fucking losing it. Just the absolute shock and horror of it all would be worth it. Just for the comedy jfdksalfjd TT0TT

Like, I know it's probs not the case. A lot of these can be explained away imo. Kirima could just be wearing EK clothes because she lives there/wants to blend in. The whole "on the run" move probs is because of Jesa and Air Nomads with their negative jing. But what if....fun? It's just a fun silly idea? jaskfjda

[shortsketches]

Also called "In Which Mr. Williams Inadvertently Gave Cogs the Upper-hand (The Old Man Should Not Have Been Allowed to Cook)"

Anyways wow finally getting around to explaining the Big No-No™ Sherman did that really set things in motion.

So, when Sherman was partnered with the toons, it was known that he intended to try to find a way to make cogs more toon-like as most cogs cannot handle toon humor. At first he thought it was about mental conditioning, and to an extent, cogs gradually acclimated to toon humor could last longer before being worn down, but this was not really an effective change.

Over time, he set his sights towards trying to figure out what Laff -is- and whether or not that can be applied to cogs, after all, Sherman himself is an anomaly that is powered by Laff; to an extent, the story he told himself in his head is that he's trying to give other cogs "his gift." Of course, trying to work off of yourself when it's hard to know if there are other cogs with the exact same defect is tricky. He can't quite figure it out, and it seems that pure Laff itself tends to destabilize cogs, however, he did find something close enough.

By equipping cogs with a supplemental power core utilizing silly particles as a power source, cogs who underwent the procedure would appear to have Laff to some capacity without actually having it. While these cores are vaguely unstable, they were generally safe enough for those cogs to adjust to over time.

Of course, the main thing Sherman didn't bother to think about is that just because you make cogs a bit toonier, doesn't mean they'll do good things with it. While cogs who underwent silly particle infusion were given increased immunity to toon humor and the capability to understand and utilize it, it did not mean that most of those cogs didn't still harbor anti-toon sentiment.

Upon realizing that he effectively just made cogs that were even more capable of harming toons by virtue of being harder to destroy, Sherman promptly ceased performing silly particle infusion procedures and tried to wrangle up prior subjects to uninstall their hardware and revert them to their prior state. Unfortunately, the cat was out of the bag the second a subject managed to escape and fled back to Cog Nation.

Once Cog Nation realized what was done, it was over. Cog Nation had an intact silly particle power core on their hands and they were quick to figure it out. In a matter of months, toons were swamped with increasingly difficult waves of cogs, with future lots being even stronger as manufacturing was gradually refined.

Of course, it was easy to see that all these new cogs had different hardware and it wasn't hard at all to deduce that this was a result of Sherman's work prior, and Sherman himself knew right from the get go this was his mistake the second rumors started passing around.

When the Toon Council sent out rangers for his arrest, they found that Sherman had already run off to god knows where. Sherman knows damn well that he inadvertently doomed the toons, that he cannot return to face them, and swears up and down that one day he will find a way to help them push Cog Nation back despite knowing deep down that there might not be anything he can do to mitigate any of this now.

The War ramped up with the toons having to become even more aggressive to even have a chance against the cogs which results in pretty sizeable chunks of both Toontown and Cog Nation becoming uninhabitable territories that cogs don't view as advantageous to utilize and that toons have a hard time trying to renew and reclaim as habitable green space. It's said there's a ghost in the ruins, really it's just Sherman wandering around sentenced to witness what he put the toons through, still futilely trying to think of a solution that will probably never arrive.

[simpforfandoms]

i just watched little woman can a plese get a laurie/amy type situation where reader is barbara's sister and laurie is like dick

this is just a little drabble thing cause I’m to lazy to write a full fic but I might in the future, I’m just swamped with school right now

word count: 958

masterlist

.

Ever since he quit being Robin he hasn’t been around as much, much to your dismay. You miss his presence. A little to much to your liking. You might have a fiancé but at last, your heart belongs to another. You know it’s not fair to him, but you hope that in time you’ll forget about Dick and can bring yourself to love him. Though it’s been 2 years with him and you still do not love him the way you do Dick, you have faith that your heart will come around. Until Dick Grayson walts back into your life. Literally. He walked into the gala and asked for a dance, Dick being Dick, whisked you away to the balcony. He stops dancing once on the balcony and his demeanor changes from a playful to a much more serious one.

“Don’t marry him.” He states. Looking at you. Not as a question but as a command.

Not what you wanted to hear.

“What?” You say, shocked.

He sighs.

“Don’t marry him.”

“Why?” You say, your eyes almost squinting at him, darring him to speak.

He sighs.

“You know why.”

You shake your head furiously, closing your eyes, to afraid to look at him.

