#i could talk about her for an eternity like don't test me

[neyafromfrance95]

i feel like when we talk about sauron x galadriel we often focus on either the dynamic itself or sauron's pov, and we need to talk about galadriel's pov more bc it's really fascinating and complex.

for starters, galadriel loves halbrand. it's been confirmed by the creators and by her reaction to him in 2.08. and it was simply obvious from everything leading up to that point. he is her one true love. the only being with from she established a true connection. a comrade with whom she found companionship. she found herself in a soulmate hurt/comfort au when she was with him. and it seems like, no matter how she feels about sauron, she will always love halbrand. what an epitome of tragedy it is to eternally love a man who never existed?

sauron implied that he wanted to heal her when he said that if he wanted forgiveness, he would need to heal everything he helped to ruin, and he took accountability for galadriel's trauma when he apologized for finrod and everything. and i think one of the reasons halbrand had such an effect on galadriel is that his presence really was healing for her. for the first time since finrod, she wasn't alone. she felt understood and believed. he made her open up to him. she could be vulnerable with him. i find it interesting that she mockingly asks him "do you want to heal me", as if making a point that he can't heal her so that she can pretend like he didn't at some point. it adds another layer to her shame too, bc as much as she believes he can't heal the middle-earth, he was able to heal her when he "created" halbrand for her.

she has spent a lifetime harboring a deep hatred of sauron. her main goal in the life being to take revenge on him for her brother. for her, he is a sworn enemy that she's destined to slay. her hatred and ambition to kill him so all consuming and intense that she turned her back on heaven for him and basically willed him back into life.

galadriel is sauron's mirror. she has gazed into the abyss for so long that the abyss gazed back into her. her fight against him has became an intrinsic part of her identity, and we see how now sauron binds her to himself several times, either by guilt or by stabbing her with morgoth's crown, so we can say he has become an intrinsic part of her very being. always there just above her heart.

i think that sauron believes when he says that he would make her his equal queen, i believe that this is what he wants deep down (she is a natural leader, he is a natural follower). but would that actually happen? i don't believe that galadriel would ever willingly join him in mordor not only bc of the light her gaze is fixed on and bc of finrod, but also bc her pride and fear wouldn't allow it. what sauron offers galadriel is basically what jareth offers sarah (labyrinth) - "just fear me, love me. do as i say and i will be your slave." sauron wants galadriel to tame him, in a way, but she wouldn't be able to torture him into submission like morgoth did, as she could never match his strength, even as a dark!witch-queen, and she knows that. unless he repents and joins her in valinor, as a couple, sauron will always dominate galadriel in their dynamic.

trop recontextualizes what we know about galadriel's future. nenya is a symbol of her relationship with sauron and it causes her an extreme sea-longing, and the sea is another thing associated with her bond with sauron. even tho she has family and friends, she feels alone and her heart has greatly desired what sauron's proposal tempted her with for 3000-5000 years! she didn't go to valinor when celebrian did, didn't stay in the middle-earth while celeborn did, she only left the middle-earth for valinor when sauron was gone! and she took nenya with her! with trop context, it doesn't only signify her holding onto power/fight, it signifies her holding onto the only one thing that materialized as a symbol of her connection with sauron/halbrand! so while she passes the test and resists the one ring, i believe she will always yearn for both power and halbrand.

the dichotomy between her love for halbrand and her hatred for sauron is such an interesting concept, as is the dichotomy of her opposing the darkness of the dark lord as the lady of the light while being the perfect mirror of sauron, completely understood only by him, being the only one he is capable of loving, cosmically bound to him by the sea and the blood.

[merakiui]

Georgina for number 8?

I changed the line ("I wished to devour you whole, but I think you'd make for a better pet instead.") just slightly. Basically,, the whole Leech family is crazy for you. <3

(cw: yandere, unhealthy behaviors/relationship, gender neutral reader, intimidation, mild/subtle vague threats, drugging)

(monstrously yandere prompts)

There are layers to the Leech Estate. Rules to follow. Warnings to heed.

You're swiftly moved in just after your wedding with Floyd. Something about tradition, he'd told you and then proceeded to pull a nasty face.

"What kind of tradition?" you asked because, at the time, you'd just passed the Eternity Float test. If you could survive that, then surely you could breeze through whatever other traditions were to come.

But Floyd gave you a hard look, the smile having bled from his face. "Ya gotta pass Mama's test."

He didn't offer further elaboration, merely stating that his father had to do the same when he'd married her. Had to withstand whatever test Georgina's mother wished to throw at him. He'd sensed your unease and fashioned a smile out of a frown to soothe your frazzled soul.

"It's nothin' bad. Don't worry. She'll go easy on ya. She likes ya a lot, y'know."

In the days leading up to Georgina's test, you refreshed yourself on all sorts of exam topics. Maybe it would be something academic? A test of your book smarts rather than your street smarts. Or would it be something related to your athletic prowess? You nearly drove yourself half mad trying to puzzle out this mystery with its lack of clues.

You didn't have to agonize over it much longer, for when the day dawned she requested you join her for breakfast. That was it. Breakfast with your new mother-in-law. That was the test? It felt...significantly easier than what you were expecting, and the way Floyd had vaguely described it made it seem like she'd make you fight for her approval.

Apparently, you'd already earned that.

"Well now," Georgina says as she spots you crossing the lawn to meet her beneath the gazebo. A smile curls on her tinted lips. "Aren't you a darling sight? I do hope the afternoon attire I've selected for you is comfortable."

"Very," you confirm, running your fingers over the breezy, satin sleeve. Awkwardly, silence stalls out and you flounder for something to say.

She giggles behind a lace-gloved fist. "You needn't be so anxious, dear. Please, sit. This is a casual occasion."

You do as she says and lower into the seat across from her. There's a delectable spread on the circular table. From dainty tea cakes to biscuits to a fruit and cheese board, accompanied with an assortment of marmalade and little slices of freshly baked bread.

"Everything looks delicious, Mrs. Leech."

"Doesn't it?" she agrees. "Oh, and please call me Mama. We're family now. Those stuffy means of addressing me simply won't do."

"Well... All right." To give yourself something to do, you reach for the pitcher of lemonade and serve yourself. "Would you care for some?"

"Thank you." She offers her empty glass and watches you pour. "Oh, I'm just so pleased my Floyd is married! And to such a dear person, too. He's talked of nothing else, you see."

"Really?" Not that you ever doubted Floyd's feelings for you. After all, you're married now. But you struggle to imagine anyone making you a consistent conversation topic.

She hums behind her cup, but she doesn't drink just yet. You mirror her actions and have to force yourself to keep composed. The lemonade is so sweet. It's as if an entire bucket of sugar has been dumped in. At least the view around you helps to ground your senses. The fragrant flowers mellow your senses, naturally sweet but not sickly and cloying like this lemonade.

"The way he worried and worried for days when he said he was planning to propose... Oh, perhaps I shouldn't say this. It might embarrass him, but he even rehearsed what he was going to say. My Floyd is too cute, isn't he?"

That catches you by surprise. In the many years you've dated Floyd, you've never known him to do anything like that. He's always gone with the flow. It warms you with a surge of fondness. He really is the cutest. Bashfully, you bow your head. Georgina chuckles.

"I understand why he adores you so much. We all do, you should know, my dear. Which is why I thought it'd be nice to have a little chat."

This must be the test Floyd mentioned, you think and prepare yourself for her interview-like questions.

Georgina sets her untouched cup on its matching porcelain saucer. Her index traces the rim. Even though you've met her countless of times back when you and Floyd dated, you still can't shake the unease you feel whenever you're alone with her. She's so sweet and yet so...powerful. Her serrated smile is soft enough to hide the pointed beast lurking just within.

What are you thinking? She's your mother-in-law, not some monster! You feel so ashamed, so you swallow down another gulp of too-sweet lemonade.

"I do hope you won't think too poorly of us. We're an...eccentric bunch." She giggles at the adjective. "And we look out for our own. We do indeed love you dearly, even if some of the things we do may seem the opposite of that, but you'll come to see it's all for the best in time."

A bunny-shaped biscuit poised between her dark lips, she snaps its head off in a dainty bite.

"Um, I'm not sure I understand..."

"Jade tells me you're planning to pursue a career in journalism. Is that right?"

You nod, though you can't recall a time in which you ever discussed such a thing with him.

"It's a journalist's duty to tell the truth, yes?"

"Yeah. And there are always two sides to investigate."

"Ah, that's right." She hums around another bite of biscuit. "Well, we've seen your side. I suspect now's the time you really see ours."

"Huh?"

She giggles. "Oh, Floyd hasn't told you?"

Dread settles in your stomach. You feel cold despite the early afternoon. "Told me what?"

"About what we really do."

"Your family business?"

"Oh, it's just like him to pursue a darling thing like yourself. Someone who could shed a little light on the shadows that keep our secrets," she says, ignoring your questioning stare. "Floyd really does cherish you, but then how can you possibly pick between your love and your family? It's simple, really. You bring said love into the family."

She rises from her seat, and the deliberate motion is dizzying. You sway as you follow the undulating ruffles of her dress. "I... I'm not following, Mama."

"You're only a Leech in name, but soon I know you'll be one in spirit, too."

You try to stand but flop back into your chair. Your legs are numb.

"Georgina, what's going on?"

"Don't be scared, my darling. You've nothing to fear here." She moves around the table and leans down to cup your cheek. A tender smile softens her aged features. "If a shrimp strays too far into the mouth of a moray, what is the latter to do?"

You open your mouth to speak, but warm saliva pools there instead. You feel sick, hot all over with some strange sensation. You think you could pass out at any moment, your vision speckled with dark spots.

Framed by the garden of flowers bursting in bloom, Georgina smiles. "It's simple, really. We want nothing more than to devour you, but that would put a swift end to this little game. And we love our games. So instead I think you'll make for a marvelous pet."

Oh, you think, falling forward into her arms, sluggish and boneless. This wasn't the test. This was just the prelude, a warning for what's to come.

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

Hello Ravenmod!! Hope recovery's going well.

Coral Sea event is finally here !!! I saw this tweet and immediately thought about... Miss Raven and Jade 🥺💙 (also: Mama Leech...!?!?! ma'am how do you feel about... crows / ravens... for no particular reason...)

https://x.com/aitaikimochi/status/1914586828377923868?t=re4JjAzrfkX8LCEozNw41g&s=19

And that got me thinking... Since Raven is such a fairytale enthusiast — how would her ideal wedding be like?

Hello, hello! I think I'm doing well now; I'm at least comfortable enough to return the pinned post from the health update back to the usual one. I seriously think all my excitement for the Eternity Float event sped up my recovery... I gained so much energy when I first saw the April 2025 JP schedule. Literally was counting down the days until it arrived!

adihbqeryow35r13ri7adfiyvVFEGP Miss Raven meeting one of Jade's parents 💀 Upon hearing that Jade will be introducing her to his mother, she'd immediately be suspicious (knowing what kind of people Jade and his twin brother are; the woman that raised these menaces must be a menace herself). But then all those thoughts go right out the window when Raven meets Georgina face-to-face. You'd think Raven would be freaked out by how tall Mrs. Leech is or how she's dressed to kill in all that black... but no, Raven's actually in complete and total awe of this woman. To her, Georgina Leech is like THE "ideal lady" she's been striving to become herself. So beautiful, so polite, so elegant, so intelligent, so charming!! Is she even a real person?! As for Georgina, I think she'd be entertained by a creature of the sky expressing such a vested interest in the sea. Maybe she'll tease a bit, poke and prod to see how this bird gets along with her son. It's like a little initiation test to see how Raven fares www

"My mother, Georgina Leech. Mother, this is Raven Crowley, our headmaster's ward."

Raven can barely process whatever words are leaving Jade's mouth. He could be spewing utter poison, the vilest insults known to mankind, and still her senses glazed over. Before this radiant lady, they are all but tiny moons orbiting a far grander planet, pulled further and further in by an unexplained magnetism. Raven robotically sticks out a hand and blurts out, "I-It's a pleasure to meet your acquaintance, ma'am!" It's said in a pathetic squeak, and she fears her muscles are limp as Georgina seizes her outstretched hand.

"Oh, there's no need to be shy, dear," she coos, slick as seaweed. "I'm already quite familiar with you." "Y-You are?" "I've heard so many stories about you from Jade." Georgina's lips--painted a shade so deep it borders on black--peel back into an amicable smile. "Ufufufu. He tells me you are ever so amusing. A raven that longs to experience the sea... such an oddity! I do hope that I will be able to help you recognize that dream of yours here in Ultramarine City. Don't be a stranger. I will be here to answer any and all inquiries you may have."

"O-Oh... okay, I'll take you up on that offer, ma'am!" Raven stutters, bowing her head deeply in appreciation.

ashdbasdgvadaWQEGGQWO314ii1 Funnily enough, while Miss Raven is a fairy tale enthusiast + romantic and often fantasizes about the "what ifs", she hasn't thought much about her own ideal wedding. It's mostly because she doesn't know if she'll be able to find that coveted "true love" they speak of in storybooks, and also because most of the guys she's surrounded with aren't... the most upstanding individuals 😂 If you asked her directly, Raven might just claim she'd "just sign legal documentation and have it be over with as soon as possible" or say that she "doesn't dream of such silly things"! ... The reality is, I think she'd want to talk it over with a potential life partner and come to a mutual agreement on how their wedding should be. Mated birds will usually work together to build a nest, so translating that over to her new life as a girl... Miss Raven wants to cooperate to "build a nest" (make a wedding, home, life, etc.) together. Errrrrrrrrrrrr 💦 yeah, good luck getting any NRC guy to agree to that???/j

[mama-frog]

Rewatching NPMD so I decided to jot down all the biblical references in the show I find (at least that I think are relevant and not just super common phrases) and my thoughts about why they were included

Calling High School "Hell on Earth" at the beginning of High School is Killing Me

"Is God the one giving the test?" The morality test that starts the entire plot moving

"And we pray, and we pray" in Literal Monster. This is to set up Max's God complex

"I am only one man's girl, Max, and his name is Jesus Christ" First of all this is the funniest fucking line ever written. Second of all, girl he thinks he is God. You're just affirming what he already believes

"Forbidden Fruit, dickhole" Once again God complex

"You can watch as I rise" this man is likening himself to Jesus rising.

"I don't know what gave you the idea that you could break bread with Stephanie Lauter" Max gets to decide who is worthy of entering his house of worship

"I willed it into existence. I bring order to Hatchetfeild High. Light to Darkness. I'm your God" Ok the lighting change in this part is SICK the spotlight on Max really makes him feel so much bigger and scarier. but also the genesis reference is top tier on Max's part. He really makes it easy for anyone to understand his God complex

"Now on your knees, bitch. It's time to say your fucking prayers" Still just reinforcing the complex

The Chastity's "Amen" is comedic gold. Grace ending the prayer that Max started is lowkey symbolic of her ending his reign of terror later in the show

"I only believe in one ghost, the holy spirit that resides in all of our hearts" Papa Chastity my beloved

Max wearing a cross during Grace's sexual fantasy is so fucking funny, but also says a lot about the purity culture she grew up in

"I am expecting you to betray me" Grace later becomes the Judas to Max's Jesus when she has sex with him

"Dirty girl will you pray for me" Grace doesn't fully understand his God complex and has a savior complex of her own so this is how Max talks in her mind

"The trinity is more than two" LeAvE rOoM fOr JeSuS

"I'm singing a sacred song. On your knees pray along" unknowingly playing into the God complex there while also feeding her savior complex

"He's more than a boy, he's an idea. One that strikes fear in the hearts of the meek" God complex once again

"I am Jägerman! I am God!" He spells it out for us so much

"It was an act of God" ...Grace no

Max dying and coming back to life is so Jesus coded of him (I hate that I just typed that phrase)

"Who will pray for me" Dear lord Max is making Richie a prayer

"Or is this the eternal dark without a dawn?" TBH I don't think this is biblical I just love this line

"Relax ye of little faith" Love how Grace's savior complex is starting to morph into Max's God complex so she can take his place as the ruler of the school at the end of the show

"We're at Hell's gate" more like the black and white but yeah

"GOD'S PLAN" Grace is so unintentionally funny

"The Devil has won" The Lords in Black are really speaking directly to Grace now

"YOU FUCKING JUDAS" see the irony is that Grace is his Judas

I am not transcribing the bible flirting...just know it's to feed the God complex

"I AM JÄGERMAN I AM GOD" We know, bitch

It took me to the bottom of the list to realize that Grace's savior complex was to set her up to be a priest of the church of the starry children. So in conclusion, Max has a God complex

[professorspork]

Not sure if you've already done this but could you either rank or tier list the Glindas and Elphabas you've seen?

lmao you know, very true to form for me how even with 59 different boots and 6 live performances under my belt i'm still like "NO I CAN'T POSSIBLY CHOOSE, I NEED MORE DATA"

like. girl. you know your own taste, be real, how much more do you really need???

but constitutionally something about me still resists lists and tiers, so instead i'm gonna do CATEGORIES.

so welcome to:

THE OZCARS

every category will have explanations, five nominees, and one winner. nominees will be listed in chronological watch order, and specific boot dates will be noted when appropriate. fair? FAIR, I THINK.

also lmao there's no way i have the self-control to limit myself to just gelphie, and please note the obvious caveat that this is a time capsule of opinions that are as ever subject to change, and this may be revisited after more things are seen

i have no idea how long this is gonna get, so maybe let's put this under a cut, huh.

