#i need vengeance on anyone who ever hurt him

[castillon02]

When Jason starts to prioritize cooperation as well as vengeance, Tim suspects Jason's self-control still isn't that great. Since he's Tim, well...

He conducts some tests.

Hood is about to murder someone that they need information from when Tim calls out, "Hey, Hood, has anyone ever told you that you're a Decepticon wannabe who probably fucks himself to the sound of his own robot voice?"

Hood stills.

The drug dealer who sold tenth-grader Benny Garcia fentanyl gapes in a way that shows off his recently-missing teeth.

Hood drops the dealer in a heap and turns his shitkicker combat boots in Tim's direction.

Tim bolts. Batman will swoop in to continue the dealer's interrogation; he and Hood have figured out a good-cop-bad-cop thing, though Batman still seems bemused about the chance to be 'good cop.'

Hood races after him.

---

Tim makes it to a safe house off of Robinson Park. He probably lost Hood about half an hour ago, but it never hurts to be careful. Especially when---oh, shit.

"This place is filthy," Jason says, sitting on the kitchen counter that Tim never uses and looking with disdain at Tim's collection of empty energy drink cans, takeout boxes, and crime yarn. Jason's not wearing his helmet or domino, and he taps his boot heels softly against the cabinet door like a little kid. Not exactly danger signals.

But for a moment, all Tim can look at is the boots. It's stupid; the knife at his neck was closer to fatal. But the kicking had hurt the worst.

"Since you apparently have time to run your mouth," Jason says, "and since someone stole my target, it seems like we both have time to clean up in here. I went out and got trash bags." He nudges a box on the counter next to him. The trash bags are the sturdy kind, not the flimsy cheap kind or the extra-strength hide-the-body-parts kind.

Tim has been meaning to get trash bags for this place for three weeks. It's just that he doesn't visit often, and when he does it's usually when he's injured or tired, and he could get things delivered but that's a paper trail he could avoid if he just made time to visit the bodega down the street... "You're a trash bag," he says, even though it doesn't make sense.

Jason rolls his eyes. "Just for that, we're mopping the floor too. Luckily, I came prepared." He hops down from the counter and opens the little mystery closet next to the fridge. Inside: a broom, a Swiffer, a bucket, a pack of scrub brushes still in their plastic, and a jug of bleach.

Ohhh, that's why the closet is so narrow. It's supposed to hold cleaning supplies. Right. Tim definitely knew that. Tim definitely doesn't just have a roll of paper towels...somewhere...that he sometimes puts dish soap on.

He squints at Jason. Still no green danger-eyes. "Darcy and Elizabeth would never let you be part of a throuple with them," he tries.

Jason pulls out a trash bag. "They've got issues anyway."

"Helen Keller would make up new words so she could sign how ugly your face is."

"She was a socialist," Jason says. He holds the bag and gestures at Tim's kitchen table. "So we'd probably just talk about organizing the working class. I don't think looks would come into it. Also, way to be a dick."

"You're so pathetic that Jane Eyre would give up on you like she didn't give up on Rochester," Tim says, figuring he did the research for this attack, so he might as well use it.

Jason actually laughs a little bit. "First of all, there's a lot of power exchange going on in that decision, so jot that down," he says. "Second of all." He looks Tim in the face. "If I start to lose my temper, I'll leave, okay? Or you can just ask me to."

"Even if I asked right now?" Tim asks.

"Even if you asked right now," Jason confirms, though he eyeballs Tim's mess.

Jason's still holding the trash bag. Hands out, open body language, seemingly not homicidal.

Tim had planned for a lot of things with this encounter, including a body bag. Trash bags weren't one of his considered variables. He starts picking up empty cans. "This one can be for recycling," he says, dumping the cans into Jason's bag. New things from old materials. Jason likes that symbolism shit, right?

(Though...new things. Old materials. If there's anyone who ought to be good at that, it's someone who got raised from the dead.

Tim smirks and keeps the thought to himself. Operation: Limitless has been a startling success; he doesn't need to verbalize all his inside thoughts now.)

("Kid, I can tell you're thinking about a zombie joke," Jason says anyway. "You can only tell me after we've brought this shit-heap back to life.")

[wildsaltair]

whoever punched Maximus in the face when he was captured at the end of Gladiator and left that bruise around his eye, turn on your location. i just want to talk

[kerosene-in-a-blender]

The way Matt is playing Ludinus I think really encapsulates something Brennan has said about a lot of villains: Personality predates ideology. Ludinus grew up in a world scoured by the gods and suffered a great deal of trauma because of that. He's remarkably intelligent. He's also immensely self-centred, incredibly selfish, utterly incapable of considering that he might be wrong, and unable or unwilling to to do the level of self-reflection required to identify these traits in himself and work around them.

The result has been a man who has looked to the source of his trauma and wants them dead because they hurt him, specifically, regardless of any good they do for anyone else. And over his centuries of life he's constructed an ideology where he is Exandria's savior for doing this. The gods are oppressors, they feed off mortals and are stifling our progress. They need to die so that mortals can reach our true potential and no longer run the risk of being struck down for nearing their level. Their deaths are for the good of everyone, not just to soothe one old man's desire for petty vengeance. Anyone who disagrees with him simply hasn't been presented with all the facts, because he's so smart and always right so he can't be interpreting the evidence in a myopic, emotional way. Any collateral damage incurred over the course of pursuing his goals is either an acceptable sacrifice or somebody else's fault or both because he cannot ever be wrong. His desire for control over everyone else is simply for their benefit because he knows better.

[puppetwoman17]

Tell me why I think the Council of Eternity would WEEP happy tears if they ever got to meet Billy?

I mean, they were so trusting in Teth Adam, that he would protect magic, protect earth, be a guardian for the Rock. But his betrayal not only cost the lives of humanity, but their own lives as well, leaving their brother Shazam to wallow by himself for centuries. Imagine the guilt and sorrow. Watching each other die by the hands of someone you saw as a son, a student, a successor. A bad judge of character led to the end of civilizations, and it was all their fault, and they don’t deserve this power or this station—

And then, years later, Billy is chosen. Someone who has the values they’ve been looking for. He cares about his job more than humanly possible. He’s heroic and courageous and everything a champion needs to be. He gets sick just thinking about hurting anyone, and while he does like seeing people get their just desserts, he doesn’t actively seek out vengeance.

So yes, I do think that if the ghosts of the fallen council members met Billy, they would cry. And hug him, and cry some more. And then totally go crazy over the fact that “HOLY CRAP WE HAVE A CHAMPION! WE HAVE AN ACTUAL CHAMPION!”

I mean, they are still human😅.

[jyoongim]

This isn't exactly a request but a thought that had been so heavy on my brain. Hellborn royalty reader x Alastor who's stronger than he is. I just can't stop thinking about it. Maybe even Goetia reader whew they are stronger and protect him from something and I just go FERAL at the thought.

Some background context:

The Ars Goetia are a royal dynasty of noble hellborn demons who serve as prophets, messengers, and observers of the mortal plane for the King of Hell. They are responsible for maintaining stability within the seven rings. They are highly knowledgeable in the heavens, society, and prophecies of all domains.

—————————————————————————————

The hotel was a wreck.

The Angels had made it their personal mission to eliminate those who resided in the hotel.

The Princess of Hell had acquired your assistance if things got shaky for them.

And OH things were shaking.

Alastor had took it upon himself to fight Adam, when you suggested you could of great help he turned you down. Stating that he would be able to handle the Angel himself.

But things were not looking good for the Radio Demon.

You admired the confidence he had, but the demon was in a sticky situation and you would be damned if anyone hurt YOUR demon.

You were fuming and it was showing.

You calmly walked through the fighting, every attack thrown your way didn’t even touch you as you quickly dispatched your attackers. 

You appeared in front of the injured deer in a cloud of smoke. 

“Hehe who the fuck are you?” Adam asked, but you ignored him as you checked on Alastor.

He was bleeding and weak, you placed your hands on his face, scowling softly “Oh Alastor my sweet. You did good my love but Ill take over from here” he tried to object, but with a wave of your hand, you dissolved him in mist to keep him safe.

You turned to Adam, who was smirking “Tch! You think you can take me? Ha! If your best couldn’t scratch me what thinks you can?”

You smiled, your body morphed into mist “who said he was our best?”

He attacked, swinging his axe and trying to bring it down on you. Your eyes glowed white and with a flick of the wrist he was frozen to the spot. You curled your fingers and watched as the Angel contorted in pain. You hissed “I am the judge and executioner and you, you arrogant pig have no authority here. Divine violence is my right for power belongs to those who take it.” At your words, the sky formed dark clouds and the realm shook.

