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dashofmonsters · 1 month ago

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Dreamers & Delusions- Pt. 10

merman x female reader

You toss on whatever clothes you can find and meet Jes downstairs and hop in her car. She tries over and over again to call Arty but he doesn't answer.

"Fucking fae and phones, I swear he and I are going to have a long conversation about this later," Jes scowls.

"As long as we get there before she calls the cops we should be fine," you offer a hopeful half smile.

"If she didn't call them as soon as she saw them you mean," Jes speeds out of the beach area and into town.

You hold onto the handle for dear life and balance yourself as she makes a few sharp turns and runs a light. Your already upset stomach churns and gurgles so you close your eyes hoping that'll help it settle just a little.

The car comes to an abrupt halt and you fling your eyes and door open and hurl at the stop light. Jes curses and apologizes for the harsh driving but you wave it off. You know how severe this situation is and you'd rather vomit than have your merman you're in love with deported.

When the light turns green Jes floors it and rushes towards your neighborhood. You sigh in relief when you don't see any cop car lights but you do see your grandmother and that's just as bad.

Tao is towering over her, arms crossed and scowling down at her with his damn teeth bared. Arty isn't alone, he's got a few of his wild fae biker buddies with him and Jes' brother Kirk is standing on the side between Toa and your grandmother waiting to step in between them if he needs to.

The second Jes gets close enough you fly out of the car and stomp up to the lot. Everyone turns their heads towards you aside from Tao and your grandmother.

"Tao come on, we're getting my crap and leaving," you tell him and that snaps him from his stare off.

"Hold right there! I get no call, no fucking messages and you're moving out? How fucking dare you!" your grandmother yells at you. "I was worried but no, you were too caught up in your own fucking bullshit that you never once thought about me!"

You turn towards your grandmother and for the first time in your life, you really see her for what she is, a pathetic and conceited lonely woman.

"You really are sad, you know that?" you start. "You keep chasing away people who love you because everything has to be according to you. You parade yourself as a fucking saint for taking me in but not once have you treated it like a charity. I've paid to stay here, I'm nothing more than a tenant to you. So you have no fucking right to say you're worried about me when you're only worried about my goddamn mother fucking money!"

Everyone is silent, even your grandmother. Her eyes widen and her lips quiver but you don't spare her the space to talk.

"And you dare to insult the people who actually treat me with respect and like I'm a fucking person. You need to fucking check yourself because you're no cakewalk grandmama. Who the fuck do you even think you are? What authority do you think you hold to treat people like shit?" you ask as you step up to her.

Her eyes look you up and down and she raises her arm but you catch it. She tries to pull her arm away and attempts to slap you with her free hand but someone calls out and she freezes.

"Just fucking stop Cat, you're causing a scene," Gayle walks up in full designer looking like she stepped out of a fashion magazine.

Your grandmother stops struggling and her arms lose all strength.

"And here I was about to pick you both up for a late lunch," Gayla smiles and looks at you. "Care to fill me in buttercup? I think your grandmama needs a little granny nap. Just look at the poor thing, she looks stressed."

"I'm not stressed, Gayle. I'm wondering why my fucking granddaughter thinks she can move out without saying anything after she's been gone for days on end," your grandmother seethes.

And Gayle looks back at you, "Well I'm guessing she found a better place to stay at and as for her being gone for days on end, well she is an adult. Besides, we were young once and I do remember a certain someone running off to Mexico without telling her parents... What was it, three... No, it was five months. Loosen your asshole Cat and maybe that stick will finally fall the fuck out."

You purse your lips and look down as Gayle keeps landing one blow after another. You hadn't expected her to show up and least of all put your grandmother down so fucking hard.

Everyone here is silent, waiting for anyone one of you three to say something but your grandmother is silent and seething and you're too shocked and speechless.

"Come on Kitty Cat, let's go have some margaritas while your grandbaby moves on out. I know she'll be a dear and clean up after herself," Gayle shoves your grandmother inside and grins at you.

Jes slowly approaches your side and places a hand on your shoulder, "I don't know what they hell just happened, but that was fucking beautiful."

"That would be Gayle and thank the gods she got here when she did," you smile and shake your head before looking around for Tao.

His eyes meet yours and you beckon him over, "Alright, I guess we can get moving."

Things go fast from there on out. You and Jes pack up your clothes and toiletries while the guys move the little bit of furniture that you have and pack your books and such into the boxes. You tidy up any messes that are left behind as Gayle escorts your grandmother out of the house and away for drinks.

Once everything's been loaded into the moving van, everyone makes their way to Tao's house. You and Jes make a pit stop to grab some charcoal and sodas to celebrate your move out move in situation.

Arty, Kirk and the others move everything into the living room while Tao and Jes prep for the barbeque and you kind of just sit around. Word moved around that you're still healing from getting dragged out to sea and no one will allow you to lift a finger.

Kirk swings by a few times to ask where certain boxes can go and a few of Arty's friends check in to see if you're alright and you smile and play off that just sitting around isn't driving you up the wall.

Tao comes by ever so often to make sure you're ok but you feel like there's some distance between the both of you right now. You start over thinking things, like maybe he's nervous about talking about who he chose or maybe he's trying to draw out the move in so he doesn't have to talk to you about it today.

You start to silently spiral into your darkest thoughts as the late afternoon drifts into the evening. Tao mans the barbeque pit that you had no idea that he had while Jes keeps you company with snacks and work gossip. You try your best to be present but there's this nagging feeling that something's not right.

Tao eventually comes upstairs and brings you food, his touch linger just a little longer than it should on your hand before he quickly slips away. You feel a strange chill and try not to cry over your food.

It smells good but you're too upset to eat and Jes can tell.

"Talk girly pop, you look like you're about to fall apart right now," she nudges you and you set the paper plate aside.

"Did he say anything to you? Did Tao mention anyth-"

"Ok I'm going to stop you right there. I told you he told me everything earlier today. And I mean everything. I think you need to chill out princess, I know it's hard for you right now but just trust me ok?" she looks at you and picks up your plate and hands it back to you.

"Now then, you're going to eat and whenever your merjerk gets his happy ass up here we'll tell him you're tired and I'll help kick everyone out and then you'll get a little one on one time with him. Sounds good?" She smiles and takes a big bite out of her burger.

You stare at your food for a few moments before you slowly dig in. After the second bite you realize just how hungry you really are and kind of tune out the rest of the world as you scarf down your food.

After a while Tao does come up and Jes tells him you're tired and that she'll gather everyone up and head out. Jes hugs you goodbye and makes a quick exit leaving you and Tao alone for the first time in hours.

"I uh... I should probably go rinse off before I head to bed," you shrug.

But when you go to stand up, Tao ends up scooping you up in his arms and just holds you for a good long while.

"Uh Tao?" you tap his shoulder and he holds you tighter.

"Sorry... I- I'm so sorry," he apologizes out of nowhere.

"Wait for what?" you ask.

"I almost did something unforgiveable... I almost... I almost let my instincts take over and I-I didn't want to hurt her but I couldn't stand just being there in front of her... I don't know what would have happened if you didn't show up when you did," Tao admits as he presses his face against your neck.

You remember how tense he looked glaring daggers at your grandmother but you never would have guessed that he would have gone aggro.

"It's ok I guess, you did hold back and it looked like Kirk was ready to stop whatever smackdown might have happened," you chuckle, trying to lighten the mood.

Tao squeezes you and shakes his head, "No, it's not ok... I could have gotten deported if things escalated. If that happens, I wouldn't be able to see you again."

Hearing that makes your heart stop for a moment. He shouldn't say sweet things like that to you, he shouldn't make you feel this important when you're probably not the one he chose.

In that moment you feel yourself becoming cold, distancing your heart away from Tao. It'll be easier if I think he's already rejected me, you reason with yourself. Just act like friends and only friends.

"Yeah, yeah... don't do shit to get deported, but like I said, you held back. All's well that ends well," you shrug and wiggle out of his arms. "I'm gonna jump in the shower and head to bed, I'm worn the fuck out."

Tao looks at you like you've just burned him, "Didn't you want to talk once you got moved in?"

You look around and shrug, "Yeah, I mean I still gotta put everything up and figure out where to put my furniture."

Tao inhales sharply and you see his jaw tick, "Right, of course... Try to get some rest then."

Smiling, you dismiss yourself and head towards the bathroom. Once you've closed and locked the door, you fall to the floor and crumple. You silently cry into your hands feeling bother relieved and horrified. You're free of your grandmother but now you've gone and got yourself into this new mess.

After sometime and nearly fall asleep on the floor, you finally move to go shower off. You quickly rinse off and wrap yourself in a towel to head to the nest room but you nearly jump out of your skin when you see Tao standing outside the bathroom.

His dour expression makes your already cold skin shiver. His eyes practically glow in rage and you see the tips on his claws digging into his skin.

Before you can ask him what's wrong he grabs your wrist and tugs you along to the nest room. He tells you to hurry and get dressed and to grab a pair of shoes. You ask why and all he says is that you two need to talk, tonight.

You contemplate taking your time getting dressed but you feel like if you do that then Tao might come bursting through the door and pick out whatever for you to wear. With great reluctance you tug on a sweatshirt and pajama pants and grab a pair of sandals.

When you shuffle out of the room Tao beckons you to follow him and he leads you out of the house.

"Tao where are we going? Can't we just go back inside and talk?" you ask as you follow him down the stairs.

"No," he says flatly and once you're down the stairs he takes your hand and guides you wherever the hell it is he's taking you.

After a few minutes you enter the beach area he works at. He takes you to the tower and before you know it, he's stripping down to his swim trunks.

"Really, what the hell is going on T-"

"Leave your sandals here, I'll put them up there with my clothes," he says, cutting you off.

You gape at him and stand your ground, "How about you tell me why the hell you dragged me all the way out here to just talk?"

"Because..." Tao exhales and turns to you, finally looking at you since you exited the bathroom. "Out there we can't run away, we won't be able to avoid each other and whatever has to be said. I can't keep pretending like everything between us is ok when I keep hearing you cry knowing I might have caused any of that grief."

