#is this to save others from your fate? is this to honor someone you lost? is this to prove youre better than whats hurt you?

[dapperrokyuu]

Dont incredibly know what Anthony's deal is, but I do think this is an interesting moment thatll come back later. It just reflects back on the concept of Living Dolls "not being their own (or a) person" that could have twisted into a sense of inferiority and/or identity issues he's potentially struggling with.

[consistencynevermether]

The Garden of Heroes- Astarion X Reader

content- gn! tav x Astarion. angst (but kinda more bittersweet), with a good ending. sfw. cannon typical violence but nothing extreme. soooo many character deaths. Astarion and tav forever endgame im sorry to this man he will not be moving on

Summary: Astarion learns how to live on after you and the others are gone.

word count- 2.4k

Out of your party, Karlach was the first to die. It wasn’t unexpected that she would go first. She was always headstrong, rushing into battle and putting the safety of others before herself. She died a hero's death, and so she was honored as such. After all, your group had saved Baldur's gate, and not just from the mindflayers. Even after, your party continued to do great deeds of heroism across the sword coast. Sometimes all together as a group, and sometimes as individuals. Regardless, Karlach was a hero, and so when they buried her, they erected a statue in a beautiful plot of land outside of Baldur's gate, which they titled “The Garden of heroes”. A beautiful name but also a melancholy one. A reminder that her statue would not be the last one to be built in this grove. Losing Karlach, it was painful for everyone, Astarion included.

 But what really stuck with him was that garden's name. The promise it brought of more of his friends becoming just old statutes and legends. And of you, someone far more precious than a friend, becoming the same. 

Wyll was the second to go. Taken from you all far too soon, just like Karlach. And just like her, he died as he lived, honorably. Despite everything in life that tried to extinguish his spirit, nothing could. He was happy and kind and loyal till the end of his days. When his statue was put up next to Karlach’s, everyone grieved. But over time when your hearts all healed a little, Wyll’s proud, tall, beautiful statue made Karlachs look less lonely, like she had a friend now, and there was a certain comfort in that. But there would be no comfort for Astarion when the next statue would be built.

Because the next one was you. 

Tav. The great hero of the sword coast. Felled in battle. Your sacrifice had saved the world once again but left Astarion all alone. 

You died far before your time. How far? Were you an elf who still had hundreds of years ahead of them? Were you a half-orc who only had maybe 20 or 30 left? Regardless, it was too soon. Astarion had thought he’d have more time. More time to come to terms with you leaving him. That he would be allowed to let you go, not have you ripped from his embrace by this cruel twist of fate. 

And just like that, you were the 3rd statue in the Garden of Heroes. To everyone else that’s just how it was, another hero lost and life went on. But not for Astarion. The world seemed to stop for him. 

He knew it would happen one day. He probably told himself he would go on living even without you, that he wouldn’t waste his life mourning someone when he could still live. After all, he deserved that, he had been alive so long and yet had barely begun to truly live. Yet the gaping hole that you left behind in his heart could never be filled. 

Still, because of his experience with Cazador, he refused to let himself waste his freedom. Despite you being gone he didn’t want to stop living.

But he couldn’t bring himself to love again. Nobody could compare. No one’s laugh could make his heart flutter like yours, nobody’s kisses could be quite as sweet. You who loved him at his worst and showed him the light. You who reached out your hand to him, but ultimately let him become his own savior, letting it be his choice to be good. To feel good again. It was a tragedy that he had lost that love, something that made his world so much brighter. But he cherished the memories, and that made it easier to live on.

That is until the memories began to fade. 

He doesn't know when it started. It was definitely after Gale and Lazel had joined you in the garden. Shadowheart too probably. After all, they were all only human, Giyth, and half-elf, at most the oldest of them could have been Shadowheart at 200 years or so, and Astarion couldn’t ever forget you in such a short amount of time. 

He mourned all 3 of them of course, and Shadowheart’s lack of snark towards Astarion (which over the years had become just friendly banter) was missed. But it wasn’t the same as when he lost you. 

But after decades of them being laid to rest in the Garden of Heroes, he’d started to forget little details of his former party members. But he remembered every detail of you. He heard your voice in his dreams, imagined your smile as he daydreamed, and wore a piece of your jewelry as a reminder. Even though you weren’t here anymore, he honored you.

But as the years went on, it became… twisted. Some nights Astarion would wake up in a cold sweat, muttering to himself as he tried desperately to remember what color your eyes were. Every night his dreams of you became more fuzzy with time, and every morning he clinged a little harder to the little reminders of you. In the end, he was no longer honoring you, but instead clinging to a memory. He had promised himself, promised you that he would continue to live. Yet ever since you left he had just been alive. He was spiraling.

Why what happened next transpired isn't exactly clear to Astarion. Maybe it was you from beyond the grave, maybe it was some god your party had helped before, or maybe it was just dumb luck. But by whatever force, he was sought out by a young group of adventurers looking for help. 

They were inexperienced, reckless, and worked horribly together, which is exactly why they came seeking out one of the great heroes of the sword Coast, to help them. It was easy for Astarion to forget just how legendary he and his friends were. Don't get him wrong, he thought very highly of himself, but the way these inexperienced adventurers would look at him with wonder in their eyes whenever he mentioned your name, was…odd. On the one hand, it saddened him that you were nothing more than a mere legend now, but on the other, it gave him a strange sense of happiness knowing that your memory lived on, that even the people who didn't know you were influenced by you. And having a bunch of idiots to keep alive was strangely comforting. He often wondered if you had felt the same way when you had led the motley crew of tadpole-infected weirdos all those years ago, and it gave him a connection to you that made his heart ache, but in a good way. 

It kept those nightmares at bay and kept the loneliness from consuming him. It's what he needed, that human connection, to stand up on his own two feet and keep going. It would never be the same, he knew that. 

Sometimes, sitting around the campfire, eyes closed, he could almost feel like he was back there with you. The crackle and warmth of the fire, the overlapping voices in the background, the sound of the forest. Some things never changed, and sitting there, he could almost imagine you next to him, polishing some weapon next to him in the light of the campfire, its metallic glint bathing your features in warm orange. 

And when he opened his eyes and saw that you weren't there, and hadn't been for decades now, he was ok. The pain did not consume him, the sadness did not break him, and the hurt felt good in a way because it showed how much he was loved, and how hard he loved you back in return. 

Astarion wasn’t alone anymore. And he was able to truly live again. He imagined if you could see him now, you’d be quite proud. However, occasionally at night, his thoughts would wander to more than just imagining. In Faerun, there were many ways to speak with the deceased and even bring them back. But what stopped him was your last moments. Even now what you said was crystal clear, and would never fade no matter how many years went by, it echoed in his mind constantly:

“My only regret is leaving you behind.”

As much as it hurt to be alone, Astarion knew that you were satisfied with the life you lived. And loathe he was to admit it, deep down he always knew that if he suggested some way to make you immortal to stay with him, you would decline. You burned brightly and fast, it’s who you were. You lived your life the way you wanted to, and it wasn’t his right to drag you back up with him. He knew this. But it didn’t make the thought any less tempting. 

Whenever that temptation arose, he found solace in a bit of a strange place. Or more accurately, person. Halsin. Astarion and Halsin were never terribly close, the two just had quite different personalities. Not that there was any real bad blood, just never that closeness he felt with some of the others. But as the years went by, he and Halsin became the only two people left of the original group, and that caused them to share a few bittersweet bonding moments. 

Halsin was one of the few people Astarion could reminisce with. Not only that but someone who loved so freely yet lived so long the way Halsin did made him good at dealing with loss and grieving in a healthy way, something Astarion didn’t always excel at. So he frequently went to visit the Archdruid, and Halsin was always happy to see his old friend. After a while, they even started a tradition, once every 10 years the two of them would travel to the Garden of Heroes together. Not many words were spoken during those trips, but it meant a great deal to both of them. 

All too fast it seemed, the pair had visited the grove dozens of times. And every time Astarion couldn’t help but notice Halsin had more and more gray hair with each passing visit. Elves were long-living, but not immortal. Halsin would soon be gone from this world too. 

At this point, Astarion could handle the loss. He had learned to deal with the short lifespans of those around him, at this point the young heroes he had once traveled with after your passing were now seasoned, veteran warriors, or had passed themselves. It wouldn't be the loss of Halson that broke Astarion, it would be the fact that he would truly be the last of you all. 

After Halsin's passing, nobody knew enough about your group anymore to erect a statue of him in the garden. It had been centuries and you had faded from legend to myth. Ancient heroes of days gone past. So Astarion decided to take matters into his own hands and learned to carve stone. 

What? He was an immortal after all, he had eternity to perfect the craft. For decades he’d bring in stone slabs and practice carving, his reasoning being that no way in hell was he lugging around a Halsin-sized statue, but really your own statue looking over him gave him a sense of comfort. And when he had perfected carving stone, he sought other reasons to stay in the garden. After so many years it had become neglected and overgrown, so Astarion took it upon himself to take care of the place. 

After decades of staying in this garden turned to centuries, he began to become a legend in his own right. But not the heroic type you were known as. No, the tales people spun about him were quite depressing. He became known as the caretaker of the Garden of Heroes, and many theorized as to why he did this, spun many a dramatic and tragic tale to be told at the local bar or to gossip about with friends. He’d almost feel insulted, but he rarely left the garden anyway. Being there made him happy, and after so many centuries alive, that’s really what his main pursuit was now. Just happiness. It wasn’t truly living, not entirely. But he had done so much living, far more than even the longest-living elf had ever done, and he figured it was ok now. To just be happy was enough. 

There were rare times when he left the garden, when people came there asking for his help, or when there was a major threat to Baldur's gate, he would offer his aid. The centuries of living never seemed to dull his blade, and with everything he had seen and accomplished, there was no doubt Astarion was one of the most skilled people alive. He truly was a hero from ancient times. 

That’s probably why his death was even more legendary than yours. 

To lose a hero was tragic. But to lose someone who had lived for so long, known so much, seen so much, it was a different type of melancholy for the people of Faerun. Like they had lost an ancient protector. For someone who seemed mysterious, infallible, and all-knowing to fall was a scary thing in some ways. But it wasn’t also without honor.

The people of Baldur's Gate who lived during the time Astarion died probably had no idea why the garden was so important to him. But they did know it was important. So when he died saving Faerun, much like you had done oh so many centuries ago, they decided the most respectful thing to do was return his body to the garden to be laid to rest. Some even debated that he should have his own statue erected in the garden. Ultimately these people didn’t know the significance of this place, who stood here, and why Astarion cared for it, so they decided it would be best to simply return the body. Though later a statue of Astarion would be put up inside Balurs Gate, along with a plaque. maybe people would remember him a little longer than they had remembered you. But everyone fades to the sands of time eventually. Every legend is told one last time. 

