#i don't even USE wolf's gravestone

[that-foul-legacy-lover]

no shame on the gorilla vice grip because if my cos props looked like they were directly taken out of the game, i would be holding them for dear life too🦍

HHGKSJNFS i'm so petrified of dropping it too, my wrists are pretty weak and the spearhead is H E A V Y ;-;;;

once it's entirely assembled it'll be easier since it'll be more balanced!! >:D

[circyexistforcontent]

My overworld team is Diluc, Kaeya, Venti, and Zhongli. I love all of them equally, but as a tiny goldfish player, my primogems are limited. Still, I bought Diluc his Red Dead Night skin (he's carrying the giant tuna but I swear he'll get Wolf's Gravestone the instant it comes home) and both Kaeya and Zhongli have the BP weapons. And my beloved.... DPS Venti with R5 Stringless but 35k tap e. This team is a full DPS team,,, ehe?

TEAM COMP: DILUC, KAEYA, VENTI, ZHONGLI

♥ Kaeya and Zhongli just stare at the person they don't like getting more attention from the Almighty God. Diluc is just blushing at the new outfit he got from you. You dressed him up like a doll, will he say anything against it? N o. Venti is frolicking around Monstadt as he flexes his artifacts and bow. Because of this, there is a lot of bad blood around the team since neither of them like the other. Kaeya and Venti as well as Diluc and Zhongli may tolerate one another, they still have their guard up.

♥ Diluc is flustered about his new clothing, you really went on your way to buy this for him? Very well, he will cherish this and do his best to maintain the cloth for as long as he exists. He gets frustrated whenever he gets hit by a charged arrow, inspecting his coat and tunic to check if it has left a burn mark or tear. Sighing in relief that there is no such thing. He ignores how Kaeya rolls his eyes or scoffs whenever Diluc combs his hair back into a neat ponytail. He needs to look his best for the Almighty God, he can't waste how much money you spent to make him look like this. When he's participating in challenges he makes sure to kill the enemy as swiftly as possible, he needs to prove his worth. He has to pay back the kindness that you've shown him!

♥ Kaeya likes his new sword, when he does his idle animations he realizes how light and sharp the BP sword is. But still, he hungers for more. He doesn't mind that you didn't give him a new fancy outfit (that's a lie he really wants a new fancy outfit-) but if you focus more on the other team members he would turn salty and snarky towards them. It's a challenge since he is only a 4-star character and the rest are 5 stars, but does that really matter? Honestly, he never understood why vision holders are ranked. Everyone has just as much potential to overpower one another. And he is willing to prove that.

♥ Venti is so smug. Everyone! Move out of the way, the favorite has arrived. He doesn't outright say it but he makes sure everyone knows just how insignificant they are compared to him. Zhongli was tempted on multiple occasions to squish the green bard with a meteor if he doesn't learn to shut the fuck up. But he couldn't, even if he wanted to because of ✨Game mechanics✨. Venti does his best to prove just how great of a DPS he is, killing opponents with one charged arrow and forcing his HP to be high. He is the most envied teammate (what a surprise) and he loves it. He revels in their jealousy with a smile on his face. He doesn't care if Diluc has a shiny new outfit, it's not like his looks will be useful in challenges.

♥ Zhongli is just sitting over there, holding back the jealousy that threatens to spill over. He adores the spear you handed him, and he makes sure to polish it every day so it still shines as bright as the first time you gave it to him. He's ashamed to say that...he is jealous., of Venti. He does appreciate all that you do him, but...why not him? He knows he shouldn't be questioning your actions but he can't help but wonder about the possibility that it was him that you chose as your main DPS.

♥ Arguments are frequent, but the fights aren't physical. Venti would commonly be drunk which makes him easily irritable and as a result, would commonly start verbal fights with the other team members. Kaeya and Diluc have a little contest going on to see who would do more damage than the other. And Zhongli is just there sighing at his team's immaturity. But deep down Zhongli knows he's just as immature as all of them when it comes to your attention.

[stinkysatan]

Fem!Reader x Alhaitham, bit of angst, fluff, comfort, estabilished relationship, possibly ooc alhaitham?

Reader feels inferior and unworthy of her lover, who decides to prove her wrong. (Not proofread)

"Are you stupid?" Dehya asked, taking another sip of her beer. "Wait, don't reply. It's my time to talk." She continued, while glaring daggers at her friend - you, and you couldnt help but feel stumped at the way she interrupted her ranting.

"(Y/N), you were enrolled in the akademiya, you're one of the best fighters I have seen and yet you do actually claim to be dumb?" She asked, but didn't even leave time for an answer. "Yeah, I don't buy that. We both know that Alhaitham wouldn't even glance at you if you were right."

She was right - of course. She always was. That's why you were her best friend. But still, the insecure part of your brain wasn't listening to a word of this conversation. A sigh escaped your lips, as you chugged your wine as if it was water. "I'm just saying... if I didn't drop out, I would've failed my classes anyway." You mumbled out the last words.

Just as the mercenary was about to chew you out, she looked behind you and smirked. "Finally, I was thinking you were bailing on us." She said, making you turn around. You saw the rest of your friend, Cyno and Tighnari, along with a certain scribe.

"I apologize, i lost the track of time." Alhaitham said, as he placed a hand on your shoulder. Despite being in relationship for almost a year, you couldn't help but blush at his touch. "It's alright, at least you guys are here now." You replied with a hint of a smile, placing your hand on his, as he sat next to you.

The five of you spent time playing Genius Invocation TCG, chatting and drinking. The rare night out with friends almost made you forget about your insecurities. That is, until you were thrown Into a lose-streak, making you irritated, much more when you were intoxicated.

"Hm, you should have used this one." Said the scribe, pointing at your wolf's gravestone card. His remarks didn't help, even If you knew he just had your best interest at heart. You huffed and tossed your cards onto the table. "Fine, I surrender." You mumbled, to which Cyno shot you a grin. That's his 5th win in a row.

Your mood gradually went downhill from there. You downed another glass of wine before standing up. "Alright guys, I'm calling it a night. I'm too drunk to play anyway." You said, noticing how your boyfriend glanced at you, before getting up himself. "I suppose I shall be leaving as well. I'll walk you home." He said, sneaking a hand around your waist.

Everyone said they goodbyes, but when Dehya pulled you into a hug she whispered into your ear. "You better talk it out with him." Making you grimace. There wasn't much to talk about, really. You just had to accept you weren't much compared to your partner. Still, you nodded harfheartedly and departed.

It was late, not many people out in the streets. Alhaitham still had his arm around your waist, and he couldn't help but to notice you haven't been yourself lately. "Kaveh actually left for a week this afternoon. I thought you'd maybe want to stay with me for a while? We didn't get to see each other lately after all." He said, the tips of his ears turning bright red. All this time, and he's still not used to having you for himself for such a long time.

Unfortunately your response wasn't something that he had hoped for. Not excited or embarrassed like always. Instead you just hummed, much to scribe's dismay. He had stopped in his tracks, making you turn to look at him. His beautiful eyes full of worry, as his hand made it's way onto your cheek. He was glad it was late, at least not many people were around to witness his act of affection.