BEST FIRST IMPRESSION (Elphie Edition)

(i.e.: the actresses who really impressed and made a mark on me right from the jump)

NOMINEES:

Shoshana Bean [Bway 1/9/05]: Smol Bean Too Good For This World, Too Pure

Nicole Parker [Bway 3/8/09]: Oh That's Why They Say Comedians Make The Best Dramatic Actors

Mamie Parris [1NT 11/30/11]: Green Bean Thinks Of Nothing But Murder All Day

Emmy Raver-Lampman [1NT 5/31/14]: Shockingly Steady Standby Holds Night Of Pure Chaos At Bay Like It's Easy

Mary Kate Morrissey [2NT 8/4/18]: Wow People Weren't Fuckin Kidding About Double Name Witches Being Gay On Purpose Holy Shit

WINNER: MAMIE PARRIS

I'm still two installments away from talking about this particular bootleg in the Punctum Project, but my WORD what a tour de force Mamie is. she stalks onto stage in act 1 frothing at the mouth and full of charisma and bile, and you just can't take your eyes off her. fucking amazing stuff.

BEST LAST(ING) IMPRESSION (Elphie Edition)

(i.e. the actresses whose performances have really clung to my bones and have longevity and mental staying power)

Shoshana Bean, giving YOU THINK YOU DON'T LIKE NICE ELPHIE? TOO BAD MINE WILL HAUNT YOU

Eden Espinosa, giving YOU NEVER FORGET YOUR FIRST

Carmen Cusack, giving WHY THE FUCK DID THEY NEVER LET YOU DO BROADWAY WHEN YOU'RE THE BEST AT THIS

Mamie Parris, giving NO SERIOUSLY DID I MENTION THE RAGE

Laurel Harris, giving WATCH ME GROW WATCH ME CHANGE WATCH ME MATURE WATCH ME BE SO BISEXUAL

WINNER: EDEN ESPINOSA

Reader you have no idea how hard this was for me to pick, because I do think this comes closest to "favorite" or "best" and i ALWAYS WANT TO GIVE CAVEATS. like especially I need to shout out Sho for making both lists and just like... doing the impossible work of opening the door to a post-Idina Elphaba and what that might mean and doing it with such fearless brightness. and also shout out to Carmen who I do think is maybe the most "complete" Elphaba for me, who comes closest to like, the version of Elphaba who lives in my head and whose voice I would use as my litmus test when writing fanfiction

but Eden was my first Elphie when I was a girl of but 14, and there's no getting around the fact that so many things I love in other Elphabas are, fundamentally, Little Eden Things. the combo of humor and pathos and riffs is just. in my DNA.

BEST FIRST IMPRESSION (Glinda Edition)

(These ones ARE in watch order despite not seeming like it you'll just have to believe me)

Kara Lindsay [LIVE on Bway 10/24/15, no boot exists to my eternal sadness]: My Glinda Girlie Awakening

Katie Rose Clarke [Bway 5/12/2013]: Reactivated Me Like A Sleeper Agent

Kendra Kassebaum [1NT 3/14/06]: Listen to the Sound... of Violence

Brittney Johnson [Bway 9/XX/19]: I'll Never Do It As Gay Again But My God Was This So Gay

McKenzie Kurtz [Bway 5/30/23]: Playing The Classics And Don't They Sound Great

WINNER: KARA LINDSAY

much like with Eden above this isn't really one I can like, make an argument against with any real strength or integrity. falling for Kara's glinda got me hooked on wicked for YEARS last time, and getting to her era of boots was a big motivator for how i approached the great rewatch. ultimately i fear they may not translate to those who never saw her live and can only go by recordings-- her early boots are marred by matt shingledecker giving her NOTHING and in her later boots she was lowkey carrying jenny dinoia, so you kind of have to squint i think to See It the way i know it in my bones, but. when she was good she was perfect. and so much of what i love about McKenzie was that she was Giving Kara.

BEST LAST(ING) IMPRESSION (Glinda Edition)

Megan Hilty, giving I MADE GLINDA SWEET THAT WAS ME I DID THAT

Kendra Kassebaum, giving I MADE GLINDA WEIRD THAT WAS ME I DID THAT

Annaleigh Ashford, giving I MADE GLINDA GAY THAT WAS ME I DID THAT

Katie Rose Clarke, giving I MADE GLINDA AUTISTIC THAT WAS ME I DID THAT

Kara Lindsay, giving I MADE YOU OBSESSED WITH GLINDA THAT WAS ME I DID THAT

WINNER: KATIE ROSE CLARKE

I mean. a) she's the longest Glinda so she kind of had a leg up here but b) lbr she was the longest Glinda for a goddamn reason. SO MUCH of what is now codified by fiat as things glinda Must Do are things krc just like. made up on tour and lbr got in trouble for at the time! her impact isn't just on how i understand Glinda but how EVERYONE understands glinda and like, i don't think anyone else really has a shot at that crown here other than maybe Cheno herself (who, yes, wasn't nominated and I realize that but having the staying power of being on the cast album is a whole other thing)

BEST AT GIVING GELPHIE

(Self-explanatory, but PAIRS ONLY everyone's gotta pull their weight or there would be too many caveats, even though LMAO that does skew this somewhat)

Stephanie J Block & Annaleigh Ashford: We Are The Gay Agenda and The Gay Agenda Is Hands

Carmen Cusack & Katie Rose Clarke: This Bitch Is Everything To Me (Even When She Drives Me Nuts)

Donna Vivino & Katie Rose Clarke: This Bitch Is Everything To Me (And We Have To Cry About It)

Mary Kate Morrissey & Ginna Claire Mason: Gay Agenda II Electric Boogaloo, We Have Clearly Spent Hours In Our Shared AirBNB Optimizing Every Moment Of This Show

Laurel Harris & Katie Rose Clarke: This Bitch Is Everything To Me (And For A Moment You Can Dream We Might Make It Work)

Honorable Mention: YES I KNOW I'M CHEATING but if I'd seen more boots of Alyssa Fox and McKenzie Kurtz they had a chance of knocking out one of the Katies I think and it's worth saying so

that said

WINNER: Mary Kate Morrissey & Ginna Claire Mason

This one was AGONIZING to narrow down and yes pitting Katie against herself three times does skew the results somewhat. but like. i think that if I met someone who was like "I've never seen Wicked but people tell me it's gay, what's the gayest version?" my instinct would be to point them at Double Name Witches before anyone else. I do love that (with the slight aberration of Laurel coming AFTER double name witches) this is two bookends of actresses very clearly going in with a game plan and executing, and then the insides of the sandwich is krc just like going into a dykadelic fugue state for several hours for years at a time and occasionally lucking into people who could keep up with her

BEST AT GIVING THROPPLE

(Yes this is a whole other thing than Gelphie, NO THE VENN DIAGRAMS ARE NOT IDENTICAL YES THERE IS CONSIDERABLE OVERLAP)

Carmen Cusack & Katie Rose Clarke & Cliffton Hall: True Love In Three Directions Has No Chance Of Running Smooth

Donna Vivino & Katie Rose Clarke & Richard H Blake: Crying Breakfast Friends Wish To Be Gentle And Fail

Mamie Parris & Katie Rose Clarke & Kyle Dean Massey: Young And Dumb and Full of Cum

Rachel Tucker & Carrie St Louis & Jonah Platt: Two Stressed Cheetahs And Their Zoo-Assigned Therapy Golden Retriever

Laurel Harris & Katie Rose Clarke & Ryan McCartan: Teenage Dirtbags Can't Do Feelings But Can't Stop Having Them

WINNER: LAUREL & KRC & RYAN

Blame my wife for this one y'all she converted me; the more I think about this trio the more I feel like they really do just have a balance to them that's very appealing -- getting both the sharp corners and the soft underbellies

FIYERO MOST WORTHY OF HAVING A CATFIGHT OVER

David Burnham, giving ACTUAL POPULAR GUY CHARISMA

Kyle Dean Massey, giving MOVE THEM HIPS

Michael Campayno, giving GENTLEST BOY

Ryan McCarten, giving DON'T YOU DARE CALL ME MEOW MEOW

Xavier McKinnon, giving IT WILL NEVER OCCUR TO YOU TO CALL ME MEOW MEOW *slutty wink*

WINNER: XAVIER MCKINNON

It took 20 years to find the man who was MADE IN A LAB TO BE THE PERFECT FIYERO but we did it boys, we found him. do you have any idea how hard it is to make his goofy-ass lines actually sound suave and THIS BOY MAKES IT LOOK EASY. he PULLS OFF THE GAZELLE LEAP. WHAT CAN'T HE DO. (well the answer is give thropple he's a fiyeraba truther but he's only been on tour less than a year give him time)

MORRIBLE BEST AT BOTH THE ACTING PART AND THE SINGING PART WITHOUT MAKING YOU CHOOSE

Carole Shelley: the OG

Alma Cuervo: Always Serving (all entendres intended)

Myra Lucretia Taylor: That's My Mom

Sheryl Lee Ralph: That's My Queen

Aymee Garcia: Those PIPES

WINNER: SHERYL LEE RALPH

Sheryl should have gotten a goddamn Tony for her turn as Morrible, she stole the fucking show, she was perfect in every possible way, the MENACE the HUMOR the VOICE my god.

WIZARD WHO MOST MAKES YOU GET WHY HE'S THE WIZARD:

Sean McCourt: I'm An Understudy Making A Meal of It (Pt I)

Lenny Wolpe: That's My Dad

Gene Weygandt: Peak Used Car Salesman Energy

Wayne Schroder: I'm An Understudy Making A Meal of It (Pt 2)

Michael McCormick: He Just Loves Drama

WINNER: LENNY WOLPE

Michael gives Lenny a real run for his money, but I have to go with my heart. Lenny talks like the penguin in Toy Story with the broken squeaker and 97% of the time he's the most nonthreatening sweetiepie ever and then he'll suddenly Get Serious and it's like OH DAMN OK.

BOQ BEST AT BEING NOT JUST TOLERABLE BUT TRULY LOVABLE

Telly Leung: bright spot in dark times

Alex Brightman: SO BABY

F. Michael Haynie: flustered and sweet

Jesse JP Johnson: didn't mean any harm

Michael Wartella: genuinely kind

WINNER: MICHAEL WARTELLA

I PROMISE THIS ISN'T JUST RECENCY BIAS Michael I think truly is best at navigating the swings Boq has to take without ever coming off as creepy or over-the-top. He's so GENTLE, even with Nessa, even at the end, and I'm very pumped to see more of his early work in my second go-around of boots

NESSA MOST EQUALLY GOOD AT BOTH ACTS OF THE SHOW

Deedee Magno Hall: unafraid of conflict in act 1 without being cunty about it

Stefanie Brown: makes the high highs and low lows tonally of a piece

Catherine Charlebois: years of excellence

Gizel Jimenez: Care Bear Stare

Kimber Elayne Sprawl: hell yeah i'll growl

WINNER: DEEDEE MAGNO HALL

And no, she's not winning just because my wife and I can't stop giggling any time she says any line and we mentally fill in it starting or ending with "sTEVEN--"

Deedee just has such a memorable presence, and never phoned in a single second; the line deliveries in act 1 for nessa can be so rote or surfacy and NOT FOR THIS LADY NOPE.

MOST PAINFUL FLUB

Bway 1/9/05: Joey McIntyre cannot find his note for like a full verse and a half of ALAYM and there's nothing Sho Bean can do to help him

1NT 2/26/09: Paul Slade Smith as Dillamond tells Elphaba to "go enjoy your students," leaving poor standby Merideth Kaye Clark (WHO HAS THE FIRE ALARM GO OFF ON HER LATER DURING NGD) to have to quickly improvise "That's okay, the other students aren't my friends."

Bway 6/30/2017: Kara Lindsay gets so lost in Jenny DiNoia's eyes that she ALSO sings "two good good friends" at the end of One Short Day

Bway 3/XX/20: Lindsay Heather Pierce flubs Elphie's entrance by saying "No I'm not green, yes I've always been green" instead of "seasick."

Bway 3/XX/24: Donna McKechnie says "Miss Elphaba!" instead of "Miss Upland!" as she enters the Ozdust Ballroom

WINNER(?): JOEY MCINTYRE

I'm so sorry Joey but this was your personal last show and it will live in infamy and there's nothing anyone can do about it

KOOKIEST GLINDA

(i.e. who is most in danger of being accused of having "a lot of personality")

Kendra Kassebaum, giving FISTICUFF REALNESS

Katie Rose Clarke, giving I AM AN AUTISTIC BABY DEER FROM OUTER SPACE

Alli Mauzey, giving THE ONLY THING I LOVE MORE THAN ME IS ATTENTION

Amanda Jane Cooper, giving MY FAVORITE GLINDA IS KATIE ROSE CLARKE LET'S TURN IT UP TO 11

Jennafer Newberry, giving I HAVEN'T FOUND MY GLINDA THESIS STATEMENT YET SO I'M GONNA DO THIS UNTIL I DO

WINNER: AMANDA JANE COOPER

Believe me, I am more shocked than anyone that someone was able to out-Katie Katie on this, but like. My word. Amanda Jane Cooper is A Lot, bless her, and VERY inventive. I stand by my decision to not include Annaleigh Ashford as a nominee; considering how Annaleigh plays every other role I've ever seen her in her Glinda is shockingly normal.

MOST BULLYABLE ELPHIE

(i.e. whose "The Wizard and I" and classroom scenes most have me going "oh honey good luck with all that, no wonder people keep putting Kick Me signs on your back.")

Teal Wicks, giving THEATER KID TRIES AND FAILS TO ROUGHLY APPROXIMATE DARIA

Dee Roscioli, giving MY POSTURE IS AS BAD AS MY SELF-ESTEEM

Jackie Burns, giving RACHEL BERRY OVERACHIEVER

Jessica Vosk, giving IT'S NOT MY FAULT NONE OF YOU LOSERS CAN SEE MY VISION

Natalia Vivino, giving INSUFFERABLE KNOW-IT-ALL

WINNER: DEE ROSCIOLI

Dee I think visibly has Glinda most stressed out and helpless during Popular because she cannot do it which takes the cake here

GLINDA I FIND IT EASIEST TO BELIEVE IS POPULAR WITHOUT THE SCRIPT TELLING ME SO

Kristen Chenoweth: Literally I Invented This Why Do My Predecessors Struggle When I Laid It Out

Annaleigh Ashford: Who Wouldn't Be Obsessed With Me?

Meggie Cansler: JAP Regina George And Making It Work

Gina Beck: The Fact That I Cannot Mask My Accent Is An Asset Actually Because I'm A Fascinating And Mysterious Exchange Student, Go With It

Brittney Johnson: Best Hang At Girl's Night/Throws Awesome Bachelorette Parties

WINNER: GINA BECK

I've only seen Gina once but I was fascinated by her Glinda, and how she commanded every room she was in with such ease. She's just someone you Pay Attention To, she's got this effortless magnetism that shows-doesn't-tell why it's not about aptitude it's the way you're viewed.

BEST POPULAR OOPSIE

(i.e. the improvs that weren't planned)

Bway 1/9/05: After like a FULL MINUTE of trying to get the flower to stick behind Sho's ear, Jennifer Laura Thompson gives up and puts it between Sho's tits instead

Bway 3/13/08: Annaleigh takes the flower off in the scene transition because it was falling out and stashes it in the shoe closet, then forgets which pair she hid it in when it's time for the finishing touch, has to dig through every single one, and chirps "I keep things in my shoes!" when SJB asks what she's doing

1NT 11/1/08: Katie Rose Clarke, still holding the lipstick she almost dropped as she grabs the mirror to set it on the bed, blurts out "I got so much stuff in my hands"

1NT 11/2/08 (yes literally the very next night): Katie Rose Clarke bodyslams herself so hard into her bed at "Fiyero and I are going to be married" she not only breaks a shoe and has to do the rest of Popular barefoot, but the impact sends the preset lipstick tube flying so that she has to spend the entirety of "when I see depressing creatures..." scrambling to find it in the pillows only to realize it's not there and then do a casj lean against the headboard and give Carmen a nod like she meant to do that

Bway 09/XX/19: Brittney can't get the flower to detach from her wig and finally has to let Hannah do it for her with a sad little "help!"

WINNER: 11/2/08 KRC

This one takes the cake because it's a two-parter, and because there are also like 18 different bonkers things that happen in that Popular that we do not have time to get into

IF THERE ARE OTHER CATEGORIES YOU WISH FOR MY OPINION ON, KINDLY LET ME KNOW. but this is getting quite long so I'm gonna stop it there for now

however, some people are so far and above in their respective categories, it was not worth naming four other nominees. so!

Various Senior Superlatives:

Elphie whose lack of a full video boot most kills my soul: Lindsay Mendez

Glinda whose lack of a full video boot most kills my soul: Patti Murin

Most Equal-Opportunity Bisexual Elphaba: Alyssa Fox

Most Affecting 'The Wizard and I:' Saycon Sengbloh 3/29/06

Fiyero Happiest Just To Be Invited (bc he ships Gelphie): Jon Robert Hall

Most Sizzling Sexual Chemistry Between A Wizard and Morrible: Michael McCormick and Alexandra Billings

Most Original Take on Morrible: JoAnne Worley and her ten packs a day American working-class accent

Most Frustrating Missed Opportunity for Comedy: Kyle Brown taking over for Timothy A Fitzgerald as Fiyero mid-show on 5/31/14 and NOT going for a laugh on "Fiyero, you frightened me. I thought you might have changed"/"I have changed!" LIKE COME ON MAN YOU LITERALLY HAVE CHANGED, LET IT BREATHE AND GIVE THE AUDIENCE A GIGGLE IT'S RIGHT THERE

Performance as Elphie closest to book!Elphaba: Mary Kate Morrissey 7/21/23; the most uncannily unsocialized and autistic Elphie I've ever seen and VERY unlike MK's usual portrayal. strikingly original and almost painful to watch at times. sensational.

