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babsworlds · 2 days ago
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WEIRD, OLDER & ATTRACTIVE.
pairing. Sergei Kravinoff x fem! reader
synopsis. You finally meet your best friend’s brother.
warnings. platonic! Dmitri Kravinoff x fem! reader, mention of age gap, nothing more ig?
a/n: as a starting writer thank you for all the support! I still don’t really know how tumblr works so please have a patience with me! If you have some requests, message me or comment! ily all 🤍
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YOU AND YOUR BEST FRIEND DMITRI were the definition of rich, spoiled children of Russian gangsters.
You met Dmitri at the prestigious private school you both attended. Being in the same year, you quickly became inseparable. Rumors of you two dating spread around the school, but you both knew it was just your shared humor and love for the same things, especially the money of your wealthy fathers, that brought you together.
You didn’t care about their jobs as long as you got what you wanted. Lavish parties, extravagant shopping sprees, and exclusive getaways were just part of your everyday life.
You and Dmitri often teased each other with flirtatious jokes, but it was always clear that it was all for fun and not serious. Neither for you took it to heart.
It was Dmitri's birthday today, and you celebrated it in your favorite club, a place reserved only for exclusive and loyal members.
After Dmitri blew out the candles on his white sparkled cake and opened his gifts, the real celebration began. Among the presents, he received a Cartier bracelet to match yours, and hand made photos album of you two, capturing your most cherished memories together.
You and Dmitri danced to the rhythm of the music, dangerously close, but it didn't bother you. You were used to that.
You truly enjoyed yourself, lost in the music and the laughter. But suddenly, a strange feeling washed over you, as if someone was watching. You glanced around the club, trying to spot the source of this unsettling sensation.
Dmitri pulled you closer, his face full of concern. "What's wrong, Y/n?" he asked, noticing your discomfort.
"Nothing," you shrugged, trying to shake off the uneasy feeling. You continued dancing, but couldn't help but periodically scan the crowd, searching for the eyes you felt upon you.
Suddenly, you spot him—a tall, incredibly handsome man with curly hair, standing by the door. His intense gaze was focused solely on you, making you feel a strange mix of curiosity and unease.
“Dima, who’s that weirdly sexy man by the door?” you asked as he spun you around, directing your look towards the door.
“That’s Sergei. My brother,” he said calmly, his expression unreadable. Your eyes widened in surprise. You knew Dmitri had a brother, but you’d only seen photos of them when they were younger, and you heard that Sergei lived isolated from the family.
“No way that’s Sergei?” you exclaimed, still in disbelief. The Sergei you remembered from the photos was a lanky teenager with a mischievous grin, nothing like the imposing figure standing before you now.
Dmitri nodded with a small smile. “Yeah, that’s him. He’s back in town.”
Your curiosity was piqued, and you couldn't help but steal another glance at Sergei. He looked even more striking in person, his curly hair framing a chiseled jawline and piercing eyes that seemed to see right through you.
“Why didn’t you tell me about him earlier? He’s hella sexy,” you exclaimed, alternating glances between Dmitri next to you and Sergei across the room.
“He’s like... much older than you,” Dmitri said, raising an eyebrow. You always preferred older men for many reasons.
“Not so much,” you rolled your eyes. “And you know I’m kinda into these things.” You gave Dmitri a pointed look as he rolled his eyes. “Unfortunately,” Dmitri muttered, recalling the time you had a serious crush on your history teacher.
Your eyes locked with Sergei's across the room. There was something undeniably charming about him, but also a hint of danger that both intrigued and unsettled you. Maybe that was what pulled you closer.
“Can you maybe introduce me to him?” you smirked, playfully swirling a strand of your hair around your finger and biting your lip as a joke.
“Ugh,” Dmitri groaned with a smile, taking you by the wrist and dragging you through the crowd towards Sergei. As you got closer, the intensity of Sergei's gaze never wavered, making your heart beat just a little faster.
“Bro,” Dmitri blurted out, “Y/n here finds you very attractive,” putting an exaggerated emphasis on the word very. You mentally facepalmed—idiot, idiot, idiot, you thought. Dmitri wasn't exactly known for his tactfulness.
Embarrassed, you hid your face in your palms, taking a deep breath before looking up at Sergei, who was smiling, clearly amused by the situation.
“Well, thank you,” Sergei said with a warm smile. “Nice to meet you, Y/n. Dima has told me a lot about you.”
You found it really sweet that Dmitri mentioned you to him. It felt nice knowing that your friendship with Dmitri was something he valued enough to share with his brother.
“So, what brings you back?” you asked, genuinely curious about Sergei’s return.
“I’ve been traveling and working abroad for a while, but I thought it was time to reconnect with family,” Sergei replied, his eyes briefly flickering to Dmitri before returning to you. “And to see what my little brother has been up to.”
As you continued to converse with Sergei, you found yourself eagerly anticipating the possibility of another meeting.
At first sight, Sergei was everything you wanted and liked. He had that intriguing mix of being a bit weird, older, and attractive. The way he spoke with his Russian accent, combined with his looks and maturity, undeniably turned you on.
You couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement every time he smiled or laughed. His deep voice, accentuated by that charming accent, sent shivers down your spine. And the way he carried himself, with confidence and grace, made him even more irresistible.
It was almost surreal—you were losing yourself over your best friend's older brother, someone you were meeting for the first time. You found it hard to believe how quickly you were drawn to him, but there was no denying the strong attraction you felt.
As you stood there, talking to Sergei, you couldn't help but imagine what it would be like to spend more time with him.
“I think I’m gonna get some drinks,” Dmitri said, giving you a playful and knowing smirk before leaving. You rolled your eyes but deep down you were really thankful for the brief moment of privacy.
As soon as his brother left, Sergei wasted no time. “I really find you interesting,” he said, his eyes traveling over your body with a barely controlled intensity. It was clear that he meant more than just “interesting,” but the subtext added to the thrill of the moment.
It was your first meeting, yet the connection felt immediate and really strong.
You smiled, trying to keep things light. “Thanks, you aren’t really boring either.”
Sergei’s expression grew serious, his eyes locking onto yours. “Don’t mind me asking this,” he began, hesitating for just a moment. “Maybe we should meet again,” he said, his tone carrying a hint of hopefulness.
A smile spread across your face. He was asking you on a date, and you definitely didn’t mind that. “I’d like that,” you replied, feeling a flutter of excitement in your chest.
You expected everything from this night—a fun celebration, dancing, and spending time with friends—but definitely not meeting Dmitri’s brother and being asked out the same night.
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lovesodeepandwideandwell · 2 days ago
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Oh gosh the roommates are unloading the dishwasher ... this is an answer to prayer
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tinkeraroha · 2 days ago
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I will now actually answer VERY SINGLE QUESTION OF THIS XD
also i wrote this in an interview type style... you can also read this on my AO3 .... this is over 5000 words long gods help me ...........
Name: Ashryn De Riva 
Pronouns: They/She /Her 
Race: Elven 
Faction: An Antivan Crow
Class: Mage
Specialization: Spellblade
Before The Veilguard
Where was Rook born? Who were their childhood family and friends? What did they spend their free time doing as a child? What did they want to be when they “grew up” if anything.
A: Uff good first question. Well, as far as I know I was born somewhere in Antiva, I don't really know where as I didn't really stay there for a long time. As a kid I didn't really have friends, like before I became a crow. I had other problems than who I should play with at the time. My mother was my only blood family I knew as she was taken with me. She was a slave for a Powerful Mage, and if I had to name a friend during that time I would say the stable boy, he was also a dalish captive but I heard he had been sold from Tevinter , or was he a present I don't really remember … He was the one I could talk with and he hid me more than once when the Mages son was looking for me. What I wanted to be when I grew up? Mmmh another good question, free maybe? ( she laughs) No, I wanted to be powerful and able to help others. Actually I wanted to be Crow, I  heard from the other slaves that there were those dark Asassines who would kill if you paid them enough. I actually used to save up any coin I could find, or steal, to pay them one day. In the end I didn't even save up enough to buy a loaf of fresh bread.( laughs again)
Where and how was Rook educated? What did they enjoy learning; what did they dislike learning? Who did they admire most? Who was an example of what not to do or be?
A: My Mother, bless her , tried her best to teach me things. Thanks to her I actually still speak elven, well to some extent. My magic abilities showed very early. I was still a little kid, maybe around the age of 7 or eight, so she also tried to teach me about those things even though she didn't have any magic gifts. She always said I got that from her father. The other slaves also tried to teach us young ones. I  snuck into the attic often, from there you could hear the teacher of the Mages son ramble for hours, while his student fell asleep most of the time. 
How did they experience gender as a young person? Did they grow up in an environment of strict gender roles and expectations or were they allowed to be themselves? 
A: I  never actively thought about being anything other than a woman, I am what I am and I like it. But I don't really care as to how people call me, okay maybe ‘he’ just doesn't fit with me but if they want to people can call me ‘they’ as well. ( shrugged) I don't really care. 
My mother wasn't really strict about gender, she always said being me was enough. She even kind of adopted another young slave who had been shunned by the others, as she identified herself as a female, despite being born a male. Gods did I hate that girl, not because of this obviously but she wasn't the nicest person, when the adults were not around. 
What was their take on sexuality as a young person? Did they experiment with romance or find it entirely uninteresting?
A:  Again never actually thought about it. I liked men as a kid … tho I never had a puppy love or how you call it… And after I joined the crows as a fledgling I started to notice how I felt for women ( shrugges ). I used to flirt with Teia as a  young one just to annoy Viago, and I had a bit of a crush on her , but please don't tell him that. I want to live for a bit longer.
What was their take on spirituality as a young person? Did they grow up around one particular religion and if so how did that affect their beliefs?
A: I was fascinated by the veil and the fade as a kid. Loved to study on Spirits and things like that, so I would say I was fond of Spirits… oh you mean spirituality like religion… mmmmh i grew up with both elven gods and the maker. My mother taught me the tales of our ancestors and I loved hearing them. And the crows showed me the beliefs of the Maker. But I associate myself more with the elven beliefs I would say. 
What childhood fear(s) did Rook carry with them into adulthood?
A: It's not really a fear but… I can't really swim that well, which is ironic when you think about where I grew up but the mage that owned me had this spell… Made you feel like you were drowning so I never went deeper than knee deep water till I was what? Like 17? 