"Will you finally tell me what's wrong with you lately?" He asked bluntly, caressing your cheek. "You haven't been yourself, and frankly it's troublesome. It's making me worry about you, not only is it hard to focus on my work, I'm also starting to think you're not content with your relationship." His words made you shake your head instantly, and take his free hand in yours in an act of reassurance.

"No, no 'haitham. It has nothing to do with you I just..." You let out a heavy sighed, as your eyes darted away from him. "I think you deserve more. Than me. I'm not really good at anything, I'm not smart like you. You can't have intellectual conversations with me. I think I make you... bored you know?"

Tears welled up in your eyes at the thought of the love of your life leaving you because of that. You were brought back by a flick on the forehead. Alhaitham couldn't believe his ears. His eyebrows were furrowed, as he pulled you closer.

"If we were interested in the same things there wouldn't be much to talk about, really. Besides i actually enjoy indulging you when you bother me about some obscure facts." He admitted, making you smile just a little bit.

"I'm going to say this only once, (y/n). I wouldn't change you for anyone or anything else. You are enough. I couldn't be bored with you, even if i tried. Don't sell yourself short. I... Like it when you tell me some facts about flowers you picked up while on a trip in Liyue, or various other things that I usually don't care about."

You didn't even notice the stupid grin forming on your face through your boyfriends whole rant. He really did make you feel loved. You pulled him into a passionate kiss, trying to let him know how much you appreciate him.

"Thank you, 'haitham. I needed that." You said with a soft smile. "And I'd love to spend the week with you." You added, taking his hand In yours. A shadow of a smile appeared on the scribe's face, as he caressed your hand with his thumb. "I'm glad to hear that."

Dehya watched from a far with a satisfied smile on her face. Her left hand reached out to Cyno, who rolled his eyes and tossed her a bag of mora. "I told you, he has a soft spot for her." She said with a smirk. Tighnari just shook his head at the two.

[infoglitch]

The rose reaper and her shining dork knight: FUTURE!

(doesn't exactly have to be counted as part of the main fic collection I just wanted to add a post where I get to introduce some potential children for my second favorite jaune ship. I will always be a white knight shipper at heart)

We begin at a very familiar grave site. As we see the gravestone of one "summer rose" as we see a black haired figure with azure eyes. He wore a deep red jacket that had the emblem of a burning Rose surrounded by the emblem of a crescent moon.

???: Hey grams.. decided to let you know how Mom's doing after last check in.

The figure sat down in front of the grave as he placed a familiar sword .

???: So far mom's been good. Now that her and my old man retired they got to spend a lot more time. To the point of where now I have a baby sister on the way... Life's been great, even gramps decided to visit. Same with Aunt Yang and Blake. Though sometimes mom and Gramps do wish you were here to celebrate with us. But overall it's been golden.

Suddenly we hear the stomping of footsteps as the figure soon stood revealing himself to be a rather young man. He turned to see a large black wolf with bones covering it as It growled at him. The boy just chuckled as he grabbed the sword as it's sheath had what appeared to be an exhaust attached to the end. Before we see grab the handle as he tossed a red crystal into a compartment in the sheath as his revved up the blade as fire shot out of the exhaust.

Rouge: Here doggy. Come let papa rouge put you six feet under.

The dog tarted towards him as the boy knelt down before slicing through air as a blast fire shot from the exhaust as we a flaming bunny fallowing the blade as we see a sea of flames consume the beast. As we are left with the last thing we see before the boy surrounded by flaming roses.

Suddenly our vision changes to ruby standing on the porch holding some binoculars as she watched the inferno.

Ruby: hehe that's my son. Scorch the doggy!

Jaune: ruby come on dinners almost ready!

Ruby: one second vomit man, I'm getting to be a proud momma!

Jaune just sighed as he chuckled softly. This was the lives they finally got to live. Quiet, peaceful, and sometimes full of scorched grimm carcasses.

(obviously this is very short because I have been kind of running empty due to burnout. But on the way I hope you all got to enjoy this somewhat Lancaster fanfic. Don't truth this is more just an excuse to write their kid.)

[loudblonde]

"The Last Person Left" Simon "Ghost" Riley/John "Soap" MacTavish & Male Reader

Summary: After the death of John "Soap" MacTavish, a funeral is held for the family left behind, right next to Simon "Ghost" Riley, the married couple is finally together in death and in peace. (Y/N), asked by the grandchildren left behind, shares a relatively innocent if not funny story from when both men were still alive and working in the military, albeit a bit sanitised for the children's ears.

Warnings: This will be discussing a bit of death as well as being in a funeral. Do not read if you are not comfortable with this discussion.

Additional notes: This is part two to my werewolf series, if you click on the link to Ao3 you can find part one called "A little wolf and its handler" I also posted it on here but I don't know how to leave the little links.

Words: 1200

The day was cold, moisture clung to the air signalling rain to come. (Y/N) knelt down, his knee instantly getting wet from the dew of the rain. His calloused hand swept over the first gravestone, getting all dirt and debris off it. He looked to the other, much newer and still white. “I will miss you both, more than you will ever realise.” He whispered before placing the flowers on the graves. He stood up and stepped back. 

Simon Riley

19XX - 20XX

John MacTavish

19XX - 20XX

(Y/N) had been in their lives for so long and yet the man himself was barely greying despite it all. John’s deterioration as Alzheimer's took root in ways (Y/N) couldn’t help him. It was hard on the man, though equally hard on the kids left behind, both the adult people who already looked older than (Y/N) himself, and people (Y/N) had helped raise. 

Their kids in all but blood. While (Y/N) had never been romantically involved with Simon or John, they still were strong together, they still belonged together. They were a unit, both in the field but also as civilians. Instead of fighting for their lives, they were raising children together and… well two of them had grown old together, leaving just the wolf behind. 

A choke forced its way through his throat. (Y/N) felt a comforting hand on his shoulder as he turned to look at their oldest kid standing beside him, his own daughter at his side. “It’s alright Pa, Dad and Father are together now, neither of them is in pain. Come on, let's head inside.”

As they all walked inside, (Y/N) scooped his granddaughter up in his arms, holding her close. She was crying silently and no one could do anything. So, he just held onto her. He would be the pillar their family needed, everyone would mourn, get through it and move on, even if (Y/N) couldn’t.

Once inside, coffee, cake and some sandwiches were brought out. People smiled and shared stories. They celebrated the life that had been as both men would have wanted. One of the grandkids looked at (Y/N) with big eyes and asked, “Grandpa, what did you and grandfather and grandad do for work?” The room got a bit tense, as the past was never discussed while the two men were alive.

Though (Y/N) leaned forward and looked at the kid with a small smile. “We helped protect the world from evil people.” He said, a twinkle of amusement in his eyes. 

The children all gathered around and sat down. “Like a superhero?” One of the kids asked and (Y/N) nodded before chuckling to himself. 

