#i just went with rookie level to make it easier

[lord-owlsnake]

Okay but who are you pairing off with who for Slow Horses/Digimon?

I completely forgot about doing that so I've scrambled a small list that is def open to alternatives lmao

River: Labramon

Diana: Kudamon

Roddy: Demidevimon

Shirley: Dracmon

Tearney: PawnChessmon white and black

Sid: Salamon

Louisa: Lopmon

Catherine: Hawkmon

Marcus: Bearmon

Lamb: Tapirmon

[purifiedclitoris69]

Breaking point

a/n: Finally got to the nat version of silent comfort. It’s a little short tbh so sorry about that. hope you enjoy!

pairings: Natasha Romanoff x supersoldier reader

warnings: violence

You’d been with the Avengers for almost a year now, and in that time, you’d managed to carve out a space for yourself on the team. Sure, being the former Hydra experiment wasn’t exactly the most inviting introduction, but you didn’t let that define you. It wasn’t who you were anymore. You were the team’s go-to for a laugh, always cracking jokes, lightening the mood, and making it easier for everyone to handle the high-stakes pressure of their lives. What you didn’t talk about, though, was your past. Not because anyone had told you not to, but because you didn’t want to relive it.

Especially not now, when things were starting to feel... normal.

Normal was spending late nights on the couch with Natasha, arguing over which movie to watch but never finishing them because you’d get caught up in teasing each other. Normal was training together and catching her smiling at you when she thought you weren’t looking. Normal was her throwing playful jabs about how you talked too much, only to call you out on being unusually quiet when something was bothering you.

You weren’t sure when things had shifted, but somewhere along the way, the time you spent with her had become the highlight of your day. And judging by the way she always seemed to find excuses to stay close, you thought maybe—just maybe—she felt the same way.

Neither of you had said anything yet, though. It was comfortable, whatever this was, and you didn’t want to ruin it.

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

The quinjet hummed softly as the team prepared for the mission. Hydra remnants were regrouping, and the team had been sent to intercept a high-level target.

You were double-checking your gear when Natasha sauntered over, a sly smile already playing on her lips.

"You know," she said, leaning casually against the wall beside you, "I’ve noticed you spend an awful lot of time fussing over that utility belt. Got a secret stash of candy in there or something?"

You snorted, pulling a strap tighter. "Jealous I don’t share my snacks with you, Romanoff?"

"Please," she shot back, tilting her head. "If I wanted candy, I’d just take it," she shrugged her shoulders, "I always get what I want."

You glanced at her, raising an eyebrow. "Oh yeah? I’d like to see you try."

She stepped closer, her green eyes glinting with mischief. "Careful, or I might have to prove it."

You chuckled, shaking your head. "You’re all talk."

"Am I?" She reached out, her fingers brushing the edge of your belt, and for a split second, your heart skipped a beat. But instead of taking anything, she smirked and stepped back, clearly enjoying the way you were watching her.

"Tease," you muttered, pretending to focus on your gear again.

"You make it too easy," she quipped, crossing her arms.

Before you could come up with a comeback, Steve’s voice cut through the moment. "Gear up. We’re heading out in five."

Natasha straightened but didn’t move immediately. Instead, she leaned in just enough for only you to hear. "Try to keep up out there, rookie."

You rolled your eyes but couldn’t stop the grin spreading across your face. "Try not to get distracted, Romanoff."

She laughed softly as she walked away, the sound lingering in the air long after she was gone.

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

Though successful the mission had been thoroughly chaotic, to say the least. Things had been going smoothly until Natasha went off-script.

You hadn’t even known what was happening at first. One second, you were covering her six, and the next, she was gone, chasing intel Fury and Maria Hill had deemed critical. It left you in a tight spot, trying to hold your ground without her, and you’d taken a few hits you shouldn’t have.

By the time the mission wrapped, you were sore, bruised, and too exhausted to joke around like you usually would. The tension on the jet ride back to the compound was thick, everyone keenly aware that Steve was seething.

The hanger was suffocatingly tense as the quinjet’s ramp descended with a mechanical hiss, and everyone piled out, the weight of the mission hanging heavily in the air. Conversations were sparse—exhaustion mingled with the unspoken tension. You were still catching your breath, the fight replaying in your mind, when Steve’s voice broke the silence.

“Romanoff, we need to talk.”

You glanced at Natasha, who was walking beside you. Her jaw tightened, but she didn’t stop, striding toward the hangar floor like she hadn’t heard him.

“Natasha.” Steve’s voice carried more force this time.

She stopped, turning around slowly, her face calm but her eyes sharp. “What?”

Steve’s expression was stony as he marched toward her. “What the hell was that back there?”

“The part where we got the job done?” Natasha shot back, her voice icy.

“The part where you ignored orders and jeopardized the team,” he countered, standing toe-to-toe with her now.

You stepped closer instinctively, but for now, you stayed silent, your fists clenching at your sides.

“I didn’t jeopardize anyone,” Natasha said, crossing her arms. “I prioritized the bigger picture. Fury and Maria needed that intel, and I got it.”

Steve’s eyes narrowed. “Fury and Hill aren’t the ones in the field. We are. And when you decide their priorities are more important than this team, you’re not just making a bad call—you’re making a selfish one.”

Natasha’s lips pressed into a thin line, but she didn’t look away. “I made a call that benefited everyone in the long run. You might not like it, but it worked.”

“Did it?” Steve snapped, gesturing toward you. “Because they almost didn’t make it out thanks to you.”

Your chest tightened as his words hit. “That’s not fair, Steve,” you said, stepping in now.

He turned on you, his voice rising. “It is fair. You wouldn’t have been in that position if she hadn’t dragged you into her little side mission.”

“That’s enough,” you said, your voice low.

But Steve ignored you, his focus still on Natasha. “You know, it’s always the same with you. You play both sides, keep everyone guessing. It worked for you in the Red Room, maybe even with S.H.I.E.L.D., but here? That doesn’t fly. We’re supposed to be a team, but you’re still looking out for yourself first.”

The mention of the Red Room made your blood run cold. You saw the flicker of something in Natasha’s expression—a crack in her armor.

“Watch your mouth,” you said, stepping in front of her now, your voice dangerously calm, as you met Captain America eye level.

Steve’s gaze snapped to you, his frustration redirected. “Stay out of this.”

“No,” you said firmly. “You don’t get to talk to her like that.”

“Or what?” Steve challenged, jaw tightened, his temper bubbling over as took a step closer, eyes blazing with anger.

The moment he moved, you acted. Your hand shot out, gripping his wrist and twisting with precision. With a sharp pivot of your hips, you flipped him over your shoulder. The impact reverberated through the hangar as Steve crashed into a nearby crate, shattering it into splinters.

The hangar went silent, the sound of the crash echoing in the vast space.

Steve was already scrambling to his feet, his eyes blazing with disbelief and fury. Bucky intercepted him, gripping his shoulder and holding him back

“Steve, don’t,” Bucky said, his voice firm but calm.

Natasha was in front of you before you could react, her hands pressing against your chest as she pushed you back. “Enough,” she said, her voice low but forceful.

You froze, the reality of what you’d just done hitting you like a freight train.

You glanced around the hangar, catching the wide-eyed stares of your teammates. The expressions on their faces weren’t just shocked—they were scared. Of you.

Your gaze landed on Natasha last. Her green eyes were glassy, her brows furrowed with confusion and something that looked too much like hurt.

“I’m sorry,” you muttered, your voice barely audible. Then you turned and walked away, your boots echoing in the silence of the hangar as you disappeared into the compound.

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

The rooftop felt like the only place you could breathe. The cool night air bit at your skin as you sat on the ledge, your hands gripping the metal railing.

What the hell had you done? You’d spent so long trying to prove you weren’t the weapon Hydra made you, but one moment of anger had torn that facade apart.

“Hell of a move back there.”

You didn’t have to look to know it was Natasha. Her voice was light, but there was an edge of something else—concern, maybe.

“Didn’t mean to wreck the crate,” you muttered, still staring out at the city lights.

She walked over, her steps soft, and leaned against the railing beside you. “The crate’s fine. Steve, on the other hand…”

You huffed a humorless laugh. “Yeah, bet he’s thrilled.”

She didn’t respond immediately, just studied you with that piercing gaze of hers. “Why’d you do it? he was right, I left you out there."

You sighed, finally meeting her eyes. "I would've been fine Tasha, and I know you know that," you looked down to your lap, "besides I couldn’t stand the way he was talking to you. Like you haven’t done more for this team than anyone.”Her expression softened, and for a moment, the world felt a little less heavy. “I don’t care about your past, Nat,” you said quietly. “And I’ll be damned if I let anyone throw it in your face.”

Her lips curved into a faint smile as she reached out, her hand brushing yours. “You’re not who they made you either, you know.”

You looked at her, and for the first time all day, you felt like maybe you hadn’t completely lost yourself.

Her voice dropped to a whisper. “You don’t have to fight for me," her gaze dropping to your lips as you both began to lean in, " but thank you for doing it anyway," her breath fanned across you. Before you could reply, she leaned in, her lips brushing against yours in a kiss that was well over do. Her lips were soft against yours, warm and grouding in a way that made everything fade away.

When she pulled back, she smiled—a real, genuine smile. “Now let’s go figure out how to apologize to Steve.”

You groaned, but for the first time that night, you felt like everything might just be okay.

[neutron-stars]

I finished my first bingo for Krakenblr Comment Fest and I am SO excited to request a ficlet from you!!!

I would love to request some tyeker, maybe with Yanni giving his rookie a talk about his relationship. I love you and the way you write them so much 💜

beloved your wish is my command 💗

“So,” Yanni says, spearing a bite of omelet onto his fork. “You and Evans, eh?” Tye chokes on his coffee- honest to god chokes, turning more than a few heads in the restaurant as he coughs and splutters all over the table while his lungs struggle to clear. “I’m- I’m good,” he rasps, waving off a concerned-looking patron who introduces herself as a nurse. “I just- went down the wrong pipe, you know? I’m good.”