Best sustained low note at the end of INTG: Julia Murney

Best delivery of "Yeah or maybe it scratched me or something:" Kristoffer Cusick

Best 1NT tour stop to use as a punchline: Appleton WI

Best Dillamond at actually making his lecture sound both interesting and like a legitimate classroom interaction: Harry Bouvy 9/24/17

All-Time Horniest ALAYAM: 2NT 2/XX/25 Carly Augenstein and Xavier McKinnon. No this is not recency bias, they kept kissing so long after the song ended the audience literally started to get uncomfortable. it ruled.

ANYWAY THANK YOU FOR ASKING I HOPE THIS SATISFIES

[bad268]

HELLO

I'm in love with ur arvid linblad stories...

Could u please do one where its the first time he brings reader to a race and shes a bit shy and the other guys are teasing him abt it cos they didn't think he could pull someone and then they see how cute they are

+ Heyy I loved ur arvid linblad x reader!!

Could u do one where he is super excited for Silverstone and no one knows why until the weekend where he walks in with his gf and all the prema guys are surprised and then they see how cute they are together. -@romantic-stylezz

Passenger Princess (Arvid Lindblad X Fem! Reader)

Fandom: RPF/F2/F3

Requested: Clearly (HELLO THANK YOU ILY BOTH <3 I hope yall don't mind that I combined these)

Warnings: Aged up Arvid (and Dino, Gabriele, Sebastian, Luke, Laurens, and Tim by association)

POV: Third Person (She/her)

W.C. 1424

Summary: Arvid's friends didn't think he could pull her.

As always, my requests are OPEN

MASTERLIST // HITLIST

~~(^@/Arvid’s insta from May 26, 2024)

Every British driver was excited for Silverstone, but Dino was convinced that Arvid was a little over the top. Dino could not figure it out for the life of him, and Arvid did not peg him as the ultra-patriotic type. Dino was going to get to the bottom of it.

When they arrived in the United Kingdom, it was like Arvid disappeared anytime they were not at the track. Dino even tried looking around the hotel for Arvid, but he was just gone. The team didn’t know either. They just assumed he was staying with family.

Media day came around, and Arvid came running into the trailer almost late. He tried his best to sneak in through the back, but Dino caught him immediately.

“So you think that since you’re at your home race, you can sleep in and stay with your family longer?” Dino chuckled as he shoved against Arvid’s shoulder. Dino didn’t notice the blush spreading on Arvid’s cheeks as he continued teasing. “Did you enjoy a calm morning and breakfast with your family? Are they gonna come pick you up after too for supper?”

“Actually, my morning was pretty hectic,” Arvid chuckled as he walked in step with Dino for the track walk. “My alarm didn’t go off, so I didn’t wake up my girlfriend for her test-”

“Woah, don’t get all delusional on me,” Dino joked, “You’ve never mentioned a girlfriend before.”

“No one’s ever asked,” Arvid shrugged as he ran to catch up with his engineer to look over data. Dino didn’t even have a chance to question it. Did he believe it? No. Did he think it was a cheap coverup? Oh yeah, Dino just needed to get to the bottom of it.

They didn’t have a free chance until they were wrapping up after qualifying. Both of them did well, qualifying first (Arvid) and third (Dino). They had just finished up the debrief, and Arvid dipped out faster than any of the team could blink. It wasn’t until Dino went out to the employee parking lot with Gabriele and Sebastian that he saw Arvid still hanging around. Dino was about to run up and scare him, but he noticed Arvid was on the phone. Like a normal group of friends, they all decided to listen in on his call.

“Qualifying was good,” He chuckled as he kicked at a few rocks on the asphalt. He paused for a second before chuckling again, “Yes. I know. Thank you, lovey.” The boys were confused. Who the hell was he talking to? Maybe Arvid wasn’t talking out of his ass about a girlfriend earlier in the week. The trio looked between each other before Arvid started talking again. “Are you almost here? We can go out tonight and celebrate your test…Okay, I’ll let you drive safely for the rest of the way. I have to confront some eavesdroppers. I’ll see you when you get here. I love you.”

Busted, they all thought. 

Arvid hung up the phone with his beloved girlfriend, who he would have rather talked to for eternity, but he also knew his friends would have questions. He can understand why. He never mentioned a girlfriend, nor has he mentioned any interest in a girl. It’s mainly because he always had you, and he never felt the need to say anything. Also, no one asked him about a girlfriend.

Now, he was going to come clean. 

“You can ask now,” Arvid sighed as he turned around and looked straight at the group of three.

“Who, what, when, where, why,” Dino rattled off quickly as he approached Arvid.

“And how!” Sebastian shouted running to catch up with Dino and Arvid, leaving Gabriele to calmly walk over on his own. “I need the tea!”

“Who, her name is Y/n. What, she’s my my girlfriend. When, since 2022. Where and why, I don’t know the questions,” Arvid rattled back quickly as all three boys surrounded him.

“Where you met and why you hid it, obviously,” Gabriele stated in a blatant tone. 

“We grew up together. She was my neighbor for the longest time, and when I left for the Italian F4 championship, she confessed and ended up joining me toward the end of the season. Why I didn’t tell you, you didn’t ask.”

“You two were dating when we were F3 teammates, and I didn’t even know?”

“She confessed first? That’s cute.”

“Why are we just now finding out?”

“Tough luck,” Arvid laughed as he started going through the follow-up questions of his friends. “Yeah, she confessed. Is that a problem?”

“No, it’s just I thought you would have been the one to confess,” Sebastian replied quickly, thinking he offended Arvid. “Sorry.”

“Nah, it’s fine,” Arvid chuckled, “And you’re just now finding out because you decided to listen in on my phone call now. If you would have waited about 12 more hours, you would’ve met her in person.”

“Is this her first race?” Dino asked still in shock.

“No, did you not listen?” Arvid teased. “She came for the last half of my Italian F4 season in 2022, and a couple of F4 and Euro 4 races in 2023. Whatever ones she could do with her schedule since she was still in secondary school. She was also at the MACAU race in 2023, I forgot about that.”

“So she just didn’t come to your first or second F3 seasons?” Dino didn’t mean to sound so snappy, but he was confused. Just as Arvid was getting ready to reply, a car honking caught all of their attention. The driver rolled down their window, they were met with a random girl except she wasn’t random to Arvid.

“It’s a lot easier to go to European races than it is to go everywhere, especially during my last years of secondary school,” She said with a laugh. “Do you boys need a ride? I’ve got space. It’s not some fancy car, but it gets the job done.”

She wasn’t kidding. Her old Honda Civic looked like it had seen better days, but it still ran, and that’s what mattered. Arvid shook his head dismissively as he walked around to the passenger side.

“Oh, first you say she confessed, and now you’re saying you’re the passenger princess? That’s crazy,” Sebastian teased as he walked up to the door.

“Passenger princess and proud,” Arvid boasted as he immediately took over the music. “Are you guys getting in or not?”

“Hold up, I’m still wrapping my head around this.”

“Dino, either get in the car, and we’ll drop you off at the hotel or we’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Ok, I’m getting in.”

The following day, the talk of the F2 paddock was that Arvid had a girlfriend. Once again, no one believed it. Dino was the one running around telling anyone who would listen, and they definitely thought he was going crazy. Sebastian and Gabriele weren’t making a big deal, so everyone thought Dino was making it up. There was no way Arvid had a girlfriend. He was the type to want to flaunt a girlfriend if he had one, so clearly, he didn’t have one. It wasn’t until the two walked into the paddock that, suddenly, everyone went quiet.

Arvid walked through the scanner in his Red Bull kit and waited for Y/n to scan her pass. It was obvious to everyone that the Prema kit she was wearing was not her own. Once she got through, her hand was in Arvid’s as he led her to the Prema trailer. No one could believe their eyes.

Dino stood off to the side with a couple of drivers as they all watched the two lovers laugh at something before disappearing in the trailer.

“I don’t get it,” Luke cleared the air as he still focused on the now-closed door they went in. “I don’t believe they’re together.”

“Yeah,” Laurens chuckled in agreement. “I don’t see him as the type to pull her.”

“Oh, just wait until you find out the racing driver is a passenger princess,” Dino chuckled off-handedly as he started to walk away.

“You are lying!” Tim shouted after him, wanting to hear more details.

“Nope,” Dino stated with a pop. “I’m not spilling everything. You all thought I was lying about his girlfriend! Why would I give you more tea?”

“Fine, I’ll just ask Sebastian,” Tim shrugged off as he walked off with Laurens and Luke following closely behind him.

“No!” Dino shouted as he ran after them. “Wait for me!”

~~~ Part 2->

~~~~~

© BAD268 2024. DO NOT REPOST WITHOUT PERMISSION.

[raayllum]

Arc 3 Predictions Electric Boogaloo

Because there's certain stuff that makes a Lot more sense now even as we're left with more questions, so let's talk about it.

Aaravos and the Cosmic Order / Claudia

So Aaravos wanted to take down the elves and dragons. Now the archdragons are all gone circa S7, which means he can hit the ground running upon his return in seven years. This means that the next target can fully be the Cosmic Council outright, and more recontextualization about how creating Eternal Night would make them suffer (though I don't think he'll repeat plans).

I could see him giving instructions / ideas to Claudia through dreams or visions, and she's armed with her amulet in the meantime and will maybe track down a replacement staff since she doesn't have one anymore. (Or she'll want to steal it back from Callum since it was a product of both her 'fathers'.) Other antagonists such as Finnegrin (maybe) and Kim'Dael (more definitely) will likely be interwoven.

That said, I think there'll be plenty of conflict already for our protagonists to deal with even before any of our old foes show up again.

Aanya + the Fire Ruby Project / Ezran & Zym

With the arrows temporarily able to dispose of Aaravos (even if I mandate he let himself get chained down in 7x07 in order to manipulate Ezran) and his imminent return, Ez and Aanya have an incentive to keep going with Project Ruby Fire. However, we also know thanks to interviews that Aanya has an adoptive brother, and from Tales of Xadia that:

The city is more fortified of late, as there are rumours of internal treason. The farmers worry that young Queen Aanya isn’t old enough or wise enough to protect what’s been built over the centuries.

So what I'm thinking is that adoptive brother Grark may pull a Karim and work on the project behind his sister's back or stage a coup. This could also put Ezran at odds with Zym, as Project Ruby Fire was designed specifically to be good at defeating dragons and to be so destructive that the mere threat of them would be enough (but, of course like the Mage Wars, someone's gonna use it). Having deeper, more politically / personally driven conflicts between Ezran and Zym (he had conflict with one brother, and now another) is also possible now that Zym can speak, and I think they'll take full advantage of it.

Ez and Zym together have always represented Hope the most (3x06), as Ezran found the egg, they're the two young princes turned kings, and are spearheading things forward.

So what happens if/when they start to crack? This could also provide a contrast to Janai and Amaya, as their new nieces/nephews through Miyana and Karim could provide a conflict. Even though the kids themselves will be too young and Miyana convinced to walk a different path, that doesn't mean they won't be used or treated as symbols by somebody else to sow more conflict.

Evrkynd and Elarion

The choice to establish a new city to show the growing unity between elves and dragons makes sense, but it made me wonder why do it now and not as an end-of-arc 3 idea. Then I considered that perhaps it's to set up Everkynd as an Elarion parallel: a glistening, shining city, where after it fell the land was divided and more chaos ensued.

Only Evrkynd will emerge and stand the test of time, of course, with the connection between the two halves being maintained and strengthened. But still, a thought I'll probably have something more eloquent for later.

Callum, Corruption, and the Cube (+ Rayla)

Was thinking over 6x06's "the darkness and corruption will overwhelm you" in addition to the choice in S6 to establish that Callum's father died of a chronic illness / the consistent comparison to dark magic as a plague/infection/sickness (2x08, 5x01, 5x03, 5x04, 5x09, etc). The options I'd considered for how the corruption would manifest post usage usually fell into two camps: instantaneous and complete, or gradual and ongoing. I'd thought the second one would be interesting for a mid-season dark magic use, speculating it'd be like the shadowmonsters in taking a few days or longer for something to take.

I certainly didn't think it'd be a process over Years, but given the seven year timeskip...

I'm picturing something like Callum still taking mushroom salves or potions regularly from Muhko (hence that inclusion for Zubeia) to stave off corruption overwhelm, and giving him parallels to Damian. This would also potentially enhance the feeling of "living on borrowed time" he and everyone, but him and Rayla in particular, are bound to feel as they know they have Limited Time before Aaravos comes back.

I'm also curious as to how openly or how much Callum will be studying dark magic, even in comparison to before ("Well, I've read a lot about it"). He has Viren-Claudia's relic staff, and the corrupted sun stone within it, so there could be interesting ideas or experiments there. The fact that Callum has the Staff and the Cube and the white streak does not bode well for him.

An additional assumption is that Callum will go to Elarion offscreen (cause that is a Long skip) but be unable to find what he's unknowingly looking for (the primal magic book?). I also don't think at this point I have to go into much more detail about CHET given that we've been here with the theory for 4 years, and pieces of evidence at the time that felt like a stretch are now being incorporated, such as:

The Cube pointing to Elarion, which was incredibly important to ancient humanity and Aaravos

Elarion poem is associated with nature (flowers of elarion) and dark-light motif

Rayla is Callum's light in the darkness and his destructive path. She was prepared to destroy him (7x09) and will likely save him in the future.

The flowers of Elarion were involved in a story where they were seen as gifts / "fair exchanges of beloved for beloved". Then Rayla, by Aaravos' own word, was described as Callum's "beloved" (7x09).

The entire conversation with Dark!Callum and the cube in the woods in 7x06 but especially "If you love her, you'll be the you that can save her" and "I have always been a part of you."

Basically: it's not over till the cube is plot relevant and all the foreshadowing / lines of dialogue surrounding it have come full circle in some manner. In Arc 3 we trust.

Misc Predictions / Ideas

that didn't belong anywhere else!

Given that we know Aanya has her older brother and Prince Kasef has a younger sibling, I think it'd be interesting if they teamed up to try and stage mutual coups or something.

Since the archdragons are gone, I'm curious what project ruby fire would be used against. Maybe just other dragons? Or invoking stuff from the past mage wars.

More info on the relic staffs and self-eating I think for sure can be expected, as well as what happened to make Kpp'Ar completely change his mind.

I'm expecting S8 to be catch up and set up much the way that S1 and S4 were.

There are river pirates between Duren and Neolandia (Tales of Xadia) so I could see Finnegrin being woven back in there, although I'd love to go back to Scumport and see any changes Elmer has made.

Kim'Dael feels like a 2 season antagonist to me, in order to reintroduce her (maybe Aaravos inverting the Moon Nexus set her free) and then to draw on her history with the Moon Fam (Bloodmoon Huntress graphic novel).

A lot more lore on the Startouch elves / I'm fairly certain Shiruakh was a star devourer dragon

Aaravos making the Cosmic Council mortal, etc etc.

Sol Regem lore and backstory

[genericpuff]

I was kind of curious: What do you think of Persephone's therapy scenes in episodes 160-161?

I personally liked them, but you and many other LO critics always seem to see things that totally flew over my head (I mean that in a positive way).

I think the idea behind them was fine, just the execution that felt really half-baked. Rachel doesn't like scenes to sit too long so the therapy scene, of course, wound up being rushed in the course of 2-3 episodes (meaning she had to have Persephone dump everything all at once) and while Persephone's dialogue is handled relatively well, the direction of the scene itself feels entirely mismanaged (which is both a side effect of Rachel's directionless writing and the fact that she clearly doesn't want to do more than one of these kinds of episodes so she needs to speedrun it).

TRIGGER WARNING: Discussion concerning sexual assault ahead!

Like, let's start with Persephone's intent in going to therapy. Wanting to pursue therapy doesn't just happen suddenly, there's usually a "trigger event" to make someone realize "I need help", whether it be hitting rock bottom or even just going "I feel like I don't have the skills or tools necessary to deal with what I'm dealing with, I need a professional opinion".

Despite Eros advising her to go to therapy all the way back in S1 to address her assault-

-she actually finally goes to therapy in S2 not to address the assault, but to address... how she feels insecure in comparison to Hera who she just found out Hades had a long-term affair with??? At least that's definitely the implication.

And then of course the therapy session itself segues immediately into "Persephone is a high achiever and it's because of her mom being overbearing" which Rachel doesn't connect at all to either the SA or her feeling insecure compared to Hera (which, by the way, barely even has anything to do with her, but she didn't - and still doesn't - have the emotional maturity or self-respect to realize that Hades is a serial cheater-)

That's where the first therapy episode cuts off, and then the next episode immediately opens with Persephone writing her entire backstory on a whiteboard, so we can assume time has passed and she's talked about everything from her childhood up until this point.

Then we get Chiron asking Persephone... what could go wrong if she leaves TGOEM??

Even though we never saw any of the actual sequence so it just feels like a question that's coming out of nowhere? Like did Persephone say during that schpeel that she wanted to leave TGOEM? Isn't that something we should have seen to connect these two trains of thought?

Ah, right, because we have to get into Hades. Because this comic fails the Bechdel test so hard it can't even have a character talk about their trauma or childhood without it seguing into "well there's this one specific main character guy I just really wanna sleep with-"

Don't get me wrong, if Rachel is trying to "deconstruct purity culture" here, I can get her angle with this, if Persephone has been "groomed her entire life" to be an eternal maiden then there's clearly some thought processes about sexual attraction there that are being challenged by her attraction to Hades. But it just feels so rushed purely for the sake of getting her through her trauma and childhood problems and everything that Rachel tacked onto her backstory (in an attempt to make her seem more than just a self-insert) so that Rachel can get her back on track to sleeping with Hades, the one and only man she's clearly ever felt sexual attraction to enough to want to leave TGOEM and question her entire childhood.

And then we get this and I just-

Like first of all, again, Persephone being a complete airhead and not realizing that it has less to do with her possibly being an inadequate partner and more to do with Hades being a serial cheater who also used her as an emotional affair partner;

but ALSO the fact that the conclusion is some "eureka" moment of "you're a bad decision maker" ??? I was a fan of the comic still when this scene happened and even I went "huh?"