You look out towards the ocean and feel your gut sink. It felt too soon to go back out there, your wounds itch at the thought. You feel your chest tighten and breathing becomes just a little harder.

"No, please Tao, not there... Not yet," you plead with him.

His stern look softens a bit and he lowers himself to kneel in front of you, "There's nothing in there to be afraid of, I promise."

"I-I can't do it, please, anywhere else," you beg again.

Tao lowers his head and groans before hoisting you up into his arms. For a moment you think he's going to walk you into the ocean but he just keeps walking.

His pacing is slower than usual and he holds you with a gentleness that seems out of place with how pissed off he looks. After a minute or two you end up dozing off in his arms. It's a light sleep and one you're easily woken from.

Tao sets you down ever so carefully on soft sweet smelling grass and you almost fall asleep again but he holds you up right and keeps your attention on him.

"We need to talk," he tells you again.

"I know," you say, looking down at the grass before looking around at your surroundings.

You'd been here before, back when the pixies were celebrating and you and Tao danced right into the ocean.

"Is here fine?" he asks, cupping your face. His eyes now glowing in the moonlight search your face to make sure you're comfortable.

You shrug and look away from him, "Yeah...yeah it's fine."

Tao sighs and sits across from you, "I used to think you were annoying you know."

You roll your eyes and glare at him.

"To be fair I used to think everyone was annoying, and then we started talking... I started to get to know you and you slowly opened up my world. I had been here for two years before I met you and the only people I really interacted with are those that I had to," Tao starts, his voice softer than usual.

"It felt odd how quickly I opened up to you. I was worried that you'd find me too strange or that I...I wasn't someone you'd want to be around. And then when we became friends it just felt even more unreal. I had a shoal mate again, I had someone in my life that didn't have to be there but they chose to," Tao smiles, though his eyes look sad.

"And then we made that agreement... to date each other. You're grandmother would leave you alone and I would get some sort of practice on how to romance a human if my fated mate ended up being one. I think that's when things got more complicated," He sighs and takes your hand.

For a moment you don't register that he's touching you, that he's gently squeezing your fingers. Your mind is too deep into readying your heart for the impending rejection.

Tao squeezes your hand again and places a hand on your cheek, "We are not here to further any pain, this I swear... so please, look at me."

You think about shoving away from Tao but that just might prolong this interaction. You know facing it head on will be the best course of action, rip it off like a band aid and be done with this so you can go cry into a pillow when he's not around, preferably while he's at work. Gods know that he'd be super obnoxious about you being emotional.

So you look at him, your eyes heavy and feeling dry from crying for however long you did earlier.

"Little by little I felt this strong desire, this need to be closer to you. I thought at first that it was my natural and instinctual obligation to protect the only shoal mate I have. But then things started to change, you were more than just this woman I saw on the beach ever so often or a friend I'd see nearly everyday. It got to the point where I couldn't stop thinking about you and-" Tao stops, his voice having grown horse and the hands that are holding you start to shake.

Your heart breaks and melts all at once as you watch Tao come undone right in front of you. His eyes are shut tight as it looks like he's fighting the tears that are slipping from underneath his lashes. His teeth grind and his grip on your hand tightens as he takes a long and shaky breath.

"I never meant to hurt you... I just, I couldn't tell you... couldn't let you go... But I didn't know, I didn't know what I was feeling and then I saw what I was doing to you... I felt like I didn't deserve any sort of forgiveness... I still don't think I deserve it... Not after what I've done," He lowers his head and tries to take his hands back but you don't let him.

"What did you do Tao?" you ask, your voice firm but just as emotional. "What did you do?"

Tao tries again to take his hands away but you won't let him budge.

"Finish what you started! You wanted to talk? We're talking Tao! What did you do?" you say once more, getting up in his face this time.

Tao tries to move back but you follow until you're pretty much straddling him and fisting his shirt.

"You're not going anywhere Tao. Fuck me trying to run away you hypocrite! What are you afraid of? That I'd hate you or leave you or some shit? News flash buddy, you're my best fucking friend and I can't afford to move out so just say whatever you fucking did so we can just be done and over wi-"

"I knew," Tao says, still looking away from you.

"You're going to have to be a little more specific than that," you sneer.

"Jes told me a long while ago how you felt about me," he adds.

You feel your heart sink as his shirt slips from your grasp.

"She told me that it was just a crush, you being somewhat interested in me and I... I chose to ignore it. She told me again and again how you felt and I kept choosing to ignore it until she slapped me across the face one day and... I didn't know what I had done, what my choice in ignoring your feelings had done to you, to us..." He finally looks at you and the whites of his eyes have turned black.

"You knew... And you ignored it?" your lips quiver as you're uncertain how to feel right now but for some reason you can't help but to laugh.

You laugh so hard you start tearing up.

"You fucking knew I had some sort of feeling for you but chose to just fucking ignore them, wow!" you chuckle. "That has got to be the most on brand thing you could have done being who you are. You're either really fucking stupid or just that dense!"

You looks down at Tao after coming down from your moment of hysteria and see that he's in total shock, "Well what was it? Stupid or dense?"

He blinks and before you know it he's rolling you both over until your laying in the grass and he's on top, "Probably both, stupid for ignoring your feelings and too dense to understand them. And I don't expect any forgiveness for what I've done but you deserved to know the truth before I tell you who I chose."

You hate this side of him, being way too honest and taking accountability even though he was about to run away. You want to stay mad at him, you want to kick him in the groin and graffiti his lifeguard tower but that won't take away the ache in your chest.

"I don't care about that anymore Tao. It's obvious that you feel bad for playing with my feelings and so on, so let's just leave it at that. We can pretend we never fake dated and just be friends and shoal mates or whatever. Your love life has nothing to do with me," you shrug and do your best to swallow your emotions.

"Unfortunately for you, my love life has everything to do with you," Tao sits up, his golden eyes gleaming and glowing marks appear on his neck and torso. The moon is in an obnoxiously perfect position where it's haloing his head making him look terrifying and somewhat godlike. You feel your heart pounding as he reaches down and gently pulls you up to your feet.

For the first time in a long while you feel Tao towering over you in both a comforting and intimidating way until he kneels before you and takes your hands.

"I've hurt you, ruined your trust in me, and destroyed whatever relationship we had. And now, as you humans say, I'm about to add salt to the wound. The one that I chose, the one that my heart chose, that person is you," Tao confesses.

You shake your head as you start to feel faint.

"I wanted you as my mate," he says.

Mate...

That was the last word you heard before you passed out.

#monster boyfriend #monster x girl #monster x human #monster x reader #monster lover #merman #Tao the merman #merman x reader #monster romance #merman boyfriend #monster love #merman x female reader #monster boyfriend oc #monster bf #slow burn #slow burn romance

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pooks · 9 months ago

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time to nag about my headcanon "Percy has Seer powers" and why that is a great idea

first of all, a little clarification; this isn't common knowledge to the younger siblings. only Arthur, Molly, Bill and Charlie knows. they kept this secret after Fabian and Gideon Prewett died

this implies that they died to protect Percy, who was just this tiny toddler who had absolutely no control over what he could See

the result is to keep his Seer powers secret

some background info; Percy's Seer powers is a rare gift that is apparently passed down from the Black side

Cedrella, aka their paternal grandmother, had it and has taught Percy how to use and control it. that's why Percy had a more closer bond to his granny than the rest of the family.

Arthur did not inherit it, but one of his brothers did. unfortunately, his poor brother is dead (it's not Billius, but someone else cause Arthur had three brothers accourding to the wiki) because he rather die than to let himself being caught by Voldemort and used as a tool.

while he doesn't understand Seer powers too well, Arthur respects it and is trying to be supportive for Percy.

also at a later point, Percy had 1 Bad Incident™ involving his Seer powers and it slightly traumatised him enough to not try to use it again

he takes divination in his third year for two reasons; 1, he also want to achieve 12 NEWTS like Bill. 2, he wants to understand his weird future-seeing power.

Oliver, his roommate (oh my god they were roommates) finds out by accident and keeps nagging him about the future Quidditch match results. Percy refuses cause that's SPOILERS

and now ONTO THE FUN STUFF

Percy can look far into the future, but he settles for the fun stuff

he occassionally makes references to memes and vines

his siblings doesn't understand them at all

at least until they're all adults with families in the future

and they be like "YOU KNEW"

and Percy just smiles innocently even though he absolutely isn't

Harry and Hermione aren't safe from Percy's Seer Shenanigans either

everytime Hermione is working with a crossword, Percy's eyes flashes green for a moment and when he opens his mouth, Hermione hits him with a pillow cause he was about to reveal the answer

Harry asked Percy once if his Seer powers was why Fudge promoted him. Percy simply smiled and said "yes, that was the reason. but the idiot didn't realized that i tricked him all the time and sent him on a wild goose chase."

aaaaand some Ministry shitshow stuff;

HEADCANON TWO; PERCY MADE LIFE SOUR FOR FUDGE AND THE IDIOT NEVER REALIZED IT

ofc Percy would be petty af once he figured out Fudge only wanted him because of his Seer powers. which means the fucker looked at the classified information in his personell file. Percy is obvs mad about that, but it's too late to tell his family about it and he decides to be an absolute menace about it without being caught

"getting caught means that you weren't smart enough to get an escape plan"

Percy takes full offense of being treated like a tool instead of a human with rights

he burns several draft-ups for the "updated law for underage magic" because they're fucking awful and he knows the bastard wants to ruin Harry's education. that also means he would ruin his baby siblings' educations.

he also burnt the suggestion papers about giving Azkaban prisoners the dementor's kiss without trial.

the law suggestions about banning human rights for werewolves, wizard hybrids and squibs also got BURNT INTO ASHES

Percy: I decide the future now. >:)

Scrimgeour makes an early bird appearence cause Fudge can't find the law suggestions anymore and he was the idiot to not keep copies.

after investigating privately, Scrimgeour finds out that Percy burnt them up and this madlad explains why.

suddenly Scrimgeour fully supports Percy and says his late uncles would be proud. bonus: Scrimgeour simply says to Fudge that he can't find things that may be gone forever, it's sadly "lost media" now.

