#i have the soul equivalent of a face only a mother could love

[cult-of-the-placeholder]

I have so many bishop thoughts and headcanons in my mind I can't focus on anything else so I'm just gonna regurgitate them here:

- Leshy has whatever the godly equivalent of ADHD. He is chaos incarnate, literally. He is always moving, always fidgeting with things under his cloak, is always pacing around and talks to himself a lot

- Also my man's invented flowers. Plants existed before his birth, of course, but modern day flowers were his creation, plants shaped and crafted to be bowls for the insects to dine from. He looks out for the smallest amongst them, even the most insignificant

- Among the siblings he was the most artistically inclined. He loved to paint, and sculpt, and in fact glass making was a great passion of his alongside gardening. On his 1,000th year anniversary of godhood, he surprised each of his siblings with a stained glass portrait in their temples, depicting each of them in the most significant memory he had of them: for Heket, it was her grandest harvest ritual. For Narinder, the very first sacrifice in his name. For Kallamar, the day he parted the seas to pluck the deepest ocean crystals for a ritual. And for Shamura, their weaving of a Time Tapestry that depicted the future

- Leshy hasn't made a single artistic piece since loding his vision. His crown can show him his surroundings, but it's not the same. Narinder's betrayal drained away his creative spark, and he has no desire to make anymore

- As a frog, Heket is very musically inclined. Before losing her voice, she'd often lead her congregations in the most vibrant hymns and choruses of praise, and in fact composed almost every musical piece that is used to sing glory to their names. She wrote hundreds, thousands, countless songs for her siblings, and her favorite way to funnel devotion was to have her followers sing to her. Wind and string instruments were her favorite, but she could play just about anything

- Even before Narinder's banishment, Heket was a very serious, rather surly individual. It wasn't easy to make her laugh, and in fact only her siblings could, and even then it was an uphill battle. But if they could, she had the deepest, biggest belly laughs, the kind that would leave a person bent over with their arms around their middle, tears of mirth streaming down her face. She hasn't had a good laugh since Narinder was imprisoned, and of course hasn't sung or danced either. Music now just makes her sad, and the sadness makes her angry: she forbids any sort of music in her temple

- Heket mothered/fathered most if not all of the mini-bosses of Anura. Frogs can swap their sex with ease, and she's a goddess: I think she should be able to lay her own eggs or fertilize another's on a whim 😌 each was the strongest child of each clutch, only one selected among hundreds as worthy to serve their mother's temple in lofty positions. Trained and cultivated from the moment of hatching, she is both incredibly proud of and incredibly hard on them, demanding perfection and depthless devotion at all times. Her children give it gladly, for they are so lucky to be in the presence of their mother who is holy

- Before banishment, Narinder was very close to Shamura. They all were, really, but him especially: he shared the eldest's passion for the written word. As a godling he'd so often sneak into Shamura's forbidden library to partake in ancient knowledge and prophecies, though he was of course too young to understand it. He'd often beg Shamura to read to him, and even after outgrowing that need, he'd often seek out his sibling so they could read in amicable silence together, shoulder to shoulder with each holding one side of the book

- As the god of death and the shepherd of souls, he was expected to pass judgements on the deceased, be they blessed or damned. It was a special joy of his, getting his chance to play with the heretics his siblings tortured and sacrificed. They would know no peace, even in death, for daring to go against the Old Faith

- The first time Narinder reversed death and let a mortal walk again was actually his niece: Heket's half-mortal daughter, Zepar. She had been slain tragically by a traitorous dissenter, and the way his sister wailed with grief rattled him to his very core. He didn't even realize death could be undone, he just... grabbed the little one's soul, fixed her body with his power, and breathed life back into her. It was a shock to everyone but especially to him

- Kallamar wasn't always so timid and faint of heart. After Shamura he's the oldest, and his sibling was already an adult when he was born. In comparison, the other 4 were born in relatively short periods of time, close together. Kallamar was kind of their ringleader when they were growing up, and Shamura once remarked it seemed he was, "Born without fear." He was cocky, knowing he was a god and therefore immortal and invulnerable. He wasn't afraid of anything: the entire world was his playground. He led his three youngers siblings on adventures all the time, always dragging them into some mischief or other. He was perhaps the most gullible of the siblings, believing them all to be truly indestructible. Was it any surprise, though? For several hundred thousand years, they were

- When Narinder attacked them all, it basly affected all of them but Kallamar the worst: it was the first time he'd ever truly felt pain, had ever bled, had ever been afraid for his life. Had ever been truly afraid in general. And it deeply scarred him; PTSD left him a husk of his former self. He developed crippling paranoia and anxiety as his mind introduced a slew of previously unconsidered possibilities: if the Red Crown could hurt them, then could anything else? How would he know it was coming? Would he know? Could he? Would... would his other siblings turn on him the same way? He felt horrible for thinking that way, because he trusted and loved them so much, but anxiety cannot be reasoned with. He started to doubt his safety with them, and withdrew into his shell. He stopped speaking to them as much, and whenever they were together he couldn't keep his eyes from starting around nervously. Looking for a trap, looking for a way out, hands subtly shaking and shoulders trembling beneath his robes. It makes him miserable, torments him, because how can he be suspicious of the family he so dearly adores? But Narinder has shattered his ability to trust--once the safest place, their family is no longer an undefeatable bastion and he's riddled with fear because of it

- Kallamar is very hard of hearing even with his crown: it amplifies any and every sound around him so he can always be aware of what's going on. He prefers to be underwater, deep in the Seas of Sorrow, where underwater volcanoes power his forges and he can make his many weapon for defense in peace

- He desperately needs therapy and regularly has night terrors and flashbacks

- Shamura is a prophet, clairvoyance a gift they've always possessed. There are many ways they record the future: in books as written riddles, sometimes as images woven into countless silk threads that make up their webs, and sometimes at their loom. Tapestry weaving takes a long, long time, and is only reserved for the holiest of visions: the birth of their siblings was each recorded in one wuch tapestry millenia before any came to be, and they waited anxiously for the stars to reach the appropriate alignment recorded in the threads

- On the day of Narinder's birth, they recieved a terrible vision, fortelling of the way their baby brother would one day betray them. They tried so hard to stop the prophecy, thinking perhaps it could be foiled with endless love and devotion, but despite their affections Narinder still raised his blades against them. It's a regret that weighs heavy on their mind for all eternity, even though they know there's nothing they could have done

- As the god of war and wisdom they know best to pick their battles, and are sought out for their brilliant mind as often as they are for blessings in battle. Silk Cradle was the origin of ritualistic pit fights, though usually reserved for heretics as a punishment, forced to bludgeon each other to death for the amusement of the faithful before their souls could be passed to Narinder for judgement

- Shamura raised all 4 of the bishops, naturally, and loves their siblings with all their heart. Watching them all grow into fine adults is something they will always take immense pride in. Their greatest wish is that the five of them can be together, for eternity, living in happiness while the mortals worship them and feed them their endless devotion

- Shamura is actually rather vain: they made and designed all of the bishops' robes by hand, spun of their finest silk and embroidered with golden threads. They preen frequently, and thoroughly enjoy bathing in the hot springs. A god must always look their best to inspire and strike awe into the mortals that worship them, no?

- Shamura doesn't need to eat, none of them do, but thoroughly enjoys nothing more than delicately sipping warm blood directly from a sacrifice's veins. In true spider fashion they'll occasionally leave particularly tasty mortals strung up in trapped webs, delightful little bloodbags for them to drink from again later. Sometimes they'll even feed the really yummy ones, just so they'll stay alive longer and keep naturally producing blood

I think that's it for now. Maybe now I can sleep lmao. I love the bishops

[heartofstanding]

150-word meme

It's been over four years since I've done one of these and my creativity has been on fire lately (lots of ideas, not much writing, alas) so I figured it was time to bring this back and since we've now got the ability to option to add polls, I added a poll option.

Behind the cut is a list of current WIP projects (with excerpts). You can vote for one fic in the poll at the bottom and/or send me an ask with at least one number (you can send more than one number if you want) and I will write 150 words in the equivalent fic.

1. The Birth (Henry and baby Hal, modern AU).

‘Hal?’ Henry said. ‘Our baby,’ Mary said, looking a little hurt. ‘I thought we were going to call him Harry?’ he said. ‘He looked more like a Hal than a Harry to me,’ Mary said as if that solved everything. Henry didn’t know how that worked. Their son looked like a gremlin, not like a Harry or a Hal or like anything that should have a name that wasn’t Uglik the Wailing One.

2. this single knife in my heart (Hal’s perspective of his dagger incident/’but it is my knife and my heart too’)

‘Do you have any idea what you will say to him?’ ‘Well, I won’t make the mistake of asking him to abdicate, if that’s what you mean.’ Beaufort coloured dully and bent over his plate. ‘I thought it was the best thing to do – you know he hadn’t been well for years. I did not realise how poorly he would take it, how could I? It was the same logic he himself used with Richard. He was unfit as king, he could not carry on – why not give the throne away and enjoy one’s final years without the troubles? It was reasonable, wasn’t it?’ ‘The unreasonable part was saying any of that to my father’s face.’

3. untitled sodomy fic (Hal finds out Courtenay is gay)

‘Beaufort says you are a sodomite,’ he said. ‘It is a clerical vice, Hal.’ ‘It’s still a sin.’ ‘What, a vice a sin? I never knew that,’ said Courtenay. ‘I thought all vices were virtues. Indeed, in acting on my vice, I might have performed many a good deed for others and so be said to be virtuous…’

4. the wellspring (Joan of Kent/The Black Prince proposal)

‘Come out with me tomorrow,’ he says. ‘What?’ ‘We could go riding,’ he says. ‘Pass through the forest and the fields, go up to the moors. Or else have a hunt.’ She drinks deeply from her cup. She thinks, this is madness. She thinks, it would be good to leave the silent, still walls behind her and go through the world, breathe the free air. ‘It’s raining.’ ‘It’ll clear.’

5. she’s not coming home tonight (Philippa leaves England)

‘Will you tell me,’ Philippa said, ‘about our mother?’ Harry was silent for a long moment, his face still. ‘Why do you want to know?’ She bit her lip. ‘No one talks about her or when they do, they just say she was lovely as if that means anything.’

6. some rift, a hollow (Henry meets his son again after Bradmore's cure)

Henry thinks: O God, I am ill. I will die and Harry will be king and everyone will see his face. The longer he lies there and nothing changes, he understands it is only the relief of seeing Harry alive and well that has made him collapse. Then, he thinks: my son is here! My son will be well again! My son lives! I will keep my children safe. I will love Harry better. I will be a good man! I will learn mercy and forgiveness, I will take the penance the Almighty gives me meekly, whatever form it takes. I will go barefoot to Jerusalem to give thanks! Then, Richard’s voice: will you? You promise and promise and promise and then forget or find excuses. Do you forget I have the measure of your soul? You will do none of these things.

7. night's sister (Philippa of England gets visited by her sister's ghost)

It’s one of those strange kind of nights where Philippa’s skin prickles and she cannot lie peaceably in bed. After the winter solstice, day is fleeting and night stretches on seemingly forever. They go to bed early and wake late but in the midst of night, Philippa wakes and cannot go back to sleep. Her body feels heavy and strange, her hands slipping over it. At seventeen, she is almost a woman; she has carelessly shucked off the body she left England with and found herself in a different one, one with breasts and a body that wants some days and bleeds others.  At seventeen, she is as old as Blanche was when she died. She still feels too young to lie beneath her husband or to grow a child within her body, though Blanche, at seventeen, had done both and died with a second child half-grown within her belly. Philippa rolls over in her bed.

8. the silver blessing (Blanche's birth)

Mary takes her penance as meekly as a lamb and when her confessor leaves her, she moves, standing up and striding towards the window. Her fingers curl into fists, she straightens them and smooths out her skirts. He said, it is a mother’s duty to render up her child so that they may be all they can be. Think of the Virgin, giving up her Son to the Lord’s will. But the Virgin was special, chosen for God to carry her Son and give him, and she had borne what no mother should be made to bear and grieved most sorrowfully, even though she was specially chosen. Mary, at least, does not have to bear the Virgin’s sorrows. Not truly. She is giving her eldest son up but only to her own mother to raise for a time. Six months, perhaps, a year at most. And throughout that time, she will visit her mother and her mother will visit her. It will be bearable. It will be good for Harry too. He will have time on his own, Maman will help him grow in confidence and learning. But Mary will still miss him.