Like she doesn't bother to try and connect it to everything she just learned and said about her childhood and how she wants to be the "perfect daughter" who will make everyone happy, Chiron just reduces it to "oh you just suck at making decisions". As if "sucking at making decisions" isn't like, a reactionary extension of deeper problems. She's treating it as if Persephone is some "puzzle" to be solved and her being a "bad decision maker" was the answer when it's undoubtedly just one of many side effects of her upbringing. It feels like she's addressing the cough and not the virus.

Also a little off topic but-

Gotta love how we've never seen Persephone actually employ this homework from her therapist because she's constantly stapled to Hades and the only thing she cares about is his happiness. Literally, I don't think Persephone could possibly answer that question because she's never been independent enough to even learn what makes her happy - she's jumped from wanting to make her mother happy to wanting to make Hades happy but we're supposed to condemn the former and celebrate the latter.

Buuut of course we don't get her answering that question because again, Rachel can't spend more than 30 seconds on a single scene because that would demand too much writing and thought from her. So we cut to Hera having a discussion with Asclepius regarding her scars re-opening, yadda yadda.

By the time we cut back to the therapy session at the start of the next episode (that's three episodes that have been spent basically accomplishing nothing because none of the thought threads tie together in a meaningful way beyond what the audience has to assume) Chiron is conveniently wrapping things up and it's then and only then does Rachel try to actually incorporate the SA plotline that was Persephone's ORIGINAL MOTIVATION in going to therapy.

Now, the scene for the most part is fine, I don't really like how the therapy session was written leading up to it, but her describing her freeze response and how she feels guilty she couldn't "fight back" is a very real feeling that I can definitely say was well written.

My one gripe with it though - and sure, this might be nitpicky, but here me out - is this:

I don't particularly like that Chiron the therapist just found out about her patient being a rape victim - someone who's also said she doesn't like people grabbing her / touching her without her consent - and then decides the best course of action is to comfort her... while touching her.

Now I want to make it perfectly clear, it's not against the law or even the code of ethics to make physical contact between a therapist and their patient. Loads of patients have made breakthroughs with their therapists that have called for hugs and while some therapists may not be okay with it, there are definitely therapists who are who fully understand that hugs in those moments are the best thing for a person. But it's still a general boundary that is there and even with patients who aren't victims of SA, consent needs to be asked for / given.

So Chiron just... coming over and touching Persephone on the knee, while undoubtedly seen as a "warm and comforting act" by those who have had similar sessions with their own therapists or even just those who have no clue and see it on the surface level as being "sweet", really irks me, because it just seems so tone deaf to do with a character like Persephone who is supposed to be a victim of having her bodily autonomy taken away from her.

Again, it's a small criticism, and undoubtedly a nitpick in the eyes of some, but a simple "can I give you a hug?" from either Chiron or Persephone would have gone a long way in accomplishing Persephone's need for consent and bodily autonomy a lot more than just having Chiron come up and touch her leg without her consent. Please, for the love of god, let Persephone have some autonomy, asking for consent doesn't ruin the moment.

And that's pretty much it, Persephone talks about how she feels like she's tethered to Apollo, and Chiron assures her that's not the case, session over, Persephone goes outside to Hades aaaand notice how we never actually tackled that "I feel insecure because of my partner having former partners?" thing? Notice how the best we got was her talking about her fears of being an "inadequate partner" which focused entirely on her not being "enough" for Hades and being a "bad decision maker" rather than pointing out 1.) Hades' own faults in being a serial cheater that would undoubtedly contribute to her insecurities and 2.) what Persephone could do for Hades rather than what Hades could do for Persephone? It's always "I don't know if I'm good enough for him" and never "I don't know if he's good enough for me."

Yet another F-- on Lore Olympus' Bechdel test. Every single thing tacked onto Persephone's backstory is meant purely to get her with Hades - TGOEM is just an obstacle preventing her from having sex with Hades, the assault is just a framing device to show how much "better" Hades is for Persephone than Apollo, her overbearing childhood is just to show how much more "free" she is now that she's not living with her mother and is living with Hades instead, etc.

No agency, no autonomy, no character, even when it tries.

[fangsandfracturedhearts]

Fangs and Fractured Hearts

Chapter 6: Dancing with Darkness

Summary: After embracing eternity as a vampire spawn under Astarion's wing, the Crimson Palace becomes a haunting symbol of the man he once was. As his personality unravels into a dark abyss, you flee. A year of hardship unveils the harsh reality of existence as a vampire spawn.

Just as all hope seems lost, a twist of fate reunites you with Astarion, revealing a glimmer of hope amidst the shadows. As you navigate the complexities of your relationship, you must confront the unsettling truth behind the Rite of Profane Ascension and the devilish secrets it holds.

In a race against time, you embark on a daring quest to save Astarion from his descent into darkness. With each choice you make, the stakes grow higher, testing the limits of your courage and determination.

Will Astarion find redemption, or is he destined to succumb to his own inner turmoil?

Word Count: 6.9k

Pairing: Ascended Astarion x female!Tav Spawn

Warnings: [Will try to continue to add more, but in general expect explicit content for mature audiences]

Possible spoilers. Eventual Explicit Content. Slow Burn. Thoughts of Suicide. Violence. Blood. Injury. Mature Content. Self-Harm.

If you notice a very critical tag missing, please don't hesitate to let me know

Rating: Explicit 18+ - [Meant For Mature Audience}

“Have you completely lost your mind? You can’t be serious!”

Shadowheart paces in front of you; a brooding scowl darkens the delicate features of her face. This is the third argument with her in as many days about you moving back in with Astarion and the obtuse notion that maybe you could help him regain some semblance of his old self.

Gale was due to return home soon, and you’re not looking forward to repeating this argument with him.

“I need to do this, Shadowheart.”

“You most certainly do not! You don’t owe him a damn thing.”

“It’s my fault he’s like this. I let him down in that ritual chamber.”

I should have tried harder to talk him out of it.

“He let you down,” she sneers, “do not allow him to make you think otherwise. Gods, I requested you stay out of trouble, not go barrelling headfirst towards it!”

“Shadowheart,” you gently grasp her arms to halt her ferocious stomping, “look at me.”

She inhales sharply at your touch, and you recognize that look from when Astarion used to touch you before you were this walking corpse.

You drop your grip, “Sorry. I forget how cold I am now.”

Shadowheart grabs your hands, concern furrows her brows and creases her forehead, “It’s dangerous. He’s dangerous. Don’t do this.”

“I know, but I must try. If not for him, then for myself. I don’t expect you to understand.”

“Why would you agree to such a thing in the first place?”

You sigh, “I think you know why.”

“You’re still in love with him.”

There’s pity in her eyes.

“I’m not sure I will ever not be in love with him.”

Shadowheart scoffs at you, but her voice loses its serrated edge, “Do you think he is still capable of loving you?”

No.

Yes?

No. I cannot allow myself the luxury of that fantasy.

“No… I don’t know, but that’s not what this is about. Astarion would have done the same for me once upon a time.”

“There’s no talking you out of this suicide mission, is there?”

You give her a solemn look and shrug your shoulders. There was nothing anyone could say to put an end to this madness. Your decision had been made that night in the Crimson Palace when you had watched him battle with himself as you clung to him.

“What if this is another carefully orchestrated maneuver to regain control over you?”

You shrug, “Then I am a foolish woman.”

“I would argue that you’ve far surpassed simple foolishness. Good Gods.”

“He doesn’t need to plan such an elaborate ruse if what he wants is simply control. I’m his spawn. He has the ability to control me completely at his whim.”

Shadowheart’s eyes narrow skeptically, “Is that what this is? Has he compelled you to do this?”

Has he?

“No. He asked for my help, and I gave it freely.”

Did I?

She huffs, her eyes upcast in exasperation, “I will never understand your deluded loyalty to him. Hells, Gale is going to be furious."

Loyalty or love?

“One angry friend at a time, okay?”

She chuckles with an exasperated sigh, “Less angry, more worried.”

“Your style of worry looks a lot like anger.”

She scowls at you, but one side of her mouth is tugged up in a wry half-smile, “I’ve been told that before.”

Shadowheart takes a deep breath and sits down. Her heartbeat starts to slow, and you nearly want to praise the Gods on your knees for it. That thrumming in her chest clamoured in your ears and made your mouth salivate obscenely. It took every ounce of your control to be in such proximity to her without lunging for her neck.

Astarion has been keeping you fed while attempting to teach you how to hunt for yourself, which is the only reason you can bear to be this close to Shadowheart in the first place. Your lessons are not going well, although he seems to find the spectacle of your ungracefulness extremely amusing.

My, my, how the tables have turned.

“I can’t believe you’re willingly returning to that dreadful palace.”

“You’ll be happy to know that I’m not.”

Shadowheart leers at you suspiciously, “What do you mean?”

“Not living in the palace was part of my… terms. Astarion purchased another residence.”

Her eyes go wide with surprise, “He agreed to this?”

“Shocking, I know.”

“But you will be staying close by, I hope? When something inevitably goes awry, you can return any time.”

“We will be in the upper city, I believe.”

“The upper city?” Shadowheart giggles, “How very posh.”

“Not my first choice, but would you have expected any different?”

She laughs, “No, I suppose not. He always gravitated towards luxury, like an insect to a flame. When is this happening?”

“Soon. I was hoping Gale might be home before I left so I could tell him myself.”

She winces, “It might be best if I do it.”

“I don’t wish to put that on you. I’ll return to tell him.”

“Perhaps, don’t bring Astarion when you do. Gale may be a gentle soul, but his feelings for you might lead him to do something rather rash.”

His feelings for me... I had hoped those were long put to rest. It seems she knows something I don’t.

You sigh loudly, “I know.”

Your fingers shake as you pack what little things belongings you have. Fear coils tepid and stewing in your chest. Shadowheart is right. Astarion is dangerous. There is no telling what he’s capable of or what he might do to you when you inevitably make him angry.

Replaying your recent interactions with Astarion in your head, you evaluate what seems to provoke him. Every time you’ve disobeyed or challenged him, in some way, shape or form, he loses himself. This realization scares you more than not knowing and opens up many other questions. You know what happens when you make him angry, but what happens when someone else does? His new lover, his “business” partners, whoever and whatever they may be, or anyone else for that matter?

I will undoubtedly upset him. I will not be intimated into being his subordinate, not again.

You’ve landed yourself in a precarious situation, and your life, if you can call it that, hangs in the balance, but you’re not unaccustomed to fighting for your life.

I may have finally thrust myself into a battle I cannot win.  

Astarion comes to retrieve you in the early morning to escort you to the place you and he will once again be sharing.

“Well, what do you think?”

“It’s very… large.”

He chuckles, “Anything would look large to you after living in a bedroom for over a year.”

The manor is bright and airy. Heavy curtains are hung on all the windows but are pulled back to allow the sunlight to flood in. The shining radiance of the daylight you’re not used to hurts your eyes and causes your head to pound. You still fear the sun. Standing in it makes your stomach churn, and your muscles quiver.

This will take some adjusting to.

Nervously, you walk around the ground floor to familiarize yourself with your new lodgings while Astarion trails behind you.

Entering the large kitchen makes you wonder. In the time you had lived with him before, he would do the hunting for you as he did now and then drop you back off at your room and disappear. He had kept you corralled where he wanted you like an animal, and you had never witnessed him eat anything, blood or food.

I will not let myself be controlled like that again - no matter the consequences.

“Do you eat food now?”

“I can dine on both as I see fit, but I won’t if it bothers you.”

I miss food.

“It doesn’t,” you wave at him dismissively, “You can eat or drink whatever you please.”

Astarion gives you a sultry gaze, “Whatever I please?”

You ignore his provocative tone and climb the wide staircase. You peek into a cozy library. It seems Astarion has moved his rather impressive book collection already. The filled shelving reaches up to the high ceiling. The room has only one small window, which is covered to keep the sun’s bleaching rays from deteriorating the texts.

You continue down the long hall, which has multiple bedrooms off of it. You look into all of them curiously.

“Which room is mine?”

“Whichever one you want. There are several; take your pick.”

With all your charisma, you plaster an angelic smile on your face, “I want the biggest one.”

“I… uh-”

He’s still adorable when he’s flustered.

“Relax, Astarion,” you smile at him wryly, “I’m well aware that’s your room.”

“I could be convinced to call it our room.”

What? Nothing has been ours since he ascended unless he was saying candied falsehoods.

“That’s not what this is, is it?”

His eyebrow cocks, “What do you mean?”

“Trying to get me back into your bed?”

“To what end, my dear?”

“I don’t know,” you shrug, “Power. Control. Possession. Pleasure. Take your pick.”

“I suppose I deserve that.”

You scold yourself inwardly while running your fingers through your hair. You were still angry with him, of course, but you were letting it get the better of you.

“Sorry. I’m still-”

“Apology accepted,” he halts you with a resigned sigh, “I am angry at myself most days.”

Who is this person?

“I have business I must attend to in the city today.”

Your eyebrow cocks, “Business?”

“Yes.”

“With that terrible woman?”

He chuckles, “No, not today.”

“Something is off with her, Astarion. Be careful.”

“Oh, pet. Your jealousy is utterly adorable, but she’s harmless.”

You pivot swiftly, scowling, and poke your finger into his chest hard, “You will not call me “pet” anymore. Do I make myself clear?”

“I… Yes, I understand,” he looks around anxiously, “it never bothered you before.”

“You mean when you were a spawn?”

“Yes.”

“You didn’t own me then. Moreover, you didn’t want to. It became a slight as soon as you thought of me as nothing more than another pretty possession.”

His knows knit together, “I do not wish to own you.”

“You have held it over me on multiple occasions.”

Astarion’s red eyes shift around as if searching his memories, “I have, haven’t I?”

“Yes.”

“Apologies,” he bows shallowly, “I’ll work on it.”

I am sure you will.

“You didn’t bring many things.”

“I don’t have many things anymore. I left it all behind when I left…”

Your words trail off, but Astarion finishes your sentence for you.

“Me.”

You nod, “Yes.”

“I’ll have your belongings brought from the palace.”

What?

Your eyebrows shoot up, “You still have my things?”

There’s no way he kept them all this time.

“Of course, darling. One doesn’t simply throw away perfectly good magical items. It would be a ghastly waste.”

“I figured you would sell it all.”

“I admit, I considered it.”

“Why didn’t you?”

“I’m… not sure,” he waves his hand dismissively, “I just never got around to it, I suppose.”

Too busy bedding the trollop.

Ugh.

“How far is your business in the city?”

“Not far,” his brows knit together, “Why?”

You point to the windows, “The sun.”

“Right, of course. We will have to figure out where the limit is.”

“Astarion?”

I need to know.

“Hm?”

“Do you control it?”

“Control what, love?”

“The sun protection. When you sent me away, you eluded that you have the power to grant me that benefit or not. I need to know if this is another thing you can control me with.”

Astarion takes your hand in his, a sincere expression on his face, “I wouldn’t let you burn.”

“You might if you get angry enough with me, which you will. It’s a certainty. Answer the question.”

“Yes.”

This does not bode well for me.

Pulling away from him, you step back from the sunlight spilling through the nearby window. You shiver noticeably as you try to swallow the harsh truth that you might very well end up as a pile of ash on these floors one of these days.

Astarion squeezes your shoulder reassuringly, “I won’t allow the sun or myself to hurt you.”

“How can you be so sure of that, Astarion?”

“I just am.”

“That’s not an answer.”

He shrugs, “It’s the only answer I have for you right now.”

You point at the room furthest from his, “I’ll take this one.”

“I’ll leave you to get settled then. I will inform you before I depart.”

The room is large, and the heavy curtains are already drawn, suffusing it in darkness. It’s furnished with a generously sized bed, a few wardrobes and several little tables with oil lamps and candles. A pair of plush chairs with a damask patterned fabric sit off to the side of the bed in front of a small stone fireplace with ornately chiselled dragons, vines and fire inlaid with gold and silver.

A small room just off the main holds a��wooden tub and glass washbasin. You note there are no mirrors in this room, but you had spotted several throughout the manor.

Not that I need a mirror, but I imagine he can’t get enough of staring at himself now.

Crawling onto the bed, you wrap your arms around your knees and take deep breaths of useless air to try and settle the disquietude sitting heavy in your belly. Being here with him, knowing he was just outside that door and could barge in at any moment, was terrifying. You’ve been desperately trying to hide your fear from him since he came to fetch you this morning.

Shadowheart had tried to talk you out of this again before he had arrived, and you find yourself wishing you weren’t so mulish. You had been adamant with her that this was what needed to be done, but your resolve was wavering, especially with the knowledge that he did have control over your protection from the sun.

Had I known, would I have agreed to this?

Probably. Idiot.

Am I trying to get myself killed?

Maybe.

Rolling over onto your side, your eyes brim with tears. You have not known joy for so long, and you wonder if you simply agreed to this in the hope that he might end that suffering, whether on purpose or by accident. You push yourself into your meditative state to allow yourself some peace.

A knock jolts you from your trance, and for a moment, you panic, looking around the unfamiliar room. You never thought you would miss the smell of Shadowheart. She carried the fragrance of safety but also food. You console yourself with the knowledge that at least your friends are safe from your insatiable hunger.

Slipping off the bed, you unlock and open the door. Astarion is attired grandiosely, and you wonder what business he’s going to, but it’s none of your concern.

He’s so handsome it’s nigh on unlawful.

“I’ll be taking my leave now. The curtains are all drawn. I am unlikely to return until late.”

“Okay,” you look past him and around the dimmed manor, “thank you for letting me know.”

“You will be okay here on your own?”

“I’m not going to go chasing nobles through the streets if that’s what you’re asking.”