How did Rook become involved with their chosen faction? Who did they meet first, and how, and where, and why did they join up?
this is gonna take a while ( laughs) the first Crow I ever got to meet was Viago… I am not surprised as he is my house's Talon and something like my older brother, which he would never under any circumstances admit. I met him at a job of his.  Okay maybe i have to further explain that. I met him after I ruined his contract by killing his target , who was also the Slave owning Mage I mentioned before… i dont think I'm actually gonna elaborate on that one, sorry. Let me have a few more secrets or surprises left. ( laughs) 
Was Rook interested in finding a life partner of some kind when they joined their faction? Why? Who were their best friends and how did they meet? Who were their rivals, who did they trust? 
A: Of course I want a live partner, but that's certainly not why I joined the crows. You die alone more often on the job than you find a spouse being an Assassin. Also I was only eleven, boys were disgusting at that age and growing up under Viagos keen eyes… It's a miracle I actually got to meet other beings other than snakes and other poisonous things.  My best friends would actually be Teia and Viago. I know that's lame but its like that. I'm also close with Jacobus now… I hope I'm something to him like Viago was to me. My rivals mmmh all the other fledglings I guess, i don't know. 
Did Rook have any scars or tattoos? What’s the story behind them?
A: I do have a few of either one. My most notable scars are the one on my nose and the one on my cheek up to my eyebrows. The nose one is actually quite embarrassing. I got it sneaking out of the De Riva mension when I was 16 to meet a merchant's son I found… rather interesting. Viago caught me and threw a book after me, hit me right in the face and had me falling off my Balcony…. Right on his Motto being killed by my own stupidity. 
On the cheek that one is fairly new got it fighting the Antaam 1 vs 20 to free their captives. That's how I meet Varric. 
I also have one on my right shoulder and one on my neck that when a fledgling from another house tried to kill me… Got damn near close to it, but let's just say I'm a Crow and he's not. 
For tattoos I have my Vallasin , my mother gave it to me when my Magic began showing,  and I also have a snake on my chest for the way Viago and the De Rivas saved my life. My house tattoo is on my right wrist.
Did Rook ever strongly identify with a particular nationality, city, race, creed, or religion? Is this something they explored on their own or a tradition that was passed down to them? Did this identity evolve as they grew into adulthood?
A: I am an elf, so of course I identify with them. They are my people and my heritage as I said I was born dalish but not raised like them, traditionally. But Antiva and over all Treviso is my home, it's my city, it's my country. I will protect it even if it means going against the rules or losing my life. 
Lightning Round - PREGAME VERSION
Favorite scent: snake babies… don't ask, just smell them. And maybe Thymian 
Favorite food: I love anything with Caramel, also anything with potatoes 
Favorite animal: mmmmh Wolves are pretty neat, maybe mabaris and cats too. Oh and of course Crowds
Favorite book or story: the dreadwolf and the Halla its a tale my mother used to tell 
Favorite drink: Cioccolata calda
Favorite item of clothing: capes 
Favorite keepsake: a little halla statue,  my first dagger 
Favorite place: the diamond 
Favorite person: Teia
Favorite little treat: Caramel drops and cake. 
During The Veilguard (HEAVY SPOILERS BENEATH THE CUT)
Act 1: Signs and Portents
What was Rook’s status with their own faction at the beginning of the game? Why were they recruited by Varric?
A: I was good on the side , I think, okay I pissed them off with the shit I pulled with the Antaam. Tho Teia said she and Vi were a bit proud about me, beating them 20 against 1. Varric recruited me because I freed him, but if you ask him it's because I went against my orders for a greater cause thinking only about the others, not me as I freed them. 
What did Rook think of Varric when they first met? Did Rook support Varric’s choice to confront Solas alone?
A: At first I found him strange, I did know about the Inquisition and heard tales of a dwarf with them but still strange. Funny thing is, I actually own a few of his books. But he grew on me and we made a contract so…
Did Rook take Neve or Harding with them when they went to interrupt the ritual themselves? Why?
A: I took Harding, as a Mage Neve would be more skilled fighting the demons of while we would be a tad more difficult to spot for solas 
How did Rook engage with stories of the elven gods at the beginning of the Veilguard? Were the familiar or strange? Was it disorienting to have them rewritten or did it make no real difference to them?
A: Oh I knew them as I said my mother used to tell me stories about them even my lullaby was about Ghilan'nain and her Halla. 
Having them rewritten as tyrants was…. something. Like a half identity crisis, they are not my whole life like for the Dawlish, but still they are my ancestors' gods.
What was Rook’s instinctive reaction to having Solas in their head and dreams? How did Rook respond when Solas asked them why they should be the one to lead the Veilguard?
A: It was concerning, him using blood magic to speak to me. I wondered if he could read every thought of mine if he could control me. And again he is the Dread Wolf, the god my mother said to love and fear at the same time. He's the trickster of trickster, the one who's neither an forgotten god or an evanuris. 
I answered him directly. There is no use to lying at him, maybe half truths are the way to go. Nobody else would do it, and Varric told me to look after them for him. I'm just a Rook who switched with the king. 
Did Rook think Neve was right about needing more investigation before acting or that Harding was right that there was no time to spare? What made them think that?
A: I was with Harding on this , yes we needed more information but the situation was… Not really time giving. 
What did Rook decide to do with Mayor Julius of D’Meta’s crossing? Why?
A: I saved him, ironically I'm not a murderer , I don't kill if it's not a contract or a necessary thing. He was wrong and the best way to punish him was living with what he had done.
How did Rook react to Harding’s new magic? Were they supportive or wary or a mix of both? 
A: I think magic is a gift and that I told her even though it did make me worried about how she got it. It was something to worry about after..
How did Rook feel among the ancient elven magic and ruins of Arlathan? Did they find Bellara’s work disturbing or fascinating or something else?
A: It was fascinating, very very fascinating. The ruins made me feel small and insignificant in comparison with the history of those places. It felt heavy and rich with tales that were never told and lost in time.
How did Rook feel about working with a bunch of assassins, the Antivan Crows? Were they familiar with the organization, a Crow themselves, or something else? How did they feel about Lucanis, specifically about Lucanis and Spite?
A: I'm a crow so I was excited. I had heard about the Demon of Varentium, but oddly I don't think I have ever met him before. At least I don't remember, maybe at some banquet or something. I find him and spite… fascinating a none mage that was possessed or better to say bonded with a demon without it taking over… fascinating.  And of course I respect him as the first Talons Grandson. He is… powerful to say the least. I do keep my eyes on him… to keep track of Spite of course
  How did Rook feel about the Shadow Dragons? Had they ever been to Minrathous before or just heard stories? How did Neve strike them at first?
A: It's a good organisation fighting for their city and it's good to have a widespread connection for information.  
Neve is competent and powerful. Also she is kind and fights for those who can't fight for themselves.  And her mind, wow it's sharp as a knife and gods that women are charming.
What did Rook think of the Wardens when they met them? The First Warden? Antoine and Evka? Davrin (and his tits)? And of course, the MVP, Assan?
A: I have adored Antione and Evka with my whole life. I have known them for like a day and if anything happens to them I will kill all of Thedas.  The first Warden? He can fuck himself in his metal protected knee. He has to come down from his high horse or he's gonna fall very very deep, in my Knife. 
Davrin is… A blessing of the eyes and mind. He's someone reliable and I think we are gonna be very good friends. 
Assan? That's my kid and I will fight Davrin for it… I love that damn winged cat so much, do you know he can Purr. 
Did Rook choose to help Minrathous or Treviso? Why?
A: Treviso,  it's my city, my home, my people. It was still a hard choice 
How did Rook feel after seeing what happened to the city they couldn’t save? Who did they talk to about it, if anyone, and how did they feel toward Neve and Lucanis in the aftermath?
A: saying I was devastated is the understatement of the Age. Iwas…. In pure shock especially as I saw the Viper blighted it…. It was such a huge decision and only one person made it? That's not fair,  I thought that maybe with the army and the Shadow dragons Minrathous had the biggest chance of keeping themselves safe, how could a single mage do anything more. 
Had Rook ever been to Rivain before? What were their impressions? Did they have any experience with Antaam or Qunari outside the Qun? What did they think of Taash and Shanthann?
A: I've been to Rivain before on a contract on a Pirate. Pretty fun one actually. Oh and I KNEW the Antaam before,  I had seen a few Qunari before, those who fell out of the Qun but aren't Antaam but not too many. For Taash and their mother…. I like Taash, they are a bit hot headed and that comes from me soo… Their mother is odd, too strict about Taash and the Qun about living like a Qunari when she was the one that brought them to Rivain.
What was Rook’s first impression of the Nevarran Necropolis? Were they interested, disturbed, or something else? What did they think of Emmrich and, most importantly, Manfred?
A: I LOVE THE NECROPOLIS.  It's so haunting and spooky while you can learn so many things there. Also Vorgoth is just I love him, them, i don't know. Also Emmrich is just so inspiring and I can learn so much from him. It's so good to have him join us. Manfred is also an enrichment, finally. Someone to play with our little Griffon. Also I don't really drink tea but the tea Manfred makes…. so good. Even though I do have to say it's a bit of a waste of my work , necromancy I mean what does it bring killing someone just so they can be resurrected at a mages will.
What did Rook think of the Inquisitor? Did they become personal friends or did they keep it professional? Who was the Inquisitor’s lover, if any, and did Rook have an opinion of that?
A: The Inquisitor is such A strong person and she is powerful and stunning. We write eachother often and I admire her even more for her strength to keep believing in Solas and the love they share.
At the Siege of Weisshaupt, how did Rook deal with the First Warden and why?
A: I punched that prick's face. Didn't think he would go down with one punch. I mean he's a warrior after all, but he went down like a sack of stones. There was no reasoning with him,  he would have killed way more of the Grey Wardens. 
Act 2: The Price of the Past
How did Rook react to the aftermath of Weisshaupt? Were they sad, angry, scared, all of the above, or something else? Did they blame themselves? Lucanis? The First Warden? Ghilan'nain? Who did they talk to about it, and did they show their true feelings to their companions?