“No. No. No. You don’t get to do this to me Dick.” You say never once opening your eyes, afraid tears will well.

“Yes.” He states, reminding you of your petty childhood arguments.

You feel his hand reaching for yours, you instantly open your eyes and and move your hand away.

“No. Dick. Stop it. You’re being mean” your voice cracking as you speak. You lean your head back, to keep the tears at bay, “you don’t get to say that. Not when I’m finally happy with my life. Happy without you.”

You bring your head back to look at him in his eyes. Not caring if the tears fall.

Now it’s his turn to shake his head, “I know that’s a lie. I can see it in your eyes. You don’t love him. Trust me I know you, I can tell.”

“You don’t even know me anymore!” You shout, ”Two years have gone since I’ve last saw you. You are nothing more than a stranger to me”

“Don’t say that. I’ve know you my whole life. I’ve loved you my whole life.”

“No you don’t say that. I see the way you look at my sister. You have loved her your whole life.” You let out a quick breath, furious at him, “I have been second to Barbara my whole life in everything. I will not be second to her in love. And I won’t be the person you settle for just because you can not have her.”

You turn to leave but not before dick says one last thing, “it’s not like that!” His voice cracking, resembling his adolescence, “The love I have for you is different from the love I have for her. It’s you. You’re the one I choice to laugh with and to cry with. You’re the one I want to spend the rest of my life with. Everything I’ve done and will do is all for you. It’s you above everyone else in the world. I love you and only you.”

You sigh, looking him dead in his piercing blue eyes, a single tear dropping “Stop it. I won’t. I can’t do it, Dick. Not when I’ve loved you for eternity.”

With that you leave him there, staring at your back as leave to return to the gala. He can only watch as you are in another man’s arms. Maybe this is the last time he sees you. So he soaks it in no matter how much he longs for you to be in his arms.

.

He walks up behind you, dressed in all black, peering at the fresh earth piled on top of a new resting place.

“I thought you were with the titans” you told him, not even looking at him.

“I came as soon as I heard. We might have not been close but he was still my brother. Plus I couldn’t let you be here alone. Even if you despise me, I don’t despise you.”

A moment of silence.

“He could’ve been great.” You say

“I know.”

“Jason was the best of all of us.”

“I know.” He says putting an arm around you

“I’m gonna miss him Dick.” You let him engole you into a full hug. Pressing your head to chest. It brings you comfort.

You pull away, after a moment, wiping any tears that might have fallen.

“I’m not marrying him”

He turns to you.

“I heard about that.”

Before he can talk more you quickly say, “and you are under no obligation to say anything or do anything. It just didn’t feel right. We don’t need to say anything. That is that”

“Are you finished?”

You turn to him, to finally look him in the eyes, “yeah”

“Good cause now I can do this” he says as he brings you closer to him to touch your lips. He’s grabs your face, as a weak attempt to bring you closer than you already are. He can’t help it, he loves you, and he wants you to know it. It is like no other kiss you’ve had, it is fierce and passionate, as if he is trying to say a million words. It is a kiss of pure love.

You eventually pull away to gasp for air.

“That was nice” you say panting

He chuckles, “it was wasn’t it?”

.

*bonus*

“So you’re telling me you used my death to win her back?!?” Jason says.

“When you put it like that….”

“IM LITERALLY CUPID”

You just laugh glancing at your wedding band.

[mahayanapilgrim]

If you want to know your past life, look at your present condition. If you want to know your future life, look at your present actions.

Are you oblivious to the sufferings of birth, old age, sickness and death? There is no guarantee that you will survive, even past this very day! The time has come for you to develop perseverance in the purpose of your life and practice. For, at this singular opportunity, you could attain the everlasting bliss of nirvana. So now is certainly not the time to sit idly, but starting with the reflection on death, you should bring your practice to completion!

The moments of our life are not expendable, And the possible circumstances of death are beyond imagination.

If you do not achieve an undaunted confident security now, What point is there in your being alive, O living creature?

Please guide all beings from this swamp of cyclic existence!

You don't have to be a philosopher; you just have to want to know who you are...

Death holds up an all-seeing mirror, 'the mirror of past actions',

; to our eyes, in which the consequences of all our negative and positive actions are clearly seen and there is a weighing of our past actions in the light of their consequences, the balance of which will determine the kind of existence or mental state we are being driven to enter.

Look at your science - the methods of analysis are principally applied to investigating the nature of material entities. Thus, the ultimate nature of matter is sought through a reductive process and the macroscopic world is reduced to the microscopic world of particles. Yet, when the nature of these particles is further examined, we find that ultimately their very existence as objects is called into question.

