#i have no doubts lloyd fully believes this
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lloydfrontera · 2 years ago
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lloyd is so determined to not think of himself as a good person that the king of hell himself can tell him he almost certainly would go to heaven if left to his own devices because he's fundamentally a kind person and lloyd will still say he's self-centered and selfish and doing everything for his own gain five minutes later
like. you gotta admire the commitment at least
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saline-coelacanth · 1 year ago
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So I know there's been a lot of discussion going around lately about Jay constantly having to hold back on his powers, but the question I've been wondering is do you think the others know? Do you think the other ninja know that Jay has been holding back the ENTIRE time? I feel like Wu would definitely know since he's probably the one who helped teach Jay how to have better control over his powers to where he doesn't accidentally kill someone. I also feel like maybe Zane and Pixal would be able to figure it out since they're nindroids and they may be able to like... scan Jay and figure out he's only using a small amount of his power. But I feel like Lloyd, Cole, Kai and Nya probably don't know, or if they do, they don't realize just HOW much Jay has to hold back. (Although maybe Lloyd does know since at the start of the series he could control all four elements of creation but idk)
Cause like... thinking back to season 4 for a specific example, when Jay and Cole had to fight each other, Jay was freaking out because he thought he didn't stand a chance against Cole, and then Neuro reveals that Cole also thinks Jay doesn't stand a chance. But like, if Cole knew just how powerful Jay is when he isn't holding back, then I don't think he would think that. Because even though Jay would never use his full power to fight Cole, no matter how mad he was at him, Cole might not see it that way and would probably have that tiny amount of doubt telling him, "Jay could literally kill you with his powers, you should be worried." And yeah, that's still pretty early on in the grand scheme of things and it's possible Jay could have said something to him at a later point, but idk.
And the other thing is that even if Jay did tell them, would they even fully believe him? Because Jay can be really dramatic about things so I feel like it isn't too unlikely to say that the other ninja would kinda downplay what Jay tells them. Cause if Jay said, "Hey guys, you don't understand just how strong my powers are. I constantly need to be holding back and it can be really exhausting sometimes." The other ninja might think of it like, "Yeah, we all need to hold back sometimes and all of our powers have some sort of strain on us, it's not a big deal"
Idk I just have a lot of thoughts about Jay and how strong he would be if he didn't need to hold back and all of the discussion that's been going around lately has just caused this to be on my mind constantly. It's definitely something that I want to explore more in my fics and aus and stuff because I find it super interesting to think about.
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fangedjustice · 2 years ago
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🔥 FIRE - do they have any self destructive tendencies? what habits do they have that hinder them from becoming their best self?
*slaps lloyd* this idiot
Lloyd is a control freak in particular when it comes to people he loves dearly. He keeps a pretty good lid on it, but he likes to know what the plan is, what people are doing and when, where he can usually find someone.
This very much stems from being The Older Brother, which has been doubled down on because he did a lot of the managing with Linus throughout their childhood. Canonically, their birth mother is never known; she's either dead or removed from the picture. Serena, however, has lovingly picked up this unknown and created a character I love to death in our writing together. In our own little playground, their mother leaves the family after some time -- both boys are still fairly young, but old enough to where she feels as less guilty about the choice as she'll be able to. This leaves Brendan, a mercenary, to handle two kids on his own. Which, in turn, means Lloyd -- being three years older than Linus -- is put into a caregiving role when Brendan has to work.
It comes from a place of caring, but it can get fucking neurotic at times and it can be stifling.
Lloyd is also prone to severe, fast-spiraling depression! Canonically, this is seen when he's the surviving brother in game. There is an initial anger when he finds his brother dead, but...that anger shifts very, very quickly into resignation and suicidal ideation. His grief is not loud or raging or full of tears. He feels responsible -- that was his baby brother, he should have been looking out for him, no matter how much trust he has in Linus he should have known better, done more, something! Lloyd doesn't even really believe that the Lycians are responsible for Linus' death, and speaking to Nino and Legault showcase this to a sad, chilling degree.
He just wants to die. He doesn't even really want to take any of them out with him, as he previously stated, he just doesn't want to be in a world where his brother is dead and he feels like it was his fault. Justice is no longer a motivation. Even his surviving family and friends are not something he considers living for in this moment. If it weren't for the loyalty of his men, I truly think Lloyd would have faced the Lycians alone. (of course those deaths just...add to the guilt he feels, which spirals further and there's just...I don't think he would have come out of it, even if he lived)
While this doesn't crop up too often over things in his day to day life, at least to this degree, he's a chronic overthinker and he gets in his own head way too much. He puts on a good face, but decisions he's made weigh on him heavily. He is very much mentally split into two people -- or, two things, I guess, in his own view of it.
The man that is honorable and caring, and gentle; a lover of books and knowledge, and sappy poetry. And then there's the Wolf. The Wolf is ambition and pride and dark deeds, cloaked in the veneer of justice and idealistic desires. There's both a clear distinction between the two in his head, and lines that get blurred far too often. He has such a hard time settling the both in his heart and mind, and I think this stagnates him where he currently is:
He wants to do good things, be better, reclaim the feelings he used to have towards his actions and thoughts. But the reality of some of the things he did feels...counter to this, and reconciling these doubts and disconnects and regrets is keeping him from fully moving forward.
I think I've sort of lost my train of thought, but there is a lot wrong with Lloyd and despite his talk and overall desire to improve, I think he's incredibly stuck in his own head and past.
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georgiapeach30513 · 2 years ago
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A Losing Hand, Part 16
Summary: things are getting tense with the Clubs. Where does loyalties lie?
Pairings: the Clubs
Rating: explicit
Warnings:  explicit language, explicit sexual content, non con/dub con, fingering, unprotected sex, misogyny, slut shaming, threats to kids, 18+ ONLY
Word Count: 2.6K
Previous
Series Masterlist
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“What the fuck is your problem?” Ransom asks pushing past Ari, into his room. He shoves the bigger man down onto his bed, and Ari never fights back. “Do you remember what I told you?”
“I don’t think I understand what you’re talking about,” Ari answers. Standing up, he crosses the room, beginning to place his guns on the dresser.
“What the fuck were you pulling at the wedding?” Ransom’s arms spin Ari around to look at him. Even though Ari’s stature towers over him, Ransom never backs down.
“What I pulled?” Ari scoffs, shoving a shoulder into Ransom. “I wasn’t the one that got fucking engaged.”
“It wasn’t a real engagement.”
“She had a fucking ring on her finger. She said, yes,” Ransom rolls his eyes making his way to sit on the bed and gives it a little tap. “I’m good.”
“A basic CZ piece of shit. If Nicky was serious about the diamond, where’s the emerald queen’s ring? You don’t get it. You don’t fucking get it,” Ari turns his back to him, but remains looking at Ransom’s reflection.
“He’s placating her. Her last solo mission, where she was told to stake out Kemp? Nicky pulled her back. She was supposed to kill him that day. She had a clear shot and what did Nicky do?”
“He pulled her away,” Ari whispers, finally spinning to look at Ransom.
“Yeah, she’s pretty sure he was talking to a Spade. And not just any fucking Spade, Nick Vaughan,” Ari shakes his head no. “You doubt her?”
“If she saw Nick Vaughan there, why not inform Andy? And what would Nick need to talk to Kemp about?” Ransom’s handsome face lifts up in a smile. “What?”
“You’re asking the right questions. We have our beautiful little deadly Princess, who very well could have killed Kemp then. Nicky wants him alive, but Kemp was talking to the Ace of Spades, and he wanted her out of there before she seen it. She did. He tried to deny her sex again, hoping she would beg and let slip what she knew.”
“God,” Ari’s hands go to his temples and he gives his head a tight squeeze, “None of it makes sense. Why should I even trust you? Like I have a choice. We’re trying to take down the King of Clubs, and what’s in it for you?”
“You know, you would think I would want more, right? I had the ability to become the Dealer, I don’t want to be the head of anything. I want there to be a semblance of peace. This constant back and forth between the suits is ridiculous. Kings playing against Kings, and we thought that Lloyd and Kemp was our problem. Gotta a fucking war brewing within the Diamonds, and then all this shit with us and the Spades, the only ones not fully participating is the Hearts. They have a loose screw though, too.”
“What does this have to do with me? I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing. I’m staying close to Nicky. I’m being neutral. I’m…”
Ransom slams a fist down on his bedside table glaring at him, “I told you not to get involved with her. I told you, she was a lot more delicate than she puts on. I told you her end goal is different from ours.”
“You didn’t fucking tell me she had a kid!”
“It was none of your goddamn business. She has a vendetta against Lloyd, and rightfully so. I told you not to fall for her. And now your some jealous puppy, because she’s doing what she’s supposed to be doing? She’s supposed to be in the bed with Nicky. She doesn’t sleep because she’s wondering where he is all hours of the night, because she thinks she’s not getting information.”
“I’m not,” Ari starts. He shakes his head rapidly, refusing to believe Ransom’s words. “I’m not in love with her.”
“Oh really, you fucking prick. You get all pissy if Nicky’s around. Keep throwing up the fact she’s ‘engaged’, instead of looking at her ring. That’s not the queen’s ring. Nicky doesn’t want to marry her. She is his weapon. She’s deadly, and he sleeps in the bed next to her. Do you realize how easy it would be for her to slit his throat?”
“Then why doesn’t she?” Ransom laughs maniacally. Throwing his head back as he clutches his stomach. “I’m glad this is funny.”
“Since you know about her kid, she doesn’t want to die. She’s doing this so she can be a mother. You’re a distraction. Because now she’s worried about making sure you don’t die. If she slit his throat, do you realize how many guards would be in here in five seconds. And we don’t fucking know where their allegiance lies,” Ari shakes his head again.
“You’re so stupid. Instead of worrying about getting in her fucking pants, maybe do your damn job.”
“If I wanted to get in her pants, I could have. That’s not what I want. It just…you’ve never?”
Ransom shrugs, unsure of how to answer that. His deep blue eyes turning away from Ari. “Shoulda guessed. Once a whore always a,” quickly Ransom has Ari’s body pushed up against the wall.
His teeth bared as he presses his forearm up against his neck, “Say it. And I’ll have you ended right now. You have no idea what you’re talking about. Yeah, we fucked. Once. She was still part of my talent, we were drunk, and it was disgusting the next morning. That woman is my best friend, and if I ever hear you degrade her, I will find a new King to rise up. I don’t care what the Dealer wants. Have I made myself clear?”
“Yeah, sorry,” Ransom drops his hand quickly, and he walks back to the door.
“Apologize. We need her for the plan, but I need her. I won’t have her distracted and get killed.”
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You stand looking out your window, watching Nick conduct some form of business with Nick Vaughan, and it only gives you pause. You know who you saw that day, even if you’re withholding it from Nicky. There was something off in the way that he pulled you away from killing Kemp, and the one that Kemp was meeting with that day, is literally in your back yard.
Nick flicks his head up at you, saying something to Nicky, but you don’t falter. Standing tall, you glare at the outsider, but when Nicky turns back to look at you, giving you a wave, you put on that charm. Acting like everything was normal, and you were just looking out the window.
More time had been spent just looking and watching. Unsure of what information that Ransom was needing you to get, but still focusing on the task at hand. Couldn’t read lips, but if Nick was meeting with Kemp, it was not good.
You’re breathing picks up, realizing that Nick had access to Winter. Left to guard her and Andy’s Daisy. You back away from the window, needing to find Ransom, talk to him anything. With a quick look to see that Nicky and Nick were still talking you tap on your leg for Trigger and Gunner to join you.
The two dogs flank you as you search for Ransom. Your body trembling and he was the only one who could soothe you right now. Rounding a corner you hear Trigger get a low growl, but it isn’t until you run into Ari, that you know why they’re in defense mode.
“Hey, I was looking to find you,” he says softly, his hands grip your wrists, and you don’t have time for him.
“I can’t talk right now. I need Ransom.”
His crystal blue eyes look over your face, and he notices the small sign of distress. Usually only Ransom notices these things. Gunner gives him a warning bark, biting at the air before Ari drops you wrists.
“I wanted to apologize.”
“Ari,” your hand moves to his chest, and you want to sink on him. Become the small and scared child that you have felt like for the past five years. “I can’t right now. I really need to see Ransom.”
“What’s wrong?” your sight moves all over his face, unsure if you can tell him this. Needing some reassurance and guidance from your constant. “You can trust me. I’m in with Ransom.”
“Nick Vaughan is here talking to Nicky, and…I need,” you whisper out, but you know he doesn’t get it.
“We gotta find,” his voice pauses when Nicky’s shadow looms into the background. “Nicky,” Ari says confidently. “She was looking for you.”
“No she wasn’t,” he steps behind you, his hands firmly on your hips, while he glares up at Ari. “Princess knew exactly where I was. I had a meeting with the Spade’s Ace. Securing our alliance with them. I just needed Nick to understand the severity in Steve Kemp. We all know that Lloyd is unpredictable, but he wants full domination. That won’t happen with a Diamond.”
His fingers dig into your skin, and he pulls you flush with his body with a hard force. You try to get Ari to tell Ransom what you had just said. “It’s time for the Clubs to have more power. Don’t you think so, Ace? It would do you some good to remember your place. Princess, you and I need to have a little chat.”
He grips tightly to the back of your head, nails digging into your scalp as he angrily leads you to your bedroom. You try not to fight it. Fighting always makes things worse. With the first bark from Trigger, Nicky buries his face in your neck, “You call those fucking animals off me right now, or I’ll make sure you never see Winter again.”
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Ari nearly sprints to Ransom; needing to tell them the piece of information that you were given. Opening up his bedroom, and when he’s not there, he knows exactly where he’ll be.
Running into the shooting range, Ransom rounds his gun on Ari’s chest, before he throws off his glasses. “That’s a good way to get killed.”
“Nick Vaughan was here.”
“That’s impossible,” Ransom whispers, shaking his head.
“She saw him. She was coming to find you. Nicky was meeting him out in the open.”
“Mother fucker,” Ransom goes to the adjoining room, gathering up a few guns, tossing one to Ari.
“What?”
“Remember what I told you? She saw Nick meeting with Kemp. It’s not a coincidence. And, ahh shit,” he slams his fist on a table, picking up a few weapons for yourself. “Nick guards Winter and the Queen of Spades. I need to get a message to Andy. Where is she?”
“Nicky saw her with me,” Ransom’s face turns into a scowl, looking through the door, and worried about what he could be doing to you. “We were just talking. She had to call the dogs off.”
“I hate those fuckers, but I like them with her. Dammit. We’re on standby. We need to wait on her say so, but I need to tell Andy about Nick.”
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“Princess,” Nicky backs you into a table, spinning your body around, his hands roam over you. He removes all of your weapons before he places his hands down your pants.
His fingers softly stimulating your clit. Leaning over, he gives gentle open mouth kisses to your neck, “I’ve been neglecting you haven’t I? Got a prime cunt in my bedroom. Someone who can ride a dick like no other. She doesn’t even care where you put it, because she’s a greedy little bitch.”