9. should've come with a warning (modern AU, set in a "everybody lives" fix-it verse. In the aftermath of her relationship with Louis Pfalz, Blanche has lunch with Joan of Kent.)

‘Is there anything you’d like to do?’ said Mum. ‘We don’t have to go to Richard’s for lunch, I can text him with an excuse.’ ‘Like what?’ ‘Traffic’s bad, we got away late—’ ‘He’d only invite us for afternoon tea.’ Mum’s lips pressed together. ‘We don’t have to accept.’ ‘He’ll just think I’m “damaged” then,’ Blanche said.

10. in the time of storms (Eleanor Cobham and no-good, very-bad year of 1441)

The little bottles tinkled as she ran her fingers over them. She hadn’t used them in so long. There hadn’t seemed to be much point. As Margery had told her, as delicately as possible, she was getting rather too old for there much hope left. As Southwell had told her, there was little they could do but hope that God, in His infinite mercy, would take pity on her. But why should she hope? She had done everything she could to carry a child but God’s infinite mercy had never let her birth more than blood and moles. She would tell Bolingbroke to take them away. He would look at her with his pale eyes that always seemed too compassionate, too knowing, and know she had given up. If had someone had come looking through this box, what had they hoped to find? Some foolish, superstitious child who sought love-charms or gossip? A chance to claim they had been brave enough to go through the witch’s box of spells, perhaps to take one and use it as a trophy – if that was the case, it was a weakness. They should be gotten rid of.

11. the king is dead (Eleanor Cobham and the death of Henry V)

‘Will you not go to him, your grace?’ Eleanor said. Jacqueline looked at her strangely. ‘The Duke of Gloucester?’ Eleanor said. Jacqueline shook her head. ‘No. I cannot go. I need to think, to speak with my people and take counsel. Prepare. Make plans. I cannot go.’ She paused for a moment, her mouth twisting and hands wringing the cloth of her dress. ‘You go,’ she said.

12. The Bargain (Eleanor's POV of 'some hope', documenting one pregnancy and miscarriage)

Also God said to the woman, I shall multiply thy wretchednesses and thy conceivings; in sorrow thou shalt bear thy children; and thou shalt be under the power of thine husband, and he shall be lord of thee. O God, if only it was true. If she had to go through this, there must be some reward, some reason. Her eyes streamed. It was not enough listening to Hume extol the duties of a loyal, patient wife or the promise that God’s will was done and done alone or his scolding that one must not put the Lord to the test. But there had to be some hope, didn’t there? There had to be some reason. She was allowed to be impatient; she was getting older and her prayers to both St. Anne and St. Margaret had thus yielded nothing.

You can send me an ask with one or more numbers (anon is on) and/or vote in the poll below! You can totally do both, too.

[transsexual-ghost]

ok i am now having coherent thoughts about the Guys:

so gow:r at its core is about fatherhood and learning to let go, even if it's gonna hurt like a son of a bitch. (to me, at least)

the scene where atreus tells kratos that he must find the remaining giants, alone, because he has to. because at his core, atreus is a victim of a genocide. (odin and thor had a vendetta, and as far as he knows, he and angrbroda are the only living giants left in midgard) he wants to connect with his culture, because he never really got that with his mother and the only other giant he knows is angrbroda, and they've only known each other for a short amount of time. not to mention that she's also fourteen and watched her parents and the people around her die until it was just her and her grandmother

and atreus is only fourteen, he's watched the end of the world nearly come to fruition, not to mention that he saw brok get killed by odin, posing as tyr. and atreus. atreus has to take this on because he has to.

and we saw that kratos at the beginning and for most of the game, he had accepted that he was going to die, so he pushed atreus. but he wasn't willing to let go of his son. so he refused atreus being the champion of the jotnar, because what if he lost another child to something that could be prevented?

and i am not going to go into kratos' guilt complex about his first family. (for now. might be a separate post or a tag ramble, who knows)

so when kratos, at the end of the game says, "Loki will go... Atreus shall stay." not only is it soul shattering and the emotional equivalent of a brick to the face, it highlights his growth as a character and a father and his reluctance to let go.

but he does. and yeah, it hurts. but atreus'll return.

and kratos and thor are two sides of the same coin. both of them had shitty fathers who insisted that they were destroyers. hell, even thor acknowledges that at their core, both he and kratos can very easily destroy things. they love their respective children to death, and are willing to kill for them. (even if thor didn't treat his sons well. like he beat the living shit out of modi because his brother was killed by a much older god who was stronger than him.) but kratos broke out of the cycle of sons killing their fathers. (or fathers killing their sons)

yeah, he killed zeus. but instead of hurting his son and restricting his growth, kratos encouraged that. and yeah, kratos wasn't the best with atreus in gow:2018, but he was fucking terrified that he would hurt atreus like he hurt calliope. but he didn't.

thor, unlike kratos, never got to break out of the cycle. from what we've seen, asgard had a "kill or be killed" culture. you couldn't afford to be soft and kind. you had to be a hardass, you had to hurt people. and odin cultivated that, to the point where it was his downfall.

from what we've seen, odin encouraged thor to be a violent and drunken monster.

"I think, you kill."

and then thor died, leaving behind a violent and bloody legacy for his only surviving child to unpack.

so at its core, god of war: ragnarok is about breaking the cycle and having good supports.

[starfall-spirit]

The Night The Stars Fell On Velaris

Summary: With her family and people she vowed to protect dead around her, Feyre becomes the very beast she thought she had mastered.

So I kind of started with this ask lovely @moonfyre-s answered and then strayed significantly.

CW: Angst and minor violence.

That title isn't romantic, it's sad.

AN: Look, SJM didn't give us much about Rhys and Helion's beast forms, but I'm making Feyre a dragon here, basically. Enjoy. Or cry. Whatever. You've been warned.

She wanted eternity. She prayed day and night she’d have it. Eternity with Rhys by her side. With her brothers and sisters. With her son. Her darling Nyx. Her broken scream joined the wails of the dying. Of the grieving. She cast her eyes over the city she called her home.

Last night it had been pulsing with life and music, the energy of it’s people thrumming through its ancient foundation. Tonight blood mapped its stones and glass, just hardly repaired from the day Hybern cleaved the ancient wards that made this land a haven.

How had they been cleaved a second time? She supposed a Death God may think those ancient wards young.

Either way, Feyre had failed.

Her soul was breaking piece by piece. A thousand fractals in her chest, up her throat. Another cry ripped out of her and darkness flooded the city. The court. The world, for all she knew in that moment.

And that darkness was all she knew.

There were many kinds of darkness. The darkness that frightens, the darkness that soothes. There was the darkness of lovers and of assassins. There was the darkness of restfulness—but this darkness…

The force that left Feyre was a darkness of agony. Of pain, of crumbling faith and shattering sanity. The darkness of a flaming soul smothered. The darkness of rage breaking free of its shackles. The darkness of a female unhinged—absent of her starlight—of the flecks of light she looked to for peace when the hard days fell to blessed night.

She felt a tugging in her chest, like an anchor meant to draw her back. To soothe her. She ignored it, only wishing it severed at that moment. It—No, he—would hold back the thing roiling beneath her skin, pulsing in her blood, singing in her veins. She would not be leashed. Not now. Not again.

The darkness deepened, blotting out what stars remained as talons pierced the ground softened by blood and rain. The world seemed to still as skin turned to scales, her neck lengthening to become long and flexible. Her face changed as well, teeth sharpening to razor points that were made to shred flesh and bone, should she need to. She was kin to the beast her mate had only once become in her presence, facing Hybern’s army with the Day Lord at his side. She was a powerful, vicious, magnificent creature. Why did Rhys hate this form so much?

The darkness cleared partially, rising from the city and slinking back to its mistress. Koschei had the audacity to look bored. He was free of his lake. The only advantage they had at this point was having found and used the spell that bound his soul to his body again. He was not invincible. Merely powerful.

And that darkness did not seem to impress him. Perhaps the wrath of a mother would. She could barely bring herself to glance back at Nyx, his wailing silenced in death, leaving only a cold body in a bloodied blanket, half draped over Mor’s lifeless form.

“Feyre,” Koschei purred. “Feyre, Feyre. What a sight you are in this skin. Did you know what lurked beneath the surface before your rage birthed it?”

With a snarl, she lunged, maw stretching to clamp around his neck. He winnowed. Or whatever the godly equivalent was. He shook his head in a mockery of disappointment, working that rage higher. “Perhaps, Feyre darling, you should heed your mate. Settle back into a form you know.”

Her mate.

Alive. Of course he was alive, just as she was, just as their bargain claimed.

Her mate, she would not heed. Or worry after. Not until this was done.

But he was a persistent bastard sometimes.

With what little sense she had left she slammed her mental shields up, more impenetrable than ever, even against her mate’s devastating power. She could still sense part of him, looking for a gate to sneak in and talk to her. That tug, tug, tug on the bond she had no way to stop.

Still, she prowled closer, white hot fire blending with shadow and light. A swipe of her claws came closer to damage than her teeth had.

Strike. Dodge. Strike. Dodge.

Part of her knew she was working towards a frenzy. Rhys and Helion had explained it being part of their distaste for their secondary forms during one of the High Lord’s visits to Velaris. That not-quite-there feeling could become overwhelming to one who does not shift regularly or on that scale. Spring gifts, Feyre may have, but beyond the most basic changes and additions to her own body she did not put that gift to use.

Shifting on this scale in the height of her grief.

The next time she lunged her talons shredded flesh. A familiar voice cried. Rage blind, she didn’t realize… but there was pain lancing through her own chest now. Her heartbeat slowing. And power, not quite knowing where to shift with little Nyx already a cold corpse behind her.

“Come back to me, Feyre. Come back to me, my love.” Beneath her her mate stilled entirely, fingers still cradling a scaled wrist as her magic faded, and as she too died in his embrace, just as that bargain demanded. ~~~~~ “Come back to me, Feyre.” Feyre bolted awake, her senses assaulted by too many things at once. Mental talons testing her impenetrable shields, long fingers clasped around both of her wrists to keep her from thrashing and injuring herself or the male hovering over her.

Rhys.

Her mate.

Alive.

And finally the wailing of a child, frightened by the darkness of agony that filled their room corner to corner, floor to ceiling. She jerked free of Rhys’ loosening hold and lunged for the bassinet, her newborn almost instantly calming against her chest.

That’s when she caught the scent of seared flesh. In her panic to see her child was alive and well, she hadn’t noticed the sheets turned to ash and the shining welts against Rhys’ chest and arms. “I’m sorry.”

“Feyre.”

“I’m sorry. I’m so damn sorry.” He pulled her against his chest, cautious of Nyx’s position between them as he held her close, carrying the both of them to bed. Those words were all she could repeat for those moments. Perhaps hours.

“You were screaming. Burning up like I haven’t seen since you were in Spring. And I couldn’t wake you. I shielded Nyx when I realized you weren’t coming out of the nightmare. He was never in danger, Feyre.”

Part of her relaxed at that. “You were. You need to think of your own safety sometimes, Rhys.”

“Not when you were in such pain.” She knew there’d be no winning this argument. “Will you—do you need to show me what that was about?”

And as the fog cleared entirely, her mental shields tumbling down with it. “Is it… Will I ever…”

“You did not kill them, Feyre.”

“No, just my mate and myself, leaving our court to the other High Lords’ mercy.”

“It can be overwhelming, but no matter what form you take, my love, you’d sooner harm yourself than your mate, no matter how deep or shallow the bond.”

“You promise?”

“I promise.”