Yanni’s not bothered in any way, shoveling bites of ham, cheese, and egg into his mouth as Tye’s fighting for his life. He tosses loose wads of napkins onto the pools of coffee painting the tabletop. “You’re acting like we didn’t already know,” he smirks, as Tye smooths out his shirt down his chest and tries to catch his breath. “I, uh, what?” Tye says, striving for casual but knowing he’s missing the mark by a mile. “Know about what?” “Come on,” Yanni raises an eyebrow. “Don’t insult me. You’re fucking.” “We’re- we’re not-” “Well, then you should be,” Yanni levels. “Have you seen the way he looks at you? Or are you too busy admiring your own face in all those post-game selfies?” “We’re not fucking,” Tye reiterates. He feels a little bit lightheaded- have you see the way he looks at you? What he wouldn’t give- Jesus Christ- “I heard you the first time,” Yanni replies. “All I’m saying is, we all already know and support you. And he’s definitely into you. So you should go for it.” Tye’s brain finally catches up to speed. “Hold on,” he blurts out, “What do you mean, ‘we all already know’? Who’s ‘we’?” “Uh, everyone but you two, apparently. It drives the D-corps crazy during practices, he doesn’t fucking shut up about you,” Yanni says, rolling his eyes. He pitches his voice up higher. “Oh, Tye and I did this, and Tye and I did that, and did you know this is what Tye and I did for warmups in CV-” “I get it,” Tye interjects, feeling his face go hot. “But- I mean, yeah, because we spend a lot of time together. Like, that doesn’t mean he’s into me,” he says, feeling a nauseating combination of hope and hesitation wind its way around his chest, tight like a vice. “…Does it?” Yanni sighs and sets his fork down. “I just need you to trust my judgement on this one, oui? He’s into you. You’re into him. Go make each other happy.” Tye uses his fork to push around the berries on his plate. “But what- what if-” “No buts,” Yanni cuts him off exasperatedly. “Eat your pancakes. And then Facetime Evans.” Tye feels a little like he’s losing the ability to take in oxygen. Maybe there’s still some coffee in his lungs? “How do you know it won’t all blow up in my face? It could, like, totally fuck up the team dynamic.” “Trust me,” Yanni says, picking up his cantaloupe wedge, “Fucking up the team dynamic is the opposite of what will happen. We’re a group of people who spent over half a season watching Canner and Ebs dance around each other before finally doing something about it. It was exhausting for everybody, much easier this way.” Tye’s fork falls to his plate with a clatter as he processes Yanni’s words. “Canner and Ebs are together!?” Yanni stares at him for a moment before shaking his head. “Dumb and blind, it’s a miracle you can play hockey at all,” he mutters, almost to himself, before taking a huge bite of cantaloupe. “Finish your breakfast.”

[wnbawag]

Don't Let Your Intrusive Thoughts Win Part 2

Pairing: Breanna Stewart x OC!Griffin

Summary: Griffin, the 9th 2024 WNBA draft pick, was an unusual case, coming out of the University of Kentucky. You see, Griffin was short. Not just WNBA short, like short short. Like Griffin was barely 5’2. The Liberty, the team she was drafted to, loved to call her the shortest player of all time, but Griffin loved to 1. Remind them that Shannon Bobbitt was also 5’2 and 2. That she was definitely taller than Shannon. So she was the second shortest WNBA player of all time. The Liberty would roll their eyes at her, basically as one. 

Warnings: Swearing

Word Count: 920

Note: Do you guys prefer me to wait and post longer parts or to post shorter parts as I finish them?

My Masterlist

Series Masterlist

Griffin chugged her water, breathing deeply as she collapsed on the sideline of the practice court.

“You good rookie? Did I hit you too hard?” Stewie crouched over the rookie, clearly concerned as the rookie glared at her.

“I know we’re practicing for how physical the games will be, but did you HAVE to basically throw me across the floor?!” Stewie had the decency to look sheepish, rubbing the back of her neck.

“Sorry rookie, I just wanted to make sure I was more physical than you will hopefully ever see in a game. You feeling okay?” Griffin accepted Stewie’s outstretched hand, grimacing as she was pulled to her feet.

“You definitely hit me harder than I think anyone else is, I’ll be feeling this for days,” Griffin said while rubbing her ribs, still wincing.

“Fuck, I’m sorry rookie, I got a little carried away. Come’n, team medics aren’t here today but I can help you get all fixed up,” Stewie started to lead the way to the athletic trainer’s room, but slowed to walk beside Griffin as she went slowly, favoring her side.

Griffin tensed as Stewie’s hand slid around her waist, but didn’t comment.

Stewie’s subtle help did make walking easier.

-

Griffin groaned as she made an attempt to jump up on the taping bench, not getting anywhere close.

“You are so short, rookie, I know you can jump higher than that,” Stewie called from across the room, gathering some ice packs. 

“I can jump high enough to block you, it’s not my fault you decided to go hog-wild and fling me across the floor,” Griffin gritted her teeth and gathered herself to try again.

“I know you can jump high rook, I’m messing with you. Chill for a sec,” Stewie set down the ice packs on a nearby table and walked up behind Griffin. She turned Griffin around by her shoulders.

With how close they were, Griffin’s eyes were about level with Stewie’s chest.

“Nice lack of boobs, Stewie,” Griffin muttered, having to look up to meet Stewie’s raised eyebrow.

“Oh shut up Griff,” Stewie shot back before bringing her hands to either side of Griffin’s chest.

“Don't say shit, rook, just jump,” Stewie said as Griffin looked like she was going to make a comment.

Griffin gave Stewie a jump and Stewie did the rest, lifting Griffin onto the table.

“Damn Stewie, I bet that move gets all the girls,”

“Oh my GOSH ROOK!” Stewie groaned, letting her eyes roll. Despite her dramatics, she grabbed the ice packs off the table and brought them back to Griffin.

“Okay where did you land?” Griffin gestured to her ribs, causing Stewie to look slightly awkward.

“Okay rook, uh, can you like, lift up your shirt then? So I can put these on you?” Griffin raised an eyebrow, thoroughly enjoying how uncomfortable Stewie seemed to be.

“Why don’t I just make this easier on both of us?” Griffin said, smirking at Stewie. Stewie went slack jawed as Griffin pulled her shirt off, leaving her in just a sports bra. Stewie tried to school her expression as Griffin smirked at her, tossing her shirt to Stewie.

“Lord I wish I liked girls, Stewie is so cute when she stares,”

“Quit staring at me and put the damn ice pack on me,” Griffin’s words yanked Stewie out of her head, giving the rookie a playful glare before putting the ice pack against the already forming bruise on her ribs.

—

“Rook heads up!” Griffin glanced behind her shoulder, jumping mid-stride to catch the up-the-court pass from JJ. She kept running, passing the three-point line and driving to the basket. She saw Stewie come up from the corner of her eye and put on the breaks. Stewie jumped for the block, but with Griffin’s hesitation, went back down. The second Stewie started to go back down, Griffin dodged around her and made an easy layup.

“Yes Griffin, that’s what I’m talking about!” Coach called from the sideline, Griffin jogging to grab the ball. 

“That was good, rookie,” Stewie called, holding out her hands for the pass that Griffin sent straight to her.

Stewie inbounded the pass to her teammate and started jogging down the court, eyes staying on Griffin.

On the sidelines, Coach Sandy was discussing lineups with her assistant coach.

“I want to start running plays with Stewie and Griffin, Griffin’s good but I don’t think I can play her by herself. She needs to learn to play off of bigs, Stewie will be a good one to start with,”

–

“Okay Griffin, I want you getting into a routine of using Stewie as a screen to give yourself some room and immediately getting your shot off,” Coach called from the sidelines. Stewie nodded, glancing sideways at the rookie as she tossed the ball her way.

Griffin caught and locked eyes with the practice player on her.

She made the player work, dribbling back and forth, sending the ball between her legs a few times before seeing Stewie come up to set a screen. She darted sideways, sending her practice player directly into the immovable wall that is Breanna Stewart, and set her feet. 

She shot the ball off and-

“Money!” Stewie yelled, throwing three fingers in the air and sending Coach a goofy smile.

Coach Sandy rolled her eyes and made a note on her coach sheet.

“Run it again. Stewie, get as a screen earlier!” Stewie rolled her eyes at Sandy’s lack of excitement, sending Griffin into a round of giggles.

[superm4ks]

hi kit!! i love ur 'oscar is just raikkonen with a button nose' thing, i went insane abt it the first time i read it from u, but i think specifically in terms of team trajectory theres smth that deffo sets them apart. in the sense of like yes in the car theres this sort of zen detachment thats part supercool part creepy and chilling from both of them but one thing thats never left my mind abt raikkonen (as a member of a team, god knows i dont wanna talk abt him as a person) was that one time he couldn't name more than like. 7 people at alfa romeo after being there for 2 years. so like what i mean to say is i think oscar does have more of a human / empathetic side to him that raikkonen lacks (which in general is a good thing n will make him easier to work with) but also it means he Does get attached. and w the way hes been talking abt mclaren (how much he likes 'being wanted' and being appreciated etc) i think team loyalty / a team's treatment of him etc will b a bigger factor in his decision making in the possibility that he has to choose between two seats. which probably does not rival lando's 'im a thoroughly unsentimental person but i have somehow become inextricable from mclaren and like nuclear catastrophe has to happen for me to move teams' thing but yk. id b curious to see how it all plays out

HIII kira 🥰🥰 wait because that kimi lore is crazy .. it kinda fits tho. Ive never truly looked into kimi as a 'person' tbh not outside like the iconic f1 character but I think other than hulkenberg hes prolly the only driver I dont think I wud want to have a single conversation wid. Idk its more of a personal feel but yk seems u know what Im getting at. I c what u mean ab oscar and I think u have a point my comparison was very surface level also idk the driving itself and the way pistachio deals wid strategy calls and how he manages his races very much reminds me of kimi like even his raggedy pace its kinda funny. I do get the sense that Oscar is smart and self sufficient and knows the game hes playing like the whole alpine drama was kinda brutal but he took it in stride. Also true that he seems very happy at the MTC. As a rookie that mclaren stint did wonders for his career and its clear he really gels wid the team and they like him too. Being in that type of transitional environment especially after danny ric bro u truly have to be sure of who u are and what u can offer and Oscar does. Its sickening fr it takes a lot of smarts and a lot confidence. Also hes got a fierce group of people around him, which is SOO important in f1. Lando is a project driver yk he and zak have some type of papaya illness I dont think Oscar has yet but like. It does seem contagious

[sargeantposting]

ARTICLE: Meet America's Next F1 Hope, Logan Sargeant (Autoweek, 2020)

source: matt weaver, autoweek.com published: february 1st, 2020 series: f3, 2020

He doesn’t view himself as anything more than a racer trying to win races and championships, but Logan Sargeant inherently represents more than himself, as he is also the current best chance the United States has to return an American full time to the Formula 1 grid.