“Nicky,” your voice grunts out. Refusing to find any pleasure in his taunting voice. “What’re you doing?”
“Treating you like the whore you are. What did you see today?”
“Nothing,” you answer quickly. He pinches your clit and laughs when you yelp. Your body backing up to him even more.
“I know you saw Nick Vaughan. You not curious to know how I know about your little accident, Winter?” you don’t want to react, but when you let out a growl, your dogs barking and almost foaming at Nicky, he grips your cheeks with his free hand. “Call them down, before I shoot.”
“Nein,” you try and make your voice calm. “Platz,” and the both of you watch the dogs settle, but their eyes stay on you.
“Got rid of the baby, huh? Failed to mention you left her with her traitorous father, James Barnes.”
“Please, just leave her out of this. She’s a baby.”
“I’ll leave her, the Queen, and Andy’s unborn son out of this, if you keep your fucking mouth closed. If a hair is harmed on Nick’s head, I’ll make you watch all three take their last breath.”
“Nicky, please. They’re not…what do you want?”
His fingers continue to work over your bundle of nerves, before sliding down. Easing over your slit. Gathering up your slick that he’s forced out of you, before entering two fingers. “I want you and your meddlesome ways to trust me. What did you see?”
“Nothing!”
With a growl Nicky pulls down your pants, and gives your ass a smack. Pushing your body completely flat on the table, while he frees his cock. Nicky lines himself up, and chuckles at your helpless body, “I’m going to ask you again, what did you see?”
“I didn’t see anything,” he slams his girth in your waiting cunt, beginning to harshly rut into you.
“Stop lying!”
“I didn’t. Nicky, I didn’t see anything.”
“You fucking bitch,” he screams giving you another swat to your ass. “What did you tell Ari?”
“Nothing. I was looking for Ransom,” he’s relentless in pounding into you. Hand softly around your throat despite his brutal thrusts.
“What did you need to tell your precious Ransom? Hmm? You gonna tell your king? Your future husband. What has he done for you? Keep your daughter hidden from me? What would happen if Lloyd knew where she was?”
“Don’t! Don’t you dare hurt her. Please!” Nick gives you an even evil grin, still stabbing into you, and you hate it. You hate him. “I’ll do anything.”
“Good girl. You gonna cum for me?” you have no desire for anything but to get him off of you. “I’m going on a trip, and you’re gonna keep your pretty cock sucking mouth closed.”
His fingers connect to your clit, creating tight little circles, loving that you clench around him despite the hatred you feel for him. “Steve Kemp dies tonight. We’re getting our war.”
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You stumble out of your bedroom, the dogs following behind you whimpering and whining looking up at you, as you go to Ransom. Seeing him opening his door, you fall into his arms, and he lifts your head back to see your face.
Ari rushes over to your side as well, “Princess, what’s wrong?”
“Ran, he knows about Winter. He threatened to have her and the baby killed.”
Ransom calmly moves his hands around your face. “You didn’t tell Andy did you? Ransom! Did you?”
“What does Nick want?”
“They’re killing Steve Kemp. They’re gonna blame it on Bunny,” Ari pulls your body off of Ransom’s, walking you over to the bed. “Did you tell Andy? Sh-sh-she told me that Nick watches her and Winter.”
“The queen is in labor,” his cold dark eyes look over to Ari.
“Don’t tell them yet. We find their end game. She doesn’t like Nick. Maybe he’s not with her and Winter anymore.”
The three of you look amongst each other, but you’re just terrified. “Call Jake Jensen. He needs all of us armed.”
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Taglist:   @tis-thedamn-season​ @marveloustaylortot​ @pono-pura-vida​ @missacidburn928​ @sstan-hoe​ @whimsyplaty92​ @connie326​ 
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greenygreenland · 4 years ago
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Sink or Swim: Kai x Reader [kinda angsty]
-tbh i had a tiny crush on Kai growing up
-i still swoon over him when he's cool but like, lloyd has stolen my heart
-you all live in yang's temple still
-as a note, i write for female readers because uhhh yeah plz don't be mad at me ;-; (and either way, you can always change the words around in your head if it bothers you)
Summary: Kai needs help. You're there for him, catching him before he sinks.
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Kai's got Lloyd, but who's got Kai?
Ninjago was filled with a variety of perils. Some were easier to see, such as destruction of any population within the premises of Ninjago city. Other times, it was minuscule, like a speck of dust. If you looked hard enough without blinking, you could see it. But most times it was invisible.
The sun was bright today, shining past the swiftly moving clouds as you clashed under its heat. Sparks flew as your katana slammed into Cole's, who skillfully parried your blows. You readied another combo, twisting to the right and faking a slash before spinning and striking to the left.
"Cole look out!" shouted Kai. Cole wasn't fast enough, and you knew it was because he wasn't used to using a katana. His hammer lay on the platform leading inside, right by Jay's side under the sunshine.
You suddenly realised Cole would be split in half if you didn't stop. But how could you when the inertia practically sent you flying towarss him? "Cole--!"
Clang!
Kai parried the attack. He hit your blade with so much force that it was sent flying across the courtyard, thankfully, clattering harmlessly on the ground. You heaved out a harsh sigh and slapped your knees. "That was close. Sorry Cole." He chuckled, giving Kai a good slap on the shoulder.
"For once our Hot-Head wasn't distracted by his 'oh-so-perfect' looks." Cole said. "How did you do that so fast?" Kai sheathed his sword with a shrug. It was odd to see him so quiet, especially around this time in the day. His expression remained relaxed, but it was void of its usual smug smirk. "I don't know, I just improvised."
You can't help the frown settling on your lips. There was an edge to Kai's voice, as if he had just returned from an unseen battle between life and death. He looked normal, yet the way he forced out a small laugh made you cringe.
"I'm going inside, think I might shower." he abruptly announced. "Don't train too hard or you might bake in the sun!" You watched as he fiddled with the strap on his sheath, twiddling it and running it between his fingers. He caught your stare and flashed a fleeting smile your way, yet it didn't feel genuine. "Kai--"
He pretended not to hear you and rushed through the temple doors. Your frown deepened. "He looks upset." Jay rested his cheek in his hand with a snort. "I'll say. He looked like he was thinking hard about something."
"But what?" Cole inquired with a sigh. "Nothing's been happening around Ninjago, shouldn't he be happy about it? He can play video games all he wants now, or, I don't know, talk to Skylor on the phone? Morro's gone and Lloyd's fine now." Zane raised doubtful brow. He took a seat by Jay and leaned his head back against one of the supporting beams. It was an odd sight to see everyone so deeply in thought again, especially since none of you should have been deeply in thought in the first place.
"Lloyd has not fully recovered." Zane notes. "He suffers from mental trauma and is regaining his strength as we speak." Nya hummed in agreement. She set her weapon down with a thoughtful nod and leaned against a supporting beam. "I don't know about you, but he seemed kind of sad. Why don't you talk to him (Y/n)?"
"Yeah, you're his girlfriend so you guys share a special connection." piped up Jay. You cam't deny that. Your relationship with Kai was special, so he told you certain things no one else had ever known about him. Whether it be about his past, or even what he dreams for the future, you knew it all.
Well except this.
You stood up, ignoring the low cracks from your aching body. "I'll be back." You pulled open the temple's doors, gently shutting it behind you as you surveyed the vast room. The main hall was empty, save for Sensei Wu who sat at a table drinking tea. He turned to you, eyeing your troubled expression knowingly. "Kai is in his room." he simply stated. You smiled at him gratefully. "Thank you Sensei."
You sprinted up the stairs, caring not if you skipped the creaky steps or walked right over them. It was quite tranquil in the halls of the quiet temple, yet somehow, it made you uncomfortable. "Kai?" You stopped in front of his door. "Kai--"
Sniffling. That was the first thing that caught your ears. Your fingers paused on the door handle, slipping past the cool metal as you continued to listen to the sounds. You knew what crying sounded like, but this? It was earth-shattering. The way he cried sounded exactly like raw agony. It was painful to listen to, yet you couldn't bring yourself to walk away.
If Kai was suffering, you had to be there for him like all the times he had been there for you, or Lloyd, or Nya and Jay and Zane and Cole.
Your fingers wrapped around the door handle. You gently knocked and peeked inside. He sat on his bed with his back facing you. His katana lay on the floor instead of of by his bed or next to his pillow like he usially did.
"Kai?" Your voice came out as a gentle whisper. "Are you okay?" His crying ceased so quickly that if you hadn't been standing outside listening, you would have thought everythimg were your imagination.
"Yeah." he steadily said. "I'm okay. I just needed to take a break after that spar. It got really intense." He laughed. It wasn't a happy one. If you knew what it felt like to have your organs ripped out, you'd describe it as listening to Kai fake his laugh and fake his happiness. He put on a brave face for the world, and perhaps that was because he knew people relied on him to step up when Lloyd couldn't.
You opened the door a little wider and let yourself in, softly closing it behind. "If something's wrong Kai, you can tell me." He sniffled quietly. "No, I'm fine." He laughed; you didn't miss the quiver in his voice. "I'm just a little tired."
"No, it's something else. I won't judge you, promise."
Kai sniffled and grabbed a tissue from his nightstand. He blew his nose with a shaky breath and tossed the tissue in the bin. For a good minute, he sat there in silence, slowing inhaling and exhaling rattling breaths. You made your way over to him and took a seat at the edge of his bed. He kept his back towards you as he sniffled some more, so you sat there, watching his shoulders quiver.
Slowly, Kai entertwined his hand with yours. He gave it a good squeeze, as if reassuring himself you were still there. You didn't want to say anything to him yet. If you did, you were sure it would break his already fragile tranquility. Thankfully, he made the first move.
"I know you wouldn't leave me," he began, "but sometimes I can't help worrying. What if we go on a mission and none of us make it back? Lloyd almost died, Cole's a ghost.... What if something happens to you? Or--or Nya and Jay or Zane?" He let out a rattling breath that spoke of all the battles you both endured. It was hard to believe you both survived every single one of them.
"Kai, we've lived this long." you said. "Why not longer? And even if one of us does die, life will go on. It always does in Ninjago, and it blooms again into something new." You squeezed his hand. "You're thinking about your parents too."
The quiet Kai stayed in was enough of an answer.
"I understand it hurts. You know, my parents died when I was very little. I don't remember how they looked like, but I remember what I felt. They made me so happy. It was short, but I found it again in you and the others. Even if something disappears, it's never truly lost." You smiled even though Kai would never see it. "Lloyd's still here because you saved him. None of us are going anywhere for as long as we can help it."
Kai's shoulders slumped. A sigh left his lips and he finally turned to face you. What strikes you the most about him isn't the puffiness under his eyes, or the bags and crinkle in his brow--it's the life that's been sucked out of his expression. His eyes were hollow, as if someone had completely wiped the emotion of happiness from existence. The deep frown tugging at his lips is even worse. It's thin, tight, and quivering.
"I-I'm sorry..."
You placed a hand on his cheek. "Kai." It's all you can muster, a name, a look of sorrow, and worry. Howw had you not seen this? How had you missed something so plainly put?
You gently pulled him closer, wrapping your arms around his warm body as the rain fell from his eyes. "You have nothing to be sorry for. If anyone should be sorry, it's me. I should be there for you, but I didn't notice. I love you though and I'm here now." you gently whispered.
"You're not alone Kai. You don't have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. We're all here for you and no one is leaving." His cries started out soft, but with each word that left your mouth, his whimpers grew, gaining and gaining in volume until a heart-wrenching sob ripped through his throat.
Tears gathered in your eyea and you allowed yourself to cry with him. It hurt to think about losing anyone, it hurt to see your boyfriend so battered, so beaten and defeated. What cure could you offer to remedy his pain you shared?
There was no answer to that. And so you sat there, keeping your arms tight around each other as if either of you would disappear. Right now, it was sink or swim. You had to fight the ache and push forward, even if it felt like you were both drowning.
Please don't forget to reblog so this can reach more people! Thank you all for reading!
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purplerose244 · 4 years ago
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My thoughts on Seabound!!! 🌊🌊🌊 (4/4)
Here we are! What a journey, and while perhaps this season wasn't at MoM level it was REALLY good, with great new villains/allies, great little throwbacks and an awesome story! 🤩
How to get this was very good to great? Give me a very good ending Seabound!! 💕💕
Alright, here we go!
GENERAL THOUGHTS
I genuinely got too much into this remaining four episodes and forgot to put any general thoughts 😅 So you'll see me rambling at the end, see you there 😉
THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM
This title really summarize my feelings so far, like, I'm seriously wondering how it will move on from now, but I do expect the outcome to be CRAZY 🤯
Aaahhhh, yep, the one in Shintaro is a fake 😅 I wonder when did the change happen? How did Kalmaar pulled that off, wow
I'M SORRY WHY ARE WE PUTTING THE TITLE SCREEN WITHOUT THE INTRO?? THAT'S A FIRST EPISODE STUFF AND IT HONESTLY SCARES ME??? It reminds me of Winds of Change too and that episode was WOW 😭😭😭
Heeeeyyy, it's youuuu... huh... *watch scribble on hand* google snake guy, huh... Glucose... yep, good old Glutine and everything 😅
Are we having a "I may have made a mistake being evil" with this guy?
Jay: ah, Prime Empire! I was in that game you know! I fought for my life and the ones of all of Ninjago and I've seen my best friends and the love of my life die before my eyes... good times 🙂
Jay and Nya having fun at DDR has to be one of my favorite thing, they are so in sync and so lovable ❤💙❤💙
DID THEY ACTUALLY PUT THE JAYA SHIP NAME INTO THE SHOW??? OMG GUYS THE FANDOM IS TAKING OVER THE SHOW AT LAST!!! 🤯🤯🤯 The electric Jaya, heeeyy, niiicee 😎😎😎
HOW CUTE CAN YOU BE
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MY SHIP 💙❤💙❤ They even gave each other high gives... this is neat, and it means something awful will happen right 🙂
Commissioner: he's saying something about a giant snake... and the end of the world... didn't we already have something like that?
Okay yep, he did the trick while fighting Nya, dang Kalmaar is sneaky! Not too shabby... but I gotta say, the summoning of the Great Devourer was a lot more dramatic 🤣🤣 Props to the serpentine, still my favorite snakes 💪💪
Wojira seems to be a little smaller than the Devourer maybe? His head way bigger than the bounty, while hers is not that massive even in comparison with Kalmaar
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I might be wrong but at first glance, I stand by my opinion and by the superiority of the OG giant snake 🤷‍♀️
Yep Glutine guy did have a change of heart, better late than never 🤷‍♀️
You're telling me that Jay doesn't do engineering anymore, okay... HOW IS KAI A BETTER SOLUTION??? 🤣🤣🤣 Lol look at the messy brothers, love Lloyd and Kai so much I miss them interact 💚❤💚❤
Thank you Kelly for the alert 😗
It makes me wonder if they actually do have simulations of evacuations often, it would be pretty smart considering the city 🤷‍♀️
OKINO IS THERE HI DUDE!!! 😍 I hope he's doing great! 🥰🥰
Gail Gossip! Been a while!