“Yes, much like a superhero. We…” (Y/N) knew he couldn’t share much of their time in the military. Between the war crimes, brutal killings, weapons of mass destruction and (Y/N)’s own personal transformation on certain occasions, the stories were nothing that children should hear. “We did a lot of bad things to bad people, I can’t talk about it. They are secrets and I am a good secret keeper. But, without what we did, this world would be a lot more different than it is today.” 

“Pleaseee Grandpa, just tell us one story.” His granddaughter asked. 

(Y/N) smiled fondly. “When you all get older, I will.” He said. “Though, I can tell you a story from one time on base when we were bored.” That got everyone's attention. Adult as well as child. People pulled up chairs as (Y/N) leaned back. 

“We had just gotten off mission a week prior and nothing was set to happen for a full two more weeks, but we couldn’t leave as we could get a call at any second. So,” he looked around the room, “your granddad, grandfather and I all decided to mess around with some of the recruits and create a legend in the area. My transformation was still hidden back then, we didn’t want too many to find out.” He chuckled fondly at the memory and thought back to it. 

“Soap, ya dunce, are you certain that we can pull this off?” (Y/N), half naked and still very human, asked. 

“I wouldn’y worry about that, Beast. Just be quiet and ye shouldn’y worry about a’body finding out.” Soap said, crackling like a maniac. 

“Speak English.” Ghost said, though made no attempts at stopping either of them. Far too bored to even care about it. 

“Aye, I shall when you stop being crabbit.” Soap said. “Aff with yer clothes. Just a wee wolf. Don’t go all Lycan on us.”

“Ha. Ha. McTavish.” (Y/N) said monotone. “If you aren’t careful I will just eat you.” (Y/N) dropped his pants and started the transformation. It was quick. Not having to go full-on wolf but rather a less-haired lycan, complete with fully white eyes and black fur that almost seemed to curl at certain points on the body, took less than a toll on the body. 

Ghost walked over to the wolf, which still stood taller than he was but not by the usual impressive amount. “Down to the lake, scare a few of the soldiers walking, don’t get seen and come back.” He gave the order with practised ease before opening the door to the tool shed.

(Y/N) went out quickly, easily falling into the shadows of the night. 

“In the end, we got caught by Price and scolded for trying to scare people and he forced us to be on clean-up duty for the full two weeks while we waited for something to do, since we clearly were bored.” (Y/N) said, chuckling. A few of his grandkids chuckled at the story. 

(Y/N) looked over to the doorway as he felt new eyes on him. He saw the familiar, though now white-haired, Garrick standing in the doorway. “So that’s why you were all scrubbing the toilet for weeks. Price never told me why.” 

(Y/N) nodded and shrugged before standing up. “It was fun. Not the clean-up detail, but getting into shit with 'em both.”

Garrick chuckled. “Come on, old man, let's get you home.” 

(Y/N) bid his family goodbye and headed with Garrick towards where he lived. (Y/N) took care of the team and would do so until they all died. Perhaps he would find the ones like him afterwards. They could all live out their lives in the mountains where no one would find them. Or, perhaps, (Y/N) could return to Canada, and find his biological family or whatever is left of them. 

He didn’t have any plans despite having close to 200 years left in him before his body would break down beyond repair. His bones already ached from over a hundred years of active service. He had always dreaded civilian life but now, it seemed to suit him well. (Y/N) wanted to at least see his children to the grave before disappearing. So far, all he had was no plans and a lot of time on his hands. At least another 50 years of being Grandpa. 50 years without his life partners. 

[goldenavenger02]

Chapter 4: It Still Haunts Your Dreams

Final chapter! Thank you all so much for making this fic a sucsess. I haven't written a multi-chapter fic in this fandom since I first joined, but the reception of it makes me think I should do more of these.

And now, on with the story!

"Here," Kai yawned as he slid the mug of tea over to Lloyd on the kitchen island, "do you want to talk about it?"

"It's nothing."

"You were hyperventling in your sleep. Last time I checked, that meant something." Kai deadpanned as he brought his own mug to his lips, hoping that the chamomile would calm both of their nerves.

It had worked all of those years ago when the two of them were awake at some point every night because of Morro, but Kai was still taking in all of the changes from the Merge. How much Lloyd had changed from the Merge.

"It's really stupid, I'm sure it means nothing."

"It was another vision?"

"I think so," Lloyd nodded, tracing the rim of the mug with his finger, "I wish my uncle had given me some pointers on how to tell the difference."

"He used to meditate all the time, and something about spirit smoke but he could have been high for all I know."

"I doubt that, Master Wu was kind of a stickler with that stuff," Lloyd laughed hollowly before taking another sip of his tea, "you think Zane could help?"

"He doesn't actually dream, so he always knows when he has a vision," Kai shook his head before he realized what Lloyd had said before he asked his question, "how do you know that your uncle was strict about drugs?"

"Anyway, I'm sure it's nothing," Lloyd skated around the question a bit too quickly and Kai wondered if steam was actually coming out of his ears or if his face was enough to convey it, "oh come on, you think I actually did drugs?"

'Thank the master.'

"-more than once?"

"What?"

"I…It was while I was working in the city, washing windows." Lloyd's voice grew unnaturally quiet as he looked down at the ground.

'Right, after Nya was lost…' Now that he thought about it, he wasn't sure anyone with the exception of Cole had developed healthy coping mechanisms during that period of time.

"Anyway, the vision, it was…it wasn't as bad as the last one, with the gravestones and the hoods."

"Is that supposed to be comforting?" Kai joked, but Lloyd seemingly found no humor in it as he explained.

"I was standing in a dark room. I heard a gong being hit and then a bright, red moon rose over me. All I could think was that I had to run, I had to get out of there and when I looked back, there was a massive, glowing wolf head rising from the ground."

"Holy shit." If his mental image was anything to go by, it made sense why Lloyd had been screaming so loud that he had woken up thinking that someone was getting murdered in the monastery.

"I hope that was a fucking dream, because that is terrifying," Kai added after a beat of silence before getting up to wash the now empty mugs, "do you need to watch Starfarer or something, to get your mind off of it?"

Lloyd's nod was all the confirmation he needed to lead the young master into the living room and turn on the tv before he started flipping through the channels, hoping to find something in Ninjargon since Nya still hadn't gotten around to reprogramming the tv.

He wasn't sure when Lloyd shut his eyes, but he knew that he was still flipping through the channels when he felt the pressure on his shoulder increase and heard the light snores.

"Don't worry, bud, you're not losing me again" he whispered as he let the game show play softly in the background, "and even if your dream isn't real, I'll still protect you."

[unaplays]

✨ Navia Geo DPS Build ✨

🌕 I wasn't originally gonna pull for Navia but I was experiencing burn out with Genshin with no new character to build. I had planned to pull for either Nahida or C1 Neuvillette but when Navia's banner dropped, she seemed fun and overall just a very pretty character. As someone who takes pleasure in admiring character's design through game photography, I finally gave in to temptation and decided to just pull for her. If I lost, I'd keep it for other character.

🌕 Turns out, I got Navia and she easily made me relive my old glory days of being a Ningguang main. Being a geo character who doesn't scale off def like Itto or Noelle makes her versatile in terms of team comps. I can literally switch her out with Ningguang using the same team and she's good to go.