For American racing enthusiasts, the Sargeant name might sound familiar, as the 19-year-old is the younger brother of former NASCAR prospect Dalton Sargeant, who spent several seasons in the ARCA and Truck Series system.

Meanwhile, the youngest racing Sargeant has done nothing but win since moving to Switzerland as a 12-year-old to chase a career at the highest level of international motorsports. Sargeant won the Karting Federation Junior championship in 2015, becoming the first American to win an FIA karting championship since 1978, when Lake Speed earned the honors.

He has victories in the F4 British Championship and Formula Renault.

Sargeant suffered his first significant career setback in 2019, finishing 19th in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship with Carlin, with just one podium, albeit in the nonpoints prestigious Macau Grand Prix.

There were valid reasons for the adversity, of course, as 2019 was the first season with a new chassis and rules package that allowed for adjustable downforce during practice but one fixed amount during a race.

With three first-year Formula 3 drivers on its roster, Carlin struggled to develop the chassis, and each of them finished outside of the top 15 in the standings.

It was uncharacteristic of Sargeant, who had adapted to everything he had driven up to that point, which makes 2020 all the more interesting as it comes with a return tour of Formula 3, albeit with a change to the championship-winning Prema Racing Team organization.

If Sargeant simply repeats what the three Prema drivers accomplished last year, sweeping the championship’s podium, an American will likely be one step below the highest level of international motorsports in 2021 for the first time since Alexander Rossi made five Formula 1 starts with Marussia.

Get to know Sargeant—an avid fisherman who enjoys returning to his Boca Raton, Florida, home as much as he is able—in this Autoweek exclusive below.

Autoweek: Let's start on the performance side—what went wrong in 2019?

Logan Sargeant: In hindsight, Carlin has had a lot of success over the years, but we really struggled with the new car. We had three rookies on the same team, inexperienced drivers who couldn't lead us in the right direction. A tenth or two makes such a difference. I understand the situation. I'm not saying I wasn't responsible to a degree either. I wasn't satisfied with myself. I have an obligation to help develop the car as much as possible, and we just couldn't figure it out for most of the year.

AW: Do you view last year as a setback or are you still on schedule?

LS: To be perfectly honest with you, I actually feel like we're still ahead of schedule. I just turned 19. We did really well in Formula Renault and made the jump to Formula 3 and now I'm in a really good spot to be with the team (Prema) that won the championship last year.

AW: What's it like to be an American in the F1 ladder system?

LS: I moved to Switzerland when I was 12 and went to a school for Americans so I got used to everything from an early age. Then I moved to London. When you move at such an early age, it's shocking how different everything is, but it's easier to adjust to, as well. I try to go home at least twice a year for a couple of weeks, so that helps. As for the racing side, there is so much quality racing back home between NASCAR, IndyCar and IMSA, and that's the only reason there aren't more of us trying. There is a really good racing culture in the States, so that's the only reason we don't see it more often.

AW: I understand you have a dog back home—how tough is it to have to leave a beloved pet when you return to London? The same thing with friends and family?

LS: It's really tough, especially when you're really attached to a pet, like a dog or cat. She used to live with us in Switzerland, but we had to take her back home because she was getting older. It's the same with your friends, right? I have friends in Europe, but they're all my racing friends. They're really nice to have, but you miss your friends you have back home. It's part of the sacrifice you make to do this.

AW: On that note, you've been in Europe now for almost a decade—does it feel like home when you come back from Florida?

LS: Oh, no. Florida is home. I really enjoy it in London. I came early so I've adjusted, but you only have one home.

AW: Do you allow yourself to entertain racing in the States or do you commit everything to what you're doing now?

LS: I'm fully committed to Formula 1, but I wouldn't have a problem if I ended up with the opportunity to race in IndyCar someday. That would be really exciting. I really enjoy sports car racing, too. It would be really cool to hop into a LMP2 or something one day. I want to race and I'll race anything.

AW: How much American racing are you able to keep up with?

LS: I watch as much racing as I can, period. It's tougher to watch certain races here because of the time difference, but I watch nothing but racing. That's the sport I'm in so I'm studying everything.

AW: Is this a championship-or-bust season for you?

LS: I'd say, to be honest, that I'm aiming for the championship. The goal is to win races and compete for the championship. Last year was tough because I'm so used to being at the front of the team. I'm aware of what Prema did last year. That's what I hope to accomplish, too.

[befuddled-calico-whump]

Pay-to-Play (Tower: Day 121)

for Angstpril, Day 14: Cruelty

cw: implied mistreatment/violence, ableism, adult language, whumper pov

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For someone like Wade Mitchell—who had enough super strength to label him as 'powered' but not enough to get him a hero gig—Tower guard was a fantastic job. 

It came with all the benefits; hazard pay, two weeks' paid vacation, dental, and even a retirement plan. And on top of all of those, there were some pretty lucrative bonuses you could get if you signed up for the right duty. Project Bullfrog paid the best, but Wade didn't really have the stomach (or patience) to assist with the weird experiments taking place on the Tower's lowest levels. Rentals, on the other hand, was about as easy as putting in overtime. The only draw was not being able to talk about it.

That part sucked. Wade wished he could gossip to his friends about all the rich people that came through, and every senator, every millionaire who signed up for the program only intensified that desire.

Today's customer wasn't anyone special though, just some businessman. It wasn't him that got Wade excited, it was the prisoner he'd requested for one-on-one time. Wade's little pet project. Alexei Wilder.

Wilder was never on the top of visitors' lists; most people who could afford a time slot at the Tower went for famous supervillains. Rookie heroes who wanted to feel better about themselves. Rich guys who wanted to feel tough. People who wanted to brag, "I beat the living daylights out of Stormcrawler," at a party, while leaving out the part about Stormcrawler being restrained, in power-nullifying gear.

It was kinda pathetic. Wade himself would never sign up, even if he had the money. Doing it for free, to remind the Tower's occupants who was in charge here, was a different story.

Wade's part to play in Rentals was getting the chosen prisoners ready, make sure the customer was good to go, and then clean up whatever mess they left behind. All part of the routine, but today was almost a proud moment. Armless's first time being noticed by someone who sorta mattered, even if that someone just wanted a chance to kick the shit out of him.

He pushed the cell door open, grinning at the way his charge shrank back from the light. He'd been muttering to himself again, weird little mumbo-jumbo rhymes. Four months into his stay and he was already going bonkers. What a loser.

"Guess what, scum? You have a visitor today."

Wilder, as usual, didn't respond. Wade huffed in annoyance.

"I'm gonna clean you up for him. You know the drill. Be good."

Sometimes he didn't even know why he bothered. Making sure the guy was able to wash, combing out the tangles in his hair, even brushing his fucking teeth for him, and never getting so much as a 'thank you' in return.

At least today, Wilder didn't struggle. Most days he didn't, not anymore, but every once in a while he seemed to get an idea in his head that he could actually fight Wade off. As if.

"Alright," he said once he was done. "Hold still."

Transportation to anywhere outside a prisoner's cell required them to be either blindfolded or unconscious. It was partly to make things easier, and partly to prevent detainees from learning the building's layout.

Fortunately (for the prisoner), Wilder didn't even move as Wade tied on the blindfold and fitted a second, stronger power dampener over his right ankle. With a customer, you could never be too careful.

It was actually kind of lame how compliant the prisoner was these days. Wade wondered if the other man was scared of him now. After Wilder's little incident with a few visiting members of the city council, the guards on his block had been ordered to dole out a punishment, and none of them had held back. Wade had almost felt a little guilty afterwards, almost. But the negative feelings had dissolved by the end of the day, before he'd even clocked out. He'd picked up sushi on the way home, turned on the TV, and forgot about it. The people in the Tower were locked up for a reason. You didn't have to feel bad about anything you did to them; if anything, you should count yourself lucky that you got to make a difference.

He guided the prisoner down the hall, forgetting to warn the blindfolded man about the stairs ahead, but managing to catch him before anything could happen. Close one.

The space set aside for Rentals wasn't anything special; just a wide, tiled room with a drain in the center to make cleanup easy. There were two doors to the chamber, one for the customer to enter, one for the prisoner. The session would be recorded, but that was just another vein of profit. The only one monitoring would be Wade, and the only hard limit was murder.

He unlocked the prison-side door and pushed Wilder inside, not bothering to take off the blindfold before moving to the second door to meet with the customer. It was always more entertaining when the selected prisoner didn't know what was going on, and Rentals' patrons seemed to prefer their targets as helpless as possible.

The customer was about as typical as they got here; businessman in his 30s or 40s, trying to dress for action but looking like he was about to go golfing. He might've even been a regular. Wade wouldn't know.

"All ready?" the man asked.

"All yours," Wade nodded. "I'll be watching to ensure your safety, but in the event of an emergency, there's a button by the door," he said, reciting the same spiel he gave every customer. "If you decide you'd like to incorporate some tools in today's session, just give me a knock and let me know what you want."

The man only gave a shrug, as if to say 'here goes nothing', and pushed the door open. Before it closed again, Wade caught a glimpse of Wilder—backed into a corner, his shoulders hunched, his lips moving like he was muttering to himself again—and smiled. Poor bastard had no idea what was about to hit him.

He moved to his usual chair and did a quick scan of the system, ensuring the emergency countermeasures were online and a healer was on standby, then switched on the cameras.

Time to enjoy the show.