Luckily for the rouge vampire spawn, his legend didn't end with his death. It ended when he opened his eyes a few moments later, a gentle touch awakening him. The feeling of fingers running through his curls, and he knew. He knew immediately. No matter how many centuries apart, he could never not recognize your touch. He didn't know where he was, where he ended up after death, but it truly didn't matter to him in this moment. Because wherever he was, you were there with him. After so many years of looking up at your statue, its face faded and details lost to time, he finally got to see the real thing again. He got to know the color of your eyes once more. And in Astarion’s book, that was the best ending he could have gotten.

[lukedanger]

Day 18 - Compromise

A little late for @owlcatober, but better than never, right?

[Ao3 Link]

====

In some ways, being a god was not so different from being a mortal.

Iomedae grimaced as she looked at the map of the Worldwound and the regions around it again, updated before her eyes as she could watch the individual battles waged. Even if gods did not need such tools to be aware, it was still useful when interacting with their heralds or other servitors. Watching worlds turn onwards, all to try and figure out how best to aid those under her charge within the limits placed on her.

And as she watched the triumph of Drezen, the culmination of fate, opportunity, and no shortage of mortal courage, she should have been happy. The demons had been thwarted at Kenabres, and having lost so many fighters while the main crusader army was unmolested they had been vulnerable. Queen Galfrey had seen the opportunity, and committed everything she had to it - even her own power as she elevated a new Knight-Commander.

It was the exact kind of thing that Iomedae herself had prayed for as a mortal, when she had ruled a besieged Kantaria. For the enemy to overcommit, be broken, and then to exploit it to put them on the defensive. To take the initiative from them. Yet now, in Aroden’s position, she felt only frustration.

After all, as she looked at the Knight-Commander, she saw what her mortal followers had done. She had heard their thankful prayers for deliverance at long last, and the questions of those who wondered what took so long… or the one mortal who should have been her chosen, had Iomedae chosen someone at all. It was a surprise for her.

After all, she only knew Knight-Commander Elaina as one of her paladins, no different than Irabeth Tirabade whose valor, leadership, and ability to organize chaos had rallied Kenabres’ defenders to give her supposed chosen the chance to save the Wardstones. No different than Seelah, that rising errant who if Iomedae was to be objective could have easily filled the same role. If anything, Iomedae would have chosen Galfrey: the queen for a century who had sacrificed her own mortality long past the point she should have been able to pass the duty on, who had been praying for any guidance on what to do beyond ‘hold the line’.

Someone else had created a false chosen, and she was at a loss as to who had done so. Yet, it had delivered the first genuine victories over the Worldwound’s hordes in many years.

It never should have come to this. And she still wondered if it was her fault that things had degraded so far. She should have been able to figure out something better than the Wardstones. They should not have had to wait for circumstance to finally work in their favor.

“We gave them the tools they needed. It is not your fault that they cannot use them.”

Iomedae looked up at the armored dwarf standing at the door, gilded plating over his red blacksmiths’ apron and clothes. Torag, ever punctual, was early to the strategy meeting.

“You know better than me that demons are a far different beast than orcs.”

Torag grimaced at the snapped rebuttal, but did not immediately answer as he walked towards his spot at the map and summoned an image that Iomedae had been focusing on.

“This is true,” he finally conceded as he looked at the new Knight-Commander. “What is your plan, then?”

“That is where I am at an impasse. I should tell her the truth, even if privately. The Hand has already asked that I clarify the situation, and he will not wait to seek out Lariel’s sword. I will have no better chance.”

“So why not tell him, then, if it eats you so?” 

“Because all I would do is undermine the first victories Golarion has had against the Worldwound in decades. I cannot tell her where this power comes from, or why it is seemingly transforming her into a celestial. All I can do now is tell her what she is not, and the only thing it would be salve for is my desire for truth. Truth I still do not understand.”

While honor was not technically one of Torag’s divine areas of concern, he bid his followers to still act by the expectations of dwarven honor. He understood keenly why she would be torn on this issue - how honorable was it to allow false glory to be attributed to her? Yet, on the other hand, how honorable would it be to undermine one whose honor was under her guard?

“Even after centuries of experience to ground you to divine reason, you still try to think as a mortal.” He stroked his beard. “Then so be it: what would mortal Iomedae have done so long ago?”

Much as she did not want to answer, she knew what ruling Kantaria had often demanded. What she had seen the crusaders need to do time and again to hold the line. “Compromise. At least until I could act definitively. Balance concerns to keep everyone content, if not happy, no matter how much I loathed it.”

“And what is your compromise?”

“Let it stand, until I know the truth.” She loathed the very idea, but Torag had cut to the meat of the point. “When I know, I will descend and tell my paladin the truth, whatever it is. Until then, I will let her reconstitute the crusaders and drive a lance into the Worldwound.”

“You have given her the tools of a paladin, and others have entered her toolbox. It is up to mortalkind to decide what they will create or destroy. What of the Hand, will you allow him to go?”

“Perhaps his guidance is what she will need, and it has been far too long since he stood among the crusaders. Together, they can find the truth.”

Torag nodded approvingly. “Let them find their own way. It may not be the way you seek, but it is not our place to solve all of mortalkind’s problems.” 

He waited for Iomedae to offer a response, then as she stayed silent he offered a smile. “If you must draw your attention away, perhaps you might join me on a trip to Elysium? Cayden Cailean has a new brew, and is looking for company to try it with.”

Iomedae smiled in response. Perhaps a chance to step away, for a short while, was just what she needed.

Some things truly never changed.

[agape-warrior]

Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck.

The plan is out of order. There is a dying nonbinary in your arms. Civilians are screaming in terror. Where had everything gone wrong?

Everything had been perfect at first. You had planned to die during one final battle against a supervillain, say goodbye to your friends in the same faked scene, then skip town with your pet Turtle, Timmy, to enjoy your relaxation for a while. You had saved up most of the money people always tried to shove at you for your selfless acts for a moment such as this. A retirement was due. Maybe you would get a part-time job at a small library and be able to smile at the kids that visited without lingering guilt. You hoped to finally find a partner (you didn't really care if it was platonic or romantic) after so many years of pushing people away. A hobby that didn't leave you covered in bruises and scars on the inside and out afterwards sounded good too. Many things were better than being a superhero.

This corrupt world where the rich tried to buy out anyone with talent had you sick. You were tired of people comparing you to dollars and cents. You were tired of trying so hard to not be a pawn. You were tired of causing pain with every act of kindness. You were tired of constantly battling against someone who hated this society just as much as you. You were tired of comforting kids when you most likely were the reason they cried.

You were tired.

But, the luck you never knew if you should believe in finally slammed you right in the face today. Everything was too perfect when the fight with The Fell, your nemesis, began. They had been harboring criminals again. Guns had gotten involved when you got involved. The "bad guys" had been apprehended, but you went for capturing The Fell in hopes that the fight would escalate to a scene that would make it believable that you died as a sacrifice instead of the selfish you knew yourself to be. You were not in any way a physical match for them.

The plan was going smoothly. Your nemesis had been surprised but seemed to be much too eager to fight as well. The city was now in uproar due to both destructive powers striking each other in the sky. Their lighting lit up the cloudy skies to match your matter manipulation. The dramatic effect was not lost to either of you. You ignored the warnings in your head when you noticed Fell was fighting with less than half of their actual effort; and you ignored the louder warnings when they seemed to be making the display as showy as possible rather than trying to escape. You should have known something was up when their contents of their signing was different than usual.

The fateful stroke, a blinding white-hot flash, their screams of pain – The Fell writhed in your arms as their life force poured out of them. Your powers exploded in what was supposed to be your ending and became theirs instead. You are clueless as to what to do. Panic sets in. The bounty on their head sentences them to death by any person who could get close. You declaring them as your nemesis all those years ago had been the only way you were able to protect them from the worse powered beings hunting them down. Calling another your nemesis was a well respected claim in the powered community. Even the ones without honor for the code of conduct never went out of their way to attack someone that already had "dibs" called on them.

As you fall from the sky with their blood covering both of you, you wonder how a supposedly dead hero could ask for assistance from anybody. The mercenaries you knew would leak your still alive status. Your fellow heroes expected you to do this job until you actually died. Villains were never to be trusted. Anti-heroes hate you for a good reason. The consequences of isolation within a friendly facade falls on you with more bricks than your castle of deceit needs. You can feel your composure crumble as well as your carefully crafted walls. This landing was going to hurt without being able to use the full extent of your powers. The tree line was approaching all too fast.

The Fell's screams of pain had turned to whimpers. Their grip on you was surprisingly strong. Tree branches and trunks alike snap off soon after you exit the lowest stratus clouds. Your eyes widen in surprise when they flip the two of you over, preparing to take the brunt of the impact. You open your mouth to speak and shut it once more. All you can do is attempt to shield them as you two form a crater in the mountain a few towns away from where you lived.

BOOM

The world turns black and everything is ringing. Flesh and bone mix with terrible sound. Pain. It rains for a short time. The smell makes you realize the "rain" was you two's blood falling at a slower rate than your bodies. Your eyes pry themselves open despite the coating. Your powers get to work on the shock and immobility immediately, recovering the most life-threatening parts of your injuries before working with the rest at an extremely slow rate.

A gaping hole in the clouds signifying where you came from passes over your head. You know your right leg has splintering fractions just from moving it slightly. An occasional groan sounds out underneath you. Your adrenaline kicks in. You know you should not manipulate your adrenal glands and other internal processes, but any long-term damage is of less importance at the moment.

Get up; get up; get up.

You wince, and your arms tremble under your body's weight.

"Fell, stay with me."

The worry in your voice is obvious to even you. You see clear drops fall on them through your blurred vision. When did you start crying?

Their shaky breaths are the only indicators that they are still alive. Blood dribbles down their chin.

You notice their right hand raising to communicate with you. Despite your skewed vision you try your best to concentrate. Their hands takes the shape of an A and rubs their chest.

"I'm sorry."

You can tell they meant what they signed deeply. Their expression says all you need to know about how they feel. Like they fucked up. You would know. You had to look at the same expression in the mirror everyday.

"Stop apologizing," a hiss of pain escapes you before you lower your voice, "It's my fault after all."

A scoffing sound escapes them. The scoffs turn into coughs. Their blood splatters against your torso, mixing with your own.