🌕 Disclaimer: This build is not perfect and by no means should be treated as a rigid rule. I just share what I have tested in game and what I know works for me. So always do your own research and take my guide with that note in mind!

Artifact Set

🌕 Navia's BiS set comes at the same time as her release. Nighttime Whispers easily caters to her kit as her main source of damage comes from her skill. She also gets geo damage bonus from the 4 pc set while she's protected by crystallize shield.

🌕 But if you don't have a good 4 pc Nighttime Whispers on hand right now, you can use other mix sets in the mean time such as:

4 pc Golden Troupe (in quick swap team)

2 pc atk% (Gladiator/Shimenawa/Vermilion/Echoes) 2 pc Golden Troupe

2 pc atk% 2 pc atk% (Gladiator/Shimenawa/Vermilion/Echoes)

2 pc Archaic Petra 2 pc atk% (Gladiator/Shimenawa/Vermilion/Echoes)

2 pc Archaic Petra 2 pc Golden Troupe

🌕 Here are the stats:

Artifact stats: atk% sands, geo damage bonus goblet, crit circlet

Ratio to follow: 1:3 crit ratio with >70% crit rate (her damage is typical one shot, so she has to crit all the time otherwise it would be a dps lost), >2.000 atk, >130% ER (with double geo in the team)

Team Composition

🌕 Since Navia scales off atk just like many other dps, she can easily benefit from the OG Genshin support such as Bennett and 2 pyro resonance. She's basically the 5* version of Ningguang from the team to her stats. Just note that Navia will rely a lot on crystallize production as gaining crystallize will increase her stack which will emphasize her damage output. So put another element that can create crystallize reaction (anything except dendro and anemo).

🌕 The 2 geo 2 pyro party is her most popular team comp for the moment as she gets buffed from 2 element the resonance. But you can also put her with another element or even hyper carry team with Furina and Mona.

🌕 A little tip from me: Don't bring more than 2 element in the team as it can mess up with the crystallize reaction. It's something that I learned trying to bring 3 elements (hydro, pyro, geo) in her team and before Navia can produce any crystallize, the element aura on enemies had disappeared first because of vaporize reaction thus the crystallize production becomes inconsistent.

Weapon Choice

🌕 Navia (and many other Fontaine dps) are relatively f2p friendly when it comes to weapon choices. She can even use weapons with energy recharge stats on them and will still perform just fine. The easiest weapon to obtain is craftable from early game, and if you had the chance to finish the event Roses and Muskets, Ultimate Overlord also works amazing as it covers her ER needs and gives a bounty of atk% bonus.

🌕 Left to right:

Verdict (signature and BiS)

Serpent Spine (battle pass exclusive)

Ultimate Overlord's Mega Magic Sword (event exclusive)

Wolf's Gravestone (5* weapon available on standard banner)

Prototype Archaic (craftable)

Favonius Greatsword

Sacrificial Greatsword

Talent Priority

🌕 I would recommend on prioritizing her skill first, and then you can level up the rest until 6 just to help a little with her damage while her skill is on cooldown. Tbh the damage multiplier isn't that great but it's still much appreciated.

So that’s pretty much my Navia build. Feel free to ask me questions if you have any through my ask box or just leave comment on this post and I’ll respond right away!

Don’t forget to check out my other builds here!

[a-yarn-of-purple-prose]

As anyone with a Diluc they use will tell you, the Crimson Witch set is cursed and it's impossible to get a Crit hat, let alone a *good* Crit hat.

So, while I generally consider myself a Diluc main, babygirl has always been my worse DPS even though I:

Triple-crowned him and got him to lvl 90 (I'm putting this here, but you gotta understand this is bare minimum for DPS characters, and I actually 9/9/9 even some supports)

I pulled him a 5* Crit weapon because I couldn't get any Standard Banner claymore (and still don't have Wolf's Gravestone)

Did my best with what I got from Crimson Witch in the Strongbox-- because the Domain refused to give me artifacts in the right set, let alone with the right major stats

At this point he had 65/140 crit, which isn't fantastic but isn't bad as well, but his ER was 109%.

This wasn't really relevant because you don't run Diluc without a reaction and a couple of supports, so any 50 points of EM will give you a nice amount of Vape damage, and the presence of Bennett makes up for bad ER Pyro characters

And then the Echo required me to run Diluc alone.

So I guess I should be grateful because I might have grumbled and complained, but looking for better ER I ended up with better crit ratio (74% now!), as well as 139% ER

Still, ass move HYV. Do you want everyone to know how much it sucks to solo most characters? Is this a move to make people want to pull the newer characters, with the cool artifact sets that give you crit?

[herrsherofsorrow]

Chapter One

This is a slow-burn love story between Crepus Ragnvindr and Male Reader. The reader will be overpowered but it comes with a cost. Diluc and Kaeya are in their teens if I remember correctly and a part of the Knights of Favonius.

Warning: There will be slight spoilers to the Genshin Impact mangas and will be taking place before the game's events. This story will be mostly focused on Crepus, Diluc, Kaeya, and the Reader. Also, this will be taking its own path with the plot of the manga being mentioned at the end of the story.

This book was inspired by a music playlist on youtube called "POV: You are dancing with Howl but He's slowly falling in love with you." created by Krimson ツ.

~

Ursa the Drake, a dragon that terrorized Mondstadt for thousands of years stood tall in front of Diluc who was frozen in fear and pain. His father, Crepus, moves to face the dragon wearing a glove with a pyro delusion attached without a single hesitation. Chains sprout from Crepus' wrist successfully capturing Ursa. All was still, no one dares to move until Ursa's behavior suddenly changes and becomes aggressively violent. Breaking the chains around itself, Ursa raises its claws to lay a blow on Crepus, who was preparing for the worse.

*CLANK* *SPLASH*

Cepus was forced on his butt next to Diluc only suffering a grazed cut at his side. "Father?!M/n?!" Diluc called out rushing to Crepus' side.  M/n stood in Crepus' place holding Wolf's Gravestone tightly in his grip as he used the greatsword to bock the claws. His teeth were clenched and heavy breaths escape through his nose as he feels blood seep through the rips decorating his clothing in red. M/n lowers the weapons and lifts one hand to free the claps on his cape and grasping one side pulling it off his shoulders. Keeping his feet forward, M/n slightly turns, ignoring the pain in his side, to look back at Diluc and Crepus before tossing his cape in their direction giving them a final warm smile that was soon replaced with a look of determination as he faced Ursa once more. Dulic and Crepus eyes widened as they obverse M/n back. A delusion... no delusions, attached to his clothing alined down his spine: Pyro, Cryo, Hydro, Electro, Anemo, and Dendro.

"I... I was never blessed with a vision," You let out a breathless laugh, your hand brushing the geo visio-delusion at your hip before continuing, "Each one of these was given to me by those who traveled by my side until their last moments..." You held your hand towards the sky, dark clouds surround the area. You slam your arm, multiple lighting stricks flash down from the clouds hitting their target but they don't deter the dragon heading towards you.