A: I blamed myself, I was the one responsible for the team, I was the one with the most information on the gods…. It was not Lucanis' fault or anyones else's, it was mine. We should have taken her down at Weisshaupt and the guilt we didn't lie with me, the guilt is my burden to bear so no I didn't tell any of the companions…. It's my burden to bear.
Had Rook developed a romantic interest in one of their companions--or someone else!--by the time Weisshaupt fell? If so, were they eager to explore it or afraid to? Why?
A: Okay, I admit it.. I do have hots for Lucanis. Can you blame me? Have you seen this man cook or heard him talk? …. that's better than anything. Also he's just… wow how can he be so careful with us all, so soft around us, helping us, care for us while he's a feared assassin. And also while he's possessed by a literal demon. And no I did not act on it, he has enough things to handle himself and spite. I don't wanna add myself and my one sided feelings to it. Though I did catch myself that I do talk to him more often and that I look at him….. I believe Neve might have caught that. 
Who were Rook’s closest companions, and what did they like about them? Who irritated Rook, if anyone, and how?
A: Most of the time on the road with Lucanis and Bellara, or sometimes Emmerich. I'm closest to those three I would say. Nobody irritates me really, maybe Taash sometimes.. They really need to work on their patience but no one really gets on my nerves 
How did Rook respond to Davrin and Lucanis’s animosity finally boiling over? Were they sympathetic to one or the other or to both?
A: I understand both. Davrin lost so many friends at Weishaupt, the survivor's guilt is eating him alive faster than the blight could. Lucanis is spiraling because of guilt ,  he never missed a shot before he always meets his Target, failing to kill Ghilan'nain is a hard blow for them both,  they needed to let go of that steam.
When Elgar’nan took the Dalish prisoners to use as sacrifices, what was Rook’s first reaction? Were they resolved, raging, sad, or some combination? Did they talk to any of their companions about it?
A: Horror pure Horror,  the way he slaughtered those Halas, the casualty of the Venatori that attended it was gruesome and got my blood boiling. His whole Plan, the dalish everything was just, he may not be as visually shocking as Ghilan´nian but he is so mu=ch worse than her. I will rip his damn heart out of his chest while it is still beating. I talked with Bellara about it for hours after. 
What was Rook’s reaction to The Butcher’s proposition to them in Treviso? Did they respect it, think it was bonkers, or something else? Did they discuss it with any of their companions after the fact?
A: It was weird to say the least but I respect that, kind of.  Treviso is a  jewel and we have to protect it. 
Did Rook express concerns about Illario’s behavior to Lucanis? Did Rook encourage him to punish or to forgive Illario? Did Rook encourage Lucanis to work with Spite to save Catarina or to punish Illario? What were Rook’s impressions of Catarina both before and after her kidnapping? How did Rook feel about Lucanis becoming First Talon?
A: I have to admit,  Illario always made me suspicious,  but in the end I encouraged Luvanis to forgive him, the embarrassment was more than enough. But I will keep a close watch of him… If he tries to pull such a stunt again, I will end him myself. Even if it means Catarina will kill me. 
Of course I encouraged him and Spite to work together to save Catarina , everything else would end in innocent blood being spilled.
Catarina is scary, she wants furst talon for nothing. She's Deadly. I'm glad to never have met her at her Prime and I respect her so much. She raised Lucanis, maybe not fair or lovingly, but he came out right.
Lucanis becoming First Talon, was , wow he's now my boss's boss which is….. concerning feelings wise but also I respect him.  It makes me nervous to tell him what to do. ( laughs)
Did Rook support Bellara in her desire to save Cyrian or did they encourage her to be more forceful in stopping him immediately? Did they encourage her to keep the Nadas Dirthalen or to destroy it?
A: I helped her trying to talk to Cyrian and I cried with her as she held him in Her arms As he died. For the archive I told her to keep it, it holds a lot of knowledge about our people, and now we need something to cling to now after our gods and our beliefs were shattered.
Did Rook encourage the alliance with the Threads in Dock Town? Did they encourage Neve to bring Dock Town hope or to become a darker protector-figure?
A: the threads may be criminals but they certainly care for the city ,  for Neve she's a hope for Dock Town 
What was Rook’s reaction to the revelations about the Titans and the residual anger their downfall and exploitation at the hands of the Evanuris  left behind? Did it change how they felt about Harding’s new powers, and if so, how? Did they encourage Harding to embrace the Titan’s anger or to remember their compassionate side?
A: I felt …. guilt i felt Solas guilt, my ancestors killed hers, they eradicated every single one. I told her she was more than this Anger that her compassionate side was stronger. She may have the blood and memory of the Titans but she still is Harding
How did Rook encourage Davrin to train and interact with Assan? Did they suggest discipline or kindness or some mixture of both? What were Rook’s feelings on seeing the twisted recreation of Weisshaupt, The Profane City? How did the blighted First Warden react to seeing Rook again there? Did Rook decide the griffons should go to the Anderfels with the Wardens or stay in Arlathan as protectors of nature?
A: I will have nightmares about that twisted Weisshaupt. Maybe I should take Lucanis' approach and just not sleep. For the griffons I think it's time they lay down the weapon… they will flourish in Arlathan and Arlathan will flourish through them. For the First Warden, he didn't like me living, he dont like me as blighted.  Still he didn't deserve that ending. 
Davrin and Assan are a team now, kindness and discipline is a good mix for both of them , but let's be fair Assan is going to dance on Davrins nose. 
What did Rook think of Emmrich’s confession that he wanted to attain lichdom? Did their views on necromancy change as they got to know Emmrich and the Mourn Watch better? Did they encourage Emmrich to attain lichdom or to revive Manfred?
A: it's his choice but i would have been sad to see manfred go, which is weird to say as he's a Skeleton but still. Who would play rock, paper scissors with me. And I know that Emmerich would have shattered without his skeleton son, eternity can be lonely just look at Solas. 
How did Taash’s journey to finding themselves strike Rook? What did Rook think of Shathann once they got to know her better? Did that change after her death? Did Rook encourage Taash to embrace their Rivaini culture or to fall back on the strength of their mother’s teachings about the Qun?
A: Taash mother and me never really got along and that's okay, i don't need to be liked by everyone…. i don't even want that. But still i was sad to see her die that way, my heart broke for taash. still i told them to embrace who they are and where they grew up. find strength in happiness of your own.
(If Rook didn’t romance Harding or Taash:) Did Rook encourage Taash to get a gift to express interest in Harding? What was it and why? How did they feel about that relationship going forward?
A: Taash bought Harding something for her arrows and hey I love that they get along THAT well ( laughs ) at least some of us are getting some u know what ( laughs even louder)
(If Rook didn’t romance Emmrich:) Did Rook encourage Emmrich to take Strife to the caves or the forest on a date? How did they feel about that relationship going forward?
A: This really came out of nowhere to be honest but I like it, even though Strife can be a bit… mean sometimes ( laughs again) the comment about me being a city mage wasn't really necessary but still.  I love that for them they are like my uncles 
How did Rook deal with the friction between Taash and Emmrich? Did they encourage them to find common ground or to talk about other things? How did they feel about that relationship going forward?
A: told them to just find a common ground … this little fight was unnecessary, but it also was kind of predictable now they always ramble on about plants
Did Rook romance any of their companions after all? What was that like for them, and how did it happen? Did the other companions have an opinion?
A: Well, ahem ( visibly blushes) me and lucanis are getting along very very well, even spite seems to like me ( laughs) it was actually nice talking to him in Lucanis mind… Even though the circumstances could have been better. For the companions Neve was happy for us both especially seemingly for Lucanis. Harding was also happy but still worried about spite. I think Emmerich is already planning a wedding bouquet and he's getting ready to fight Viago to be the one to bring me to the altar. The others are happy too though Davrin seems the most worried. Oh and the Inquisitor is more than thrilled ( laughs)
Who did Rook feel closest to by the time they were making plans with the Inquisitor to stop the gods’ ritual at the eclipse?
A: I mean the answer is obviously Lucanis, but after him maybe Emmerich he was my calming point of this whole thing 
Did Rook choose Davrin or Harding to lead a second team at Tearstone Island? Why? How did they feel in the aftermath of Tearstone Island about that choice? How did they honor their fallen teammate later?
S: It was Harding and I was devastated. I lost my sister that day.That what she was for me Family not just a friend. I joined her to keep going, no matter the price , for Lace 
Did Rook choose Neve or Bellara to take down the wards at Tearstone Island? Why? Did they regret their choice? How did they come to terms with it after?
A: my bell my little Bellara she was the one to take down the wards she knew them enough , I thought she would be safe…. I beat myself up over it and i still feel the guilt
How did Rook deal with learning they’d been magically gaslit into thinking Varric was alive all this time??????
A: I wanted to kick his bold wolf ass…. THE PURE AUDACITY LIKE WHAT?!?!?! 
Did Rook find the Mysterious Circles?
A: yes i actually did 
Did Rook find all of Solas’s regrets after the Inquisitor gave them the first? What were their reactions to the revelations about:
A: I found them all…. One worse than the other
The Golden City/The Black City and The Chantry’s doctrine being false
It did not hit me as hard as it should have 
Mythal convincing Solas to take a mortal form
The pain Of him… I understood him better after this. A spirit if wisdom becomes a Pride demon after being Used against their purpose and getting twisted
Solas being willing to sacrifice his followers for his end goals
he….. I hated him for that but it was necessary and I know it was not an easy decision for him. “ they died as who they were” this hitted  harder after knowing who and what he once was
Ancient elves originating as spirits who took mortal form
I jokingly talked with Emmerich about what kind of spirit I would be. He said Determination , Courage or Compassion …. Lucanis said Spite liked the idear of me being a Spirit of Determination 
 ●The elves -- particularly Solas and Mythal -- killing and exploiting the Titans to win the war against them
Guilt i felt the guilt of Solas, like i already, said….. and rage 
The blight being the Titan’s lost, angry dreams
It scares Me how powerful those beings could have been if the blight are there angers and dreams
Solas regaining his power pre-Inquisition by killing Mythal’s current host
-i didn't know her , the other host, and to be true after all i have seen of her i don't really know if i feel sympathy for her, i meant mythal.
Bonus Round: Were Solas and Mythal doing it?
Oh definitely
Mythal's essence. How did they get it from her? Was it a fight or a matter of discussion? How did they feel, meeting her?