וווווווווווווווווווווו×

@whumpacabra @enteredin2eternity @kixngiggles @whumpsday @kiichu @whump-for-all-and-all-for-whump @shywhumpauthor @distinctlywhumpthing

[inchidentally]

#see oscar looks so incredibly nervous still like he can't really believe he belongs in that room with those two

I totally agree with you! But let me remind you that after just one race, Oscar went to the cooldown room, laid down on the floor, and actually thanked Mercedes drivers for their crash. Even Max seemed a bit surprised when Oscar thanked them. Most of the comments were about how things feel more relaxed with young drivers around, and how Qatar has the best cool-down room of the season. It's impressive how quickly my guy adapts to situations. That's probably why he's been killing it in every first season he's had. Ofc, winning the sprint race must have boosted his self-confidence. He was quite far behind Max and Lando at Suzuka.

see I fully agree with you about Oscar adapting super quickly BUT can I raise you that it's less about adaptability and more about his overall confidence? because our guy has a very level head about being in F1 and that his job is to win and after that is to get his team points. I think that he definitely has nerves from being young and it being his rookie season but his bottom line is extremely mature and it overrides a lot of those nerves. he's not there to worry about how cool he seems or his star status, he's there to do one job only. having that kind of clarity makes it a lot easier to deal with discomfort I think.

there's also the fact that Oscar looked ready to die after the Qatar race. we know that Oscar feels things like the heat much more than Lando (which prob explains an Australian being so pale lol) and I truly think his giddiness laying on the floor was due to near heat stroke rather than confidence agfaslfls

[kitty8804]

What If the Danganronpa V3 Characters Were Given Digimon? Part 4

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

Kaito Momota

Finally another digimon x Danganronpa post after almost a month! It’s Kaito’s turn! I was originally going to do Shuichi but his digimon line has been more difficult than I thought (Kyoko does not help). While trying to figure out his I found digimon that made ENTIRE DIGIVOLUTION LINES for multiple characters!! To add to my suffering none of them are from V3 🥲. I needed a break so I decided to work on a character that would be easier. Honestly Kaito’s digimon went through a lot of changes during my process, but I think this is a very fun line, and surprisingly easy. It think this is the fastest I have ever made a line.

Rookie: Rocketmon

Yes everyone I used the forbidden form. I used an Appmon. I don’t care what anyone says I consider Appmon to be Digimon and anyone who disagrees can fight me! This is far from the last time I will use an Appmon, so put away those pitchforks! I found out about Rocketmon while looking for digimon for Shuichi and in a desperate attempt I went to look up Appmon. As soon as I saw this guy I knew I needed it to be Kaito’s partner. I was originally going to use Lunamon and then the rest of her line due to its relations with the moon and I thought giving Kaito a feminine digimon would be a nice change of pace. While I still think that would be an amazing fit for Kaito I think Rocketmon is the better choice. What better digimon for the Ultimate Astronaut than a literal rocket?! It also serves as a great reference to Kaito’s execution since he was thrown into a rocket. I did briefly consider Gammamon because all of its forms relate to constellations and the stars, but I like to include as many different references about a character as I can. If I can hint at a character’s death or execution I will, as morbid as that is. That aspect is lost with Gammamon.

Champion: Starmon

I’m so proud of this pick. This digimon just screams Kaito. Kaito literally calls himself Luminary of the Stars and Starmon is well a star. Lore-wise it is said to be discovered in a planet analysis software of a space development center, and is described to be a space warrior! I also thought that out of all of the options that I had listed for Kaito, Starmon served as the best transition from Rocketmon and the Ultimate that I chose to use for this line. The metal armor kinda creates a connection to a machine like digimon like Rocketmon. But I also think Starmon fits Kaito’s personality well. It’s a justice seeking digimon that has good intentions, but it is also hot-blooded and tends to think with its fist before its head. Now that sounds a lot like Kaito to me. Honestly these two would probably get into so much crap together because they would just try to save the day without thinking.

It’s alternate digivolution time! So I went back and forth on what digimon to use for a while. In the end I decided to go with Kausgammamon.

So part of the obvious reason as to why I decided to use this digimon was because the entire Gammamon line has a strong relation to constellations and the stars, which obviously relate to space. But this is another digimon that I see as a goofy pal that Kaito would have a fun time with. I also thought it would be fitting for the Ultimate Astronaut to at least have an alternate digivolution that could fly and also carry him. Kausgammamon also serves as a refrence to Kaito’s love suite event. For anyone who doesn’t know, in his fantasy he is an airplane pilot who wishes to defeat his sworn rival before going to space, but he has developed romantic feelings for them. Kausgammamon kinda resembles a plane, at least to me it does. It’s just a fun reference that I haven’t been able to make yet.

But I still have one more digimon for Kaito in the Champion stage, and it’s his dark digivolution. Now despite how optimistic Kaito is it’s almost to a toxic level in V3. He truly wants to believe in everyone but then he ignores the very obvious evidence that proves his classmates guilty. In some sort of anime or fanfic I think Kaito would put his trust into the wrong digimon and that digimon would end up betraying him and try to kill him. Obviously his digimon partner will be with him during that encounter. Either the hurt of the betrayal causes Kaito to get super pissed or Rocketmon gets super pissed at Kaito for trusting a random digimon that was probably very sketchy. But either way those negative emotions would cause Kaito’s partner to dark digivolve into GulusGammamon.

First of all can I just say how much I love this digimon and his design! Given the scenario I just explained I think it would be fitting for Kaito’s partner to turn into a digimon that just wants to fight and kill everyone and everything. If it can’t trust it’s friends then everyone is it’s enemy. Also I get to keep the star theme, which is awesome! But yeah, Kaito is going to need to have a lot of therapy with his partner in order to fix things.

Ultimate: Crescemon

I was bound and determined to have that Lunamon refrence dang it! Obviously Crescemon is tied into the moon which would most likely be where Kaito would have gone if he had to opportunity to finish his training as the Ultimate Astronaut and then go to space. But he died instead. Crescemon is also the best transition I could think of from Starmon due to its pieces of metal armor. Starmon also digivolves into Crescemon in Digimon Cyber Sleuth Complete Edition, so this works! Crescemon is also a protector in nature, which I definitely think fits Kaito. He was always determined to help his friends in V3, especially Maki. This man even killed Kokichi so that Maki would not be the blackened. This man is a protector so Crescemon fits him perfectly. I did think about using Superstarmon but I really did not want to use it and Starmon in the same line. It’s literally just a yellow Starmon with sunglasses. One of the things I like about doing this is that I like forcing myself to be creative and using Superstarmon just felt too easy and plain. Besides Crescemon gives me a different type of space reference. I also did think about using Canoweissmon as an alternate form, but once again I like using multiple references and I would’ve lost the love suite reference since I only want everyone to have one alternate form that isn’t a dark digivolution. Also I wanted to look at more aspects about space than just stars. Kaito’s picture literally has the moon behind him!

Mega: Siriusmon

Okay maybe my choices are not as creative as I thought since this is the third member of the Gammamon line that I have used. I think I already explained most of the reasons why I would use this digimon. I did consider using Dianamon, but I just felt like Siriusmon suited Kaito more. It’s also still serves as a decent transition from Crescemon. But man I can not get over how cool the gun and sword and gun combo is on this digimon. Definitely one of my favorites. 

And that’s it for Kaito everyone. I’m honestly really proud of this line overall, even if it isn’t the most creative. Hopefully this change of pace will allow me to actually finish Shuichi this time. Hopefully I won’t take a month this time, but I’m a busy college student so we will see. I love you all! Bye!

[famedroleplay]

Hello, everyone! An event was supposed to go up this week, but before everyone was thrown into that, I felt it might be more pertinent to run an interest check. Activity has been rather slow as of late and I know the group has been rather small for several months now and new applications coming in has petered out. That said, I would love nothing more than to be able to keep writing with everyone within this universe created here as much as possible, so I’ve gathered a few options to see what everyone who would be interested in / inspired by moving forward for the future of the roleplay. Please see the poll you may vote in as well as the poll options below the cut!

(Continued activity is welcomed during this time, as the default future will be considered the first option until poll results are in!)

The following options are phrased as they are in the poll.

I would be interested in being an active member of Famed if it were to remain the same*.

In this context, ‘the same’ would be more in the sense of the larger idea of the roleplay and many of its major mechanics running the same. If this option were to be the most popular, I would take it that perhaps there are some more minor areas (frequency of events, certain rules, more minor details about how the roleplay operates) that could be updated or fixed to increase interest and I would run a follow-up feedback poll following the results of the interest check poll to gauge what these might be.

As this option doesn’t involve a huge overhauling of the roleplay, activity would just continue as usual following the conclusion of the interest check poll while I received opinions from the follow-up feedback poll.

I would be interested in being an active member of Famed if it were to be revamped as a still primarily idol-based, but more open-ended / laissez-faire roleplay.

In comparison to the previous option, this option would keep Famed, but with some more major changes to how it runs as a roleplay and the details in the universe. Again, I would probably run a feedback poll, though this would have a lot more focus on what major changes people might be okay with seeing / want to see.

This could result in several different changes — some changes to the types of positions available, perhaps. Instead of all groups having relatively equal schedules / comebacks as group, there might be some senior groups that comeback on a significantly slower basis, where muses would have a lot of room to shape their muses separately from idoldom; rookie groups that are very active as a group with frequent comebacks; and groups across the seniority spectrum that are somewhere in between with comeback frequency. The claims system may change majorly to something that is less overly-involved, as I know it’s become quite a lot to take in over the years. It could perhaps become less points-based. It could also result in a soft re-launch where the roleplay itself “starts fresh” in a sense of wiping established background and starting over in some aspects to make it easier for newer members to integrate into the world.

Honestly, the main goal of this would be to make the roleplay a bit more ‘laissez-faire’, or rather, with the dual goals of allowing more muse / mun flexibility outside of the current boxes and requiring less admin micromanaging as the current systems can lead to a bit of admin burnout and I suspect may sometimes contribute to player burnout. The aim would be a more collaborative feeling of muses affecting the universe / roleplay more and vice versa, instead of it being more heavy-handed one way.

This would be somewhat similar to the restructuring Famed went through in 2021 as to level of general change, but potentially with some larger scale changes to the mechanics of the roleplay. As such, this may see a brief period of closure as systems are overhauled. It may or may not require muse applications to be resubmitted depending on which changes take place, though, like in 2021, current members would get a designated period to send these in before applications are opened to everyone.

I would be interested in being an active member of a roleplay based in the South Korean entertainment industry that casts a larger net with playable occupations of actors, models, television personalities, solo artists, etc. in addition to a select handful of idol groups.

This would involve several of the overhauls of the previous option, but would have the added aspect of expanding the focus of the roleplay to allow more fluidity in development in regards to things like career.