Adam let out a scream as your magic crackled along his skin, searing pain riddling his body as you burned his wings and corrupted his every soul.

“YOU CANT DO THIS! I AM ADAM! THE FIRST MAN! YOU BITCH! NO NO NO NO!” Your mist enveloped his body and he slowly morphed to black as you took his life. You watched as his soul screeched and struggle. 

You pulled him towards him and smirked, sneering at him with sharp teeth

“Vengeance is mine sayeth the Lord” 

And with a soft blow from your lips, he dispersed. His soul crying as you sent him to Limbo.

Hell shook as your magic rocked the cosmos.

The remaining Angels let out a cry as they were struck with pain, felt in their soul.

You were sucking their power and in an attempt to save themselves they retreated back to Heaven.

You morphed back to normal and your misty shadows revealed Alastor to you.

You picked up the red demon and nudged him with your nose, he grumbled ”Y-You didn’t have to intervene. I had it under control”

You hummed, a soft smile on your face a his stubbornness “completely but I wasn’t going to stand around when you clearly needed my help.”

Your face dropped to a pout “don’t tell me that me being stronger hurts your pride? You should be honored. A woman willing to protect her love is a powerful thing to behold”

Alastor sighed, relaxing against you, feeling the exhaustion of the battle overtake him.

You cooed at him, pressing a kiss to his forehead, “Don’t worry I don’t think anything less of you. I think you’re the strongest man I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting”

The Radio Demon might have been a prideful soul, but it was you who was the strongest.

And really…he was ok with that fact.

[dr5amatic]

IN THE ASHES ,

a sentence starter prompts list comprised of quotes from the novel an ember in the ashes by sabaa tahir. please be advised that this list may involve topics including, but not limited to, murder, death, and violence. change verbiage as needed.

why do keep disappearing when i need you?

i wasn't spying.

what you saw is dangerous. you can't tell anyone about it. not ever.

keep your secrets close, love.

i'm not working for them.

don't be afraid [name], i won't let anything happen to you.

what are you doing down here?

much as i hate to admit it, you're not usually wrong.

the field of battle is my temple.

the dance of death is my prayer.

the killing blow is my release.

aren't you a pretty one.

who trained you?

keep it safe for me just until i come back.

unless you're stupider than you look, even you can see how this appears.

you worked hard. you did everything right.

go, [name]. go get some air. i'll handle this.

the ghosts of our misdeeds seek vengeance, but the cost will be high.

you are an ember in the ashes, [name]. you will spark and burn, ravage and destroy. you cannot change it. you cannot stop it.

we don't abandon our own!

who do you want me to spy on?

shadows will bloom in your heart and you will become everything you hate.

so my choices are either to stay and be evil or run and be evil. wonderful.

they always underestimate me.

this isn't a mission for the fainthearted.

go away. you're not real.

you're distracted when you can ill afford to be.

if you want to win this, you need to wake up.

i've already wasted too much time cleaning up your messes.

lay low. don't risk spying until you're certain you won't get caught.

fail me again, and we're done.

these are my friends, my family. people i know. i wouldn't hurt them.

how do i make it stop? i have to make it stop.

until you conquer your fear, the dead will remain with you.

i won't kill you. i swear it. by blood and bone, i swear it.

you're going to be fine. i'm going to fix you right up.

fight, [name]. you have to fight. you have to win.

death before tyranny.

if what you say is true, then the balance is upset, and we must restore it.

you look terrible. come into the shade.

you really should run. you’re just going to die.

wait, you idiot! it might be a trap!

i won’t let you fall, i promise.

i want you to know that i think what you’re doing is brave. really brave.

it’s not a stupid idea, just dangerous. i don’t want you getting hurt.

you’re trying to sneak out.

i wouldn’t have traded this for anything.

i live with my sins everyday. i live with the guilt.

i’ve never asked you for anything. i’m asking you now.

you think i can’t defend myself? you think i need bodyguards?

i’ve been distracted worrying about you.

i’ll kill him for this.

don’t talk. just keep quiet and… let me think.

you’re in love with me! but i'm not in love with you, and you hate me for it. you’ve let that ruin our friendship.

i could never be in love with you.

you have no idea what I’ve given up for you, the deal i made. 

who did this?

look at you–look what they’ve done to you.

you don’t have to be brave.

do you have what i want?

i have something, but i need more time.

if you have nothing, then this mission is a failure.

don’t have time for that. I’ve got other things on my mind.

if i wanted to hurt you, i’d already have done it.

as long as there is life, there is hope.

either way, you’d have blamed yourself.

either way, people you cared about would have suffered.

i should have stayed, even if it meant dying.

they won’t let you have compassion or kindness. they won’t let you have a soul.

my soul’s gone. I killed it dead on that battlefield.

there are two kinds of guilt. the kind that’s a burden and the kind that gives you purpose. 

you have a soul. it’s damaged, but it’s there. don’t let them take it from you.

you don’t need to be so cat-footed. i’m not armed.

you’re surprised? you’re naïve, is what you are. you’re a fool.

you’re sick. don’t you have any regret? any remorse?

i’ll celebrate them. i’ll mourn them. but i won’t regret what i did. i did it for the empire. i did it for my people.

don’t make vows when you can’t know their cost.

i crossed a line, and i won’t cross it again.

do you know what i do to spies?

be strong. if you don’t win this, everything is lost.

i will be your blood shrike, your second-in-command, the sword that executes at your will, until death. i swear it.

in the night, your loneliness crushes you, as if the sky itself has swooped down to smother you in its cold arms.

there is nothing of me that is worth anything.

tell me, or i slit your throat here and now.

you’ll pay for this. i swear it to the skies, to the stars. you’ll pay.

just because he’s a good leader doesn’t mean he’s a good person. he lied to you.

for the first time since i can remember, i don’t feel alone. because of you.

i can’t–i can’t stop thinking about you. i’ve tried not to. i tried to push you out.

i’ll take care of everything. i promise.

the moment i knew you existed, i hated you.

if i feel regret, it’s that i wasn’t willing to die sooner.

i’d rather die than live with no mercy, no honor, no soul.

fear is only your enemy if you allow it to be.

too much fear an you’re paralyzed. too little fear and you’re arrogant.

i’ll watch your back if you watch mine. we can make it if we stick together.

[pressureplus]

hello!! can i pls ask for headcanons or a lil story abt sebastian coping with the loss of expendable reader he had relationship with? like they knew eachother long enough and had a lil sum going, and out of the blue reader gets really hurt and dies in sebs arms (doesn’t come back either like how u would in the game, ik some stories follow that) need that angst !!!

(keep up the amazing work also!! i love ur guys stories and hc :3)

Thank you, all of your support means so much to us, we're so happy you guys like our work!

Anyway, here, have a little angst in the form of some Headcannons! I turned the angst on this one aaaall the way up for you by making you not only a lover, but literally the centerpiece of this man's life, he was OBSESSED and COMPLETELY IN LOVE with you to a crippling extent ❤️

Sebastian Solace Grieving Headcannons

Warnings: Death, Grief, a mention of injury as a metaphor, and the light implications of Suicide

◞꒷◟ ͜ ͜ ◞ྀི◟୨୧◞ྀི◟ ͜ ͜ ◞꒷◟◞꒷◟ ͜ ͜ ◞ྀི◟୨୧◞ྀི◟ ͜ ͜ ◞꒷◟

• When you passed, it didn't feel real to him... It still doesn't.

• You'd been in his arms when it happened, his large, clawed hands clutching you like you were slipping away from him- and you were.

• He had begged you not to leave him here, pleading and bargaining like it might keep the light in your beautiful eyes for a while longer

• But it was to no avail. Now, he is alone.

• He doesn't talk to the expendables anymore, shutting everyone out was the very first thing that he did when he had to wake up in your shared bed by himself that first morning after what had happened

• He knows you wanted him out of here, and it's the only thing that keeps him alive most days

• That and the need to put an end to HADAL the way that it put an end to you.

• He blames the company, yes, and he definitely blames what or who actually killed you, but the rest of that guilt rests on his own shoulders

• "I should have been there... I should have done something to stop it."

• "Why is it I could only cry?"

• "I don't even know what I'm going to do now that you're gone, Y/N..."

• "Please... Please come back?"