It was a discussion,  one that felt like talking to an explosive ready to go off any minute….. it was strange meeting her. Her fragment seemed bitter and like she lost herself.
Act 3: The Wrath of Ages
Were all Rook’s allied factions at maximum strength when they launched their attack on Elgar’nan? Which ones weren’t, and why? Did Rook favor any of them? Their own? Someone else’s?
A: They were all my allies and all were the strongest they could be…. And of course I would favor my people the crows
Who did Rook choose to support the Veil Jumpers in the final battle dealing with magical wards or protecting others?
Neve knows Those wards better than anyone so i chose her
Who did Rook choose to support the Crows and the Lords of Fortune in the final battle fighting mages or attacking by surprise?
A: Of course lucanis… Whonwohlf be better at killing mages than my own Demon of Verantium
Who did Rook choose to support the Wardens and the Mourn Watch in the final battle fighting massive enemies and constructs?
A: Taash knows best how to fight giant enemies
Who did Rook choose to take with them for the final battle against Elgar’nan and why?
A: Emmerich and Davrin, Emmrich is a skilled mage with years of knowledge also he keeps a cool mind no matter what. Davrin is a Warden he qs trained to fight Darkspawn And he's a skilled soldier who has fought many battles.
Did Rook plan to trick Solas with the fake dagger or did they think they better not risk it?
A :Tricking the god of Trickery is suicide but it was put only option if he would have not let him  be talked down
Did Morrigan give you Felassen’s Rune? How did Rook use it?
A Fellassen helped me finish it all for good
Did Rook have a lover to talk with before the final battle? How did they feel in that moment?
A: Lucanis and I talked… His words embedded themself in my brain they guided me up that tower and echoed inside me as i slayed a god
After defeating Elgar’nan, how did Rook deal with Solas and the veil? Was it different than they had planned? If so, why and how?
A: I Talked with him… He had to overcome his regrets…. Mithal was there and seeing tbe mighty Dread wolf breakdown …..  cried as i saw the Inquisitor leave with him together into the fade i hope to some day to hear from then again 
What did Rook do on the day after saving the world?
I returned to the lighthouse…. and slept a long Dreamless sleep…. I think it was Dreamless….
Lightning Round - AFTERMATH VERSION
Favorite scent:Fresh grounded Coffee and the forest
Favorite food: Paella 
Favorite animal: Griffons and Dragons 
Favorite book or story: Varric's last book he never released
Favorite drink: Coffee
Favorite item of clothing: my Crow attire 
Favorite keepsake: An antivan crow mask, varrrics shawing mirror
Favorite place:the lighthouses dining table and the wolf's lair
Favorite person: Lucanis 
Favorite little treat: Hazelnut Torte
Who is Rook?
We have no Keep to keep our memories this time my friends, so I made a thing. Use it as you will, take pieces, use parts, do the whole damn thing, whatever. Thanks to @mageofquandrix for the backup on this!
Leaving the spoilery part beneath the cut.
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Who is Rook?
Name:
Pronouns:
Race:
Faction:
Class:
Specialization:
Before The Veilguard
Where was Rook born? Who were their childhood family and friends? What did they spend their free time doing as a child? What did they want to be when they “grew up” if anything.
Where and how was Rook educated? What did they enjoy learning; what did they dislike learning? Who did they admire most? Who was an example of what not to do or be?
How did they experience gender as a young person? Did they grow up in an environment of strict gender roles and expectations or were they allowed to be themselves? 
What was their take on sexuality as a young person? Did they experiment with romance or find it entirely uninteresting?
What was their take on spirituality as a young person? Did they grow up around one particular religion and if so how did that affect their beliefs?
What childhood fear(s) did Rook carry with them into adulthood?
How did Rook become involved with their chosen faction? Who did they meet first, and how, and where, and why did they join up?
Was Rook interested in finding a life partner of some kind when they joined their faction? Why? Who were their best friends and how did they meet? Who were their rivals, who did they trust?
Did Rook have any scars or tattoos? What’s the story behind them?
Did Rook ever strongly identify with a particular nationality, city, race, creed, or religion? Is this something they explored on their own or a tradition that was passed down to them? Did this identity evolve as they grew into adulthood?
Lightning Round - PREGAME VERSION
Favorite scent:
Favorite food:
Favorite animal:
Favorite book or story:
Favorite drink:
Favorite item of clothing:
Favorite keepsake:
Favorite place:
Favorite person:
Favorite little treat:
During The Veilguard (HEAVY SPOILERS BENEATH THE CUT)
Act 1: Signs and Portents
What was Rook’s status with their own faction at the beginning of the game? Why were they recruited by Varric?
What did Rook think of Varric when they first met? Did Rook support Varric’s choice to confront Solas alone?
Did Rook take Neve or Harding with them when they went to interrupt the ritual themselves? Why?
How did Rook engage with stories of the elven gods at the beginning of the Veilguard? Were the familiar or strange? Was it disorienting to have them rewritten or did it make no real difference to them?
What was Rook’s instinctive reaction to having Solas in their head and dreams? How did Rook respond when Solas asked them why they should be the one to lead the Veilguard?
Did Rook think Neve was right about needing more investigation before acting or that Harding was right that there was no time to spare? What made them think that?
What did Rook decide to do with Mayor Julius of D’Meta’s crossing? Why?
How did Rook react to Harding’s new magic? Were they supportive or wary or a mix of both? 
How did Rook feel among the ancient elven magic and ruins of Arlathan? Did they find Bellara’s work disturbing or fascinating or something else?
How did Rook feel about working with a bunch of assassins, the Antivan Crows? Were they familiar with the organization, a Crow themselves, or something else? How did they feel about Lucanis, specifically about Lucanis and Spite?
How did Rook feel about the Shadow Dragons? Had they ever been to Minrathous before or just heard stories? How did Neve strike them at first?
What did Rook think of the Wardens when they met them? The First Warden? Antoine and Evka? Davrin (and his tits)? And of course, the MVP, Assan?
Did Rook choose to help Minrathous or Treviso? Why?
How did Rook feel after seeing what happened to the city they couldn’t save? Who did they talk to about it, if anyone, and how did they feel toward Neve and Lucanis in the aftermath?
Had Rook ever been to Rivain before? What were their impressions? Did they have any experience with Antaam or Qunari outside the Qun? What did they think of Taash and Shanthann?
What was Rook’s first impression of the Nevarran Necropolis? Were they interested, disturbed, or something else? What did they think of Emmrich and, most importantly, Manfred?
What did Rook think of the Inquisitor? Did they become personal friends or did they keep it professional? Who was the Inquisitor’s lover, if any, and did Rook have an opinion of that?
At the Siege of Weisshaupt, how did Rook deal with the First Warden and why?
Act 2: The Price of the Past
How did Rook react to the aftermath of Weisshaupt? Were they sad, angry, scared, all of the above, or something else? Did they blame themselves? Lucanis? The First Warden? Ghilan'nain? Who did they talk to about it, and did they show their true feelings to their companions?
Had Rook developed a romantic interest in one of their companions--or someone else!--by the time Weisshaupt fell? If so, were they eager to explore it or afraid to? Why?
Who were Rook’s closest companions, and what did they like about them? Who irritated Rook, if anyone, and how?
How did Rook respond to Davrin and Lucanis’s animosity finally boiling over? Were they sympathetic to one or the other or to both?
When Elgar’nan took the Dalish prisoners to use as sacrifices, what was Rook’s first reaction? Were they resolved, raging, sad, or some combination? Did they talk to any of their companions about it?
What was Rook’s reaction to The Butcher’s proposition to them in Treviso? Did they respect it, think it was bonkers, or something else? Did they discuss it with any of their companions after the fact?
Did Rook express concerns about Illario’s behavior to Lucanis? Did Rook encourage him to punish or to forgive Illario? Did Rook encourage Lucanis to work with Spite to save Catarina or to punish Illario? What were Rook’s impressions of Catarina both before and after her kidnapping? How did Rook feel about Lucanis becoming First Talon?
Did Rook support Bellara in her desire to save Cyrian or did they encourage her to be more forceful in stopping him immediately? Did they encourage her to keep the Nadas Dirthalen or to destroy it?
Did Rook encourage the alliance with the Threads in Dock Town? Did they encourage Neve to bring Dock Town hope or to become a darker protector-figure?
What was Rook’s reaction to the revelations about the Titans and the residual anger their downfall and exploitation at the hands of the Evanuris  left behind? Did it change how they felt about Harding’s new powers, and if so, how? Did they encourage Harding to embrace the Titan’s anger or to remember their compassionate side?
How did Rook encourage Davrin to train and interact with Assan? Did they suggest discipline or kindness or some mixture of both? What were Rook’s feelings on seeing the twisted recreation of Weisshaupt, The Profane City? How did the blighted First Warden react to seeing Rook again there? Did Rook decide the griffons should go to the Anderfels with the Wardens or stay in Arlathan as protectors of nature?
What did Rook think of Emmrich’s confession that he wanted to attain lichdom? Did their views on necromancy change as they got to know Emmrich and the Mourn Watch better? Did they encourage Emmrich to attain lichdom or to revive Manfred?
How did Taash’s journey to finding themselves strike Rook? What did Rook think of Shathann once they got to know her better? Did that change after her death? Did Rook encourage Taash to embrace their Rivaini culture or to fall back on the strength of their mother’s teachings about the Qun?
(If Rook didn’t romance Harding or Taash:) Did Rook encourage Taash to get a gift to express interest in Harding? What was it and why? How did they feel about that relationship going forward?
(If Rook didn’t romance Never or Lucanis:) How did Rook feel about Neve and Lucanis’s Romance? Did they encourage it?
(If Rook didn’t romance Emmrich:) Did Rook encourage Emmrich to take Strife to the caves or the forest on a date? How did they feel about that relationship going forward?
How did Rook deal with the friction between Taash and Emmrich? Did they encourage them to find common ground or to talk about other things? How did they feel about that relationship going forward?
Did Rook romance any of their companions after all? What was that like for them, and how did it happen? Did the other companions have an opinion?
Who did Rook feel closest to by the time they were making plans with the Inquisitor to stop the gods’ ritual at the eclipse?