Percy, getting the idea from the twints, orders dragon fertilizer (it's dragon dung lol) subscription from norway's dragon research center and sanctuary and sends it to Umbridge, using her forged signature

he's careful to not get caught, so he looks into the future (a bit at the time, though)

feel free to add some of your own ideas/suggestions/headcanon about Seer!Percy Weasley :)

#percy weasley #hp headcanon #seer percy weasley #pooks rambles

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redbreastedbird · 2 months ago

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Hey Robin! A handful of MMU fans are trying to timeline the series and we have a question for you!

Are Nuala, May, and Eric all in the same 'school year', so to speak? We thought that Nuala is in the 'right' school year while May is in the year above the one she ought be in, because of the enrollment shenanigans the war causes, but we can't quite figure it out!

Could you give us a hand?

Thank you, some very confused MMU fans <3

Yes okay, this is also something that breaks my brain when I think about it too much. I did it, and I remember doing it, and yet. And yet!! I often ask myself what I was playing at.

So the trouble starts way back in the short story May Wong and the Deadly Flat, set in September 1939. In that, May is 9 years old. (Her birthday is May 4th, 1930). For the end of the story to work to set up the Ministry series, May has to stay in the UK, because otherwise she’d probably have gone home to HK and then have been shipped off to Australia in 1940/41 like other wealthier kids of Hong Kong Chinese families worried about Japanese invasion.

Now we all know that for her to stay in the UK she needs to go to Deepdean, and Deepdean takes kids from 10/11. Ideally you’d be 11 when you start first form, then 12 when you start second form, and so on. Hazel and Daisy are 13 and in third form when MMU starts. BUT I worked out a loophole about this, and this is the very real fact that British country boarding school years got skewy when WW2 broke out. They suddenly got very over-subscribed because wealthy parents were desperate to bundle their kids off to get them out of the way of bombs, and sometimes the too-young siblings of pupils were sent too. So I had at least some historical evidence that May could have been jammed into a sort of baby form, and I decided to run with that.

I figured that she would spend one year in baby form in 1939/1940, and then they’d shove her up into first form in the 1940/1941 school year. She would still be younger than most of the other girls (which is part of why she hates it and is struggling - she’s a little younger than they are AS WELL as being extremely ADHD).

Now, Nuala comes into Deepdean in the spring term of 1941. She is of course a year and a half older than May - she’s 12 when MUA begins in 1940, and her birthday is 15th September, so she really should be the oldest kid in second form. However I decided that, since she hasn’t been in formal schooling pretty much ever (she got taught by various Company members and then her granny) she’d probably be a bit behind on the curriculum. So I moved her down into first form, to be with May, and to be massively the oldest kid in the form.

The final piece in the puzzle (I really went wild with this one) is that you’ll notice that I mention Lottie, Eric’s sister, being in the same form as Rose. This is because I thought they’d have a nice time hanging out and being friends, so I decided that Lottie is super smart and would skip a form - plus, again, over-subscribed boarding school in war time might mean that Rose’s form would be the only space for her.

Anyway. That’s it. That’s the story. It’s possible I put too much thought into all of this.

#robin stevens #ministry of unladylike activity #murder most unladylike #may wong #rose wong #nuala o’malley #Lottie Schlossbauer #deepdean #Deepdean school

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smilingangel582 · 6 months ago

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Yo yo... ik I don't take requests and all... but I have my reasons... im really sorry! I just have a lot on my plate! But writing is all I need and I would like to write as much as I want! That's all, thank you 👉 👈

Anyway! Wind breaker is the new hot topic for me! Idk about u guys but im loving the mc

Haruka sakura! Love his name, style, antics, and cuteness overload when he gets flustered and shy!

Possible lers! Suo, Umemiya, Togame!

I want more of these guys srsly!

Ok, so warning spoilers alert! Anime and manga

Sakura's Dilema!?

Sakura ate Kotoha's omelette rice as usual. She would smile fondly at him throughout and began her unusual newspaper routine about town.

"...so that's what granny sato said..."

Sakura licking his fingers clean shrugged, "Hm, good..."

Somewhat a little impressed, "Your improving. You don't get flustered anymore when someone compliment you?"

Sakura scoff, "That's a hundred years ago... im not that weak"

She smiled warmly, a hand resting under her chin as he looked at Sakura, "Well i guess everyone should compliment you more now, if that's the case..."

A small heat crept up to his cheeks, Kotoha giggled teasingly, "Ah ha! There's that cute blush we all like..."

"S-shut up! So you guys are praising me because you like to see me reaction??" He snapped, getting flustered.

She grinned looking sideways, "Maybe? Or maybe not but... granny said its adorable... and so do I" winking back Sakura gritted his teeth, a shade of red growing uncontrollably on his face.

She chuckles, thinking, "Maybe I should stop teasing him..." Then she speaks with a calmer tone to relax Sakura's tensed embarassment.

"Oh, Sakura... I almost forgot..."

Looking up from his plate, his face back to his normal colour gradually, "Yh what?"

"Ume told me the shishitoren buddies are coming over at Furin high..."

Almost choking on the eggs, Sakura looked up with a surprised frown, standing up with a daring grumble, "Huh? Why? Are they here to pick a fight?"

Kotoha sighs, "No, that's not it... its-"

He cuts in, "Maybe they wanna fight me again! Hah! I'll show them!" He quickly stuffed his mouth with the final bits of rice and eggs, but deliberately ignoring his veggies and sets out.

Kotoha was too surprised to protest as she couldn't even finish, as the bell tinkled upon his leave, "E-eh? Sakura! Hold up! That isn't what I... meant..." she murmured the last part as he was already gone, smiling confusedly, she sigh again, "That idiot..."

Meanwhile, Sakura hurrying towards the school began to notice a large crowd of bofurin and shishitoren looking at each other. Suspecting it's a fight, Sakura lets out a growl, "Oi! Do u wanna fight?"

The others stared, and half of shishitoren lunged towards him. But not in the way he expected. They crowded him like a flock of fan boys.

"That's the first year that beat our second in command!"

"Wow! He's got a funny but cool look!"

"Is he strong? I can feel it!"

So many ushering and laughter comes from the usually wild shishitorens. Sakura gets flustered and shocked. "H-hey, what's going on?"

"Sakura-san, didn't kotaha-san tell ya?" Nirei finally steps forward, smiling as he helped him out from the crowd, "Shishitoren are here on Umemiya-san's orders for a casual get-together..."

Silent, Sakura stared, "Eh... rly? That's it?"

He nods now, grabbing his hand, "Come, they are all at the auditorium!"

Past the hallways, Sakura could tell the room is less tensed than it should be if it's back those days. There... he can see Togame, Toyama, Umemiya and Suo standing in one pack -oh and Sugishita glaring at Sakura.

Sakura smirks, "Well well... I thought it was a battle but its just a silly tea party..."

Togame played along, feigning meance, "Oh? would you have preferred us thrashing your butt, Sakura?"

Eyeing him challengingly, "Ah... the second in command himself, Togame, wants to lose again..."

The older guy steps in with his geta clattering on the ground. He has a much mellower appearance in contrast to Sakura's first impression of him. Sakura says he prefers the other and colder Togame, but... who knows what a tsundere actually says and means?

Togame clapped him in the back, "So, Sakura... how have you been?"

"Hmph! Mr. Sloth himself... what a surprise"

Togame smiles, genuinely happy, as he continues this banter, "Well, you are still that brat who almost got pummeled by me,"

Sakura scoffs, "As if! I never lose..."

"Togame and Sakura have history to share..." Umemiya grins gleefully, and Toyama has his arms around Umemiya, very buddy-like and close as expected. Its ironic to how things used to be. There's more liveliness and strength in Shidhitori.

Everyone had a harmonious atomosphere compared to how they met the first day. Even Sako has a reserved but amiable relationship with Hiragi. Sakura felt somewhat... relieved...

Suo mentions slyly as he crept behind Sakura, "Well, Togame-san? Want to have another fun fight with our grade captain?"

Sakura's ears turn red as he snaps at Suo, "Oi, don't push it..." however he looks at Togame expectantly, "Well, I don't mind a bit of fighting and all..."

Nirei squeaked, "B-but... Sakura..."

"Dont worry, Nirei... look, " Suo pats his back with assurance. They both watched Togame smile more openly, not in the prior meancing grin, "Yaa... It's been too long, Othello-kun. I hope you learnt something from me that time..."

"Oh? You mean other than how I punched you?" Sakura provoked, which Togame narrowed his eyes playfully, "Don't get cocky..."

Toyama brightened up, "Ne,ne Ume-chan, are they gonna fight?"

Umemiya sighs but not in dismay, "Seriously... alright, I suppose, but don't go too far, or else Hiragi needs another stock of gas-kun ten"

"Oi!"

Soon, Togame was in his usual stance. Instead of glaring, he was looking forward to it. Nirei grabbed his notebook, and began scribbling on a new page.

Suo asked, "Are you gathering information on Togame?"

Nirei grins, sticking his tongue as he concentrated, "Not quite... It's for Sakura-san as he told me to write down his flaws so he can improve himself, I want to know what's his weak points are, too, anyway..."

Suo gives a brief laugh, "Other than the fact that he's so easily red when someone compliments him?"

Nirei conceded with a chuckle, "Well, yh that too... but something else..."

Togame lunged just the moment Sakura moved. It expected that Togame strives for grappling more and he's more intent on grabbing Sakura instead of punching him

"Ugh, I hate this fighting style!" Sakura sneered as he dodged perfectly. Regardless, their hits are serious despite the playful nature. Sakura could feel Togame grab his shoulders to push him down, but he's too flexible as Sakura slips away.

"Whew close!" Toyama mentioned and Umeniya agreed with a smile.

Sakura managed to dodge and yet...

"Gotcha..." Togame slipped under his arm to judo flip him from behind. Sakura felt the force as he made contact on the ground, yet Togame carefully made it less forceful and used his hand to protect the back of his head. Nevertheless Sakura twisted himself to avoid being pinned down. Instead, he spun himself with his leg wrapping around his opponents waist now switching sides.