The core focuses of celebrity, media, image, etc. would remain present, but the core focus Famed currently has on the idol system would shrink to only one option / facet with a handful of active and semi-active idol group spots available as canons / subplots. The main driver here would be more flexibility and options to the paths muses take. The aim would be for any reasonable ‘celebrity’ type path to be allowed, whether it’s idol group member, soloist, actor, model, celebrity chef, athlete, etc. No one would really be locked into their career path — an established singer can become an actor, either concurrently or leave singing behind entirely. Another muse could have left their idol group to go solo. A dancer could become a famous television personality and model. Overall, the focus would just be on celebrity life within the scope of the Korean entertainment industry (and the unique and non-unique factors that play into that) as opposed to the more zoomed-in microcosm of only idol group members.

The career and development systems in this would be somewhat different from their current forms in Famed, but should be relaxed enough that anyone who wishes to use a version of their current muse should be able to keep any major career and/or development landmarks they want for the new version of their muse (or start fresh with a new muse altogether).

In this case, the roleplay would be more of a spin-off or reboot than a true continuation of Famed as it exists since it would be quite different in scale and mechanics. It would be opened as either a very highly rebranded reboot of Famed, or (more likely) created as a new roleplay under a new name. Current members of Famed would be welcome / encouraged to apply with a version of their muse (be they an idol or otherwise) or a new muse for a new start.

THE POLL

The poll is here. Current members as well as anyone who may be interested in becoming a member under any of these options are welcome to answer. Please be sure to indicate which one you are in the first question. You may choose as many options as you want for the second question; check any you think you might be interested in. You won’t be held to it if it doesn’t work out for you; the poll is anonymous, after all!

Feel free to send any further questions you have about any of these options to the ask box.

The poll is planned to be open for a week. I will make a post at least twenty-four hours before the poll closes.

[rubywithin]

Scrolls of Mudorius 3

I spent 2 months training under Master Orulumi but no matter how hard I tried I could not land a single blow on her. Each day I would hear a different story about her....from what I could tell she seemed to be the most skilled warrior of the Peace Blade Commanders. What bugs me is why she was willing to take me under her wing when I was a complete rookie....did she secretly look at the scroll. (Orulumi) "In battle an opponent would of struck you down during your little thinking session!". (Torami) "Oh sorry, Piercing Wind....." I tried to launch my attack but it faded the closer it got to her. (Orulumi) "-Sigh- that attack weaponizes the wind, therefore it's not as effective inside". I never even considered the properties of my own attack, no I can't look for excuses to quit I must become stronger. (Torami) "Then I will go all in on this strike HYAAAAAAAH" (Orulumi) "Won't work" she swung her sword straight into mine and sent it flying!

She then pointed her blade at my neck -gulp- I guess I am lucky I am not one of her enemies. (Novelle) "Orulumi you should go a little easier on her after all she is still new to using her weapon. Plus even recruits who have years of training would struggle to land a blow on you!". (Orulumi) "This is how I train all of my subordinates and so far the results have been...." (Novelle) "Secret Technique the 100 Spear strikes" no way she didn't even hesitate to attack Orulumi while she was talking! (Orulumi) "Barrier of Light, sorry if a low level technique disgusts you lady heir". N...no way she blocked all of those attacks and called that technique low level. (Novelle) "Torami this is what you are striving for, I am sure you could make the Ernieshu technique famous once again." (Torami) "Famous again? what is that supposed to mean?". (Novelle) "Ugh well I think I should explain later for now I have an assignment request for your squad Orulumi!".

Novelle handed her a piece of paper and I patiently waited as she read over it! I know our home village wasn't that well known but did moving there really drop the Ernieshu's reputation? (Orulumi) "Hmm so Commander Terizeal wants my squad to solve the bandit issue then". (Novelle) "Yes...it would appear we have been underestimating them!" I could hear Orulumi sighing. I guess she is sick of always being relied on....she was the one sent to help out my home. "You have full authority over how you wish to deal with the situation though". (Orulumi) "Torami me and you will be making our way over to a village known as Strawvelle!". (Tormai) "Oh um yes master....but are you sure the two of us will be enough to solve the issue?". (Orulumi) "I see so despite calling me master you don't put full trust in my plans?". Ugh she got me there....I just didn't expect to be given a mission without finishing my training!

(Torami) "Master I will put my full trust in you and I will do whatever I can to help solve this issue!". She always had her mouth covered but for some reason I could tell she was smiling. I stayed in the training room while she went off to explain things to the rest of the group members. (Novelle) "100 Spears Strike" (Tormai) "AAAAGH" I tried blocking the attacks but again my sword went flying! (Novelle) "You managed to block 3 this is the bench mark you should aim to surpass". I didn't know what was crazier how quickly she launched that attack or how easily she stopped it! (Tormai) "Thank you very much Novelle for trying to help train me in your own way". I decided to collect supplies for the journey to Strawvelle!

[the-baddest-of-batches]

Star Wars: Dar'Aliit - Chapter One: Beginning of the End (Part 2)

“Kian!” Morgan hops down off the top bunk and lands square on his feet. I can hear the overexcitement in his voice already and it makes me want to go back to sleep. My head is heavy and fuzzy from all the sleepless nights anyway.

Morgan does not give me a chance to succumb back to slumber, though. “Kian, get up!” He’s hauling his gear out. They all are. I’m still the only one in bed. Someone climbs up and taps my shoulders harder than they should. Five credits I’ll bet it was Nyo.

“Up,” Nyo’s deep voice whispers to me. “We’re expected on deck in thirty.”

I shove him off and the momentum is what gets me up and onto my shebs as I blink my eyes.

“If I didn’t know better, I’d say you weren’t excited for our first mission,” Morgan chides. He’s tugging his sniper rifle over his shoulder. He’s already in armor.

Thirty minutes. I remind myself of the deadline and somehow my boots are on the ground before I think. Morgan is right. Today’s our first mission. I should feel excited but I’ve been sleeping with a sick feeling in my gut for days.

I know it’s probably nerves. Everyone gets nervous, right? Even trained and hardened soldiers like us. Well—I scan the room full of the faces of my brothers, each a carbon copy of the last, except our hair of course, and each beaming in excitement—we aren’t hardened soldiers yet. Just fresh faces.

Everyone is buzzing with adrenaline, though, so I smile and shrug off the icky knot in my stomach. I haul out my armor and dress, and with each plate it gets a little easier. Morgan’s entirely right and that makes me feel a bit lighter. Me, Morgan, Nyo, Nenti, Hook and Haze, we’re not going to be trainees anymore. These sleeping cells will become starship bunks and by this time tomorrow we’ll make landfall on strange new planet.

Then we’ll do what we always said we’d do.

Morgan probably notices my smile. He slings his arm over my shoulders as I join the group, each of us in shining white armor, weapons ready, faces beaming.

“You going to sleep through every mission?” Hook asks. “Or just the important ones.”

“We don’t even have a mission yet,” Nenti slams his fist into Hook’s shoulder. “Di’kut.”

I laugh and roll my eyes. “I won’t sleep through every mission,” I say. “Just the first one.”

“Hah!” Nenti busts out laughing. Nyo chuckles.

Haze levels his bright eyes on me and with a smirk says, “And I’ll bet if you did, you’d be the only survivor, Kian.”

#

Umbara. That name burns into my mind as we drag our sore battered bodies the rest of the way across the shadowy world. I’m struggling to breathe. Haze clings to Morgan, limping. Hook is okay. Nenti hadn’t been seen since we got shot down.

Nyo keeps beside me, quiet, like usual. I want to ask him what he is thinking, but I can’t get my voice to work. I fear if I open my mouth I’ll scream, or cry, or worse—I’ll be silent.

The past few hours have been nothing but hell. That is the only word appropriate left in my mind to describe them. It was supposed to be a simple mission. Land in the drop zone, take up our spots in the cover line and keep cover up until the Jedi arrived.

Nothing went right. First rule of training. Nothing ever goes according to plan. But this was worse.

I still couldn’t get the image of that face, my face, out of my head. The lifeless eyes. No helmet. Just a head.

I want to vomit. I’m going to vomit.

Nyo’s hand lands on my shoulder and I look over at him quiet.

“How far?” Haze asks weakly from behind us.

“Not far.” Nyo sounds like a real sergeant. A leader. But we’re all just rookies, nothing special, no leaders.

Still, he sounds like a leader. I wish I understood how he did it.

“C’mon,” Nyo’s talking to me now, his voice quiet. I can feel him guiding me with the touch of his hand. I’m walking in front soon enough and I can see the other clones in front of us. We’re all the same, bruised, beaten, and making our way through an unknown world. The blaster fire is behind us. I remember however the faces that weren’t clones: Jedi.

Nothing else can save us now.

A voice calls from the front and we’re told it’s not far. They’ve been saying that for hours. Maybe it isn’t far, but it feels forever in my head. I want to collapse. I want to lay down on the ground and close my eyes. I don’t want to wake up and face this tomorrow. This isn’t a training room. It isn’t a simulation. It’s real and it’s right here in front of me.

But with each thought of going back Nyo’s hand is heavier on my shoulder. It isn’t just me. We’re all here. We’re all the same.

So I keep walking, and breathing, and believing. It’s not far. We’re almost there.

#

The capitol city sits quiet. Everything remains dead quiet. Our training commander once said you shouldn’t trust silence.

But the captain told us to keep moving. Our platoon leader looks like he disagrees. I think Nyo does too. He’s still and alert. We all have blasters in our hands. We’re taking the capitol.

And we all know tis is a bad idea.

But we’re soldiers. Good soldiers. And we follow orders. Good soldiers win wars, and we’re going to win this battle, and the next battle, and eventually the war. That’s why we exist. Trust the plan, trust each other, and you’ll make it home.

I lift my blaster. I’m ready to be a good soldier.

Then the air explodes hot and loud and in a flash of green there’s a scream. I stop dead in my tracks.

“Mines!” Everyone is yelling.

I snap my blaster up, eyes scanning the shadows, but that’s all I can see. That and the body several feet away. Another mine. More screaming. Another body. I can’t look. I won’t look and instead I glance at Nyo.

“What do we do?” I know I sound panicked.

“No one move!” The captain orders.

I hold my breath and grip my blaster with shaking fingers, as if that’s enough to keep hell at bay. Every glance is a scan of our surroundings. The training commander was right. You should never trust silence.

But in just a few seconds, we’re back on the move. Cautiously, following an ARC trooper sweeping for mines ahead of us. I pick my way around every glowing spot, wondering if maybe it was possible to miss one, and if I’ll step on it next. The careful pace doesn’t last.