Did Rook choose Davrin or Harding to lead a second team at Tearstone Island? Why? How did they feel in the aftermath of Tearstone Island about that choice? How did they honor their fallen teammate later?
Did Rook choose Neve or Bellara to take down the wards at Tearstone Island? Why? Did they regret their choice? How did they come to terms with it after?
How did Rook deal with learning they’d been magically gaslit into thinking Varric was alive all this time??????
Did Rook find the Mysterious Circles?
Did Rook find all of Solas’s regrets after the Inquisitor gave them the first? What were their reactions to the revelations about:
The Golden City/The Black City and The Chantry’s doctrine being false
Mythal convincing Solas to take a mortal form
Solas being willing to sacrifice his followers for his end goals
Ancient elves originating as spirits who took mortal form
The elves -- particularly Solas and Mythal -- killing and exploiting the Titans to win the war against them
The blight being the Titan’s lost, angry dreams
Solas regaining his power pre-Inquisition by killing Mythal’s current host
Bonus Round: Were Solas and Mythal doing it?
Mythal's essence. How did they get it from her? Was it a fight or a matter of discussion? How did they feel, meeting her?
Act 3: The Wrath of Ages
Were all Rook’s allied factions at maximum strength when they launched their attack on Elgar’nan? Which ones weren’t, and why? Did Rook favor any of them? Their own? Someone else’s?
Who did Rook choose to support the Veil Jumpers in the final battle dealing with magical wards or protecting others?
Who did Rook choose to support the Crows and the Lords of Fortune in the final battle fighting mages or attacking by surprise?
Who did Rook choose to support the Wardens and the Mourn Watch in the final battle fighting massive enemies and constructs?
Who did Rook choose to take with them for the final battle against Elgar’nan and why?
Did Rook plan to trick Solas with the fake dagger or did they think they better not risk it?
Did Morrigan give you Felassen’s Rune? How did Rook use it?
Did Rook have a lover to talk with before the final battle? How did they feel in that moment?
After defeating Elgar’nan, how did Rook deal with Solas and the veil? Was it different than they had planned? If so, why and how?
What did Rook do on the day after saving the world?
Lightning Round - AFTERMATH VERSION
Favorite scent:
Favorite food:
Favorite animal:
Favorite book or story:
Favorite drink:
Favorite item of clothing:
Favorite keepsake:
Favorite place:
Favorite person:
Favorite little treat:
480 notes · View notes
quitealotofsodapop · 3 days ago
Note
Lmk au idea.
Wukong isn't MK's teacher. At least, not in the same way he is in the show.
In this idea I had randomly pop into my head I'm thinking that Wukong had gone above and beyond simply vanishing for 500 years and hiding out on FFM. He straight up changed his identity and went into hiding as a mortal. He says fuck off to being a demon god, fuck off to all the gods and celestials and all his titles. He retires, fully and completely, passing his crown off to his Stalwarts and just becomes a wanderer traveling around, doing odd jobs and never staying in one place too long.
At some point over the centuries he ends up back in the village that he left his staff in, or rather, whay it became. A sprawling metropolis of a city that a person trying to disappear can easily do so. He set up shop, having had many hats over the years he's able to easily pick up a humble job nobody would blink twice at. Mechanics are always sorely needed in large cities after all.
One day at his shop a hauntingly familiar fave appears at his doorstep. Pigsy's truck had broken down while he was out with baby MK on a supply run and Wukong's shop had been the closest mechanic they could find. Wukong could sense something was special about MK, but not what or why and after he fixed up the truck he spent the next hour or so reminding himself that he is not Sun Wukong anymore, he is not part of that life anymore. Unfortunately, or fortunately, Wukong's mechanic work was something Pigsy liked, a lot. The truck was running smoother than if ever did before and the price was a steal! Wukong quickly became the favorite mechanic shop for Pigsy's Noodles and MK began to show up more often at the mechanic shop (he crashed a lot of stuff ok). Wukong ends up becoming the cool mechanic dude who helped teach MK how to mod his hoverboard and would often drop cryptic but helpful advice to the kid, Wukong having settled with the idea that he can look after the kid at least since it doesn't look like Zu Baijie's decendant or the kid were going to go away anytime soon. This led to meeting Tang and Mei, which were... experiences. And Wukong just ends up being a family friend to the Noodle Gang who likes cold vegetarian noodles.
Then a Hero is Born happens. Wukong hadn't been there for that experience. He was "on a supply run" when DBK was freed, he was in a different town entirely. So he wasnt physically present when MK became the Monkie Kid. It doesn't mean he wasn't completely uninvolved, though. Wukong isn't stupid, he knows DBK would eventually be freed, and he also knew it was possible someone else would pick up his staff. Afterall the staff had chosen him, not the other way around. It isn't unfeasable to imagine it'd pick another now that it's owner has put it down. Plus it isn't entirely impossible to imagine whoever it is would seek him out, he was the last known person to wield the Ruyi Jingu Bang after all.
He left a series of visions and astral projected recordings in his cave. The first being triggered should anyone breach his cave, the vision MK first sees when he enters Water Curtain Cave, only it doesn't stop at Wukong just running off. The projection speaks.
Wukong's recording. Looking as laid back and amused as can be: If you're seeing this, congrats! You got past my unstoppable barrier! Unfortunately I'm afraid that you won't be able to find me, as I would have been long gone from this place and am retired! So if your here for an autograph I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to leave.
MK: WHAT!?
Wukong's recording, becoming serious and almost sad: If you are a friend, however. I want to say I'm sorry, but please don't go seeking me out. I am hanging up my crown and title as the Great Sage and the Monkey King, and I don't not wish to be disturbed. Over the centuries I've come to realize my whole life I've done nothing but hurt the people I care about, so... for everyone's sake... I'm disappearing so that I can't hurt anyone again. Ever. And if you find my staff, I'm sorry I can't be there to help you. But I'll give you a piece of advice I learned, believe in yourself. Even just a smidge can make all the difference.
MK is gobsmacked at the thought that Sun Wukong had just up and left like that, that he's been gone for a long time and won't be able to help. He decides if Wukong wasn't there to be a hero anymore, he'd do it for him. Just a smidge makes a difference, right?
And so the Monkie Kid becomes the Monkie Kid. Over the next season or so he struggles a lot with his powers, not having a proper mentor. See, unlike the rest of the Noodle Gang, since Wukong wasn't physically present when MK became the town hero he isn't ever explicitly told it's MK. MK literally just forgets to mention it to him, but he does his best to help where he can. Giving advice where he can.
Most everything else was done without his input, altho MK did find it weird that the Calabash seemed to think his mechanic friend was the Monkey King. It's the first hint he ever has that Wukong was not as he seemed, but he write it off as him simply thinking of Wukong as a mentor figure since he's always been supportive and gave helpful advice and the Calabash substituting the Monkey King for Wukong.
Even the Macaque episode was done mostly without his input, altho a certain black furred monkey was not happy that his attempt to lure Wukong out didn't work at all. Wukong had been busy with renovations to expand the shop at the time, thus where the "step into the strike" advice came from since MK had been helping Wukong with tearing down the wall.
The big reveal about Wukong being the Monkey King only happens during Revenge of the Spider Queen, when Wukong has no choice but to step in as the Monkey King. And believe me, he is absolutely not happy about the matter. He doesn't run away once everything is done and over, but it's very clear that he is upset by the way he avoids everyone and jsut sits curled up on the rooftop. When asked why he never told them, especially knowing MK was using his staff, he first points out MK had never explicitly told him about the whole Monkie Kid business so he had no reason to "know" anything about it. Then he jsut points to the destroyed city.
Wukong: This is what happens everytime the Monkey King appears. Destruction, death, and chaos. I didn't want to be that anymore.
This spun off from a convo on how Wukong likely felt abandoned by his mentor(s), beginning with Subodhi, the allies he made in Heaven before the war, Guanyin, and even Tripitaka when the monk passed.
Wukong, going by just "Wu", drifting along the centuries living a mortal life. Packs up and leaves whenever conflict or war breaks out, or when people start to get suspicious.
His number one rule? Never get attached. Never again...
He becomes a mechanic (a real "grease monkey" if you will). Although he loves medicine and herbalism, it simply has too many paper trails. Also cars are fun to tinker with and don't talk back most of the time. Less likely to make a connection.
He eventually returns to the village where he lay his Staff down for good. Just seemed right coming up to the 500 year anniversary of one of his biggest regrets. The village has since become a sprawling mega-city, open to humans and demons alike. There he plants his roots.
The biggest shock of his life comes when he sees his brothers faces and souls all over again. Three in new bodies, and one in the same. A certain fish demon had pretended he didnt recognise him, and Wu returned the courtesy - seems he wasn't the only one from the old days to retire.
He wonders if it was the right decision to settle in Megapolis...
Until the day Pigsy knocks on Wu's shop, breathless and carrying a wiggly baby human (?). His food truck had given up the ghost and the cook desperately needed repairs asap! Wu simply couldn't turn him away.
Through the conversation and the repair process, the wiggly baby maybe-human had stared at the monkey demon with absolute wonder. Wu isn't sure why until he overhears the cub blabble something into his father's ear.
MK: "Mon-ken." Pigsy, fond sigh: "No MK, that's not the Monkey King. He just looks like the drawing in your Baba's book." Wu, nearly drops the truck on himself: "Eh?" Pigsy, little embarassed: "Oh! Sorry. The piglet is convinced that you're the Monkey King. My partner researches mythology and stuff, and he fills the kid's head with all sorts of ideas." Wu, rolls out from under the truck with a cheeky smile: "It's no problem. You'd be surprised how often I get mistaken for him! Think its the fur." (*Wu shares a glance at MK, the baby human is still staring at him unconvinced. Wukong makes a unsubtle shush motion and winks - causing the little human to wiggle once more with joy. Pigsy sighs fondly once more, knowing that the boy will most definitely hold this moment dear throughout his childhood*)
With that one chance meeting, Wukong breaks his number one rule; Never get attached.
It's not his fault he fixed the truck so good that Pigsy became a loyal customer! And the pig demon began tipping him with free cold vegetarian noodles. And that the scholar at the shop and him started info-dumping together! And that the little human began seeing him as a beloved uncle...