~ Padmasambhava (8th Century)

Abandon your notions of the past, without attributing a temporal sequence! Cut off your mental associations regarding the future, without anticipation! Rest in a spacious modality, without clinging to [the thoughts of] the present. Do not meditate at all, since there is nothing upon which to meditate. Instead, revelation will come through undistracted mindfulness — Since there is nothing by which you can be distracted.

O, you, with your mind far away, thinking that death will not come, Entranced by the pointless activities of this life, If you were to return empty-handed now, would not your [life's] purpose have been [utterly] confused?

Recognise what it is that you truly need! It is a sacred teaching [for liberation]! So, should you not practise this divine [sacred] teaching, beginning from this very moment?

~ Padmasambhava

Transcendent renunciation is developed by meditating on the preciousness of human life in terms of the ocean of evolutionary possibilities, the immediacy of death, the inexorability of evolutionary causality, and the sufferings of the ignorance-driven, involuntary life cycle. Renunciation automatically occurs when you come face-to-face with your real existential situation, and so develop a genuine sympathy for yourself, having given up pretending the prison of habitual emotions and confusions is just fine.

Meditating on the teachings given on these themes in a systematic way enables you to generate quickly an ambition to gain full control of your body and mind in order at least to face death confidently, knowing you can navigate safely through the dangers of further journeys. Wasting time investing your life in purposes that "you cannot take with you" becomes ludicrous, and, when you radically shift your priorities, you feel a profound relief at unburdening yourself of a weight of worry over inconsequential things.

Agitation due to circumstances occurs when because of an external incident, you follow a thought, and your mind becomes agitated and scatters into a disturbing emotion. When that happens, keep the attitude of "There is no need to do anything!" Train in loving kindness and compassion, disenchantment, means and knowledge, and devotion. Following that, persevere in the practice as at the time of the view. That will clear it.

If, upon looking outwards towards the external expanse of the sky, There are no projections emanated by the mind, And if, on looking inwards at one's own mind, There is no projectionist who projects [thoughts] by thinking them, Then, one's own mind, completely free from conceptual projections.

~ Padmasambhava

[lilbagdermole]

Toph & Aang - The Swamp Episode Analysis

In my opinion, The Swamp is an episode that is very overlooked in the Taang community despite it laying out some of most integral groundwork for Toph and Aang's relationship. It additionally gave us some narrative and contextual clues that hinted at the possibility of a deep, romantic relationship between these two characters.

At the start of the episode, the Gaang is hovering above the immensity of the Swamp. Immediately, Aang feels himself attracted to it, stating that it was calling for him. After Katara and Sokka convice Aang to leave, they were forcibly brought down by a massive tornado.

Ok, let's start by analyzing this part here. As we later find out, The Swamp is living thing and, to some extent, cognizant and spiritual. It was calling to Aang and when he did not come, it made sure he would. And for what? People can justify that it wanted to show Aang the path towards the person capable of teaching him Earthbending... But, then that contradicts what we learn later into the episode.

After some time, Aang is separated from Katara and Sokka and it is that Toph Beifong is first introduced. A mysterious, young girl dressed in a beatiful dress and giggling. A girl that Aang doesn't recognize because he has never met her before. His interest is peaked and he calls out for, chases after her bur she remains always out of reach, unachievable, until she dissappears as he clashes into Katara.

As he learn, alongside Aang, The Swamp grants people apparitions of the ones the love/lost. For Katara, it was her mother who she had loved and lost to the war; For Sokka, it was romantic love, Yue, a woman he'd loved and lost. For both siblings, their visions were predictable and expected.

But then we have Aang's? His was the vision of a girl he'd never met. He then finds out he'll eventually meet her (and he does) but again, we know that Toph will be someone Aang either loses or will love.

We know that Toph never dies in Aang's timeline - as he dies before her. So, that leaves the narrative context that Toph was someone that Aang would love.

Now people can justify this as platonic love but it just wouldn't fit. Katara's vision was based on loss. Sokka's on love - and not platonic, but romantic.

Additionally, let me go back to The Swamp forcing Aang into it. It called out for Aang to show him Toph Beifong - his future Earthbending Master and a person he would grow to love. Toph is so detrimental to Aang that Spiritual forces made it so Aang crashed into the Swamp just so he knew who to search for. It fed him everything it could without revealing too much - her fanily insignia, her notorious giggle, her prestigious status. And it was this vision that led him to her.

Toph Beifong isn't just Aang's friend or teacher. She is more than that. She is someone who the Spirits, Fate and Destiny wanted Aang to meet because she would be someone he would love, someone he would love to the same levels as Katara loved her Mother and Sokka loved Yue.