Your arm wraps around them as best as you can, pulling them up enough that they don't choke on their own blood. Despite the waves of darkness that threaten to flood your eyelids by force, you pull them and yourself into a sitting position.

"F-Fell," you wheeze from the effort, "I need your cooperation," each word is spoken with a tremble.

The Fell raises their fist and bends at the wrist a few times, signaling their compliance. You feel a broken smile tug at your lips. No more words are signed or spoken between the two of you as the struggle to drag yourselves out of the crater and into the woods is made. Every scrape and crack and grunt and cry make them flinch; you cannot imagine why.

By some miracle, both of you make it into the woods and under an alcove before collapsing.

"See you when we're both awake if we don't get caught before then?" you are too tired to express your humor through tone or expression.

In response, their hand creeps into yours and interlocks. They squeeze gently. The darkness you held at bay for longer than you should have consumes you.

~~~

Bonus POV:

I can't even pass out from exhaustion.

The Fell turns over fitfully and opts to stare at Hesing Taint's sleeping visage instead.

Did you plan the same as me, oh broken one?

Covered in blood and internal matter, Hesing still looks beautiful to Fell. What a man, to chose to protect one weaker than himself no matter the occasion. If Fell did not know better, they would think she loved them. Could they be described in that sense? Their dynamic was no completely foreign in their society, but to shield a "villain" constantly in such a way...

The midday passes to early evening. Lost in thoughts, Fell's body moves on it's own to sit up. Their ribs scrape with the effort, no doubt further displaced. Practiced hands move to set their hero's bones properly before he can rest up and begin healing in earnest. They lower themselves back down to hold the other's hand and stare as the sun sets. Knowing how bad it was, Hesing may sleep for several days.

I can wait. I just pray- they pause the thought, unsure of what exactly they want. The answer is not found as they drift off to a doze. But maybe, they will find the answer the longer they intertwine.

[cosmerelists]

“Popular” - Syl and Kaladin

Previously, Kaladin and Shallan parodied a certain musical number. Now it’s Syl’s turn. To the tune of “Popular” from Wicked...

Whenever I see someone embodying Honor’s ideals (And let’s face it, you’re someone who embodies those ideals) My windspren nature starts to fade And when I’m pulled from Shadesmar To help someone who’s fallen far I know - I know! - exactly what they need

And even in your case Though you’re the saddest guy I’ve seen so far Don’t worry--I’m determined to succeed! Follow my lead, and yes, indeed, you’ll be...

Radiant! You’re gonna be radiant! I’ll teach you the proper words To form the right accords Or, well--you’ll find them yourself! Oooh! I’ll teach you to keep your word! Do the things you should! Everything that really counts to be

Radiant! I’ll help you be radiant! You’ll soar up in the sky! Learn to never lie! And speak the words you’ve got to know So let’s start! Cause you’ve got an awfully long way to go...

Don’t be offended that you’ve lost a lot of friends You’ll need to learn to forgive yourself in the end! Now that I’ve chosen to become your spren, weapon, and advisor There’s nobody wiser! Not when it comes to 

Radiant I know how to be radiant And as our bond grows strong You’ll grow right along Instead of languishing as you were Well, are.

There’s nothing that can stop you From becoming Radiant!

La la, la la! We’re gonna make you Radiant!

When I see a human trying To protect others from dying Even if they don’t succeed, I must remind them Protect the weak, yes even those you hate And forgive yourself when you can’t prevent their fate Do you think you’ll be able to save everyone? Don’t make me cry!

You’ve got to be Radiant! Please learn how to be Radiant! It’s about protecting those Who can’t protect themselves Using the power you gain From becoming Radiant with me!

Why...Kaladin...look at you. You’re...glowing!

And though you protest Your unworthiness I know this through our bond... You’re gonna learn to wield me And protect everyone you see!

La, la, la, la! You’ll be Radiant! Just not quite a piece of god... Like me!

[ofcoffee-andletters]

FFXIV Write Day 27 - Memory

Dawntrail Endgame Zone

Forever remembering and forever keeping someone by your side are two whole different types of perceptions and ways to deal with the death of people close to you — and it’s ironic how one was taken from a fragmented idea of the other, from witnessing the Golden City in nothing but a dream and maybe, just once, in a small glance…

Now, he stands here…arms crossed as he looks forward towards the golden covered dream that shouldn’t be and thinks — wonders…is this what death should be? He closes his eyes and thinks back to all his desires, his dreams, his ambitions…his pleas for things to stop, to go back to what they once were.

Is he so really different from Sphene?

“You’re doing that thing again.” A voice from within resonates and Brucie can’t help but smile sideways because, well, yeah — it’s obvious he is doing it again…he has been put on the spot against someone with lofty and impossible dreams like his. “You know you didn’t want something as empty — as perfect as this…you just desired to…”

“What? Recover the lives I lost? Find a way to bring things to the way they were…? Bring back the love of my life…?” He shrugs, talking to no one but himself and yet, to someone else entirely. “I think it’s pretty obvious I did had the dream to make it so death stopped being something that bothered me…”

There’s a sigh and then a presence to his side appears, his arms crossed as he looks forward and admires the same golden city, the same dream a fragmented and incomplete Queen has — because Sphene is not the same person she was when alive, but whatever this memory of hers was…wasn’t complete.

And so, two men stare towards the main tower at the center — one considering if he is should break down the dreams of a girl who didn’t deserve her fate, and the other realizing the truth of the place.

“I think you and Sphene — and also Wuk Lamat…are just the same. You all have never wanted anything different…but you want it from entirely different perspectives…” Brucie raises an eyebrow and looks at Ardbert, “What? It’s true…as much as you love to paint yourself as someone selfish who doesn’t care for your fellow man…you actually care too much.”

The miqo’re huffs and closes his eyes. “Only to the point where others can be of use to me, and you know this…”

Ardbert shakes his head, “And yet this place looks like paradise to you to a certain point…” that makes the Warrior of Light frown. “…You want people to be happy, in life and death. You want people to fulfill their dreams and you hate the people who get in the way of others living the life they deserve…”

The Warrior of Light turns around and throws his arms up, “I am not…!”

“You want to be happy.”

That stops the miqo’te on his tracks. “…”

Ardbert sighs and walks towards the smaller man, patting his head, “…And you know why you have to erase this cruel dream…right?”

Brucie looks down and then takes a deep breath, closing his eyes and then looking up, towards the sky that cannot even be seen — he wonders what this shard actually looks like outside the dome. He wonders what would it take to save this world.

He…

“I don’t want to stay in the past anymore…” He says. “The people I lost — the things I felt…everything that makes me hurt, that makes me cry, that makes me be who I am today…” His voice becomes nothing but a whisper. “They’re the people I care for the most…and, thus…I have to honor their memories. Yours included.”

Ardbert laughs and then looks away, towards the dream that has to end, “…Because that’s the only way to grant many of their wishes…”

And so they both say at the same time: “A future.”

[hellcatinnc]

Piofiore Fated Memories - Nicola Francesca Review

Includes Spoilers...

I was going to write this with all the guys from Piofiore but I just can't do it there is so much for me to say and share pics that I'm sure tumblr will block me using too many pics so going to do each guy from there as separate reviews as I do their route. So far I only did Nicola and I only plan to do the good routes because I know the bad routes are super dark.

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This man grabbed my attention from the moment he first winked I have such a thing for flirty guys so "Hello Nicola" my journey I was ready to begin with this beautiful green eyed sexy man. He isn't as flirty as I'm used to but there is something so attractive in how he caries himself and how he talks to Lili. You can tell he cares so much about Dante and has been there for him since they were little this is so honorable of him and shows true loyalty.

His genuine need to protect Lili from the start is so sweet and gentle you can't help but love this man. He talks about being part of the mafia and don't get me wrong he has a rough side but I think he starts falling for Lili even before he realizes it. He lets his walls down so fast its not hard to see how they are so connected and the fact they have in common not the best childhood.

He gets jealous easily but I think thats because Lili is the first person who has come into his life that could truly be his and I think he is scared he could lose that.

He goes out of his way to try to give Dante his life and get him out of the mafia and yes he betrays them which I really am glad they clear up in the end because he really did everything for Dante. That being said there was a strong bond between them that even Dante wanted Nicola to go to her when she was in danger. There was alot of ups and downs between these 2 but over everything he chose Lili even before his own life.

The way he tenderly touches her is breath taking to watch. For a man who spends his life killing people the way he holds her the way he touches her is so sweet makes your heart melt watching how he interacts with her.

The moment he gave in and kissed her the first time was like magic you felt yourself rooting them on then when he does this it was like awww moment. He had never wanted for anything or anyone besides to take care of Dante so when she was willing to give her life to save his he lost it. The battle he had been fighting to not hear her say she loves him and to not feel her touch his walls instantly crashed and she had his heart from there on out.

He was so protective and the fact he was scared to leave her behind tells so much volume about his character and how genuine deep down he is everything else is for show to scare people as he needs to. The moment he gave in to his pleasure with her he couldn't get enough. This man is one of them insatiable men trying to keep their sex drive fed is going to be a task but I'm sure she will enjoy every moment. Then the moment he confesses he is in love with her I had tears in my eyes I was so happy.

Then there is the one other that was so sexy in the short story area after when he says "Good Girl" I melted...

The fight that ended it all he was even sexy when he made it clear to Roberto the shitty psycho cop that she was his. Of course jealous motherfucker couldn't handle it and when he tried to hurt Lili Nicola lost it and shot him cold blooded no thoughts just knew he wanted him dead more than any other. His love for Lili and Dante will be the reason he will kill someone with no remorse. That being said its one thing I love about him because honestly there are a few people close in my life and I would do anything to protect them no matter what. This is what you call a loyal man and that makes him already one of my favorites. Will he be my number one favorite for this game only time will tell but he does have a good happy ending route.

UPDATED REVIEW OF OTHER ROUTES CAN BE FOUND HERE!

[anxiousbabybird]

Okay so like hear me out…

Reader is someone who’s from the original timeline and has been following Shin and Sanzu and is absolutely devastated by what happened to Mikey. Reader blames the two of them, but the one to shoulder most of the burden of your anger and frustrated love was Sanzu.