"...I told them my promise..." The cooling feeling of raindrops on your face creates a smirk. The raindrops around you come to a stop in mid-air swift reforming similar chains around Ursa holding the dragon in place although it continues to struggle free and inch closer. "...So they asked me to carry them out with them by my side..." You return your grip onto the handle of Wolf's Gravestone as the water chains being to freeze spreading over Ursa's scales.

"...Each time, each one... I was weak and helpless..." The wind picks up at a rapid pace pushing Ursa back all while peeling the ice that tears its scales off. "...Even with these delusions, I'm a failure, a curse... I bring nothing but death to those who follow my promise..." To replace the ice, thorned vines sprouted from the ground while Cecilia flowers flourished underneath Crepus and Diluc, both of their injuries healing.

"...Then I realized my fears, my hesitations, my guilt..." You took a few steps towards Ursa, twirling Wolf's Gravestone in hand. Before stoping raising the greatsword and embed it into to ground. "...Cost many lives... I have a promise... No... I have promised..." Geo spikes shot up aiming at Ursa who let out a roar. Once again Ursa struggles just as before slowly managing to break the vines and leftover ice. "... And I will... ACHIEVE THEM!..." Flames burst from your body and Wolf's Gravestone blade. "...SO LONG AS THIS WEAPON NEVER BREAKS!..." A red wolf symbol appears before you with a faint howl you charged at Ursal. "...AND THERE IS A WIELDER TO ACCEPT THE BURDENS IT CARRIES..." A pillar of Geo spouts out from under your feet launching you into the air. "...NOTHING WILL STOP THE PROMISES... TO PROTECT THE ONES WE LOVE!" 

Growing more fierce, the tip of Wolf's Gravestone blade to your fingers and finally down to your elbows was covered in flames. The flames lick your cheeks as it cases your hair into waves of fire. You can feel the flames burn through your clothes and your skin starts to heat in pain. But, you simply lifted Wolf's Gravestone above your head. "AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!" Your scream and Ursa's roar filled the air sending chills down Crepus and Diluc's bodies. Due to the brightness of the flames, Crepus and Diluc look away and cover their face with arms. The flames could be seen miles away, those who see from a distant question in fear except for one whose heart is filled with worry.

"Father! Diluc!" Kaeya cries out upon seeing them in the distance with a few knights following closely behind him.

~ Months Ago ~

Humming a familiar tune to himself but an unknown tune to others. The adventurer with his eyes closed sat comfortably in the back of a wagon. His humming soothes passengers as they travel from Liyue to Mondstadt. The mother is thankful towards him for calming her two youngest children as others were thankful for feeling at ease. The wagon carried a Father who steered the horses, the eldest daughter, and eldest son, a mother holding a newborn, a young boy who reset against his sister, and an adventurer with a few resting creates near him. The family was kind enough to allow the adventurer to join them in return he was to protect them from harm seeing as he wielded a vision. The young boy with curiosity moves away from his sister and towards the adventurer. Such movements caught everyone's attention although the adventurer simply continues.

The young boy takes the chance to get a better look at the stranger. The adventurer had (hair color) hair, dressed in strange clothing, black gloves, a black cape attached to the collar of his top it was long to the point he sat on it. There was a geo vision, on top of his left thigh, attached to a belt around his waist. 

"Hey mister, what song are you humming? I never heard it before," the younger boy asked. The adventurer stopped humming as he opened his (eye color) eyes and looked towards the boy, a joyful smile raises on his face.

"It's a song my father song towards my mother when he proposed to her. It was a song he sang on their wedding day and their anniversaries. One day, he came to me and taught me how to sing it so I may share its love." The adventurer couldn't help but chuckle when the young boy made a disgusted face as love was mentioned. The two eldest join in the fit of laughter and decided to join in asking the adventurer questions.

The eldest son asked about the adventurer's weapon to which he carefully summoned a greatsword. "His name is Wolf's Gravestone, I was told he survived greater battles and he never fails to protect his wielders and what they fought for. He originally belonged to a close family friend, who was an uncle to me. That old man gave Wolf's Gravestone to me for two reasons; he wanted this weapon tale to be remembered and to continue until the very end of time, the second reason was Wolf's Gravestone deserves a dedicated wielder whose goal could be shared with him and his burdens are trusted upon them." With a flick of his wrist, the greatsword disperses into thin air. 

Next was the daughter who asked for his name and his reasoning for traveling. "Hehe... M/n L/n 's the name, and well Tayvat has many places to offer. The breathtaking views, many challenges, and battles to endure on the way. Besides I have a promise to keep after all."

Once again the younger boy wonders what places besides Liyue and Mondstadt have M/n traveled to. M/n cupped his chin thinking to himself. "Hmm... I have been to Sumeru: Never thought sand could be my greatest enemy, Snezhnaya: I nearly froze to death on multiple accounts, Inazuma: although it was short-lived I plan on going back when the time is right-" The wagon came to a sudden stop cutting off M/n and drew confusion. The mother moved to push back the cloth but was stopped by M/n who motion all of them to move further in the wagon before stepping out himself. 

Carefully, you moved to the front of the wagon to see the father had stepped down from the driver's seat and stood in front of the horses. He was talking with two men dressed in armor, you notice the symbol on their chest plates identifying them to be a part of the Knight of Favonius. You looked around the environment see that both sides present a wall of rocks, ahead there was a cliff that stretches above and over the pass meaning they were under Windwail Highland.

"Is there a problem, sirs?" You asked standing next to the father giving the knights a sharp look. You were familiar with the Knight of Favonius as they are with you. Frenemies is what you like to call your relationship with them, there were many reasons as to why. But, know isn't the time to reminiscence about it.

Both the knights stiffen when you spoke, the father turned towards you and replied, "Ah! Traveler, it seems that we might need to take another route." You raise an eyebrow looking to the knights gesturing them to explain.

It took them a moment for one of them to answer, "W-well, there's a camp of hilich-" the knight that spoked was elbowed by the other stopping him midsentence. "What I mean is that this path is temporarily blocked off for the time being?" You rolled your eyes and sighed, not surprised by the poor attempt to hide information.

"How long may I ask? I may be able to help the process." You asked before innocently adding, "It would be a real shame to travel at night or camp out, especially with a newborn on board." You internally smirk seeing the knights contemplate before giving up and explaining how a hilichurls made camp on the path ahead. They and two other knights on the other side were instructed to redirect anyone until reinforces came to deal with the camp.

You looked to the sky and glace at the sun's position. If you were to take another route the time you reach Springvale the sun would be set so that wasn't an option. "I deal with the hilichurls, sir please wait here...and knights watch over them for me." You walk past the knights and down the past, you been itching for a fight.

[rheawritessometimes]

{ Diluc x GN!Reader }

{ Summary } You really don't like Diluc.

{ Warnings } I wrote this all in one go without reading it over. It is likely not very good.

{ Notes } This can be read as either platonic or romantic. There has been no proofreading. This is roughly just my experience with Diluc. I don't know what possessed me to write it out, but I decided I would post it on the off chance someone might enjoy it.