He chuckles, “Not what I meant, darling, but thank you for the assurances. I’ll see your delicious self later.”

Once you hear Astarion leave, you take another lap around the manor mentally making note of where all the windows are and inventory of all the exits.

Just in case.

In the kitchen, your eyes fall on a shelf full of extravagant and exotic wines, liquors and spirits.

Can a vampire spawn get drunk?

Fuck it.

Let’s find out.

You pick up whatever bottle your hands land on first, uncork it and gulp it down. You cringe at the taste of bitter, vinegary ash on your tongue. The liquor sits precariously in your stomach, a balmy tingle arising and spreading through your limbs. It’s been forever since you’ve had a drink, quite literally a lifetime.

You could never indulge in such stupidity when living with Shadowheart and Gale. Anything that could alter your mind or dampen your resolve was not a risk you could take, but here, the only person you were endangering was yourself.

An acceptable risk.

Finishing the bottle, you pick up another and take it to the large dining area, sitting at the dark wood table with delicately carved legs. You’re desperate to feel the numbing caress of the spirits as it fuels you with the courage you’re currently missing, even if that courage is nothing but a hoax being played on your dimmed mind.

Time passes by in a blur as you sit there encased in your own self-loathing and morbidity, and old memories you wish you could forget start to surface as the authority you have over yourself slips.

“Wake up, Astarion.”

You reach out but go to jostle him a little to pull him out of his trance, but his hand catches your wrist, and his eyes open in narrow slits.

“My favourite travelling companion, what can I do for you?”

“Keep your voice down, or you will wake the others. Get dressed and meet me at the edge of camp. Bring your weapons and wear your armour.”

Astarion sits up and peers around the camp. The others are all fast asleep in their tents around you. He cocks an eyebrow at you, confused but nods his understanding.

You creep as best you can through the camp away from his tent, but rocks grate harshly under your feet with every step. You stop and look around constantly to be sure you haven’t awoken anyone else.

“Gods, if you keep making that ruckus, you’ll get us both caught.”

Astarion’s sudden appearance by your side makes you jump, and he grabs you before you can clatter to the ground and muffles your breathy shriek with his hand tightly over your mouth. You pull his hand away from your mouth and scowl at him. You keep your voice in the quietest whisper you can.

"Not all of us are imbued with your talents, Rogue.”

“No, Sorceress,” he tuts, “that’s readily apparent. Do you trust me?”

“What are you on about?”

He smirks, “Don’t scream.”

Astarion sweeps your feet out from under you and lifts you effortlessly. He quietly carries you the rest of the way out of camp before setting you back down with a smug half-smile.

“You didn’t have to carry me.”

“Darling, I’m surprised you made it to my tent without waking the others. I heard you coming a mile away.”

“Why didn’t you say something then?”

He shrugs, “I wanted to see if you were coming to plunge a stake through my ribs.”

“And if I was?”

“Then I would have had to stop that pretty little heart of yours,” he pokes a finger into your chest, “Now, what are you waking me up for in the dead of night? I do need my beauty sleep, you know.”

“I’m going to go take care of the Gur tracking you. I thought you might enjoy the show, and if you care to lend a hand, I wouldn’t say no to the help.”

His eyes widen in surprise, “Why? You ever so vexingly made us walk away from him earlier.”

“Karlach and Wyll are not murderers. I didn’t want to stain their hands with blood against their will.”

“But you are? A murderer, I mean.”  

For you, yes.

“Sometimes… sometimes death is necessary, and I’m not afraid to do what’s necessary. I won’t allow him to make a deal with the Hag, hunt you down and take you back to Cazador.”

“How very… sweet.”

“Are you coming, or are you just going to stand there and stare at me like I’m your next meal?”

“A man can dream. Lead on, my dear.”

With only the two of you, the battle with the Gur is fatiguing and arduous. He is well-equipped and trained, but your magic is a draconic firestorm. Astarion took him by surprise, allowing you both to land several attacks before he could recover. You hold back and let Astarion land the killing blow, driving his dagger deep into Gandrel’s chest.

Regardless of your magical prowess, you don’t make it out of the battle unscathed.

“You’re hurt.”

“I’ll be fine. He caught me with an arrow or two.”

Astarion grabs your hands and shoves them hard against your wound, “Keep pressure on it. Hold on.”

He jogs over the Gandrel’s backpack and starts rifling through it. There’s concern inlaid in his features that you haven’t seen.

Well, other than for himself.

He returns to your side quickly and hands you a Potion of Healing, “Drink up. Preferably, before you bleed out.”

You roll your eyes at him but drink the potion happily, which eases some of your discomfort and refuels your body.

“Are you alright?”

“I’m fine, Astarion. Really, but you’re injured as well.”

“I’m already dead, my dear. Not to worry, I’ve been in far more dire straits. We are positively bathed in blood. We can’t return to camp like this unless you wish to appraise the others of our nighttime activities.”

“Well, what do you suggest?”

“There’s a river near that village. We can wash up there before I sneak us back into camp.”

You nod and start toward the river. The night is clear, and the moonlight is enough to light your way without the need for extra magical assistance.

When you arrive at the river, Astarion strips down without hesitation and wades into the running water. The pale light from the moon washes him in an otherworldly brilliance. A gentle breeze stirs his hair and casts frolicking shadows over him.

Gods, he’s beautiful. Mere words can’t do this man justice.

A haughty smile tugs at the corners of his lips, “Are you going to join me or just stand there gawking?”

“Right. Sorry.”

“Oh, don’t apologize. You know I am all for shallow praise.”

You strip off your trousers and blood-soaked robe but hesitate when it comes to your undergarments, feeling suddenly shy as his crimson eyes pour over your body.

“Bashful tonight, are you? You were not so reserved when we were getting lost in each other in the forest.”

A rush of heat washes up to your face at his teasing, and he chuckles. With a deep breath, you calm your flighty nerves, strip down and wade into the river.

“I thought you said one or two arrows caught you.”

You look down at your body and see several wounds marring your flesh where arrows grazed you. There is a rather deep puncture wound in your shoulder where you had to pull one out mid-battle. That one would have lodged itself right into your heart had Astarion not pushed you out of its path at the last second.

“Or three or four. Who’s counting?”

Astarion’s fingers graze over the wounds lightly, “Are you sure you’re alright?”

“Are you concerned for me or at the waste of my blood?”

He shrugs, “Can it not be both?”

You huff an exasperated sigh and turn away from him, scrubbing the blood off of your hands, arms and body. Astarion’s chest presses up against your back, and his arm wraps around your waist carefully.

His lips ghost over your ear, “Thank you.”

“Drinking the expensive stuff, I see.”

Astarion’s voice nudges you out of your thoughts, and your eyes lazily drift to him leaning in the archway, observing you with an earth-shatteringly handsome smirk.

“I’ll pay you back for it.”

He laughs, “Your tab is running rather high these days - a rug, shirt, and now several bottles of imported liquor.”

“Sell my stuff like you were going to.”

“No, darling. I don’t need coin. Although, if you keep drinking like this, I may have to start picking pockets again.”

Astarion takes a seat at the table with you. Reaching over, he grabs the bottle and takes a long drink. He smells like his familiar self, but there’s a tinge of tangy blood, and it’s not his. He looks on edge, something frightening in his body language, and your throat constricts.

“How was your business meeting or whatever you’re up to?”

“Disappointing. I’d rather not discuss it.”

“You’re angry.”

“Yes.”

It comes out as a warning that makes your hair stand on end, and you fill your body with the weave, tugging on your inherent talents.

“Shall we go and get you some food and continue your lessons?”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea tonight.”

He takes another swig from the bottle and sets it on the table. His finger taps the side, making the glass ting sweetly.

“I will change, and we can be on our way.”

“I said not tonight, Astarion.”

“I will not allow you to go hungry. We are going.”

“No!”

With a dark, dangerous growl, Astarion swiftly rises from his chair, grabs you by the throat and slams you hard against the wall. Your head bounces off of it with a loud thud, and stars burst in a spectacular light show behind your eyes.

Your head swims groggily, “Stop, Astar-!”

He increases the pressure on your throat, causing your words to cut off abruptly in a strangled wheeze.

“Or what, sorceress?” he laughs menacingly, “Are you going to burn me again?”

His eyes are once again listless and piercing, and he scowls at you grimly.

This is what I’ve agreed to. This is why I’m here.

I’m an idiot.

His grip on your throat stops you from being able to speak. If you’re going to get through to him this time, you’re going to have to resort to violence. It was something you didn’t want to do because violence seemed to escalate him further, not calm him down, but you can’t do anything pinned to this wall.

Thankfully, since Astarion has been keeping you fed, you’re stronger, relatively clear-headed, except for the liquor, and in control of your body.

Swinging your feet up in a swift motion, you plant them on his stomach and launch him backwards off of you. His grip is ripped away, and you clatter to the floor.

“You ungrateful petulant ingrate!”

“Astarion,” you croak, “I’m begging you. Listen to my voice and come back to me.”

“The Astarion you knew is long dead, pet. I should have let you burn!”

He’s taunting me, trying to provoke me. I have to keep my wits about me.

“Then why didn’t you?”

“I… I-”

You’ve got him fumbling. Righting yourself, you launch at him, wrapping your arms around his neck with your legs secured around his hips. You cling to him and bring your lips to his. It feels like kissing a stranger and makes you want to cringe. He’s rigid and tense. His mouth is set in a hard line under yours.

You squeeze your eyes shut and say a small prayer to any God listening, hoping this works. If it doesn’t, you’ve lost before you could even really begin.

You feel the shift in him start as he trembles savagely against you. His hand grabs a handful of your shirt in a tight fist, and he grits his teeth.

You shift your lips away from his and bring them near his ear, “I’ve got you, Astarion. Fight.”

Squeezing closer to him, you lay your head on his shoulder and close your eyes. All you can do now is wait and see if he can find his way out of the sadistic purgatory he retreats to when this thing, whatever it may be, takes over his control, compelling him to be this monster.

Your heart aches for him. All Astarion has wanted as long as you’ve known him was not to be a puppet, a slave to someone else’s whims and desires. The promise of power and eternal safety is what made the ritual so appealing to him. What a cruel joke it was to end up a slave to a version of yourself you don’t recognize.

Astarion’s hand snakes up your shirt and slides smoothly over the skin of your back, pulling you closer, “I’m back, little love. You can let go now.”

I don’t want to let go.

Releasing your grip on him, you slide back to the floor and step away, feeling unexpectedly shy.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”

“You didn’t, but you’re afraid.”

“I have good reason to be.”

He nods, “You do.”

“I need your consent, Astarion.”

“Whatever do you mean?”

“If this is to continue, I need to know you’re okay with the… physicality. I can’t fight you back. It only drives you further away, and it will end up getting me killed. The only way I’ve been able to break you free from the chains your thoughts hold you with is… well, you know.”

You shift on your feet anxiously with your hands wrapped behind your back while he stares at you.

“Why do you think I would not be comfortable with such an…. arrangement?”

“You know exactly why, Astarion. If this is to continue, I need your assurance that I’m not pushing any boundaries.”

“You have my consent; do what you must, but do not allow me to harm you. Fight me if that’s what must be done. Fight me with everything you have. Don’t hold anything back.”

“I don’t want to hurt you, Astarion.”

Even if I could.

The back of his fingers glide tenderly down your cheek, “Do what must be done, my love.”

No.

“Fine.”

He nods, and relief floods the vibrant red sea of his eyes, “If you do not wish to go hunting tonight, that’s fine. If that’s all, I will retire for the night.”

“Okay.”

“Goodnight, beautiful.”

“Astarion?”

“Yes?”

“What happens when someone else makes you angry? Someone that’s not me.”

His voice is dark, cold and grim, “They don’t survive.”

Oh… How many people has he killed? 

“I… see. Goodnight.”

Astarion doesn’t even look at you as he turns around and retires to his bedroom.

Withdrawing to your room, you lock the door and slide into the empty bed with a dismal sigh. He may not have said it outright, but the urging nature of his voice telling you to “do what must be done” was daunting.

Was he telling me to kill him if I must? Even if I were capable of it, could I do that to him? If it came down to my life or his, whose would I choose?

Too many questions, not enough answers.

You try to pull your trance over your consciousness to blanket it, but it doesn’t come. The events of the night weigh too heavily on your mind. Not only did you have to be wary of upsetting him, but you also had to be wary of anyone else who might aggravate him.

That’s why he smelled like blood tonight… Someone lost their life to his demons.

In truth, the people he was doing “business” with were probably hardly people who deserved to be saved anyway. Regardless, you worry that every time he gives in to these gruesome impulses, he might lose more and more of himself until there are no traces of him remaining.

A very fine mess indeed.

You toss and turn in your bed, trying to find a comfortable position. Your senses are all heightened and alert. You’re scared to sleep, to leave yourself vulnerable to attack with him so close by. A locked door will not keep him at bay if he decides he no longer wants to participate in this experiment.

“I won’t allow the sun or myself to hurt you.”

His words surface in your mind. How could he possibly know that? He just admitted that he kills others who provoke him, likely without remorse or thought. He had sounded so resolute when he said it as if it was just a simple matter of fact and not simply conjecture.

He hasn’t killed me yet, I suppose.

You spend the rest of the night flip-flopping around in your bed, lost in thought and unable to find any rest. 

You’re still wide awake, sitting in your bed when a knock at your door finally rings through the silence. When you answer it, the sun streams in bright and glorious, and you jump back, a reflexive habit, falling to the floor.

Astarion approaches you with sorrowful eyes, offering you a hand up, “You’re safe, love. I won’t allow any harm to come to you.”

You take his hand, and he hauls you up on your feet, “It will take some… adjusting to, I think.”

“Your belongings have arrived. Would you like me to have them bring it to your room or leave it downstairs?”

“Are they living or spawn?”

“Living.”

“Leave it downstairs. I can’t be trusted around them. I’ll bring it up myself.”

Astarion bows, “As you wish.”

He disappears out your door to give directions to whoever has been sent to fetch whatever belongings remain at the palace. Soon, you can hear hearts beating heavily with effort, and it sounds like a euphony lullaby. It marks your guts stir with well-known, unslakable sanguine thirst.

Crushing your eyes shut, you dig your nails into your palms harshly, causing shallow wounds that weep blood to give you something else to focus on other than the siren song of the living.

One day without food and I’m already losing it.

Astarion’s hands find yours, and you lurch at the sudden contact, “They’ll be gone soon, darling. Hold onto me.”

You need to anchor yourself on something, anything, and you fold your arms around him and hold on tightly, gripping handfuls of his coat. You put your ear to his chest and try to focus on the sound of his beating heart. His hand rubs your back comfortingly. It feels like forever to you before a voice rises from the staircase.

“Master Ancunin?”

“Yes?”

“We’ve finished.”

“Very good. You may leave.”

“As you say, saer.”

The door shuts, and the beating tune of hearts fades slowly. Your hands finally unclench and stop tugging on his jacket.

“Getting blood all over my clothing again, I see.”

Shit.

“Sorry. I… I wasn-”

A low laugh catches you off guard, “Don’t worry, my sweet. I’ve learned not to wear my fine clothing around you. You’re always bleeding on me, burning me, or throwing me across courtyards, after all. Look at me.”

Looking up at him, he brushes your hair back, “You didn’t sleep at all last night. Why?”

“How do you know?”

“I can hear you tossing around in here.”

Shifting away from him, you cast your eyes at the floor, “I’m not used to sleeping at night.”

Not quite a lie, but not quite the truth.

“You’re a terrible liar.”

How does he always know when I’m lying? I’m able to persuade most people, but not him, never him.

“I should get my things.”

“Would you like a hand?”

“No, thank you,” you smirk, “I’m sure Master Ancunin has more important things to do.”

He chuckles, “Cheeky pup, aren’t you? If you need help, you know where to find me.”

You have to make several trips to bring all your old things to your room, stacking boxes and crates in a corner.

I didn’t realize how much I left behind.

Astarion kept all your clothing, robes, quarterstaffs, circlets, and various enchanted rings and necklaces. It takes hours to unpack, sort through it and put it away.

Reaching into a long crate, you pull out the Cazador’s quarterstaff, Woe. You reflexively throw it to the ground, and it clatters on the wooden floor with a loud bang. You shuffle back away from it as fast as you can, as if it were threatening your life by simply existing.

Astarion appears in the open doorway to your bedroom, seemingly out of thin air. He perceives the horror afflicting your expression and looks around as if searching for danger.

“Are you alright? What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” you blurt out a little too fast, “Everything is fine.”

His eyes search the room and land on the quarterstaff strewn on the floor.

“Quarterstaff troubling you, my dear?”

“Why did we keep this thing?”

“It’s a decent item,” he shrugs, “I’m sure it has its uses.”

Images of Astarion completing the ritual and ascending froth over in your mind.

The red glow of his eyes. The sound of the other spawn and prisoners popping. The maniacal laugh that resounded from him.

You recoil, cringing, “I don’t want it. Get rid of it.”

He picks it up and turns it over in his hands, “Why? It could be useful.”

“I don’t care how useful it could be. I don’t want it. Sell or destroy it. I couldn’t care less but get rid of it.”

He cocks a brow at you, confused, “If that’s truly what you want. Perhaps I’ll give it to Elowyn.”

“Elowyn?”

“Ah, yes, you don’t know her name.”

The mulberry-haired woman.

A jumbled fusion of betrayal, anger and jealousy rises like bile in your throat, “Don’t you dare, Astarion.”

“Why not? You said you don’t want it, and I have no use for it.”

“She’s dangerous. Something is off about her.”

He giggles, “Jealous, are you? That’s very cute.”

Jealousy does not begin to describe it.

“You never listen to me. I said she’s dangerous!”

“Darling, she’s a mere human. She’s no more of a danger to me than a fly is to carrion.”