Time leap after time leap, the results were always the same. Your love of Sanzu would diminish until there was nothing left, a black hole in your heart from the senseless death and violence all because Shinichiro didn’t want Mikey to die; not like you wanted him to die either! The time when Mikey scarred Sanzu you had told him he deserved it. And years later in that time line when he came to you for forgiveness in honor of saving Mikey, you slapped him and said “you’re dead to me.”

Even when everything was fixed and the wedding of the century arrived, you were still unmoved. Reliving and redoing everything over and over and over and over with the bloodshed and lives lost, what good was left? With his palm outstretched and a hopeful smile on his face, Sanzu was eager to set this best timeline with a cherry on top with you finally by his side.

Your eyes held no light and no love as you blankly stare at him.

“You really think after all the times you left me behind, let me die, killed “for” me, all for the sake of Mikey who wasn’t even your lover? I was always second best to him…” your voice raises over the music. “I remember everything. My body remembers everything.” Though your stare is void of any emotion tears still manage to filter through. You gently smack his hand away as he struggles to find his footing. Sharp pink eyes lock onto yours as he straightens his lips, accepting his fate.

The air around you is thick and heavy with years and lifetimes worth of unspoken and misconstrued words. You had to understand, all of it was for Mikey’s sake. He thought you would understand. He calculated you would and that you would stand by him. He didn’t prepare for you to emotionally cut him off.

The worst part of it is that he smiles to himself as you walk away, knowing that in another lifetime, perhaps later in this one, the two of you are perfect for each other

Idk I did what I could 🙈

You did good!! I feel bad for Sanzu 🥺 Poor heartbroken baby. I’m rooting for them to have a happily ever after late in their lifetime 💙

[helena-thessa]

Welp. Sharing my Top Ten Favorite Films is probably giving more identifying information about my irl self than if I posted my last name, birthday, and mailing address, but here you have it. 🥰 Nominated by my dear friend @a-slut-for-smut 🖤

After careful thought and consideration, these are indeed ranked in order. heh

Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

“So much death. What can men do against such reckless hate?” 

Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas 

One day, I will write the essay that nobody asked for about this one. A real study into fate, destiny, and the role of our own personal choices. Brilliant storytelling: I’m endlessly inspired by what happens in the beginning coming full circle for the surprise twist at the end. Especially with how it’s seamlessly interwoven with the anti-hero’s redemption arc and sacrifice. Of course, there’s also a compelling female villain (Eros, Goddess of Chaos) and a strong, feminine female lead-- y’know, grit and grace-- with real autonomy and agency (Marina). Even the “handsome prince” is not a stereotype, but a deconstruction of toxic masculinity. The bromance and charming ensemble cast. The gorgeous scenery. Oh, how I could go on and on.

Rogue One

“What chance do we have? The question is ‘what choice.’ Run, hide, plead for mercy, scatter your forces: you give way to an enemy this evil with this much power and you condemn the galaxy to an eternity of submission. The time to fight is now!” 

Be still my heart. The chosen family vibes of six truly unique characters, all so vulnerable, determined and brave in their own ways, learning to trust and lean on each other, risking it all to save the galaxy... For me, this further revolutionized storytelling from the singular hero who saves the day to the everyday people who do. And, you can really see why this was one of the most expensive films to make of all time. It’s breathtakingly beautiful. Lastly, I know SW is inundating everything now, but I’m sorry not sorry, let’s keep being anti-Imperialist, anti-fascist, yeah? 

“Rebellions are built on hope.” 

Troy

“We men are wretched things.”

Lord of the Rings: Return of the King 

“A day may come when the courage of men fails, when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship, but it is not this day. An hour of wolves and shattered shields, when the age of men comes crashing down, but it is not this day!” 

Stand by Me

“Wish the hell I was your dad! You wouldn't be goin' around talkin' about takin' these stupid shop courses if I was. It's like God gave you something, man, all those stories you can make up. And He said, ‘This is what we got for ya, kid. Try not to lose it.’ Kids lose everything unless there's someone there to look out for them. And if your parents are too fucked up to do it, then maybe I should.”

Brother Bear 

Little Women (2019)

“I can't get over my disappointment at being a girl.”

Dune (2021)

I’m not sure if Dune will hold up as the years go on, but I went back to see it in theatres four times and I wish desperately to see it again for the first time. They don’t make many (big blockbuster) movies this grave and grandiose anymore. The music, visuals, and somber tone was unlike anything I’ve seen in a long, long time. 

Constantine

“I guess God has a plan for all of us.”

“God's a kid with an ant farm, lady. He's not planning anything.”

Honorable mentions to Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring, The Italian Job, Pride and Prejudice (2005), Mad Max: Fury Road, Inception, Atlantis: The Lost Empire, and my ultimate guilty pleasure, Mr. and Mrs. Smith. 

Nominating @warbarbie @stalactice @known-as-naya @levi4mikasa @infinitelystrangemachinex @queenofangts @quinnxra @onigiri-dorkk @ally147writes & whomever wants to reflect and share with this fun 🥰

[waitingforwinterwinds]

ASOS; Steel and Snow: 21 JAIME III (pages 285-297)

The BROadtrip takes an unfortunate turn as circumstances trade BROtrip member Cleos for the Bloody Mummers Brave Companions in the BROadtrip lineup. Neither Brienne nor Jaime have a good time.

They get to have a cool fight scene though.

-

The pool from which the town took its name, where legend said that Florian the Fool had first glimpse Jonquil bathing with her sisters, was so choked with rotting corpses that the water had turned into a murky grey-green soup.

This feels like commentary on the effects of war spoiling the childhood dreams and stories of romance and hope.

"- And there may be other enemies hiding in the rubble..." "Hers or ours? They are not the same, coz. I have a yen to see if the wench can use that sword she wears."

Yen, noun: a basic monetary unit of Japan Yen, noun: strong longing or yearning

Guess which one I interpreted that as. "You're making a bet? With a currency you shouldn't even know exists?! ... wait, there's... that's the wrong..."

Jaime had decided that he would return Sansa, and the younger girl as well if she could be found. It was not like to win him back his lost honor, but the notion of keeping faith when they all expected betrayal amused him more than he could say.

mmmm, F to doubt buddy. Oh sure, it might be amusing, but given how often "you think of me as a monster? then I'll be a monster" crops up, I think part of you wants to be the good and honorable man yet. because somewhere way deep down there is some good in you, and maybe because you think Cersei deserves a good and honorable man. (Hell knows where that goodness was when he pushed Bran out the window though.)

... RIP Cleos. we all knew you were on a timer. At least I didn't get attached to this one?

... This fight scene is way more dynamic than the show, good use of terrain as a character.

She looks as if they caught us fucking instead of fighting.

fuck(ing) = 🥛

"Then we'll have your cunt," said the noseless man.

cunt = 🥛

Oh, hi Rorge. Not dead yet? that's unfortunate.

"Why did you tell him Tarth was the Sapphire Isle? (...) He's like to think my father's rich in gemstones..." "You best pray he does."

I wonder if this was because Jaime's reached a minimum threshold for human decency, his efforts to be the good and honorable man paying off in that he has to try at the very least to protect Brienne, or because part of him will never be over not being able to save Cersei from that same fate at Robert's hands.

Or a mix of both.

... hang on a second... *finds the scene on youtube* yeah, that's what I thought. That's interesting, Jaime actually spells it out in the show, here in the books he just says "Tarth is called the Sapphire Isle, a maiden told me once." and let's Urswyck make his own incorrect conclusion.

I wonder if it's because D&D didn't trust the viewers to make the leap that Urswyck makes all on his own with out spelling out what Jaime was implying in real time even though Brienne does it later in the same scene. Well, book version anyway, I swear she said it in the show, but later but I can't remember when, and the show was too busy making Jaime talk like someone who isn't as smart or smooth as he thinks he is so they could get straight to the hand chopping while he's still smarmy enough that we might not feel 100% bad about him losing his hand.

"Thith ith a thweet day," Vargo Hoat said. Around his neck hung a chain of linked coins, coins of every shape and size, cast and hammered, bearing likenesses of kings, wizards, gods and demons, and all manner of fanciful beasts. Coins from every land where he has fought, Jaime remembered.

That's a cool world building costume detail sadly missing from the show. Like his lisp.

They mean to scare me. (...) no sellsword would make him scream. Sunlight ran silver along the edge of the arakh as it came shivering down, almost too fast to see. And Jaime screamed.

I love "You will never make me do the think" scene transition to them doing the thing as a comedic effect, but damn if it doesn't do good for the horror elements as well.

I think it was better for Jaime to believe they were just trying to scare him right up until it happened, because that let him be brave where he might not have been able to otherwise, but it did cost him last second bartering time, though I doubt that would have helped him any.

[bittwitchy]

anyways in honor of eras happening heres my top 13 (in no particular order except you can assume midnights hits too close to home most of the time and i will cry) of taytay bridges that make me scream and feel things;

1: I got tired of waiting, wondering if you were ever coming around. My faith in you was fading when I met you on the outskirts of town, and I said.. Romeo save me, I’ve been feeling so alone, I keep waiting for you but you never come, is this in my head, I don’t know what to think, he kneels to the ground and pulls out a ring and says Marry me juliet, you’ll never have to be alone! I love you and that’s all I really know. I talked to your dad go pick out a white dress, it’s a love story, baby just say yes.

2: I’m drunk in the back of the car, and I cried like a baby coming home from the bar. Said I’m fine but it wasn’t true, I don’t wanna keep secrets just to keep you and I snuck in through the garden gates every night that summer just to seal my fate. And I’ll scream for whatever it’s worth, I love you ain’t that the worst thing you’ve ever heard?

3: Your midas touch on the chevy door, November flush and your flannel cure. This dorm was once a madhouse, I made a joke, “Well it’s made for me.” How evergreen our group of friends, don’t think we’ll say that word again. And soon they’ll have the nerve to deck the halls that we once walked through. One for the money, two for the show, I never was ready so I watch you go. Sometimes you just don’t know the answer ‘til someone’s on their knees and asks you. “She would of made such a lovely bride, what a shame she’s fucked in the head” they said. But you’ll find the real thing instead, she’ll patch up your tapestry that I shred.

4: My heart, my hips, my body, my love. Trying to find a part of me that you didn’t touch, gave up on me like I was a bad drug, now I’m searching for signs in a haunted club! Our songs, our films, united we stand! Our country, I guess it was a lawless land. Quiet my fears with a touch of your hand, papercut stings with my paper thin plans. My time, my wine, my spirit, my trust! Trying to find a part of me you didn’t take up! I gave you so much but it wasn’t enough! But I’ll be alright, it’s just a thousand cuts.

5: We were jetset Bonnie and Clyde, until I switched to the other side, to the other siiiiiide. It’s no surprise I turned you in, cause us traitors never win. I’m in a getaway car, I left you in the motel bar. I put the money in a bag and I stole the key, that was the last time you ever saw me!