WOW, this is going Deluge like, my first Spinjitzu Master! 😱 How... how do we go with three episodes from here? Like, I'm guessing Nya will have to do what Nyad did before her (which TERRIFIES me), so are they going to struggle trying to find another way? IDK BUT I'M IN LET'S GO!! 🤯
ASSAULT ON NINJAGO CITY
Alright, pretty straightforward title, let's see what we got here!
Tourists?... that actually makes sense, I mean, I would want to visit all the places where history was made on this island 😍 Aww nice to see they remember the battle against Garmy of Hunted, also that it is known that Jay was the one who faced Unagami 👍👍
DARETH!!! 🤎🤎🤎
Where have you been you knucklehead, I've missed you! 💕 I think I've last seen him in a commercial from the Fire Chapter?
This is a terrible guide 😵 Not knowing the brown ninja? Owner of the dojo the Green Ninja had trained in? Brief commander of the Stone Army? Master of makeup and puffy potstickers? Unforgivable, someone fire this woman ASAP 😡😡
LOOK AT DARETH TAKING CHARGE!!! 🤩 He's right, he should get involved every once in a while, come on guys!
Ah okay good, I'm not the only one struggling with that google snake name 😂
Yay Bentho is fully integrated with the team! He is a great addiction, like, I know he'll probably take the throne at the end or something but I do hope we'll need his help again in the future! 💙
Sometimes I forget how much I love Kai and Zane interacting 🤣 The brainiac and the airhead 🤍❤🤍❤
Oh right, Cole came back from Shintaro! So... now in this extremely secret city there is a fake amulet hanging into a highly secured place... how is it always Shintaro the keeper of flukes? 😂😂
A bath as a boat but it has a whole 😂😂 I love this show's randomness
What ears are they supposed to cover 😅
I LOVE THIS ATMOSPHERE!!! 😍😍😍 Between the gray sky of storm and the sea underneath, this is the perfect scenario for Wojira and it's not even forced! I love how they are handling backgrounds for Ninjago recently, I really hope it gets as good as in the finale of Prime Empire 💙💙💙
AAAAAAHHHHHhhhhh okay for a moment I was scared Wojira was going to eat Jay 😅 After The Island this is already the second time Bluebell risks it... STOP
WHY THE CLIFFHANGER!?!?
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NUUUUU WHAT NOW??? 😱😱😱 We have two more episodes, how is this going to end? I DON'T KNOW AND I REALLY WANT TO PLEASE GIVE ME A GOOD FINALE SEABOUND!!! 🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️
NYAD
I AM SCARED FOR MY WATER LILY OKAY
Daaaang she can just float on that? She got super good at controlling water! Now I want her and Kai just randomly flying around with their powers 😂😂 Kai got missiles in his hands come on 🔥🔥🔥
JAY CAN YOU LET ME WORRY ABOUT YOU GUYS ONE AT THE TIME??? 😱
What would Kai do? WHAT WOULD KAI DO?? DID YOU DECIDE YOU WANT TO DIE JAY WHY WOULD YOU THINK OF HIM??? ... although technically Kai is the only one with Jay who didn't straight up die before coming back to life in a dramatic moment... huh... Kai might be the most reasonable choice after all 😅
We grew up from Ninja never quit to NINJA AREN'T IDIOTS AND KNOW WHEN TO GET THE HECK OUT 😎😎 Even our motto got a character development 💪
JAY NOOOOOOOO 😱😱😱😱
BENTHO YAAAAAAASSSS 🥳🥳🥳🥳 Did I ever say that I love shark boy? BECAUSE I FREAKING DO!! 💙
Master prankster Wu once again, take that empty ship Calamari head 😎 Although the poor bounty doesn't deserve to get destroyed as many times as it did until now, it's my favorite ship... pun intended 😜
Ah more ninjajan, wait a moment
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"Auto Pilot". Fair enough, although I was hoping for a "psych" or something 😂😂
NO WAIT NO WHAT THE HECK!!! I THOUGHT JAY GOT SAVED HE INHALED WATER??!? BLUEBELL NOOOO!!! 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
But Cole running to his best friend immediately? HECK yes 🖤💙🖤💙
NYA CARRYING HER BOYFRIEND BRIDAL STYLE THIS IS THE RIGHTEST THING I'VE EVER SEEN!!! ❤💙❤💙❤💙❤💙 Gosh this season gave me amazing Jaya moments, I've been fed 👌👌
Okay Lloyd pacing back and forth? Kai already mad at their enemies? All the guys eager to help Jay? MY FAVORITE NINJA FAMILY BABY!!! 😎😎
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I NEED A MOMENT 😭
Oh... oh gosh I knew Nya doing the Nyad thing was meant to happen, but this way? My heart is melting already 😭
I remember a post that said that Jay told Nya that he loves her many times, while she never did. Tommy reponded that she lets her actions speak... boy do I see it now, I see all of her love 😢😢
I never felt such conflicting emotions for a villain like I do for Kalmaar, like, he caused so much pain to Nya... but he is voiced by Giles... but he is the reason Jay is hurt... but that startle gag 😂😂😂
Okay this? Is adorable?
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What the HECK? The police in this city is generally not very helpful, but the Commissioner is very wholesome 💜
Nyaaaaaaa 😭😭😭😭 I didn't think it was possible to love her even more, she was ignored for so long during the show, but now we finally see all of her. She is an amazing warrior, a selfless person, and a real hero 💪💪 And coming from such a mature girl that doesn't like to act irrationally, this means so much more
Jaya grew up so much, it went through some very questionable phases yes, but what they have here? It's the result of all they had lived together 💙❤💙❤
I have chills, this is amazing so far, I'm legit scared of going further 😱
SHE SAID IT!!! 😭😭😭😭😭😭 Okay this moment, everything, EVERYTHING, is absolutely marvelous. Nya said I love you without a voice, alone, showing again that she values the actions more, but still her feelings are 100% truthful. Then the transformation (THERE IT IS HER BEAUTIFUL WATER FORM 😍😍😍), Jay getting saved, the realization of what she just did from everyone... DANG IT IT'S ALL BEAUTIFUL HOW LONG DID IT TAKE TO THINK OF THIS SCENE???
*slow clap for Bragi, Tommy, and the Ninjago crew*
Jay and water Nya with their hands together gives me big The Form of Water vibes... LOVE THAT MOVIE WHO'S READY FOR AN AU??
Jay wants to help her, I had no doubt 💙 They always help each other in these BOUNDs seasons 😍😍😍
Kalmaar: where are the ninja??
Commissioner: I don't know, they are ninja!
FINAL BATTLE INCOMING AAAAHHH I HOPE THIS WILL HAVE A GOOD ENDING OMG BRING IT!!! 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩
THE TURN OF THE TIDE
Oh, curious title? It feels a little vague, I don't really know what it could be
YES GIRL GO GET HIS CALAMARI BUTT HECK YES!!! Just how cool can you be for walking slowly while the attacks go straight through you? 😂
Hey Nya still recognizes Jay! 😃😃
HEY NYA GOT VAPORIZED WTH 😱😱 It's too early, I don't believe that's it!
WHOA JAY WENT BERSERK JUST NOW!! I don't think I've seen this before, this is the coolest thing! 💙💙💙 I just love when he shows how strong he is, you can be a comic relief AND kick butts 😎
FIGHTING ANIMATIONS MAN I LOVE THESE SCENES!! 😍😍😍
What the- was... was that a cameo of the lightning chicken? Ninjago what the HECK I love your randomness 😂😂
BENTHOMAAR TAGS IN!!! Showing off why he is best boy of the season 💙 These fightings are very cool but I can't help imagining Wojira just chilling while there are midgets getting very angry at each other onto her head 🤣🤣🤣
WHOA, CALAMARI BITE! Kalmaar got the Pythor treatment... might change color by next season if he returns 😅
(Please return I loved having Giles' voice in this season 💙💙💙)
NYA IS A DRAGON!!! I REPEAT NYA IS A DRAGON!!! 😍😍😍😍😍😍 I was wondering where the dragon moment was, this is Ninjago after all 🤷‍♀️
Head empty, just Jay smiling softy at Nya because he loves her 💙💙💙
IT'S RAINING NYA, HALLELUIA IT'S RAINING NYA, HEYE!! ☔☔☔ This fight is MASSIVE! We had finales with big creatures before but now one of the ninja is big enough to face them and that's 🤯
NYA DID IT!!! 🤩🤩🤩 ... now onto the angst that I KNOW it's coming
Kai being unbelieving is tragic, and Jay's "don't leave me" broke my heart. Please end this misery, where is the deus ex machina that solves everything?
Wait she left?
...
WAIT SHE ACTUALLY LEFT??? WHAT THE HECK THEY AREN'T ENDING IT LIKE THIS
...
OH MY GOSH
ARE THEY?!?
AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH 🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯
Omg the grief in this is beautiful, nice to see Jay and Maya so close to each other! Also Kai leaning onto his mom while Cole is comforting his best best friend? Amazing, they really do these scenes great 👌
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EVERYONE SHOWED UP I LOVE THIS CITY SO MUCH 😭😭😭 Aww Ed and Edna, wasn't this such a sad situation I would be so much happier to see you guys 🥺
Master Wu even mentioned that she built Samurai X, you really want to make me cry now do you? 🥺🥺
MAYA AND RAY 😢😢😢😢😢😢
Omg look at Cole being there for his best friend, he is amazing 🖤💙🖤💙
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I have such Rebooted vibes from this... is it hopeful? That Nya comes back like Zane? She's no nindroid but still... oh my gosh they got her symbol on the vase I just noticed, I need more tissues 😭😭
"In loving memory of Kirby Morrow". Always in our hearts 🖤🖤🖤
...
Wow
WOW
THEY ACTUALLY DID IT I NEED ANOTHER MOMENT 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 WHAT IN THE WORLD THIS IS THE BIGGEST CHANGE THEY DID IN A WHILE!!!
AND NOW WHAT??? 🤯🤯🤯
FINAL THOUGHTS
I'm speechless... like that's true, have A LOT to write over here 😅
This type of plot twist reminds me of our early seasons. Zane sacrificing himself, Garmadon giving up his life, those moments that made me so curious and excited about the following. I have no idea what will be the outcome for this, but I can't wait to find out
With that out of the way, AMAZING SEASON 😍😍😍 I think this finale beats MoM's, just because it was really unexpected and opens up a SEA of possibilities... yeah too soon 😭
I'm still shaken, my world, they did something HUGE and I do hope it will be a good shake to the entire Ninjago plotline. Nya is "gone", we still don't know about the person behind all that vengestone, we haven't heard from Garmy in forever, there are so many good ideas out there now that they've set the ground for more 🤩🤩
Voice acting was *chef's kiss*, not only for the villain which I already stressed enough about, I think Kelly reached a new level of emotional intimacy with Nya and I'm so happy she showed her skills 💜💜
Animation is TOP, there's little to no point into saying anything else since they showed it very clearly in the latest season ☺
This was the emotional, witty and engaging writing I was looking for! Good jokes, meaningful dialogues, emotional scenes, everything was really good and I'm gonna rewatch some scenes especially for that 😍
It turned out having Maya and Ray back was kind of a distraction to fool us all 😅😅 Well played actually, and it was very cool seeing them again in any case 🙋‍♀️
And now? Jay lost his love, I have no idea if the show will work on him getting over her or hold onto her memory (thinking of Jay probably the latter, although I do think that handling the first would be an interesting idea). KAI LOST HIS SISTER 😢😢😢 I have no doubt he's gonna beat himself up for it, like he did when Zane was gone too. Everyone lost their friend, she had become such a vital part of the team and now she is not here anymore it will be hard...
They are back with the four plus one green savior formation, I sincerely don't know how I feel about that 😅 I'm always happy when we get the OGs, but this is about going on without Nya... maybe Skylor will be called? Or Pixal will be more active? That could be interesting to see, who knows 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️
Gosh, how are they going to handle the next season? It will have to give A LOT of answers to the millions questions we all have right now. Man I can't wait, it could be anything!!! This is a Ninjago revolution!
But if I have to mention a little complain, and I'm a fangirl so I absolutely have to, Kai didn't show much of a reaction to Nya's "departure". Okay, she didn't straight up die like in Skybound (I'm gonna fear all BOUND seasons from now on 😱), but he's her brother and he loves deeply his family. Either we're gonna see him go all out next season, or the writers really did only focus on Jaya. A tiny bit salty... but you got me a fantastic finale so I'll move on 👍
Outstanding, I'm blown away. Whenever I think I'm used to this show they do stuff like this. I'm so glad and sad you guys 😅 But mostly happy that despite everything I still get very strong emotions while I watch this long time favorite show of mine 💜💜💜
What else can I say at this point? ONTO NEXT SEASON!!! 🤩🤩🤩
Thank you for reading me freaking out over LEGO spinning ninja as always! It helps me calm down but this time it might be harder thant the others... *sobs*
I need to lay down and process all of this, I'll be on my way 😂😂 BYE!!! 💜
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spinchip · 4 years ago
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Hey so I really like your Hometown Glory au and the image of the elemental masters interacting with Lloyd is just in my mind so I written some drabble
(Submitted by @sombrerokiwi)
When Griffen bumped into the kid on the boat ride to the island he thought that the kid was one of the worker’s sons or something. A bit odd that their boss would let him run around in a boat but considering that he literally is in a boat full of elemental masters, it wouldn’t exactly be the strangest thing to see. A little concerning but nothing dangerous exactly happened to them so far besides some warnings and taunts all between them.
So it was shocking to find out that this kid is apparently the master of energy.
What Griffen was focused on was the fact that Chen let them compete in the tournament.
Don’t get him wrong, he was totally going to sweep the competition away and beat all the competitors at their own game. However, letting a kid into this? That’s just wrong.
All the other champions are already older than twenty and then they have to fight this kid who clearly has very limited training? Yeah no that’s not happening. He isn’t going to beat up a kid because he was caught up in this mess.
  If ever he is going to face him, he is going lose. Winning is great and all but he isn’t going to beat up a kid.
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  Kai wasn’t here for the tournament at all, he was here for Nya. All he wanted was to bring Nya home and forget all this tournament of elements BS.
  That all ended when the ship left and when they were basically stranded here once Zane left.
  He wasn’t sure what he was expecting in the tournament. Fights obviously of course. But other than that he doesn’t really know. And everyone else was an elemental master so who knows if he truly has the advantage or not.
  A thirteen year old being announced as one of those masters wasn’t something he would have ever expected. I mean who lets a thirteen year old into what basically is an illegal fight club?
  When the first event rolled around he went and last saw the kid being helped by the invisible guy. To be fair it was more like the guy purposefully dropped his blade in front of him and then stole another one from Cole if he remembers correctly.
  Kai just barely got through by beating the metal elemental master Karlof.
  It was clear to everyone that Karlof was the loser here. What was not expected however was for him to fall down a trap door to who knows where!