They had the potential to be such an amazingly good couple with astounding foreshadowing and narrative context, yet, the writers abandoned this plot point and we never got to see it come into fruition.

However, The Swamp still made it's comeback in TLOK. Toph lives in it as an elderly, presumably for years. She lives in the place that Aang had first seen her. He can presume that The Swamp called for her as it once did Aang - and we understand that, just as all the roots of the trees tangle and join together, so were Aang and Toph's lives. And no one can deny the fact that Aang loved Toph tremendously, beyond platonic.

[madneedshelp]

Redemption - Josh Kiszka x FReader

Summary: After an accident leaves you on the brink of death, the images of your life flash by while you’re in this limbo state. All the moments with the best friend you never got the courage to confess to consume you at the end. Now, all you can do is beg and plead for one last chance with him. Words: 3.3k

Warnings: Description of accident, language, mentions of death, alcohol use

Note: Ok so I know this fic is just super out of pocket, the idea came to me at like 2 am during finals week when my brain was fried, but I wrote it anyway. Also, I tried to not insinuate any religious afterlife specifications just because obviously not everyone has the same beliefs, so I promise I don’t want to offend anyone. I hope you all enjoy my weird fic!

There was no way to describe the way you were feeling except as saying you felt nothing. It was almost as if you were nothing. You were in an abyss of nothingness, but in a warm and bright way. It was comforting, not terrifying.

Still, you were vaguely conscious of the fact that this was…odd. Time didn’t seem to affect you, so you weren’t sure how long it took you to remember what happened to you.

There was an accident. It had poured so heavily the day before, but you and your two friends were on a hiking trip and determined to do a trail anyway. There was a small break in the rain and both you and Josh decided you should seize your opportunity. Jake had tried to be the voice of reason, but the two of you pulled him along anyway.

You were about halfway done when it was like the skies opened up and rain swamped you all. There weren't any good options for shelter, so you pushed ahead as fast as you could. By the time you made it to the final stretch, the downpour was thick enough that you couldn’t really see and mud kept trying to take hold of your shoes, but all you had to do was make it uphill and you’d be at the parking lot.

Jake and Josh were ahead of you, just far enough to be out of reach when you slipped. The path was narrow and slick. There weren’t any trees of substantial size along the edges. The combination of all those things ended with you sliding right off the edge of the cliffside.

The last vague memory you had is the sounds of screaming and the flash of fear as you plummeted toward a boulder below.

Despite the warm place you seemed to be in, cold panic started to seep into your veins. Were you dead? You must’ve hit your head on the way down, and now you were…no, no, no, you couldn’t be. You were a year away from finishing your undergrad, you had future trips planned with friends, and you hadn’t even told your best friend that you loved him yet.

Josh. What about Josh? You couldn’t die before you got to tell him how you felt. You had so many opportunities, but you never took any of them because you didn’t want to lose him if he didn’t feel the same. Hundreds of chances, but you always banked on there being a next time. Now you might've run out.

—--8 Years Ago—--

“Josh, I swear if you don’t put that back where it belongs, I will shave your eyebrows while you sleep!” You shouted, taking a good ten steps back from the curly-haired boy.

You should’ve known better than to agree to go to the creek with Josh. He and Jake had been begging you to come down here with you for weeks, but the weather hadn’t been very warm so far. Now that it was summer break, the three of you had ventured out here.

Not that you minded the extra time with Josh. Yeah, he was your best friend, but something was different lately. Though you had never talked about the feelings with anyone before, you knew it was a crush. You really liked this boy, even if he was kind of annoying and a bit of a weirdo.

He looked between you and the newt in his hands with false innocence. “What’s wrong? It’s not gonna hurt you. Don’t you like lizards?”

You held out an arm to signal for him to stay back. “I don’t love them, and also that’s not a lizard. Now please, just put him down.”

“It’s not? Here, why don’t you take a closer look just to check.” A mischievous grin spread across his face as he lunged toward you with the small creature.

You let out a small shriek and took off down the creek. He followed after you instantly while laughing maniacally.

At some point, he either dropped or let the newt go, but it turned into him just chasing you. With the threat of the best gone, your competitive streak started to come alive and you would be damned if you let him beat you. Your legs were just a bit longer than his and you were fast. However, Josh was a ball of energy and he was rapidly gaining on you in the rocky terrain.

Just as his hand closed around your arm you tripped on a slippery rock and the both of you went down with a splash. The two of you kept laughing for a minute until if faded as a silent realization fell upon both of you.

Josh had fallen to where he was on his hands and knees hovering over where you lie on your back. His face was only inches from yours.

Neither of you were sure why the other didn’t move. Whether it was due to actual feelings or simply the curiosity of 13 year old kids starting to wonder about what it would be like to kiss someone, you couldn’t tell. You were stuck with your eyes locked on each other.