Togame slipped a bit but latched on to his waist a bit unexpectedly.

The touch caught Sakura off guard despite it being an obvious grapple. Surprising everyone, Sakura stumbled down on his knees.

This was noted by the shishitoren second in command. Then, getting an idea, Togame slowly poked his waist while using his body weight to pin the shorter guy down, "Hm... interesting discovery..."

"H-hey! Wait! Dohont doho that!" Sakura flinched now, arcing his back as Togame's touch became gentler and swift around his sides, a light giggle slipping out of Sakura's grinding teeth.

"Oh my, is the little delinquent a bit sensitive?" Suo teased from the background, beating Togame from saying a similar phrase.

Sakura gets flustered again, now trying so hard to keep his laughter under control. Togame's nimble fingers began to crawl up his stomach, which made Sakura shriek and quickly scramble away from him, "Ack... NOHO?!"

A frivolous yet sinister grin was plastered on Togame's face. He raised his hands, tauntingly wiggling his fingers, "Uh oh, someone's in trouble... too bad I found out this weakness first..."

Nirei, mildly shocked, immediately began jotting down notes, giving a serious nod to himself, "Intriguing indeed, but a guy like Sakura is bound to be ticklish..."

Nirei flinched when Sakura yelled. Snapping his head with an aghast look, "Huh? Whohoho's sihihide ahahahahare youhuhu ohohohon, boke?"

"Now now, you can't even keep your giggles to yourself, Sakura..." Suo snickered.

"Y-YOHohou bahahastard!" He raised a hand to try and punch Togame and use a leg to kick his face.

Togame took this chance to lunge forward, dodging them effectively. Like the tackle from last time during the fight, Togame pushed himself forward towards Sakura's midriff. He managed to use his strength to get him down again, "You shouldn't let your guard down... even at friendly spars"

"Ah!" Sakura yelped, trying to turn on his stomach to escape, as this is no longer fighting but play fighting, "S-shit!"

Togame instantly grabbed his shoulders to stop him, "Uh uh uh~ Sakura... where do you think you're going...?" He dug his nimble fingers into Sakura's sides, suddenly eliciting a squeal and contagious giggles that sounded so unlikely of the tough Sakura. It went crescendo to decrescando at each sensitive spot he targeted.

"EEEh! DohoHOHOho noHOHOt! HahAHAHAHa, thiHIHIHIHIs iHIsn't fahAHAHAHAHAIR!"

"Who said fighting is about fair play?" Togame snickered mercilessly, almost like an evil older brother, "You of all people should know that, little Othello. Plus, it's cute when you lose control..." That earned a beet red blush from the victim as he kicked and thrashed, not even coordinating his defences.

Toyama and Umemiya grinned at this, and the others watched how their bonding went on through this 'spar' session.

Still the leader of Furin sigh, "Honestly it's dangerous if anyone finds out about his weakness..."

Toyama laughed, "Yes! Isn't he like strong as you? It's crazy how he's trying to fight back like this..."

Nirei chuckles, "I never expected this side of him, its... surprisingly cute"

"You mean unsurprisingly Nirei-kun," Suo winked, now pointing towards the fight with a gleeful look. Sugishitha, who's been eye rolling as he watered the plants, took multiple glances back at the little one-sided tickle fight.

Sakura tried to kick him (half-heartedly) but instead felt a suddenly electric tingle spread down and up his leg as Togame sqeezed his knee -whether it is accidental or intentionally was unknown.

Shocked beyond anything...

His laugh kicked a knotch as Togame began to tickle under his knee, unable to use his hands as they uselessly failed. They just hit the wooden floor instead, "AHAHA! NOHOT THEHEHERE! DAHAHAMN IT!"

Togame laughed at that, not stopping as Sakura couldn't place his attacks properly, "Oho? I should've gone for the knees before... It's funny how you got restrained by a mere touch there,"

"AHAHA BAHAHASTARD! NOHO WAY I'M LOHOSING!"

"Then... what about... heeere?"

Togame used his bodyweight to pin his shins and then squeezed his upper thigh. This made Sakura go wild, "GAH! N-NOO! HAHA SHIT! YOU AHAHAHASS!"

Seeing him slightly going red, Togame decide to give him a break. But... just a break.

Just five seconds at least... Togame thought menacingly.

5...

"Haah haaa..."

4...

"J-jeeheeez, thehehe heheck?" 3...

Togame got ready as he cracked his fingers. 2...

"U-uh eek!"

1...

Sakura's voice hit an octave as he let out a startled shrill when Togame pounced forward to get his ribs, a giggly reaction that melted his heart. It's not as strong as his knees and thighs, at least.

Suo has his usual smile, which stretched widely as he said mysteriously, "I wonder if I can get a turn?"

Nirei gulped, inwardly thinking he should never leave Sakura alone from now on-

"NOOO! HAHAHA, P-PLEHEHEASE NOHOT THEHERE! I TAHAHAKE IT BAHAHAHACK! AHAHA YOHOHOU'RE AHAHA DEHEHEMON!" A surprised squeal from Sakura made Nirei look in bewilderment. Where was Togame tickling to make the tough and cold Sakura to actually beg for mercy?

"Ahhh~ found it... your actually weak in the armpits? How predictable, its so adorable" Togame is, as Nirei will note down, the possible second worst tickle monster... first place being Suo.

Suo chuckles, "You say it's the worst but he's ticklish everywhere"

Togame laughed, still tickling Sakura, "Oh yh... it doesn't matter... his knees are as bad as here..."

Sakura kicked and thrashed weakly, now cackling like a mad man, closing his arms, "NAHAHAA! Y-yohOHOHOU AHAHAHAASS! LEHEHEHehet gOHOHOHo!"

"Mmmm~ nope..."

Panicking instantly, Sakura let out a flustered cry, "FIHIHINEHEHE! FINE! I GIVE UHUHUP!"

His voice raised another octave at the end, and Togame chuckled with amusement, letting his hands leave his armpits, "You are so ticklish there, who would've guessed..." he added with a pinch yo his thighs, making the other squeak weakly jolting, "aaaand there too..."

"It's good enough, that he's a tsundere, but being ticklish one is better," Suo proudly stated.

"Q-Quhuhuiet y-yohou dihihick!"

Evidently, Sakura is catching his breath, still pink in his face, sweating as if he had an actual one-sided 'battle' of blood-lust.

Nirei hummed in consideration as he looked at his notebook, "Hmm, so being ticklish is Sakura's weak point eh? Even I could win against him,"

"Shaddap!" Sakura managed to choke out angrily.

Umemiya gives a laugh, scratching the back of his head, "Oh, I doubt you can cuz Sakura will knock you out cold before you could try. He's a proud guy after all..."

"Oi! Quit talking like I'm not here, dumbass"

Sugishita sneered, clenching the water kettle tightly, "That's Umemiya-san to you, weaksauce!"

Getting up on his elbows, Sakura growl, back to his old self, with remarkable stamina, "Ah? Do you wanna pick a fight mop-head? Cuz I'm game..."

"Ma ma..." Suo stepped in between them, elegantly skimming his eyes over the taller guy, "Sugishita-kun, do you want to upset Umemiya-san?"

The tall guy turned to a radiant happy Umemiya and huffed angrily as he backed away easily. Now Suo turned to Sakura with a much eerie smile, "And Sakura-kun, do you want round two?" He mischievously wiggled his finger, "Instead of Togame, I can step in for him?"

Fear struck him, he blushed, yelling as he swatted those fingers, "H-hohow dare you threaten me! Ugh, whatever... fine, I won't pick a fight with him"

Suo heard Togame speak with amusement from the corner, hands restinf behind his back, "and here I thought you were looking forward for round 2 Sakura..."

"W-why would I?"

Suo answers this time, leaning forward towards his ear, "You never resisted... now did you?"

Sakura instantly turned red, eyes widened with surprise, his golden and black eyes dilating like a cats pupil, "H-huh? I was too concentrated! T-to even fight back!"

"Mmm~" everyone hummed teasingly, not believing him obviously.

This time Toyama grinned childishly, nudging Sakura playfully, "So then, does that mean you admit that you are weak to tickling then?"

"Ah? N-no I didn't say that-!"

"Theeeen, you pretended not to fight back and let me tickle ya?" Togame added... the two shishitoren leaders were putting Sakura in a helpless position.

Silent... Sakura looked away, Suo added, "Quite the bind your in, Sakura-kun"

Debating on what was more embarassing... either he should say that he liked being tickled and pretended not to fight or say he's too ticklish to handle it and fight back.

Sakura fumed for good five seconds before replying with a mutter, "U-ugh fine fine, fine! I'm weak to it so I cant fight back! Happy?"

Everyone grinned fondly, Sakura covered his face, both in shyness and rage.

"Good boy!!" Umemiya ruffled his hair, now making Sakura snap and growl like a little savage puppy.

In a corner with Suo, Nirei, however, chuckled to himself, "I bet he doesn't mind it much..."

Suo grinned, looking at the scene with a glimmering passion, "You guessed it... he's our fearless, cute, tough tsundere grade captain... Sakura-kun"

#lee!sakura #haruka sakura #wind breaker #wind breaker tickling #ticklish!sakura

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sarafangirlart · 1 month ago

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Out of all the Olympians in modern retellings I believe that Hestia is horribly under utilitized. Her depictions are frankly boring, it's just a sea of kind old granny Hestias

She is a god whos more interesting then her pop culture representations make her out to be, but admittedly because shes one with very little "myths" and narratives and far more prevelent in the actual religious practices.

I feel like there could be more done with her, she wasn't just the goddess of the home it was the city and community as a whole, especially more prevalent with her Roman equivalent Vesta. Very Patriotic in my mind, ones country, town and home. She's the eldest daughter of Kronos. She's the goddess of the sacrificial hearth, she has a portion of every sacrifice made to the gods - she's wealthy as duck boys! She's a spoiled lass you eats all your treats

I feel like she has a lot of potential, she is the hearth but that is still a flame. The hearth without a home is just a fire and it will burn down everything until there's nothing left.