So with their child between them, she took his words to heart, drifting into the darkness of restfulness.

~~~~~

AN: I don't know what it is about writing dreams right now. This one was obviously darker than Renaissance, but still.

Tag List: Comment/ask/message me to be added or removed.

@reverie-tales // @shallyne // @goddess-aelin // @pandavelaris // @s-uppertime // @faeriequeensuriel

[impossiblycolorfulpanda]

AANG:

Iroh: How are you enjoying the spirit world, Aang?

Aang: This place is even more fantastic since I’m able to come here physically now.

Iroh: Pretty bold move asking Azula to come to a vacation with you, just the two of you.

Aang: Yeah well, she deserves a break. It’s because of her that Avatar Wan’s dying wish has now come true, Raava and Vaatu’s eternal conflict has finally ended with Raava being both light/peace and darkness/chaos at the same time. Though my link to my past lives is destroyed forever, true balance has been achieved.

Iroh: She is a wonder, isn’t she?

Aang: That’s somehow putting it mildly. I knew there was a reason I needed her by my side. I’m a different person now because of her. She made me a more powerful and more mature avatar. She’s never afraid to speak her mind and give constructive criticisms. Out of all firebender’s inner fire...hers is the most beautiful.

Iroh: Are you in love with her?

Aang: W-what? I...uh...

Iroh: No worries Aang.

Aang: Is it that obvious?

Iroh: Very.

Aang: How long have you known?

Iroh: From the moment I saw you two enter together I sensed a strong bond between you two...Besides, I kept catching you look at her when she wasn't looking and you had a dreamy look in your eyes.

Aang: Great...And now she probably knows and hates me or is afraid of me...

Iroh: Don’t be so sure. I was able to sense the passion in Azula as well. You should tell her how you feel, you'll both be happier for it.

Aang: Last time I expressed my true feelings to someone I thought I loved, it didn’t pan out so good.

Iroh: It’ll be different this time because Azula is not an earthly attachment, quite the opposite, she is the beacon of your ascension.

AZULA:

Iroh: How are you enjoying the spirit world, Azula?

Azula: Oh boy, the beauty and strangeness of it all. Words won’t do it justice. I can see why you wanted to spend eternity in this place.

Iroh: I’m here because of you. As you can remember, I was trapped in the fog of lost souls among others, forced to spend eternity in my own madness and failures. You got trapped as well, but no only did you withstand the fog’s powerful influence but used a firebending equivalent of spiritbending to purify the fog, absolving, saving, and freeing all of its prisoners. All right before slaying Koh, the face stealer. You are truly magnificent.

Azula: Well, ya know, it was the least I can do since both you and mother gave your lives to help me. Despite it all.

Iroh: Aang wanted this vacation to be special. It's not everyday the avatar offers to take a friend to the Spirit World on a private vacation.

Azula: Yeah, he’s a great friend.

Iroh: He means so much to you. Tell me. Do you love him?

Azula: Uh...I mean...I don’t...not...like...seriously!?

Iroh: It is ok, Azula, like the spirit world, love is strange and yet beautiful. There is more than one variation.

Azula: What do you suggest I’d do?

Iroh: Go ahead and show him how you feel.

Azula: Oh, sure, that’ll be a fun conversation. ‘Hey hippy, you remember the time I zapped you, possibly killing you, destroying the avatar cycle and truly putting the nomads into extinction, all just for sport and anger? Well, I think we should hook up now, don’t you?’

Iroh: It’s probably not place to say this, but he feels the same for you.

Azula: What makes you so sure?

Iroh: Think about it, right after Aang had let go of Katara and embrace his last chakra, he felt compelled to visit you often. He believed in you when no one else would. He taught you to master you’re own chakras. He gave glances at you often when you weren't looking. And he brought you here, a private vacation to the spirit world, a place where you two can be together with no distractions, do all of these sound like simple platonic gestures to you?

Azula: Well...the chakra part could be.

Iroh: You know, Zuko and Katara’s relationship started off very rocky as well, but as Zuko proved his atonement and how combatable they were, their love proved very indomitable. You and Aang’s love will be the same.

[alinasteelcrest]

⚾ baseball,👖jeans, 👪 family, and 🌠shooting star for whichever character(s) you want to do answers for :^)

ty i owe u my life

(OC Emoji Asks)

⚾ BASEBALL - can they play sports? what is their best position if they play a team sport? what's their strong suit (speed, power etc.)?

I guess the answer is no, she can't play sports? The only athletic activity Alina's good at is riding horses, and this does not apply to any horses that aren't hers (or aren't, like, specifically trained to have all sorts of people riding them.)

Is racing a sport? Shoji can do that.

👖 JEANS - what is their go-to outfit?

Alina's always in some bigass comfy sweater and leggings!!! She's cozy-maxxing (idk what that means im sorry)

If it's hot out she'll go for something more suitable, shorts or a skirt + a band t-shirt that she cropped herself ^-^

This past winter/spring, I've been especially fond of this fit

👪 FAMILY - what is their family like? what is your ocs relationship to them? does your oc have any siblings?

*stares at this question stares at this question stares at this question stares at thi*

Alina's family... is distant from one another. kind of.

It's her mom. Her mom is distant.

She loves her parents sooo so so much, and they love her, too! But her mom didn't want to become a mother so early, and that put a strain on their relationship when Alina was really young. So... Alina's always kind of had her mother on this pedestal? Like she's unreachable, and all she can do is look up to her.

Her relationship with her father is better. She's a daddy's girl and he's well-meaning but kind of a flop. Work > family kind of guy, but always happy to see her/hear from her.

He's the reason she visited Jorvik in the first place, and the, um, the happenings on the island put a huge wall of distance between them. She's too preoccupied with the end of the world, and they never really understood each other very well anyway, so...

She has her horses, though, and they're family, too.

Shoji's family is. haha.

He had a mother, once, but he was super wild as a colt, so when she ended up having his little brother, the stable owner decided to separate them to keep the new baby safe from his Antics.

Shoji was kind of young when it happened, like early-teens-equivalent maybe? so he didn't totally understand why he wasn't allowed to see them anymore, and he kind of blamed his mom for that even though she's not a starbreed and has no control over that stuff? 😭

When Alina ended up buying him, they actually discovered that his little brother was soul-partners with one of Alina's new friends! But Shoji was bitter about his childhood (among other things) so he refused to make any positive connection with him, and by the time he stopped being so mean, his brother wanted nothing to do with him. And then life happened, and now Shoji Hates Him.

On a lighter note, Alina also found his older half-brother, Slade, and purchased him to join them on Jorvik. He's just a horse, but he's also one of Shoji's best friends, so that's nice. And Shoji also has a horsie wife! And a newborn child! And a dog!

Wynn's family got Garnok'd :)

(It's okay, though, because now he has Alina and his adoptive mom and his new baby sibling 😭😭)

🌠 SHOOTING STAR - if they could make any wish with no repercussions, what wish would they make?

Alina's spent some time thinking about this. She'd have to write up a whole contract to make sure everything goes her way if she ever got the opportunity to actually get a wish like this.

In kind-of simple words, she would wish for Pandoria to be safe, but she doesn't want Earth to be stuck with Garnok and the Dark riders either, anymore.

So basically, her home and Wynn's, with no more world-ending problems to face, so he can be raised in Pandoria, where he belongs, and she doesn't have to worry about risking everyone who lives on Earth.

And can she please develop some kind of immunity to Pandoria, while whoever's-granting-this-wish is at it? Because going to that place constantly is kind of wearing on her.

[drowninginblox]

I am inspired, below is a drabble for this amazing piece!

It's been weeks since he left. The only trace of a goodbye being a loving but hastily written note left by Pac's door.

He wasn't a stranger to goodbyes. Most of them were messier than this, but they always left the same reaction- emptiness. Sometimes they were followed by fits of rage leading a parade of sadness, other times bore a longing similar to a mother when their son heads to war. This was both, but there was a stark difference. Fit took a part of Pac with him. One that Pac didn't know what to do without.

Even though their relationship is young, the pair of them developed something unlike either had experienced. One that allowed reliance, intimacy, and honesty that other relationships just don't have. Fit could tell Pac anything in confidence that he wouldn't tell a soul. Pac could rely on Fit to steady him when he is at his most uncertain. Both of them were in sync with each other to the point of uncanniness. It took Pac and Mike years to be on the level they're at now, but with Fit- Mike hasn't seen anything like this out of his best friend.

The resounding emptiness was obvious to anyone who saw Pac. Yet this weird sickness that takes people out for days at a time has left Pac in a state of pseudo-isolation. Granted it isn't the first time he's been like this, purgatory two had him in a similar mindset with the sea of strangers that he was grouped with. And he struggled with Richas's and Mike's kidnapping. But at least then, he wasn't physically alone, only mentally. Juxtaposed as this is, the feeling hit the mark. Heinsight was the only thing Pac had to guide him now.

There were no pills, no friends, no upcoming events he could look forward to. Just a dream of Ramon and Richas waking up and hoping, no, praying that Fit is okay. All the while keeping himself busy to ward off the ill-suited thoughts of the fate of his family. *"Ok, então, há as tarefas, os gatos, o jardim, Ramon, Richas, a limpeza da casa, experimentar as receitas sugeridas por Phil e…" Racking his brain for anything else he could possibly do, Pac gave into the impending sigh. He knows it shouldn't come to this, lists are something that he hates to make for himself. It's something of a time killer rather than a mark of productivity to him. Yet the idea of keeping himself in check is far better than the possibility of a spiral. *(Okay, so, there's the tasks, the cats, the garden, Ramon, Richas, cleaning the house, trying out the recipes Phil suggested, and…)

Even though the anxieties made a home out of him long ago, Pac knew one thing that at least muted the distraction. *"Tarefas. Tarefas. Há tarefas a serem feitas." With the half-hazard assurance being the equivalent of a bandaid to a broken bone, Pac felt for his way stone and warped to spawn. *"Tasks. Tasks. There are tasks to do."

Nothing changed there at least. Pristinely polished floors, always active ATMs, the lack of any music to distract from shenanigans... okay maybe spawn wasn't all that perfect. But it had the tasks, and tasks make great distractions. Lingering at the signposts, he made his way to the task board. For some reason it was empty. *"O quê? Por que não há tarefas?" He looks around. "Isso é uma brincadeira?" He contemplates taking out something, any kind of weapon in case anyone is lingering. "Cucarucho?" Yet nothing followed. He looked around again just to make sure before warping back home. At least home made sense. *What? Why is there no tasks? Is this a prank?

With fewer coins to his name, Pac wandered to the garden. It didn't take long to tend to his patch, but something will always be better than nothing. That's something he can hear Fit saying at least. Once finished, he glanced over to his boyfriend's house. The admission still made his face red. Granted it hasn't been long, baby steps after all, maybe that's another reason why Fit's so charming.

Pac smiles.

Making his way to the junkyard has been easier with every moment Fit's been away. When he first left, Pac was in a panic. Every hour he'd warp back to the 'yard to check on Ramon, only to see everything was okay. He contemplated setting up a sleeping bag next to the boy but decided against it. Mainly out of respect for Ramon's resilience. If he was honest with himself, he didn't want to overstep. Over time he's let the egg rest, settling into this routine while leaving his anxiety to fester into the nights. There they can be taken out in pacing, crying, hell- even screaming at the worst of times. But someone had to have faith. At least in front of those that matter. "Ramon! Meu filho! Estou de volta!" He swallows a pit in his throat, breathing back some life into his voice before he continues up the ladder. "Tengo una historia para ti!" He laughs a little at the memory he had at the back of his mind. With every daily visit, Pac tries to tell a story to his son. Some were made up completely, others were stories of his and Mike's adventures. On the rare occasion, he would just rattle on to the boy about his day. It wasn't the healthiest thing, but it was cathartic. *"Ramon! My boy, I'm back!"....."I have a story for you!"

When he reached the top of the ladder, he immediately opened the door even though he wasn't full up. While pushing himself off the floor and adjusting himself to make up for his excitement he looked over to his son "Estaba pensando en cómo conocí a tu…" Yet the sight of the sleeping child wasn't one he was met with. Rather, something that made the words he had reserved for the moment dry in his mouth. *I was thinking about how I met your...