Unfortunately, you never got to find out what would’ve happened. You both hesitated a moment too long and Jake’s shouting grabbed your attention. He must’ve returned from his trip back to grab some water.

“Josh! Y/N! Dad said lunch is ready!”

“Coming!” Josh shouted back, scrambling up from his position.

He offered you a hand, which you took shyly, and started to brush yourself off. Neither of you said a word as you made your way back to the grassy lawn where you left your stuff. Jake was already gone by the time you two climbed up the bank.

“Hey, uh, do you want my shirt?” Josh held up the article of clothing.

He was smart enough to have shed it before you played in the creek. Still, his question took you aback.

“What?” You felt your face warm slightly.

He seemed to get a bit more embarrassed as he explained. “Well your shirt got soaked when we fell, so I just wondered if you wanted to borrow it.”

“Oh, um, yeah thanks.” You grabbed the shirt from him with a small smile.

As soon as it was in your hand, it hit you that you’d have to take off your shirt to change. And you were pretty far from the house. And there were very few trees along the creek.

Even at 13 Josh was a good guy. His manners kicked in when it mattered. Without you asking, he swiveled to face the field away from you so you could change and made a playful remark about keeping watch, even though it was highly unlikely that anyone would turn up.

You quickly swapped out your wet t-shirt for his dry one and poked him on the shoulder. “I’m done now.”

“Great, let’s go.” He smiled at you.

He was still quiet on the walk back. Normally, you could handle a comfortable silence with Josh, but this afternoon things were different. The two of you nearly kissed in the creek, you were wearing his shirt, and now you were noticing that he smelt oddly good for a teenage boy.

You would never tell anyone how much you regretted not kissing Josh. He would’ve been your first kiss. You ended up wasting it on some boy at a school dance the following school year, and you didn’t even really like him. But how could you have kissed Josh back at the creek when you didn’t think he wanted the same thing?

—--3 Years Ago—--

“Babe, you look absolutely stunning!” Jake’s girlfriend beamed at you after she finished doing your hair.

You flushed and blew a playful kiss at her. “Stop it, you look gorgeous! I can’t wait to see the look on Jake’s face!”

You and her had become good friends in the time she’d been dating Jake. She’d offered to do your hair for prom if you would do her makeup, and the two of you even went dress shopping together. It was kind of refreshing considering most of the time you hung out with the twins.

“I’m more excited to see Josh’s face. Seriously, there’s no way he’s just gonna sit there all night and keep calling you his best friend. He’s got it bad for you and this is gonna break him.” She smirked at you.

You rolled your eyes at her. “Not true.” It was, though. She had figured out your crush on him a while ago, but you would never admit it.

You and Josh were going to prom together, yes, but just as friends. You broke up with your boyfriend a few weeks ago, and Josh and his girlfriend had ended things around the same time too. That left both of you single and in need of prom dates. It felt only natural to go with your best friend, especially when you’d planned on going with Jake and his girlfriend as a group anyways.

“You know I don’t believe you, but I’d rather go see the proof now, so let’s go.” She winked and pulled you out of her room and downstairs.

As expected, Jake found his girlfriend to be extremely pretty and told her so at least four times. If you hadn’t been paying attention to their goofball romance, you might’ve noticed that Josh was looking at you like you were a shooting star, bright and rare, like if he blinked he would miss you entirely.

Once you stepped over to him, he blinked and cleared his throat nervously. “You look really nice.”

“Thank you, you do too.” You smile at him, trying to keep your voice even. He really did look good. He’d done his best to tame his wild hair and he even got a vest for his suit that matched your dress.

He offered you his arm and the two of you followed behind Jake and his girlfriend to the front yard to take pictures. Everyone’s parents were present, and millions of pictures of everyone and every combination of each were taken. For the next few years you kept a picture of you and Josh from prom in your room, along with your other favorites.

After pictures and dinner, the four of you finally made it to prom and everyone scattered periodically to mingle. Jake and Josh went to talk to some of their other friends, and you and Jake’s girlfriend did the same. Eventually, you all snuck out the back and drank a bit from the flasks you snuck in and returned to repeat the cycle of talking and dancing.

Of course it wouldn’t have been prom without the cheesy slow song thrown randomly in the mix. The four of you happened to have already been on the dance floor dancing to the upbeat song previously played, so Jake and his girlfriend almost immediately switched into slow-dance-mode. That left you and Josh. You were just thinking it would be the perfect time for a drink break when Josh held out his hand.

“Dance with me?” He asked with a grin.

You returned it and nodded. “Of course.”