She's only the kindest and least problematic of the Olympian gods because we don't have anything about her, hell Leto is said to be the most gentle and mild and even she has her wrath myths, which is why I find Hestias depiction in Hades 2 refreshing. But at the same time I'm glad there aren't any retellings of her because knowing booktok they might butcher her - she has potential but I'm scared

Yeah it’s a shame ppl don’t try to explore her character more, unlike the other Olympians she doesn’t have any solid characterization in mythology so ppl could go absolutely wild with her instead of mischaracterizing the characters/figures who do have personalities.

I’m thinking back to Stray Gods where Athena is the control freak who would do anything to keep the family afloat, even tho in mythology she’s cunning with a mischievous edge, she isn’t usually in a position of leadership, instead she follows Hera and Zeus (unless she chooses to disobey them which she can and does) so killing off the elder Olympians and making Athena in charge could be interesting but… they chose the most boring way to go about it. She wouldn’t be a boomer who can’t get with the times, she wouldn’t be a control freak who follows rules and expects everyone to do the same, hell she wouldn’t be so sloppy in murdering Calliope (and don’t bullshit me about “these aren’t the same characters tho” that’s the worst way you can adapt myths) so I’m thinking….

What if Hestia was the antagonist instead? She’s warm and caring maybe a little too nice, she cares about her family but she’s shouldering more responsibility than ever after her brothers and sisters are gone, imagine her going to Apollo and asking him for a prophecy, hearing the prophecy about Calliope, she’d be horrified she wouldn’t want to hurt her niece but for the sake of the family she feels like she has to, she’s the goddess of the home and the state, often these two ideas contradict each other, what if you need to betray your family for the state? What if you need to betray the state for your family?

I’m so sorry you probably weren’t expecting me to be complaining about Stray Gods yet here I am lmao

#greek mythology #ancient greek mythology #greek pantheon #greek goddess #Hestia #Vesta #hestia goddess #Hestia Greek mythology #stray gods #Athena #stray gods Athena #stray gods the roleplaying musical

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clanwarrior-tumbly · 2 years ago

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I CAME AND I SAW THAT U WERE ALSO INFECTED WITH THE SILLY PUPPET THING,WELCOME..TO THE COMMUNITY! (Get it?)

May I request some headcanons of Barnaby,Sally and Wally meeting a Very Old Goose Puppet Y/n? Just this worn out,Raggedy and Intimidating Goose Grandparent who then absolutely babies them and teaches them self defense tricks,making them soup,maybe they worked as some sort of guard or security! Just pepaw/granny goose caring over these silly puppets.also like they could be going round the forest and a feral bear pops up,Pepaw Goose just turns around and hiss at it and the bear scampers off while Pepaw is like “Anyways-“ (Thoight would be funny because Geese are used as Guard animals)

Have a nice day! ^^ or night if it’s late!

Yeah!! I was genuinely surprised at the amount of Wally x Reader stuff here but I'm all for it!

Also ngl I've been playing a lot of Untitled Goose Game recently so,,, this ask couldn't have come at a better time /pos

........

Barnaby

Honestly, when this lad first saw you emerge from the woods...he was about to run back home with his tail tucked between his legs. You gave him quite a fright!

You were a goose who was about Poppy's height--if not taller--with ragged greyed feathers and [e/c] eyes that look nearly bloodshot, your legs and bill having stitches, and some loose stuffing falling out of your main body.

All in all...you had a very intimidating disposition.

But when you approach Barnaby, it turns out you're just returning one of his juggling pins that he accidentally flung out into the forest.

"You best keep an eye on your juggling kits, dear." You speak in a gentle, raspy voice.

"Th-Thanks...are you from the barn too?"

"A different one. I used to be a guard for the little gooselings and other farm animals in my prime years but---oh..how about we walk and talk, hm? Do you live close by?"

And that's how Barnaby got to know you! He felt bad for judging you by your appearance, as while you look scary..you're just a sweet ol' geeser (yes he's made that pun a few times and you love it) whose kind heart and soul haven't gone anywhere.

You've come to care for everybody in the neighborhood, especially the big blue dog who sometimes gets into accidents while performing stunts.

In those cases, you always know how to nurse him back to health.

At some point, he and everybody else start to see you as a grandparent, calling you [Pa/Ma]...which makes you especially happy.

Sally

When you were younger, you saw her descend to earth, thinking it was just an ordinary shooting star.

You made a wish that you'll be able to find some good friends to spend the rest of your days with. Being a geese guard was a lonely job sometimes..

Many years later, you see that same star--now one who walked and talked--strolling through the forest near your barn. And you were ecstatic, wanting to introduce yourself!

Even though Sally's never met you till now, she's flattered to learn you wished upon her....and even happier to know she made that wish come true!

Your initial appearance surprised her, but she's eager to run back to town and introduce you to everyone!

So that's where you two head to, though as you're both talking (which is mostly her rambling about the next play she's performing tonight), an aggressive bear suddenly leaps out and roars, frightening her-

Until you hiss at it, extending your wings in a threatening manner, which immediately drove the beast back into the woods.

Then you turn back to the gawking star with the sweetest, most apologetic smile. "I'm sorry about that, dearie..do continue."

And she does for a little while, but you end up using that bear encounter as a teaching moment, showing her (and the others once you meet them) how to best defend themselves against possible bear attacks (or any wild animal attack in general). You made it your mission to keep these young folks safe.

Sally would definitely incorporate these lessons into her plays, which you grew to adore, refusing to miss a single one.

Wally

It was actually Poppy who introduced you to the gang, since you've watched over the barn she's lived in since she was a little baby bird. She basically considers you her parent.

You helped her out with her anxiety issues and baking mishaps over the years, so everybody warms up to you quick after learning your ties to each other.

Wally's no different. He's not too intimidated by your height nor raggedy feathers (man knows to respect his elders).

If anything, he's impressed that your felt and stuffing are still keeping you together, but offers to help you get patched up.

"Oh thank you, sweetie!" You croon. "You know..this town is blessed to have such a kind and handsome gentleman like yourself here."

Hearing that instantly melted his heart.

Soon enough, you get acquainted with the others and take care of them if they need help with anything.

Within the neighborhood, you ensure no wildlife breaks into the grocery store and makes off with any food (especially apples), always keeping watch.

Wally admires your nurturing and protective nature, knowing you're a very wise bird who offers the best advice..

Whenever he's lost on inspiration for art projects or just...feeling stressed over whatever, you're there to help him how ever you can.

When he got caught out in a rainstorm and got sick one day, you made him some delicious soup that helped him feel better within hours.

And of course, Home's happy to see you taking care of their owner. So you're always welcomed inside.

#clanask #anonymous #welcome home x reader #barnaby b beagle x reader #sally starlet x reader #wally darling x reader #puppet reader #platonic #grandparent reader #headcanons

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mothfables · 9 months ago

Text

Snail Ch. 3: Doctors Knew Before I Did

The Chain has their first monster battle with little Legend. Also, Wind joins Sky in Legend’s list of trusted people.

Wind is staring.

He knows it’s rude, but he can’t help it! Seeing the Veteran, usually so confident and self-assured, now so quiet, frightened even, is strange.

...Though, he supposes he’d be scared too if he was suddenly small and surrounded by strangers.

But they’re not strangers to him, not really! Which is good, because he’s not sure what they’d do if little Legend didn’t remember them at all. Try really really hard to prove they’re not going to hurt him, probably, going off of his reaction when he first saw them.

—————————

Wind hadn’t known what to think when it happened — only that one moment their Veteran was there and the next he wasn’t. Seeing him so small had set off his protective instincts something fierce, though, and he’d torn into the monsters going after his suddenly-defenseless brother. He wasn’t alone in that, either; Twilight, Wars, and even Hyrule were especially vicious in their efforts to reach him.

And then the monsters were gone and they’d barely gotten a glimpse of him before he disappeared into the trees faster than Wind could blink.

When Sky brings him back Wind finds himself shocked. Legend is tiny and timid and shy, clinging to the older hero in a way older Legend wouldn’t be caught dead doing. He’s even smaller than Four, somehow.

At least he seems to trust Sky. The Chosen is hard not to, honestly, with his kind face and soft demeanor. If it were to be anyone out of their group to gain little Legend’s trust, it would be him.

They all introduce themselves at Sky’s prompting and Wind watches his newly-little brother closely. He’s worried about what’s going through that ever-busy mind, violet eyes flicking between them with a wariness he’s only ever seen when facing dangerous enemies. The boy spooks badly when Warriors and Time speak up, little ears pressing flat against his head and eyes going wide-wide-wide. When it’s his turn, Wind makes sure to keep his body language loose and unthreatening, despite how much he feels like vibrating out of his own skin; it seems to help because Legend untenses just the slightest bit. Wind takes it as a victory.

And then: “‘m Legend. I know you.”

Things get very loud very fast. Wind doesn’t look away from Legend and so he sees the way he cowers into Sky, little shoulders hiking up to his ears and hands clenching the older hero’s pants in tiny fists as he trembles and hides his face. Wind is struck by how much he looks like Aryll when she’s scared or overwhelmed, clinging to Granny or himself for comfort.

He watches as Sky murmurs to Legend, trying to figure out what’s wrong. He’s about to step forward and see if he can help when Sky straightens, snapping his fingers to gain everyone’s attention before signing ‘QUIET!!!’

Amazingly, it works. They all promptly shut up and turn to the Chosen Hero and the child plastered to his side. Sky is glaring fiercely, one hand petting soft pink hair and the other resting protectively against a small back.

Time steps forward, kneeling so as to be closer to Legend’s current eye level. The boy peeks out at him for a moment before hiding his face again. Wind catches a glimpse of teary eyes and pale cheeks and feels that surge of protectiveness again. Legend shouldn’t ever have to look like that; he’ll do whatever it takes to keep that look away from his brother’s face in the future.