Sat on the bed, lost in thought, was the man he adored. Worst for wear, dirty almost behind recognition, was Fit. His Fit. "Fitche," A whisper of a plea was all it took for the American to look his way. "Pac," His demeanor changed, what was once contemplative and guarded turned soft and light at him. The realization made Pac's face heat up. "I- how long have you been back?" Pac asks as Fit gets up from the bed, closing the distance between them. "Not even an hour- I don't think so anyway-" Fit holds a hand up to cup Pac's face. In any other circumstances, Pac would have leaned into the ghost of the touch. But this was too sudden. Not that he didn't like the speed boost! It was nice, and he wanted nothing more than to kiss this man everywhere he could- but he'd had people taken away from him too many times before. Pac's seen the change firsthand when it came to tortured, isolated souls. Who's to say that Fit wasn't the same?

"Wait. Wait, wait, wait!" Pac stepped back, nearly falling into the open hole for the ladder. Although Fit was hurt by the action, he soon realized what Pac was anxious about. "Oh, uh, I'm sorry." what remained of his prosthetic made its way to the back of his neck, scratching it lightly. "I just missed you, so much PAc-" This didn't help Pac's flushed face from graduating from tomato to fire truck red. "No, no! It's not that, I just," He glances at Ramon, still sleeping soundly. A breath. "Follow me." He steps onto the deck, waiting to make sure Fit follows him out before closing the door behind them. "My place." He said, Fit only nodded and watched as he warped.

He followed.

When he forms in front of Pac's house, Pac is holding the door open for him.

He walks inside.

Pac closes the door and rummages through his bag. "Sit. I need to make sure." Fit glances between him and the table. "Okay." The chair creeks in his attempt to make himself comfortable. Well, as comfortable as anyone can be with a broken prosthetic and grime to the point of irritability. But this is Pac, and anything Pac does usually comes with a good reason. With a focused and anxious breath, Pac unsheathes his scythe. Fit tries his best to ignore the blood rushing to his face among other places. "I'm just gonna ask you a few questions." "Pac, do you think I'm not me?" Pac grips the weapon tighter. "I just need to make sure." Fit looks away for a moment. As much as he understands, he can't help but be slightly hurt. Pac has every right to do this, he's been through this song and dance before. And Fit knew damn well that if he was in Pac's shoes, he'd do the same but... "Okay. Shoot"

A steady breath is shared between the two. "Okay, what food did we have on our first date?" Fit smiled. "Sheperd's Pie. And wine." Pac bit the inside of his mouth. "Where did you ask me out for that date? And who was with us when you did?" A small sigh. "We were at Starbobby's, Ramon was with us. He was so excited when I... well, when I finally manned up and asked you." Pac racked his mind for a moment for something else only Fit would know. "When was our first kiss?" Fit cocked his head, "Um. Pac. I haven't- well, we haven't kissed yet." Pac smiled. "Yeah. I know." Fit smiled. "Baby steps." Pac glanced behind him. "Sure." Fit turned to see the corner where his robe once hung for everyone to see. He coughs longer than he should. " I- uh,..."

Pac laughed. Fit turned back to savor every moment of it. As Pac's laughter died down, Fit reached for his hand. "Pac, I love you." When the words reach him, Pac doubts that they're real. "Huh?" Fit looks away only to meet Pac's eyes. The unapologetic smile on his face and the tears in his eyes were all Pac needed to know. "Eu também amo você." Pac swallowed the remaining nerves he had as he leaned on the table. Fit followed suit, closing the gap until both of them met. *"I love you too"

It wasn't long, but it wasn't simple either. It was passionate and yearning, quiet in noise but loud in intention. Neither knew exactly what they were doing, but it was like heaven in every sense of the word. When they parted, which neither wanted to do, both were left in a haze of euphoria. Fit blinked out of it first, a hand hovering over his lips to make sure what he just experienced was real. Meanwhile, Pac whined over the loss of Fit. He needed more. "Um, that-that was... wow." Fit looked over at Pac, who was taking off his gloves. "Uh, Pac,"

"Mais." Pac discards the other glove as he gets up from his chair. "Dê-me mais." Fit felt a shiver roll up his back at Pac's tone, slowly getting up in response. "Um, y- yeah. I can," Pac didn't bother to hear the rest of what his boyfriend had to say, opting to hold him exactly like he'd been dreaming of doing for the past few weeks. "Fitch, no more talking." Fit only nods. This is going to be the longest and best night of his life. *"More." ... "Give me more."

Close

Spent too long staring at this so I'm posting it before I overwork it waaay too much.

[doebt]

Listens to kiss me by sixpence none the richer and just starts decomposing at an unnaturally fast rate

[ichiruki]

Don't know if you got same question as this ... But I want to ask can you explain why relationship between Rukia and Ichigo is romantic not friendly and show moments which actually shows how they have romantic feelings for eachother?

** you can ignore it if you want ... But I'm new here and in the fandom too so I had questions 😶 **

That’s the beauty of Ichigo and Rukia’s relationship! They love each other in many ways and since very early on. I think the Fullbring arc really cemented that they also love each other romantically because after having time apart we see just how much (and how fondly) they think of the other... and how nobody else comes close.

Chapter 424 is Ichigo telling us what’s been going on since the battle with Aizen and every panel is full with the calm life he’s living except when talking about not having powers. To me it suggests he has a lot of feelings about that fact and, given the size, he tries not to think about it too much.

But when we get to the panel about Rukia there’s so much empty space it takes up half the page. It’s presenting itself as the heaviest thing on his mind after the battle; not being able to see her. 

Also, (this is just a theory) seeing this in color makes it look like the panels are connected up to this point... like if he thinks too long about what happened he’ll eventually think about her. “Now I don’t have any soul reaper powers” changes the subject to Karin. “It’s been 17 months since the battle” changes the subject to school. “Ever since then Rukia hasn’t come to KK once” the scene ends and transitions to one about missing her. It’s like Rukia is always in the back of his mind and after all this time it’s easier to avoid it.

Of course he misses her, but having an excuse for her ready proves how much she’s been on his mind, and outright denying it is so like him. I wouldn’t say this specifically is rooted in “romance” but with other moments we can see just how much he wants to see her again and it really goes beyond what he feels for anyone else.

Take for example when he only mentioned that Rukia hadn’t come to visit him despite having other friends from the SS, especially Renji. In the next chapter he dreamed of them and Byakuya but it’s Rukia that stands out.

She’s singled out from the guys and her panel is bigger, but what really separates her from them is the fact that it’s cropped sooo close to her face. There isn’t even a sliver of her shoulders, Ichigo is really concentrating here. Renji and Byakuya’s presence is enough but not when it comes to Rukia, he seems desperate to see her again.

Being a protector is literally in Ichigo’s name so losing the power to do so was hard on him, anyone could see that. Orihime was glad at first but ultimately had to ask Rukia to figure out a way to get his power back and Chad could barely look at him since he lost it. Chad goes on a little bit more about how wanting to fight/protect those around him makes Ichigo who he is, and while that’s definitely correct what comes next suggests that there’s something more important. 

Love is subjective. Riruka drew her ability out through her love/adoration of cute material things and the happiness it brings her. Orihime persevered because of the love she feels for her best friend Tatsuki who always protected her. Chad manifested his ability because of the pride his family (his grandfather, who he loves) instilled in him. Fullbring can be activated with love that is familial, platonic, or even with a hobby/inanimate things.

Saving his sisters from the same monster that killed his mother wasn’t enough to activate his fullbring. Helping Orihime, Chad, and Uryu, his friends, also wasn’t enough. Being strong enough to hold back the equivalent of 100 thousand blades in the form of a ginormous, fiery bird wasn’t enough either. Apparently it doesn’t even slightly trigger it.

Remember when I said Ichigo was avoiding Rukia? She was present in each event he thinks about. Of course she isn’t the most important person in each scenario, but even in the moment he saves her life he doesn’t picture her face like the rest of them. Him doing that cements the fact that he’s trying to hold back thinking about her... until he can’t anymore.

The power comes all at once when he finally thinks of her. Just her. 

At the end of the SS arc we figure out that what Ichigo wanted most when he saved Rukia was to see her smile again, and because of the power he gained for her sake he was able to do that; because of power he was able to save so many other people, too. The thing is, he remembers her in the moment he lost his powers; not one of the times he saves her or she saves him or the result of any of that. He began training for fullbring to protect the people important to him but it isn’t being activated by those bonds and instead by the pure desire to see her smiling again. 

Putting everything together tells us that he loves her romantically; if his fullbring isn’t being activated by his platonic or familial bonds or the pride in having the power to protect them there is only one type of love that separates her from the rest. 

We can keep going... with a liiiittle bit on Rukia, too.

Seeing her for the first time in 17+ months literally stopped the rain and put light back in his eyes after he lost his power AGAIN with the people he’s closest to  turned against him. He was bawling his eyes out, more powerless than he’s ever been, and unsettled about his dad and Urahara’s sudden appearance, but she immediately put him at ease without any effort at all.

He believes in her right away just like she does in him. Like she always does.

When Rukia gets the chance to fully think about how special and strong Ichigo is, both in strength and heart, we see her in complete awe. 

If she was simply proud and or amazed by him she could have replicated the smile she had at sokyoku hill when she felt his power “flowing into her.” The expressions on her face here (off the top of my head) are completely new and softer than ever. It looks like her own heart skipped a beat ���

— It skipped just like time does when they’re seperated. 

The arc opened with Ichigo wondering if he can keep up with the speed of the world without her and just about ended with this poem, “When the two that share destiny part and reunite, beyond the frame of time, the ceased clock will awake and start to tick once again.” Ichigo and Rukia are incomplete when they’re apart and are at their happiest when together. 

When remembering her happiest moments during her fight with As Nodt, Rukia thought of Ichigo the most. When fighting Yhwach and remembering his most despairing moments, the night Ichigo lost Rukia to Renji and Byakuya comes second after losing his mom. The emphasis on their bond is consistent throughout the story and even until the last chapter.

If Ichigo and Rukia’s relationship was supposed to be strictly platonic the amount of content we were given would have to be cut in half. Cut down on the anime fillers/openings/endings, the movies, the musicals, the color spreads...  the poems about the other person, the speeches about how one feels about the other, the emphasis on their shared trauma and the fact that they saved and helped each other overcome their misery, the overwhelming feeling of wanting to see the other person happy, Ichigo’s parents replicating his and Rukia’s first meeting, “The Love and Destiny Ichigo Inherited,” the partings, the reunions... Y’know, put all the ships on an even playing field, but that’s not what happened. 

Ichigo and Rukia have the kind of relationship that was said to be “more than friends” since the second arc. 200 chapters later when they spend over a year without seeing or even speaking to each other we can see how they spent that time thinking of the other and more than anyone else. Time goes on but their bond will never break, and they don’t deserve anything less. 

[ninjastormhawkkat]