I don’t know if the sick feeling hit me first, or the smell of laser burnt flesh as a green flash took out the soldier in the platoon ahead of me. But I know the panic hit me last, sinking in as I jerked up my blaster and realized with a sinking stomach that the enemy fire was all around us, and there was nowhere to run from it.

“We’re caught!”

“We have no cover!”

“We’re completely exposed!”

Pandemonium. I fire back at anything that moves in the shadows, but the Umbarans are also just that, shadows. I cannot see what I’m shooting at! But I can hear the screaming, and the yelling, and the panic as men fall around me. Men who are just like me.

Our platoon leader yells for us to keep firing. I don’t know what else to do so I yell back, “Yes sir!” and let ‘em have it. I want the Umbaran’s to fall, I want them to feel the bite of my own blaster just like they’re biting down on us. I want to see their capitol burn.

It’s the sky that’s burning, though, and my nose. A sing of plasma on metal followed by the acrid smell of something unholy coming our way.

“Get out!” Our platoon leader shouts.

I see the white ball of plasma and I lunge to the right, forgetting the Umbaran’s and charging after Nyo as we run for cover that doesn’t exist.

I look back and my stomach hits the back of my throat. Haze isn’t fast enough.

“Haze!” I scream. I’m turning to grab him.

Nyo grabs me.

And with a scream the plasma lands, tearing through the ground, through Haze, and reducing him to atoms.

Haze is gone. Gone.

Nyo drags me back. “Keep firing, Kian!”

I can’t let go of my blaster, but my legs are weak. I’m going to vomit, but the adrenaline coursing in my veins won’t let me. We’re like womp rats in a barrel. I can see the other platoons running. It’s a hail of plasma and death. A trap.

“Fall back!” The captain is running past us, waving for us to follow. The platoon leader echoes the order and Nyo tugs me back.

I obey. We run and retreat. I leap after Nyo behind the carcass of an machine and we both set up cover fire. It’s the only thing I can focus on. Fire till the clip is empty, and reload.

With every bullet Haze’s scream echoes in my head. I can still see his face. I remember what he was like this morning. I remember his bad jokes on the LAAT/i.

But I can’t let myself remember right now. I pinpoint the enemy running after us. They’re out in the open now. They’re the womp rats. The targets I’ve trained all ten years of my life to hit.

And I hit them perfectly. One after another, falling to the ground. Empty a clip. Reload. It’s rhythmic.

“They’re caught!” someone whoops. “We can do this!”

“Take ‘em down!” Nyo almost sounds happy as he shouts beside me. “Let ‘em eat laser!”

I grimace and my gritted teeth become a grin. Yeah. Die like fodder.

The Umbaran’s are finally thinning out. I reload and slam the next cartridge into my blaster before mowing down another and I almost feel better, as if the fight is a catharsis. I feel like Haze would be proud of me. Of all of us. Nyo on my right, Morgan on my left, even Hook back with the wounded.

There’s reinforcements pouring down. I lose myself in picking off the last of the enemy and then without warning the world is quiet again. I can breathe again.

Morgan looks up and our platoon leader motions that it’s safe. We stand and survey the battlefield.

Morgan slaps my shoulder. “We did it,” he says, grim.

I nod.

“Regroup!” The orders trickle from above. I clamber over the debris and file in with the others as we rejoin our platoon. I feel like my head is still spinning but there’s an ecstasy mixed in. We survived.

Our first mission, and we haven’t even finished, but we’re alive. Most of us.

“I heard the General and the Captain are arguing again,” someone whispers.

Morgan looks over. “Are they ever gonna make up their minds?” he huffs. “We did great!”

“A full-frontal assault is still dangerous,” Nyo mutters. “You should be quiet, Morgan.”

Morgan huffs. Our platoon leader levels all of us with a helmeted glare and I’ve seen that look before.

Stay alert.

I keep my blaster in my hands.

“So, what is our next move?” Morgan asks. He pulls his helmet off to breathe. Nyo always hated when we did that. It got us killed in more than one training simulation.

“We still have to take the capitol,” I offer. “But maybe we can now?”

“I think the General is an idiot,” Nyo put’s in his two cents.

“You can say that twice,” Morgan says. “But hey, a little show of force isn’t so bad, right?” He lifts his blaster and pumps it in the air with a rallying cry. My eyes trail the blaster.

And I realize a little too late the world isn’t quiet anymore. The sky is filled with blaster fire. It’s coming from above. And we’re caught in it.

A green laser bolt cuts through Morgan’s face. And the last thing I see before it melts the skin is his determined smirk. Determined that we would win.

[female-buckets]

Star basketball player Abby Meyers signed with the London Lions last August, but she called Maryland home before calling the shots in London.

Meyers, a lesbian shooting guard, grew up in Potomac and graduated from Walt Whitman High School in 2017. She played for Princeton in her undergraduate years and played for the University of Maryland during graduate school.

She began playing basketball in elementary school, and she was already showing an abundance of potential by the time she was in high school.

In her freshman year of high school, the school’s basketball coach sat down with Meyers and her family and showed them a list of universities with Division I basketball teams. Meyers circled the names of the schools that she was interested in attending. From there, the doors leading to a collegiate basketball career began to open. She began working towards her dream and ended up playing for Princeton.

“It was kind of like a mutual understanding between the two of us, me and basketball,” Meyers told the Washington Blade. “I took more individual lessons, and I just realized that the potential was sky high.”

She came back to her home state to attend the University of Maryland not only for its business program but also for its celebrated basketball team.

“I grew up watching Alyssa Thomas, Shatori Walker-Kimbrough and so many other legends that passed through that program,” Meyers said. “So for me, I knew that basketball-wise, it was the best decision I could make. … They definitely had all of the qualities to make me the best player I could be.”

Before shipping off to London, Meyers briefly played in the WNBA for the Washington Mystics in the summer of 2023. In fact, the aforementioned UMD alum Shatori Walker-Kimbrough was one of her teammates.

She described her time with the WNBA and in London so far as a “learning experience.” 

“I got to relearn what it meant to be a rookie again,” Meyers said. “All of a sudden you enter a new team, a new level and you’re at the bottom, and you just have to let your actions speak louder than your words.”

Meyers publicly came out around 2019, and since then she has been a role model for many other lesbian women in sports.

“By coming out I’m actually being my authentic self, but I was scared that people were going to judge me and look at me differently when in fact, I was met with open arms, love, and appreciation,” Meyers said.

Meyers believes the journey one takes to coming out is an individual process that looks different for everyone.

“At the end of the day, it’s your own race; run it at your own pace,” Meyers said.  “Never be apologetic for who you are. When you have to start compromising yourself and your values for other people, that’s not the community you want to be a part of.”

She has not experienced much homophobic stigma since coming out, but that does not mean that it does not exist in other sports communities. However, in this modern social climate, Meyers pointed out, people are much more accepting of gay women in sports.

Nina Hazra, a University of Maryland medical student, grew up playing basketball with Meyers. The two were on the same team in middle school, but they went to different high schools and would often play against each other. 

Hazra did not play much past high school, but she remained close friends with her former teammate and rival to this day. She went to most of the home games during Meyers’ stint at UMD.

Though Hazra is straight, she noticed a tension in the sports world that affects all women, regardless of sexuality. However, with today’s shifting climate, it has become easier for female athletes to express their identities

“Women who express strong emotions in sports are often treated differently than men who do the exact same thing,” Hazra said in an interview. “I feel like as we’ve gotten older, there’s been a lot more celebration of womanhood in whatever form in sports, and I think that’s one of the places where you can then kind of go outside those societal norms.”

But Hazra still noticed the impact Meyers had on younger generations in sports who may be struggling with their identities.

“It doesn’t matter your sexuality, your gender identity, all that stuff. That doesn’t matter when you’re playing a sport,” Hazra said. “A lot of us didn’t have role models in those years growing up and just to get to see her being that for so many girls is so amazing.”

Elisa Pinzan, also a former Terrapin, is good friends with Meyers. 

Originally from Italy, Pinzan played for the University of South Florida for four years before entering the transfer portal and landing at UMD. She now plays for Keflavik IF in Iceland.

Pinzan and Meyers formed a strong bond while playing for the Terrapins together. 

“She was the first person I got close to; she is very open, smiley and friendly, and I felt comfortable around her from the first day,” Pinzan described. “I am glad to have met someone like Abby, with such a kind soul.”

Pinzan thought that fans should keep their eyes peeled for the Terrapins this upcoming March Madness season. 

“They are a very young team with energy, enthusiasm and grit on the floor, and I think they are a lot better than the record they have,” Pinzan wrote about the Terrapins in an interview. “Despite being young though, they are learning a lot every game and I am sure they will be able to transfer these lessons for the best time of the year coming up.”

Meyers agreed that there is a lot to look forward to this March Madness. She said that with Coach Brenda Frese’s game plans and strong assistant staff, the Terrapins have a strong chance of advancing throughout the competition.

According to Meyers, March Madness will be different for women’s basketball this year, pointing out that it’s more popular right now than men’s games, as women’s basketball is selling out arenas.

“I only think it’s gonna get better and it’s going to grow even more,” Meyers said. “Just the marketing, the social media, the overall awareness of the women’s game. Fans are growing by the number.”

Meyers believes that female basketball players have to rely more on their skill than their athleticism, which she believes makes women’s games just as — if not more — exciting than men’s games. She said that over the past few years, there has been a strong shift in women’s viewership that has shrunk the gap between men’s and women’s basketball, including from a technical standpoint, given that men and women play with the same level of equipment.

Regardless of where UMD ends up this March Madness, Meyers will be cheering the Terrapins on from across the pond — especially the women.

[andypantsx3]

Saw someone talking about how all up on his true love drunk Shouto would be and I am so here for it

OMG YES it was @fangirlings-world being absolute next-level big brained!!

Can you imagine how unbearable it would be to sit with you two?? How humiliated you would be?? How lucky that would make you?

The press of long, questing fingers under your thighs was the only warning you had before you were dug out of your seat and summarily deposited in your boyfriend's lap.

"Shouto," you groaned quietly, throwing out an arm to stop your drink from sloshing over the rim of your glass. "Not this again."