“You’re blind if that’s what you truly think, Astarion.”

“Care to elaborate on your analysis of my relationship?”

Relationship? Ouch.

That stings.

“I’m assuming she knows what you are.”

“She knows I’m a vampire. Nothing more.”

“Gods, for someone smart, you’re dull sometimes.”

He laughs, “Am I?”

“Give me the fucking quarterstaff. It’s safer in my hands than it is in hers.”

“No, you said get rid of it. I will oblige your request.”

You cast Telekinesis, ripping it out of his hands, and grasp it. It feels repulsive in your palm, and you shudder, fighting the urge to throw it to the ground.

You level a challenging glare at him, and the intonation of your voice is defiant and harsh, “I said it’s mine.”

You catch his eyes shift again. The telltale sign you’ve irked him in some form, and you wait for the inevitable strike. Astarion grits his teeth, but keeps his eyes open, staring into yours boringly.

“May I kiss you?”

“What?”

“Please.”

There’s urgency in his voice, and you watch as his hand balls up into a shaking fist.

He’s trying to fight it himself, but he needs my help.

“Yes.”

Astarion crosses the room quickly, ripping the quarterstaff out of your hands and throwing it to the ground. His lips meet yours with desperation, like you’re the single thing in existence that will keep him afloat.

His hands find your waist and tug you closer to him, crushing himself against you. Your eyes flutter shut, and you’re engulfed and consumed by the depraved thoughts swirling through your head.

His kiss turns rougher, more insistent, and you murmur against him. He takes the opportunity, and his tongue slips between your lips. Any rational thought you were capable of is blown away in a supernova of sensation and is replaced by desire and passion alone.

You want him. You want him with everything you have and everything you are so entirely you’re not sure you’ve ever wanted anything else more in your life.

Astarion grinds into you with a rumbling groan, and you can feel his pulsing erection. He guides your hips and rolls them against himself, eliciting a shuddering pant from you at the exquisite friction against the throbbing in between your thighs.

“Gods, you feel good against me.”

His voice breaks you out of your passion-fuelled delirium, and you push him away, taking several steps back.

“Are you back?”

“Oh yes,” he coos, “I’ve been me for quite some time now.”

“Great. Now, get out.”

“What? You can’t be serious. Look at you; you’re practically vibrating with need, as am I, quite obviously,” his eyes shift towards the bulge in his trousers with a devious grin, “We could assist each other.”

“Go get Elowyn to assist you.”

His brows knit together, “Is that really what you want?”

“What I want hasn’t mattered to you for quite some time, I imagine.”

“What do you want? Name it, and I will make it yours.”

You.

You point at Woe, “I want you to destroy the quarterstaff.”

“What?”

Will he? I’m pushing my luck.

“Destroy it. Snap it in half. You’re strong enough to do that, are you not?”

“Of course, but-” he sputters.

“No, “but,” Astarion. You either do as I ask, or you decline. The choice is yours.”

Astarion’s eyes narrow slightly and shift to the quarterstaff lying where he threw it. He picks it up, inspecting it raptly. His crimson eyes slither up the surface of it while his hands do the same.

With a growl, he easily snaps it in two. A bright flash of light emits as the magical enchantment is released, making that terrible, hideous thing nothing but an inert hunk of useless, gleaming metal.

“A pity,” he pouts, “I do hate to waste perfectly good treasure.”

He actually did it?  

“Thank you, Astarion.”

“I aim to please,” he bows shallowly, “Now get ready. The night is almost upon us, and I imagine you’re ravenous.”

In more ways than one.  

Thank you to everyone who reads/likes/comments/reblogs! I plan to keep updating as long as people seem to be enjoying the story.

Master List of Chapters: Fangs and Fractured Hearts

If you're interested I write another fic with Spawn Astarion x Tav called - Shadows of the Past

AO3 [Crossposted]

[writterracoon]

Hades 2

Lately, I've been a bit obsessed about Hades 2, I've been watching people play the test run , listening to compilations of interactions and scouring theories.

While doing all of that, I noticed something of a pattern, a theme that often came back and I think I may have found out one of the MAIN theme and conflict of the game and I've seen nobody talk about it yet, so here we go.

More under if you're not against being possibly spoiled.

I think one of the major themes of Hades 2 is going to be about Humanity and its complex relationship with the Gods, the way the gods treat mortals and the way mortals treat the gods.

here are my evidences

The interactions

the first thing that put me on this path was this interaction between Melinoe and Nemesis.

In this conversation, Nemesis and Melinoe are talking about Retribution and Justice and how Nemesis believes that Kronos taking over the underworld and challenging the Olympians may be what they deserve. Notice how Nemesis specifically mentions mortals and the Golden Age.

For those who don't know, in greek mythology the Golden Age was the first Era of Humanity and when Chronos was the ruler of the heavens. It was a time of peace and harmony for humanity where there existed no plague or famine, there was no need to work as they could simply pick their food from nature itself. They lived long lives, remaining youthful and died peacefully in their sleep.

Nemesis is I think trying to hint to Melinoe that maybe the situation is not exactly as black and white as it first seems and that humanity may have a bigger role in this than first thought.

A second interaction i want to bring to mind is about Moros and his relationship with mortals.

Here Moros admits that sometimes he because of was simply bored he would knowingly bring doom and pain to Mortals ending their lives painfully.

Archnea's interactions are also the strongest contenders for that theory, as they bring back that theme of divine cruelty, the gods view of mankind and how they callously treat them.

She has been wronged by the gods for the simple reason that she was better than them at something and they naturally couldn't stand it so they cursed her to live as a spider. She is filled with resentment for them and even warns Mel not to trust them. Also, note how she admits she fears the gods more than she fears Chronos.

2. Dora

Now Dora is a bit particular because we don't know much about her, but I have seen a theory and some interaction with Moros seem to be pointing toward it, which is that she might be Pandora, the original sinner of Greek mythology.

the myth of Pandora goes a bit like this: During the Golden Age, after Prometheus stole fire from the gods and gifted it to humanity, the gods decided to punish Prometheus by punishing humanity. They built Pandora, a woman beautiful beyond compare, and gave her a box full of the evils of the world. They then send her to seduce Epimetheus Prometheus's brother, who despite his brother's warning is promptly seduced by Pandora's beauty and welcomes her into his home. She then opened the box and released the evil of the world upon mankind, thus ending the Golden Age. Only hope stays inside the box.

Again if this is indeed true, it would follow the theme of the gods inflicting pain and suffering upon mankind for petty reasons, uncaring about the consequences of those actions.

3. Hades I

During the first game, many interactions points toward the gods general uncaring attitudes about mortals. Demeter thinks it was a mortal who stole her daughter away, so she decides that she will punish them all by starving them with an eternal winter. The other gods make almost mention of it only to say how much it annoys them.

4. Speculation

This part is not so much about evidences and more about speculations about the story of Hades 2 based upon my theory that mankind is going to be central in this tale.

The reason how Chronos is so powerfull, powerfull enough to free himself from Tartarus and claim the Underworld for himself, is that mortal were tired of being the gods' playthings and prayed to him, they prayed for his return, for the return of the golden age, where pain and suffering were unknown to them and the gods weren't using them for their own amusement.

The gods are going to have to deal with the fact that their poor treatment of humanity has consequences and those consequences are the return of Chronos and a second titonomachy.

Melinoe will propably have to face the fact that Chronos is wrong in challenging the gods and that the current status quo cannot be sustained any longer. The Olympian gods will have to change how they treat mankind if they wish to even have a stand a chance against chronos.

(TLDR, The Olympian gods have treated mankind like shit for a long time and now they are dealing with the consequences of those actions when the mortals are praying to Chronos to come back and restore back the golden Age where their lives weren't even half as awful. Melinoe will have to deal with the fact that her family might very well deserve what is happening to them and if she wishes to save them, the gods will have to change.)

[scar-lie]

Hi! Could you maybe do a heavy angst where reader found out that Nat is cheating but still go home to Nat cuz she have no one to go, and then maybe Nat realising but it's too late cuz reader is dead! Pleaseee and Thank you!

-L

Widow [Natasha]

I DO COMMISSION JUST DM ME FOR THE INFO

Summary : Everything is lifeless in Natasha's lifee

Pairing: Natasha Romamoff x Fem ! Reader

Warning : Cheating,

Word Count : 1,432

No one has permission to repost my work anywhere, if you see it let me know.

Everything seems blurry; every second passing by feels like eternity; the noises that surround her are getting muffled by the voices inside her head; and the scene in front of her feels like a dream, a nightmare that she fears in this world.

"Grand that our sister, Y/F/N, may sleep here in peace until you awaken her to glory, for you are the resurrection and the life. Then she will see you face to face and in your light will see the light and know—" Everything is suffocating: the people gather around for today's event; the sound of the rain with thunder; and the prayer from the priest in front of her.

It's all too much that she doesn't know how to feel—guilt, sadness, mourning, or disgust toward herself. She stopped listening to the people around her, but her mind kept running to the old days where everything seemed like a dream in their paradise but got tainted with horrifying blood.

It feels like she never gets to clean up her ledger after all.

(FEW MONTHS EARLIER)

Y/N's mind is messy; the scene she saw a few minutes ago can't seem to register in her head—or she just didn't want to believe it—and Y/N doesn't hear the car pulling up the driveway; she keeps stirring the dish she's cooking for dinner.

"Y/N?" Natasha shouts, panicking and worried about what's going to happen even though she already knows what's waiting for her, and as much as she hates to deal with it, she has to face it.

Natasha stopped seeing you steering something in the pot and focused on your thoughts, which made her hand sweat, so she slowly but cautiously walked to you.

"Y/N? Baby?" She whispers softly when she finally reaches the kitchen table, keeping the distance in case you don't want her near you.

"Y/N?" Natasha calls you out a bit louder, which makes her so anxious that she starts to pick her own skin on your hand.

You snapped out of her thoughts when you heard your name being called, and you know who the person is: Natasha, your wife for over 5 years now, the woman you love dearly.

You sighed and took a deep breath before you turned off the stove and turned around, trying to be as calm as possible and give her the warmest smile that you could.

"Oh, you're home; sorry I didn't hear you." You swallow the lump in your throat, trying to be as positive and unsuspisious as possible.

Natasha frowns at your acting; this isn't what she expects your reaction to be; she expects you to pack your stuff or rage at you; she expects you to shout at her, but she didn't push it and went to her plan and apologized to you.

"Y/N, I'm sorry, I swear it doesn't mean anything, I-I love you." Natasha softly begged, slowly walked toward you, and took your hands on hers.

"What are you sorry for?" This clearly caught Natasha off guard; she does know what was happening to you, whether you're pretending you didn't know or you truly don't know, and she can't read you; she doesn't know either way.

"The affair," Natasha simply said, playing it safe and trying to test you.

"What affairs, wh-what are you talking about?" If you're in the running for the Oscar for best actress, you're definitely winning the award.

"Are you having an affair?" You asked with knotted eyebrows and a questionable tone.

"Uhm.....no, sorry, just.....forget I said anything, okay?" Natasha quickly withdraws and kisses your forehead, hugging you tightly, afraid you will be gone.

She would rather lie to your face than lose you; she doesn't know if she will be in her right mind when you're finally gone, and she can't imagine the future without you.

"Dinner's ready; are you hungry?" You asked, tapping her bicep, and she nodded, then proceeded to kiss your face.

"Stop, please," you whisper and beg her, and she smiles and nods, letting you prepare the dining table while she goes upstairs and takes a quick shower.

You can't sleep or think straight; your mind is only focusing on what happened earlier. You look over your shoulder to your wife, who's sound asleep while her arm is wrapped around your waist.

You sigh, seeing her peacefully sleeping form behind you while you can't seem to find a little bit of tiredness in your body to fall asleep.

Your mind is filled with thoughts: how she held her, the way she touched her, kissed her, and pleasured her, the things she did to you, and the things you have done with her that she's now doing with another woman behind your back.

The promise you both held in front of the altar is now broken; her loyalty and faithfulness had been tainted with dark ink, which ruined your marriage.

The promise of in sickness and in health is on the edge of your marriage, but you decided against it; you chose to be silent and blind to her lies.

Even though she cheated on you, you can't leave because you have no one to run to, no place to stay but this house, no one to call but her, and no one to hold on to if you decide to break the marriage.

You risk everything to be with her; you lose your acting and modeling career; you turn around on your family; you push away your friends just to be with her; and now, you have no place to go; you have no one but yourself.

"Nat?" Natasha snapped out of her thoughts when Wanda tapped her shoulder, worried.

"Ye-yes?" Natasha whispers, looking up at her with a defeated face.

Everyone is already on their way home; do you want us to drive you off? "Wanda looked at her with sympathy while Natasha looked around to the darkish raining field and saw no one but her teammates, the Avengers, who dressed in all black with black umbrellas, looking to the both of them, waiting.

"Oh........uh, no, thank you. You all can drive back; I want to stay here." Natasha gave Wanda a sad smile and tapped her hand that was in Natasha's bicep.

"Are you sure? We don't want you to be alone." Natasha nodded at Wanda.

Ok," even though Wanda didn't want to leave her alone, she didn't push Natasha; instead, she pulled out her handkerchief and extended her hand to Natasha.

"Take this at least," Wanda said. Natasha looked down at the white handkerchief with a flowered design at the edges.

She swallowed the lump in her throat when she saw it. It's your handkerchief, one of your favorites; it's one from your mother, which is why you love it, but when Wanda joined the Avengers, you decided to give it to her as a welcome gift.

"Thank you," Natasha whispers, taking the handkerchief while her tears keep flowing down her cheeks.

"Call us if you need us." Wanda gives Natasha a smile and finally turns around to join the team and go home with them.

The team is worried for Natasha, especially Clint, when they see Wanda walk on her own, but they respect Natasha's decision and let her mourn.

The team didn't know what happened; you decided to keep it to yourself. When you decided to stay, not a single soul knew that you knew about the affair.

Natasha doesn't know what to feel; she doesn't know what is the right thing to do; she feels guilty and disgusted for having an affair; she's sad that she missed the last few months of her life with you when she was busy somewhere else; and she's mourning the loss of her love, her greatest love.

You're her life, the sun in her dark and rainy days, the rainbow in her sky, and her nature in her land; without you, she will be nothing, a useless woman who seeks her lover's embrace; she will never be Natasha Romanoff without you in her arms; she'll go crazy if ever so

Now she's soaked from standing alone in a cold, rainy cemetery, standing in front of your newly fresh grave in all black, her umbrella long forgotten that she dropped, crying silently while looking at the dirt in front of her, a nightmare that she didn't expect so soon to come true.

She's now living under her own name as a Widow.

[beaddie]

AMARANTHINE - Dr. STONE

sum☆: "ᵉˡᵉᵍᵃⁿᵗ! "𝙰𝙼𝙰𝚁𝙰𝙽𝚃𝙷𝙸𝙽𝙴 (adj.) undying, immortal, eternally beautifulIn which Stanley Snyder, Xeno Houston Wingfield, and (Y/N) Ambrose were trapped in an unexpected stone world that had been petrified 3,700 years before. However, they were 'infiltrated' by some foreign brats all of a sudden.Of course, they don't give up without a fight, do they?

warnings:. all characters are 18+!!! violence. language. FICTION!! don't like it? scroll away!! first ever post on this app. english is not my first language, so ugh.(Dr. Stone x Reader)(Dr. STONE : New America City Arc) MANGA SPOILER

(CHAPTER 6) Z=154: Spy vs. Spy

"we'll find the enemy science leader...

"...and capture him!!"

"<...and to assassinate him!!>"

Senku and Dr. Xeno exclaimed in unison, while the troops of the enemy kingdom and the other members of the kingdom of science were now exploring the forest to complete their respective missions.

The rhythmic crunch of leaves underfoot was the only sound breaking the serene tranquility of the forest. Stanley and (Y/n) were deep in thought, their minds racing with the complexities of their mission. Suddenly, a faint rustling sound caught their attention. They turned to see a young woman dressed in a striped dress, her footsteps trailing behind them.

"<So, can we trust this Gen guy?." she asked, her voice carrying a hint of skepticism.

(Y/n) glanced at Stanley, her eyes seeking his opinion. "<Luna,>" she began, addressing the woman, "<Xeno entrusted you with infiltrating the enemy's ship. Do you think you can handle it?>"

Luna nodded, her expression a mixture of determination and nervousness. "<Of course, I can,>" she replied, her voice a bit shaky. Even after all these years, she still found it difficult to converse with (Y/n) without feeling a sense of anxiety and intimidation. Despite her fear, Luna admired (Y/n) deeply, seeing her as a role model.

"<I wish you luck then,>" (Y/n) said, turning her attention to their weapons. As she prepared for the mission, Stanley responded to Luna's question about Gen.

"<Trust?>" he scoffed. "<Anyone who trusts an enemy who just double-crossed his own people needs an appointment with a head doctor.>"

"<We'll pump him for intel, but keep him at arm's length otherwise,>" Stanley continued. "<Odds are he's a spy.>"

Luna agreed, her voice a bit more confident this time. "<Right, sure. I mean, duh. Obviously! I realized that too. That was me testing you, Stanley. I didn't think you'd get careless, but I had to be sure!>"

In the distance, chaos began to unfold. (Y/n) climbed a towering tree, finding the perfect vantage point to observe the enemy's base. She brought out her binocular telescope and began scanning the area.

Meanwhile, below, Carlos and Max were expressing their loyalty to Luna. "<No way, Miss Luna! I'll carry every last one if I have to!>" Carlos exclaimed, his voice filled with determination. Max echoed his sentiment, eager to impress Luna with his bravery.

"<What? Now you're up for the job? Why don't you take a nap while I carry the cargo?>" Carlos retorted, his competitive spirit ignited. Max, eager to impress Luna, joined the fray, and soon the two were engaged in a heated argument.