  Kai thought that the losers just kind of just either get sent home or are benched somewhere in the area, not dropped down below!
  “Hey hey Chen what exactly is under the trap door?! Do we get thrown to out deaths or something or do we just get thrown into cells?!” shouted Jay
  Chen looked at him with some annoyance. “Well why should I tell you? If you keep winning and not lose then you would never need to know what exactly happens!”
  No one liked that answer. There were murmerings all about and some are glancing at the kid with worry.
  Kai may not want to participate in this tournament but right now it looks like he has three goals in mind. First he needs to find a way off this island if things ever go to hell. Second is to protect Nya and make sure she doesn’t get disqualified. And third is to find out more about the kid and protect him.
  Nya can protect herself and Kai knows but he isn’t about to turn a blind eye at her and now that there is a kid in the mix, he isn’t going to let a thirteen year old get hurt in this place.
  He may not like the kid but he is still just a kid. No one really in this place feels great about the idea of beating up a spunky overconfident kid.
  Later he finds out his name is Lloyd and it turns out that underneath his spunky persona, he is actually a really good kid. Cole and Jay sooned joined him, Nya, and Lloyd at their table. During their time eating Jay talked about how he would tinker with some electronics when he was young, how Cole would basically be the strongest person anyone would have met, and how Lloyd would talk about how his training lessons and something about how his uncle and mom know almost everything about Ninjago.
  At that short time the group seemed to have decided to protect the kid at all times. Kai isn’t sure about the others but like hell is he going to let this kid get hurt.
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  Chamille wasn’t sure what to make of this Lloyd kid.
  On one hand he’s a kid and beating up children is generally frowned upon.
  On the other hand she really wants to win
  When first meeting him she thought he would immediately be disqualified first round through and through. Of course then Paleman pitied him and nudged him towards a jade blade and he advanced.
  Then Karlof fell down the trap door and that puts a new perspective in things.
  For one this means that the losers would be either given death or worse and now everyone is just being real paranoid with each other and making allies with each other and waiting to backstab the other when the time is right.
  This also means that if the squirt loses it means that they are probably sending him to his death.
  Chamille wants to go and teach him that he isn’t that much of a hotshot as he thinks he is but at the same time she doesn’t think death is the best method to teach him.
  As the rounds went by and more and more people get disqualified, everyone just sort of held their breath and hoped to not fight the kid. There is even some talk of finding a way off this island after some rumors fly around that this competition isn’t what it seems. And to be honest, after hearing that the kid is actually competing with them, she is starting to believe that. 
  Lloyd may be the so called Master of Energy but it took Chamille years to fully master her element. Lloyd is no older than thirteen and she doubts he even scratched a surface of his power. Maybe he is as powerful as everyone else but he obviously doesn’t have control over it.
  Of course Chamille was the unlucky one and has to be the one to be pitted against him.
  Chen says that they have to beat each other at Thunderblade and if he thinks that situation makes it better that she is competing with a literal kid then it really doesn’t.
  Everyone took their respective teams however there is some more people at Lloyd’s side than hers and really, she can’t blame them. It’s a rigged fight. I mean pitting a child against an adult is something that isn’t exactly considered fair.
  So she slows down a bit and everyone on her team seem to go a little easier on him. She wants to win of course but she still wants to give him fair chance at least.
  Then one of them starts talking about how Chen is planning to steal their powers for his own goals.
  At first she thought really it’s just something to get her to lose. She wants to win first and foremost and she already gave Lloyd a fighting chance when he had it and if he couldn’t catch up then shame on him. She’s in it for the glory.
  They kept trying to convince the others still and now her own teammates seem to try to sabotage her as well.
  She would have still called it BS if it weren’t for the fact that the kid started to beg to listen to them and to stop the tornament for the sake of surviving and keeping their powers and stopping Chen.
  There was some desperation in his eyes that made Chamille realise that Lloyd was not lying and was telling the honest truth. They both decided to win together and stop Chen once and for all.
  Chen tried to rigged the competition but luckily she is a master of Forme, and as such she can trick Chen into believing that she herself is Lloyd.
  The moment they realised that she wasn’t Lloyd, Clouse started to do some weird magic stuff on Lloyd holding him back. And then Tox decided to just tackle Clouse to stop it. Stupid move if you ask her but if it works, it works.
  At one point both she and Lloyd got the buggy and started to get the same amount of points. Chen of course kept trying to rig the competition but she doubts that at this pace, there is anything able to stop them.
  The moment the race finished they both won. Everyone started to gain up on Chen and take him down and let them go home and stop his plans.
  Chen of course was quick and presses one of the trap door buttons.
  Griffen however is quicker. Especially since he is the elemental master of speed.
  He pushes both Lloyd and her out of the way and falls into the abyss down below.
  Chamille’s not sure what Chen is planning but by god she is going to kick that guys ass for thinking that he can steal all their powers and get away with it.
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WOW! Thank you so much for writing this little fic, I’m so glad you like my AU enough to write for it! i was so excited to read this when i opened my inbox! Thanks again, i love this :]
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fanfalc-616 · 4 years ago
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The Rights Of A Nindroid
Chapter Eleven
(Previous Chapter Here)
(Discord Here)
Look idk what you people want from me but I don’t think this is it so we’ll be back to our regularly scheduled program when this is finished (:
“No!” Kai snaps, crossing his arms. “We need to get Zane back now! We can’t just wait and hope it’ll turn out oka-“
“We are not just waiting!” Sentry feels his patience finally cracking. This red ninja is the most infuriating person he has ever met. “I understand that you would like to get Zane back as quickly as possible- I want Cryptor back as well! But this is the only plan that I have been able to come up with that may possibly work! And how many effective plans have you come up with, again?”
Smoke starts to smolder off of him, but Lloyd puts himself between the two of them. “Do you think it would really work?” He prompts.
Sentry nods. “I already got Dad to agree, and it’s only a matter of time before they’ll have to start giving in.” After a moment's pause, he adds, “Granted, it may be a lot of time, but at the very least, we will start to make progress.”
There’s murmurs of agreement from the other ninja before Jay speaks up. “Is there anything we can do in the meantime?” He prompts.
Hesitating, Sentry tries to come up with any possible thing they could do. After a few moments, he finds himself shaking his head. “Nothing that I can think of.”
Kai opens his mouth to say something, but Nya pulls him back. Although he can’t hear her, he’s easily able to read her lips when she whispers at her brother to “Shut up”.
“Thanks for your help.” Cole speaks up next, giving him a pained smile. “We’ll see if there’s anything else we can do to move things along.”
Sentry nods with his own forced smile. “I should get back to the tower. Good luck!”
And with that, he heads off, hoping against hope that they’ll be able to find them.
It might take some time, but they’ll get them out.
One way or another.
{ { { { { { { { { { ~ } } } } } } } } } }
Zane shifts uncomfortably in the locker. They have been left alone for quite a while, and while he certainly does not prefer it when he is being tortured…
He finds himself rather bored.
After a few more hours of dwelling in his thoughts, an idea strikes him, and he starts to tap on the side of the locker.
WHAT NUMBER AM I THINKING OF?
There’s only a short pause before Cryptor replies, much shorter than most previous ones.
WHAT THE FUCK HOW IMMATURE ARE YOU?
Zane finds himself shaking some. Perhaps playing a game is rather immature, but he was designed to have consistent cognitive challenges, and this current circumstance is not a good example of them.
MY WORD IS FIFTEEN LETTERS LONG
If Zane still had his faceplate, he’s sure his expression would be one of surprise- at least, until it would turn into a smile as the words fully register.
HANGMAN?
He doesn’t wait for a response before tapping out his own.
LETTER A?
As Cryptor taps out his reply, Zane suddenly finds that he doesn’t feel as alone anymore.
FOUR FROM THE END
If his eye sockets were fully in place, Zane would be rolling his eyes. As it is, he shakes his head in amusement.
UNCOPYRIGHTABLE?
It would only make sense for Cryptor to go with the longest word without any letter repeats- it would likely stump the vast majority of people.
There’s a long pause before Cryptor replies.
HOW LONG IS YOUR WORD?
A low chuckle escapes him as he recognizes Cryptor admitting defeat. He takes a few moments to think of one.
He hesitates before he sends the message, debating if he really should choose this word.
TEN LETTERS
There’s barely a pause before Cryptor replies, the other quickly tapping out his own message.
LETTER A?
It seems as though Cryptor has the same strategy as him. Pick out the vowels and move on from there.
NO LETTER A
This is actually a relatively simple word, but it is the meaning behind it that makes it so important, the implications and the question that it asks.
LETTER E?
Zane still finds himself wary when he responds. It is possible that Cryptor will be annoyed and perhaps stop speaking to him, but that is a risk that he must take.
THE FOURTH LETTER
There’s a slight pause before Cryptor asks another letter.
LETTER I?
Zane nods, despite the fact that Cryptor can’t see him. It’s an almost instinctual habit to provide visual agreement.
THIRD AND NINTH LETTERS
There’s a pause, a very long pause, and it makes Zane start to doubt himself. This was somewhat risky, but he was hoping that perhaps-
THE WORD IS FRIENDSHIP?
Hesitantly, Zane gives an affirmative reply, trying to hold steady. The word itself is plain and simple, but in this circumstance, it is asking him if they could truly consider each other allies, if they can trust each other, if they…
If they can actually be friends.
Zane is well aware that Cryptor was based off of his design and was built to kill him and his teammates, but the circumstances have changed so much that perhaps… perhaps they could ally themselves for more than convenience.
A few minutes pass, and with every one, Zane feels his tension levels rising. Is Cryptor denying him his request for friendship? Or is he simply thinking about it? What-
MY WORD IS SEVEN LETTERS LONG
Zane feels himself shaking as he tries to consider the possible words. This is likely either an acceptance or denial, or perhaps even just a way to ignore the meaning.
LETTER I?
Cryptor’s response comes in quick.
THIRD LETTER
Even though he has an idea of what it likely is, Zane decides to be certain before he says it.
LETTER F?
Every passing second feels like an hour, though time has not truly slowed.
FIRST LETTER
Zane breathes out a little at Cryptor’s reply. So far it appears that he is correct about what the word is, but it would be unwise to make a hasty assumption.
LETTER E?
Cryptor’s response comes rather quickly, minimizing the agonizing time spent waiting.
FOURTH LETTER
Shaking, Zane continues, trying to ignore the combination of excitement and fear as they draw closer to the end of the word.
LETTER N?
Despite no tone being capable through Morse Code, Cryptor still manages to sound annoyed.
THE WORD IS FRIENDS YOU IDIOT
Zane hears a soft laugh escape him as he shakes his head in amusement, some cheerfulness washing over him at the confirmation that they really are friends.
MY WORD IS FIVE LETTERS LONG
They continue on like this for quite a while before stopping, the both of them finally growing tired with the game. It had been enjoyable while it lasted, but all things are better in moderation.
Smiling, Zane prepares his sleep mode, ready about to release the memories of a rather uneventful day.
But then he hears the latter of soft footsteps down the hall. Zane finds himself pressing backwards against the back of the locker, unhappy with the torment he’s sure will be coming.
It seems to take a while for the guard to figure out the lock- perhaps they are new here, or the system has been recently changed.
The door opens, and Zane hears a low gasp escape him as he recognizes the one on the other side- or rather, what his sensors want him to believe.
Still, he looks so real, so lifelike, that Zane can’t stop himself from breathing out the name of his teammate.
“Kai.”
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cloud9in · 4 years ago
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Hazel
Summary: Ava decides that in order to win Hazel’s heart, she’d serenade her outside of her window...in the middle of a snowstorm
Pairing: Ava x Mc (Hazel) (based on the song Hazel by Lloyd) (I recommend listening to it)
Warnings: NONE, just a lot of fluff...and some angst?
Word Count: 2.4k
Permanent Taglist: @samanthadalton @satrinadia I’m also gonna tag some Ava stans: @kamilahsayeet2063 @dopeyouth 
The soles of Ava’s boots softly sink into the powder like snow that had begun plating the ground a few hours ago. It was now midnight. The moon sparkled brightly even through the flurry of snow that poured from the sky. Ava brushes off the thin layer of snowflakes that coated her face, and puffs out a breath of air. She knew that she probably resembled an apple, but that wasn’t the most important thing to think about in the moment.
 The cheerleader stood below Hazel’s window with a black and silver Sony boombox that she borrowed from Mack. Ava had made a mental note to thank her best friend's sister properly, after (hopefully) succeeding with her plan. To be fair, Mackenzie didn’t take it too well when Ava first came to her with the idea.
  ~
 “Why do you want my boombox? There's plenty of ones available for whatever you have planned, which is what by the way?” 
Ava visibly stiffens, her fingers curling into the hem of her plaid skirt as she spoke, “Well...there’s this movie that Hazel and I used to watch...”. Mackenzie rolls her eyes dramatically as she flops onto her bed, “Oh that movie...hm what was it again.” The blue-haired girl strokes her chin thoughtfully before speaking, “oh right ‘Say Anything’.”
 Ava glances at her with a look of surprise, her fingers slowly loosening the hold on her skirt. Mackenzie takes it as a sign to elaborate, “it’s practically all Hazel talks about, she’s drilled it into my brain at this point and now here you are bringing it up again. Can I ever catch a break?” She visibly huffs with a hand over her heart before shooting Ava a wink. An awkward silence sits in the room for a moment until Mackenzie sits up in thought, her eyebrows knitting together before speaking, “I thought you two weren’t on speaking terms?” 
 Ava frowns at her words and turns her head to look down the hall at Hazel’s closed door. “Well...yes we aren’t. But I want to apologize to her in a way that is meaningful for the both of us. I think that...this is the perfect way.” The brunette displays a hopeful grin on her face as she looks in Mackenzie’s direction.
 “...You do know that the whole ‘puppy eyes and please look at my charming smile’ thing does not work on me right? I am not my sister”, Mackenzie deadpans.
 “Huh, so it does work on Hazel”, Ava smiles to herself silently as she makes a plan to tease her best friend about it.
  “As a matter of fact...Hazel seems to drop everything and run to you whenever you use that damn look..”. Mackenzie tilts her head to the side and gives Ava a weird look. 
The brunette tries not to fidget in front of the girl. Mack didn’t know of Ava’s attraction to her big sister, and she wanted to keep it that way for now. Ava didn’t want to picture what Mackenzie’s shovel talk would consist of...the girl could be unpredictable.
 “What happened between you guys anyway?”
 Ava moves her gaze down to the floor, contemplating her answer. She couldn’t tell Mackenzie what really happened after the ski trip...
  But the truth is that Hazel and Ava had gotten closer, sharing their first kiss in her car. The cheerleader had dropped her off that night after practice and before she could stop herself, Hazel was pulled back into the car by her arm, and their lips locked. It felt so perfect...Ava never felt that way when kissing Bayla. Her heart sped up every time she caught a glimpse of the girl's pink hair in the halls. There were moments where Ava had to walk away so she wouldn’t make the mistake of tangling her fingers in Hazel’s hair, burying her perfect lips with her own. The only thing stopping her was Bayla. 