"Mm, this again," he intoned lowly in your ear, wrapping arm arm around your waist to secure you against his chest. A kiss was pressed into your hair, a little flash of heat from the palm against your abdomen signaling Shouto's less-than-pure excitement.

"We're in public," you whispered furiously, turning your head to try and catch his eye.

You might have known this was a mistake, however, given Shouto's propensities. Two drinks had been enough to sink your boyfriend, the iceberg against the ship of an otherwise impenetrable combination of pro hero genetics, and Shouto's inebriation always came with consequences.

Highly specific consequences.

A hot mouth caught yours as you turned, a large, calloused hand rising up to catch your chin, tilting your face into his for easier access. Your breath caught in your chest, heartbeat stuttering the way it still always did when Shouto kissed you, and the soft exhale of his groan into your mouth had you clenching your thighs, a burning heat rising to your face.

"The others are no object," Shouto said when he finally let your mouth free.

It took you a minute to register his words, but when you did, you rather thought that they were an object. The group gathered around Jirou's living room were mostly deep in conversation, a lively debate that had started between Bakugou and Midoriya on the considerations of a new rookie hero's quirk, which was rapidly edging into the kind of intensity that usually heralded a BakuDeku brawl.

But some members of your party had noticed Shouto making his move--at this point, it was almost second-nature to this group to be on the lookout for sloshed Shouto--and you didn't necessarily appreciate the attentions. Kaminari sent you an encouraging wink from where he was stuffed into the loveseat between Jirou and Kirishima, and Jirou's politely bland expression told you everything you needed to know about her scrutiny.

Shouto's hand crept upwards, under the line of your sweater, and you had to quickly set down your drink and grab his wrist with both hands lest he reach his intended target.

"Oh my god, you're a menace," you said. "Shouto, they can see you."

You felt rather than heard his low hum against your back, as it rumbled through his chest.

"They're not surprised," he said, and you noticed his words were slightly clipped, as though he were having just the smallest bit of trouble pronouncing them. His fingers wiggled in your grip, like the appendages of an amorous octopus.

"Because you have kissed them too!" you said. "They know you're a danger."

"That was before I had you," he said, like that was the root of the problem. You huffed, watching his fingers wiggle under the fabric of your sweater, like tiny waves on a grey sea.

And then, "There is no one like you," Shouto said, a little softer, into the skin of your neck, and an involuntary shudder went through you.

Shouto's mouth moved to your ear, a warm flash of teeth, and you felt him noticeably stiffen underneath you--in one very specific spot. He let out that soft groan again, and every inch of your skin went red hot.

You moved quickly.

"Okay, good to see you all!" you yelped, jumping to your feet.

The group turned to look at you, and you caught varying levels of resigned understanding in their gazes. You fought down a laugh, even as Shouto let out a huffy noise behind you, and a set of long fingers wound themselves possessively into the back of your shirt, trying to tug you back to him.

"We're gonna be going now," you said quickly, turning to take Shouto's hand in your own, yanking him to his feet. "Thanks for the party, Jirou, and congrats on the number twenty spot!!"

A pretty smirk cut the sides of Jirou's mouth. "Anytime."

"And congrats to you on the impending dick down," Kaminari jeered next to her, earning an elbow to the ribs.

"Thank you," Shouto said, politely, as though this was any situation in which he needed to display his courtly manners.

"Shouto, oh my god," you said, quickly seizing his arm and tugging him over to the door. "I have no excuses for him. Have a good night, guys."

"You have a good night," someone snickered from the far side of the room, a voice you thought might be Sero's.

"I'll make sure of it," Shouto pronounced seriously from your side, and this time he was the one to tug you with him, as he exited Jirou's apartment with no further ceremony.

You couldn't help but echo him, exasperated, as he steered you out on to the street and onwards towards home. "'I'll make sure of it,' Shouto?" Though you couldn't help the touch of fondness in your voice for your ridiculous boyfriend.

But all he did was pin you with an evaluating blue eye, as if asking whether you knew him at all.

And it was true--Todoroki Shouto was a man of his word. And the second you had made it through your apartment door, he proved it to you.

Over and over and over again.

[merakiui]

THE SCARA SPY AU?? AMAZING CONCEPT OMG

i can see him making darling's job just . absolutely miserable on purpose, like doing things the most complicated way possible just to make her reports harder to write, or putting her in danger on purpose just to get her to back off [maybe she gets hurt and he realizes her temp replacement is significantly worse...?]

to make it yan,,, maybe over time he gets more used to her presence and realizes he'd miss it, in a way, when she's gone, and the only way to remedy that would just be to keep her!

but aaa this is such a neat au!!! hope you're doing well too!!

Yes!! He’s so unbearable! He’ll purposely toe the line of disobedience on his missions, he’ll act reckless and put your own life in danger in hopes that it’ll convince you to leave him alone for good, and he’s always in a foul, grumpy mood. It’s blindingly obvious that he’s against this partnership. Scaramouche doesn’t like the idea of being babysat by a rookie agent who’s only ever worked in front of a desktop and has survived off of coffee for the past few years. You’re nowhere near his level as an elite, international spy. To think he’d have to listen to you, someone who’ll never reach his level. This is as humiliating as it is annoying.

Scara tells you time and time again that you’d better keep up with him because he won’t come to your rescue if you get yourself into trouble. His missions are always dangerous; you’re practically brushing shoulders with death each time. He’s adamant about the fact that you’re simply extra baggage he’s forced to drag along for the sake of surveillance. At one point he said it would be much easier if you were killed on one of these missions because then he’d be free of you.

You know he hates you and can’t stand to be around you, but you’re just doing your job. You’ve told him this and yet he still treats you in such a nasty manner. One particular mission forces the two of you even closer. You and Scara are supposed to go undercover to extract certain information from the target. It was meant to be a simple task—something Scara’s done plenty of times when he went solo and he’s bragged about his success rate. But things go awry fast and you find yourself at the hands of the target, who isn’t as friendly as they originally seemed, and you think the worst is about to happen.

You squeeze your eyes shut just as a gunshot permeates the air, ringing like a death knell in your ears, and you feel flecks of warm, sticky blood dot your face. By some stroke of courage, you force your eyes open and the sight before you raises many questions. The target, who wasn’t supposed to be harmed in any way, is lying in a pool of their own blood, and Agent Scaramouche is standing a few meters away, his pistol raised and a haunted look on his face. His eyes tell you more than his face ever could. Raw vitriol festers in those indigo hues. You’re not sure why he looks the way he does, and neither of you comment on it when you’re chased out of the building, with you and Scaramouche just barely managing to flee and avoid arrest.

The speedy car ride is awkwardly tense. He’s broken the rules of the mission. He killed the target. He nearly got the both of you caught. But…he saved your life. Scaramouche, who told you he’d prefer it if you died, who said he’d never stoop low enough to save you if you were in mortal peril, saved you. You suppose you can leave this mission and its results out of your report to the Tsaritsa, if only as a means of thanking him for coming to your aid. Scaramouche just huffs and grumbles about how he already regrets it.

Still, you’ll never forget the look in those fascinating eyes. He was angry. Surely he wasn’t angry that the target had intended to hurt you. Surely he was just frustrated with the circumstances. You tell yourself these things in hopes that they’ll replace the sneaking suspicion that he was angry he’d lose you. They never do.

With a yandere!spymouche, I imagine he tries to convince you to abandon the agency and run away with him. You treat his suggestion like a joke, laughing in disbelief as the two of you indulge in dinner at your apartment. He frowns at you. If you won’t take him seriously and leave the agency to be with him, he’ll just have to take you away himself. Fear not. He has plenty of funds to afford a secret life with you. You’ll have no choice in this matter. Besides, you’re his first friend, his first love, his first everything. He can’t lose you.

[legendofzoodles]

LOZ Character Analysis/Rant

The Hero of Warriors

"Master, if I'm not mistaken, you are a true hero of Hyrule."

A soul sharpened by war. From a mere rookie trainee he soared through the ranks in the blink if an eye, shouldering not only the burden of the hero like his predecessors but also the weight of being a leader. Hundreds looked to him for guidance, for orders, to plan their attacks and as a pillar of strength. 