As the steady ballad crooned from the speakers, you and Josh drifted together. His hand on your waist, your arms around his neck, you looked like every other couple on the dancefloor.

“Crazy to think we’re already here and graduating in like a month.” He chuckled.

“Oh, don’t go getting all sappy on me now, Joshy.”

“Can’t help it, I guess this music is just getting to me. Can I be honest with you?”

You narrowed your eyes at him and nodded. “Yeah?”

He chuckled under his breath for a moment before he sobered up a little. “Relax, it’s nothing bad. I’m just glad that I’m here with you.”

You felt the seriousness creep back into you then. “Me too. There’s no one I’d rather be here with.”

The thoughts you had been trying to push away for the past few months were threatening to surface. Graduation in May. Summer break in June and July. Then you’d leave for college in August. After that you’d be states away from your best friends and family.

Just tell him. Say it now while you have the courage. The small voice inside you was screaming, but there was enough of you too terrified to act. You couldn’t ruin prom and the whole summer together if things went south.

Instead, you settled for laying your head on his shoulder and mumbling “I’m going to miss you.”

—--Your 21st Birthday—--

Nashville was a fun place to celebrate your 21st birthday. Since you didn’t get to see your friends often, the three of you splurged on the event and decided to take a trip. While you had all been drinking way before it was legal, being able to go bar hopping was still exciting.

Needless to say, you were all drunk and having a blast. You’d spent the earlier part of the day sightseeing and exploring the city, but tonight was the real reason for the trip.

At the last minute, you invited your college roommate out of nerves. You had gotten lucky to have been matched with Katie, she was now a close friend of yours. That’s why you asked her to come. You hadn’t seen Josh since your last break from school and you were more than a little nervous. You kept in touch over the phone, but in person was different. You were still in love with him, despite the fact that you’d tried to fall for other people, so you brought Katie in case you freaked.

Unfortunately, you forgot about Katie’s weakness for long-haired men and Jake’s tendency to be a bit of a hoe (which you meant completely lovingly). The moment Jake started tipsy-flirting with her, her buzzed self folded. They had been talking for a good part of the night.

However, things between you and Josh were good. You two were cool. You were friendly for the whole day, and now that you were on the drinking portion of the trip, your crush was scaring you less and less. It was definitely the liquid courage in your veins.

It was the dancing at a club that took you all out. The alcohol finally developed its depressant effect and tiredness was beginning to seep over all of you. Thankfully, the Air BnB you rented wasn’t far and you all were able to walk back home safely.

Katie and Jake were dangerously close to making out on the couch once you’d returned, so you and Josh escaped to the balcony. The night air was chilly and the two of you snuggled close to keep warm.

“This is nice.” You murmured, a dreamy smile on your face.

“What is?” Josh mumbled.

“You being here. With me.”

“Hmm I like being with you too, baby.” He hummed happily.

You snuggled into his side. “I love you, Joshy. I wish you were with me all the time.”

He wrapped his arm tighter around you. “I love you too. You’re my best friend, just don’t tell Jake.”

Even in your inebriated state, his words hit you. Best friend. Nothing more. You suddenly felt less buzzed and giggly. You were starting to remember that you were just a girl who had loved her best friend since she was 13 and he didn’t see you as anything else.

Except that he did. You didn’t know it, but he loved you so much. He wanted to tell you that too, but you looked so sad when he said it back that he got too scared to say more.

The trip ended two days later and you all went your separate ways, no closer to the closure that you so desperately wanted from him.

—--Now—--

You wanted to kick yourself as your life flashed past you. So many chances with Josh. Now he would never know that you loved him and you would never know if he loved you.

This couldn’t be it. It couldn’t end like this.

Please.

Anything.

I’ll do anything for one more shot.

I’ll be brave this time.

I’ll make it count.

Please.

“Y/N?”

It was fuzzy, like you were underwater, but you definitely could hear it.

“Can you hear me?”

You couldn’t quite form the words, but you could hear more clearly now. There was a woman speaking.

“Can you hear us?” Another woman spoke.

This time you formed a hum that you hoped was audible enough to be taken as a ‘yes’.

“Do you think you can open your eyes for me?” The woman asked.

Everything was so heavy, but you tried so so hard. You felt someone brush your arm lightly, and realized you could feel it. You could hear and feel and holy shit that meant you weren’t dead. That was the little push you needed to open your eyes.

You were in what was definitely a hospital room and two women in scrubs were watching you carefully.

“Glad to have you with us, Y/N.” The older one smiled. “I’m Dr. Jones and we heard you stirring a couple minutes ago. You’ve had a lot of people pretty worried.”

“Where…” Your voice was thick and raspy, but after a moment it came back enough. “Where are they?”