Time asks Legend about what he remembers and- oh, yeah, that’s probably a good thing to know. His stuttered answer has more than one of them wincing. Wind sneaks a glance around and sees Four muttering ‘...jumbly?’ with a confused expression. Wild looks especially distressed and Wind recalls suddenly the Champion’s own memory issues.

Right.

This would be uncomfortably familiar to Wild, wouldn’t it. Wind makes a note to check on him later, or at least point Twilight in his direction if he can’t do it himself.

And then Sky is kneeling down and drawing Legend into a hug. He leans into it without complaint, still obviously overwhelmed and confused and upset. Sky rocks side to side, and to Wind’s amazement Legend calms almost instantly, tucking his face into Sky’s neck with a sigh.

Sky remains there for a few more moments, humming softly and petting his hair. Then he stands and hoists Legend onto her hip with a grunt. Legend doesn’t react beyond a small sound and nestling closer.

“Oof, he’s- really light, actually.” Sky blinks in surprise.

Twilight chuckles, though it sounds a little strained. “Kids’re either lighter or heavier than ya expect. Don’t worry too much ‘bout it.”

“If you say so.” Sky looks doubtful but doesn’t argue. She glances at Time where he still kneels on the ground. “We should probably get moving. I don’t want anything else coming along and taking us by surprise.”

Their leader nods and pushes himself to his feet, groaning. Wind has to bite his lip to muffle a snicker. Old Man indeed.

“Let’s find a place off the road to settle down for the night. We can figure what out to do from there. Does everyone have everything?” There’s a chorus of assent.

“Wait!” Sky gasps. “Does anyone have Legend’s things? I don’t remember seeing them when he ran off.”

There’s a moment where they all scramble to look around for them before Wild speaks up. “I grabbed them after you went after him. His weapons and jewelry and everything are all in the Slate.”

Sky sighs in relief.

“Alright, that’s good to hear. Thank you for doing that, Wild.” With a nod, Time sets off down the road in the direction they were going before everything went to shit and the rest of them follow after. Sky stays in the middle of the group, Legend secure in his arms. Everyone else sticks close, keeping an eye out for more danger.

Wind walks next to Sky, sneaking glances every so often, so he’s able to see how Legend clings tight to the older hero, how he keeps his face hidden. Over time he relaxes and seems to fall into a doze, only to startle awake when someone starts to speak. His ears - which are so small! but still very long, which is something Wind’s noticed to be unique to him - flicker uneasily, listening intently to everything around him. Nothing happens for a few minutes and he relaxes again. Then someone else opens their mouth and the cycle repeats.

Eventually they find a place to stop for the night. Camp is set and dinner is eaten without much conversation. Legend doesn’t once let go of Sky.

It’s only once the boy has fallen into an uneasy sleep that someone speaks up.

“...So, what do we do about this?” Four is the one to break the silence. “Do we let it run it’s course? Or do we try to break or reverse it somehow?”

“Do we even have anything that could undo something like this?” Warriors asks.

“Well, I have my moon pearl, but it’s meant to protect you while in the Dark World or from dark magic. Like Twilight’s shadow chrystal,” they explain at Wars’ questioning look. “I know for a fact Legend always keeps his on him, so it should have protected him if it was that sort of magic.”

Twilight’s guilty wince goes unnoticed by all except Sky and Wind. He watches as she narrows her eyes, glancing between the Rancher and the child in her lap before they go wide in realization. Wind frowns; there’s definitely a story there.

Meanwhile, Hyrule is looking closely at Legend from their place beside Sky, brows furrowed. Their head tilts as they mutter under their breath. Wind, sitting on their other side, can barely make out the words spell, curse, natural magic, and twist, maybe? When they pause to take a breath Wind nudges them with his shoulder.

“Got anythin’ ya want ta share, Traveler?”

Hyrule startles before stammering, “O-oh! Uh, I was just- trying to figure out what exactly, um- caused this?” His voice rises in uncertainty.

“That would be good to know,” Wars says, nodding. “What have you got so far?”

Hyrule hums. “It’s- Well, I think it was originally supposed to be a dark spell? Or some sort of curse, maybe.”

Four narrows his eyes at the phrasing. “‘Supposed to be’? So you’re saying it... changed somehow? How would that happen?”

“I’m not sure, but...” Hyrule bites his lip. “His natural magic might have- I dunno, caught it and... twisted it, is the closest thing I can think of. Or maybe some of his items; they’re filled with enough magic to cause a pretty significant rebound.”

“Perhaps it was a mix of both,” Time muses. “The Veteran does carry a large array of powerful items. It’s possible that something in his inventory had some sort of reaction to whatever it was that was intended to hit him.”

It’s quiet for a moment as everyone takes that in. Then Legend snuffles against Sky’s shoulder and Wind has to bite back a coo.

“You must admit, he’s pretty cute like this,” Wars mutters, like he doesn’t intend for anyone to hear. Wind can hear him just fine, and makes it clear by agreeing loudly enough that Wars gives him the stink-eye from across the fire.

“Yeah, he is, isn’t he? Reminds me o’ Aryll when she was little.”

Wars coughs. “So... Do we have anything that could reverse this?”

Twilight hums for a moment before snapping his fingers. “When I got changed t’ the wolf fer the first time, I had ta use the Master Sword ta reverse it. Think tha’ would work here, Sky?”

Sky chews her lip, absentmindedly running a hand through Legend’s hair as she stares at the fire. “It... might,” she says finally, though it sounds unsure. “If- Fi is made to dispel dark... If what Hyrule said is true and Legend’s magic changed it... It might do nothing. Or it might make it worse.” Time flinches imperceptibly. “Since his memory was so affected by the initial change, I’m worried what trying to undo it might do.”

It’s silent for a while after that. Everyone wants Legend to be okay, of course, but if it’s at the cost of his memories...

“I think...” Hyrule starts quietly, like they’re thinking through the words as he says them, “it might be best if we let this run its course. Or at least wait and see how things go before trying to change him back.”

“I agree. Memories are- delicate.” Wild speaks up. “If we can keep him from losing any or messing them up any more than they are, we should do our best to do that.”

No one objects. After a moment Time clears his throat.

“I suppose we are all in agreement, then? We’ll see how things go and use the Master Sword only if necessary?” There’s various sounds of agreement around the fire. Time lets out a breath before slapping his knees and pushing to his feet.

“I suggest we all get some rest, then. Today was... eventful, to say the least. There’s no telling what tomorrow will bring, and we would do well to be prepared. Captain, would you mind taking first watch?”

With that, they all set about their normal nightly routine. Well... almost normal. It’s oddly quiet without Legend’s standard sarcastic quips and snark, even if he doesn’t always say anything. Just his presence is enough to fill the space.

Now that space is occupied by a tiny, shy shadow of the Veteran’s usual self.

—————————

The night passes without any more incidents. Wind wakes the next morning having almost forgotten the events of yesterday, and thus does a double take at the sight of Sky curled around a tiny body, the only part visible a tuft of soft pink hair.

Everyone else is in various stages of awake and gathered around the fire pit. They’re doing a good job of more-or-less minding their own business, though every so often someone will glance over at the lump of blankets containing the Chosen Hero and his charge.

Wild finishes breakfast and is in the process of handing it out when there’s a quiet snuffling sound from the direction of the bedrolls. Everyone looks over in time to witness little Legend sneeze himself awake. It’s nothing like the Vet’s usual muffled sneezes- these are tiny and squeaky and altogether the cutest sound Wind has ever heard.

(Can a sound be cute? ...Y’know what, who cares? This one definitely is.)

The sudden sneezing fit has the bonus effect of waking Sky, who bolts upright with a snort, freeing Legend from the cuddly trap of his arms. The boy tumbles out of the blankets, blinks, and sneezes again.

“Bless you,” Time says mildly.

Wind can’t help himself and coos. “Is it weird ta say that that’s my new favourite sound in any world ever?”

“I wuz gunna say yeah but tha’ is pretty cute,” Twilight agrees.

Sky stumbles to his feet with a yawn. Wild waves at her and she makes her way over to join the rest of them around the fire. Legend quickly follows, latching on to her shirt with little hands. She pauses for a moment at the action, blinking down at him in surprise before shaking it off.

She plops down between Wind and Twilight, giving them a sleepy nod in greeting that they return. Legend hesitates to follow; when she tries to encourage him to sit he takes one look at the Rancher and shies away.

Twilight immediately looks as if his heart has been torn out of his chest and stomped on in front of him. He watches forlornly as Legend inches around behind Sky to her other side.

“Here, I got you.” As if it’s second nature, Sky reaches over and lifts the boy up to set him in her lap. Legend squeaks and goes still, eyes wide with surprise.

It takes a moment for the realization of what she just did to set in, and then Sky is stammering apologies. “Oh gosh, I’m sorry! I wasn’t thinking! I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable-!”

His frantic rambling is brought to a halt as Legend curls up against him with a little hum. His hands hover uncertainly before he lets out a breath and wraps them around the small body in his lap. Legend nestles closer with a content sound.

Quiet footsteps have the older hero glancing up to see Wild coming over, a bowl in each hand. He holds them out with a small smile. “I made oatmeal. I didn’t know if you or Legend wanted anything in yours, so I left it plain. There’s stuff to add to it if you want.”

Sky takes them with a quiet ‘thank you’. He nudges Legend until he looks up and hands him a bowl. “Wild wants to know if you want anything in yours,” he tells him.

Legend stares down at his bowl for a few moments, biting his lip, before he looks up with a shy expression. “Um, I like- I like apples. With cinnamon,” he says quietly.

Wild smiles. “I can do that.”

It’s short work for the Champion to produce and slice an apple from his slate and sprinkle it with cinnamon. He arranges the slices on a small plate and hands it to Legend with another smile.

It’s received with an answering smile and a brightening of violet eyes at the first bite. Legend gives a happy little hum, swaying side to side as he eats. Within minutes both the plate and bowl are picked clean.

The rest of them finish their own breakfast soon after and move to get ready for the day ahead. Legend does his best to help; it’s clear he’s having trouble adjusting to being small again while his brain tells him he should be bigger. Still, he’s stubborn.

Eventually camp is packed up and the Chain sets out. Legend clings to Sky’s hand, trotting alongside him as they walk.