Carl immediately regretted his question. He could tell it was a sensitive subject for the young man as Tristan’s face flashed with fear and anxiety before morphing back into a neutral expression. Tristan seemed to pause in deep thought as he pondered what to tell the two men. Like his spouse Two Brains, Tristan didn’t like discussing his past openly. Finally Tristan let out a small sigh. These two were his husband’s parents. He should at least be honest with them. “As I have explained before, I came from a planet called Lexicon where words are considered to be the most powerful tools we have out our disposal. I have also told you I now consider Earth my home, for a very good reason.” Tristan’s expression became grim. “Life on Lexicon, it’s laws and social structure, is equivalent to your world’s military structures. Ranks on our planet our equal to your political hierarchy. I was from a family of colonels which is equivalent to a duke on your planet." Tristan held back a laugh when he saw how Carl and Matthew's eyes bulged in shock at that part. He remembered how Gene too had freaked out when he found out. It was very humorous to see his reaction. "All Lexiconians are trained to be soldiers and defenders at a very young age. Our rules, reputations, and traditions always come first over our own desires and emotions. For the good of the planet.” Matthew noted a bitter tone in Tristan’s voice. “Of course it doesn’t matter on Lexicon who you fall in love…unless you are put in an arranged marriage.” Tristan’s face darkened. “My father and mother arranged it so as the eldest child, I was to be married to General Navren. Navren though was a crooked soul. He was manipulative, blood thirsty, and a selfish prick. He cared about no one but himself. Our union only served to strengthen the positions of his and my own families. I tried to plead with my parents, beg them to not go through with this as I did not love him at all, but they didn’t care. They knew well how corrupt Navren was, just about everyone did. According to my father, it was my duty and honor to wed General Navren for the good of Lexicon. My feelings on the matter were not important.” Tristan let out a somber sigh. “I only had two friends who listened to me. Navren’s sister Ouleena and my co pilot Captain Huggen Facer, or as you know him Bob aka Captain Huggy Face.” They helped me escape from Navren and from my family. Huggy and I took a ship while Ouleena distracted the guards. I dismantled the guidance and tracking system on the ship. Huggy and I then finally flew away from Lexicon forever. We originally just planned to travel to other worlds, but then Huggy and I hit a lone asteroid by accident which damaged a wing and caused us to crash into Earth. I decided to explore this new planet while Huggy wanted to stay behind to try and repair the damages. We landed near Fair City. I was walking through the streets, observing my surroundings with great interest. It was then I noticed a human about to be unknowingly hit by a truck while crossing the street. I used my super speed to rescue them.” Tristan’s face became blissful as a warm smile grew on his face. “It was there I laid eyes on the man I saved, my first ever true love. That was when I met Gene. He was the first person that loved me for my character. He let me be free to feel what I feel. He gave me hope and a purpose. He was able to show me that I could be allowed to live the life I want and pursue my own interests. Nothing or no one could tell me otherwise. He was the first human to listen to me. It was Gene that made me decide to stay on Earth and make this place my home. We got married, Gene created our daughter Becky the same way he was created, and some time later we married Alex. I finally had the family I always wanted. I was finally happy." @dualnaturedscientist

Everyone was exhausted from the eventful day. Dr.Two-Brains had put the mice pups on a makeshift little bed for them to sleep on. They seemed to have grown attached to both Becky and the mad scientist in the short amount of time they were taking care of them. When they put the mice pups down they squeaked to be picked up again. When they finally fell asleep, full from their dinner, Becky and Dr.Two-Brains quietly left. Though Becky didn't want to leave the pinkies alone. The villain spoke softly. "They will be okay there. I promise. Let's be quiet and let them sleep." Becky stared at her father for a moment. She had a thoughtful expression, following after him. Dr.Two-Brains had put his kid to bed. Once she was tucked in. Bob too. He kissed her forehead goodnight. "Goodnight my little ray of hope. Rest well. I'll never let anyone hurt you anymore. I promise. You'll be safe from now on. I'll never let you out of my sight again." He mumbled this, his eyelids feeling so heavy now. He drifted off to sleep, head on the bed. Becky untucked herself and made herself comfortable near her dad. Bob made himself comfortable as well on the opposite side. Both of them curled up next to him. The others had already left for their own home. Leaving Carl, Steven and Matthew with them. Carl and Steven had been taken to the spare rooms while Matthew had only the couch to sleep on. If he was going to be honest it was still much better than the poor excuse of a bed they forced him to sleep on during his time in Maximum prison. The facility where he was transferred was so much worse. He was going to take what they gave. As his son in law wished, he was on his best behavior. It would stay that way until they didn't need him anymore. The truth was, he wants his kids to be happy. Just like any other parent would. Once he was of no use anymore, he will make sure they never see him again. He'll be far away. Just like they wanted. Despite what happened, Gene was still his favorite. He was so proud that his son turned out to be so brilliant, kind from what he saw. He was still all that despite the mouse brain. His son was strong. Maybe even more than him. He gave in, Dr.Two-Brains didn't give into it for the sake of his daughter. Matthew finally allowed himself to drift to sleep.

The next morning, Matthew was woken up by his son cooking breakfast for everyone. Well everyone but him. He assumed that Gene would want to feed the man he hates. Matthew felt guilt. Over hurting his son like that. Everyone else woke up soon, gathering around the table. Once it was set up, everyone helped themself to the delicious and cheesy meal. Matthew stayed in the living room though. Becky glanced over at him, puzzled why he wasn't joining them. Dr.Two-Brains felt his insides twist. As much as he hates Matthew he couldn't let his little girl panic like that. If he's staying here, he must eat as well. He spoke in a less than enthused tone. "You want your plate over there or are you going to join us?" Matthew blinked owlishly. He saw that the table seemed a bit crowded and he doubted they wanted him to sit with them. "I'll fix up my plate and eat on the couch. Thank you." There was no sarcasm in his tone. He was genuinely thanking his son. After they ate, Matthew and Dr.Two-Brains were alone in the living room. It was tense. Matthew wasn't looking at his son, not wanting to make the situation worse. He didn't see the expression Dr.Two-Brains was wearing. Grim. He wanted answers. He was finally able to ask this question he had been dying to ask for years. "Why did you do it? Why did you massacre all those heroes? Rebecca?" Two-Brains found himself even more emotional, bringing up his late best friend. There was anger in his eyes. Sadness. Hurt. Matthew only felt guilty when it came to his family. He hated seeing them hurt. A thought he always had. If he hadn't massacred the heroes, maybe he could've done something to prevent Carl and Steven from being kidnapped. Prevent Gene from going through all that. "You wish to know? I'll tell you. Just a heads up. I'm telling you why and it's not an excuse for what I did. I'm simply telling you what happened." Matthew paused for a second, frowning at the memory. "A good man died so many years ago. Not one hero shed a tear for someone whose intentions were good. Despite his less than legal ways of achieving his goals, he was on their side. They never saw it that way. It didn't affect him in the least. He still fought for what was good. They said horrible things about him. Yet he never retaliated. Never spoke against them in anger. My uncle. He hated this vigilante just as much. Hated that he was teaching me just as much. I didn't realize it at the time but this vigilante was more of a hero than the others were. Not one of them, including my uncle, mourned for him. They never even mentioned his passing once. The one who killed him, he wasn't going to stop. I had to make him stop. The anger I felt. I wiped him out. With his goons. They didn't care how many lives were lost. That added so much fuel to my hatred of heroes. So much so. It blinded me. Making me no better. I became the malicious monster that my uncle said I was. The rage grew in me. He disowned me. So did my mother. When the rage grew, I only had one thought. One goal. I was unfortunately blinded by this. Not seeing the damage I've done after I executed my plan. All of my rage was released. I don't remember killing most of them. But I know I did. I truly love you and your siblings. Your father, I never stopped loving him. Yet my hatred was stronger. I gave into it. I know this is the consequence of my actions and I accept it. If you wish to get revenge, I won't fight back. Do as you please. I'm truly sorry. I know it doesn't mean anything to you since it's from me. But my apology is genuine. I am sorry. I don't expect forgiveness. But I thought you deserved an apology."

Dr. Two Brains sat stunned at Maddrix's explanation. He had no idea Matthew used to be a hero. None of them did. He didn't know how to react to his apology either. It was a little too late to say sorry. Yet on the other hand, Two Brains could tell he was being serious and genuine. Maddrix's explanation though, it opened up more questions for him as he reflected on his past before the massacre, analyzing Matthew's actions and comparing it to what he knows now. "Is that why you raised me to be a villain? So I wouldn't end up like the heroes you hated so much?" Two Brains asked. Matthew shook his head. "I had that hatred festering, but it wasn't the main reason I raised you to be a villain. I genuinely saw the natural spark and flare you had for villainy at an early age. When you acted sweet and innocent as a cover to get what you want or to get away with biting people that made you mad." Matthew paused a bit as he chuckled a little at the memories. "I honestly lost count of how many people you bit." Two Brains couldn't help but smirk at that. "It was the only way I could get back at those who made me upset. Neither you nor dad would let me gain access to tech until I was 13." Two Brains quipped. Matthew nodded with a bittersweet smile. "True. We were both slightly afraid what you mind would do if we gave you access to tools and tech before you were mature enough to use them." Matthew then frowned. "The true reason was I didn't want you to end up like me. I had a lot of anger and aggression issues when I was growing up. I don't exactly know where they came from. I just know that my uncle nor my mother never gave me the help I needed. My uncle saw me nothing more than a weapon that made him look good until I didn't. My mother was a spineless fool who went along with anything my uncle told her. I wanted to help channel your villainous impulses into something productive. I wanted to give you the helping guidance I never got. Even after you got me arrested. I was miffed yeah but I was never truly mad at you. I'm proud of the person you grown up into. Not because of the villain part. It's because you have a lot more control over your priorities and better restraints over your impulses than I ever did." "So that's why you told dad you were an orphan." Two Brains muttered as he processed what Matthew told him. Maddrix just shrugged. "Well your biological grandfather walked out when I was a toddler and the only true parental figure I had died when I was teenager. It was easier to say I was an orphan than to go into the nitty gritty." Dr. Two Brains leveled Matthew a hardened look. "You kept a lot of secrets from dad, including the part about you and me being villains. I remember you said it was best that no one else in our family knew the truth about our villain work. Even though they wouldn't be bothered about it, you still didn't want them to know. Why was that? Were you afraid of them getting hurt if they knew?" Dr. Two Brains interrogated. Matthew's expression became pale before he turned his gaze away Dr. Two Brains looked at the man with annoyance and confusion for not answering his question in a rude manner. A thought then struck his head. That evasive and somewhat rude reaction. He knew it all too well. "You were afraid dad would hate your for being a villain and kick you out like your mom and uncle did. That was why?" Two Brains muttered quietly. Maddrix didn't reply. He didn't have too. Dr. Two Brains could see clear as day the prickling tears the villain was trying to blink away. Two Brains gave a bitter chuckle. "I guess I did take more after you than I realized." Two Brains mumbled. Both he and Matthew never wanted their loved ones to see the true them, consumed by their fear of being hated and alone by those they cared the most. The difference here, while Two Brains found a better way to cope with his fears and learn to be more open to others, Matthew didn't. @dualnaturedscientist

[astaroth1357]

Demigod MC Series: Hestia

This is another eternally virgin goddess, so we're doing another pseudo-demigod by adoption (like we did with Athena).

Demigod MC: Intro, Aphrodite, Hermes, Hades, Dionysus, Demeter, Athena, Hades Pt. 2, Poseidon, Ares, Hestia

Hestia is the goddess of the Hearth, Home, Architecture, Domesticity, Family, and the State. She's high up there (firstborn of Rhea and Cronus), but several factors have led to her falling into the background when compared to the other (flashier) Olympians. She swore to never marry, rejecting proposals from both Poseidon and Apollo, and is something of an antithesis to Aphrodite.

Lucifer

Honestly? He thought they were exactly what they were after. A weak human with no experience in the magical world what-so-ever.

Well… He was half-right.

On the surface, this is a pretty weak human. They don't have super flashy powers or a divine birth from the gods… but they do have a very protective adoptive mother.

The brothers had just settled in for their first dinner with the new human when the goddess herself strolled into their dining room, asked who was in charge, then dragged Lucifer away by the ear!

She's not even his mother, yet he felt the intense urge to apologize and put himself in his own room… Oh, the humiliation… at least she did the same to Diavolo…

The Prince was only able to calm her down by promising absolutely NO harm would come to her child… on their heads...

By the time the goddess finally let him go, Lucifer was about ready to shackle the MC to his wrist so nothing could touch them but he settled on keeping them with him like an assistant of sorts. They were in charge of helping him with the paperwork so he could keep an eye on them. 

What he didn’t expect was for them to be so… good at it? They could keep his offices clean, they managed his daily schedule, fixed up the House, and still have time to bring him tea and sweets every night!

They could even reign in his brothers somehow… They weren't strong or intimidating, but one or two mildly unhappy words out of them and everybody would be on their best behavior.

Was everyone positive they're only human...?

As much as he hated to admit, he may have a slight deep case of falling for the housekeeper… He would make a move, but well…

He has Beel to contend with first.

Mammon