Even after the kiss, Ava couldn’t make the decision to fully leave her girlfriend, not until Hazel was sure she knew what she wanted as well. The brunette refused to ruin her own relationship in fear of her best friend picking someone else in the end. 
The two shared glances occasionally but neither one has spoken to each other after a huge argument one day in the locker room. All of those bottled up emotions had spilled in that moment, but it only left a rift too big to seal up with a simple “I’m sorry”. It seems like the best option would be to sit down and talk it all out, but what teenager is capable of such civility? 
Ava breathes out quietly as her mind starts to cloud with thoughts. Why am I still with her? Hazel is the one I want.... No, need. She couldn’t get neither Hazel nor Bayla out of her head. Is this the way her best friend feels about Mason and Noah? 
 She blinks back to reality after a moment and looks up to see Mackenzie staring at her expectantly. “Um...well it's just some school and girlfriend drama”, Ava says nonchalantly, hoping to convince the blue-haired girl otherwise. It's clear that Mack doesn’t fully believe her, but she drops the topic and walks towards her closet, pulling out the shiny new boombox. She hands it over to Ava but not before staring directly into her eyes, “You break my baby and we’re going to have a problem Lawrence.” The brunette gapes at her for a split second and then nods her head carefully. 
Yeah she definitely didn’t want to hear that shovel talk now.
 ~
 Ava smiles at the little memory as she dusts more snowflakes from her face. She looks up at the grey sky and shields her eyes from the falling snow. The light flurry was beginning to accelerate into a storm and the many layers Ava had on wouldn’t be able to protect her for much longer. She had to get a move on, it was now or never. 
Funny that out of any time of the day, Ava had picked during a snowstorm to confess her love to Hazel. Was it love? Ava knew deep down that she was crazy in love with the girl but didn’t want to scare her away. So instead of saying “I love you, be my girlfriend”, the cheerleader decided that bringing a boombox and blasting an old school love song while serenading Hazel from below her window, in a soon to be blizzard... would be the best idea ever. 
She positioned the boombox onto her shoulders before reaching up to hit the play button, a deep yet melodious beat encompassing the air as the singer hummed sweet words 
I'm beginnin' to see
The more we hang together
Baby girl, I like you
'Cause you're better
Ava’s arms shook intensely but it wasn’t because of the weight of the box. A surge of nervousness had fluttered in her stomach and seeped its way into her bones. Is this stupid? Is she even awake? Will she be angry that I woke her up? The brunette had started to doubt her actions as she stood there.  There was no hint of a silhouette behind the transparent curtains in Hazel’s room, and Ava had almost switched the song off until the lights turned on.
 ~
 Hazel had settled under her thick blankets for the night, but she knew she wouldn’t be able to sleep. The fight she had with Ava constantly replayed in her head, but not nearly as much as the kiss did. Hazel still felt the brunette’s lips on hers, the tingling sensation seemed to never go away. She lightly touched her lips and closed her eyes, reliving every touch and feeling Ava had caused that night. Her heart started to beat rapidly, and it was the only thing she could hear before a sudden commotion invaded her thoughts...
 Hey Hazel
I like you
Can't see myself without you
My sweet Hazel
'Cause I think I'm in love (I'm in love)
Hazel’s eyes shot open as she sat up abruptly. Was that my name? She thought to herself as she peered towards the window. Down below she could see a figure standing but the blowing snow made it hard to make out who it was. Hazel steadily slipped out of her covers, immediately wrapping her arms around her abdomen for warmth. She cautiously slipped below the window and squinted her eyes to see the intruder, but to no avail. She couldn’t see who it was, which meant that turning on her bedroom lights was the only option. Hazel sighed to herself before flipping the switch up and creeping back to her spot. What the hell am I doing? She thought again, deciding to stand up and face the man who sang her name shamelessly.
 Except it was no man.
 ...It was Ava
 Hazel does a double take as her jaw drops open at the sight below her. Ava holds a boombox above her head as Lloyd sings his heart out. When the brunette notices Hazel, a gorgeous smile appears on her face, eyes twinkling with delight. They looked like snowflakes themselves and Hazel felt as if she was in trance.
 Ava began to sing along, her voice belting out in the most incredible way possible, as the snow shined heavily behind her. It was the most stunning thing Hazel had ever witnessed.
Can't see myself without you
My sweet Hazel
Girl, I think I'm in love (I'm in love)
She hums the background vocals while never breaking eye contact with the girl above her. It was sensual and Hazel felt her face flood with heat as she covered her mouth. Ava puts the boombox down and points her fingers up at Hazel as she continues the song, whispering her name 
...Hazel
 Hazel...
Lloyd’s vocals croon in the background as the two girls just stare at each other. Ava didn’t fight the urge and allowed herself to sink into the deep pools of honey that were home to Hazel’s face. The light in her room added an extra sparkle to her eyes as she laughed with joy. Hazel was relieved that her dark complexion couldn’t reveal a deep redness that only Ava could cause. Her whole body felt like it was on fire, the cold didn’t bite at her skin anymore. Excitement runs through her veins as she dashes out of her bedroom, down the stairs, out through the front door, and right into Ava’s arms. The cheerleader yelps in surprise as she steadies her hold on Hazel, holding her up midair. She giggles into Hazel’s neck as they hug each other tightly. 
 “Couldn’t resist me eh?”
 Hazel laughs, swatting playfully at Ava’s padded shoulder. She leans in for another hug, enveloping herself in all of the warmth that the brunette provided, despite the chilly air. After a minute of just holding each other, Ava reluctantly pulls away and cups Hazel’s cheek, turning her head to look down at her. “Hazel...I’m really sorry. For everything.”
 The giggles and laughter are put on pause as Ava sets her down. Hazel doesn’t let go of the brunette no matter how much her brain protests to step back. She couldn’t. This is what she desperately craved for ever since she lost her best friend. Now that Ava was back in her arms, Hazel held on tightly, like she feared that history would repeat itself if she let go. This time would be different, this time they were going to talk it out. 
 “Listen Hazel I-”
 She doesn’t let Ava continue, putting a finger against her mouth to shush her.
 “We can talk about it tomorrow..”. Hazel gestures to the white snow blanketing around them, “When we’re not in the middle of a snow storm”, she claims. 
 Ava looks around with her and nods her head in agreement, a small smile playing at her lips. Tomorrow they’d solve this problem, but for now,  Hazel is going to enjoy every last bit of this experience. So many ideas flooded her mind, maybe she’d throw a bunch of snowballs at Ava, or push her into the snow. Maybe she’d just hold her hand and let the snow plummet and build around them.
My sweet Hazel
Girl, I think I'm in love (I'm in love)
She gazes into Ava’s eyes lovingly, pulling her flush against her smaller frame. Hazel watches as small snowflakes trickle down onto the brunette’s rosy cheeks, and leans in to kiss every individual freckle that painted her face. Ava pulls back after a good five kisses and chuckles down at the girl, “you know if you keep that up, we’ll be standing here all night.” 
 Hazel sways gently in her arms, a cheeky smile invading her dark features, “and who says that wasn’t my plan all along…?”
 Ava giggles and swiftly picks up Hazel once more, this time spinning her around in the snowfall. They’re bodies were drenched with the white coating, but they didn’t mind it. Hazel looked up into the sky as she screamed with happiness.
Girl I think I’m in love
I’m in love
I’m in love
Ava peered up at her best friend, the smile on her face looked like a million dollars. She pulls her down into a searing kiss that completely shuts out the blizzard around them. As soon as their lips connected, Ava felt like all was right in the world. She could taste the sweet cherry chapstick that Hazel always wore. God it was even better than last time. 
She gently sucks on Hazel’s lower lip, watching her every gasp and the way her nose scrunches up when she squeezes her eyes shut. God she is so perfect.
 They both eventually pulled back for air, the heat between them seemingly growing hotter and hotter. If they never stopped, the whole neighborhood would be melted of snow. 
 “You know you are my whole world Hazel…” 
 “Just shut up and spin me around again”
The two girls howl with laughter as they collide together in the storm.
...From out of her window, Mackenzie shouts down “KNEW IT!!!”, her fist pumping in the air.
 ...Noah sits on his motorcycle in the storm and watches them kiss, an ache growing in his heart. 
 ...Mason turns back in the direction he came from, refusing to witness the scene before him. The flowers he once held in his hand, now laid peacefully under the blanket of snow.
 ...and Ava’s phone that's lodged into the snow lights up for the third time: 3 missed calls from Bayla.
It rings one more time before going silent.
I’m in love
I’m in love
I’m in love
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jcs-study · 3 years ago
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In 1970, the idea of Judas Iscariot as someone intelligent who didn't do what he did out of basic evil, someone who didn't think of himself as a traitor, was revolutionary. Jesus Christ Superstar asked its listener (or viewer) to walk a mile in his shoes. If you're going to embrace the story as Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber wrote it, you must do the same, starting with this real masterpiece of economical, character-driven exposition.
Today's recording is from the original Broadway cast highlights. I've always enjoyed the jazz-rock inflections from the top flight session group Randall's Island, which formed the "rhythm" section of the orchestra on the show's first authorized concert tour and on Broadway, and Ben Vereen's gripping performance sounds like a man running out of time. All the study and commentary after the jump!
The Lyrics
JUDAS MY MIND IS CLEARER NOW AT LAST, ALL TOO WELL I CAN SEE WHERE WE ALL SOON WILL BE
IF YOU STRIP AWAY THE MYTH FROM THE MAN YOU WILL SEE WHERE WE ALL SOON WILL BE
JESUS! YOU'VE STARTED TO BELIEVE THE THINGS THEY SAY OF YOU YOU REALLY DO BELIEVE THIS TALK OF GOD IS TRUE
AND ALL THE GOOD YOU'VE DONE WILL SOON GET SWEPT AWAY YOU'VE BEGUN TO MATTER MORE THAN THE THINGS YOU SAY
LISTEN JESUS I DON'T LIKE WHAT I SEE ALL I ASK IS THAT YOU LISTEN TO ME AND REMEMBER I'VE BEEN YOUR RIGHT-HAND MAN ALL ALONG
YOU HAVE SET THEM ALL ON FIRE THEY THINK THEY'VE FOUND THE NEW MESSIAH AND THEY'LL HURT YOU WHEN THEY FIND THEY'RE WRONG
I REMEMBER WHEN THIS WHOLE THING BEGAN NO TALK OF GOD THEN WE CALLED YOU A MAN AND BELIEVE ME MY ADMIRATION FOR YOU HASN'T DIED
BUT EVERY WORD YOU SAY TODAY GETS TWISTED 'ROUND SOME OTHER WAY AND THEY'LL HURT YOU IF THEY THINK YOU'VE LIED
NAZARETH YOUR FAMOUS SON SHOULD HAVE STAYED A GREAT UNKNOWN LIKE HIS FATHER CARVING WOOD HE'D HAVE MADE GOOD
TABLES CHAIRS AND OAKEN CHESTS WOULD HAVE SUITED JESUS BEST HE'D HAVE CAUSED NOBODY HARM NO ONE ALARM
LISTEN JESUS DO YOU CARE FOR YOUR RACE? DON'T YOU SEE WE MUST KEEP IN OUR PLACE? WE ARE OCCUPIED HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN HOW PUT DOWN WE ARE?
I AM FRIGHTENED BY THE CROWD FOR WE ARE GETTING MUCH TOO LOUD AND THEY'LL CRUSH US IF WE GO TOO FAR IF WE GO TOO FAR
(instrumental)
LISTEN JESUS TO THE WARNING I GIVE PLEASE REMEMBER THAT I WANT US TO LIVE BUT IT'S SAD TO SEE OUR CHANCES WEAKENING WITH EVERY HOUR
ALL YOUR FOLLOWERS ARE BLIND TOO MUCH HEAVEN ON THEIR MINDS IT WAS BEAUTIFUL BUT NOW IT'S SOUR YES, IT'S ALL GONE SOUR
(ad lib to fade)
The Plot
The Jews have already been persecuted enough by their Roman occupiers. As far as what Jesus is saying, general principles of how human beings should live together, that's easy to approve of. But the more popular he gets, the more his followers are switching their attention from what the man is saying to the man himself. They are saying, "This man is the Messiah!" Some are even calling him God.
Judas can see that things are going badly awry and that all the good work Jesus has done will soon be for naught. The situation is volatile and the authorities are beginning to focus their attention on Jesus' activities. His followers are getting carried away with too many delusions of grandeur, and if the movement gets too big, the might of Rome will come down hard on them. Jesus is getting out of control, the mass attention is affecting him, and he may ultimately do more harm than good. If only he would listen...
The Analysis
Judas is one of the most fully-drawn characters in the show, and, in my opinion, this song is one of the biggest reasons why. Right from the top, it gives us everything: it introduces Judas and establishes him as the central dramatic character, an intelligent, perceptive man with (legitimate) concerns; explains his relationship with Jesus and his doubts about Jesus' approach; even provides some information about Jesus' growing ministry. (This is rather important in a musical without a traditional book.)
Melodically speaking, it establishes rather more than that as well. As Scott Miller puts it:
Lloyd Webber doesn't use literal reprises -- repeated songs with the same or similar lyrics -- except for a couple of fragments in Act II. Instead, he re-uses music with entirely new lyrics (a device known as contrafactum). This works in much the same way as reprises, connecting characters or events by giving them the same music. He doesn't really develop musical themes or motifs, choosing instead to repeat them exactly or almost exactly. Though it's not as sophisticated as other theatre scores, his use of contrafactum is interesting, and in most cases, dramatically motivated. [...] The first eight songs in the show introduce eight melodies which will be used again and again throughout the score. [Referring to "Heaven On Their Minds,"] [t]he repeated ostinato vamp in the bass will later accompany the thirty-nine lashes and we will see that Judas was right all along about the dangers ahead.
Ever catch that? ;)
This is important to remember not just with this song, but in the others that follow -- pay close attention to what theme is assigned to whom, and try to interpret why they may be linked dramatically, and what that means.
Other Notes of Intrigue
When JCS moved to the stage, one thing the songs frequently lost was "fades," something which Tim Rice laments in his autobiography whilst referring to a later song:
...in subsequent stage versions, Andrew had to give the number a big ending rather than let it drift away. I have always loved pop records that faded as I feel I could hang on to the song just that little bit longer than even the creators intended and let it go when I wanted it to end.
The merits of each approach reflect the difference in the respective media; the "fade" is a convention more suited to records, whereas, in live theater, songs typically end on a "button" and are (usually) better for it.
Per a (briefly) licensed early script that no longer reflects the current version, the closing lyrics, partially reflecting Murray Head's ad-lib on the original album, were as follows:
AH AH AH AH AH GONE JESUS! GONE SOUR LISTEN JESUS TO THE WARNING I GIVE AH – GONE JESUS! WON'T YOU LISTEN TO ME WON'T YOU LISTEN TO ME WON'T YOU LISTEN TO ME
It's doubtful how much, if any, of the foregoing was ever performed on stage, as each noteworthy "Judas" from the era (Head, Ben Vereen, Carl Anderson, Jon English, to mention just a few) pretty much did their own thing.