"<You're not carrying a thing, Luna,>" Stanley's voice cut through the bickering. He lit a cigarette, a calm demeanor contrasting with the chaos below. "<And that's non-negotiable. Not a thing. That heavy stuff could leave marks on your body, and you've got a job to do.>"

Just then, (Y/n) shouted from above, her voice echoing through the trees. "<You four there, quit talking and come up here!>"

Stanley, Luna, Carlos, and Max scrambled up the tree to join her. As they reached the top, Carlos's eyes widened in astonishment as he beheld the massive enemy ship.

"<So that's the enemy ship?>" he asked nervously.

"<KAHHH! IT'S HUGE!!>" Max exclaimed, his voice filled with awe.

"<Wow, this other science-pro isn't half-bad,>" Luna said, her admiration growing. "<Of course, he's nothing compared to Xeno!>"

(Y/n) handed Stanley her binoculars, allowing him to get a closer look at the ship. "<I think this is a perfect spot,>" she said, as Stanley taking the binoculars from her hands then kissing them.

"<So, we should begin measuring and not waste time,>" (Y/n) continued, pulling out thermometers and weather vanes and handing them to Stanley. Stanley picked up the weather vane and lifted it into the air, placing it on the top of a tree branch to begin taking measurements.

"<Do these... measure temperature and humidity?>" Luna asked, holding her own thermometer.

"<They're made by Doc Xeno, who tends to be overly helpful,>" Stanley replied. "<Despite my insistence I could figure out that stuff using my senses. Well, extra data'll only help with accuracy, I guess.>"

"<And is that a weathervane?>" Carlos asked, his curiosity piqued.

"<Kah kah kah! Why take all these readings? You playing weather reporter?>" Max chimed in.

(Y/n) answered their questions, her voice calm and authoritative. "<It all affects bullet velocity.>" The other three were taken aback by her explanation, realizing that Stanley was carefully tracking the environmental conditions to ensure the perfect shot.

"<No way... from this distance?>" Luna looked at Stanley with a mixture of awe and apprehension.

"<I'll snipe the enemy science leader... with a rifle made by Xeno's science,>" Stanley replied, his voice filled with determination. He positioned himself on his stomach, finding a clear view of the ship through his scope.

"<We've got a glimpse of the area via spy plane. This is the optimal firing position,>" he said, remaining still.

"<We... we're gonna kill them...?>" Luna looked up at Stanley and (Y/n), her eyes wide with uncertainty.

"<Just their science leader,>" (Y/n) replied, preparing her own gun and reloading it.

"<Isn't that kinda awful?>" Luna asked, her voice trembling slightly.

Stanley's glare was immediate, silencing Luna's question. "<Just kidding! Just making sure that those two wimps don't try to chicken out of this! That's part of my job!>" Luna exclaimed, her panic evident as she averted her gaze from Stanley's intense stare.

"<That's our Miss Luna, cool as a cucumber!>" Max and Carlos exclaimed, their admiration for Luna growing.

"<I've got goosebumps!>" Max added, his voice filled with excitement.

"<So what's the job of mine you two mentioned before? And why am I wearing this striped outfit...?>" Luna asked, her curiosity piqued.

"<Each stripe is five inches,>" Stanley answered.

"<You'll be our yard stick, Luna,>" (Y/n) finished.

"<By matching up with my crosshairs, I can calculate the distance to the target,>" Stanley added.

"<You're about as young as they are, Luna. So they're less likely to see you as a threat. Board their ship, and find Dr. Taiju, their science leader,>" Stanley instructed.

"<(N/n), help Luna get close to the ship, will you?>" Stanley requested (Y/n), who nodded and began to descend from the tree.

"<No need to ask twice, captain~ Come on now, Luna,>" (Y/n) purred, motioning for Luna to follow her.

"<Ri-right!>" Luna replied, her voice a bit shaky. With an awkward silence, (Y/n) guided Luna towards the lair near the ship.

"<luna, dear>" (Y/n) called out, her voice carrying a sense of urgency.

"<Yes...?>" Luna responded quietly, her attention drawn to (Y/n).

"<Xeno and Stanley may not know this, but I have a feeling that Dr. Taiju is not the science leader...>" (Y/n) revealed, her voice filled with a hint of intrigue. Randomly telling Luna her suspicioun despite not being close with the younger woman.

"<Huh? How so?>" Luna asked, her curiosity piqued.

"<Just a feeling. Anyway, word of advice, trust your instincts,>" (Y/n) replied.

"<Huh... right...>" Luna nodded, her mind racing.

The two came to a stop at their intended spot.

"<I suppose here is fine. Good luck,>" (Y/n) said, bidding Luna farewell.

Luna watched (Y/n) walk away, her heart filled with admiration. She was truly her role model. But then, remembering her mission, she immediately began to mess herself up to look as if she had been harassed or hurt.

'I'm Luna, the smoothest operator! Luna, the capable gal!!' Luna exclaimed in her head as she emerged from her hiding spot, tears in her eyes and her appearance disheveled. How could anyone not help a poor girl in such a state?

Ryusui and Senku noticed Luna's crawling figure on the ship's ladder.

From afar, Stanley observed the scene with interest.

'Sailing out to sea could've saved them, but they're staying put because... they're reluctant to abandon an ally. Lucky these kiddies are so naïve. And softies like that... won't ignore a girl crying for help,' Stanley thought to himself.

Meanwhile, (Y/n) decided to return to the factory, knowing that Stanley and the others could handle the mission properly. She decided to accompany Xeno, who was 'tormenting' Gen.

As (Y/n) walked away, she glanced back at Luna, carrying out her mission.

'You sent a spy into our ranks? Well, here's our counter-op. Two can play at this game,' she thought as she continued to walk away.

"Help me please! I'm desperate to run away from that horrid Dr. Xeno and his kingdom!!" Luna cried out desperately, her voice filled with emotion as she pleaded for help from the crew of the Perseus.

Mozu perked up, his attention drawn to Luna's appearance.

"Hm? She's cute," Mozu mused, his eyes lingering on Luna. However, his comment was quickly met with disapproval from Kirisame.

"Not the time nor place, Mozu," Kirisame admonished, her voice stern.

Senku stepped closer to Luna, his presence drawing Ryusui's attention. Ryusui couldn't help but smirk, his mind racing with possibilities.

'Hmph. Tough call here,' Ryusui thought, his suspicion of Luna growing. 'Of course, I want to help her... but we can't take her at face value.'

Luna looked up as she heard Senku's footsteps approaching.

"Are you hurt, miss? Have no fear, you're safe now! Please, come onto our ship," Senku offered, his words laced with charm. Luna couldn't help but blush at his kind demeanor.

"Th-thanks..." Luna replied, her voice a bit shaky.

"Let's get you some first-aid below deck!" Taiju said, offering to help Luna. Kirisame took Luna into her arms, carrying her towards the ship to tend to her wounds.

"Turning on the charm, huh?" Yuzuriha sweatdropped, amused by Senku's actions.

"Really, Senku...?" Kinro echoed, his expression a mix of surprise and amusement.

Meanwhile, at Tsukasa's group, they were discussing their strategy.

"We only have a general idea of where Chrome, Kohaku, and Gen went," Suika said.

"Right, we need intel," Ukyo added.

"Capturing their science leader will allow us to seize the initiative. Yes... any information about the enemy would be helpful at this point," Tsukasa concluded.

Back on the Perseus, Luna internally decided to fulfill her mission while most of the crew remained suspicious of her.

"We're really letting some suspicious girl board the ship?" Nikki asked warily.

"Who cares? She's cute," Mozu replied, his admiration for Luna unabated.

"Senku's a man, if you know what I mean! And maybe doe-eyed blondes push all the right buttons for him!" Yo exclaimed, teasing Senku.

"Naw, this isn't what it seems..." Yuzuriha countered.

Senku smirked mischievously. "Ku ku ku... we'll extract all the info we can outta this girl and send a coded message to Tsukasa and the special forces." He added with a devilish grin, "It's spy versus spy! Black-hearted schemers. Trying to outfox each other! I told'ya it wasn't what it seemed!"

At the same time, (Y/n) returned to the factory, eager to report on the ongoing mission.

"<Ah dear, you came back earlier than I expected,>" Xeno said, noticing (Y/n)'s arrival. He snatched her hand, pulling her closer to him and grabbing her waist delicately.

Gen stared warily at the two, his eyes darting between them as they swayed around the room, creating a peaceful yet suffocating aura. For him, it was a suffocating moment, but for the two, it was a peaceful one.

(Y/n) noticed Gen's stare, her eyes meeting his. She held Xeno's hand and her other hand on his right shoulder, returning the stare with a cold look.

"<Yes, Luna successfully infiltrated the ship, and at this moment she's looking for the science leader. But I have a feeling... that their science leader, Dr. Taiju, is only a decoy,>" (Y/n) said, her voice filled with conviction. Gen's eyes widened slightly at her statement, but he managed to suppress his reaction.

"<Oh~ is that so? Mind telling me more, dear?>" Xeno asked, his eyes sparkling with interest.

"<Well, to begin with, I doubt that our foreign guest, Mr. Gen, would have promptly told us his previous science leader's name,>" (Y/n) continued. "<As a result, I thought he might be using a fake name or another name as a cover-up to avoid being caught. Second, he claimed to be a magician, is that correct? According to what I've known, magicians can use psychological tricks to hide their true identities. I'm not sure, but I have a feeling that Mr. Gen might also be what is known as a 'mentalist,'>" (Y/n) concluded.

As (Y/n) spoke, Gen couldn't help but look at her in horror. This woman is really dangerous, he thought. But he managed to maintain his composure, looking at (Y/n) as if he were unaware of her accusation.

"<We-well, how can you say that, Miss (Y/n)? I'm sure it's just a suspicion, right? Ye-yes, I'm a magician, but I'm an inexperienced one, you see... I-I mean look at me, I'm weak and helpless..., and plus, you don't have concrete evidence...? R-right?>" Gen defended himself, his voice trembling slightly as he tried to portray himself as a vulnerable and naïve person.

"<Hmm... I suppose you're right about that. I apologize for my false accusation,>" (Y/n) said, her voice filled with sincerity. However, her true intention was to expose him to Xeno, who was now deep in thought about her earlier statement.

"<Oh, it's alright, Miss (Y/n)...>" Gen responded, his nervous smile masking his relief. He sweatdropped, still shaken by her revelation.

"<Hmm... I suppose you're right, dear, but first, let Stan and the others finish their mission so we can discuss this later. I'm sure Stan will like to hear your thoughts,>" Xeno said, kissing (Y/n)'s hand and releasing her from his embrace.

"<I guess...>" (Y/n) replied, her expression neutral.

Unbeknownst to the two, Gen continued to stare at the group in the distance, his mind racing. 'Crap..., it seems this mission is more difficult than I expected, especially with this very observant lady on their side. She might expose me at any moment! Miss (Y/n) a woman you are!' Gen shuddered at the thought.

[knittingmoon]

Love Bites

"What could be more cliché than a vampire pining in loneliness?" I asked in despair. "This story was already overdone back when I still had a pulse."

"That must have been a long time ago," the bartender responded indifferently.

"Yeah, about ten years now. You probably didn't know, but vampires used to be all the rage."

"I know, sir. I'm forty."

It's quite sad when the only person you can talk to is the owner of the 'Unholy Haven' bar. He's human, of course, but he understands the problems of the undead.

"My problem is that vampires are loners," I continued to complain about my miserable unlife, nursing a bottle of O-positive. "And cute draculin ladies aren't exactly lining up to meet me. But eternal life becomes torture when you're completely alone. Can you understand what it's like to feel endless despair?"

"Of course, sir, I've been married."

"The obvious solution would be to make myself a girlfriend. To give the kiss of eternity to the woman I love – what could be more beautiful! But it's such a big commitment. I don't want to rush into anything and take on premature responsibilities, you know? You've got to test the feelings first."

"Of course, sir."

"So, I meet a girl online, we hit it off, go on a date, have a great time... And then I wake up next to a blood-drained corpse! Every time I promise myself I'll hold back, and every time I lose control. I bury them with tears in my eyes because my hands have callouses from the shovel. I swear the darkest oath that I won't drink the next girl on the first night – but I can't help it, they're so tempting, juicy, warm... You're a man, you understand."

"Probably, sir."

"These murders need to stop. Or they'll come for me – you know, the ones with the stakes. If only I could meet an attractive undead lady! But alas, there's no dating site for creatures of the night."

"Hm," the bartender said, for the first time showing some interest in the conversation. "For a certain price, I might be able to arrange something. How about blind dates?"

"What?"

"You can rent the back room, and I'll set up meetings with a few clients. Maybe you'll find your soulmate."

I was ready to hug the mustached chubby man out of joy, but he recoiled, pulling out a crucifix from under the bar with a practiced motion, cooling my enthusiasm.

"I'll pay whatever you ask!"

The first date is something special! When I used to date living girls, I didn't worry: just a bit of confidence, a dash of mystery, some good cologne, and a little vampiric hypnosis – no one could resist. But these tricks wouldn't work on the undead. Here, we're on equal footing.

Should I wear a suit or jeans? If she died a hundred years ago, modern fashion might not be to her taste. But in a suit, I look like a corpse in a coffin. Or is that comparison actually in my favor? Alright, suit it is. Blue shirt or white? A tie, or is that too formal? And why are all my socks mismatched?

The date was set for midnight, but by eleven-thirty I was already sitting at the table, nervously sipping my bottle of B-positive. The bar's back room was only slightly bigger than a grave, dimly lit, and smelled faintly of mildew. But maybe this was exactly where I'd meet my true love beyond the grave!

She drifted into the room, not bothering to open the door. In motion, she resembled a wisp of fog carried by the wind, but as she hovered above the chair, her form solidified a little. It seemed the bartender took the idea of a "soulmate" quite literally. I extended my hand to the ghost, introducing myself:

"Vic."

Her hand passed right through mine.

"...Oh!" came the whispering reply.

Fantastic. I'm going to kill that bartender.

"Oooh!" the ghost girl moaned, shaking the tatters of her shroud.

He might as well have set me up with a banshee. Sure, she's immortal, and I couldn't kill her even if I tried – that's a perfect match. But I'm not looking for communication this... spiritual.

The ghost burst into a heart-wrenching sob. I noticed the black mark of a noose around her neck. A date with a mute, depressed suicide victim – memorable, but I wouldn't call it pleasant.

After a stern talk with the bartender, I decided to go for a second date. This time, I was late, showed up in whatever I was wearing, and didn't have any high hopes.

She was already waiting for me. On her plate lay a barely seared steak the size of a small dog, and the aroma of meat mixed with the musky scent of a large beast. My date was strong-built, dark-haired, and her eyes glowed like will-o'-the-wisps. Even just sitting there, dressed in a flannel shirt and jeans, she exuded a provocative, almost obscene aura. Under her predatory gaze, I felt an urge to cover myself up.

I quietly sat down across from her. She was fully absorbed in devouring her meat, so the first minutes of the date were filled with silence, the sound of chewing, and the satisfied growling of my companion. Today, no crucifix would save the bartender. How on earth did he think setting up a vampire with a werewolf was a good idea?

The werewolf woman finished her meal, wiped her mouth and hands with a napkin, and businesslike asked, "Your place or mine?"

A wave of heat washed over me for a moment. So, this is what they mean by animal magnetism. I wasn't sure if she scared me more or attracted me.

"Vic," I finally managed to say, offering my hand. The girl easily pulled me from my seat, wrapped me in a strong embrace, and kissed me—hungrily, fiercely. I don't know what kind of creature she turns into, but that kiss made me think of praying mantis females. I mumbled something about needing to pay the bill and slipped away. In the bathroom, I managed to crack open a window, shifted into a bat, and flew tirelessly until I squeezed back into my apartment window. A werewolf in heat on the eve of a full moon? No thanks, there are more pleasant ways to end my unlife.

The bartender gave me a discount.

The next week, I met a very intelligent zombie, and we had a long conversation about the manifestations of primordial evil in cinema. But then her jaw fell off. I figured we'd stay friends. Online, preferably. You understand, the smell.

The mummy kept shedding sand, and she wanted to move in with me right away because she needed a cemetery registration.

The mermaid had an impressive chest and four thousand fry in a pond outside the city. I realized I wasn't ready for kids yet and pulled my flying-out-the-window trick again.

By the end of the week, I was fed up with blind dates. It's probably a foolish idea. We, who live in two worlds but don't belong to either, aren't meant to experience human happiness, love, or trust. We are eternal, lonely wanderers who...

Just as I was about to sink into those wonderfully dark thoughts, the phone rang, ruining the mood.

"Vic! Are you going to the witches' sabbath tomorrow?" came Max's voice on the other end. If we weren't creatures of the night, devoid of human passions, we might be considered friends.

"No, I'm not," I replied grumpily.

"Are you mad at the girls or something? They're just messing with you, man! Magic messes with their heads, you know, and they think casting an illusionof a beautiful vampiress over you for the whole night is hilarious. I'll tell them to stop picking on you. Come on, all our folks will be there."

I had to go. After all, the undead don't get many holidays: Walpurgis Night and Samhain—that's about it. Well, there's the winter solstice, but even vampires get cold in winter around here.

The wild days when sabbaths were held around a bonfire in the forest are long gone. The witches rented us a restaurant in the city center, hired an emcee and musicians to provide a little snack. The main course was six naked men laid out on the tables. A few years ago, the head of the coven declared that the tradition of sacrificing virgins was sexist and patriarchal, and to restore balance, only virgin boys would be offered up from now on.