{ Word Count } 663

You did not like Diluc. It started with your very first meeting when he fell into your arms instead of the redhead you had actually been wishing for. He didn’t even seem to mind when you scowled at him for coming home, simultaneously telling him he’d be benched forever and handing him a level 90 Wolf’s Gravestone. He was just holding on to it until a worthy claymore user came along, you assured him.

It turns out that when you benched him and said forever, you really only meant one day. You made it clear he was still in the doghouse for coming home uninvited, but you needed a decent pyro user and damage dealer. You even put an effort into getting him decent artifacts, although you complain about the domain the entire time.

Reaching friendship level 10 with him comes quickly, and you assure him it's just because you don’t have a better pyro user yet. He’s reliable, that’s it. Although, after he had celebrated your birthday with you, you had also started celebrating other occasions with him. It’s not really clear how things worked out like this, but you two have a weird tradition of exchanging the same expensive bottle of grape juice back and forth on every occasion that calls for a gift. He had given it to you for your birthday, but you passed it back with the next chance you got with the comment that such a thing was too expensive for you, and he liked grape juice much more anyways. It was accompanied by your actual gift for him, almost like you had passed the bottle back with it to make it seem like you didn’t care. It’s childish, but now it just goes back and forth between the two of you with whatever gift you actually got for the other, neither of you ever even opening it.

Eventually, the one you had been wanting comes home. You’ve already got leveled artifacts and a weapon you’ve been saving for him, and he gets those along with a warm welcome. Aside from Diluc scowling because he is a Fatui Harbinger. But for some odd reason, the “right” redhead ends up benched a lot longer than Diluc had been. You assure Diluc that you’re still mad at him, it’s just that you need to work out what team Childe would work best with.

Apparently, this takes a lot of thought and even when you compose a decent team with Childe, you don’t use it more than your former team. Diluc is assured that it’s just because the region you’re currently exploring is better suited to the former team and requires pyro. You also tell him that it’s because they don’t have good elemental reactions together that you don’t put him on Childe’s team, not because you know Diluc doesn’t like him. You use the fact you constantly put him on a team with Kaeya as evidence, “forced brotherly bonding time”, as you call it. Even though he tells you that he doesn’t mind it.

The time comes when you do start using Childe’s team and Diluc is benched. Diluc finds that time… surprisingly short-lived. But he can’t deny being happy to be back with you when the time comes, however brief he was away. It’s once again made clear to him that he is still in the doghouse, even after you’d had Childe for some time and he hadn’t come home on the 50/50 again. But, he supposed the doghouse wasn’t so bad, since you spent lots of time adventuring with him, enough to find it worth buying his new outfit when it came out. Even though you didn’t like him, or so you said.

And you don’t like Diluc. Even when you put him on your main team. And learn about him. And do what you can to make him happy. And write him letters that you end up being too embarrassed to send. He’s just… reliable.

[hematomes]

so there's a "big" genshin streamer, trusted for his builds and stats analyses. i think his name is zy0x? but anyway he's been pretty condescending about a particular dehya showcase that included a team optimal for maxing out her dmg, and a few food buffs. and it got me thinking, bc im someone who enjoys making big numbers and breaking my own records constantly

i think what most meta ppl fail to understand is that the abyss is a special end game mechanic made to test your characters' raw strength (and even then, it includes buffs), not a way to dictate how you play the game and how strong your characters can be

the point of a dmg showcase is not to see the character's raw strength, but rather how high you can go while using every tool provided by hoyoverse. which include built supports, food buffs, and low level stunted enemies for lowered resistance (and therefore more dmg)

no one said the teams used for showcases are good for the abyss, or any typical long battle. it's just a way to see how much dmg you can draw from your character with maxed out stats

food/potion buffs are especially frowned upon, when they're specifically provided by hoyoverse. no, it's not an "accurate" display of a character's strength, but no one ever claimed it was. also, if we're being picky, in the 12th floor the abyss regularly provides crit buffs that are on par with diluc's and qiqi's signature dishes. but most importantly it's a buff provided by genshin itself, so i don't see why using it is cheating 💀

anyway it's kind of funny to see zy0x getting dragged through the mud not only bc he was wrong (claimed the dehya was c6r5 when she was c0 & had the wolf's gravestone r2) but also bc he completely missed the point of dmg showcases

[sword-dad-fukuzawa]

anon asker from the genshin ask. i got a wolf gravestone's last night as my last standard pull and. i don't want it. pls. the game really wants me to play diluc(i've had really really good crimson with rng, diluc is C2(jfc), and last night i got wolf gravestone). I don't even use ppl with claymore. My abyss team is everything except claymore.

*lying face down in the dirt* i am making grabby hands at you. i am feeling overwhelming despair. i am making lustful eyes at your wgs and your c2 diluc. i will literally trade you my c3 qiqi genshin please let us trade items like pokemon pLEASE-

[secretkittywolf]

Stuff that everyone wants in Genshin, that I don't care about:

More resin. Not really bothered with it. Don't go artifact farming often and 160 is okay for me. Maybe cap Condensed Resin to 10 instead of 5, but other than that, not bothered.

Artifact loadouts. I don't use one artifact set for multiple characters. Would it be useful? Yes. I just don't need it.

Triple banners. You guys badly want this and the remarks that it'll come out soon since 3.0 is getting old now. If Hoyoverse outright says it, then I'll believe you.

Stuff that I would like in the game:

Weapon list. Basically, similar to the recommended artifact list, have one for weapons but it has 4 sections. The first is for the characters signature 5 star weapon, the second is for the 5 star alternative, the third is for the best 4 star & and final one is the best f2p weapon.

As an example- 5 star Yelan weapons:

Signature: Aqua Simulacra

Alternative 5 star: Polar Star

Best 4 star: The Stringless

Best f2p: Favonius Bow

4 star Beidou:

Signature: Wolf's Gravestone

Alternative 5 star: Beacon of the Reef Sea

Best 4 star: Serpent Spine

Best f2p: Katsuragikiri Nagamasa

Example:

Having something like this would be very handy for f2ps and newcomers. And if the best 4 star is a Battle Pass, having a section for craftable weapons or a 4 star banner weapon would be great for those who can't get Battle Pass weapons. Maybe even a 3 star in the f2p section since some, like Thrilling Tales, is great for catalyst users. It would never much better having this in game instead of looking up sites for information.

Reduce cooldowns:

Please please PLEASE reduce the cooldown on the recovery foods! It doesn't need to be 160 seconds. 60 seconds max! It's so infuriating when one character does and I have to wait ages until I can use the recovery food, especially when more than one character dies at the same time. Same with the oculi finder (not calling it a oculus resonance stone because it's too long) it's so painfully slow and waiting 200 seconds is ridiculous. Reduce to also 60. Same with some character cooldowns, reduce them too! Some people, including me, don't want to wait 20 seconds to use a skill or burst, make it 10!