Oh yeah. Wu is in too deep. Hopefully nothing too chaotic happens within the next few years or so >:3
You can say a certain monkey demon nearly had a heart attack when he learned that someone had finally taken up his Staff - and that it was his little buddy!! Also Sandy is back in the gang, so they can't pretend that they dont know each other for long.
Wu would *like* to step up and reveal himself as the Monkey King to MK - but he feels that would just make things so much worse. The kid's trust in him would shatter immediately. So it's better to leave his projections on FFM to do the physical training, and for Uncle Wu to provide him with much-needed emotional guidance.
Sharing this dm you sent in particular based on the "Macaque" episode cus it's a tasty piece of dialogue:
MK: "Is it really better to focus your power into every attack?" Wu: "Hm, that's a lonely way of thinking. And dangerous. Look at this hammer I use for example, it's strong but if I'm not careful an just bang away at metal, it'd hit hard but it'd cause more damage to myself and the people around me. But if I were to... step into the swing so to speak and not depend on the hammer but rather my own strength, it's easier to control and has less risk of hurting myself."
He had been doing renovations on the wall to expand his business at the time, thus why he was banging at the wall with a hammer.
Eventually the episode ends with Macaque calling desperately out to the battlefield - almost begging for his king to reappear. The shadow monkey is so occupied in his despair and anger that MK manages to slip free and reclaim his power.
MK promptly bullies Macaque into actually mentoring him. Macaque chuckles at the nerve of this kid, and agrees - but only as a truce until Wukong returns. After that, Macaque expects a rematch.
Unironically loving this AU
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casscainmainly · 11 hours ago
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Cass, Names, and the Black Bat Era
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With a Black Bat mention in 2025 (read Batgirl (2024) #4!!), it seems as good a time as any to look back on one of Cass' most fleeting identities. We all know why Cass took up Batgirl and Orphan, but we don't get to see the thought process behind Black Bat. I'm going to consider why Cass might have chosen Black Bat as her name, and what it means for her relationship to Bruce and the Bat symbol.
This analysis will purely consider events from the characters' perspectives, ignoring authorial intent. There is like a negative percent chance any of the connections I make here were intended, and Black Bat probably was just a name they randomly picked. This is essentially me trying to make sense of the little Cass bits we get during the Batman Reborn era.
Background: Batgirl and Orphan
Growing up nameless, Cass associates names with personhood and autonomy. Batgirl was the first (and the most important), and a large part of Batgirl (2000) showed how Cass only thinks of herself as Batgirl.
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Batgirl (2000) #7
"You need to relax, Cass--sorry--Batgirl." Barbara's 'sorry' indicates that Cass' identity is purely Batgirl, disliking any other name. (For a more in-depth exploration of this moment, see renaroo's meta!). This shows how it's not just the mantle, but the name - the actual word - that matters to Cass.
A very similar thing happens in Batman & Robin Eternal #26:
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Once again, Cass is extremely particular about what people call her. And once again she rejects one identity in favour of another - she struggles with being more than one thing. Whatever identity she adopts, it contains her whole self.
Which is why when she loses herself, she becomes nameless:
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Batgirl (2000) #73 / Red Robin #17
In the first panel, Cass has just 'killed' Shiva and forsaken Batgirl. "She thought she was a bat. But she came to find she wasn't that either." Without the bat, she becomes a girl "named Cain." While not technically nameless, Cain is just her father's last name - she has no first name of her own. This namelessness occurs again in Red Robin. After Bruce tells Cass to give Steph Batgirl, Cass is left without the bat again - and, again, she becomes nameless. Tim gives her a bat costume, asks her what she needs, and she says "to... just... be...".
If she takes up another name, she will become something - a name is not only identification, but transformation. When she has no idea who she is or who she wants to be (as seen in the end of Batgirl (2000) and Red Robin), she chooses namelessness.
The Gift
Cass remaining nameless not only shows her lack of identity, but her rejection of Bruce and the Batfamily.
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Red Robin #17
Here, Tim says it doesn't matter what Cass calls herself, they'll always be family. Cass' answer is cryptic: "But family is not always home..." If we look at Cass' history, the only times she leaves her family is when their relationship becomes unbearable. She runs from David Cain because he makes her kill; she leaves Babs because she calls her stupid; she leaves Gotham the first time because of Steph's death; she goes to Hong Kong because Bruce makes her give away Batgirl. Family isn't home for Cass only when something awful happens.
For Cass, family and names have always been linked. In my gift post, I talked about how Batgirl was presented as a gift, and how Babs says gifts are things that make you "feel[...] not alone" (Azrael: Agent of the Bat #61). Batgirl, a gift, makes Cass feel "not alone." The mantle represents her connection to the Batfamily.
In fact, Red Robin parallels the original gifting of the Batgirl suit:
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Legends of the Dark Knight #120 / Red Robin #17
Tim explicitly links the gift of the Bat symbol to family: "the...family... has settled down. I thought maybe... it was time to make it all official." (This also somewhat parallels Bruce's adoption of Cass, which Tim was also there for). But Cass doesn't accept the gift this time, telling Tim that Steph is already Batgirl, and that 'family isn't always home'. She keeps the suit, but the ambivalence in her response shows her ambivalence to her family.
Batgirl and Orphan are both familial names, one linked to the Bats, one linked to David Cain. Names to Cass represent both her own identity and her relationship to other people. When Batman took Batgirl away, he was essentially revoking her place in the family (Batman R.I.P happens right after her adoption too). Though we never explicitly get Cass' feelings, her hesitance at Tim's gift says a lot.
What Was Tim's Gift Anyway?
When Tim first sees Cass, he thinks to himself:
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Red Robin #17
This is a great insight into what Tim was actually offering. The first thought reveals that Tim wasn't suggesting Cass be Batgirl again, which Cass assumed. He knows Cass doesn't want to be "who she was" - he thinks she's being true to what "she wanted to become."
What does he think Cass wants to become?
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Batgirl (2000) #59
In Robin/Batgirl: Fresh Blood, Cass tells Tim the "the only thing" she's ever wanted was to be Batman. This is the only thing she wants - when Tim says she's being 'true to what she wanted to become', it's likely he's thinking of this conversation. So when Tim offers the batsuit, he's offering the bat mantle. He's offering what she always wanted to be: Batman.
But Cass' conception of Batman is clearly tied to Bruce ("take over for him when he's... done"), which in turn ties the concept of Batman to Gotham. Cass does become the Bat of Hong Kong, but she doesn't take the Batman name (which she totally could, since Bruce and Dick are sharing the name; or she could be 'the bat' or whatever).
Instead, she chooses Black Bat. Both Batgirl and Orphan are taken from other people, so this is strikingly the only name Cass invented (even Kasumi was probably not her invention? It was a disguise anyway). But was Black Bat actually Cass' invention?
Tai'Darshan All Along
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Batgirl (2000) #40
Black Bat is also taken from someone - from Cass' first canon love interest, the one and only Tai'Darshan. I seriously don't think DC knew they were taking the name from him, but they did and that means Tai is extremely important to understanding Cass' Black Bat era.
Because Tai doesn't just represent teenage hormones. Like Lady Shiva, Tai'Darshan was a foil to Batman, someone who opposed him in almost every aspect. He is Cass' first proper rebellion, kickstarting the downfall of Cass and Bruce's relationship in Horrocks' run; he also died because of Bruce's interference, something that Bruce himself thinks is the reason Cass doesn't trust him anymore.
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Batgirl (2000) #47
Though Bruce and Cass make up in #50, there is something permanently secretive about Black Wind and Cass' relationship. Bruce says "she won't tell me what" happened, and Tai's last conversation with Cass is about secrets:
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Batgirl (2000) #44
Tai'Darshan represents Cass' secret side, a side "buried" from everyone (particularly Bruce). Tai's reference to Cass' "real name" is poignant - in a way, he was the first person who liked Cass for Cass, who asked her to take off her mask and admired her face underneath. He never knew who she really was, but he loved her anyway. The 'bat' in Black Bat doesn't refer to Bruce, but to Cass. It makes sense that at a time of complete identity loss - after giving up Batgirl at Bruce's orders - Cass would turn to a nickname from someone who caused her falling out with Bruce, who represents secrets, rebellion, and a self defined outside of Batman.
Black Bat
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Gates of Gotham #4
I wrote elsewhere about how Gates of Gotham, and this conversation with Dick in particular, is Cass rebelling against Bruce's (and DC's) decision to boot her from Gotham. In GoG #5, she tells Tim she's staying. Black Bat as a mantle is not really Cass becoming 'the Bat' of any place - it's something different, something new. It's a reconfiguration of the Bat symbol as something that's hers.
I think Tim bookending this Black Bat experience is important, too. He gives her the Bat symbol in Hong Kong - she comes back to Gotham to tell him she's returning permanently. Black Bat and Red Robin are syntactically similar, and Black Bat is very similar to one of Tim's name suggestions ("Black Robin"). For Tim, Red Robin was punishment made into redemption; he took the name from Jason and made it his own. Black Bat, in its own way, is Cass doing the same. By taking a nickname from Tai'Darshan, she is using the bat name/symbol without attaching it to Bruce; in fact, the memory of Tai is against Bruce. She's taking back the symbol that means so much to her and making it her own.
Conclusion
This was honestly a big excuse to remind people that Black Bat comes from Tai'Darshan. As one of 4 Tai fans on this website, I just think his role in Cass' life is really interesting and underappreciated! His storyline may be awful in every way, but I'll always have a soft spot for him as a character.
Also I was writing this before Batgirl (2024) #4 came out and it does somewhat complicate this reading. Shiva is implying that Black Bat, like Orphan (and Kasumi) are identities that Cass affects, that she's "aspiring to be somebody else". I don't think Shiva is being quite fair - Orphan, for instance, is as much in defiance of David Cain as it is an homage to him. But it's interesting that even when Cass is constructing her own identity, she consistently defaults to using other people's names. In that way Shiva is right - for Cass, names are gifts, so she never tries to name herself. She also, even in this reading, clings to the image of the bat. I'm highly interested where Brombal's investigation into Cass' identity will take her, especially in regards to superhero and legacy mantles.