6: From sprinkler splashes to fireplace ashes, I gave my blood sweat and tears for this. I hosted parties and starved my body like I’d be saved by a perfect kiss. The jokes weren’t funny, I took the money, my friends from home don’t know what to say. I looked around in a blood soaked gown and I saw something they can’t take away. Cause there were pages turned with the bridges burned everything you lose is a step you take. So make the friendship bracelets, take the moment and taste it, you’ve got no reason to be afraid.

7: Maybe we got lost in translation, maybe I asked for too much, but maybe this thing was a masterpiece until you tore it all up! Running scared, I was there, I remember it all too well! And you called me up again just to break me like a promise, so casually cruel in the name of being honest, I’m a crumpled up piece of paper lying here cause I remember it all, all, all. They say all’s well that ends well but I’m in a new hell every time you double cross my mind! You said if we had been closer in age maybe it would of been fine, and that made me want to die! The idea you had of me, who was she? A never needy ever lovely jewel who’s shine reflects on you? Not weeping in a party bathroom, some actress asking me what happened, you! That’s what happened, you! You who charmed my dad with self effacing jokes, sipping coffee like you were on a late night show. Then he watched me watch the back door all night willing you would come, and he said it’s supposed to be fun, turning 21. Time won’t fly it’s like I’m paralyzed by it. I’d like to be my old self again, but I’m still trying it. After plaid shirt days and nights where you made me your own, now you mail back my things and I walk home alone. But you keep my old scarf from that very first week, cause it reminds you of innocence and it smells like me.

8: I want to wear his initial on a chain ‘round my neck, chain ‘round my neck. Not because he owns me, but cause he really knows me, which is more than they can say I. I recall late november holding my breath, slowly I said, you don’t need to save me.. but would you run away with me? Yes.

9: No one wanted to play with me as a little kid, so I’ve been scheming like a criminal ever since.. to make them love me and make it seem effortless. This is the first time I’ve felt the need to confess, and I swear, I’m only cryptic and machiavellian cause I care.

10: I reached for you but you were gone. I knew I had to go back home. You searched the world for something else to make you feel like what we had. And in the end, in Wonderland, we both went mad.

11: I hear the preacher say, “Speak now or forever hold your peace.” There’s the silence, there’s my last chance, I stand up with shaky hands all eyes on me.. Horrified looks from everyone in the room but I’m only looking at you. I am not the kind of girl, who should be rudely barging in on a white veil occasion, but you are not the kind of boy who should be marrying the wrong girl!

12: When I’m with anybody else, it’s so hard to be myself, only you can tell. That I’m only up when you’re not down, don’t wanna fly if you’re still on the ground, it’s like no matter what I do. Well you drive me crazy half the time, the other half I’m only trying to let you know that what I feel is true. And I’m only me, who I wanna be, I’m only me when I’m with you.

13: They say she was seen on occasion, pacing the rocks, staring out at the midnight scene. And in a feud with her neighbor, she stole his dog and dyed it key lime green. Fifty years is a long time holiday house sat quietly on that beach, free of women with madness, the men and bad habits, and then it was bought by me. Who knows if I never showed up what could have been. There goes the loudest woman this town has ever seen. I had a marvelous time ruining everything.

Bonus bc it’s not technically a bridge but deserves recognition: I WANNA BRAINWASH YOU INTO LOVING ME FOREVER

[adversitybloomed]

🌸  ┊ letter received from  @orangeshinigami       Kurosaki Ichigo :  “ when you love something, you protect it. ” / 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐬.

        ❝  the concept of protecting someone i love is not foreign to me,  ❞    her gaze a bit distant as memories flashed of both her family as well of Ichigo and his own. protecting a loved one was something that Mulan could understand. from birth, the lesson had been instilled upon her ━━ the need to protect those she cared for growing stronger with each passing breath. it was what drove her to become who she was and it was the reason she found her strength in waking each morning.

          she had a drive to protect her family, and within that drive, she had take over her father's position at a young age long ago as a God of War. originally, her want was to protect her father from death, for she knew that if he went to battle once more, that he would perish due to his injuries to his Golden Core. through it all, she selfishly wanted to save him, even if it costed her a chance of a normal godhood. through her titled, she granted her little sister the right to live as she chose, and helped protect her family's honor and prestige, as well as protected her stepmother from loosing a husband and her grandmother from loosing a son.

          through the desire to protect her family, grew the one to protect her people and those who could not care for themselves. for nearly eon, she had served to protect the realms, fighting countless battles, defeating both demons and hollows alike. that was, until she was betrayed and sealed within Sōkyoku, before given to the soul society to use as they pleased.

          so much time had been lost to her then, for she had been sealed away for so long, she did not remember much saved for death. her desires were lost to her ━━ her wish to protect gone in an instant, for she was used as a weapon of destruction instead. it had pained her. it had nearly twisted her soul for the worst, that was until Ichigo freed her from that fate and re-awakened her sanity.

          now, after so long, she was free to protect again, even if that protection was limited by her cursed state. a fate that she vowed would not last forever, for she would grow strong once more and not just find her family, but protect the new family she had found.      ❝  it is the greatest honor one could have, for it means that one is strong enough to give so that those they love can find a chance of peace...  ❞    her voice trailed off as she stared ahead, fingers clenched ever so slightly.

          taking a breath, she knew that the Kurosaki's were among the ones she would protect until her dying breath, for they had become the family she longed for and taken hold within her heart without trying. with a glance given towards the orange haired Shinigami, she knew that his place had come to stand above all others, for not only was he her savior, but someone she had come to love more deeply then she could comprehend.

        ❝  it is why i will protect you, Ichigo. so that one day, you may find your peace and know true happiness.  ❞

[sketchyelvenasss]

7, 15, 18, and 21 for Aerika or 2, 5, and 10 for Rexander for the Tav ask game please!!

Thank you for the ask ❤️! I don’t get very many so I’ll just do both. Also I read “or” as “and” first time round anyways lol (Rexander’s answers have near endgame Durge spoilers)

Aerika

7. Did your Tav travel a lot pre-tadpole?

He did! Specifically to the Underdark in search of magic items that were either lost in the dark or in the hands of those that meant to harm others with them. If he can he brings them back to the monastery where he became a cleric on the surface. Thanks to him they have a collection and have opened a museum of sorts to the public.

After the events of bg3 he will eventually return to his expeditions, despite some protesting from Gale. Even though his view of Mystra had been somewhat tarnished he still felt the passion to find, protect, and preserve magic.

15. Do they have any sentimental items?

-Aerika has a few. The first are his parents’ wedding rings. When he was still under a century old— he’s mid 200s now for reference—they were murdered by lolth-sworn raiders, he was captured and probably fated to become a slave when a cleric saved him by killing his captors. Before retreating to the surface with her they buried his parents and he took their rings as momentos.

-His wedding/ engagement band from Gale. They get engaged sometime before the reunion party bc they both knew they’d eventually be married. But Gale really wanted to take the time to do the proper things now that it was far less likely that either of them would die anytime soon.

-When Aerika starts adventuring again Gale gifts him with a smooth and polished amethyst sending stone so they could still communicate.

18. What did they want to be when they were younger? 21. What kind of education did your Tav have?

I’m gonna put these two together bc they work together.

Aerika wanted to be a wizard! But his parents were farmers with little disposable income. Still they loved him and did their best to nurture his passion with books. He didn’t receive any formal training or study until he decided to become a cleric of Mystra.

He believes it was fate to be saved by one of her clerics, and felt it would honor her and still allow him to channel the weave albeit in a different way than he originally thought he would.

The story below kinda covers these with how Aerika feels about them + Galemance fluff

Rexander

2. Does your Tav have any siblings? Are they close?

That is one of the things he still can’t remember. He can’t even remember who his mother was or if he even had one.

The closest you could call family for him were Sarevok and Orin and they are both dead by his hand so…

Rexander is a little grateful that Orin usurped him because he appreciates who he has become since escaping the nautaloid. His brain may be in shambles but at least it is all his own now.

5. Is your Tav religious? Were they raised that way?

Not anymore! As time went on after the tadpole died his memories began to steadily return. And he hates them, hates who he was. Rex, King of Murder was a devout follower of Bhaal leading the cult by example of heinous blood soaked murder—striving to be his father’s chosen and deliver Faerun to him in offering.

Now he doesn’t care who someone lights a candle for unless they come after him or his loved ones.

10. Was your Tav in a relationship? How did it end?

Pre-tadpole he did have a relationship with Gortash, but to him it wasn’t as important as his devotion to Bhaal and Rex had plans to murder him after they had conquered the world together— a revelation that comes to Rexander only as he’s standing over his corpse, but with the intent to save faerun.

I totally think it was a bit awkward to slowly remember their past relationship with Astarion standing right next to him. Although the elf means so much more to him than Gortash ever did. Astarion definitely says something to the effect of “glad to see you’ve upped your standards.”

[angelamajiki]

PAIRINGS: Father! Yandere! Enji Todoroki x Daughter! Reader

CW: yandere, incest, soulmate AU, fluff, slight angst, nsfw, kissing, praise kink, virginity kink, size kink, bathroom sex

A BNHarem Collab!

AN: my longest piece to date! the prompt this month was sex work, so i decided to stretch the prompt and do sexual slavery. wanted to go for a softer version of daddy endeavor, so please enjoy <3

5.2k words

The mark on his wrist was one that was shared with yours. Enji had given up on finding his soulmate, deciding that his career and legacy were far more important than some silly marking on another’s body. Love was something he thought he could go without. But when he saw your bright eyes gaze up at him, your chubby hand wrapped around his index finger, his heart had fallen hard—such a sweet, gentle thing. No traces of fear, of disdain, of disgust for him as a human being. Just pure curiosity and unconditional love. His heart leaped for his little girl.

Enji was determined, then and there, that he would never fail you, not like he forgot the others.

Oh, what plans he had for you, his precious princess. He couldn’t wait to spoil you, to marry you and start a new family once you were old enough. Rei realized this as well. Her youngest daughter, her last hope at salvaging her broken family, was to be had by her husband. The thought frightened her, especially after seeing the adoring look in her husband's eyes when she saw him cradle you for the first time. It was so unlike the stoic nature he held for the other children when they were born, only caring to see that they were healthy before leaving off back to his agency, never giving them more than a fleeting touch. It was nothing like when he held you, snarling at any nurse who dared to take his soulmate from the grips of his arms.