Another attempt to give the song a defined ending would follow later. Speaking of which...
Coming Up Next:
You'd think I'd be moving on to the next song, but there's actually a bit more to come about "Heaven On Their Minds" -- first, an intriguing alternate take with wildly different lyrics released as a single before the original album came out, and second, the revised version for the 1996 London revival which has been licensed in more or less that form ever since. (The differences are slimmer on the latter, but since that's basically the form it takes when the show is put on today, it's important to cover what changed -- and what didn't.)
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gwenbrightly · 4 years ago
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I've been thinking a lot about that Twitter post about how Nya doesn't tell Jay she loves him on screen and... Had some ideas about it. Please enjoy "A Million Ways to Say I Love You".
Jay doesn’t need to be told Nya loves him; he knows she does. He sees it in her eyes, in the way she lights up when he asks to spend time with her. In the way she doesn’t hesitate to smack him when he does something stupid and then laugh at his pain. He’s learned to look for it in the little things because that’s just how Nya is. The days of needing a flashy declaration of love to feel secure in his relationship are long gone. But Nya must not know that, he realizes when she hesitantly asks,
“Does it ever bother you that I… that I don’t really… you know… say ‘I love you’ very often?” one day while they’re working on a project together.
“Why would you ask that?” he asks, taken aback. Nya shrugs.
“I guess I was just… curious. Normal couples say that sort of thing to each other all the time and I… don’t.”
She looks away before he can reply.
“Oh, Nya. You wanna know something crazy? It really doesn’t bother me at all.” He tells her, catching her hands with his. She frowns, not fully believing him.
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah. I am. I won’t lie and say it never bothered me,” Jay begins, squeezing her hands, “because it did, once upon a time. When we first got back together, I wondered about it a lot. After all, I’ve never been one to hide my feelings, but there were a lot of times I had no idea what you were thinking. I began to wonder if maybe you regretted choosing me. But then… I realized something.”
Nya lets out a small, “Oh?” but let him continue.
“I grew up with Ma and Pa. Who are great, but are very, very expressive when it comes to affection. I say I love you a lot because it’s just who I am. But not everyone is like that. We all show love differently. Cole gives the biggest bear hugs. Zane cooks extravagant meals for people. Your brother is super protective of those he cares about. Lloyd tends to be self-sacrificial,” they both make faces of shared exasperation at this, “Even Master Wu shows his love subtly by sharing his favorite tea with us and holding us accountable even when we don’t want him to. Sometimes we say the words out loud, and sometimes we don’t. We’ve never judged anyone on the team for how or when they choose to express their love for us, have we?”
“No. I guess not.” Nya admits, finally making eye contact with Jay. He feels a rush of relief at his small victory. She’s such an amazing person, and if he could just help her see that, maybe she’d stop doubting herself quite so much.
“You see, Nya, there are a million ways to show love, to say I love you. None of them are bad or wrong, just different. I don’t need you to tell me you love me because I already know you do,” Jay tells her, giving her hands another squeeze, “Every time you let your walls down and trust me with a little bit more of yourself, I see your love in that. Because I know that, for you, trust isn’t something to be taken lightly. You must trust me a lot to let me in as much as you do. I see your love in other ways, too. Every hug, the time you set aside to do things together – those are way more precious to me than hearing you say you love me in actual words could ever be. They’re genuine and they come from your heart, not just what you think I want to hear.”
Nya sits there for awhile, processing, and Jay is more than happy to give her as long as she needs. He can see the wetness in her eyes and hopes she’s not going to burst into tears because that was not the intention of his words. Eventually she takes a deep breath and says,
“Jay, I… wow. You really are one in a million. Thank you for somehow always knowing exactly what I need to hear. I guess I’m just scared of messing up again, of not being enough, you know?”
Jay knows how she feels. For so long, he struggled with feeling inadequate. But not anymore. He knows his worth. Even if he still tends to be a bit of a train wreck most days.
“I get it,” he assured her, “I wish you could see yourself the way I see you. Because then you’d realize there’s nothing to worry about. You are the strongest, bravest, and smartest person I know, and I’m gonna keep on loving you no matter what you say or don’t say”
Nya sniffles a bit, but smiles the way she does whenever he manages to quell her doubts about something. She’s at peace, now, and that’s all he could’ve asked for.
“I guess this is the part where I say I have the most incredible and supportive boyfriend a girl could want and offer you a kiss?” Nya asks. Jay can see the gratitude in her eyes and doesn’t think twice about wiggling his eyebrows in what he hopes is a flirtatious way.
“Only if you want it to be.” He says teasingly. All is right with the world once again, each of them knowing that they are enough for each other. After all, there’s a million ways to say ‘I love you’ and they’ve found some pretty great ones.
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morromasterofwind · 4 years ago
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free as the wind
Holy cow! Due to personal reasons, it’s been over a year since I have wrote anything Ninjago related. Glad to be back. I think I’ve done this sort of concept before, but never really liked the execution of it. So, because “screw the rules” and “we make them”, I did it again. I felt Inspired™ and went with it. It is a peek into Morro’s head between S5’s ending and DOTD. Summary: Who was he, really? Guess he had all the time in the world left now to figure it out.
AO3 Version
(Fic below cut)
Sometimes, he wondered what made him so different from the ninja or from Lloyd. He didn’t really deserve to be with them or have what they did, anyway. Not after everything. Maybe that’s it. Maybe that’s why it hurt to see them with Wu. Maybe that was why he feared them. Why he envied them.
Really, it’s a dumb question to ask.
He just considers himself fortunate to be freed of the Cursed Realm. How was it even decided that he would go there after he died? Since when was ambition a crime against humanity? He was a child. He just wanted to get out of those caves and go back home. He never wanted to die alone.
You could argue his second experience with death was far more warranted. He probably wouldn’t debate you. He leveled a village. He stole someone’s body and, essentially, tortured them. What he did in death as a result of his ambition was far worse than anything he’d done in life. It was hard. It was so hard. He wanted to acknowledge his misdeeds. He knew, somehow, that what he’d done was not justified. But the justifications still ran rampant in his mind. He couldn’t get rid of them.
This was Wu’s fault. If he hadn’t opened his mouth, I wouldn’t have ever had to believe I was more than some kid who lived on the street. More than a person who would never amount to anything and would always be looked over. Someone who lived with the trash. Who lived off of the scraps in it. Who meant nothing and would be remembered by nobody. I wouldn’t have died before I could really live. I wouldn’t have been cursed and subjected to the excruciating years with The Preeminent.
But you don’t believe that. Wu gave you enough of a purpose. He helped you stay alive and gave you everything. He made you the master of the wind. You would have never known your own power and strength without him. But you never really did know, did you? You were too busy chasing someone else’s. You got greedy. You tossed aside yourself because that wasn’t good enough. When faced with the reality of who you were, you didn’t like it. You wanted to be something...someone...else. What did Lloyd even do to you, other than exist?
He couldn’t fully accept either view. He wondered if he’d ever settle on a “truth” and stick with it. He wondered if he’d ever have a place where he belonged. Somewhere to call home. The monastery wasn’t for him. The Cursed Realm wasn’t, either. Would the Departed Realm be? Probably not.
But that’s just like him, isn’t it? The wind. It never stays in one place. Sometimes, it’s soft. Others, it rages and makes itself known.
Come to think of it, the ninja were also like their elements. What he knew of them from Lloyd and his own experiences, at least. Cole was the foundation their team stood on. The earth. Kai was passionate and ignited that in his team during their worst moments. Not smothered out easily. Persistent. Fire. Jay kept his team on their toes and also lit up the dark...just in a different way. His excitement was contagious. He was a bit silly, yes. But underestimate and assume too little of his abilities, and he’d strike with a vengeance. Lightning. Zane was cold and unforgiving towards his enemies, but just the refresher his team needed to take away the heat of battle. Ice. And his...least...favorite...because she scared him...Nya. She was versatile and incredibly quick to adapt to any situation. Fluid like water. Maybe destiny wasn’t too crazy after all.
There’s something else that he forgot his beloved wind was: free. If this was the role he was bestowed after all, then he refused to let anything dictate who he was and the direction he would travel from now on. Not his doubt. Not The Preeminent. He’d never be the type to submit to destiny, because it could never hope to contain him. Not in its wildest dreams.
But maybe, just maybe, he could work with it.
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saline-coelacanth · 1 year ago
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Chen is indirectly responsible for so many things in Ninjago happening and I want to discuss it because I have been losing my mind over all the links I’ve been able to make. But before all that, we gotta go over the basics and set the foundation for how Chen is responsible for all these things happening.
Just as a heads up, this is gonna get long and it's very rambly because I sat down and wrote this whole thing just now so I'm gonna go ahead and put it under a cut. Also don't take anything I say too seriously, this was just for fun
First thing I want to mention since it isn’t really as relevant as later things, but Chen is indirectly responsible for Lloyd’s entire existence. This is because in season 4, we learn that he stole a letter that Wu had written for Misako and convinced Garmadon to sign it with his own name and give it to her. Misako later said that that letter was the reason she chose Garmadon over Wu, meaning that without Chen’s involvement, Misako wouldn’t have gotten with Garmadon and they never would have had Lloyd. Which I feel like this could link to so many things, but I’m gonna keep things simple (for now) and leave it there.
Now onto the main thing that I feel links Chen to so many events and that is the fact that he caused the Serpentine Wars. We find out that Chen was playing both sides during the war in order for the war to happen in the first place because he was bored of peace and wanted conflict. So he was the reason the Serpentine Wars happened which means he is the reason that the serpentine ultimately were locked away in their tombs. And because of this, he is also indirectly responsible for the anacondrai cannibalizing each other because they wouldn’t have done that if they weren’t trapped in the tomb.
Chen being responsible for the Serpentine Wars also makes him indirectly responsible for the serpentine’s hatred for humans and the surface world, because without Chen’s involvement, they would have come to a peaceful agreement and wouldn’t have gone to war. And because the serpentine were locked away in their tombs, once they were freed, they would want revenge. SO, Chen is indirectly responsible for the Great Devourer attack because the serpentine would never have had any reason to want revenge on the humans if the Serpentine Wars never happened and they never would have had a reason to listen to Pythor. Because even if for some reason, Pythor still wanted to release the Great Devourer, he would not have an army of serpentine to help him and I highly doubt he’d be able to gather all the fang blades by himself. Which also, as far as we know, the only reason Pythor wanted to release the Great Devourer was for revenge, so it’s possible he wouldn’t even have wanted to do that if it wasn’t for getting locked away in the tomb.
And that’s another thing, I believe that Chen is also indirectly linked to pretty much every villainous act that Pythor has done. I’m not saying that Chen caused Pythor to be evil, because I fully believe that Pythor has just always been like that, BUT we’ve already established that Chen was ultimately the reason that all the other anadondrai died, and I feel like if the rest of the anacondrai were still alive, they would have stopped Pythor from doing any of the evil things he wanted to do since the anacondrai weren’t evil, they just got tricked by Chen into fighting the humans.
Anyway, back to the Great Devourer. Since we’ve established that Chen indirectly caused the Great Devourer incident, we can therefore link him to Harumi’s parents dying and her becoming evil. And because we can link him to Harumi, we can link him to Garmadon getting resurrected because if it wasn’t for the Great Devourer attack, Harumi never would have lost her parents and she never would have worshiped Garmadon like she did. And as a small note, since we’ve linked Chen to Garmadon’s resurrection, we can also link him to the events of Hunted since those never would have happened without Garmadon getting resurrected. I feel like the Oni invasion still would have happened regardless, so I’ll go ahead and say Chen was not responsible for that.
So going back again, the events of season 5 can also be blamed on Chen. So we find out that the only reason Morro was able to escape the cursed realm was because they had to open up a portal to the cursed realm so the anacondrai generals could come and stop Chen. If it wasn’t for Chen’s evil plans in season 4, they never would have needed to open the portal to the cursed realm. And if you want to go deeper, the only reason the anacondrai generals were in the cursed realm to begin with is again, because of the Serpentine Wars that Chen directly caused. So since Chen can be linked to the events of Possession, we can link him to Cole turning into a ghost because again, Cole wouldn’t have become a ghost if Possession never happened because they wouldn’t have needed to go to the temple and yeah you get my point. The reason I bring up Cole becoming a ghost is because him being a ghost directly causes the events of Day of the Departed to happen, so yeah we can link that to Chen too. Are you guys starting to understand the insanity I’ve been going through? Well hold on, I’m not done yet.
Chen can also be linked to Skybound because Clouse is the one who finds the teapot and frees Nadakhan because he wanted to become mortal again so he could use his magic. And yeah, Clouse was a ghost because he got sent to the cursed realm after fighting Garmadon during season 4 which that fight wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for Chen because he was responsible for they entire season happening and also he was the one responsible for Garmadon and Clouse’s rivalry in the first place.
So that’s pretty much all of the big things I was able to link back to Chen, but there are some smaller things I wanted to mention. First of all, this part has been stated to be not canon, but I feel the need to mention that it was apparently planned that Chen was going to have been behind the Hands of Time. And also if we’re going off the idea that Chen is the reason Pythor was able to do all of his evil schemes, then we can link Chen to Zane’s death because the only reason the Overlord was able to become the Golden Master was because of Pythor so yeah. Also all of the shenanigans with the Mega Weapon in season 2 wouldn't have happened because the only reason Garmadon got all the golden weapons is because the ninja gave them to him so he could stop the Great Devourer, which again, we have linked to Chen. And the final thing I want to mention is that he is also responsible for Crystallized because the person who helped the Overlord in his plans was Harumi and we already established that Chen was indirectly responsible for Harumi becoming evil.
So yeah, I’m done rambling now. If anyone can think of any other events that can be linked back to Chen, please let me know because if this whole thing can get any deeper, I would love that lol.
Chen is indirectly linked to so many things in Ninjago happening and it's kind of crazy
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lottalucamotion · 4 years ago
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Stex Appreciation Month day 31: Nit Picks and What You’d Change
*Cracks knuckles*
Alright.
Once more this will be all text and no art since this is topic is probably better covered in words.
So basically I will be breaking down Stex into the way I would direct it if this was “Luca’s Starlight Express”. Some aspects will be full on changes, though most will just be a mix and match of aspects of different shows over the years that I liked.
So let’s begin this break down.
So first off I’ll talk about what seems to be wrong with Starlight and what the trends seem to show. I of course no nothing for sure, but this is just speculation based on rumors and little tidbits of information I’ve picked up on during my time in the fandom.
It seems like the biggest flaw that the show has is the lack of care, mainly by Andrew Lloyd Webber, for the show in general. While the show is heavily credited to have been created by ALW no doubt because he’s more the household name, Stillgoe is the one who really made Starlight what it is. Lloyd Webber was just reluctantly along for the ride. He was never fully on board with the idea of making Starlight a musical, and just intended for it to be a music collection for kids. It was to the point that ALW felt the need to put a disclaimer for critics saying that he didn’t really want to make it.