This Link was very different to his lone adventuring predecessors. 

~~~

Before I analyse his character in the game I’m going to do with him what I did with the Hero of the Wild and make up a backstory for him. The game doesn’t give us any insight whatsoever into this Link’s backstory other than the fact that he’s a newish knight in training before the war is under way. 

I’ve seen two main renditions of Warriors’ backstory. One being that he’s from some remote village in Hyrule, living a simple farmer life, probably with Linkle as his sister. The other being that he grew up as a middle-class apprentice in castle town, training to be a shoemaker or craftsman. In both cases something caused him to want to join the military: either seeing an advert poster for it, or seeing soldiers parade around or due to something tragic. 

Ok so, real talk for a sec, HW Link is the blandest out of all the 3D Links, with so little characterisation in game that he’s quite literally a blank slate. What the LOZ and LU fandoms have done with him are amazing! There’s so many good stories out there that delve into how the events in game may have shaped his character. I’m going to do that here, so this is mostly all ‘soft analysis’. 

The only things I really have to go off of are the Dark Link incident and the cocky character entrance he gets (that thing where when you face one of the main characters a cutscene plays where they flex their weapon). Other than that he’s a blatant self insert for the player. So I’m gonna to run with those and have his arc be all about growing from cocky to confident.

At the end of the first level he goes from being a random trainee soldier to their undisputed hero. That success definitely went straight to his head. Not just in in the usual ‘I’m the greatest person ever’ way, but also in the way that he took his role very seriously. Because he was so motivated to become a knight he took his training seriously and this was no different to him. He threw everything he had into it, getting advice from seniors, making sure to be close with Impa (not just as a fast track for promotions but because she’s a reliable ally) and commanding whoever he was in charge of with calm authority.

The addition of Proxi is interesting. In the game she refers to him as a man of few words and then just decides that she’s going to speak for him. Bare with me, but I’m gonna ignore this and say that Proxi only delivered Link’s orders to the rest of his troops on mass using magic and the boy wasn’t mute. Meaning he could communicate with his troops from far away and allowing a sort of disconnect, to make it easier to make hard choices.

Btw Proxi is a chaotic neutral and I won’t hear otherwise. 

But back to Link, I get the feeling that he started out as a nobody in the Hyrulean Army (as in the main faction at the Castle, not the under 18s branch I made up), since he was a rookie barely starting out. Because of this he didn’t have the chance to make friends before the war and making friends within the army casually will be near impossible with the role he’s got placed upon him. To cope with suddenly being in charge of soldier’s lives he had to put on a sort of mask, a way to put a barrier between them and himself, a sort of buffer if you like. He did it to protect himself but also to command respect. Like I said, he wasn’t some well known veteran, he rose to where he was from being a trainee, meaning that not everyone is going to wholeheartedly follow him from the get-go. Respect is earned not given. 

But luckily for Link he’s a charismatic little chappy, who’s able to deflect backhanded remarks with easy manners (if a smidge condescending) and eventually win over anyone. He still keeps around those who don’t like him as long as he recognises potential in them. If not, they’re sent to another squad.

Speaking of his leadership, I’m under the impression that he’s a natural born leader and strategist with good instincts and the ability to perform well under pressure. That being said, up until Zelda returns he’d take up a more conservative and cautious attitude to leading, preferring to wait for orders from superiors before making a move, simply because he lacks experience and knowledge. With each battle he becomes more proactive and takes initiative when drawing up battle plans.

Oof, so Zelda. Most people agree that he’s has the most tumultuous relationship with his Zelda compared to the other Links. I disagree with that, prefering to reserve that title for post-game Time and Lullaby, or pre-Yiga Attack Flora and Wild. 

Link would have had a neutral positive opinion of Zelda. To him, being in good graces with the princess- maybe even being friends is huge. It would give him more credit, legitimacy and power in the army and it’s another fast track to being rich. 

When she initially goes missing he’s worried about her, but only because it means that they’ve lost their commander which would give their enemy the advantage and since he’s not evil he’s going to worry regardless. He might have felt something when their eyes met during that training session, but I wouldn’t bet on that being anything deep. She may have crossed his mind now (like in the cutscene after completing the ‘The Sorceress of the Woods’ level) and again, but they’re strangers so they wouldn’t mean much and besides he’s fighting in a literal war right now. 

When she does come back, nothing significant happens between them, because they’re fighting in a war! There’s not going to be much room for alone time between strategy meetings, long expeditions, writing letters to families of fallen men, training and keeping track of supplies. Anyway, I get the feeling that this Zelda is a practical no nonsense leader, she’s got her priorities and isn’t going to get distracted. Those two would have acted more like work colleagues.

I feel like Link would have underestimated Zelda upon first impressions, seeing her as someone who needed to be protected. Only for his assumptions to get eviscerated once she finally took to the battlefield in her true form and after finding out she was Sheik. 

To be honest, the three people Link was closest to were Fi, Proxi and Impa. Proxi should be obvious; she was there yelling in Link’s ear 24/7. I chose Fi because he spent two whole levels with just her, plus she’s the best person he can discuss the whole hero thing with. I don’t believe that those two were ever friends though, not like Sky and Fi. I also chose Impa because she was the one that gave him the hero uniform and believed in him. She was the one he saved from Volga and thus, that kind of introduction was bound to lead to a friendship. I’d argue Impa was Link’s only real friend during the war.

Unlike Wild, Time and Twilight this snooty officer never really bonded with the Gorons and thus never became one of their honorary brothers. Darunia was just a regular ally to him, like Agitha, Ruta and Midna. 

Volga. Ngl, he never really stood out to me when I played HW, but I’ve seen and agreed with the headcanon that their first fight scarred Link. Mentally as well as physically. Which, in the context of the game makes sense. To the player he was just the first boss, and easy introduction to the game, but to Link he was the first powerful enemy he ever faced. Add to that the burn scars he received from not being properly equipped (remember he was in just his trainee uniform), and yeah, that would leave a lasting impression. 

Volga also got a sort of redemption thing going on. I can’t quite remember it, but maybe that could have factored into Link’s growth as well. Making them less like mortal enemies and more like rivals. 

I don’t buy that Link ever genuinely forgave Cia. At the end of the Wind Waker campaign when Cia is rescued and redeemed, Link seems to do the generic anime nod along with everyone else when she apologises. I can totes see him pretending to get along with her, putting on a friendly mask so that working with her would be somewhat tolerable but still holding a grudge for all the suffering she caused. 

That dlc war must have been so awkward for Link. He must have been forcing himself to be civil with Cia when she joined their side. If not for the sake of being the better person, then at least for team morale and keeping Lana happy. 

Her war led to the deaths of many good soldiers. The embarrassment he had to endure when the army stormed the Temple of Souls only for his men to finally see first hand how obsessed she was with him. Which probably damaged his reputation to such extent that he’s still struggling to repair it. Unlike with the other Links, the war he fights against Cia is incredibly personal, since it’s because of him that the war even started. 

The war wasn’t his fault and he knows it, because Cia didn’t even know him. And while you could say it wasn’t entirely Cia’s fault because Ganondorf was manipulating her, she did too many awful things of her free will to be absolved of blame. 

Btw, Ganondorf didn’t mean much to this Link. He was a formidable threat sure, but they had no personal connection to each other and taking him down was a group effort (go team). Link’s personal enemies were Cia and Volga.  

Going back to Lana, since I believe that this Link is very emotionally intelligent it means he would have been aware of Lana’s crush on him. Luckily she never really acted on it, so Link could act like an ally. Whether he feels something for her or not is up to the player. I don’t personally, since she isn’t really any more special than any other of his allies. But she seems fun to be around and I think Link would appreciate her upbeat attitude and respect her prowess on the battlefield.  

All strong and reliable allies are good in his book.

There are snippets of development in Link’s character in HW. The standout moment being when he faces Cia alone at the Temple of Souls and she makes some evil clones of him. But rewinding a bit, I said before that Link let the sudden promotion and power go to his head. Think about it though, General Impa dubbed him the legendary hero after he saved her (and he didn’t do it perfectly), he has a close circle of powerful allies who verbally lick his boots at every opportunity (Proxi being his main cheerleader), Fi literally accepts him as her master in a heartbeat (before he has the Master Sword mind you), he hasn’t made any significant mistakes, he’s got the glowing mark of the Triforce as extra validation (although given by his confused looks at it in cutscenes I’m convinced he isn’t 100% sure of what it actually means) and he retrieves the Master Sword with little issue. 

How could he not, at least a little bit, have all that reinforce the notion that he’s the greatest being to ever exist? How could he not become cocky? In his mind it was all completely justified, he had the skills and he was the hero, it was his job. Up until the Temple of Souls he was probably in a sort of bubble- not that he wasn’t diligent or incompetent- he was still taking it seriously, but the mistake during this stage that meant his forces had to flee really made him shape up. 

Cia did to him what Ganondorf did to her. She took the ugliness in Link’s heart: his overconfidence, brashness and superiority complex, and used her dark powers to create physical manifestations to attack his allies. The fact that those apparitions are so powerful to begin with show how strong those feelings were. 

Not only did those fiends weaken his forces and further ruin his reputation, but he couldn’t deal with them alone even though they were coming from him and his allies essentially saved his life. On top of that having the battle be effectively lost due to the fact that the army was so overwhelmed they needed to retreat, would make this a very humbling experience for him. It was like a turning point for him. He learned a lot of lessons from it and worked to be better. It turned him from an inexperienced lucky rookie to an experienced and confident leader who people can rely on and look to for guidance.

He apologised to his men, and strove to make deeper connections with them. He no longer saw the sword as a crutch or this all powerful instrument and was more than happy to put it back when the time came. 

Also after going through all that, I don’t think that Link could just walk away from the army or go through with his original plan of ditching action for a life of comfort and luxury. A shallow life of riches no longer satisfied him. 

Oh, about the fates of his parents. It’s tradition for Links to be orphans so maybe they die in prison or perish when Hyrule Castle is attacked. Or maybe they killed themselves/fled the country before they could be arrested...idk. Either way, they don’t show up in Link’s life again and he never much cared for them anyway. 

So, even after it was all over he stayed and rose the ranks properly like any old soldier. He did get special honour by virtue of being the hero, he and his teams are allowed more autonomy and he’s allowed to carry out assignment solo if he wishes. He doesn’t though- I truly believe he prefers to travel and fight with allies, another thing that separates him from the chain who are mostly all loner adventurers.  

I can also see him being a diplomat as well as a soldier after the war is over. As a close friend of the princess and high ranking military official, he would be invited to all sorts of fancy political dinners with backstabbing nobles and leaders of other nations/tribes. 

The mask he created for himself the moment he became the hero never really came off. It couldn’t come off. He only became more famous following the war and was now forever in the public eye. He’s got to be careful now when he’s out and about, vigilant to not fall for assassination attempts from political rivals or enemies. He can’t afford to get drunk and do something stupid in a bar, unless he wants to end up a scandalous article in the paper. Speaking of scandals, he even has to watch out for who he speaks with behind closed doors, one misunderstanding could lead to disreputable rumors. 

Perhaps such a rumour circulated among those in the royal court regarding her majesty's relationship with the hero, causing the two to grow apart. Hence their strained relationship after being fairly close friends towards the end of the war. Also, since Link is obviously aware of his good looks and is a bit of a flirt, there’s no way he didn’t try a few good humoured pick up lines on the princess in casual conversation. Only when they were alone or with close friends behind closed doors. 

I love the idea that Linkle joins the military at the end of her campaign and Impa puts Link in charge of her. Since in my story Link spent a year working in Linkle’s village, the two knew each other vaguely. Linkle used to see him as a haughty snob but now respects him greatly as one of Hyrule’s best soldiers and looks up to him. Link used to see her as a strange airhead who talks to birds... and his opinion is largely unchanged, except that now he can’t deny that she also fights good. They have the ‘strict older brother and chaotic little sister’ dynamic To Link, spending time with Linkle is like speedrunning the journey to premature baldness. 

Are they actually related? No, but they give off the vibe to outsiders that they could be.

Random thought: now that I think about it... maybe Link talks to Cia during the WW levels about acknowledging the darkness within you and working to better yourself so that you can control it before it controls you. Perhaps he’ll do a similar thing to Twilight in LU in a subtler way, so that he doesn’t succumb to the dark curse placed on his slash wound from Dink.

To see my take on his fear of traitors see: LU deepest fear headcanons

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Thanks for reading!

For more character analyses see links here:

Hero of the Sky, Hero of Time, Hero of Twilight, Hero of the Wild

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