• Doesn't see a future for himself anymore, now that he knows what it is to have you in his life, he just doesn't want anything else

• His existence is solely for spite and for vengeance, now, no point in attempting to move on

• Is more aggressive, generally, to an extent he will get hostile with people more often and even become an active threat to anyone that enters the shop without actively purchasing something from him

• The thought he may grow attached to someone again is one that haunts him, he will be having absolutely NONE of that ever again

• He's a broken man

• Sometimes, he dreams that he can hold you the way that he knows you used to like, and he gets to lay in bed when he wakes up remembering how sweet it was to kiss you and how wonderful your laugh used to be

• He'll lay awake and miss you... But the reminiscing is the only time he's even close to happy anymore

• It's an abstract sort of closeness, the comfort he finds in allowing himself to linger in your memory the only real ease that he takes anymore

• It's a fresh wound that he seems to genuinely enjoy leaving to bleed, definitely not a healthy way to brew in his ever growing sorrow

• The long, long months he spends in the Blacksite alone are empty and void of what little life they'd managed to have before. The color in everything is drained out like the hope that he'd managed to hold onto for so long

• When he eventually leaves and leaks the information that actually DOES end up avenging you, he watches HADAL fall to ruin, unable to get their prisoners anymore and unable to continuing to stay upright for it

• Watching that place burn brought him some peace, honestly, but it just wasn't enough. Nothing was ever going to be enough without you

• He only has one thing left to do. He knows there's really only one thing left he can do for you.

• The public will find his body strung over a gravesite with your name on it the very next morning after everything came to it's close on his plans, a bouquet of your favorite flowers, a newspaper with an article on HADAL's corruption on the cover, and whatever little treasures you'd given him over the years in his still, clawed hands

• And for the first time since you left him:

• Sebastian is smiling.

[literatureloverx]

Thoughts on how fyodor would react if someone really hurt/upset his darling either physically or emotionally?

Thank you for the request, my dear!♥️ I hope I can live up to your expectations.♥️

Also, I’m so sorry because it took me so long to get to your request!♥️

Mdni, Fyodor is unhinged, blood, cannibalism, yandere behaviour etc.

Enjoy.♥️

If it’s a trivial disagreement, it would be more than enough for your beloved husband to simply erase those people from your lives.

“No need to cry, my love. I handled everything for you.”

After all, you have no need for such sinners.

But… if the matter is of a more serious nature… oh, the consequences would be far more severe.

Haha. They’re dead.

No, obviously, they’re done for. But Fyodor is not the type of man who would go easy on the insignificant beings who dared to upset his darling wife.

The consequences would be nothing short of catastrophic.

Fyodor’s reaction to such an affront would be both swift and devastating, marked by a ruthlessness that reflects his profound sense of control and personal investment in his beloved.

To harm you is to strike at the very core of his existence, a transgression that demands a retribution far exceeding the original offense.

Fyodor’s response would be characterized by a cold, clinical precision.

His mind, ever sharp and strategic, would immediately begin formulating a plan to ensure that those responsible experience a fate far more severe than their initial act of aggression.

Every detail of the situation would be meticulously analyzed, and the resulting punishment would be both creative and devastating.

His aim would not only be to neutralize the threat but to send a stark, unambiguous warning to anyone who might contemplate crossing him in the future.

Emotionally, Fyodor’s demeanor would remain as icy as it is unyielding.

He would not be driven by the conventional rage associated with such offenses. Instead, his reaction would be a measured and precise execution of justice.

That is, because you’re so dear to him.

His detachment allows him to approach the situation without the cloud of uncontrolled anger, making his vengeance even more chilling in its methodical nature.

The concept of mercy would be utterly foreign to Fyodor in this context.

The harm inflicted upon his darling, you, is an egregious violation of his deepest vulnerability—to love you.

Therefore, the retribution he administers would be designed to dismantle completely any semblance of power or dignity from those responsible.

They would soon bathe in their own blood, eating their own flesh.

Their bodies will rot in the hell that he has meticulously crafted for them.

“… I handled everything for you.”

[rin-solo]

I love. LOVE. Get In the Water

It's one of the objectively best songs in the musical; I will die on this hill.

Poseidon was always, despite being pretty much the main antagonist of EPIC, a really underdeveloped character in my opinion. He just needed a little more nuance and the fact that one (+ kind of one more) song managed to add so much to his characterization pretty much exclusively through subtext and implications is incredibly impressive writing. Because it did!

At the start he's yet again playing games with Odysseus, the way he did in Ruthlessness. In both songs he could kill him easily at any point, yet he chooses not to for the sake of playing games. In Ruthlessness, this becomes his own hubris as it leads to Odysseus escaping.

If you listen closely, at the start of GITW he already sounds slightly different. He's still trying to keep up this "God of Ruthlessness" front that he's so proud of, but he's no longer more or less carefree the way he was in Ruthlessness. He's been obsessing over this feud for ten years, and even if he would never admit it, it's actually clear just from his voice that he really is tired of it too. Not in the sense of it emotionally draining him the way it probably does Odysseus, but in the sense that it's a bother, a loose end in his life, a book that he finally wants to slam shut.

But he still has a reputation to uphold, and he still cannot close this book until Odysseus is dead, so he keeps up the game. Instead of just killing him, he's taunting him to kill himself. He might associate the idea of just striking him down with a sort of loss, like then he'd have to his hands dirty. Then he's rambling about killing his people, his family. He's provoking Odysseus on purpose, likely trying to get him to snap back, to hate him and fear him the way that Poseidon would think any mortal who has consumed this much of his time should. In his eyes, Odysseus deserves nothing less than to curse him with his last breath as his "darkest moment", the god who became the bane of his life.

And Odysseus replies, of all things, with ... sympathy.

Honestly, I don't blame Poseidon for being speechless for three full seconds. He literally just threatened to gauge Telemachus' eyes out the way Odysseus did with Polyphemus, and this absolute madlad of a man replies with an acknowledgement that he (might have) caused Poseidon pain too.

Now, I don't really think Poseidon was particularly hurt over Polyphemus' loss or hurting in any way in that moment. But just the fact that Odysseus acknowledges that he might be hurting too is probably something Poseidon hasn't heard in ... who knows how long? His family is the Olympians. I don't think I have to say more.

It's actually more of a genuine apology than Odysseus' explanation in Ruthlessness ... Now he doesn't say "sorry" because he's still not sorry for hurting Polyphemus, since he still needed to do that in order to escape. But he expresses regret over the pain he caused in a more genuine way than ever.

I am convinced that Poseidon is utterly unfamiliar with sympathy or mercy. He's lived by his "Ruthlessness is mercy" motto for centuries, and he doesn't know anything else. No one would try to teach him something different. The other gods all live by this logic, even if he's the most vocal about it considering he seems to have made it his whole personality. Mortals wouldn't dare to question Poseidon in the first place. And barely anyone would be willing to treat someone with kindness who is in turn treating everyone around them with ruthlessness.

It's very likely that Poseidon hasn't encountered anyone like this until Odysseus. Ruthlessness is simply how he treats people, and also how he expects to be treated back. The fact that Odysseus doesn't, the fact that instead of hating or fearing or cursing him he acknowledges that they have both hurt each other and that it doesn't lead anywhere to still pursue vengeance must have triggered Poseidon in an unprecedented way.

To him, this was probably the most outrageous thing Odysseus could have said in that moment. And it throws him off so much that he is genuinely speechless, and then simply replies, "I can't." ... his most genuine-sounding line in the whole musical.

I cannot stress enough how much it threw me off to hear this line; in the best way imaginable, it doesn't sound like Poseidon. It sounds almost vulnerable. Almost human. Because he is genuinely at a loss so much that he forgets to put up his "wrathful god" facade for just one second. Standing ovation to Steven Rodriguez for his whole performance, but especially this part.

And then Odysseus goes all out, to say something even more outrageous: "Maybe you could learn to forgive?"

... Which is when Poseidon snaps.

Kind of understandable, honestly. There's this mortal whom he has likely fantasized about seeing pleading, hate-filled, and terrified, cowering before him, for ten years now ... telling him that he ought to learn something. Even hijacking his own motif and his instrument in order to turn it on its head, "defile" it if you will.

This f*cking mortal pr*ck took his own "Ruthlessness is mercy upon ourselves" catchphrase and turned it into forgiveness ... Of course, Poseidon is no longer hesitating, of course he is no longer concerned with getting his hands dirty or not. He yells "DIE!" and unleashes his ultimate move (which is really overkill for simply killing a mortal if you think about it) ... But he does it anyway because this time he genuinely means it.