Starlight was always meant to be an audience entertainer, not a critic entertainer. From the minute it was conceived as a train musical on skates, it was damned to be crucified by critics, and well, the biggest issue with where it has ended up is the lack of acceptance to just let it be what it is.
This is not to say the show hasn’t always had some flaws. Where it seems to have always lacked is the story. It relied more on the spectical of being a series of being a roller skate show with music and races rather than a musical with a complex story and characters. Don’t get me wrong, this by no means implies the characters are not likable. The main cast has a lot of likable qualities even if they’re characterizations are fairly basic. In a sense this, give a chance for the audience to interpret the characters how they want. Though on the other hand it can also make the the main characters difficult to root for since their motivations are never really made clear.
In addition to that there are of course that matters of making certain characters out to be shallow stereotypes, and the critique that there is sexism in the story. Honestly, I think the poor direction in which the “fix” for the sexism critique is due to attention being paid too much to professional theatre critics who don’t actually want to give stex the time of day so they just say the story is sexist with no further elaboration, causing the direction to go blind into whatever the hell “I Need Me/Ich bin Ich” is.
Though not everything I would apply to my ideal stex is related to story. Most of it is just things are of no real consequence, just preference for this sequence or that song.
So now that this ramble is over, let’s actually get to the real meat of the matter.
I like the transition between the introduction of the nationals and Rolling Stock rather than starting with Rolling Stock.
I have a difficult time deciding whether Engine of Love should be Rusty’s intro or Call Me Rusty. I’m leaning more toward Engine of Love simply because I like that song more. Though putting in Engine of Love means that there won’t be any Whistled at Me variation. I would be okay with that even if I do love the pop version. Forgoing the “Dream Engine” plot point altogether honestly makes creating a more compelling characterization for Rusty and Pearl easy (Pearl’s dream train is a steam engine, and Rusty’s a steam engine so it just makes no sense why she would fall for and electric and diesel when she’s specifically looking for a steam engine).
So on that note let’s talk about what plot I have in mind for Rusty and Pearl. Pearl is a young excursion car who works around a lot of vintage engines for a luxury tourist line. Rusty and Pearl have known each other for a long time and promised each other that they would run their first race together.
While other engines are more inclined to be prejudiced toward steam engines, coaches find them quite romantic. However, Rusty’s physical state and the fact that he’s a switcher engine means that the coaches not only don’t believe he is capable of racing, but also believe it’s too dangerous for him. When Pearl agreed to race, she was not aware of how dangerous racing could be for Rusty.
Basically “Make Up My Heart” rewrite where Pearl makes the point that racing with Rusty could hurt him physically but she also doesn’t want to hurt his feelings.
It makes Pearl’s motives for leaving Rusty much less likely to be read as malicious, and makes more sense for their eventual romance.
As for Rusty, I prefer the writing going more toward how Rusty was originally written, more motivated to prove himself rather than racing to win over Pearl. Rusty’s reluctance to race coming from the fact that no one believes in him rather than just being rejected by Pearl. Obviously it stings the most coming from Pearl since the two of them were the closest, but she’s not the only factor. Maybe he even has thoughts that the coaches are right and he could get hurt.
Speaking of romances, let’s talk about Greaseball and Dinah. Dinah actions are likely the biggest sexism complaint source, and I won’t really deny that criticism. I get that we want everyone to get a happy ending at the end because that’s just the nature of this musical, it’s supposed to be light hearted and all. So if Greaseball and Dinah have to get together again, some justification should be given there, like implications that Greaseball and Dinah’s relationship beforehand is good and worth keeping even if just through the actors’ body language (like maybe Greaseball acting a bit more lovey-dovey toward Dinah in Pumping Iron rather than just having him treat her like all of the other coaches). Greaseball can still be a general asshole without being mean to Dinah. They can still have an argument about Greaseball’s cheating, but instead of having Dinah immediately backpedal to try to beg him out of leaving her, it should be an agreed action, where Dinah willingly leaves Greaseball as well as him leaving her. 
Greaseball should also at one point show some sign of remorse, maybe he notices her in U.N.C.O.U.P.L.E.D., watches her, thinks about it for a bit after she leaves, but shakes it off for the time being since he has a race to focus on.
Back on the subject of songs, for Lotta Locomotion, I’d love to see it with more subtle lyrics like “A Lotta Locomotion” but slap hard like “A Whole Lotta Locomotion”.
Bring back the original coaches. Yeah maybe Ashley is “outdated” and not PC but this is coming from the same people who put the confederate flag on the diesel gang and named the British Engine Brexit. I can’t fathom why they got rid of Buffy too?
I like all versions of ACDC and think what version would be best depends a lot on the voice of who’s playing Electra.
Red Caboose toaster hat edition - no Canoose. Also Killerwatt has no rights, I’d bring back the original components.
I actually really like the newer versions of the Rockies, I just don’t like the new Right Place Right time, the original version was the best in my opinion.
Even though I would include Caboose, I do like how Flat Top was given a more prominent story role without him, and would kind of like to emulate that.
Dustin should also be given more fleshing out in the first act, for example, having him sing “There’s Me”. While on one hand, having Caboose sing There’s Me gives more ways to think about his character, it just makes sense to give that comforting role to someone like Dustin (plus Dinah and Dustin being friends would just be the cutest shit ever).
Go back to the “Hey you” version of the Rap, none of this train Tinder bullshit we have now.
I usually hate the love songs in Stex but “I Do” is one of my favorite of all stex songs so that can stay as is.
Lastly,
Bring back No Comeback.
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darkhymns-fic · 4 years ago
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As the World Drowns
It was on a night, just like this, with the rain pouring down and the wind shrieking through the skies, that Lloyd had left Colette adrift in the world.
Fandom: Tales of Symphonia Characters/Pairing: Lloyd Irving/Colette Brunel Rating: PG Mirror Link: AO3
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Nothing to fear but the storm raging, knocking on our door, but we are safe inside…
Colette had been waiting for hours back at the inn, the building so small that she felt any gust of wind would tear it straight from its very foundations. The walls shook and rattled, in time with each furious pouring of raindrops on the roof.
Her grandmother, during storms like these, would sing a lullaby to her when she was young. The words came unbidden to her head, but it did little to comfort her now, in the wake of something where she could only wonder at its end.
No more harm to be done, come rest your head alongside mine…
“It’s really coming down,” spoke the innkeeper from her counter, nearly making Colette jump from her seat in the lobby. The chair was constructed from unpolished oak, and she tried her best not to touch at it with her bare hands lest she get a splinter. 
��Hadn’t seen a storm like this in many years.” A quick glance towards Colette, the woman’s bun slightly unwrapped after a long day. “Ya like the rain that much?”
“Um, y-yes!” she said with a polite smile. She pushed down at her dress to better fit snug over her knees. “I’m also just…waiting for my friend.”
“Ah, that young man. I told him that the sky looked fierce today!”
Colette nodded, but said nothing more, hearing only the storm outside, and the way it seemed to be trying to drown the entire world.
The town they stayed at was another small and humble place, so close to the ocean with the familiar trappings of Izoold; of seafood stalls and fishing boats. Would any of those boats be out at sea now, with the way the sky was raging above? Lloyd had left so quickly, before she had even fully woken up, and the hours kept trailing by as she thought she saw the lower floors of the inn begin to seep with rainwater.
As a child, she used to be fascinated by thunderstorms, believing the angels controlled them, as all her pastors would say. The storms had meaning, and should have mercy as well. But there was only the sky, and she couldn’t predict what would happen-
The front door suddenly opened inward. Footsteps that stumbled, but soon found a steady balance, as he always did, as she always did not. “Whoa, this wind!”
“Sir! Please hurry and close that door!”
Lloyd immediately obeyed, or he tried to at the very least, pushing at the doorframe with his shoulder while his arms were busy being full. He held several paper bags, tipping one of them just enough to let a small fruit roll away from him mischievously onto the wet floor.
Colette willed herself to stop being useless and helped Lloyd, her hands grabbing the doorknob and brushing alongside his jacket. The door finally clicked shut.
“Phew, thanks!” Lloyd turned to her with a smile, his hair drenched, along with his clothes. Usually curved upwards, his hair stuck to the side of his cheeks. It almost made her giggle – if she wasn’t already feeling so anxious.
“Lloyd, you were…”
“Ah, I got some supplies to restock! Some bread, that jelly stuff you like… Oh, they didn’t have too much fruit again…but I got the last orange!” Lloyd peered into one bag before blinking as he stared at it longer. “Huh, it was just here.”
Colette saw the lone fruit continue to roll until it stopped just against her shoe. She stared too long before she finally bent to retrieve it. “This?”
“Yeah! Sorry about that, but we could wash it easy.”
The disapproving frown from the innkeeper could be felt on her back, Lloyd probably dragging in more of the rain and the mud and everything else from the storm. It continued to beat and rage from outside the walls, and something about the sound was filling Colette with so much dread.
She couldn’t take his hand, but still she reached for what she could. His shoulder, and then his suspender strap, clasped tightly in one shivering hand. “We should… go back to our room. Okay?”
There was an obvious question in his eyes, but he didn’t ask it, just letting her lead him along. And probably it was so ludicrous to the innkeeper to see her guiding Lloyd along like this, but she felt the heat from his jacket, felt the water drip onto her hand, chill and sudden while the walls continued to shudder.
When she had looked outside, all of the world had been pure white, blinding from the sheet of rain. No sound except for the wind and thunder, swallowing everything up, drowning every one of her senses. 
It was too familiar.
-
Rest your head, for the rain can’t reach you, not where you and I are…
Once back in their room, Lloyd carefully put down his bags of groceries and general supplies onto a nearby chair. Some gels fell out from the side, and he muttered a few curses underneath his breath as he went to pick them up. “Can wash these too!” he called back to Colette, a toothy grin on his face. It was bright like the sunshine.
Colette smiled back, but still she fiddled with her hands. Lloyd had already changed his shirt, a new and dry vest on him, despite his hair still being a dripping mess. Suspenders hung off his pants, which was only partly damp anyway. She had to keep staring, to know that he was right here, and the storm was out there…
Don’t get lost in the wind, it tugs you far and far away from me…
Colette could only hold back for one moment longer before she had to reach out, hugging him from behind. Lloyd hummed questioningly, mainly because he was holding a few gels in one hand a bit precariously.
“Colette? Are you, uh, that hungry?”
She shook her head, pressing her forehead into his back. “You didn’t get lost?” she whispered.
“Ah, just a little… I guess we haven’t been to this town before.”
Another moment, Colette biting her lip. “You weren’t trying to-“ Stop. A breath taking hold of her. “Sorry. Never mind.”
Lloyd noticed it, he always did. He turned in her hold so that he could face her, making sure to drop the gels back in the bag first. “Colette, what’s up now?”
A deep breath, stilling the anxiousness that tried so much to settle onto her heart. “The rain outside…it’s just very strong.”
Perhaps Lloyd got a hint from what she meant then? He tilted his head, the rainwater sliding down his cheek, making curves and bends onto his neck. He chuckled slightly, the sound reverberating through his chest. She could feel it so well from her hands that were placed near. “I didn’t know you were afraid of thunderstorms.”
“Maybe… yeah…” she said, giving Lloyd just enough to perhaps be satisfied. But still she saw the curiosity, even a bit of hurt. But it was more than the rain that threatened to drown the world, that kept shaking the ground beneath them.
And Lloyd was rarely one to just let things be, especially knowing her tendency to hide away all her doubts. “Colette, what is-"
She leaned forward, not to kiss him, even as the thought played so brightly in her head, like warm sunshine that painted the leaves with white. Her tongue shyly ran along Lloyd’s cheek, where the water kept climbing down in rivulets. It was warm where she made contact. She felt his hands just slightly grip her waist in surprise.
In our shelter, we can stay alive, as the angels bring their wrath all the way down…
Colette buried her head in his neck afterwards, and maybe she didn’t want to stop tasting him. Her tongue glided softly over skin, touched by the furious rain. A sound left Lloyd, and she saw the motions of his throat as he swallowed, soft and private, for her.
“H-Hey…” he started to say, confused and lost. She had told him that he wasn’t….
“Can we lay down?” she asked, closing her eyes. The walls shuddered again, even as the thunder rolled in from so many miles away. She shivered. “Can we…?”
Lloyd didn’t waste any time, not now, because maybe he saw the fear in her eyes then. Maybe he realized what it meant. “Sure,” he only said, before bringing her to it.
The rain pattered against the window, pounded against it, as Colette rested her head on the pillows. Lloyd was already next to her, arms around her shoulders, his hair drying up but still stuck up at odd angles. An urge to reach up and pull it back, and yet somehow she didn’t, despite what she had just done so much earlier.
“Are you mad at me?” he asked then, all as the rain hammered on the roof, like fists threatening to grab hold and drag them outside.
Easy to feel guilt then, and though that same part of her told her to lean in again and take another taste, (Is it the scared part of her? The angry part? Or confused?) she closed her eyes. “It’s just that…”
The wind continued to howl as they laid in bed. Raindrops that would shatter the roof, winds that would tear away the walls, thunder that would crack open the ground. We’re safe, we can’t be lost as long as you are here with me…
They said that angels controlled the skies, the storms. But they didn’t, and instead everyone on earth was at the mercy of a storm who knew none. Then again, neither did the angels show any mercy either, did they?
She was so tempted to bury her head in his chest once more, his new clean shirt hanging off him so lightly. She wanted to close her eyes and just dream, just relax, except-
“I thought you would leave me again.”
The wind rolled across the earth, loud and terrible.
He brought her close. A stray forelock fell against his forehead, and once again, she just wanted to reach out. But the raindrops on his cheeks were gone, and his hair was much more dry than before.
“You were worried about that again.” His voice was so quiet. How was she able to hear it through everything?
“Is it…wrong to be worried?” she asked, and the angry, howling wind of the storm only kept hitting their walls. “You left at a time just like this.”
The guilt in Lloyd was also there, a glance to the side, his brown eyes soft as the earth outside. “I thought it’d be harder to find me in the rain.”
It felt the world was about to drown back then, flooding the streets and even some homes, and yet her wings could only continue to be buffered by the wind. She could barely see anything, anything at all. “You’re right…I could never find you.”
“Colette-"
“The storm lasted so long, for days.”
Lloyd held her close again, and she wanted nothing to fear when held in such arms again. But when he had left earlier, when he had left, and the storm just wouldn’t let up for even a moment…
“And, for a long time, I worried that maybe…in the storm, you…”
“I’m sorry,” she heard his frantic whisper. On the bed, the inn around them creaking and moaning with the wind, Lloyd said, “I should have told you where I was going.”
Nothing to fear, when you’re by me, against the storm…  
Colette couldn’t say anything, one hand placed on his chest, watching it rise and fall. “We…still have plenty of food anyway.”
She didn’t mean to put more doubt in her voice. It was just that feeling, being left adrift, as the sky poured forth everything it had onto a place that didn’t understand. Or just her, just her.