Talent list:

Like the weapon list but it shows what is the best talent level for characters. I know that the best one you can get is 8, 8, 8 but for someone like Nilou, is triple 8 good or is 5, 6, 6 good too? And having some characters talent list be for 10, 10, 10 (or 10, 13, 13 if C6 is unlocked) to show you if triple crowning is worth it. Again, this would save time from looking up if it was in game.

Example:

Or for longer descriptions:

Finally, Constellation recommendations:

Say you just got your first 5 star character and everyone tells you "get its C2! The C2 is the best!" But wouldn't it be nice if it told you what C number is the best for that character in game?

It would be so useful because I didn't know that a C4 Yanfei was the best constellation until after I C6 her.

These are something that I'd love to see in the game!

[hiraya-rawr]

Who would main who? Modern AU HCs

A somewhat-extension to my Modern Acting AU hcs where Genshin is a popular series made into a video game based on the actors (but you don't need to know that to read this). Now the actors have to play the game, who would they main?

HCS 1 || HCS 2 || MASTERLIST 1

Kaeya

Would main himself honestly. Doesnt even mind that he's a starter character.

Probably whaled for Character Diluc, now he's got his brother on C6 with wolf's gravestone and CRIT artifacts.

(wonders why it's so hard to C6 himself 🤔)

He's the type to show off his own build and Diluc's build on twitter and instagram

Probably sacrifices Diluc on Barbatos' statue whenever he does a 10 pull (he'd stream it too)

Has all the other characters but probably stuck with himself, Lisa, and Amber (+Diluc) just to support the starters 😌

Diluc

Gives me F2P player vibes at the start of the game 😭 He only played because he's the actor for the series

Kaeya probably had to carry him when he started.

Now he's kind of hooked. This man is loaded and doesn't hesitate to buy primogems and kits 🤩 it's a secret though

I don't think he'd main himself, it's kind of awkward for him so he uses whatever new character he gets and builds them

He's friends with Jean irl so she's probably a regular on his team tbh

Kaeya gets ignored (he says it's bc he hates him but he actually just finds it as awkward as using his own character)

Zhongli

help 😭 this grandpa does not know how to play.

As mentioned in the hcs, he only plays on set where Xiao and Hutao are there to help him

Co-ops a lot because that's the only way he can go on with the game tbh

Xiao and Hutao piloting for him like it's their second account 😔

Finds his character super useful, Xiao helped him build his Zhongli, he's smart enough to know that he only needs to long press his elemental skill for a shield

Shield = protection = no die = wait for Xiao and Hutao to defeat whatever for him

He mains whoever Xiao and Hutao left on his party list tbh

Childe

Mains himself, pretty obvious 🤨

His party can go from all of the tall women or all of the tall men tbh

Did not pull for the Ayato banner. He's scared to ever lose 50/50 to an Ayato. Needless to say, he doesn't want one ever

Hates it if another character gets artifacts better than his so he has to work on his build all over again

Will definitely put the other Harbingers on his team once they become playable

Signora didn't tell him she'll die and leave the cast :( so he was pretty disappointed when her episode was released

Thoma

Tries to have everyone on friendship level 10 🥺

Please don't ask him who he mains, he doesn't want to hurt anyone's feelings

He probably has all the characters on at least level 50 just in case they see his account, so no one feels left out

In truth, he played the starters for a while before switching to Ayato, Ayaka, himself, and geo Aether (a rare Aether main!!)

Feeds the stray dogs in Liyue and Dragonspine

Ayato

I feel like he would main Ayaka just because they have a sibling bond on set. He also has Thoma on his team!

Ayaka probably also mains him and Thoma and they do co ops a lot

Also whales 🐳

He built himself to lvl 90 and really good artifacts but he doesn't use his character as often, kind of like Diluc

But whenever he co ops with Ayaka and Thoma, they each use their respective character!! Goes with the "travel together with friends" trope on genshin

Itto

He's kind of like Childe. Mains himself and works extra hard on his build.

But he also tries to level up all the other characters!! Doesn't care if it's a 4 star or 5 star, Itto will make you shine!!

Does damage showcase of 4 stars just to prove how all of them can be super strong

[chocoenvy]

Y/N and T/N are my last two braincells when playing Genshin confirmed because half of me says "Okay remind myself to swap to Diona when I go fight the Oceanid" a day half of me laughs "Childe let's go fight the Oceanid lmao it's gonna be good" anyway this is your daily reminder that I would so wanna play windtrace and the Windblume mini games with them because they have that vibe I really like going.

And also maybe theater mechanicus because one time I accidentally dropped the bridge on my friend and if that isn't something they wouldn't do then I would eat my shirt

THEATRE MECHANICUS IS SO FUN-

y/n going in with the best strats and then half way through they both go for meme builds.

"Only phys dmg pillars because why not?"

and they beat all of it with only the physical pillars like madlads.

Also """"accidentaly"""" dropping their twin from the bridge. They were just trying to get rid of the monsters, even though the game hadn't started yet-

becomes a constant battle to see who can knock the other off the bridge.

Y/n screaming at Venti to suck the fast fucking samachurls so they don't get in and he gets flashbacks to the archon war from how intense you are.

You're like a goddamn war general and scare the characters there with you to death but T/n is chill. You did this the other times the two of you co oped and played theatre mechanicus so they're used to it. They probably calm down the characters that can't take it and tell you to "Shut the fuck up you're making them upset >:("

to which you apologize. and it's fairly humbling for everyone, seeing their screaming god get fucking owned by their other god. It's also sweet how much you care for this game in Liyue (it's a game, remember that y/n pls-). He'll defintely flaunt it to the other archons and make fun of Venti for not having it. Then they remember he has windtrace so they make fun of Ei for not having any unique events.

Y/n eventually gets so sick of the fucking monsters running so fast and tanking so many hits so they steal Diluc's wolf's gravestone and starts smacking the enemies.

(They're all worried for you, they're not sure if you can handle carrying the sword around but they're not risking getting between you and the sword. There's ice in your eyes and they don't want to hurt you or themselves)

T/n helps too, ofc, quickly switching pillars and eventually probably steal Childe's bow to shoot at the enemies. Telling him to just use his hydro swords. They might also try to distract the enemies by talking to them in hilichurlian but idk how well that'd work.

In the end, you two end up playing until your acolytes drag you away for food and sleep. You two were having a bit too much fun with this-

[heybeybey]

And though I close my eyes

Summary: On his 84th birthday, Levi looks back. [Post-canon events, canon-compliant]

Pairing: Levi x Pain Levi x Petra, minor Gabi x Falco

Warnings: Suicidal ideation, major character death (ends bittersweet I promise lol)

Words: 1,525

Inspired by this funny video on Youtube. How I turned it into angst, I also don't know.

---

“Happy birthday, happy birthday~”

“I’m too old for surprises,” Levi drily notes, trying hard not to smile. He thinks he would’ve hightailed out the room, but Gabi had already blocked the way.

They all ignore his grumpy grumble as Falco places the cake in front of him.

“Happy birthday to you~”

The room erupts in jeers and joyous laughter the moment the song ends, and Levi finds himself being nudged to blow the candle and make a wish.