Wind stays close like he did yesterday, chattering up a storm. Legend doesn’t respond much, but that’s okay. He just wants to keep his brother from getting lost in his own head. It seems to work as the boy perks up and doesn’t stick quite so close to Sky.

By the time lunchtime nears, however, Legend is flagging. He refuses all offers to carry him, though, no matter who asks. Over time, he drifts to the back of the group, stumbling tiredly but still stubbornly staying on his own two feet. His hand is still tight in Sky’s.

He stumbles again and Sky makes a worried noise. “Are you sure you don’t want a break? No one would mind-”

“I can do it on my own,” Legend growls. Or, well, Wind is pretty sure that’s what he’s aiming for but it comes out as a tired, mumbled whine. “I managed fine on all my other adventures.” He pulls his hand out of Sky’s.

The older hero looks saddened by the action and Wind feels the same. Legend is so little, like this, and he’s claiming he doesn’t need any help, even though he’s so clearly exhausted. Still, if he doesn’t want help they can’t force it on him. They know from experience it would only end badly.

Up ahead, Twilight pauses, ears flicking as he glances around. “Ah’m hearin’ monsters in th’ woods,” he warns. “Dunno where ‘xactly, but we best be careful.”

“You heard the man, keeps your eyes out for anything that could signal an attack,” Wars calls back to the rest of them.

A few minutes pass and the road stays quiet. Legend falls further and further behind. Wind hears him stumble again and exchanges a worried glance with Sky.

“If he falls I don’t care if he doesn’t want to be carried. I’m picking him up.”

“I’ll help,” Wind offers.

Another stumble and a gasp sound from behind them.

“Okay, that’s it.” Sky turns around. “Lege, I know you don’t want-” He cuts off with a horrified sound.

“Legend!”

Wind whips around to see Legend high off the ground in the grip of a huge moblin. The boy kicks and struggles but he may as well be fighting a rock for all the good it does; the monster, completely unfazed, gives him a hearty shake. Legend yelps as his head snaps back at the force of it and Wind feels his heart stop.

Suddenly an arrow whizzes overhead to embed itself in the monster’s eye. It howls with pain and drops Legend who falls to the ground with a sharp crack!

Sky is there in the next moment, scooping Legend off the ground and slicing the moblin in half in a single movement. He bolts back to the safety of the group with Legend clutched tightly to his chest.

The boy is clutching his left wrist in a vice grip, face pale.

Monsters pour from the trees on either side of the path, blades and teeth glinting and sharp. Wind notes moblins and bokoblins mostly, with a few lizalfos for good measure. They don’t even have the good grace to be from the same era.

Fun.

There’s too many to fight as a group so they split, Warriors barking orders and the rest of them hurrying to follow. Wind blinks and finds himself backed against the treeline with little Legend trembling next to him. Biting his lip, Wind glances around.

The monsters are all in front of him. Now that they’ve launched their attack they don’t seem to care about using the trees to their advantage anymore.

He can work with that.

“Lege, can you climb?” A shaky nod. “Okay, climb one o’ the trees behind us an’ stay there til the fight’s over, ‘kay?”

Legend looks like he wants to protest but a sudden snarl sends him scurrying for the closest trunk. Wind ducks a blow and watches him clamber up surprisingly quickly to crouch on a large branch with his uninjured hand over his mouth and the other tucked to his chest.

The sailor takes that as his cue to start slashing at the monsters surrounding him. He dodges one and stabs another before rolling to avoid a spear jabbing into the ground where his leg was a moment before.

He jumps and slashes, stabs and rolls, all the while doing his best to keep the monsters away from the tree where his little brother is hiding.

A lizalfos keeps him busy for a few minutes before he manages to cut its tail off, making it shriek and flail. Wind finishes it off with a stab through the chest.

Then it’s just a few more bokoblins, thankfully none of which are black-blooded. He manages to take them down relatively quickly while avoiding serious injury himself before turning to check on the rest of his brothers and catch his breath.

Time is engaged with a moblin from Wild’s time on the other side of the path. He seems to be doing fine- with a swing of his sword he lops off one of its arms then bisects it as it howls.

Twilight and Warriors are tag-teaming a pack of bokoblins. One darts in to distract while the other strikes from the side or behind. Together they make quick work of the monsters before turning to find more opponents.

Similarly, Four and Wild are wreaking havoc nearby - Wind winces as he hears the by-now-familiar sound of a sword shattering and Four yelling.

He can’t find Hyrule but he does see Sky, slicing through monster after monster with deadly efficiency.

Soon all the monsters are nothing but dust and the heroes move to regather in the center of the path. Injuries are made note of to take care of once they make camp unless they’re urgent; Wind himself only has a few minor scrapes and bruises, thanks to that darn lizalfos.

He turns back to the tree where Legend is still hiding, holding out his arms with what he hopes is a reassuring smile. “All th’ monsters are gone. D’ya want help gettin’ down?”

A nod. Legend shuffles to the edge of the branch and lets his legs dangle over the side, looking apprehensively between the ground and where Wind stands waiting, biting his lip. The sailor is patient and waits for him to make up his mind, knowing the other boy never does well when pushed. After a minute Legend shoves himself off the branch, making Wind yelp and nearly dive to catch him before he hits the ground. He holds his little brother close to his chest as he tries to catch his breath, feeling him cling back just as tightly.

“Let’s um- l-let’s not do tha’ again... yeah?”

Wind feels him nod shakily, pressing closer and gripping at his shirt as he trembles.

Wars calls over from where he’s doing after-battle checks. “Wind, you okay over there?”

“Huh? Oh, yeah, all good!” He hefts the small body in his arms only to freeze at a sudden pained yelp. “Woah woah, what’s wrong?!”

Legend whimpers and tries to push away, forcing Wind to hold him tighter so he doesn’t drop him. He lets out another pained noise and Wind suddenly remembers the sound he made when the moblin dropped him. He curses and hurries back to where their brothers wait, looking worried.

“Wars, can ya take a look at ‘is arm? He hurt it real bad when th’ moblin dropped ‘im.”

The Captain is already hurrying over, medical bag in hand.

“Set him down, let me see,” he demands as he gets closer. Wind goes to obey but Legend won’t let go. Instead, he presses closer despite his earlier attempts to get down. The nearer Wars draws the more Legend tries his best to meld into Wind’s torso.

The sailor eventually elects to just sit down and hold him in his lap. He wraps his arms around the smaller boy, tight enough to keep him from wriggling away but loose enough he’s not squishing him.

Legend quiets but continues to watch Warriors warily. As the older hero kneels down before them Wind feels him press back against his chest as though trying to hide.

Wars moves slowly and gently, obviously trying not to upset him any further. He doesn’t touch Legend; instead he says softly, “Hey there, bud. Wind told me you hurt your arm when you fell. Is it alright if I take a look at it?”

Legend takes a shaky breath and hesitantly nods. He doesn’t move, though. Wars stays where he is, waiting for him to decide what he wants to do.

It takes another minute before Legend slowly, slowly extends his left arm towards Warriors. The captain gently takes his wrist to inspect it, politely ignoring the flinch it causes. He pushes Legend’s sleeve back and moves his wrist back and forth a few times, pressing lightly to test the bones. Wind can see it beginning to swell already and suppresses a wince.

“It’s broken, alright,” is the diagnosis.

Wars reaches into his bag and pulls out a roll of bandages to wrap Legend’s wrist with, telling him what he’s doing the whole time in a soft voice. He pauses to grab a sturdy stick, breaks it in half, and uses that to hold the limb in place. Then he finishes wrapping it, taking care to keep his movements slow.

For his part, Wind does his best to keep his little brother calm - keeping his arms around him in a hug, rubbing his uninjured arm, even pressing a kiss to his hair when he lets out a muffled whimper at the pain. He thinks it helps.

When he finishes wrapping Legend’s wrist Wars pulls out a red potion and instructs him to sip it slowly. When it’s about halfway empty he takes it back and hands it to Wind, who downs it without complaint. “We’ll leave your wrist wrapped for now, let the potion do it’s job. I’ll check on it again tomorrow, okay?”

He waits for Legend to nod before standing and making his way back to the others. Sky immediately takes his place, looking over first Legend and then Wind worriedly. She doesn’t crowd, though, well aware of Legend’s dislike of it.

“We’re alright, Sky,” Wind reassures. “Wars took care of it.”

“I know,” she sighs, moving to sit next to them. “I’m just worried. That was scary.”

Wind nods. It was really scary; seeing Legend in the hands of that moblin, watching him fall, the crack! as his wrist broke... the fact he’d hardly made a noise the entire time...

It’s a relief when the call to get moving comes. Wind stumbles to his feet and moves to hand Legend over to Sky only for the boy to cling to his shirt with a whine. Exchanging a glance with Sky, he tries again but Legend only clings tighter, burying his head against his collarbone.

“Come on, let’s go!” Twilight calls. “We’re gunna try ta get as far as we can afore it gets dark!”

With Legend clinging to Wind like a limpet he shares one last look with Sky before following after the rest of their brothers.

Thankfully it seems the fight will be the only excitement for the day. The rest of the walk is quiet- well, as quiet as it gets with a group like theirs, anyway.

More than once Wind is asked, mostly jokingly, if he’d rather let someone else carry Legend. He just huffs and continues walking.

“I do have a little sister, y’know,” he reminds them. “I can carry a kid for a while.” Besides, Legend chose him, he’s his responsibility!

He catches Twilight pouting at that but gracefully decides not to mention it. The Rancher will get his turn when he gets his turn, no need to whine about it.

Everyone is still a little wound up from the fight, so instead of stopping for lunch like they’d planned Wild hands out skewers to eat as they walk. Wind eats his fish skewer in record time so he can hold the fruit skewer Wild pulled out for Legend.

It’s eaten slowly, interrupted by the occasional sniffle. Wind doesn’t judge him for it; a broken wrist is nothing to laugh at, especially at his age.