This simple exchange (my favorite moment in the whole musical, actually) tells us so much about both of these characters that it makes me want to skitter and squeal in excitement.

Here is Odysseus—the very same one whom Poseidon specifically tried to teach ruthlessness—becoming the first person in a long time to offer him sympathy despite how Poseidon himself showed him nothing but ruthlessness. And then one song later, here is Odysseus showing him the consequences of not accepting said sympathy.

Six Hundred Strike and what Odysseus does to Poseidon would've not hit the same, in my opinion, if he hadn't made this offer, if he hadn't given Poseidon this way out, even if no one watching genuinely expected it to work (probably not even Odysseus himself.)

Six Hundred Strike is not Odysseus exacting vengeance. If GITW proved anything about Odysseus it's that he does not want vengeance. He wants all of the hatred and pain to be over, to the point where he is willing to let go of, and I am inclined to say forgive, Poseidon for what he's done to him. Six Hundred Strike is simply Odysseus teaching him this lesson that Poseidon couldn't have learned in any other way, because he has proven in GITW that he genuinely does not speak any language besides that of ruthlessness.

It's just the perfect representation of how Odysseus has now finally learned the balance between mercy and ruthlessness, which seems to be the core theme of the musical: Both have their time and place, one simply has to be willing to act in both ways and know when to use either. No one extreme is the solution. I am genuinely exhilarated that Odysseus finally seemed to have figured out that it's been both all along.

[shizuturnspages]

sorry for sending in so many asks but like. i was curious abt something and wanted to know your opinion since i love how you write for these characters as yanderes. how different do you think wanderer would be different as a yandere across the different stages of his life? y'know kunikuzushi, scaramouche n then wanderer.

No worries. I love writing headcannons. This is actually a really brilliant idea, since he faces immense character development in each stage, which changes his yandere traits. I wrote this one a bit differently, so here it is:

Kunikuzushi

Kunikuzushi starts out as the discarded prototype of the Shogun, hurt and desperately trying to find meaning in a world that he’s only barely begun to understand. He’s all raw emotion, innocence, and heartbreak with a severe abandonment complex that screams vulnerability. He doesn’t fully grasp the intricacies of human relationships yet, but he knows he wants someone—anyone—who won’t leave him. And once he latches on to you, there’s no escaping his fierce, almost childlike need to keep you with him.

Yandere Traits:

❥ Kunikuzushi’s affection is intense and pure, but smothering. He doesn’t just want you close; he wants you to be his entire world, wrapping you up in a cocoon of affection that borders on suffocating. You’ll find yourself unable to take a step without him watching, constantly afraid that you’ll leave him, like everyone else has. He doesn’t mean to trap you; he just doesn’t know any other way to keep you safe.

❥ If someone else shows interest in you, Kunikuzushi feels threatened, but it’s not malicious—he just doesn’t know how to cope. His innocent jealousy leads to outbursts and childish, sulky expressions, but he means every word. “They don’t care about you like I do,” he’ll say, desperate to keep your attention. He sees anyone else as a risk, someone who might tear you away, and he’ll do anything to hold on.

❥ He’s tender one moment, distant the next, terrified that you’ll betray him but unwilling to let go. His mood shifts are sudden and emotional, going from sweet, pleading whispers to cries that you promised not to leave. It’s a constant push and pull that’ll keep you tangled in his web.

Scaramouche

Saramouche has been through hell by this stage—twice abandoned, once as Kunikuzushi and once as the Gnosis-bearing puppet. He’s hardened, cold, and driven by an insatiable need for vengeance and power. This version of him is ruthless, with a twisted sense of loyalty and a desperate need to control everything in his life. If Kunikuzushi wanted to keep you close out of fear, Scaramouche keeps you close because he refuses to lose. You’re his anchor, his prize, and his weapon all in one.

Yandere Traits:

❥ Scaramouche won’t just protect you; he’ll dominate every aspect of your life. He’s the type to make sure you have no way out, pulling strings and manipulating events so that you have no one else to rely on but him. Your freedom? That’s a privilege you lost the moment he decided you were his.

❥ Scaramouche’s jealousy is no longer innocent—it’s pure wrath. If anyone even looks at you, he’s already plotting their downfall. He’ll sneer, undermine, and even eliminate people who dare to get too close, all while reminding you that he’s the only one who’s ever truly been there for you. His rage is icy, calculated, and deadly as hell. He’ll make sure you know that he’s willing to do anything to keep you by his side.

❥ Scaramouche knows your weak points, and he’ll exploit them mercilessly. “After everything I’ve done for you, you’d betray me?” he’ll say with a dark smirk, every word designed to pull you back to him. He wants you feeling indebted, trapped in a cycle of loyalty, and unable to imagine life without him. You belong to him, and he’ll make sure you never forget it.

Wanderer

By the time he’s the Wanderer, Scaramouche has had enough time to reflect and heal—at least a little. He’s trying to rebuild himself, attempting to come to terms with his past while forging a new path. But he’s still a yandere at heart, just one with a more refined approach. His obsession with you is quieter, more subdued, but it hasn’t disappeared. Now, his love comes with subtle, unbreakable chains. He’ll make you feel safe and cherished, all while holding on to you with a grip that’s softer but just as impossible to escape.

Yandere Traits:

❥ Wanderer’s obsession with you is gentler than Scaramouche’s, but it’s still firm. He won’t go for violent confrontations; instead, he’ll weave his presence into your life so intricately that you don’t even realize how entangled you’ve become. He’s patient, kind, but he’s always there, making sure you never even think of leaving.

❥Wanderer knows he can’t control everything, but he will protect you. He’s more accepting of your independence now, but he’s always just a few steps behind, watching. He’ll let you wander, but there’s an unspoken rule—you’ll always come back to him. If you don’t, he’ll find you. Not with malice, but with that silent, unyielding devotion that reminds you he’ll never let you be alone.

❥ After everything he’s been through, Wanderer clings to you as his last connection to humanity. He’s come to understand what love is, and he won’t risk losing it again. He’s your shadow, a constant, reassuring presence who will stay with you, no matter the cost. And deep down, he knows that he’d still tear the world apart to keep you safe, even if he tells himself he’s moved on from his darker days.

Wanderer’s yandere devotion is most evident in small moments. He’ll quietly show up whenever you’re in danger, giving a small, knowing smile as he pulls you into safety. He won’t say it, but there’s a glint in his eye that tells you—he’ll never let go.

[icanbeyuoronewingedangle]

violent by circumstance

i read a thread from twitter about how moxley and orange mirror each other. it wasn't a bad thread but the only things it really said are that both were comedic characters who've been betrayed that have become more violent. it doesn't get at what makes their dynamic so interesting, especially with this current feud.

orange becoming more violent is a reaction to the world around him. orange cassidy, over his time in aew, has become more isolated; he's been targeted, he's been taken advantage of, and he's become worse at hiding his frustration. this is because of the most important change in his character; he's gotten an ego. the orange cassidy that showed up in 2019 let himself get thrown out of a battle royale without fighting. that is not the same person who held the international title for a year, who felt that bag growing heavier every week.

mox has been able to prod that ego, last year by calling the best friends jokes, this year by targeting chuck taylor. chuck, who stood by orange when they were betrayed by trent. the orange cassidy of 2019 wouldn't have had it in him to take on mox alone, or stick his hand in a bucket of broken glass to hurt mox. but he also wouldn't have been important enough to target. mox wants to bring the best version of orange out, the orange cassidy that has proven himself over the past 5 years, and he'll do anything to achieve that.

for moxley, violence is self actualization. it's how he shows who he is, after he wasn't able to show it in wwe. he wanted to spread the gospel of bloodshed with bryan, and when he thought bryan couldn't preach anymore, he took him out. in orange i think he sees himself, someone using humor to hide a killer's instinct. maybe he's right, but we're seeing a common theme in aew, which is that glory isn't as important as your connections.

mjf threw the title aside to embrace adam cole at aew's biggest show ever. hangman's quest for justice and vengeance has left him a shell of his former self. toni was able to dance out of wembley, having lost mariah and her title but gaining the adoration of the crowd that she sought. the power of love saved the elite against the bcc.

orange cassidy has lost all of the best friends by betrayal or murder. his rage caused him to try to paralyze trent. even though he has the conglomeration backing him, he's become emo. it's at the point where he feels like he needs to take on moxley alone because he doesn't want anyone he cares about to get hurt. and his gained ego allows him to think he's capable of doing it alone.

moxley takes no joy in what he's doing, but he's utterly dedicated to carrying on nonetheless. he has allies, but they're not there for him, they're there for the cause. if he doesn't feel like they're doing enough for it, he will cast them aside, as he did bryan. if they think he's faltered, they'll probably kill him too.

orange and mox are both using their abilities to protect their visions for aew. both have become greater by dedicating themselves to violence above the connections they've made. both of them are miserable for it.