Okay so, watching Lucifer get dragged out by the ear just like Raphael used to do to him was hilarious!!! The whole room got a good laugh! 🤣

Until Hestia glared at them and suddenly they all felt like they'd disappointed someone important….

And all that fuss over some dumb human??

So what if they made amazing food?

So what if they could clean the entire mansion in a day?

So what if they were the walking equivalent to a warm cup of cocoa on a winter's day??

So what if they were just the kindest, sweetest thing in this godforsaken hellscape and he would throw himself in front of a bus to keep them safe-

-Wait, when did that happen?!?

Seriously, Mammon's attachment to the MC came out of NOWHERE to him. One day, he was threatening to eat their soul and the next he's freaking out when they stub their toe!

He swears they have to have some kind of magic about them! A charm, or a spell, or… their lovable smile and warm, loving hugs...! 😊

Damnit!! They're too cute!! He needs them to go away but also never leave, thanks. 😒

In all seriousness, though their kind nature puts Mammon's tsundere self at a bit of a disadvantage, his protective instincts shoot through the roof whenever they're involved.

Naturally, that means his day is spent running them away from hungry lesser demons or shielding them from Beel and Lucifer's tug-of-war matches… He's a busy guy these days. 😖

Leviathan 

They're so… so… MOE!!!

That was his immediate thought when Mammon brought them home. He was expecting a defenseless human, but not one that could have stepped out of one of his slice-of-life manga!

To be honest, his instant thought was try and find a place to sit them on his shelves with the rest of the adorable characters he loves… 😅

And that was before they even opened their mouth! Five words into their introduction and he was ready to get their face on a t-shirt!!

Honestly, combine their natural cuteness with their household skills and they made for perfect waifu/husbando material… 

Not helped by the fact they found one of his maid/butler outfits while doing the laundry one day. Not only did they ask if they could wear it, they actually non-ironically liked it and started wearing it around the House!!

Oh he got cornered by Beel, Lucifer, and Mammon separately that day because they thought he was using them for fetish fuel… But it was their idea, he swears!!

I mean… He didn't discourage them or anything either but still…

If Beel hadn't claimed them on Day One, Levi might have eventually thrown his hat in the ring too... Oh well… he can pine from a distance… What else is new? 😔

Satan

He has a video of Hestia dragging Lucifer out of the dining room on his phone and it's one of his most treasured possessions now. 😌

He is perhaps the only person in the House who was not at all impressed with their little human.

So they could cook? So could he. So they can clean? That's not impressive. They could manage a household? Big deal, he's more or less been in charge of the same thing for centuries!

As far as he saw it, there was nothing the MC could do that he couldn't do as proficiently or even better. There was nothing remarkable about this human at all!

… except for one thing.

That maid/butler outfit of Levi's? The one they like to wear around?

It has cat accessories…

Either they don't notice or they don't mind it but they essentially walk around the House cleaning things with little kitty ears attached to their head and a bell on their collar…

Dammit… Why did Levi even buy that?!?

Satan ended up getting in trouble for enchanting their outfit to give them REAL ears and a tail "accidentally..." Lucifer strung him up by his toes, Beel gave him a black-eye, and Mammon still calls him a "perverted cat freak" but it was worth it, he says, worth it!!

Asmodeus 

Oh Beel…

Asmo saw Beel's feelings for the MC coming from a mile away. He didn't even need to confirm it with a sniff check, he had them scented by the end of their first night!

Lucifer, on the other hand, now that was a surprise... 😏

Ask him a century ago if Lucifer would ever consider a human lover, godly mother or no, and he'd have laughed! Yet here he is, giving gifts and sneaking whiffs of their adorable new housemate!

Of course, that's causing some commotion because they're pitted against each other, but Asmo finds it kind of cute honestly. 

Beel and Lucifer aren't fighting, not for real. The whole house knows Lucifer would win in a real brawl, but neither of them actually want to hurt the other… They're far too close for that.

So Beel tosses Lucifer around with kid gloves and Lucifer holds back considerably against Beel. It's pretty much just two brothers who love each other squabbling over the same toy… 🤭

Honestly, Lucifer might have bowed out by now and just let Beel have them but now his pride's on the line… thus an endless tussle between family and the sweet MC is in the middle, clueless to it all!

Tragic, is it not? But it certainly makes things more entertaining around here! (Good thing too since Beel beat him to the punch… If it's a fight against those two, he'll have to keep any of his own affairs with the MC under the radar... 😏)

Beelzebub 

He has claimed this one. Full stop.

For a bit of perspective: when Barbatos needs cooking tips, he calls Hestia. Hestia, the Divine Master of All Things Cooking. Hestia, the goddess who raised this MC… 

Needless to say if they have any magic at all, it's in the kitchen.

If food is the way to Beel's heart, this MC has claimed his heart, soul, and probably all of his vital organs. Their food is astounding!! Always perfect every time and so good it brings him to tears!

It started the night of that first dinner, prepared by MC. He was too busy scarfing down the table to even notice a goddess showed up and then he proposed to the MC with their own pig roast by meal's end!

They said no to marriage, but an instant pact agreement suited him just fine.

Beel didn't waste a single moment before he started treating them like a potential mate, territorial aggression and all, but there was a bit of a catch… He kept the MC totally oblivious to it.

Surprisingly, Beel's can turn the "They're MINE" part of his brain on and off pretty well. He's nothing but sweet and cuddly to the MC when they're around and even with his brothers!... as long as they don't try anything.

The moment he caught whiff that Lucifer might be pursuing them too, it was on. Suddenly the two brothers who almost never fight were in competition against each other! But of course, both have an unspoken rule to never do so in front of MC.

And now poor MC believes it's common for demons to "play wrestle" like puppies and hugs are traditionally supposed to be so hard they could snap spines… 

And it doesn’t look like they'll be backing down any time soon… Oh dear...

Belphegor 

You know what? For once, everything goes exactly to plan for Belphie!

No really, this MC has no hidden powers, no magic horses, not even Demon Nip. They are a helpless, trusting little human who just wants to help their big teddy bear get his twin back!

So, you know how it goes. The charm, the lies, the treachery and all of that. He even gets to kill them!! Oh, happy days!! 😁

Come to think of it, they did smell an awful lot like Beel… But who cares, as long as Lucifer suffers right?? And this whole "living together in harmony" crap fails, right?!

Wrong. 

Beel went ballistic. Lucifer did too, but Beel was what really hurt…

Belphie can safely say that in all of his life, Beel has never physically attacked him. Not once, or at least, not with intent to kill… 

But when the sixthborn's fist went crashing through the wall right by his ear that day, he knew his brother's first instinct was to aim for his head… and his second was to miss, as he still loved him, but only by just a little.

What the hell did he just do??

Thank their father for Barbatos and all the funky time stuff he can do because bringing the MC "back" snapped his angry brothers right out of it. 

Things should have been smoothed over at that point but as everyone was finally settling down for tea, Hestia made another appearance in the House… this time carrying a butcher's knife!

Time fix or no, Diavolo had promised her no harm would come to MC and at least one continuity of them DIED… so punishment was now on Lucifer and the Demon Prince himself!

Belphie, in a rare case of guilt and an expression of brotherly love, offered to take their place since it WAS kind of all his fault. His gesture softened the Goddess of Family juuust enough to lighten his sentence from execution to hard labor.

And thus, the MC had their own housekeeping assistant for a whole year, complete with bitter reluctance and a matching maid outfit! Cat-theme and all!!

He's sending nightmares to anybody who laughs… guaranteed. 😒

[agentrouka-blog]

I'm surprised the fandom at large ignores Jon's mommy issues, which are so obvious. Ygritte didn't spring out of nowhere. She was designed as such to appeal to Jon's comfort level of femininity (Arya) vs what he is attracted to (Cat/Sansa). On one hand, he admires unladylike women like Arya and dismisses ladies. On the other hand, he is attracted to women with physical features of Cat/Sansa. While being ok with feminine men (Sam/Satin). So what is amiss with feminine women? Yeah, mommy issues.

It's Mommy issues and class issues, really.

Jon wants his mother to have been a highborn lady.

He knew nothing of his mother; Eddard Stark would not talk of her. Yet he dreamed of her at times, so often that he could almost see her face. In his dreams, she was beautiful, and highborn, and her eyes were kind. (AGOT, Jon III)

Not fierce or independent or formidable or bold or wild or willful.

No. Beautiful, highborn, kind. A classical lady. Jon's fantasy elevates his mother to a very old-fashioned status above the rest. Why, if he finds them pitiful and or distateful or unattractive?

Because he doesn't. They are immensely intriguing and attractive, or he would never want his mother to be just like that. (Ironically, his mother is a lot more like Arya than the classical highborn lady, but that's not what Jon's fantasy is about.)

Jon is very explicitly referring to the standards of a court when considering questions of beauty.

At a lord's court the girl would never have been considered anything but common, he knew. She had a round peasant face, a pug nose, and slightly crooked teeth, and her eyes were too far apart. (ASOS, Jon II)

Ygritte does not pass muster and Jon never calls her beautiful, only ever a qualified kind of pretty. Classist Jon. Shallow Jon. (But he gets a pass because she's actually simply a sexual predator. Her soul is ugly, Jon you saw it for true the first time.)

Lonely, and lovely. Ygritte had been pretty in her own way, with her red hair kissed by fire, but it was her smile that made her face come alive. Val did not need to smile; she would have turned men's heads in any court in the wide world. (ADWD, Jon III)

"Everything before the word 'but' is..." Anyway.

Val is court-level lovely. Highborn standards apply.

The highest praise he can think of for Val - who is not interested in that kind of thing in the slightest (!!!) - is that "she would make a worthy wife for any lord".

A.k.a. the equivalent of a highborn lady. Not for fighting or telling people off, but for doing essentially what Catelyn did: travel cross-country to enable negotiations with another leader. Diplomacy. Politics.

People pretend that Jon is dismissing classical ladies and princesses, but really he's constantly applying them as a standard. It's why he is trying to qualify what kind of princess Val might count as.

Jon very sincerely is attracted to classical ladies and what they can contribute. They are simply entirely out of his reach. Just like his mother.

I suppose to long for the unattainable is the way Jon first learned to relate to a woman's love.

[blorbologist]

Two for joy update!

Hit 30k and the Tary arc is done - the timeskip (and fluff I have planned for it) is so close I can taste it!

Have a lil sneak peek, for anyone watching my progress >:3c Under the cut!

“Oh darling,” Vex shushes. “Don’t you believe him!”

She palms one of the porous, spongestone type offerings Taryon had bought in handfuls at the bar below. “To shitty, shitty dads!”

Taryon taps his own stone to hers, seeming to catch the words only after he’s started to lift the - whatever it is. He gasps. “Wait! You have a shitty dad too??”

“The very shittiest,” says Vex. She knocks back the rock - best start working on whatever the Hells can offer for a hangover if she’s going to talk about this. Bad idea - it tinks against her teeth. She runs her tongue against them, to be sure nothing’s broken, as the odd essence seeps out and into her lips. Cold against her gums and tongue, like sinking your teeth into chips of ice, yet warm on the inhale. 

“He’s - gods - my dad took my brother and I from our mother out of some privilege. For our pedigree.” At least the magical alcohol - or meal, or whatever the nearest equivalent to this is - burns hot on the way down. Good enough a substitute. “He had never even met us! Can you imagine?”

Taryon nods with as much righteous disgust as he can muster. Apparently a lot. “Awful! How dare he?”

“How dare he!” Vex agrees. “Some bullshit about his blood in our veins meaning we were worth more than -”

“For the family legacy?” he offers. That indignity is replaced by wet sniffling again - incredible how quickly he can vault between emotions. Like a creaky tap turned on for the first time in years, spouting water and rust and debris in turn. “My father wanted a son - I just don’t think he wanted me.” 

“Not good enough for the bastard?”

Sniffs. “He doesn't like me. And he doesn't like the books I read, and he doesn't like that I like fantasy novels - and he doesn't like anything about me!” Taryon’s voice trails off, shrill and wobbly, as he nurses his rock. 

“I don’t have a head for - for property values, or sales, or trying to get good people into buying a bad deal! So everything is going to my sister!”

Vex frowns, gestures to the contraption - sorry, mechanical servant - at the door. Doty’s back is a cherry red glow by now. The companion, unperturbed, continues to inscribe their conversation dutifully. “But Taryon - he’s lovely, your Doty! Could your sister do something that incredible?”