The nurse answered as she was checking your vitals. “One of the two boys that brought you in went to the cafeteria a few minutes ago. They said your family was on their way. You’ve been out for almost two days.”

That thought made you nauseous, but then your mind went back to her first words. “Josh?”

The nurse smiled at you. “Yes, I believe that’s him.”

“Y/N?”

You looked over at the doorway to be met with the sight of Josh. He looked exhausted. His eyes were rimmed in dark circles and he just looked…sad. But he was your Josh and it was the best sight you’d ever seen for that reason.

“Looks like you’re stable and doing well, so we’ll give you two a moment. Just take it easy.” Dr. Jones said before stepping out of the room with your nurse.

Josh was at your side in an instant, tears in his eyes. “Oh God, I’m so sorry. We should never have went out there. They didn’t know if you were going to make it. We were so scared. I was so scared. I’m so fucking sorry.”

You placed your hand gently on his arm and shook your head. “It’s not your fault. I made the choice to go. It was just an accident.”

“An accident on the trip I planned. On the hike I suggested. Baby, I’m so sorry.” The tears were falling down his face now.

You slowly lifted a hand to his face. “You didn’t do this, Josh. You actually saved me.”

“No I didn’t. Jake’s the one that carried you in. I…I was too hysterical, I couldn’t calm down.”

“No, not that. I kept seeing you. I had to get back to you. I think that’s what brought me back.” You smiled.

“What?” He wiped at his eyes.

“I couldn’t go, Josh. Not without telling you that I love you. I’ve been in love with you for so many years, and I know this isn’t a great time to say it, but I’m too scared to wait for something else to happen.”

“You mean that?” He croaked.

“I mean it. I love you.”

A fresh wave of tears slid down his cheeks. “God, I should’ve told you sooner. I love you too. I love you so much, and I never want to lose you. I need you.”

This time you took your chance. You pressed a light kiss to his lips and he leaned into it. Sure, you wished the circumstances were different and you could really kiss him, but you would absolutely take this moment over the alternative.

You would spend the rest of your life making the most of your second chance.

[soylent-crocodile]

Progg (Monster)

(Smoky Progg by @louivi)

(The flip side of the Mamuta, I simply HAD to do the Smoky Progg. I was a bit conflicted, whether or not to make the progg human sized or whether to maintain the pikmin scale, and I decided I'd keep it Mamuta sized. So this is a tiny undead fey that blights your lands in revenge for wrongdoings! I know PF fey don't technically have souls, but Rise of the Runelords features a ghost dryad and it's basically the foundation of Golarion canon, so.)

Progg are undead created by the sorrow and hatred of small, benevolent fey when killed in an unholy place. They are driven to blight the land they inhabit, killing plants, choking out livestock, and tormenting the peasantry. Progg have a knowledge of who they once were, but only distantly; whatever connections they made and emotions they felt as a fey are diminished to near nothingness. All a progg feels is an insatiable need to destroy life, especially plants. To this end, progg frequently target stores of seeds, flowers in bloom, and young sapling trees- a land blighted by a progg may not only lose this year’s harvest, but all future harvests if no help comes.

Progg, notably, have little desire to harm humanoids; they will defend themselves if threatened, but if there is a suitable target of young plant life to destroy, a progg will often focus its attention on moving there, even if it’s in danger of being destroyed itself. Good-hearted monster hunters know to sanctify such areas, as progg can not see nor enter such a place- although more unscrupulous adventurers may let the progg carry out its destructive mission in exchange for free hits. 

A smoky black-green mass shambles forward, two red eyes staring dead ahead.

Misc- CR5 NE Tiny Undead (Incorporeal) HD6 Init:+7 Senses: Perception:+11 Lifesense 60ft, Darkvision 60ft Aura: Choking Smog (15ft, DC17) Stats- Str:- Dex:16(+3) Con:- Int:10(+0) Wis:16(+3) Cha:19(+4) BAB:+4 Space:2.5ft Reach:0ft Defense- HP:51(6d8+24) AC:14(+3 Dex, +1 Dodge) Fort:+2 Ref:+5 Will:+8 CMD:15 Immunity: Undead Resistances Weakness: Vulnerable to Plants Special Defenses: Channel Resistance +4, Incorporeal Offense- Touch +9(1d8+4 Negative Energy, Curse of Withering) CMB:+2 Speed:20ft Special Attacks: Curse of Withering (DC17) Feats- Dodge, Improved Initiative, Combat Casting Skills- Intimidate +12, Knowledge (Nature) +5, Perception +11, Sense Motive +11 Spell-like Abilities- (Caster Level 6, Concentration +10, +4 bonus when in Combat) Ghost Sound, Mage Hand /at-will Diminish Plants, Steal Breath (DC16) 3/day Ecology- Environment- Swamps, Urban Languages- Sylvan Organization- Solitary Treasure- None Special Abilities-Aura of Choking Smog (Su)- A progg emits a cloud of necrotic, choking gas that withers and kills any living thing it touches. Nonevil creatures who enter or start their turn within the smog must make a DC17 Fort save or take 2d8 negative energy damage. Curse of Withering (Su)- A creature hit by a progg’s touch attack must make a DC17 Will save or be affected by the progg’s curse of withering. An afflicted creature receives half health from magical healing effects and cannot heal from resting. This curse cannot be dispelled; it requires Remove Curse or a similar effect. Vulnerable to Plants (Ex)- A progg, even in its warped state, still has some connection to the floral world. Living plant matter treats a progg as though it was corporeal; it is damaged normally from the natural attacks of Plant creatures and weapons made of living wood, and cannot pass through living plants. Any wooden structures or weapons not made of living wood affect the progg normally, however.