Something that had Enji’s conviction more so than his career was something to be feared. Your mother swore to herself that she would not let her husband ruin you.

Once he fell asleep with you tucked in the crook of his arm, a social worker came and collected you to be sent to a foster home and be set up for adoption. It was better than falling into the hands of the monster of a husband.

After the death of Touya, the pair decided to have one more child in hopes of fixing their broken family, but Rei now knew it was for naught. Nothing could save them know, especially now that Enji had nearly burned the building down when he discovered that his little girl was gone, just hours after he had finally found you.

Rei alerted the commission as well for your protection, that utter bitch of a woman. They very well couldn't have the number two hero caught in an incestuous bond with his daughter, now could they. All information of your whereabouts was hidden from him, blacklisting him from working with any foster children, lest he loses his hero license. Enji may have lost you for the time being, but his patience grew as he did. They couldn't keep him from you forever. You'd be reunited one day; he knows it.

The first time he saw you again was when you were fifteen. It was your birthday and the day he had become the number one hero officially, plenty of reason to celebrate. Usually, he would have taken the time to sit near the rose bush he planted in your honor in his courtyard on your birthday, renewing his vows to find and love you to the best of his ability. Enji took great pride in keeping your memory alive with the bush for his beautiful little rose gone too soon from his grasp. But there you were, mere meters from him.

The foster home you stayed at took you out for dinner when he was meeting with Hawks after the billboard awards. Your eyes were unmistakable, a perfect cerulean just like his own. He was so close, yet so far. My, how you had grown since he saw you. Unlike him, you bore your mark proudly on your wrist, not ashamed to admit to the world who your soulmate was. Not like you actually knew who it was anyway.

Enji was prepared to leave Hawks at the table; a new flame lit under his ass, one far more exhilarating than the thought of being the number one hero. He was up and on his way to speak to you before Nomu attacked him. Damn villains, they'd pay for separating the two of you once again. But his conviction only grew stronger. It wasn’t hard to find you after that; he knew what city you were living in. Instincts lashed out at him, demanding that he go sweep you up and hide you away. No, no. That would make you frightened; he can't have that. He’ll watch from the sidelines, waiting until you were of age to make a move. He was curious to see just how life as a foster child was treating you.

Growing up in the foster system had been a nightmare from hell for you. A cursed child is what they saw you as when your skin sprouted flames every time it was touched by the human hand, burning everything and everyone who came in contact with it. From the moment your quirk manifested, you were an outcast, an untouchable, unlovable freak. Someone destined never to feel the touch of their new parents, their lover, their soulmate.

It wasn't long before you realized that you would remain in the foster system until you aged out. Who would adopt a child they couldn't hug when they cried, hold their hand when they crossed the street, snuggle up to when it was chilly outside? Any potential parent was taken aback by your quirk once you reached for the warm touch of mommy and daddy, only to singe their hand or burn a hole in their shirt.

You learned quickly that your touch was something to be feared, that you were something to be feared. You supposed that’s why you looked up to him so much. So much so that you thought about him late at night when the loneliness seemed to drown you in the sea of your insecurities.

Endeavor was the only one who could understand you, understand your quirk. If only your soulmate mark could match him, maybe you feel the warmth of another human being without hurting or mauling them with your power. Abrasive he may be with the media, but there something about him that was so comforting and endearing to you. In your eyes, he was simply misunderstood, a gentle giant amongst the mass personalities of the other pro heroes.

Watching his interviews brought you comfort when you were lonely, his merchandise made you swell with pride and confidence, and his posters on the wall reminded you that you were never alone. It was a silly crush, but it made you feel better about your miserable life.

You even got to see him on your birthday! Well, not exactly. You happened to be in the same restaurant when your foster parents took you out for your birthday. It was apparent that they just felt bad for you, having looked after you for 15 years only to still have custody of your sorry ass. You were almost certain that they were going to kick you to the curb the morning of your 18th birthday.

Too bad they never had the chance. That fate would have been much kinder than the reality you faced now.

Once the Paranormal Liberation Front had effectively ripped society up by the roots and let the tree of life rot for the world to see, your foster parents packed their shit and left the country while you were at school. You’d been alone in the world ever since and were snatched off the streets, ready to be sold into slavery by the villains of the world. Your quirk was the only thing keeping you from being bought like a bitch from the auction floor.

Enji, on the other hand, was more than eager to do just that. After his public smear campaign by his allegedly dead son, he was dead to the world, finally abandoning his family for good in hopes of finding his beloved daughter. His life was dedicated to searching for you, having managed to track you down through his vigilante work. He likes to lie to himself and say that he’s continuing to fight for the greater good, but Enji does it just to have the chance to see your sweet face again. There wasn’t much to go off of, but he’d rather see his fiery end than to give up. That's how he found you at the auction.

⋆﹥━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━﹤⋆

Another auction night was approaching, which meant another night of humiliation and being displayed like a slab of meat for a crowd of degenerate wolves. Your quirk was the only thing keeping you from being sold; no one wants a fucktoy they can’t touch. It reduced you to physical labor for your captors, but you were better fed because of it. That didn’t mean they still didn’t try to sell you.

After being stripped down into nothing but a collar, leash, and a muzzle, you were brought to the stage and shoved in front of the ravenous, roaring crowd. You could feel their stares seep into your bones, the grime from the floor on your bare feet only adding to the overwhelming sensation of disgust you couldn’t even begin to describe.

The crowd’s excitement was raucous, jeers and shouts echoing off the halls of the underground auditorium. Masks covered their faces for the sake of privacy lest a vigilante break-in and hunt them all down. Even in the lawlessness of the world, heroes were still crawling everywhere to trail after even the slightest scent of villainy. Doesn't mean they’ll win, but hey, the death of a hero is just the same as the auction was to them.

“Up next, a darling girl with a fiery quirk!”

That was your cue. A handler had a fierce grip on your leash, giving it a few tugs for good measure as the crowd laughed at your stumbling. The auctioneer began to list your qualities and physical attributes, including your quirk.

“And she’s a virgin!”

Added for good measure, the crowd fell silent after listening to the abilities of your quirk. You couldn't hate it anymore; it's what was keeping you from being someone’s onahole until the day you kicked the bucket.

“Can I get $10,000?”

Ah the starting bid. The silence was relieving. Just a few more moments and you'd be off that damn stage.

“No? Going once, going twice, going-”

“One million.”

A booming voice came from the back row, the depths of the shadows to further hide the masked man who just bought your life. Why did it sound so familiar?

“Outstanding! One million dollars for the young lady!”

“Going once.”

It couldn't be.

“Going twice.”

This can't be happening.

“Sold for one million!”

No!

You were supposed to be unwanted, just like you have been your entire life! Yet some mysteriously familiar man outbid the entire auction for little ol’ you.

“Off the stage, bitch.”

The handler snarled, yanking you off the stage and causing you the fall and bruise yourself in the process.

“Watch it!” He spat, picking you up by the roots of your hair. “The merchandise needs to be handled carefully before reaching the customer. Let's hope he doesn't mind some bumps and bruises. For your sake.”

“That won't be necessary; I'll be taking her as is. Immediately, if you will.”

The mysterious man stood had already made his way backstage and behind you, standing formidably over your stark form. Your hair was released, dropping you back to the floor.

“Excellent, sir! I’m more than happy to get this welp off my hands.”

A brief exchange was made while you recovered on the floor, shaking in fear as the situation weighed heavily on your already broken self. The handler took the money and returned to the back room, leaving the two of you alone together.

The stranger crouched down to you and extended a hand to brush the stray hair out of your face, touch remaining tender and gentle when you flinched harshly.

“My poor girl, what has the world done to you?”

His coat enveloped your body as he scooped you up in his arms. The scent of him comforted you more than you would have liked to admit. Teakwood and coffee grounds filled your senses as he held you flush against his chest, leaving the auction house with a renewed sense of vigor.

You were placed in the backseat of a car before he dressed you in simple pajamas.

“Rest. You deserve it.”

⋆﹥━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━﹤⋆

At some point in the car ride, you let yourself fall asleep only to wake up in a cozy king-size bed wrapped up in a soft blanket next to a warm fireplace. The false sense of comfort lulled you for a few moments before your situation hit you like a ton of bricks. The anxiety you'd had known your whole life had finally kicked back into gear, forcing you out of bed and into the rest of the house.

It was daybreak, the sunlight slowly trickling in through heavily curtained windows as you walked through the halls and into the kitchen. The man was standing over the stove, sans mask, dressed in a wife-beater and his pajama bottoms. It couldn't be-

“Come in; breakfast will be on the table in a moment.”

Now you were certain.

“Who are you?” Your voice barely above a whisper. “Why did you buy me at the auction?”

A deep, rumbling chuckle flowed from the man.

“I think you know the answer to that, little one.”

His focus was retained on the meal in front of him. “I’ll explain myself over breakfast. Now sit.”

You couldn't help but feel compelled to obey him. While sitting, you took the time to honestly look him over for the first time in your life. Never did you think you would be so close to your childhood crush in such a domestic setting.

He had noticeably greyed but still possessed a majority of his red hair. Muscles were still taught and budging, but he had grown a little bit of a belly. Endeavor was as handsome as ever, aged like a fine wine that you couldn't wait to sip on.

The food was placed in front of you as he took the test next to you.

“Eat and have some water. Then we’ll talk.”

Once again, you obeyed him without question and refrained from eating like a rabid animal. It wasn't even a question, so much so that it is evident that you hadn't had a decent meal in a long time. You were still muscular from the labor you did for your handlers, though.

And Enji liked that about you. How resilient you were, he loved that you inherited his strength but still possessed Rei’s gentle nature. Not that he wanted to credit that woman for anything, but he couldn't deny the obvious. You were his strong, beautiful little girl who had to endure so much because his bitch of a wife decided to separate you from him.