[ariiadnes]

ㅤ╭ ⿻ ･ FORTUNA

YOU ONCE TOLD ME THAT OUR FATES WERE DECIDED BEFORE BIRTH -- BOTH YOURS & MINE ALIKE.

-ˋ ♡ ◞ jonathan ･ joseph ( pt. ii ) ･ jotaro ( pt. vi ) ･ josuke ･ giorno ･ jolyne. jojo's bizarre adventure. quote cr : house of fata morgana. jacqui germain. blythe baird. linda hogan. natalie wee. pathologic. giorno & josuke's parts are strictly platonic! repost.

BUT YOU ARE BOUND BY BLOOD, YOUR FATE A TWIST & TURN ON THE ROAD TO TRAGEDY AND BLOODSHED.

WILL YOU SURVIVE THIS , WHAT CANNOT BE CHANGED?

*ੈ ✩ ‧₊˚ jonathan

❝ because the world is so full of death and horror , i try again and again to console my heart and pick the flowers that grow in the midst of hell. ❞

HOW INNOCENCE LONGS FOR THE DIAMOND DAYS, fragile youth and a brave new world turned upside down in the blink of an eye. how cruel he is, this stranger birthed from love and scorn and made of vengeance, to tear everything & everyone jonathan has ever loved away.

and it hurts ; it hurts to witness the brightness in a kind soul dwindle, decay ; a flame that flickers, suffocates, extinguishes itself until it is nothing but smoke -- a haze, a remnant, losing a fight that seemingly cannot be won. it hurts to recognize the defeat that drowns under waves of sorrow, buried at sea beneath the weight of hatred, and it hurts to know that he must endure something that should never be endured.

( this world is not meant for evils, but dearest, how they will haunt you so. )

"jonathan," his name leaves your lips in an act of mourning, fingers and voice trembling so violently as you welcome him into your arms, "crying is not a weakness. there's no need to hide it."

oh, how he misses the diamond days so deeply, days of laughter and cherished memories gone missing, replaced with a creeping dread and fear of the future and what-ifs.

"you can do this, you know. if anyone can, it's you."

he smiles, exhausted, leans into your touch as you wipe the tears away. there is a gentle shift of the soul, a waning determination that reignites and flourishes in the trials of resolve as he speaks.

"you have always managed to put my heart at ease. with you by my side, i know i will always have the courage to face tomorrow."

( & THEY WILL CALL IT FATE, THE BEGINNING OF THIS CURSE. but they do not know the blood he will share is made of justice and righteousness, and how beautiful it will be, their survival. )

*ੈ ✩ ‧₊˚ joseph

❝ YOU HAVE SURVIVED SO MUCH THAT NO ONE REMEMBERS. ❞

BUT SUFFERING IS NEVER MEANT TO BE QUIET, SUCH LIVELINESS OVERSHADOWING ALL HE HAS ENDURED. many would not believe it, the endeavors joseph has faced : a reckless man shielded from the fight his ancestors carried and protected him from, the light in his blood turned to power and destruction meant for greater things.

he was not supposed to know about any of it-- the story of his grandfather, the disappearance and reappearance of his mother, the death of his father-- but heroes are never meant for joyful stories, and so he follows the tales of tragedy.

how do you win against someone who cannot be defeated? joseph is a fighter at heart, resilience and sharp wit never fleeting even in times of crisis. even then, to take on a battle against figures that have revitalize themselves, hunting for an everlasting, all knowing power--

he sighs loudly, dramatic and half genuine as he rests his forehead on your shoulder. you ruffle his hair, rewarded with yet another exaggerated sigh.

"what's the plan, jojo?"

he doesn't know. he's pondered this as well, spent many sleepless nights thinking about all the possibilities. there's too much on the line : his family, his friends, the world. he wonders if this is the same feeling his grandfather once experienced, such helplessness against a pure evil.

"the plan is..." his body tenses as he straightens his posture, looking you straight in the eye, "to run away!"

and he turns on his heel, thinks to dart away, but you catch him by the wrist, tug him in your direction. he offers a sheepish grin, one you can only raise a brow in response to, and soon enough, a grim expression surfaces on his visage.

"i don't have a plan. i've got to think it over, figure out a way to keep everyone safe."

you are not used to seeing joseph without a smile. something in your chest aches, but you do not show it. instead, you gesture him closer, ignore the confusion on his face when you wrap your arms around his neck, run your fingers through his hair again. his body relaxes, comfort found in your existence, and soon enough, he returns the hug.

"i should always be sad. you're much nicer this way."

"jojo."

"er-- i mean, thank you."

*ੈ ✩ ‧₊˚ jotaro

❝ how do i stop carrying everything that has ever happened to me? ❞

HOW MISERABLE IT IS, THIS CURSE THAT EMBEDS ITSELF INTO ONE'S VEINS. how cruelly he was doomed from the start, adolescence stolen as he traveled to the ends of the earth to save someone he loved, only to lose another and another and another until the dreams twisted into nightmares. how brutal the pain was, haunting in the echoes of survivor's guilt.

and how this cycle will repeat, ENDLESS, RUTHLESS -- jotaro knows this, and so he tears his heart out, shatters it into a million pieces, because it is better his than anyone else's.

this is all he knows of survival now : the destruction of oneself for the sake of everyone he cares for.

because living means protecting, jotaro has decided, and he will do everything he can to prevent the hurt from spreading. the curse he carries is his and his alone, and how desperate he is to stop it from affecting you and jolyne. so he pushes you away, tries to keep you at bay despite the thread that keeps you together.

because how horribly selfish he has been already-- to fall in love, start a family, all while knowing that he was never meant for happy endings.

"come back to shore, love." you chide, words as gentle as the smile on your lips. you adjust his hat, a habit you have always done all these years, before your hands slide down, cupping his face in quiet reverence. "you're drifting again, jotaro."

he swallows hard, feels the pull of fraying heartstrings. he wants to be with you, wants to be happy, live a peaceful life, but the past is catching up and he cannot let it. time and gravity are harsh beings, the ebb and flow of fate so strong in the will of good and evil.

how can he fight fate? he has already been through enough, defeated the world once already. how can he do this again? how long until his heart expires, worn from playing the role of atlas?

"come back to me." you whisper ; the smile turns into one of sorrowful loneliness, one he understands far too well, and he cannot help but oblige.

gingerly, he places his hands over yours, feels the weight of the world disappear in this moment of vulnerability.

"i'm here." he tells you, but even those few words are difficult to swallow. he wishes to tell you everything : the apologies never said, the worries never expressed, but you have always known, your heart the same as his.

"so stay." you feel his warmth, feel how he squeezes your hand in silent thanks. "we'll get our happy ending, jotaro. we're with you until the end, so please, stay."

*ੈ ✩ ‧₊˚ josuke

❝ watch and listen. you are the result of the love of thousands. ❞

BUT HOME SWEET HOME IS FILLED WITH MENACE UNKNOWN, AN EVIL LURKING IN THE DEPTHS OF PEACE. it's all he knows, higashikata josuke, the safety found in oblivion dissipated at the learned existence of his bloodline and origins.

it's not supposed to be this way-- a seemingly tranquil life that has always had an impending malice lingering beneath it all, the disappearance of those innocent gone entirely unnoticed for far too long. how terrible it is, the realization that your home has always been filled with horror.

it is no burden, the role of the protector, sword & shield alike, josuke will think ; he will ignore the pressure that sinks down on his chest, makes it hard to breathe. because he's supposed to be strong, supposed to carry on his grandpa's legacy of protecting this town. so he'll tell you he's fine, force the brightest grin he can manage, and he'll tell you that you shouldn't worry about him too much because that'll only make him worry about you.

it won't mean anything, won't offer any comfort. you'll see through it, see it all : the hardships he has suddenly been granted, the mourning he has not been able to process, and the idea of a family he has never known.

you pinch his cheek, watch as he half-heartedly swats your hand away.

"it's hard when you can heal everyone but yourself, huh? must get annoying."

he stares at you for a second too long, tears his eyes away before you can read him ( and it won't matter, you always manage to do, and that irritates him more than it should ).