“Give grandpa Levi a birthday hug, Carter,” Gabi nudges her youngest son.

“Happy birthday, grandpa Levi!” Carter greets him, now too big at ten years old to climb his lap, but not much of a rebellious teen enough to not throw his arms around the old man.

Levi gives an ‘oof’ as he accepts the eager hug from the boy, a small fond smile tugging up the corner of his lip. He gives Carter a pat on the head and allows him to ramble away.

“Happy birthday, Uncle Levi,” Falco greets again as Levi accepts his gift, giving a grateful nod to the couple he’d basically raised since he moved to Marley.

“Thanks,” Levi says, then remarks when he’s sure that Carter was already occupied with wolfing down his slice of cake. “I hope this is my last.”

Gabi erupts in laughter, used to his grumbles and joking quips of how an old fuck like him is still breathing.

Falco, ever the sweet boy that he is even as a middle-aged man now, gives him a nervous smile, always antsy at the thought of Levi dying. It’s the same for all their other children.

“Oh, don’t be like that, grandpa,” Sophia, Gabi and Falco’s now 26-year-old first-born, noted. “I bet you and Carter can still go racing with your wheelchair and his bike.”

“Pretty sure wheelchairs aren’t made for racing,” another piped up. This one looking more and more like Falco since the day he turned 23. Benjamin had sometimes been Levi’s favorite. The blonde knows when to shut up, fond as the old man may be of all of Gabi and Falco’s children.

Levi never understood why they’d all made a fuss out of his eventual passing. He thinks it’s been long overdue, if he’s honest. It’s not like he’d faced death on the daily during his prime years in the military.

And what the hell are you supposed to do at eighty-fucking-four?

The world have no need for Ackermans now.

It would’ve been easy—a gun to his temple would do the trick. A noose around his neck is also a less messy option.

Hell, he could’ve just given into his injuries four decades ago and maybe he would’ve joined them all earlier when he’d saluted his comrades for the last time.

He finds that he thinks of them more frequently in the last few years. Levi doesn’t know if it’s just the impulse that comes with old age—to be a sensitive little shit as you crawl your years away to your gravestone.

Levi mind floats to them as the world gets more advanced, and they didn’t even get the chance to experience what they all worked so hard for.

He thinks Hange would’ve loved all the new technologies that pop up in Marley in what seems like every year.

They recently developed this box thing called a “television” (the twitch on Gabi’s brow whenever Levi breaks another remote had always been priceless). Levi tried fixing the wires once when their first television broke down, before Falco politely asked him if he needed any help and took over repairs.

He gets the feeling the late Scout scientist would’ve dissected the box the first chance she gets.

Marley’s books were next level—their libraries even more so—and he can only imagine how Erwin’s huge-ass eyebrows would’ve shot up in interest.

Tch. Maybe Levi would be a sap enough to gift him a book or two.

There’s a pub a few blocks away the first apartment he rented in Marley. He thinks Eld, Oluo and Gunther would all appreciate the unique list of drinks. He’d bet his finest tea cup that Eld would’ve sneaked a bottle or two out.

The three men sometimes got the courage to ask their captain out for drinks back when they were still alive. And despite Levi’s annoyance at their tendency to share a single brain cell, he’d acquiesced once or twice.

And most importantly, he’d found something called a record player.

“Imagine if we can just play music in private, captain. Maybe you wouldn’t be too hesitant to join in on the fun,” she’d teased him when he’d refused to dance in public during one of the midwinter festivals. “We can ask Hange to invent one!”

“Don’t give her more ideas,” Levi had replied to her, hands shyly shoved in his coat pocket as he lounged at the back of the ballroom.

She’d flashed him a dazzling smile and kept him company for the rest of the night, singing along to the band.

He’d found himself entranced whenever he sneaked a glance at her that night, her ginger hair looking more like silk with her every sway to the music.

It’s not that he didn’t want to dance with her. He regretted that he didn’t, to be frank. But Captain Levi back then didn’t have time to dwell on regrets.

On nights when he couldn’t sleep, he’d sometimes turn on the record player that Gabi bought him. He knows jackshit about what’s trending, nor does he care (and the model he still owns is way outdated), often just grabbing a record that seems to fit his tastes.

(Or reminds him of her voice, despite only hearing her sing once.)

“Grandpa Levi,” Carter snaps him out of his reverie. Levi looks around, as if bringing himself back out of his thoughts. He finds the room was abuzz with the usual chatter as the family always celebrate midwinter thanksgiving along with his birthday.

“Wanna go outside?” Carter invites, then comes closer as if conspiring with the old man. “This place is full of boring adults.”

Levi looks at the cake that he seemed to be staring at for awhile now, and decides to humor the kid.

Sometimes conversations with Carter reminds him of another energetic green-eyed boy he’d been in charge of in what seemed like forever ago.

“Yeah, sure thing brat,” Levi replies, making a wobbling attempt to stand up. “Can you grab my cane? This wheelchair’s making my ass sore.”

------------------------

It’s been a few days since his 84th birthday and Levi sees them more these days.

Sometimes he thinks he can feel Erwin lounging next to him, the man’s steady and confident presence accompanying him as Levi flips another page on the morning paper.

He’d also get a flash of messy auburn hair and goggles, only for it to be gone the moment he turns around to find the source of the annoying cackle.

At night, he’d often hear the sound of footsteps in the hallway, which reminds him of his former squad sneaking back to their rooms after a night of whatever fuckery they got involved in. He’d chalked it up to Gabi and Falco coming home late, despite the footsteps being heavier than they’d usually be.

Perhaps the worst of them all is the ginger hair he’d see from the corner of his remaining eye, only for the visage to be gone before he can even blink.

On good days, he’d find her soft fingers running through Carter’s hair, and his heart twists whenever his mind strays to the realization that this oblivious boy could’ve been their grandchild had she lived past the 57th.

Sometimes he’d get a whiff of her lavender laundry soap as he attempts to make his cup of tea, and he swears the taste is almost the same as when she’d made it for him decades ago.

Levi thinks it’s another good day today as she sits in front of him, her form more vivid than it had ever been in the past.

Petra’s smile is soft and melancholic, but it’s there. It's there as she holds his hand tight and reassuring, as she tucks a stray strand of inky hair out of his face. He missed her smile, and he doesn’t know when was the last time he’d been this happy, save for when Gabi and Falco adopted Carter from the streets.

That’s why he doesn’t understand why Gabi is panicking next to him, or why Falco had ran out to seek help.

He would’ve scolded the brats (because they’ll always be brats to him) to calm the fuck down, but Levi can’t seem to find his voice right now.

Everything momentarily went black, his vision blurring, and he feels what felt like a final sharp squeeze on his chest.

“Took you long enough, Captain,” Petra’s voice finally pipes up after a moment, her cheery smile as bright as when she’d first saluted him. He’d only ever seen her the past few days, but had never heard her talk.

It’s been more than forty years since he’d last heard her voice.

As he looks around, taking in how everything feels light and freeing, something in Levi tells him that her voice will be a part of his daily moving forward.

Fucking finally.