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blackfilmmakers · 1 day ago
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genuine question, as another black person who cant go out and protest what should i do? im not gonna lie, i listened to some of malcom x's speeches and mlks final speech and broke down. it feels like my family will never be safe here, but as someone whos unemployed and cant even drive (and even if i could drive, i dont have the money to leave) it feels like im doomed. it just feels like the majority of america and even the world assumes that just because the civil rights movement is 'over' racism isnt that bad anymore. someone tried to argue with me that racism isnt that bad in the usa compared to european countries because its 'not as in your face anymore'. what about police brutality? what about right now??? sorry for venting i just. this shit is breaking me man, and i legit dont know what to do
I'm feeling it too, and it pains me to see Black people struggle like this when we just want to be left alone
Here are some things to consider:
1) Your mere existence is a protest of itself. White people legit thought we'd all naturally die out at this point. It sucks that just living as a Black person is considered to be politically divisive; but that's why just being present is itself a protest
2) Not everyone needs to be a foot soldier or protester to join the fight. If there was a war and there was a side that was made up of nothing but fighters, they would lose. You need your scribes, you need your medics, you need your journalists, you need that kid that goes around the neighborhood, and plasters stickers of uplifting slogans
3) Do not feel obligated to engage with racists and bigots. I don't care what any nonblack leftist on here tells you, most of them cant stop using aave w/o having a breakdown. Your saftey comes first. This does not mean to bubble yourself, always stay woke about what goes on around you. But Black people are always expected to be in the front lines always physically fighting. Let others do their part
4) Search for community aid, community gardens, local/rec libraries, etc. Set up Black focused community events. Whether they are physical communities or online communities. Look into Black groups that focus on cooking while on a budget
5) Read various Black literature and essays. You have a physical copy? Try scanning them and having them on file. Spread it before people try erasing all traces of the material
6) Look into information by Black and Indigenous people about their thoughts on walkable cities and gentrification, mainly because these are topics that directly affect you from what I'm reading. But also look for bus/public transit modes of transportation
7) Share mutual aid, and don't be afraid to share your own when you need help.
8) Remember that every month is Black History Month, so we always have the opportunity to share and celebrate Blackness
I can't guarantee these are absolute solutions, but they are a starting point that I hope helps you in the long run ❤️
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ahrianee · 1 day ago
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[🌌] Courage and... Honor
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Couple: Roboute Guilliman x Rena Caeruleun (Oc)
Warnings: English is not my main language, I'm sorry if there are things that are not understood, I tried to look for several translation sites to avoid mistakes, but surely there will be some, I apologize again
Notes: I didn't think I would continue writing, but here I am, without a chronological order and writing whatever comes to my head.
Summary: The memory of a better past haunts her in the bitter present she endures.
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Slow and heavy steps, the sound of metal heels hitting the ground, tiredness is too noticeable on the shoulders of the Astropath of the Honor of Macragge, with a dull face compared to what was once a bright expression, full of joy and life. Right now, it remains an empty shell that hides when it must show itself to others.
Ten thousand years, ten thousand years is enough to change anyone. So many things have happened that she simply cannot stop remembering everything sporadically and painfully, discovering her longevity — no, rather her inability to age — was undoubtedly something shocking for her. She raises her right hand to her forehead: dizziness, headaches, tiredness. She has so many things accumulated, but she simply does not allow herself to stop at any time; she still has too many things to do.
Ever since she agreed to handle the diplomatic part of Macragge, there have been days without any rest for her or for anyone, really. After Roboute Guilliman was put into stasis, she felt like a storm on the high seas, as if losing him had been like losing herself. She spent almost entire months empty, staring at the ceiling of her room in silence, as if a part of her had also been put into stasis with her fiancé.
When she began to slowly resume her duties, she was overwhelmed by a pile of papers that accumulated in front of her, like marble columns. People trusted her to do it almost as well as Roboute; they truly expected her to handle this matter even half as well, always comparing herself to Roboute and how he made it look easy to a certain extent.
A heavy sigh escapes her lips. Not only that, but also her family. Her father had acquired the title of Rogue Trader, but after the death of Nero and Alair, she did not take the title until the next generation, left by her brothers, wanted to take her place. She basically became a matriarch in her own family, and until a few millennia ago, she continued to hold the position of Rogue Trader, since the children of her nephews were the ones primarily interested in inheriting the title.
Carrying more than she can handle, but she simply cannot say no. She is not prepared to reject something like that, something so intrinsic to her family. They could not lose that title, a title that her father worked hard to achieve. She wants to keep everything as it was in the past, but the passage of time changes even the smallest detail.
The chain of thoughts overwhelms her again; dizziness and a headache return, as she has not rested for too long. With each warp jump she makes, it feels as if her body cannot take it anymore. Calgar spoke to her about supporting Astropaths, but the frantic pace they have been maintaining lately would harm any ordinary Astropath. She might have accepted, but her morale does not allow it. However, this is not the time to complain. She has become so accustomed to being in this state of agony for so long that it has simply begun to feel normal for her body.
A small misstep nearly causes her to fall; she has recently experienced several staggerings while walking, before almost collapsing to the ground. Hands covered by blue gauntlets gently catch her.
── Lady Caeruleun ──
Calgar's deep voice resonates. He has been quite attentive to the Astropath's condition, fearing that she might collapse at any moment. Several Astartes told him they had seen her staggering from a lack of energy. This would not be the first or the last time he has received such news about Lady Caeruleun.
Calgar sighs heavily as he helps Rena to her feet. He can understand what is happening, but he does not grasp the intrinsic thoughts that the lady harbors, which are indecipherable to anyone. When no one looks at her, she wears an empty and dull expression. Yet, when she is in front of others, she displays her best smile, even if it is a facade to avoid worrying anyone.
── You should rest. How long has it been since you took a proper break? ──
The question echoes in Rena's mind. She does not remember the last time she truly rested; only small breaks in Roboute's office, which is now her office, come to mind. She lets out a small sigh of fatigue, genuinely unsure of when she last had a proper rest.
She looks at Calgar in silence, and he softly shakes his head. He may appear rough, but Rena has proven her worth more than once, successfully carrying much of this burden on her shoulders without a hint of doubt or complaint.
── I truly ask you to rest, at least sit down for a while, Lady Caeruleun, there is still time until the next warp jump ──
Always so formal when it comes to referring to her, Calgar has consistently been very upfront with honorifics. The Astropath had already told him many times that honorifics were not necessary, yet Calgar remained just as formal with her.
── I still have many pending matters, Calgar. I will take a break when I have time ──
── Time is the only thing you never have, Lady Caeruleun ──
Marneus Calgar knows how stubborn the Astropath of the Honor of Macragge is. He also supposes that with that personality, she has managed to stay by the side of him primarch; few could understand Roboute Guilliman, and yet she seemed to know exactly what he was thinking without the need for words. Another detail is that the records show they were engaged from an early age but could never solidify the marriage. The main reason was the revolt that occurred in Macragge; the other consul made a coup to assassinate Konor Guilliman.
Calgar's serious gaze falls on the Astropath. She knew well what he was thinking; it is not the first time she has seen that expression on his face.
── I'm fine, Calgar. You don't have to put that worried face on for me ──
She says calmly, and this time Calgar's brow furrows. This was one of the things that bothered him the most about Rena—always putting others before herself.
He remembers how she always says she's fine, but anyone with two eyes can see that she's not in her best state.
── Should I remind you what happened in the last warp jump we made? ──
The bitter memory comes to Rena's mind, how her body suffered so much that her eyes began to bleed. Even with the support technology that the tech-priests provided, these two golden accessories shaped like wings that she always wears, she had ended up in that state of overexertion, warning her body. Had it not been for her, and if it had been any other Astropath, she would have been completely blind. But she was engineered for this; she was created to be the best Astropath. At the end of the day, her body has a connection with warp energy—she could endure it.
── Lady. . . ──
── It's fine, Calgar. I promise I'll take a break at the office; you don't have to insist anymore ──
The opponent sighs; he knows it won't be a real break, but at least the lady has never been one to make empty promises. With nothing more to say, the Astropath bids him farewell and continues on her way to her office.
The corridors are silent in the area she is heading towards, only interrupted by the echo of several Astartes' footsteps, who greet her politely. Respect is earned, and she has done enough for them already.
Rena slowly opens the office door. She still remembers the first time she came in here; it was with Roboute. But this is not the time to get melancholic, not again.
She walks calmly to the desk and sits delicately in the soft, padded chair. He hadn't changed the previous chair; he simply improved it a little to avoid back pain. Her elbows rest on the table as her hands rise to remove the accessories from her head, placing them to one side—accessories she has worn with such pride since the beginning, until now.
Her thumb caresses one of the golden wings, pain flickering in her gaze as a blurry memory comes to mind, the voice of her brother resonating in her thoughts.
[ . . . ]
── What are you doing here, lil' star? Surely Rommel is looking for you for your etiquette classes ──
The low voice of Alair, over two hundred years old, lies on a bed in the Caeruleun home. The face that had stolen the hearts of young ladies throughout Macragge now bears the signs of the passage of time: wrinkles, completely white hair, and that muffled voice that clashed too much with the lively tone he had in the past.
Rena sighs softly; for Alair, she is still his little sister. Even if she is now almost six feet tall, in her defense, she had stopped aging a long time ago. To him, it is as if she were still thirty years old, and with the memory problems she is suffering and the fact that she is becoming senile, he begins to believe they are still children.
── Calm down, I told Rommel that I was here. . . Mom gave me permission to be late to class to see you ──
She hesitates at that last thing she says. She wants to keep Alair in that bubble he is living in. The main reason she has come is that she was warned his brother might not have much time left, the brother he is closest to compared to Nero, the oldest of the three.
── That’s good; I’m glad Mom isn’t so strict with you anymore ──
Rena smiles softly as she takes Alair’s hand, slowly raising it toward her face. He reacts and begins to gently caress the accessories that cover her face.
── I always wondered why you started wearing those two golden wings, but I don't really care since my little star always looks beautiful in whatever she wears ──
Alair is direct; he always spoke the truth openly, and in this state, it seems he simply says what he thinks without any fear. Rena gently squeezes her brother’s hand. The eternal youth he possesses, she discovered several years ago when she saw the passage of time in her family but not in herself.
She asked her father, and the answer he gave her was something she simply did not expect. She would have expected anything else, except what he told her.