"it's fine." he clears his throat loudly, absentmindedly wipes away the flower petals that land in his lap. "better me than everyone else, anyway. i'm not gonna complain about that."

you hum, wistful.

"it must be painful, right?"

josuke finds the courage to glance at you, freezes at the bittersweet smile that weaves itself onto your lips. you pat his back, ignore his incoherent complaints as you wrap an arm around his shoulder and pull him into a gentle hug. you do not know how long you both stay like that, a semblance of the peace you both are familiar with felt once again.

"yeah." josuke mumbles; you can hear the slight embarrassment in his voice. "it's painful."

"i know." you whisper, the town before you so quiet and filled with a hurtful deception of serenity. "i'm sorry, josuke."

*ੈ ✩ ‧₊˚ giorno

❝ WHAT WE MAKE OF LOSS IS A SPORT THAT KILLS US. ❞

& THE GOLD THAT LINES HIS EXISTENCE IS AN AFTERMATH OF TRAGEDY TURNED REDEMPTION, his heart ever so desolate and once despaired, innocence vanquished in the midst of childhood. how he was abandoned so, thrown to the wolves in a world he could not even begin to understand. he learned what found family meant, giorno giovanna, even in the distant gratitude from the one who protected him from the violence he would eventually learn and reenact.

he discovered his heart then, remnants pieced together by a brilliant gold : sinews tied together, the restoration of a humanity torn asunder, the relief of heartache of a boy wonder that spiraled onto the path of evils, now treading onto the path of righteousness and resolve.

his dream is not an easy one, nor is it one that is meant to be taken on alone. it is almost devastating, you think, fighting to right all the wrongs when you are only just learning what it means to live. no one is meant to lose everyone dear to you, and no one is meant to know the severity of such loss, but he will fall victim to such tragedies in the end, because fate knows best of all.

"giorno."

he does not hear you at first, brows furrowed in concentration as he focuses on healing your wounds. he loses himself in the task, decides the distraction will ease the guilt that gnaws and gnaws at his bones, dwindles the soul until it becomes a vestige of existence. the resolve wavers, its lungs desperate for revival.

"giorno."

he withdraws his hand, breaks from his trance. there is a semblance of panic that surfaces, but he is quick to compose himself, a hint of concern left behind.

"i'm sorry. is the pain too much?"

it does not hurt, it doesn't -- because how could anything hurt more than the suffering that resides in two hearts? you would give the world to carry the pain of your cuts and bruises instead of the pain of loss and grief.

who else will he lose? when will it be, this last moment he will share with you? he dare not lose sight of his goal, but the lines have blurred, vision distorted with the tears he doesn't allow himself to shed. this must be worth it. it will be worth it, the undoing of wickedness.

"it hurts, but it's alright." you feel a sharp pain in your chest, wonder if it is meant to be a sort of heartbreak.

apprehension surfaces on his countenance ; he knows you speak of a different kind of pain than the one that embeds itself in your body. giorno holds his breath when your gazes lock, and in your eyes there is only determination.

"you won't lose me. we'll make it through this together."

you will survive this, no matter what fate has determined as your end.

YOU WILL SURVIVE THIS. YOU HAVE TO.

*ੈ ✩ ‧₊˚ jolyne

❝ YOU'VE CHALLENGED HEAVEN. you're the reason for all that's happening now. ❞

OH, BUT HER BLOOD IS MEANT FOR DOOM & CATASTROPHE, THE ROAD TO JUSTICE ONE THAT ENDS IN CALAMITY AND HOPE REBORN, such fragile youth and a brave new world turned upside down in the blink of an eye. how cruel he is, this stranger birthed from innocence and callousness and made of violence, to bring judgement day to the world in guise of ascending the heavens.

the ocean blue is closer and farther than ever, the waves fleeting : how it approaches so quickly in a single moment, then disappears in the next-- unreachable, too far from her grasp.

it reminds her of something, of someone-- that distance, the coldness of the water. always around her, someway, somehow. it is strange, the fury that once ignited in her heart, seething rage lulled into something of loneliness and regret.

"told myself i was gonna see the other side of those prison bars." jolyne murmurs, gaze shifting from the waters to the stars.

something in her heart hurts.

it is very lonely, the sky and the earth, disconnected, meant for reunion.

"you made it." you watch as the sand falls through her fingers. "what does it feel like?"

she longs for her family, wishes to see them once more. it's not supposed to be this way -- torn from the comfort of her home, thrown into unfamiliarity and harshness, then saved by the one who now needs saving.

"like shit." she laughs, bitter, an aching smile on her lips. "i thought being free would be my happy ending." her fist clenches. "but it's not over yet-- not until i save him. until then, i have to keep going."

you gaze upon the stars, witness the moon's radiance and lament. your pulse quickens, something akin to fear wrapping itself around your chest, your ribs, and the hollows of the ground you stand upon. something tells you that the ending she seeks will not be the one either you expect. it will be cruel and unjust, but it will be okay in the end.

you keep to the sky, feel her hand grab yours in hope and solemness.

( BUT THEY WON'T CALL IT FATE, THE END OF THIS CURSE. and how beautiful it will be, their survival, their reawakening, their rebirth. )

[zepskies]

Hey Zepskies! I'm a small writer but I'm starting on my ficlet about an oc x ben (soldier boy). I've read so much of your work and just think you are a very talented writer. Do you have any tips on writing ben? it can be vague and I know you're busy so I don't expect a response. :)

Hey there!

First off, welcome and thank you for reading my stories (and for that lovely compliment). 💕

As for your question, writing Soldier Boy (Ben) can be very tricky. It took me a while to fully figure out how to write the character, and I will say, it's a challenge every time I do dive back into this (loveable) asshole.

😂 That said, here are 3 main tips I have for writing his character:

1. Comparable archetypes:

When I started trying to do a character analysis of this guy, I started with who he would've likely looked up to and tried to emulate: Frank Sinatra, Humphrey Bogart, Cary Grant, John Wayne, Indiana Jones, John Winchester, and even Dean Winchester to an extent -- the strong, stoic, man of action archetype.

AKA: The Big Swinging Dick™️ in the Room.

These men are leaders, a "man's man," show no pain, weakness, or vulnerability. (So shove those "soft" emotions down your gullet as much as humanly possible. Real men don't cry, amirite? 🙄)

But the fun thing I find about guys like this is, even though they have a hard shell, being able to pierce the armor somehow and get to the creamy center of their heart can be a very rewarding story indeed.

2. The balance of SB's personality:

Based on what we got in season 3 of The Boys, I find that Soldier Boy's personality is a delicate balance of a few key things:

Arrogant Narcissist: He's a massive ego, selfish with a conflated sense of his own importance. Especially before his capture, he's reached the pinnacle of fame. He's bought into his own hype and the backstory Vought created for him, and he assumes that everyone in his life loves him for it.

As Jensen said of his character in Supes Ain't Always Heroes (check out my review of the book here if you like):

“He’s so fragile and his ego is fragile. Just like Homelander. These bigger-than-life powerful heroes really have a glass jaw… “And everyone walks on eggshells around him [Soldier Boy], and they tell him that they love him, and it’s the same with Homelander. Then when all of a sudden he faces his old team and Crimson Countess says we never loved you, we hated you—that’s a gut punch for him. Because even though on some level he may have known that, he never thought he would hear it. “And he probably propped himself up around trying to believe otherwise, because how can you walk around knowing everyone you’ve ever cared about hates you? It’s too painful.” (191)

Womanizing Misogynist: That entire scene with SB and Grace in Nicaragua tells you all you need to know about how Soldier Boy talks to, treats, and views women. 🙄 Again, he's a narcissist, so he assumes women are going to be into him because he's the world's biggest superhero, because he's handsome, because he's that guy.

The problem is, he is devastatingly handsome and impressive as a superhero. And my headcanon is he can be very charming when he wants to be. Again, using his skills as an actor and channelling that old-world debonair charm to get what he wants. (i.e. Cary Grant, etc.)

Violent and Indifferent to Collateral Damage: This is a key one, because this is part of what makes him different from Homelander. SB is not a psychopath. He doesn't necessarily enjoy hurting people. He just doesn't care about the collateral damage.

He also can't tolerate a perceived slight to his masculinity or status, like when Black Noir tried to rise up in the ranks and come into his own as a movie star. Soldier Boy, in his selfishness, saw that as Noir trying to come for his crown, in a sense, which is why he ultimately showed his mean streak through violence.

When he gets back to the U.S. after escaping Russia, he's on a warpath of vengeance against his team who sold him out, and anyone who gets in his way.