There was that small space of breath she heard from Lloyd, ready to speak, to explain. Then a sigh. “I just…wanted to surprise you, actually.” A soft laugh into her hair. “I left so I could get the ingredients to make you a fruit salad, but, um…they only had an orange.”
It was not an answer she had expected, even as that fruit had revealed itself to her earlier. “Really?”
“Yeah, like… even with the mana restored, fruits still hard to come by. And… I know you liked them a lot even when there was always so little. I was hoping more would grow by now.” A shrug, his fingers tapping against the small of her back. “Didn’t work out, I guess.”
Colette let her hand finally reach up, cradling the cheek she had tasted before. What a strange thing to have done, but Lloyd had only brought her closer back then, even in his confusion.
“…You could still make me orange juice,” she said, a flush creeping up her face as she looked to the bedsheets.
She could clearly imagine Lloyd’s befuddled look, a quick blink, and the voice that followed was also exactly how she predicted it would be. “That’s too hard to do!”
Laughter, spilling from her then, more so than the rain she could still hear outside the inn’s walls. She let herself do so, she wanted to move away from the anxiousness. They were inside together. Because he had come back, didn’t he?
But there was always a chance that he wouldn't.
The rain seemed to fall even harder now, chilling her neck, her hands, the world succumbing to mist.
“I still worry sometimes,” she said, once her laughter dimmed. “And I think back, like…what would have happened if I had caught you.”
She could look at him more easily then, raising her eyes to his face. Thunder was rolling across the ground, and she could see even then that he was affected by it, a small shudder of unease, something unknown that rushed across the heavens they had once flown so high up into. 
“I should have let you catch me," he told her, and she knew just how much he meant it, how much he regretted. Lloyd, impulsive and strong, who had chosen her out of everyone.
“Mm, but… you were always much better than me at hide and seek.” Another smile. The rain around them was slowly filling up the world, (he chose you over all of them) but he laid his head alongside hers still. “You never liked to lose at that.”
“That was a game!” Lloyd said, still slightly confused, and maybe a bit offended? “I didn’t…think of me leaving like that.”
“I know, and…I understand. I do.” She leaned in close again, the sheets so soft, his body so warm. The scent of the rain still on his skin, its taste lying on her tongue. “But ever since, I haven’t liked storms much anymore.”
Lloyd’s face was close to hers, and even though they had kissed so many times before, their first so gentle, their second more bruising, and everything after a range in-between, it still brought something to her chest, tight and blooming all at once.
“So…just bad timing, huh?” Lloyd let out a small laugh, looking down at her as his body stayed curved around hers. “I’m dumb then.”
She shook her head. “No, just…I also hid this from you.”
A soft assenting noise from Lloyd, pulling a breath from him, eyebrows just slightly furrowed. “Well, when you put it like that…”
She leaned in again, taking his mouth to be over hers. To be hers, hers, only hers. The tongue that had tasted his cheek, his neck, rushed along his lips, and Lloyd only stilled for the shortest moment before kissing her back.
The rain shuddered the window next to them, making her gasp into his mouth, making her hold onto his dry, clean shirt so tightly.
“Colette,” he said, whispered, kissing the edge of her lips when she had pulled away, always seeking her. “It’s okay, I’m still here.”
“What if they call you again?” she asked him, and there was the weakness in her. Despite trusting him and knowing that he would always do his best to stay safe, the irrational fear came roaring back. “What if Martel…?”
“I’m sorry, I won’t go. I won’t.” Lloyd kissed her more, hands bringing her so close until there was no space between them left. “I won’t.”
“I can’t make you…not with…” He had promised Martel, but he had also promised her and she could allow to be selfish for a little, just once? All her life, she had to push away every want down, until Lloyd held onto her and told her it was okay to want, it was okay to need.
The storm will bring in sunshine, for you and me, so rest your head alongside mine…
The world would still be around, after the storm, but she imagined – for one moment, so quick, that no spirit or goddess would be able to see it in her heart – that the world had drowned and there was only them, just them, drifting in the water…
But they weren't lost.
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atopearth · 4 years ago
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The Legend of Dragoon Part 2 - Platinum Shadow
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Since Doel told us to venture to Tiberoa for answers, it's time we got a change of environment! No more Serdio and war~ but crazy princesses! Hmm, was Princess Emille a fake? Hmm, so the Moon that Never Sets is called that because it's not affected by time such as day or night, and when it glows red after 108 years, a Moon Child appears, but I guess so does the Black Monster? Btw, Albert is such a dork that it's so cute lmao, I loved how when they were talking about how Haschel's daughter and Dart's mother are both called Claire, and whilst Rose was saying it was impossible for them to be related considering their appearances, Albert starting going on a rant on an analysis of the possibility and how their skulls were different lmao. And omgg it's kinda crazy, but I never thought about the possibility of a Dragoon Spirit getting stolen by thieves! Sad that I can't level up my Dragoon level now lol. It's kinda crazy to think that such a beautiful green and flowery town like Donau has been taken over by bandits... I guess it's understandable why Lynn (Mayor's son) would go to the Gehrich Gang's Hideout to persuade them to get lost, but seriously, that's so dangerous and highly unlikely to work! Ohh okay, the gang hasn't taken over the city yet, just very hostile and leaving their people there I guess? Meru is such a happy ball of positivity and beauty loll. I used to always think she was super pretty and cute though, she's also really strong! I wasn't too fond of her Additions but I guess her cuteness makes up for it, and she's a pretty hilarious person lol. I see... Princess Lisa knows through astrology that Princess Emille is somehow related to the Gehrich Gang and it even told her to never hand over the moon, probably meaning the Moon Dagger heirloom that will be passed on to Princess Emille soon. Btw, lmao at how well Meru and Haschel get along, they're both like kids getting excited over the royal dinner feast hahaha. It's kinda crazy though, if Lisa can see so many things through astrology, I guess there is a good reason as to why this whole town worships the stars so vehemently.
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I honestly didn't expect/completely forgot Gehrich was Haschel's former disciple that got kicked out for not using martial arts with a good heart. It's kinda saddening that he ended up a leader of bandits, but I guess at least in the end, Haschel found him and was able to make him understand that the Rouge School arts weren't to be used for things like this... I didn't realise that Kongol actually followed Emperor Doel for a good reason! Emperor Doel told him that he wanted to make a land where all species could be equal, and Kongol believed in his strength in being able to bring that, but now that he was defeated by Dart, he wants to understand Dart’s strength now. I didn't think that the humans actually killed all the Gigantos aside from Kongol in this place/home of the Gigantos. You would think that since they were oppressed by Winglies before, they would understand the pain of losing people, but no, they killed them... I feel sorry for Kongol, he just wants to fight against bad people like the ones who killed his family and friends... Speaking of Kongol though, him saving the gang by holding that super heavy stone axe/pillar that came from that humongous status was crazy! He even flung it away so easily! I'm not sure how we defeated him before considering he had strength like that lol!
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Aww so nice to see Lynn and Kate's wedding! Also really cool to know that whilst Dart and party were gone, the Mayor and all the adults rose up and went against the bandits in town and successfully kicked them out! Nice to know that Dart inspired them to do their best to protect their own town. Shana catching the bouquet was cute. Omggg, I can't remember but dang, you get Kongol's Golden Dragoon Spirit at the rip off market seller in Lohan! It's 1000G which is easy to get by now but wow, apparently you can get to near the end of the game without even realising this is where you get it! Which kinda sucks tbh lol. Apparently there were hints but it must have totally flown off my head because I had no idea lmao. I honestly can't believe King Zior is even allowing these bandit friends of Emille to be knights for the ceremony, like is he crazy or is he a fake? Or does he need to allow all this to save the real princess? Dodging the bandit guards to get to Princess Lisa and the real Princess Emille aren't too hard, but I do admit it's annoying haha. Wow, no wonder it was practically impossible to find the real Princess Emille, she was locked inside a magical dimension within the portrait of herself in her room! Wow, boy am I glad I stocked up on Healing Breeze because Lenus aka fake Princess Emille does crazy damage to all! She has so many turns as well! Maybe it would have been easier if my Albert actually had the SP to turn into a Dragoon though lmao, but still, she's pretty nuts haha. I knew I didn't remember wrong, Meru is a Wingly just like Lenus (since Lenus could tell), but I guess it's understandable of her to hide it from the party for now. Hmm, so after the defeat of the Winglies, the three countries Serdio, Tiberoa and Mille Seseau were formed, and the surviving Winglies sent a divine object of the moon as a proof of peace. Anyway, I guess King Zior was too blinded by his love for his daughter Emille that he didn't care what she was like to realise it was a fake lmao.
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Aww it's so cute to run around with Shana on the Queen Fury. Lmao at the chopping vegetables mini game, legit thought it would give me something good after winning but it gives me 1G LOL. All my hard work for a scrap lol. I love how enthusiastic and hardworking everyone on the ship is though! They're so passionate about their work whether it be cleaning or shoving fuel etc, they're really trying their best to catch up to Lenus (and get the Moon Dagger back). Sometimes I feel sorry for how blunt Shana is about her feelings towards Dart but he's just constantly thinking about the Black Monster etc. I guess it's understandable though, he probably thinks that if he starts thinking of stuff like romance, he wouldn't be able to fully focus on the war and everything. I really enjoy talking to all the different sailors with the different characters though! It's so cool how some of the dialogue changes haha! Lmaoo at Meru annoying Dart and Shana to play with her because she's bored, yet when you talk to her with Rose (and she tells Meru they can train together), Meru says she'll behave hahahaha. I wonder what made Rose change if she says that she used to be as innocent as Shana, only caring about her love and hoping that it'll bear fruit? Did Rose's partner die and that's why she tells Shana to never let Dart go? Omg..to think that 25 years ago, Haschel's harsh training caused Claire to accidentally end up killing her training partner since she tried her best to fulfil her father's expectations of her as the heir to the Rouge School... He shouted at her to get out of his sight and lost her forever... It's quite terrible... Lmao at Kongol just ignoring Meru if you talk to her with him hahahah. LOL at Meru throwing a pillow at Albert! Guess he's the easiest to bully even though he’s a king lol. Hahahah I love how everyone sympathises with Dart being the babysitter of Meru when she forces him to run around with him on the ship lol. The Phantom Ship looks really cool but scary at the same time! It's kinda cool how ghost knights protected Shana from skeletons. Okay, that mini game with the chest is so not worth the time lol! It's so hard to guess! Anyway, I checked the rewards and it really only gives you crappy stuff that I don't care about lol, don't need Ultimate Wargod because I can do my Additions just fine anyway lol. So, is the princess of Mille Seseau that this whole ship tried to protect from the Black Monster 18 years ago actually Shana? Rose is probably the Black Monster, but is Zieg the first Red Eyed Dragoon that she supposedly fell in love with but couldn't save for some reason? Was Rose a part of the Dragon Campaign 11,000 years ago? Her and her comrades seemed to be fighting Virages or something? They all died and Zieg turned into stone? I guess you can see why Rose is so attached to Dart if they're so similar. But I wonder, did the Black Monster appear because Rose wasn't able to control the insanity of the Dragoon due to her grief of losing her friends or something?
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Lmao when Rose said she'd annihilate all the monsters to protect Pete and his mother (people who saved Dart and Rose after they fell off the Queen Fury when the Phantom Ship sunk). Hahahaha Pete was so funny to say that Rose should confess to Dart because he saw her take care of Dart lovingly in the cave. Hahahah I love how you can go to the hot springs in Fueno and the person soaking in it screams lmaoo. Aww it's so cool and cute how the merchant for the item shop and the weapon shop are the same person! He just goes upstairs to talk to you if want weapons lmao. I love how happy and hyper Meru is to see Dart and Rose alive haha. Aww, it was really sweet of Dart to hug her since she was crying and he felt bad for worrying her. Lmaooo at Meru, Haschel and Albert peeking in on them though lol!!! I think it was really cute how when Dart caught them, they all ran away, but Meru came back to close the door for them lmao. Honestly though, despite how much of a damsel in distress Shana is, I think she really warms up to you as a character. Sure, she's weak and everything, but she's just really sweet and normal, it's hard to not like her. She has that warmth to her that the others lack. Ohh, so Lenus had the Sea Dragoon Spirit! Anyway, she was so much stronger before! Her Dragoon form is so much easier to manage lol, she should have just stayed in her Wingly form. Poor girl though, she gave her life for Lloyd but I honestly doubt he really appreciates it. I think Dart was really touched when Shana ran to protect him when Lenus tried to kill Dart with the last bit of her strength though, it was kinda cute. Lmao at Meru being so happy for truly being a part of the gang as a Dragoon now though haha. Aww it's so cute how Albert was so enamoured with Princess Emille. I can understand though, she's really graceful, beautiful and kind, who wouldn't like her?! But I think the whole family is great! I love how King Zior didn't care about Dart and them not being able to retrieve the Moon Dagger because he believes that it's just a symbol and isn't as important as them being the heroes that saved all the town's from the terror of the Sea Dragon and the fake Emille. Awww, it's so cute how Dart has finally realised his feelings for Shana but he keeps getting interrupted when he wants to tell her lmao. Shana is so brave though, she totally and straightforwardly told him again that she loves him and that it doesn't matter if he views her as a baby sister. I hope they get together soon! Lmao at both Haschel and Meru being kids stealing food from the kitchen hahaha. Albert bonding with Emille in her room was so adorable lmao. Rose chuckling to herself thinking about things was so cuteee, I love how soft she is becoming now. Kongol training in the training centre being happy that he's got friends of different species now was so adorable too. Aww, Princess Emille is willing to wait for Albert to come back from his journey! They're so sweet! Aww he finally got to tell Shana that her wish is the same as his whilst she was wearing a beautiful dress~~ Such a cute and happy banquet!
Overall, this chapter was really nice. I loved the whole Wingly introduction to the story, getting to know more about Rose, but also interacting with Meru and Kongol! I really love how cute everyone is and how different they all are, but how nice they all work together. Btw, I farmed Shana's Dragoon level to 5 to see her skills and dang, White Silver Dragon does damage and heals you to full life! Pretty strong! It was so easy to farm it on the Phantom Ship btw, since you have access to a save point, resting and constant monsters lol. I just wanted to see it before Miranda came along because I remember not liking her lmao. I think the best thing about this chapter is seeing everyone’s growth as a character, mainly Shana and Rose because Shana solidifies her resolve to be beside Dart no matter what, whereas Rose is warming up to everyone (especially Dart) whether she likes it or not. Another cute thing I loved to see was Albert finding his love Princess Emille, they’re both so wonderfully graceful and I find it adorable how Princess Emille loves listening to Albert when everyone else thinks he talks too much in a long-winded way hahaha. I also really liked the Queen Fury part because it really helped to understand everyone’s worries as well as what they’re searching for on this journey, it just made me understand them a bit more individually and I really enjoyed that. Now I feel super bad for hating Kongol as a kid when I was young just because he was ugly LOL, I was such a vain kid! Kongol is like such an innocent, pure and kind guy, I love him lol. Technically though, I love all the characters already haha.
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