But he was here now, ready to give all his love and protection to his only love. It took everything in his power not to swoop you up from your seat and hold you in his arms until his last breath.

Enji watched you eat, pride swelling in his chest at the thought that you liked his cooking. He couldn't help but wonder what your favorite meals were as well. There's certainly all the time in the world to get to know his little girl now that he had you. And he was never going to let you go.

Your breakfast was devoured quickly, both out of desperation for a real meal and answers to your questions.

“Why did you buy me from the auction?”

It was a complicated question, but you wanted a simple answer.

“I’m your soulmate.” His wrist was on display as he reached across the table to hold your hand.

For the first time in your life, you felt safe. Your one, shining hope was meant to yours and he wanted to be yours. You didn't even question how he knew at all.

His touch was warm and slightly rough, but it was welcome all the same. Even though your skin was lit aflame at his flesh against your, he paid it no mind. He was built to take your quirk, to take you.

“Endeavor…”

“Please, call me Enji.” His thumb rubbed over the palm of your hand. “I’m sure you feel better after having something to eat.”

“Why don't you go take a bath? It’ll help you relax, I can take care of your dishes.”

It was strange how insistent he was on taking care of you, but you can't say you don't enjoy the attention. He seemed to care for you in a way that went beyond caring for a partner, or in your case, a soulmate. But who were you to judge? It wasn't like you had a lot of experiences to use as a comparison.

Making your way back to the bedroom, you took the time to study the house you were in. A traditional, well-kept home, it practically looked like it was untouched. And maybe it was; buildings and homes fully intact were hard to come by these days, let alone ones that were clean and warm.

Enji seemed to lull you into an instinctual sense of safety, even though he bought you out of slavery. Just because he was your soulmate didn't mean that he had good intentions for you, but somehow, his presence alone filled a void in your heart that you had forgotten was even there.

Once you made it to the bathroom connected to the master bedroom, you drew yourself a bath just like Enji had instructed you to do. It wasn't the wisest decision to let your guard down like this, but the man already had plenty of opportunities to fuck you up by this point.

The water was warm and inviting when you sank yourself into it; you couldn't remember the last time you had warm water to clean yourself with. It made you feel light and hazy, slipping into a headspace you had long forgotten—a place of safety and comfort.

Three raps on the door pulled you from your haze as Enji entered the bathroom with fresh towels. Despite the fact that he had already seen you naked, the intimacy of the situation only left you feeling more vulnerable than ever.

“Let me help you.”

He kneeled next to you outside of the tub and pulled a lavender chamomile shampoo from the tub’s shelf. There was room to protest, but you couldn't find yourself willing to do so.

Water was poured over your head before he started a lather in your hair, gently scrubbing your scalp for a while. Even this simple touch made you shudder, it was a long time since you last felt the warmth of someone’s touch. And everything about this man was warm, for you at least. His words, his touch, his heart.

Conditioner was added to your hair as well before he moved onto washing your body. The scrub was gentle across your skin, his hand following after it to help keep the suds from rising too much. Strong hands massaged your back and your neck, both of which needed the much-deserved relief.

“So tense.” He murmured, mostly to himself.

There was a comfortable silence shared between the two of you as he massaged out all the knots and kinks that had built up over the years with your handlers. His touch should have made you flinch but you found yourself pressing into it. A small moan escaped your lips as he worked through a particularly tender spot on your neck.

“Are you enjoying this?”

His lips ghosted your ear as warm breath tickled your cheek and neck.

Your face flushed with a fiery warmth from a combination of the steam, your embarrassment, and the man whispering sweet nothings in your ear as his hands worked at your tired skin.

“Let me help you relax, sweet thing.”

Enji picked you up momentarily to slot himself behind you in the tub. Placed on his lap, you gasped when you could feel his erection hard against your back. Fear started to trickle into your veins as you squirmed slightly, attempting to get out of his grasp.

“Shhh, it's alright, you're okay.” His hand made its way to your throat and rested there gently, stroking over your artery with his thumb. “I’m not going to hurt you, sweetheart. Let me show you how much I've missed you.”

His touch made you feel alive, feel wanted for the first time in your life. You couldn't help but whine when his other hand made its way down your body, gently groping your breast as his lips were pressed to your ear.

“Do you trust me to take care of you?”

His fingers toyed with your nipples, obviously skilled.

“Do you trust me to make the sweetest love to you?”

Another whine caught in your throat as his hand went further, cupping your sex in his much larger hand. He kneaded gently, pressing a soft kiss to your temple when you writhed in his grip.

“Please! Enji-”

Shushing you gently, Enji’s thumb made its way to your clit to stroke in small circles.

“How does that feel, sweetheart?”

You were used to touching yourself, but oh God it never felt like this.

“Good!” You managed to choke out in a wanton moan. “So good! Enji, please, I need-”

A warm pair of lips sealed over yours, silencing you once again. Enji knew how wrong this was, to take advantage of you like this without revealing the truth. But he wanted at least to just once to have you in his arms willingly and eagerly. He wanted to kiss you breathless, listen to your cries and feel your nails dig into his skin as he gave you all of himself without a fight from you. He can worry about revealing himself to you later.

The rough pads of his large fingers started to apply pressure to your clit as his middle finger slipped into your tight hole under the water.

“Don't worry, little one. I'll give you what you need.”

Soft kisses were trailed along your cheek and hand that was on his that was still holding your throat tenderly. Finger pumping in and out of you, Enji whispered sweet praises to you as he felt your hole clench around him.

“Doing so well for me, sweetheart.”

Your breathy moans and whines only served to harden his cock. He felt like a teenager all over again, closing to cumming just from the sound of your voice.

Another finger slipped into your tight core, careful not to overwhelm you too fast. It was obvious you'd hadn't been touched before, not even by yourself. You felt full but greedy for more of his touch.

“Deeper, Enji! Please, can you?”

You were babbling at this point, writhing in his lap as he fingered you nice and slow with thick digits. Enji hummed as he pressed further into, curling his fingers into your G-spot.

Your cry was loud as he began to abuse your most sensitive spot, fully squirming in his arms as tears of pleasure breached your eyes. The sensation was too overpowering for you, making you thrash and arch in his arms.

“Shh, you're okay, sweetheart. You're okay; I'm right here.”

His fingers continued to stroke in a curled fashion, thumb still circling over your twitching clit. Enji kissed you again, deeper and more fierce as he began to fuck you earnestly with his fingers.

“Cum for me, darling.”

Squealing, you gripped his forearm and cried helplessly into his mouth. The build was slow and intense, allowing your orgasm to wash over you in waves of pleasure rather than a blinding, quick light.

“E-Enji!” You wailed. “Enji!”

You shook in his arms, holding onto the larger man for dear life as you experienced your first orgasm. It seemed like Enji knew your body better than you did.

No words were exchanged between the pair of you, but you could feel the tension of your desired hanging thick in the air. This man was going to take your virginity, here and now.

Enji removed his hand from your throat and between your legs in order to maneuver you to sit facing forward in his lap.

“Are you ready for me?”

His honesty made you flush even more. Biting your lip nervously, you hesitated to answer. Were you ready? It wasn’t like you had much of choice; the man could very well take you by force if he so chose to. But you felt safe in his arms, safe with him.

“Let me help you, my love.”

Warm, large hands gripped your backside as he held you steady above his cock. Your hand reached down to line yourself up with his throbbing sex, lowering yourself down on it slowly.

It burned in the best way, stretching you out fully as you pressed your forehead against his chin.

“Good girl, taking my cock so well, darling.”

A pitiful whine left your throat at the praise, hands gripping the forearms that held you in place.

“Can...Can you hold me?” You whimpered. “Please?”

Enji’s arms enveloped you and pulled you flush against his, tucking your head into the crook of his neck as you continued to lower yourself onto his cock. Your breath tickled his ears, making him groan lowly once he bottomed out inside of you.

“Such a sweet girl you are, taking all of me on your first try.”

Another whine responded for you as you ground your hips down on his.

“E-Enji.” You whimpered his name over and over again like a prayer. “Enji!”

“Be still, little one.” Hands back on your hips, holding you in place near the tip of his girthy length. “Let me take care of you.”

Hips in place, the man began to thrust up into you slowly, holding you tight as he stood up from the water. You only gripped and nuzzled yourself into him further, letting out sweet whines and whimpers into his ear while he thrust into you.

Your back was placed against the cool tile of the wall when he tilted your chin up to meet his gaze. Even in this position, he was still at least another head taller than you.

“Look at me when I make love to you.”

Through wet eyelashes, you gazed up at his eyes and let your mouth hang open as he rolled his hips into yours. His eyes shut briefly when he moaned, hissing at the feeling of your wet cunt hugging his cock so well.

“You were made to take my cock, little one.”

Arms reached up to wrap around his neck as he thrust into you, taking his time to make his strokes slow and deep. His hips were flush against yours when you asked him, “Kiss me, please? I want all of you Enji.”

Your bold proclamation stunned him for a moment before yielding, placing a deep kiss and a hot tongue against your lips.

His thrusts became faster as he kissed you with more passion and vitality. For an old man, he certainly had his stamina up to par. Your fingers thread through his red and grey tresses, tugging him closer to you gently as you moaned shamelessly into his mouth.

The pleasure in your core was more intense, fiercer this time around as his thrusts became hard and fast. The sounds of both of your moans and skin slapping against skin echoed off the tiled bathroom walls as the both of you felt your orgasms coming.

“Enji, fuck!” You whined, beginning to squirt on his fast-paced cock. “I-I’m cumming; I’m cumming!”

“Cum for me, princess.”

With a choked sob, you creamed yourself all over his cock, which continued to pound into your hole before he groaned your name and came deep inside you.

Nothing but the sounds of the water sloshing and your labored breathing could be heard as you both came down from your highs.

After a moment of rest, Enji pulled out and wrapped you in a towel before laying you gently on the bed. A towel was wrapped around his own waist as he looked at you fondly, brushing stray hairs out of your eye sight as he sat next to you on the bed.

“I must ask, how did you end up at the auction site?”

What a loaded question, but the intimacy you two shared allowed for it.

“I was kidnapped off the streets after my parents abandoned me when the prison break happened.”

He sighed gruffly and took your hand in his.

“What utter fools, tossing aside a beautiful rose such as yourself.”