Taryon shrugs. “Probably. Knowing her. Not like Doty counts as proving myself - I need to make a name for myself, a Darrington name.”

“Well,” she says, “I don’t think she’d have lasted a second in the Hells. Or managed to get here at all. And I know” - a swallow - “a few people who would be extremely impressed by Doty. He should be proud. You should be proud!”

“Really?”

“Mmhm.” Vex nods, offering a wink. Not one of her particularly useful ones, just - friendly. Yeah, friendly.

“Thank you,” Taryon mumbles. “This really - it means so very much to me, little elf -”

“If you call me that one more time,” she says, sweetly, “I’m going to introduce you to my pet.”

“Wasn’t that your wolf?”

She grins, jesting. Mostly. “Oh, no - he’s more of a business partner. That would be Trinket - a grizzly bear. His teeth are about this big.”

He nods, suitably chastised. There’s quiet - Vex rocks her odd rock in her hand. Its weight circles with the movement, as though a glass half full. Taryon looks at his own, lost in thought, before meeting her gaze, hesitant.

“Can you call me Tary?” He asks, weakly. 

Vex thinks back for a moment. Almost leans back to the wall until she remembers the heat of it. “Your friends call you Tary, right?”

He nods, a little meekly. 

She smiles. “Alright, Tary.”

--

“What do you mean those were souls? And no one thought to come and tell us?”

Vax crosses his arms over his chest defensively. “We didn’t think you’d get to stuffing your face immediately!”

“There’s no icecream in the Nine Hells! We needed comfort food and this is what they had!”

“I’m going to be sick,” Tary mumbles. 

Vex is inclined to agree. “Can Doty be used as a wastebin?” 

“No! Why would you even-”

[scrawnytreedemon]

Victor Frankenstein and Frustration: a Not-Essay, because I can’t structure for shit.

Alright, I’ll try to keep it as clean and concise as I can, but at the end of the day this is a sorta-heat-in-the-moment thing I’m writing while all the ideas and motivation are in me yet. I will be jumping around alot of topics, as this covers alot of ground, but I can’t say I’ll do it with grace: for this, I apologise.

I’ve noticed a trend in online lit fandom, not just on Tumblr, to condense Victor’s character to something roughly following “arrogant, ineffectual and selfish weenie who failed horribly at parenting, who ought not to be taken seriously in any significant way, largely in-due to his constant whining“ --In other words, a right twat.

And here’s the thing: largely, I agree.

However, what I take issue with, I suppose, is largely how this is all framed.

See, fandom has a tendency to sort characters into boxes, and then pick favourites or bête noires from that selection; this is helpful for the largely memetic(as in, shareable,) nature of online spaces; but where I think this thinking falls short is that it tends to divide casts into More Good or More Evil, with little room for nuance.

I think you can see where I’m going with this.

Victor Frankenstein, by all accounts, is an incredibly frustrating character to witness; he gets way in over his head, isolates himself from his loved ones, leaving them worried, deems those ambitions failed, hides from them, then when shit starts hitting the fan, he takes initial actions to try and mitigate the consequence, hits a roadblock, either stops their or chooses an even worse option, someone else gets hurt, he whines, rinse and repeat until the final act of the book, as the stakes get higher and higher and his mental state deteriorates more, and more, and more. If you look at this entirely from an outsiders’ perspective, as you, the audience, being subjected to his moaning time and time again, it can wear on you and your sympathies-- Needless to say, I Get It™.

I think, however, it needs be remarked that Victor is also just some guy. 

What I feel is often missed, is that even before Victor goes to university, he has just suffered the loss of his mother, with little time to recover, and that all of this is being told in hindsight, on his deathbed.

When Victor took on, all by himself, at twenty-two years old, not even letting anyone else know what he was up to, the monumental task of creating life, and then finding that life horribly botched, he did not have the perspective that what he created was equivalent to a newborn child-- For all he knew, he might have animated an actual demon. It isn’t until two years later, after the death of his little brother at the hands of said demon, the he’s even remotely made aware of this.

Victor had worn himself out over the course of several months, physically and mentally, to this one task. He was not equipped to deal witht he consequences. I do not say this to downplay the weight of his actions, or the horrible mess of events that come afterwards, but to state perspective. Victor does not have the hindsight we have at the time of this act. I cannot stress this enough. As much as I enjoy Deadbeat Dad Vick jokes, I get the feeling many people actually view the story from this lens, and hold Victor up to that standard.

Then there’s the trial of Justine: a horrible, useless, unneeded and avoidable affair that ends in even more senseless death. This is where alot of people’s sympathy for Victor runs out-- For more than understandable reasons. He failed to act accordingly, to share the information he had, deeming it to be either dismissed instantly or for himself to be put under scrutiny; it’s clear he’s passionate about Justine’s innocence, but he cannot push himself past his fear and doubt, and ultimately, it ends in her death.

It is a horrible, horrible moment, and one that cements the tone of the story from there on out.

These are two key events that largely colour this image of Victor so prevelant online; and it certainly doesn’t help, what with fandom being almost aggressively left-leaning at times, that Victor comes from a place of privilege; he is almost tailor-made to push all the buttons of fandom sensitivities.

Let me elaborate.

A key feature of Victor’s character is his complete and utter inability to ask for help; no matter how dire the situation. Victor feels, that, despite and even because of his incompetence, that it is his cross and his cross alone to bear. Any inolvement from others, such as Clerval when he heads to England, is hesitant and highly discouraged, even when he wants nothing more than to partake in the company of his loved ones, after all he’s been through. While it is also heavily coloured by the anguished sentiment that borders on self-absorption so much of the time, I think it is also worthy to examine this too.

Victor’s tendency to indulge in self-pity and self-loathing is nigh, if not entirely, all-consuming; it pervades the narrative to a painful degree, particularly as it comes from his recollections; it is often exhausting to read through, and nigh unbearable if you already hold a disdane from his previous actions; but here’s the thing I think most people miss,

Victor is depressed.

I don’t mean “ooh, he’s so sad, leave him alone 🥺,“ I mean the guy is fucking depressed, stuck in a constant cycle of attempting to make do but failing, hating himself even more, letting it consume him because he at once feels like he deserves to be consumed and it’s the only thing he can do then and there to soothe to pain as shit gets worse and worse.

Victor Frankenstein’s internal monolgue is a prime example of deep-seated, far-gone depression, and I say this because I myself have experienced and do experience this. Depression is fucking soul-sucking, man; it turns you in on yourself, makes you feel entirely undeserving of love and compassion, leaves you feeling like you must, have to, deal with this entirely by yourself because it is your cross to bear.

Depression is so often self-flagellating and pointless, leaving the subject drained and often largely unable to experience the world outside their own miserable little bubble.

Victor is so wrapped up in this soul-sucking guilt, attempting to fight his own ineffectuality and in doing so only furthering his own ineffectuality, refusing to ask for help, that he ends up putting the ones he’s trying to protect in further danger as he tries to scramble a hodge-podge solution to the problem he created and couldn’t have even begun to forsee its consequences at twenty-two years old. It is a painful, painful example of how if only he reached out, if only he told someone, was honest, all of this could have been avoided, or at least mitigated.

And I think that’s the thing with Victor.

He’s a kind of banal evil-- If such continuous stumbling can even be considered so --He is an example of every day self-isolation and refusal to let anyone else in ballooning to such a degree it ends in distaster.

People are far, far more willing to forgive Adam for his transgressions-- And I say this as someone far more sympathetic to his plight, what with the absolute abandonment he faced at the hands of humanity --Despite their far more horrific consequences; in many ways, they’re attributed to Victor’s failing; which isn’t entirely untrue,

But I have to wonder, if alot of this also comes down to the fact that Victor’s wrongdoings are so human; leaving someone in your care behind; not speaking up in cases of injustice; being self-involved; again, the constant whining. In a way, it’s the sentiment that in stories a horrible person is often far more bearable than an annoying one.

That doesn’t even begin to touch on how much of the bemoaning might largely be and often is directly post-hoc regret colouring all his previous actions. This, above all else, is a cautionary tale to a fellow idealist in the hopes that Robert Walton doesn’t Fuck Up the way he did. Victor stresses his regret and his failings and his misery time and time again because he wants to protect Robert from a similar fate; a fate that ultimately ends in his death.

Victor Frankenstein is a study in frustration; in audience frustration, self-frustration, narrative frustration; it seeps into every corner of the story.

I am not trying to defend Victor Frankenstein as a person; he is flawed; and he’s meant to be flawed. Victor, at the end of the day, is a deconstruction of the Byronic hero-- Of Great and Powerful Men on the Fronteers of History™-- And most importantly, I think, a deconstruction he himself undergoes. Victor eventually alerts someone, a Genevan magistrate, is doubted just as he feared, and then runs off to take revenge into his own hands.

It takes the death of Elizabeth Lavenza to do so.

Victor is a flawed, miserable man, but not an evil one. That doesn’t mean he deserved to have his life crumble around him.

He could have done better. Should have done better.

And he knows this.

His entire arc is about how he knows this.

Victor dies knowing this.

Him being unlikable doesn’t make him a bad character. Him being unlikable is part of the character; and in a meaningful way.

God, I don’t know how to end this. I’ll probably come back and edit this many, many times.

I guess I’m just tired of people flattening characters just because they’re not particularly endearing.

[emblemxeno]

JP vs. Localization in Fire Emblem Fates: Revelation

(Okay, for real this time lol)

Again, here’s a link to my sources post.

Fortunately, this route follows suit in terms of good localization quality after Conquest. It’s the shortest out of all the posts, since I don’t really have a lot to talk about. Mostly subtle line changes, references and a few key points of information that were cut out. I also went through Hidden Truths and Heirs of Fate to see if I could add stuff from those on here, but there were no big problems that I found.

Once again, the main part of this post will all be put under the cut. If a chapter isn’t covered, it means I didn’t think there were any differences worth talking about.

I’ll use localized names for characters and locations, unless I feel the need to do otherwise.

I’ll be using she/her when referring to Corrin in this post. (I flipped a coin to decide the gender lol)

Also, note that after Chapter 14, the translation of this route on Fateswartable ends, so I mostly relied on the English patch done by Serenes at that point forward. (I also used PegasusKnight.com as a reference to fall back on if I needed it)

Chapter 7

-A minor gripe I have with localization. The JP version compares Touma (Valla) to hell constantly. To jump ahead a bit, I believe in the JP versions of the End of All Sky/Land/Below tracks are even called The End of All Roads Heaven/Earth/Hell. The Vallites are also often called demons in the JP version, and Anankos himself is known as the ‘Invisible Demon Dragon’.

Another cool thing I just thought of too, is a connection to a popular Japanese short story. Zelda fans might be familiar with the story, “The Spider’s Thread”, which inspired the Ancient Cistern dungeon in Skyward Sword.

The beginning of the story has Buddha walking through paradise (heaven), before coming across a pond. The pond is filled with crystal clear water, and covered with water lilies/lotuses. As Buddha gazes further into the pond, he begins to see the depths of hell.

Sound familiar? “Azura is walking through Hoshido, before coming across a lake. The lake is filled with crystal clear water, and when she gazes into the lake she sees the fallen kingdom of her birth. Valla, the kingdom associated with water lilies/lotuses in the game, has been turned into hell itself.”

This association loses its meaning a bit when the comparisons to hell are a bit toned down, as well as when the Buddhist inspirations were kind of supplanted in favor of Greek renames. It’s not supremely important to the plot as a whole, but it’s something interesting I wanted to bring up.

-In the JP version, while explaining what happened in Valla, Azura eventually says “Using the art of manipulating people’s souls, he (Hydra/Anankos) made the people kill each other.” This bit of the people killing each other was cut in localization.

Chapter 12

-In the JP version, when Corrin asks Flora if she knows anything about dragons, Flora says “Sorry, I don’t know…The ancestral dragon of the Ice Clan has already perished and isn’t part of the legend. I don’t know what role it plays, sorry…” Localization makes her response “I'm sorry, but I can't think of anything... They've been gone so long that we don't even have tales of dragons in the Ice Tribe. I'm sorry I couldn't be of more assistance...”