—————————

By the time they call it a day Wind’s arms and shoulders are sore. Carrying a kid for so long is no easy feat, but he’d refused to give in and hand Legend over to someone else, only shifting him to his other hip to give his arm a break. The kid in question had fallen asleep sometime after lunch, resting his head on Wind’s shoulder and his hair tickling his cheek.

Camp is made in a clearing a little ways off the path. Wind drops down on a log with a sigh, ready to rest after such a long day. Sky joins him with a yawn and Wind muffles a laugh.

“How is he?” the older hero asks quietly, glancing at Legend where he’s curled into the sailor’s shoulder.

“I think th’ fight an’ everythin’ wore ‘im out,” he murmurs back. “Breakin’ his wrist didn’t help either.” A though occurs to him then and he straightens to look at his brother.

“Sky, earlier when Wars came over an’ set his wrist...” he begins slowly. “Lege got all scared. I-I know he doesn’t like knights- um, big Lege that is. Do you... d’you think it’s somethin’ he remembers from when he was bigger, or-?”

He doesn’t want to finish, doesn’t want to consider what the alternative might mean.

Sky pales as the implication of Wind’s words hit him. “I- I don’t know-”

He’s interrupted by the subject of their conversation stirring awake, blinking open bleary violet eyes. There’s a moment before those eyes settle on Sky. Legend stares for a heartbeat before lifting his hand and giving a small wave.

Sky returns it then clears his throat. “Hey, chick, can I... can I ask you something?”

Legend blinks but nods. Sky gives a wan smile.

“Alright. This... this is a hard question, so don’t force yourself to answer it, okay?” Another nod, this one less sure. “Okay. Wind told me you got scared when Warriors fixed up your wrist earlier. Can you- could you tell me why?”

Legend takes a sharp intake of breath, opening and closing his mouth a few times before biting his lip and shoving his face against Wind’s chest.

“Hey, hey, you don’t have to answer that if it’s too hard. It’s okay-”

“I don’t like knights,” comes the answer, quiet but capturing everyone’s attention nonetheless. “They chase me. They’re bad.” A sniffle. “They used t’ be good but then A-Agahnim cast a spell that made them think I ki-kidnapped th’ pr’ncess even though I didn’t. Th-they didn’t listen when I told them I didn’t do it. Zelda an’ me fixed it after I beat Ganon bu’ then Yuga came an’ made ‘em bad again.”

Wind feels like he’s going to be sick. He knew his brother held a strong distaste for knights, but to know this was why... He swallows and looks away only to see his own horror reflected back at him on his brothers’ faces.

Warriors especially looks stricken.

“This... Agahnim... is he still-? What happened to him?” Time asks. His face has that pinched look it gets when he’s trying not to let his anger get the better of him.

Legend’s voice is numbed and dull when he replies. “He’s dead. I killed him.”

There’s a choking sound. “I- I’m sorry, you what? How old were you?!” Wars sounds almost desperate, like he’s begging the answer won’t be what he thinks it is.

Any hope he has is dashed to pieces when Legend answers, face unnervingly empty.

“Nine.”

#moth’s tales #linked universe #lu legend #snail #fanfiction #linked universe fanfiction #linked universe au #lu wind #autistic legend #lu the chain #lu sky #lu warriors

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mlpoutofcontext · 5 months ago

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#Grannies Gone Wild #season 8 #Rainbow Dash

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ihazyourkitty · 12 days ago

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Orcas, at the Utah Natural History Museum

The Utah Natural History Museum recently opened an exhibition on orcas. It’s really good, and I highly recommend it if any of you have the chance to go. I wish I had taken more pictures.

The display covers a lot of topics, e.g. natural their natural history, pod/ecotype dynamics, neural anatomy, echolocation, significance to indigenous cultures, conservation, etc. They had a life sized model of Ruffles, and even highlighted how it was discovered that Ruffles was unrelated to Granny! Oh, and some of their models even had a few rake marks on them. Loved that attention to detail.

The section on orcas and indigenous cultures was fascinating! Indigenous voices really took center stage there and I learned a lot about just how significant orcas are to many Pacific Northwest tribes.

It was very immersive and well done!

The overarching theme was our shared history and future with orcas. So not only was it just a bunch of facts about the animals, but it progressed through time, highlighting our changing perceptions of them. They briefly talked about Moby Doll, Skana, Namu, Keiko, Tokitae, Morgan and Tilikum. There were some (debatable) inaccuracies about Tokitae, but I do appreciate how they acknowledged Keiko’s release attempt didn’t work. They showed various orca themed memorabilia from the 60’s onward, which was cool.

They also pulled no punches in talking about the plight of wild orcas like the SRKW’s. They went into a lot of details about PCB’s, plastic pollution, Chinook salmon, boat noise, etc. It was heart wrenching and very well done.

And naturally…. yes Blackfish and the general anti captivity movement were highlighted. This was fine, the museum’s intent was to show how public perception progressed, and it wasn’t so much that they themselves took a side. It was just…. unfortunate the glaring blind spot it left.

There was some mention of the work trainers have to do to take care of their orcas, including some memorabilia from the Vancouver aquarium. But was kind of a blip where if you blink, you’ll likely miss it.

They mentioned the important work museums and labs do for research, as simply observing them in the wild can’t give us all the details we need….. but nothing about the research done at accredited marine parks, aside from just how public display changed how we used to fear orcas. Sealand of the Pacific was highlighted in one corner, with people like Steve Huxter* appearing in video. Comparatively, SeaWorld was barely mentioned in passing on the plaque about Tilikum, which I found odd.

My guess is that this was a combination of not wanting to piss off certain donors or contributors to the exhibit given how hot this topic is, and/or simply the lack of contributions from places besides Vancouver aquarium. Perhaps there were too many PR, bureaucratic hoops to jump through. Perhaps all of the above. Curating museum displays is a complicated thing.

I suppose if nothing else, this is true to how our history has progressed here. One side has come to dominate the public narrative, while the other has just clammed up. The biggest mistake SeaWorld and the larger zoological community made in the wake of Blackfish was to just stick their heads in the sand, hide behind their PR departments, and hope the controversy would just go away. Well, it didn’t. And the less we tell our stories, the more they win. They’ve done the work of cultivating media connections and media training. We haven’t.

This, like many other things, has the unintended side effect of erasing women from the picture. They mentioned Tilikum briefly, but said nothing of Dawn or the Dawn Brancheau Foundation (then again, they may not have gotten permission to do that).

Most marine mammal trainers are women, some of whom have gone on to make important contributions to the science of animal welfare, behavior and training…. do they deserve to be remembered only as anonymous pretty faces in wetsuits? Actually, I don’t remember them ever explicitly citing Ingrid Visser, Naomi Rose, or Lori Marino for that matter, not even in the areas about field research or orca brain MRI’s. There’s plenty to criticize about their anti-captivity lobbying to be sure, but they have made some key contributions to scientific literature. So it’s odd they wouldn’t even be mentioned by name given both that and their place in the anti-captivity movement.

Alas. I am not a museum curator, and while I disagree with Blackfish et al., I do think the museum handled the topic very well overall. It is good to be exposed to different points of view, and the truth is that there are valid points to be made about the ethics of orcas in captivity. So how do we go forward from here? Do orcas deserve special legal protections as non human persons? That was a question left open to the interpretation of the viewer, even if slanted somewhat in one direction. I love it when displays can pull that off.

Or at least, they handled it well except for when they talked about Morgan. I am pretty sure that the Free Morgan Foundation was not only the sole contributor to that part of the display, but was given a huge amount of editorial leeway in what little information was provided. The rhetoric in the writing alone was a dramatic departure from how the rest of the exhibit was handled.

So. Many. Problems with this!

First of all, Loro Parque is not connected with SeaWorld. They’ve had a business relationship in the past in that SeaWorld gave them some orcas on a breeding loan, and then eventually transferred ownership of said animals completely to Loro Parque. Their veterinarians and trainers have networked/collaborated with one another in the past. But that’s it. That is the extent of their relationship. That is not the same thing as being “connected.” They are not affiliated with one another. They are two completely different parks owned by two completely different companies. This is such an important legal distinction, how do you get this wrong!?

There are no international regulations that ban orca breeding. Some countries or localities have banned it, but this is not universal. The part about Morgan not being allowed to breed was misleading. When SeaWorld ended their breeding program, they still owned the male orcas at Loro Parque. As such, they were not allowed to breed them until ownership was transferred. SeaWorld never claimed ownership of Morgan.

There’s no mention of Morgan being deaf, which is one of the key reasons why she can’t be released. This was confirmed by multiple third party studies, including the US Navy. Cases brought by the Free Morgan Foundation to multiple courts to have her released have each been dismissed.

And as for scientists supposedly discovering multiple fake orca “rescues” ….I’m sorry, which orcas are they referring to? With exception of the Russian Whale Jail and some facilities in China and Japan, marine parks have not been collecting orcas from the wild for decades. Most orcas alive today in Western parks were born in captivity. We know which orcas are which, where they are housed, and where they came from. Morgan was an exceptional case. So what in the world are they even talking about here!?

Further, marine parks are not the ones who decide whether or not an orca is releasable. Government agencies do.

Orcas rake each other in the wild and in captivity. It can happen from aggression and also from rough play. This is normal behavior. The following is an actual peer reviewed study on the social interactions among the orcas at Loro Parque. https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C13&q=Loro+parque+orca+communication&oq=loro#d=gs_qabs&t=1731592546318&u=%23p%3DHSC5vZFo3tcJ

Just. So many problems here! Who wrote this!? Seriously, I was able to handle the rest of the anti-cap stuff there up until that point. I had to really bite my tongue to keep myself from getting on a soapbox with my friend in public. Oh well. It was only a very, very small part of the exhibit at least.

(*I’ve actually had a few online conversations with Steve Huxter. While I disagree with him on a lot of things relating to wild vs captive orcas, I do think he’s a genuinely nice guy whose heart is in the right place. I can’t imagine what it must have been like to have been there when Keltie Byrne was killed).

#Orcas #animal welfare #blackfish #Morgan #orca captivity #seaworld #Utah Natural History Museum #Loro Parque #Anti cap vs Pro cap

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