"If they have it coming," he tells Hughie.

3. Soldier Boy is both less and more than what he represents: (AKA: His insecurities)

As we know, Soldier Boy didn't really storm Normandy or fight the Nazis. He falls short of every definition of a hero. However, he's also not just a caricature of toxic masculinity.

Ben has deep-seated insecurities that he buries under all the bravado and the Soldier Boy persona. He was also emotionally abused by his father, who set exacting standards for what it meant to be a man.

It drives Ben to try and prove his worth to his father, though he’s never able to. It fosters the lack of self-worth he feels as he seeks validation through fame and what he believes power to be.

He won’t be one to easily admit he’s wrong, or need help, or express emotions he deems are “soft.” He doesn’t want to look weak or demean himself, let alone be genuinely vulnerable, despite likely wanting that connection with someone.

He uses coping mechanisms like drugs to mask and dull his PTSD, but even in his heyday, I think he drugs and parties hard just to pass the time, and to mask how actually empty he is inside. He has no real love in his life, and no family. It's why he admits to Hughie that he wanted kids. Deep down, he wants a family to fill that void that fame, booze, drugs, and meaningless sex can't fill in his life.

So with all of that flawed, internal mess that is Soldier Boy, the biggest challenge I find as a romance writer is trying to keep all of these aspects of his character, while trying to show the glimmers of the humanity in Ben -- the chink in his armor showing just enough softness to the one person who's brave enough to "try" with him.

That said, I hope all of this helps! 💚

[celticcrossanon]

BRF Reading - 15th of May, 2024

This is speculation only

Cards drawn on the 15th of May, 2024

Question: Are Meghan and Harry actively trying to kill The King?

As I was shuffling the cards for this reading, two cards flew out. I was going to draw one card for Meghan, one for Harry, and one for them as a couple, plus the underlying energy, but those two cards told me everything I needed to know.

This is a two card reading

Warning: This reading contains some of the ugliest energy I have ever encountered in all my years of tarot reading. Please prepare yourself before you read it and do not read it if you are feeling at all upset/despondent/shaky/insecure etc. You need to be protected by God/Jesus/the angels/the universe/whomever you call upon to protect you before you read this reading.

Answer: Yes

Card One: The Three of Swords

This is the card that flew out of my deck as I was shuffling. One look and I had my answer.

The Three of Swords is a card of grief, heartbreak, despair. It shows King Agamemnon being killed in his bath by his wife Clytemnestra and her lover.

Clytemnestra brooded over past injuries done to her by the King until she decided to kill him. In this card she represents Harry, with his belief that the BRF has ''victimised' him (e.g. by taking away his military honours).

Her lover, Aegisthus, believed his family has been betrayed by the father of Agamemnon and had been conceived to take revenge on the family. He represents Meghan, with her belief that the BRF has hurt her (eg no one asked me if I was Ok, no one cared about my mental health, they are racist and all her other lies) and her desire for vengeance on them.

The picture shows the death of the rightful King by Clytemnestra and her lover. I am taking this as the death of The King at the hands of Harry and Meghan, in answer to my question. Harry and Meghan want to kill The King. They want to inflict the grief and heartbreak and despair of his death on the BRF.

Card Two: The Eight of Swords in reverse

The energy of this card is of stress. The reverse position has intensified the upright energy (as it sometimes does) instead of reversing the meaning of it. It also adds a delayed time element to the energy.

Harry and Meghan want to use stress to kill The King. They wants him to feel trapped, hemmed in, unable to move or escape, especially mentally. This card can represent someone who is trapped/paralysed by their thoughts and who feels helpless, and that is the energy of the card - what Meghan and Harry want to invoke in The King.

There is a very strong relentless energy to this card - Meghan and Harry will not give up until The King either a) abdicates in their favour (yes, I know that is not possible, but we are dealing with two delusional people here) or b) drops dead from stress - stroke, heart attack, cancer, they do not care.

There is a vicious energy to this card that lashes out repeatedly until the desired object is achieved - an energy I can only describe as stabbing, over and over again, until the person is dead. There is a chant going through my mind of 'stab stab stab kill kill kill' as I type this. The 'stabs' are emotional and stress wounds.

These two cards tell me that Meghan and Harry have planned to kill The King and they will not stop until it is accomplished - and then they will turn their attention to Prince William.

This is truly ugly energy - vicious, self-centred, and laser focused on their desires with no thought of anyone else.

Because it is so ugly I asked for a third card as confirmation, just to make sure I am on the right track about this, as it is a horrible thing to say about anyone.

Confirmation Card: King of Cups in reverse

The King of Cups is the card for Scorpio, and as such it represents King Charles, who is a sun sign Scorpio. In the reverse, it shows King Charles in decline, weakened, not strong and happy (that would be the card upright). The card represents King Charles in his role as a person, father/husband/uncle etc, and not in his role as King. To have it in reverse as a confirmation card is a definite yes. Harry and Meghan want The King to die and they are actively trying to bring this about.

Just in case there is any doubt, the card after this was The Seven of Swords.

The Seven of Swords - deceit, trickery, lies, scheming - with the pictures showing Orestes creeping into the city/palace to kill his mother for murdering his father. The card showing a son in the act of murdering a parent and the meaning of the card - thief, lies, deceit, scheming - confirm the message above and add to it - Harry and Meghan are trying to kill The King so they can steal what is his for themselves.

Notice that all the suit cards I am pulling are Swords - the suit of thoughts, plans, and strategies. Another confirmation. There is no emotion involved here (that would be Cups) - just a cold and merciless desire to remove someone who stands in the way of their plans.

This is revolting energy and I am going to stop now.

A note of hope - just because Harry and Meghan are actively trying to do this, there is no guarantee that they will succeed, especially if we pray for The King and for Prince William and his family and/or we send them protective energy. St Michael the Archangel is a good angel to ask to protect them if anyone is so inclined.

[fatkish]

Gyomei Himejima x Suicidal Reader

(WARNING: contains dark thoughts, allusions to self harm, self hatred, mentions of suicide and other triggering topics. Please read at your own risk)

There’s no one left to care if this is the end, wondering what I’ll see once I have crossed over. There’s nothing left for me just give it all up, but my heart it clings on can’t pass the point of no return. Tell me why, give me a reason to continue to live. My resolve, if I could find it maybe I could fight. All alone, hopeless, I couldn’t stop myself from just wondering what I’d see if I died tonight.

Death had always been such an intriguing mystery to you. You never feared it, in fact, you were always curious about what it felt like. What happens after you die? What’s it like to be dead? Is there an afterlife? You always questioned it, never having answers. As you grew up, there were hard times, times when you became depressed, times when you resorted to hurting yourself, times you thought about ending it all. But then things got better, for a while, you forgot what it felt like to be so unhappy.

Would there be anyone who’d come to save me,they’re averting their eyes couldn’t even feel sorry.if I could find something I’d never give up, maybe I could survive in this bitter cold reality. All I know is the misfortune plaguing everyday, no one else would intervene just out of goodness of heart, give me something, a reason to look forward beyond here and now.Take that step from zero to one.

Until now. Sure, you had such an amazing and wonderful boyfriend, Gyomei Himejima. He’s so kind, compassionate and considerate of people. Despite his large frame the man is a gentle giant. His love is so sweet and warm and deep, you love snuggling in his warm arms. Laying your head on his chest as you listen to his heartbeat and his breathing. It slowly lulls you to sleep. Despite being blind he looks at you as if you’re the entire world. The sound of his laugh is like a warm day in fall, orange, yellow and red leaves falling all around you as you bask in the beauty of nature.

His loving smile is like being in a warm bath. The way he smiles and touches your face, gently cradling your face in his hands. You’ve never felt so loved. It feels too good to be true. Sometimes, you feel you don’t deserve such good things. You had told Gyomei of your past with depression and he had cried so hard, so deeply hurt that you felt that way and begged you to tell him if you ever had these feelings again. You had promised to tell him. You promised that you wouldn’t do anything without coming to him first.

Now with our own hands, we can make a future one worth living. Even if life comes with its share of bad luck, we will go on till everything comes undone. Tell me that this is worth the fight, I will find the strength somewhere inside me. My only reason doesn’t need to make sense, living for happiness til I meet the end.