His thumb traced over your soulmate mark. You still had yet to know how he knew before ever meeting you.

“It's alright; I never considered them my family. I just wish I could have met mine, but at least I met my soulmate.”

A crinkled smile adorned his face.

“You've done more than meet them.”

What could that have meant?

“I’m your father and your soulmate, little one.”

A rock hit the pit of your stomach as you retracted your hand from his.

“That isn't a funny joke, I'm serious.”

“So am I.” His hand was quick to snatch your back. “What could I possibly gain from lying to you?”

“P-Prove it.”

“Our soulmate marks, I saw yours the moment you were born in the Hosu hospital before my wife separated us all those years ago. I can recite your birthday if you'd like me to, for good measure.”

Fuck, he really wasn't lying. A lump formed in your throat as tears sprung in your eyes.

“Why would you do this to me?” You whispered, barely even able to hear yourself.

“Because I love you. I love you so much, sweetheart. Ever since I saw you for the first time in the hospital, my entire life has changed because of you. All I ever wanted was you.”

Enji was quick to shush your cries, using his free hand to wipe your tears away.

“Will you forgive me for being selfish?”

The disgust and horror filled everyone of your senses, especially when you came to a realization that he was everything you've ever wanted.

What came out of your mouth next stunned the both of you.

“You can apologize by begging on your knees and cleaning me up with your tongue, Daddy.”

TAGLIST: @tomurasprincess @bonesoftheimpala @sightoru @cxnicalsweetheart

[ghosthierophant]

ok imma be real i don’t know the pipe dreamers trauma so these don’t scare me as much, BUT AYLA’S ON THE OTHER HAND

Beau Fate Roll: 14

nah i’m with the amalgamation on this one beau you fucked up why have you done this

Beau Cha Saving Throw: 14

.

Felsic Fate Roll: 10

you see yourself come thru the mist

felsic: hello... me / i guess we lost, huh?

“felsic”: are you... ok?

felsic: hey let’s take it real easy here... (backing up) / you got any weed?

Felsic Wis Saving Throw: 18

D E F L E C T / CONCEAL DON’T FEEL

“felsic”: how bout another question?

.

ayla babygirl..............................

Ayla Fate Roll: 16

ayla: guys??? hello??? everyone??? (trembling, struggling to her feet)

someone else............... W H O

and then there’s Keres

keres: ayla, do your thing / C’mon - inflict the fear so we can go on, i’ve got a dinner - We’ve got a dinner

............... oh no

ayla: .... no

keres: got it, we’re doing this again... 

.......... oh i hate it i hate it

..................................................... i hate it ... huge gaslighter supreme

ayla: I’M NOT YOUR TOOL TO USE KERES

Ayla Wis Saving Throw: NAT FAIL

z o i n k s  i’m terrified

*keres punches the wall next to you*

keres: you realize this isn’t you having a backbone, right? this is you wasting my time / we’ll do things my way (beats the FUCK out of the prisoner)

this is a monster. someone that you’ve had to deal with your entire life. someone that you have kept in control. this memory is especially painful. but more dreadfully, this monster, you realize in that sinking moment, is now Out There

(chat’s making funny haha now kiss lol scary kabedon jokes and i’m like one step away from being triggered LMAOOOO)

.

Zugg Fate Roll: 14

BLACK RADIATION DETECTION WAHOOO (downs that mf potion)

and there’s your dead npc time for me to make jokes at chat’s expense

upon his chest, the fatal shard bullet wound. the puncture, the hole in the shirt, stained with blood. / it doesn’t feel like a hand. you get the sensation, but it feels like the distant memory of someone. what does it feel like when someone grabs my hand? 

much like eli, you are trying to use your brain and your wit

Zugg Int Saving Throw: 15

.

The Bomb Fate Roll: 1

WELL SHIT

you’ll wake up to hecaton trying to consume you

the bomb: STOP. STOP. STOP.

(the slimey appendages cease, honoring your request)

“SIBLING.”

the bomb: sibling, i see you have really made a mess of... the place

the reactor is still intact, the barrier still up. but it’s now starting to flicker

“WHY ARE YOU AGAINST ME, SIBLING?”

the bomb: well, for starters... 

“YOU WISH TO KEEP YOUR INDIVIDUALITY?” 

the bomb: as we should all

“AND YET YOU’VE CHOSEN YOUR INDIVIDUALITY WITH THESE PEOPLE? THIS WORLD? AND YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND WHAT THEY DO TO US. THEY’VE DESECRATED OUR DEAD, WEAPONIZED OUR CORPSES. WE SHALL TREAT THEM IN KIND.”

oof

the bomb: that sounds a lot more like a You problem, then an all of our sibling’s problem

IGJKTIJKRFGBKT

The Bomb Cha Saving Throw: 15

“YOU PREFER YOUR INDIVIDUALITY? INSTEAD OF THOSE WHO ARE YOUR FAMILY? YOUR BRETHREN?”

the bomb: to be honest... it doesn’t feel very much like a family when it’s just the progenitor pulling all of our strings like a puppet master

(the hecaton groans)

PHASE 3 THREAD!!!! 

[moonlightmirrorball]

Hey hey! I have a request for you!

Vi x reader, cuz I’m obsessed, and smth angsty but comforting cuz I’m depressed (rhymes are fun :))

Basically, vi is back in the lanes, accidentally runs into the reader and reader starts crying :(

Hope this is alright, drink some water, stay healthy and safe! You are loved!

- Rose

absolutely adore this scenario!

Ugly Crying

Vi x GN! Reader

The Lanes were your home. always had been, and probably always would be. they were the root system that helped you grow, and would continue to help you grow, even if your proverbial plant was withering. and for good reason too. the lanes had never been quite the same after "the incident".

the lanes had never been the same after Vi disappeared.

The good thing about living in the undercity, is that anything goes. And this fact had happened to save my life.

A life in The Lanes was a difficult one. A life in the Lanes almost guaranteed that a child would grow up a criminal and an addict. it was an inescapable fate. I had thought that maybe I was exempt when I’d been taken in by Vander. those had been the best days of my life looking back. I would have trade anything in the world to be sitting around the back room of The Last Drop with Mylo, Clagger, Powder...and Vi. They had been  my family, more than my parents ever had been when they were alive. and just like your parents, they were gone far too soon. 

all good things must come to an end, I suppose. 

The Lanes were always perpetually hot, and tonight was no exception. And I was where I usually spent my evenings, trudging through the streets, looking down, acknowledging no one. If they were worth my time they’d come to me. And they only ever approached me for one reason. They think I have what they want. Money. Sex. Revenge. Shimmer. that’s how it was in the Undercity. It was full of the strongest of the strong and the weakest of the weak. It was almost never worth my time. A rare lucrative payout or enticing offer would sometimes come along. 

I’m an opportunist, no different than those shiny topsiders. the only difference is that I’m willing to get my hands dirty to achieve what I want. The topsiders hired someone else to do their dirty work. Hell, sometimes they hired me. Mine was not a particularly honorable profession, but if it pays the bills.. “Oi it’s your turn” Raunder slaps the table, rattling the empty glasses piled precariously around the too small table. 

“sorry, I zoned out..”  I shook my head, glancing at my card. I don’t really remember the game we’re playing. Nor do I actually care. “I think I’m actually going to head out” 

I braced my hands on the table, standing up. “I didn’t want you to feel bad when you lost anyways.” I drawled, leaving the winning hand face up on the table ignoring the enraged shouts from Raunder. I pushed my way though the Thursday crowd feeling suddenly feeling stifled by the smell of alcohol and smoke. There were too many bodies and too many memories and The Last Drop was so different, so changed, but it still felt exactly the same. It was stifling. I bumped into a slight woman at the pool table, huffing as she spilled her drink on my leg and boot. “Watch it, bitch” she barked at me, turning around to line her pool stick up. I nodded a quick apology to her, and continued trying to push my way out. 

I stumble through the doors gulping down the cool, thin air. I smelled like booze and tobacco and sweat, and my clothes were dirty and home was on the other side of the city. And I don’t know what was in my drink, but my head is fuzzy and my spirits are low, and the wall of the alley is digging into my spine, scraping against the fabric of my shirt as I breathe. I can still hear the roar of people coming out of the last drop, swirling around in my ear canal and worming its way into my mind. I sigh, dragging my dirty hand over my dirty face. “Fuck,” I glance around where I am, noting the group of scrappy teenage boys watching what I was going to do next. There was a brothel nearby that let you stay the night, but I really needed clean clothes. It was a two mile walk, but I'd walked here earlier today and tonight I'd walk back. 

Cause and effect, right? 

I walked with my hands shoved deep in my pockets, watching the sewer rats scurry around  the sidewalk, running on autopilot

Right

Right

Left

Right

Lef- 

“Hey watch where you’re going”

 “You watch where you’re go-” pink hair. Bandaged arms. “Vi?” and there it was. VI. right on her face. I couldn’t tell if this was a dream or a nightmare, but I don’t want it to end. 

 “Y/n.”

 “I thought you were dead, they said you died in the explosion- they all said- and now you’re here and you” I choked back a sob, “and you’re-” Vi was in the same state of disbelief I was, Eyes wide with shock. The hands she’d held in fists for so much of her life went slack at her sides. I said nothing, staring at  her, At Vi, Vi who was alive, and Vi who was here, and Vi who you thought died all those years ago. 

“I’m going to hug you now,” Vi spoke softly, in soothing tones. Like I was some sort of skittish bird. I nodded slowly. And it was there, Tucked into Vi’s body that I finally felt something. And then I felt a lot of things. Disbelief, Anger, Surprise, Anger, Sadness, Anger, Longing, Gratitude, Pain. I liked to think that I’d let go of the events that happened the night of the explosion, and for the most part I have, but losing Vi had been harder than anything else, and I didn’t think I could ever get over it. And yet, here she was. Holding me, as I sank to my knees on the asphalt, heaving heavy painful sobs. I felt Vi start rubbing my back, gently “Hey,” she breathed “It’s okay, I’m here. I’m here, and I’m real” And she was. Vi was here and she was real and she looked different. She was taller and her hair looked...better than it had five years ago. She’d bulked up, and gotten tattoos and her voice was deeper but it was Vi. after all these years. And i didn’t know if I should keep hugging her, or punch her or… I don’t fucking know.

 I stood up, my breathing steady for the first time since I left The Last Drop. “they told me,” my voice was thick with tears, “They told me you died.” I said, trying to keep my voice steady and scrubbing at my eyes with my sleeve. “But obviously, you’re not dead. So where the hell were you for the past five years.” Vi looked up at me from where she was squatting on the ground. “Help  me up?” she quirked an eyebrow at me. I stuck out my hand, keeping my arm as steady as I could as she gripped it to stand up. “I got arrested, and they locked me up.”

 “How did you get out, then? And what took so damn long?” 

“Are you mad at me for getting arrested?” Vi’s nostrils flared, her grey-blue eyes boring into mine.

“Of course I’m not mad at you for getting arrested,” I huffed, raising my voice “I’m  mad at you for abandoning us!” people were staring now, and still in the way people were when they didn’t want you to notice they were eavesdropping. “I’m mad at you for abandoning me.” my voice had shrunk along with my anger, leaving me hollow and defeated. “I didn’t want to abandon you,” Vi said, placing her hand on my shoulder. I contemplated swatting it off, but any malice I had towards the situation was gone. “Or powder. But it wasn’t my choice,” she shook her head, and I knew, I know that she was telling the truth. Of course she was, she was Vi. I slumped against her, wrapping my arms around her now very toned middle. “I know.” I muttered into her shoulder, “I’m just glad you’re here” 

And she is.  

that’s all I needed right now