So, the JP version explicitly says the Ice Dragon is dead (I believe Fates’ second artbook mentioned this as well), whereas the localization only says the First Dragons have been gone for a long time.

Chapter 16

-There’s not really much of a problem that I have with what Ryoma says about Corrin “having leadership qualities at a young age” but I wanted to do comparisons regardless cuz the word choice might lead one to different conclusions. In localization, Ryoma says this:

Ryoma: Huh... So she told us the same thing... I don't think it's in Corrin's nature to lie. And there's a leadership quality about her that just attracts followers. I remember being jealous of her as a child, in fact. Even at such a young age, she displayed the characteristics of a ruler. Silly to be jealous of her, right?

In the JP version, Ryoma says this:

Ryoma: Oh... So, she told you the same thing. …Corrin isn’t one to tell lies. She’s been like that since childhood. She’s always genuine and honest... She has this mysterious appeal that draws people to her. Seeing my younger sister with the qualities of being a ruler... Honestly, it makes me feel envious. …What a ridiculous thing to say, right?

Again, I don’t necessarily have a problem with how it was localized, but some might. The localization version might have people think that Corrin somehow was a fantastic leader at such a young age, but JP is more clear that it was about the qualities she had at a young age that would be valuable as a leader.

Chapter 19

-A minor gripe. In the localization, Azura says that Anankos uses his magic to send Vallites to Nohr and Hoshido to stir up conflict. In the JP version, she says he uses magic, along with the help of a body of water. That’s why whenever you fight Vallites outside of Valla proper, there’s a body of water nearby; Hoshido’s lake (and the ponds shown in Hinoka’s CQ battle which are in the capital) for Chapter 5, the sea for BR chapter 11, the burning falls for BR chapter 21, and the city for Rev chapter 13. Similarly, the consequences of being a victim to the curse are described as “turning into sea foam” in the JP version. Localization as a whole kind of toned down how much water has an influence on the story.

Chapter 23

-Probably the pettiest gripe I have lol. As Arete is fading away from Azura’s arms, Azura has a different reaction in localization and Japanese. In localization, Azura says “Mother? Mother!” while a voice clip of her in-battle pain cries plays. In the JP, she says  “*Sob... Sob*…! Mother... Mother...!”, while a voice clip of her crying plays. Her crying voice clip I don’t recall hearing anywhere else.

This is one of the few times in the you get to see Azura express a heavy and heartfelt emotion, since her rough childhood caused her to remain guarded and stoic around everyone. The equivalents to this scene in other routes is her death scene in Birthright, and her crying with Corrin over Ryoma’s death in Conquest; a normally unflinching and aloof character breaking down is a rarity, and indicates that the cause of it is something to take note of for the character as a whole. Localization softened this aspect, and I take issue with it, despite it probably seeming trivial to most other people.

Chapter 24

-When Corrin is questioning the phantom Mikoto, an exchange happens. In localization, part of it goes like this:

Corrin: But this can't be... Are you truly my mother?

Mikoto: I am. Even as a puppet of Anankos, my spirit at least remains my own.

Corrin: I... I believe you.

In the JP version, it goes like this:

Corrin: It can’t be... …Are you really my mother?

Mikoto: Yes... I became an Invisible servant, controlled by the Invisible King... Even so, I am your mother.

Corrin:  …………

Again, a minor thing that I don’t personally have issue with, but replacing Corrin’s silence with an admittance of belief could make some believe she has “reverted” back to being too naïve.

Chapter 26

-While Gunter is relaying his past, an exchange happens. In localization, it goes like this:

Gunter: I ask myself that, every day. I cannot understand the minds of royals. To you all, we commoners are little more than pawns in your schemes... Or weeds to be killed on a whim.

Corrin: That's not true...

Xander: Is that how people view the royalty?

Ryoma: Such an impression would easily breed powerful resentment...

In the JP version, Corrin, Xander and Ryoma don’t say anything. They just remain silent.

Endgame

-Not a major problem so much as a general thing about the game, but I can think of like... at least three memes that Treehouse inserted into the localization. Now I like memes, but there is no better way to date your media nowadays. One of them was Kana’s “That’s dragon for I love you” which tbh, is kind of cute and isn’t the most well known meme so I guess I can let it slide. Another is Felicia saying “I had one job!” when she messes up in the dining hall, which isn’t that big of a deal since the dining hall is very optional.

The last one I can think of is why I put this specific grievance here, and it’s during Corrin’s speech before facing Anankos.

Corrin: We won't back down! This is my... This is our destiny! Ready your weapons! Fight for your friends! With the Seal of Flames... With the Fire Emblem on our side! We fight for our world!!

Yeah, she says “Fight for your friends” which is everyone’s favorite Ike line from Brawl. Now, this isn’t even a totally inaccurate translation either, but it kind of just... makes the moment funny for the player when it’s supposed to be commanding and serious I guess.

But yeah, not the most important issue by far, but something I’d thought to mention. Hell, it’s not even that bad compared to how they made Peri’s, Effie’s and Hisame’s quirks into exaggerated and tired jokes. And the Beruka-Saizo support. Never forget.

-When Azura and Corrin are by the lake and discuss the latter’s plans to rule, Corrin says this in localization:

Corrin: I'm going to make Valla a wonderful place! In honor of the true last king and for Queen Arete. And everyone who fought... I promise to make them all proud.

In the JP version, she says this:

Corrin: I’ll make the Invisible Kingdom (Valla) into a great land. For the previous monarch, Queen Shenmei (Arete)… And for all of my allies who fought beside me. I promise.

So, JP version only mentions Arete as the reigning monarch of Valla. Which makes sense, cuz unless there was some wild “keeping the bloodline pure” shenanigans in Valla, Arete being the Queen keeps in line with what we know about the rest of Valla’s history. Arete was royalty from birth, as was her sister Mikoto. Arete is the one who passed down Lost in Thoughts and the pendant to Azura.  

[bakugosbratx]

can you do a baku fluff fic with an old soul s/o 🥺👉👈 like youve been through kinda a lot in your life and can’t really find the energy to give every single this your best. like sorta sad but more of a numb feeling than anything. like of course baku would never let you give up and you’re never planning on it yourself. i’d imagine after talking with him and getting him to understand how you feel he’d be super nice and gentle about it- helping you out with things, even the simple ones (1)

SFW Strong - Katsuki Bakugo x Angst Reader

WARNING: Cursing, talks of parents, angst, depression, fluff, soft Bakugo, cuddles, etc.

A/N: Thank you so much for your submission! I hope you like it. If y’all have any request, my inbox is open. I am still learning to do one shots and especially ones about fluff. I try to keep it true to Bakugo’s personality, but I will get better overtime. Also, I didn’t mention a quirk because the request didn’t state one and it honestly wasn’t relevant to the story, but it can be anything you want.

Check out my other works here

Smoke covered the training field as Bakugo Katsuki landed you in the dirt. His hand was on your head while one of his feet was on your back. Part of you wondered if it was more for personal reasons than it was for training purposes, but you tried not to get in your feelings about it.

"I win again." Bakugo said aloud, but for once, it wasn't cocky. More disappointed which ripped you apart inside.

Bakugo got off you so you could get up and cough up any dirt that filled your lungs. He was looking at the empty stadium while his back was towards you. You could tell he was angry, but he was doing his best to compose himself. You are his girlfriend, after all. Even though Bakugo Katsuki was a bit harsh with his tongue, he still did his best to not be as harsh to you.

"The Sports Festival is in a month." Bakugo stated, still not looking at you.

"I know."

Bakugo turns to face you, his glare running through you.

"Then why the fuck aren't you giving me your all then y/n? I gave you so many opportunity attacks to get me, but you didn't even try to beat me. Is my quirk not worthy of yours?!" Bakugo snapped with clenched fists.

You just looked at him then down at the ground before letting out a sigh.

"I'm sorry.." You mumbled.

Bakugo walked over to you then pushed your chest. Not in an abusive way, but to get you to train properly.

"Then prove it. Fight me."

"What?"

"Fight me. Use your damn quirk. Give me your all. I'll even let you go first this time."

"Babe, I'm tired. I want to go home."

"And I want you to fight me, dammit!"

Silence overcame you two. Tears filled your eyes, but you refused to let them fall. You didn't want to make Bakugo even more angry and you also did not want to seem like a scaredy cat.

"I have nothing left in me, Katsuki..." You whispered, "I'm sorry."

Before Bakugo could process what you were saying, you ran off the field. The tears you were trying so hard to not let fall came pouring down your face as soft sobs began to escape your lips. The only thing you wanted to do was find the exit and go home. Just as you were about to exit the building, a hand pulled you into a strong chest.

"The fuck is wrong?" Bakugo said in his harsh, but concerned tone.

You couldn't answer right away as you began to cry even more. He let out a sigh and rubbed your back as you let all your feelings out. He didn't know what to say or do, so this is what he thought would be best. Once you calmed down, you and Bakugo sat on the stairs together, your head on his shoulder as his arm was wrapped around you.

Bakugo sighed.

"What's wrong, dumbass? You have not seem like yourself lately. What happened to my smiling, go lucky, always giving it your all lover?"

As much as you wanted to cry, you had no more tears left. Instead, all you can do is sigh.

"I was going to wait to tell you until we started dating longer, ever since my father left when I was born, my mother is either never home or brings different men home a lot. I'm left with keeping the place clean and doing so many things on top of worrying about school and being under pressure about being a pro-hero. It's just too much to handle. It's hard for me to keep up the impression that I'm always happy when I'm not. I don't even know if I want to be a pro-hero anymore."

Bakugo listened. He didn't know the right things to say, but he was processing the words you were saying. His heart was breaking underneath and all he wanted to do was make everything better for you.

"If you think I'm going to go easy on you in training then think again, dumbass. I'm always going to push you to do your best." Bakugo stated, still comforting you.

"I wouldn't expect any less from you." You admitted.

"Good," he kissed the top of your head before he stood up, holding out his hand for yours to help you up. "Let's go home."

•time skip•

It's been a week since you told Katsuki what has been going on, he has been super helpful. Which is surprising since he didn't say much when you told him this information. He still pushes you to do your best, but understands when you need a break. He helps you study, clean your house, and is overall more sweet. He still calls you “idiot” and “dumbass” because that is equivalent to calling you “prince(ss)” and “love” in Katsuki language.

Today you were feeling overwhelmed studying for the test that was this Friday. Bakugo came upstairs after cleaning the dishes in the kitchen to see you stressed. He leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed against his muscular chest, gazing at you for a moment.

"Oi dumbass, are you okay?"

"Yeah just overwhelmed." You sighed, closing your text book.

Katsuki walked over to you and kissed the top of your head.

"Let's take a break and cuddle. We can watch an episode of your favorite anime. How does that sound?"

A smiled appeared on your lips at your boyfriend's idea. You and him went downstairs to cuddle on the couch and watch your favorite anime. Katsuki let you sit in his lap while he put his strong arms around you. Your head rested on his chest. He whispered sweet nothings into your ear occasionally which perked up your mood a lot. It's rare to see this side of Katsuki Bakugo, but you are the exception. Especially in private.

An episode turned into a few. Your tired eyes could hardly stay open. You didn’t want to go to sleep. You were having too much contentment with your boyfriend. Bakugo being the observer he is, he noticed your eyes getting tired.

“Is my love tired?” He coo’d, already knowing the answer.

You nodded, snuggling closer to his warm skin. Bakugo turned off the television and carried you to your room. His strength always made you feel small, but in a good way. He is your protector, after all.

Katsuki gently laid you down in your bed and tucked you in. He placed gentle kisses on your forehead.

“Sleep tight, babe.”

Just when Katsuki was about to walk out, you grab his hand.

“Don’t go.” You whine.

“Idiot, I have to make dinner and clean up some more. Plus I’m not tired.”

“But..but..” You gave him puppy dog eyes that you know he has a hard time resisting.

“Fine, brat, but just for a little bit.”

You smile as he climbs into your bed to cuddle you. As much as Katsuki claims he hates cuddling he sure does give the best cuddles. Especially to his favorite person on this planet.

“I love you.” You mumble as you cuddle into Katsuki’s chest.

You couldn’t see it due to your eyes being closed, but you knew he had a smile plastered on his face.

“I love you, too, baby.”

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