Indeed, all our folks were at the sabbath. The maenads were already tipsy and were hurrying to drink more, eager to fall into their sacred frenzy and tear apart their offering with their bare hands. The witches occasionally cast spells on the guests, cackling loudly as snakes and toads spilled out of some poor soul's mouth. Yep, magic really drives them crazy. The vampiresses and demonesses sauntered around the tables, critiquing the anatomical features of the offerings with such expertise that it made me not want to approach them at all.

I found a corner in the banquet hall near the table where the least impressive of the boys was lying, and attached myself to a bottle. AB negative! The witches really know how to live it up.

"Tell me, my random companion, do you know what women want?" I asked the sacrifice. The boy mumbled through his gag and squirmed in his bonds. "Of course, you don't, or you wouldn't be here. You probably think I'm spoiled, surrounded by all these stunning women at the sabbath. But if you look closer, there's no one for me to choose from. The witches are insane, the maenads are alcoholics, and the succubi can't even pronounce the word 'fidelity.' I should probably seek someone like myself, but even then, I'm stuck: the older vampiresses are too cynical—they can't understand my tormented soul. And the younger ones don't seem eager to open their cold embraces to me. So, in a way, we're alike, you and I—both doomed to loneliness. Only your suffering will soon end, and I will be tormented forever."

"Is it really that hopeless?" I heard a teasing voice behind me. I turned around... and saw her. Pale skin, flawless, not a single imperfection. The perfect curve of her lips was maddening. A wild mane of untamed blonde curls. The curves of her figure under a simple silk dress stirred the imagination, but she wasn't provocatively sensual like the succubi. I didn't hear a heartbeat, but her smile revealed a row of perfect pearly teeth—she wasn't a vampiress. Her voice was melodic, yet there was no salty scent of seawater, so she wasn't a siren. How did she sneak up on me unnoticed? Could she be a dryad? Or something more exotic?

The rest of the night passed in a haze of her perfume. I was witty and charming; Olivia (that was her name) was feminine and enchanting. When the head of the coven invited everyone to enjoy the main courses, I offered the lady the first bite, but she declined, explaining that she doesn't eat humans.

We talked, laughed, and danced for hours. I had too much to drink, so I suggested we go back to my place. She laughed. Her laughter sounded like the delicate chime of Chinese wind bells.

"I'm not that kind of girl, Vic. How about we meet on Wednesday and catch a movie?"

On Wednesday, we watched the new horror film, laughing loudly at the ridiculous fantasies of the director and screenwriter. On Sunday, we went on a hunting spree targeting a street gang. Olivia didn't eat people, but she had no problem with killing them. The next Tuesday... Friday...

A month flew by faster than a moonbeam reaches the surface of a dark lake. I was in love and happier than any undead creature could ever be! Olivia combined the best qualities I had seen in both living women and the undead. The only thing that still bothered me was that I hadn't figured out what race she belonged to, and asking felt impolite.

During one of our dates, Olivia suddenly listened to something and said in a more serious, changed tone, "Vic, I need to introduce you to someone. Let's go."

Could it be... she wasn't single?

We rode through the city in a taxi, and my beloved was unusually quiet and thoughtful.

"His office is here, in this building," Olivia took my arm and confidently pulled me through the glass doors. The security guard at the entrance stirred for a moment, but she swiped a key card across the turnstile and chirped, "We're going to office 136."

The elevator played its annoying mechanical tune while I winced, looking at the mirror where only Olivia was reflected.

"Vic, meet my creator, Mr. Frank Stein!" she said, leading me to a desk where a silver-haired man in gold-rimmed glasses sat.

"Creator?" I asked, confused.

"Yes, that's right," the man firmly shook my hand with his square palm. "You can't say I'm Olivia's only parent, but I did develop her operating system."

"Operating system?" I repeated dumbly.

"Olivia is a T-69 gynoid model, specially designed with undead clientele in mind. You've been using the trial version. Would you like to purchase the full service package?"

[toomanyfandoms-notenoughfics]

Celestial Beings

𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘖𝘯𝘦: 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨

Characters- Alastor Moody, Molly Weasley, Reader

Summary- It's an introduction to our Reader's situation, laying the groundwork for the rest of the story. Don't worry, Remus and Sirius will be in the next chapter.

Word Count- 1,342

Warnings- None really for this chapter, slight mention of torture

Confusion is the first thing (y/n) felt. Then it was the raging headache and the pain in her lower abdomen. She opened her eyes, only to be met with more darkness, the sound of dripping water echoing throughout whatever room she was in. (Y/n) was not sure of how she got here, or even as to where “here” is.

The last thing (y/n) remembered was sneaking out of Borgin and Burke’s while everyone else was distracted. Just needing a bit of fresh air. Then, right as she shut the door and rounded the corner, there was a flash of color and the world went dark.

Suddenly the old iron door swung open with enough force to make the cement wall behind it crumble ever so slightly. Light followed soon after, the person who had entered silently casting Lumos. (Y/n) squinted, trying to grow accustomed to the now very bright room, shielding her eyes with her arm.

“You’re up,” grunted the man. “Finally we can talk.”

(Y/n) stayed silent, taking the opportunity to survey the room they were in. Room was too nice of a word, it was more like a cubby. The walls and floors seemed to be either stone or concrete, cracks covered the one farthest from the door. In one of the corners was a sleeping bag with an old ratty blanket.

“Are you listening to me?” Barked the old man. “If not I suggest you start, otherwise this will begin to be quite unpleasant for you.”

“I’m sorry, but was that a threat or a promise?” (Y/n) taunted. “Because either way I don’t care.”

“Are you sure about that? I don’t think you quite grasp the situation here. I’m very willing to do whatever I must to gather information out of you, regardless of my own morals and emotions.” He lowered his wand, just enough so (y/n) could see his face.

(Y/n) recognized him instantly, and it must have shown on her face due to his chuckle. His eye, or rather the prosthetic he had for his eye, gave him away instantly. This wasn’t one of Lucius’s loyalty tests, nor was it someone who she could easily run from. This was Mad-eye Moody, an Auror known for going to extremes to get what he needs.

“Now, perhaps you need some time to think on my offer, after all, I hit you with a very strong stunning spell. Who knows,” Moody shrugged. “Maybe some more time in the dark will be just what you need to get your thoughts together. I’ll come back tomorrow, hopefully, your stance will have changed by then.”

“I highly doubt it.” (Y/n) sneered. “After all, if you are my captor, that gives me all the more reason to stay quiet.”

Moody put out his light and shut the door, leaving (y/n) in complete darkness yet again. She slowly felt her way across the floor, finding the sleeping bag and blanket. She sat, cross-legged on the sleeping bag, pulling the blanket onto her lap.

“Is this a test?” She thought to herself. “Could he be secretly under a curse? Or maybe he’s been in on it from the beginning, plenty of death eaters are on the other side as spies, some with deeper covers than others.”

(Y/n)‘s eyes started to adjust, it wasn’t pure darkness but there wasn’t any true light source either. She could faintly make out the barrier spells on the walls, and more importantly the door. The pale blue shade helping give the room a form, like seeing on a grid, with no detail just the dimensions. She ran her hand across the wall, watching the spell turn into darker hues the closer she got.

Sighing she rested her head against the cool wall, closing her eyes. “Test or not, I hate this place. I can’t even tell how long it’s been since I woke up, let alone since Borgin’s.”

It seemed to be an eternity before the door opened once more, this time a woman holding a lantern entered. She was red-headed, a little plump, and had the faintest of smiles on her face. She looked (y/n) up and down, and the smile slowly disappeared, instead replaced with pursed lips.

“Dear, did they not give you a change of clothes? Or at least a pillow?” The woman tutted. “Well, can I interest you in some stew? Just made some for dinner, and figured you might be a bit starving as well.”

“Wait, I’ve seen her before, she isn’t a Death Eater. This can’t be a test, not unless the Weasleys have suddenly changed their opinions.” (Y/n) backed farther away, causing the Weasley woman to frown.

“I promise it isn’t poisoned. Might be a bit cooled off by now, but still enough to be edible.” The woman reached behind the door, bringing out a small wooden bowl and setting it on the ground. “Here, I’ll take a bite first to prove it.”

“I’m not hungry.” (Y/n)‘s stomach however believed otherwise, grumbling in betrayal as she spoke.

“I’ll just leave it here, in case you find yourself hungry later.” The Weasley woman said, backing out of the doorway. “I’ll see what I can do about getting you some light and a change of clothes. Moody seems to think the only way to go against someone is to behave the same way they would.”

(Y/n) sat there and waited for the door to shut and the light from under it to fade. As soon as she was back in the dark she snuck forwards towards the bowl. Very carefully and very slowly she searched the floor for it. Grasping the bowl with both hands she started eating ravenously.

Gently placing the bowl back in front of the door, she stood up, stretching her legs out. Wiping the sides of her mouth with the back of her sleeves she chuckled. The stew was better than anything Narcissa ever had someone else make. Feeling along the walls, (y/n) started walking in circles, watching the colors grow and fade as she moved her hand along the barriers.

After concluding there were no weaknesses, (y/n) found her way back to the makeshift bed. She had found where the dripping was coming from, it was on the wall left of the door, almost perfectly nestled into a crack in the corner. She wrapped the blanket around herself, opting to fall asleep rather than await another visit while staring at the nothingness of her room.

When (y/n) woke up for what seemed to be the 100th time, nothing new or changed in the cell. The blanket was still scratchy, there was no light, and her bones ached. She felt around, finding a small bit of concrete, and threw it towards the door. Just as it reached the barrier the door opened, filling the room with blinding light once more.

“You know, a heads up would be nice.” (Y/n) groaned, squinting towards the door and watching Moody enter in. “Oh, it’s just you.”

“Have you had ample time to decide?” Moody ignored her remarks, shutting the door behind him and hanging the lamp on a small hook next to him. “It would be much easier on you if you just answered my questions without a fight. Otherwise, well, I’m sure you’re familiar with all the different ways to get people to reveal their secrets.”

“Go ahead, what’s really going to happen,” (Y/n) stood up and stretched. “It won’t matter if I tell you the truth or not, you’ll never fully believe I’m being honest. It’s okay, it’s not like I plan on telling you anything anyways. What would be the point if I know you won’t believe me?”

“I had a feeling that’s how this was going to go,” Moody pointed his wand at (y/n). “Just remember, I gave you an out.”

“No you really didn’t.” (Y/n) thought to herself as Moody cast the first Cruciatous Curse of many.

~~{𝘌𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘖𝘯𝘦}~~

[lennonhead]

Shadow Generations thoughts

what a great game that has Sonic Generations as an added bonus

the Shadow the Game lore is back in a big way, treated super seriously. the level of angst has not been seen since the height of Shadow's popularity, and that is excellent. part of me feels kind of cathartic sympathising with his problems. whether they're relatable or completely out there, his numerous trials in life never stop him... He keeps going, no matter what... I LOVE YOU SHADOW!

I love his painful TF cutscenes. he holds his head, moaning in pain, and then you get a manta ray to swim on. what the hell. it brings me so much joy. really channelling middle schooler conceptualisation energy, which is what Shadow deserves

related: YOU'RE A KID YOU'RE A SQUID YOU'RE A KID YOU'RE A SQUID YOU'RE A

back to the manta ray though. it was extremely fraught fighting Metal Overlord on that stupid thing. Metal Sonic, my dear son, was not going easy on me. I was getting my ass kicked. I had to stop and take a break for a couple days. then I came back and got a B rank immediately. I don't understand

I love the trash talk Shadow dishes out with the bosses. they all hate his guts and he parries them harshly even if he literally doesn't remember them (poor Mephiles). Shadow is so cool

I was really sleeping on Omega. he's a super minor character here but all of his dialogue is great. I worry now that I missed some and I want to go back. his attempt to cheer up Shadow is to invite him on a killing spree. he doesn't care about Shadow's baggage, he likes him for who he is now and doesn't walk on eggshells because he's Troubled. I think they're perfect for eachother and I kind of ship them now, doomed to fail because Shadow is a Victorian widow eternally in mourning and Omega is Omega

Maria is wonderful in this game and it's unfortunate that I mostly played it after seeing the movie. Movie Maria is the best interpretation of her character. this is the best she's ever been in the games, though. the first scene where she hugs Shadow and he just doesn't know how to react is heartbreaking. I love the little details about her life on the Ark, I just think it's interesting. she likes Italian food and is proud of her schoolwork. she feels more naturally sweet instead of more of a symbol of innate goodness and purity. it makes the end of the game hit really hard

that was a romantic love confession. fight me

Gerald's journal is one of my favourite things in the series, honestly. it has the difficult task of making all the convoluted rubbish that happened in the 2000s Sonic games make sense as a series of events, and I think it succeeds. the cosmic horror flavour is great fun. it definitely wouldn't stand on its own as an AU 1950s sci-fi horror story, but as part of a Sonic game it's incredibly strong storytelling and humanises a lot of outwardly ridiculous elements. I'll talk about it in a few separate points

that picture of Maria in a wheelchair and looking really Not great vindicates all of our fan art

Maria designed the rocket skates. she has talent and would be making OCs with one angel wing and one devil wing and convoluted backstories if that kind of thing existed in the early 1950s. her and Shadow are a great duo

the Biolizard being developed from tests on lizards implies that Shadow in turn is derived from a regular earth hedgehog. Gerald's development and Black Doom's DNA made him a rubberhose cartoon thing. that's wild, because it raises questions about the origins of the other Sonic characters. Sonic is from Christmas Island, which IRL was a site of nuclear testing for the British Empire, so that could provide a little explanation at least, but what about the others? how far back does all of this go, was Shadow the first of his kind? I'm imagining Gerald looking at Shadow in his fermentation tube and thinking to himself "that guy needs shoes and white gloves as soon as possible. he looks indecent without them"

I wonder if we will meet Eggman's other cousin anytime soon

back to the game itself. THEY BROUGHT BACK THE "IT'LL BE A DATE TO DIE FOR" LINE OHHHH MY GOD. I joked that I would next be expecting the "this is like taking candy from a baby, which is fine by me" line but alas, it was not to be

Shadow also didn't swear. I was hoping for just one "damn" for old time's sake 🥲

the ending was really crushing. Shadow worked so hard to confront his past and move on, with Rouge as his witness, and now he's back to square one. he was deeply hurt all over again. it gives the impression that he will never be able to truly heal. this is clearly a narrative choice, and a really sad one. Shadow crying makes me genuinely sad for him and I just want to hold him. as I've said before, Shadow was my first crush, and no matter how old and jaded I get I will still be very fond of him. to me, he represents a time when I was innocent. I was a loner too, not of my own choosing, and I related to him and admired him. I do like revelling in his angst, who doesn't? but the Shadow Generations ending broke through all the meta stuff that's built up around him. I guess that's how I can describe it

for my last point, I'll end on a happy note. there's a lot of concept art as collectibles, and I'm not usually someone focused on collectables but some of these drawings feel really valuable. there's a few pieces of Shadow the Game development art where Sonic is still drawn in the Sonic CD style, and I absolutely love that

tl;dr

I LOVE SHADOW THE HEDGEHOG!!!!

[starres-stuff]

Day 27: Memory FFXIV Write 2024

Memory: something remembered from the past; a recollection.

An entry from the journal of Viviane Jienuex-Vimaroix

Someone asked me today at the bakery as I was packaging their order if I had a favorite memory. It is not a question that a stranger normally asks to make small talk and at the time I was not certain how I would answer it. So I told them I did not. The customer was an Au Ra, who grew up in Thavnair, her Father one of the Radiant Hosts, she shook her head at me and insisted we all have a favorite memory, to recall it we have to tap into life's flow. 

It was not a strange concept for me, I had been told before that time and memory flowed like a river both moving to one point where it became part of something else, and that would become part of something else. The eternal passage of life. That was what it was called or as Doshaine had called it one night, The Way. 

Still, I could not think of one singular memory that I would deem my all-time favorite, and even after this mysterious Raen left my bakery I could not get the question out of my head. It lingered there as I packaged other orders and was there as we did the baking for the morning. It followed me home as I walked through the Beds and into the garden Kovalt has cultivated with love and understanding. Through dinner, I heard that question again and eventually, it begged me to sit with my journal to think. Still, there was no favorite to find there were just so many that I had recalled since I was asked the question. 

After our visitor was gone, Xixa had turned to me and told me that the Spinner sent the Raen to test my growth, that she was a voice who knew well the tapestry and how it flowed into the next chapter of life. It was not the first time I had been tested on my faith and growth but it has been the hardest to date. The longer that I sit with these thoughts and this question, I come to the realization that no, I do not have a single favorite memory, it is not that simple and it is quite impossible as memories are forged with every person we know and every place we had ever been. 

Our memories are special to us whether they are good or bad. They let us monitor our growth and see our changes. They remind us of what did not work for us and what we should do more of. Every significant event in our lives, large or not, becomes part of our flow and for me, I had no singular favorite memory as they were all special to me. They helped shape who I have become today. 

There are more dangerous things that dwell in the flow as well and fight to keep us from going forward. Stagnation, lack of trust, and anger just to name a few. They are the traps left in our memories to halt our growth. They become lenses we look through when we look at others and as soon as we see them that is when we push people away. We use those things to build walls around our hearts and minds to stay safe. We were fooled once and never again. Then slowly we begin to treat that person as we were treated until the day comes that we have transformed them into ourselves at the height of our hurt. 

It is such a complex thing, memory. It can build hopes or destroy our dreams depending on what we do with it. We can seek tomorrow with an open heart and mind, or we can become trapped in the past and relive it with people who do not deserve our scorn but do deserve our love. They deserve that place in the flow uninterrupted by our fears. 

If I see the Raen again, I will have an answer for her. No, I don't have a singular favorite memory, I have many. This includes meeting her for she brought to my mind all these rich thoughts, and through doing so pointed out to me my flaws. To go forward I can no longer look back to the darkness behind me or worry about what the future has in store. I must dwell here in the present and now. It is where the adventure truly is after all. 

V.J.V