[isfjmel-phleg]

@inklings-challenge this is my contribution for today's prompt, "Cheese."

I cook with cheese pretty frequently, but you happen to catch me on a day when I won't have occasion to cook, so here is an excerpt from a review of a meal at a high-class Coregean hotel from respected food (and everything else) critic, Antavia, Duchess of Arclis, Woman Who Hates Things. In the final paragraphs of her review, she discusses the fruit and cheese course, waxes a bit poetic on the subject of cheese, and provides her perspective on the hotel's fruit and cheese.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this review are Antavia's and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of me or this blog in general.

While the pièce de résistance of a truly great meal will invariably come as an entree or perhaps an especially decadent dessert, I wish to put in a good word for the humble fruit and cheese course. Trifling though it may seem after an evening of feasting, there is something sacred in it. The diner has appreciated a seemingly endless array of works of art crafted by some master chef. He—or, as the case may be, she—has savoured combinations of ingredients with orchestral exquisiteness, perhaps to the point of weariness. Perhaps the last mouthful or two of the ice has gone down with reluctance. But suddenly the dessert plates are whisked away and transformed into platters of fruits and cheeses. Nothing could be simpler; all culinary artifice has been cast aside. The diner is left with the remembrance of what food is at its soul—natural, pure, wholesome—and at once the stomach gratefully finds a way to open up for one last hurrah. For who can decline fruit or cheese?

Cheese, in particular, is one of the divinest blessings. It assures the diner that the world is filled with pleasures ready for us to indulge in. It exists in such versatile states that one could believe that there is a cheese for every individual, each with its own subtle, fascinating character. I have recently made the closer acquaintance of a noble specimen by the name of Gruyère, in which I have found the most sensuous delight, and fully intend to extensively cultivate this familiarity in future. I am told that there are nearly two thousand varieties of cheese in existence; my desire is to experience every single one.

Therefore, a cheese devotee such as myself welcomed this final course at the Sambaudia with open arms. Imagine my shock when I was presented with not a platter of tastefully arranged variety but a plate of grapes accompanied by an alarmingly conventional sight that I thought I had left far behind me in my school days—cheese indeed, but melted atop slices of bread.

Upon inquiry, I learned that this item is a recent specialty of the Sambaudia, intended to be a more sophisticated reinvention of a familiar and comforting dish. I am not an unreasonable woman. I invite innovation and the unexpected. I was ready to allow the chef to pleasantly surprise me with the unconventional. Thus I did not return this course untasted to the kitchen but undertook the experiment.

The bread was a typical baguette, white and pristine and soulless. It formed an adequate-enough foundation for the flavour of the dish but lacked the pillowy crumb and charred edges that strongly characterized the toasted bread made over school study fires on the end of a fork. A thick layer of Hollandaise sauce swamped its top, mingled with enough minced garlic to kill a vampire and what appeared to be an entire garden’s worth of thyme, rosemary, and savory. The result overpowered the melted cheese, but perhaps that was fortunate, for the cheese itself possessed the all-too-recognizable taste of disappointment. Where the cheese of my school days heightened its flavour with slightly burnt edges and the smoke of the open fire, this cheese lay limp and pale in defeat, without a hope, uncharred, tasteless, and uninspiring. The result was so jarring unlike what bread and cheese ought to be that I could not swallow more than a bite or two, not even of the utterly insignificant grapes, and it ruined the rest of my evening. Regardless of the sumptuous fare which the Sambaudia provided me, I sat through the theatre performance that I attended afterward with disenchantment in my heart and dyspepsia elsewhere. As valiant an effort as this dinner may have been, I will not be allowing it an encore.