But he’s a teacher. He’s so busy with school and you’re busy with your job. Sometimes, your work schedule doesn’t allow for you to see him at all, only being able to see each other for a few minutes at a time. Sometimes you’d go a whole week like this. You try to keep a regular schedule but sometimes your boss schedules you for late shifts. You always try to call and let Gyomei know whether you’ll be home or not. Lately you’ve found that your depression has come back and this time with a vengeance. When you take a bath alone, sometimes, you submerge yourself and wonder if you should come up for air. You haven’t told Gyomei about any of this.

Does being human have a meaning to me? Is there anyone left who can understand me now? I’ve made my choice and there’s no turning back, twisting all that I’ve known, let’s make something good come out of the bad. Will you find comfort at the edge of death? If you haven’t given up yet, we’ll find another way to the end. Loneliness no one can live with it for very long. Cause everyone will need someone, someway we can confide what’s in our hearts. Together we will always dance this waltz, now cross to the other side.

You don’t want to add to his stress. He works and has his own stuff to worry about, not to mention he has students to worry about. But you made a promise to him. You love him deeply and you could never forgive yourself if he blamed himself for your death. You know he would mourn you and the thought kills you. So when he came home that night, you asked if you could talk. Sensing the emotion in your voice, he agreed, worried for you. You brought him upstairs into the bedroom and sat down with him next to you. And you began to tell him everything about how you had been feeling. You told him about your thoughts of killing yourself and the thoughts that everything was too much.

We won’t ever know, when we must say our goodbyes. If they’re our last or if we’ll someday reunite. I’ll cherish what I have left, even through all the pain. Is this a first meeting that will change the rest of our lives. As I endure, the meaningless agony inside of my soul, I’ll send my cries into a world designed to damage the heart. If I can’t ever say the words that I’ve been holding back, then no one would ever step on forward. Zero to one.

As you bared your heart to him, tears swelled in his eyes as he began to cry at hearing your words. As you began to cry from the weight of everything, Gyomei wrapped his arms around you and pulled you into his lap. He buried his head between your neck and shoulder and softly began kissing you. He kissed you all over your neck and face. Giving you little butterfly kisses and nuzzling his forehead to yours. As he wiped your tears away he cradled your face and gave you a deep kiss. “My beloved, thank you so much for coming to me. I am so sorry that you have been feeling this way but I promise you that I am here for you. If you need anything please tell me, I love you so much and it breaks my heart to imagine a world without you.” He softly spoke as he cradled you in his arms.

Now with our own hands, we can make a future one with living. Even if life comes with its share of bad luck. We will go on til everything comes undone. Tell me that this is worth the fight. I will find the strength somewhere inside me. My only reason doesn’t need to make sense. Living for happiness til I meet the end.

As you snuggled into him and cried it out, he rocked you gently and supplied you with plenty of tissues. Once you had cried yourself out, he pulled you close and snuggled into you. “Perhaps you should take some time off, take some time for yourself” he suggested as he tried to help you. You pulled the covers up and snuggled under them when he got up to change his clothes. When he returned, he pulled the covers up and crawled underneath them before wrapping an arm around you and snuggling you to him. “Can we get a cat?” You asked. Gyomei thought about it and smiled. “It’s better and less expensive than a baby” you reasoned. “Were you thinking of having children?” He asked. “Maybe” you said. “Let’s start with a cat. Then we’ll go from there.” He smiled as he envisioned a small family with you, his beloved wife. You knew you had something worth living for, someone worth living for. Gyomei is your happiness, your reason to live.

[petercaths]

SPOILERS: Helaemond 2x08 Analysis

Helaemond scene was actually so insane, I might pass out from all the layers uncovered and I NEED a place to break it down so LEAKs SPOILERS ahead.

LEAKS LEAKS LEAKS LEAKS

Well, first of all let me rage on what I thought wasn’t well done. There’s definitely a proper set up missing, both for Helaemond and the way we see Helaena interpret her dreams - which have been nothing but riddles , but now there’s coherence ?? I’m very mad at all that was done off screen / out of nowhere. Her arc deserves proper growth, she has so much potential.

Anyways, onto what I liked and a proper analysis of the two Helaemond scenes (LEAKS).

There’s something about the way we were thrown into two completely different ends of their dyanmic. that agressive volatile nature that we have seen build up in Aemond, and then something soft and genuine and vulnerable that he seems to reserve for Helaena now.

Obviously, the scene in which he drags her is one of controversy (and rightfully so). But the desesperación within, it’s very clear he doesn’t want to hurt her, if anything I’d argue he wants to protect her (their family) in the only way he knows how: with more ruin and death. Alicent tells him Helaena is still queen, and his answer is to call Alicent a weak queen. Alicent tells him Helaena is the most deserving of his protection, and his answer is “who will protect her if she cannot protect herself?” I actually think there’s a fear of cycle repetition here, Aemond sees the ways in which Alicent falls short (to him) and how that has endangered their family, and he does not want the same for Helaena or himself. But in the end, he cannot actually force Helaena to fight, Alicent would never stand for it, and I honestly don’t think he could get Helaena to do it unwillingly either. So he leaves.

Which leads to:

!!!!!THE BALCONY SCEEENNNEEE!!!!!

*screams in high valyrian*

The scene was actually a delicious serving of everything I wanted Helaemond to be if they ever shared a true scene together. I remember someone once asked what gothic ship Helaemond would serve, and I said Cathyheathlcliff and boy was I right!

First of all, the scene establishes a visual familiarity with Helaemond , as this is meant to be the same secret passage that Daemyra meet in in s1 which is kinda psychotic of the writers to do with no proper build up, but whatever.

I think it’s so intriguing that Aemond starts the scene by doing the exact opposite as what he did last time. He’s slow and soft, and he appeals to her gentle side, It’s almost manipulative. He says, “we share the same blood…we will answer outrage with outrage,” he wants to tie her to his vengeance and his doom through fire and blood. He reaches out to touch her, but instead his hand ghost over the arm that he hurt earlier. And the fact that he doesn’t touch her, to me that’s his apology. That’s him putting some of his needs aside so she can understand where he is coming from , putting her boundaries first, because he is so desperate for her of all people to stand by him.

All season long he has rejected the help/guidance of his family, but the one person he asks for help is Helaena. He doesn’t just ask for help, he asks her to come to Harrenhall (which was actually insane ?? never thought he’d do that). Alicent mentioned corruption and he fucking ran with it and said “yeah, maybe.” I think what’s so beautiful about Aemond in this scene, however, is that he really does understand her. “I know you do not wish to hurt anyone…” he understands what he’s asking of her, he understands where her morality lies, and even if his does not lie in the same place, I do think he respects it. But in his mind, this is not the time to stand with your values because it really is kill or be killed, and he’s already deemed Alicent a lost cause, but he’s trying to save himself and Helaena from one doom to put them into another where - in his mind - together they can prevail.

And then we have Helaena, and her answer to him in the most lucid vision she’s had (which deserved proper build up). Everyone has an idea of what Aemond did, but Helaena, she knows what he did. She saw it as if she had been there, and she makes sure he knows it too. She throws everything at him, and I think a part of her is pushing to see how far gone he really is.

She tells him“Will you burn me like you burned Aegon?” and it clearly stuns him, and he denies it, and she hesitates but then she keeps going. And then she lands the final blow, “Aegon is yet to see victory… you will be dead.” And it is such a bittersweet reveal , because we know now all that she sees, and that must include her own death as well. It’s bittersweet because Aemond comes into this scene trying to doom and corrupt her, but he does not know that she already carries that doom and corruption with her, and even with all that darkness , she choose to rise above it.

And of course, Aemond can’t have that so he threatens “I could have you killed…” and it’s so half baked because would he? Would he really kill her? Like she said earlier, would he burn her as he did Aegon? But then the most important part of this is said by Helaena, which is that it won’t matter, because she knows her fate is as sealed as his, and whatever he does to her won’t change what will happen to him.

Ultimately, Aemond comes into the scene trying to make his burden hers as well - force them onto her really- and she completely reverse uno’s him. Instead of letting him drag her down to physical ruins, she drags him down a psychological one. She is the one who shares her burden with him, one that she’s had since living memory, that no one in her family listens to. Just like Aemond, Helaena has a chance to place it on someone and make someone else understand, and she takes it, and she chooses Aemond - and by proxy herself. Now she doesn’t go through all of this completely alone.

This intertwines their arcs in such an odd way, she knows they’re doomed to die together, and because of her, he knows his fate is sealed. That’s peak intimacy.

And I guess I’ll end this by saying that we see Aemond show regret about his actions exactly once, and that’s when Helaena rejects him. And also that I really hope that if Helaena never see HH, they find a way to intertwine her arc with Alys more and have them share scenes.