Born in a laboratory as part of an experiment by a technopriest, it must be emphasized that it was also a direct request from Duke Caeruleun. When Nero and Alair were born, neither of whom had been born with a Navigating gene, or it simply had not been activated.
The Duke, was not going to be left with the unknown, The Duchess Ceres had been one of the best Astropath of her time, she didn't want that gene to be lost, and that was the main reason for creating his third daughter. He offered resources to the tech-priests to complete a somewhat strange experiment, as the nobility would not engage in something like that. One last fact that the tech-priest had never disclosed to the Caeruleun until after the creation of the girl was that he had mixed in a part of Eldar blood, a small percentage to ensure an affinity with the warp and the ability to survive it.
── Are you lost in your thoughts again, little sister? ──
Alair's voice brings her out of her reverie, and she nods softly at her brother's question. Even though she was created in a laboratory, she still shared blood with her brothers, who never cared where their sister came from; blood is thicker than water.
── I'm just remembering things ──
── If it's because of that supposed fiancé you have, I swear I'll make him cry ──
Rena can't help but let out a soft laugh. He is always so overprotective of her; no matter how much time passes, he remains the same. Still, she can't help but imagine her brother facing Roboute—one standing at six feet and the other at over three meters. It would undoubtedly be funny to see that. Alair always made it clear that he didn't like Roboute, not because he had done anything wrong, but because he feared that, because of Roboute Guilliman's rank, someone would try to hurt his little sister to hurt him. He wasn’t wrong; several murder inmates corroborated this. Yet he must admit that Roboute was always there for her, and that's something he appreciates.
── Calm down, Alair, Roboute treats me very well. You should stop worrying about me and start worrying about yourself ──
A certain bitter tone slips into that sentence. Being the youngest, she was always the most cared for by everyone, but also the one who was expected the most. Now that she knows more about herself, she can understand why they expected so much of her and why her mother was always so strict in her teachings.
Alair coughs with some force. Even in that state, he realizes that life is slipping through his fingers. In those small moments of lucidity, he understands how much time has passed and how bad his condition is.
── I promise you that if they do something to you, I will be here for you, little sister ──
── I know, I know that you will always be here for me ──
Rena bites her lip softly, trying not to let that expression of sadness escape. The last thing she wants is to sadden her brother in this state he is in; she has tried to keep smiling since she entered the room, but the sad atmosphere is beginning to overwhelm her.
When she looks back at her brother and notices that the strength of his hand is loosening, she begins to mentally realize what is happening. Alair's eyes lose the shine they always had, and Rena gently releases her brother's hand, placing it at the side of her body.
── You were always by my side, brother, no matter what I did ──
The memories of the time they spent together flash through her mind; each and every one of those memories overwhelms her in a matter of seconds.
She raises her hand to Alair's face and begins to close her brother's eyes slowly. She still doesn't want to accept his death, but the whole universe tells her yes; she can't hold on to something that is no longer there.
── Thank you, brother, thank you for everything ──
Rena slowly gets up, taking one last look at Alair's body, still smiling, at least he left this world without any regrets. She carefully walks out of the room where her brother was, looking around and closing the door behind her. Her servo-skull, which had been left outside the room waiting, begins to float towards her.
── Rommel, bring the doctor ──
She speaks with bitterness in her voice, watching as the skull flies towards the room where the doctor is staying. Rommel had died a long time ago, but in his last wishes, he requested to continue serving the Caeruleun family. Even in death, he remained faithful to the family and to his young lady. Although nothing remains of Rommel in this servo-skull, the memory lives on within it.
“── Even if these old bones turn to dust, I will continue to take care of you, Lady Rena ──”
He raises his right hand to his face, wiping away the tears that he can no longer contain. To match his mood further, outside his home, it begins to rain noisily. He sighs softly, feeling the need to stand firm today— the death of his father and mother, the death of his brother Nero, the death of Rommel, and now that of his brother Alair.
── This is going to be a very long day ──
[ . . . ]
She doesn't even know when she fell asleep, but she really would have preferred not to, since her dreams had stopped being pleasant for a long time, reminding her only of each year that passed and that she is still alive here, each of those years, each of the people who were with her and are no longer here.
She sighs heavily, each memory that at first was nice to remember, now bitter memories of better days that seem like they happened a lifetime ago. With her head still resting on the desk, she begins to look from one side to the other in the office.
The small sofa to one side was specifically placed by Roboute so that she could be close to him while she worked; they enjoyed their silence together, tranquility without discomfort. She looks away, this time towards the bookshelf full of books. Among those books, there are several photos of her, either from when they were children or when they met again after the seizure of power at the hands of the other Macragge consul.
At first, she was so attentive to Roboute that she never noticed all the details he had in his office to remember her, but the more time she spent here, the more she realized that he never stopped thinking about her. The first time she thought this after everything that happened, it felt like a bucket of cold water. She was the one who always gave him affection, signs of love, while he hid all these little details full of tenderness. Rena lets out a small laugh.
── You really are very bad at expressing what you feel; you can guide five hundred worlds, but you can't express what you feel ──
Roboute Guilliman was always like that, a seemingly serious and distant man, but in truth he was just someone who didn't know how to express himself in a social setting, someone who had many things to say but simply kept them silent, or at least that was how it was until he met his fiancée.
[ . . . ]
With two glasses in her hands, filled with a reddish wine that has a sweet taste, she walks slowly toward the balcony overlooking the outdoor patio. It had been a while since the Astropath had seen her fiancé. The family meeting to which she was invited as Roboute's fiancée was surprisingly strange; meeting the Emperor of Humanity in person and the rest of the brothers Roboute had not yet introduced was an experience. She could understand why he hadn’t introduced any of them, especially Fulgrim, with that strange, seductive aura and the sweetness of his voice. Yes, she understood why he kept some of his brothers from her.
She lets out a soft sigh as she opens the balcony door and looks out onto the small terrace, closing the door behind her. Roboute's broad back is recognizable anywhere, not to mention his height. When they met again after what happened in Macragge, several years had passed. Obviously, she had grown, now over two meters tall, above any average woman, but without a doubt, he had surpassed her. He nearly didn’t know what to say when they saw each other again after so many years. I must emphasize that childish crush never disappeared.
── I knew you would be here ──
He stands next to her while offering her one of the glasses. Roboute tends to disappear for a few minutes at social gatherings, as if recharging his energy. He always remains so composed that it seems nothing can disturb him, but having grown up surrounded by books and writings, he struggles to approach certain situations. Rena's face softens when she sees him take a small sip from the wine glass.
── It is one of the wines that you like, sweet but not extremely sweet, i wouldn't bring you something you don't enjoy ──
The woman laughs softly, while Roboute looks at her in complete silence, his expression full of love. Seconds later, he places his hand on his fiancée's hip; she knows him too well. Rena smiles as she rests her head on his torso, understanding that there is no need for words when you can interpret every gesture of your partner. Roboute might not be someone who uses many words, but Rena was there to fill that gap. There is always a balance between these two, a perfect balance that they did not even try to find; it was simply something natural.
── Next time, at least let me know. Don’t leave me in the middle of a conversation with the Emperor and Horus. I felt so uncomfortable; I'm grateful that Sanguinius got me out of there ──
She jokes sweetly towards her fiancé, aware that he knows she isn't angry at all—she's just teasing him. This teasing is something Roboute has come to enjoy; it's Rena’s mocking tone that he could listen to for all of her existence, and he would never tire of it, although he must also emphasize that he understands her existence could be almost eternal.
── I'm sorry ──
Rena softly shakes her head while moving away from him slightly, raising her hand to her chin since she can't reach any higher. Her thumb gently caresses her chin.
── Don’t apologize to me for something like that. I just want to be there for you when you're overwhelmed. I want you to know that you can trust me through good times and bad; couples are meant to support each other, right? ──
The soft tone she uses leaves him certainly enthralled; he wouldn't admit it out loud, but she could be talking about anything, and it would be the most important thing to him. He remembers the exact moment when he fell in love with Rena. In the several months that he lived with her in his home, he noticed all the little details about her: how she bites her lip when she's nervous, how she looks to the left when she wants to hide something, and how she always tries to conceal her nerves back when they were young behind quick conversations.
All these little details that anyone else would have overlooked, but not him; he noticed each of the little things that make her who she is.
── I'm here for you, no matter where you go. I'm your Astropath; I'll guide you wherever you wish to go. I'll never leave your side, I promise ──
She raises her pinky finger while smiling at him. It could be the corniest phrase she has ever said, but who are we kidding? In this relationship, the one who always speaks openly is Rena.
Roboute also raises his pinky finger, joining it with Rena's.
── Then, I promise I will protect you until my life ends, and even if that happens, you will still be the most important person to me ──
[ . . . ]
She raises her hand to the ceiling of the office, staring at his pinky, promises, promises that can’t be kept, but she still can’t help but smile at the memory of him; it’s bitter and sweet at the same time.
── I hope... I'm still the most important person to you ──
She murmurs softly as she slowly gets up from where she sits. She raises both her hands to her face, giving soft pats to her cheeks; it’s not time to regret anymore, she’s too busy to have time to wallow in her misery.
She draws the best smile on her lips, even if it’s not the reality she wants to express; it’s better than walking around the ship with a gloomy face.
She picks up her accessories and begins to slowly place them; she has to keep going, she has to keep going for him, and when it’s all over, she might just stop and take a real break.
── Courage and... Honor ──
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anime-protag-wannabe · 2 days ago
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Life After You
The death of Gojo Satoru in 2018 turned the Jujutsu World upside down.
Not only was the social order being completely re-written, but higher-level curses were also sprouting up like weeds throughout all of Japan. Sorcerers of every grade were up to their necks with missions and it seemed like every other day there was a new threat that had to be dealt with.
The pre-existing power balance of the three major clans had been completely upturned as well. Lesser-known families were scrambling to protect themselves by forging new alliances while the larger clans squabbled over who would fill the empty space left by the Gojo and the Zen’in clans.
The Fujioka clan was one of those families; an esoteric group founded near Mount Fuji, who maintained old shrines and kept old purification rites alive, it ensured the safety of its members through connections with more prominent families.
So that’s why you’re being married off to some small-clan sorcerer? Political benefits? I thought we had enough of those already. We’re a well-known clan, after all.
“Yes,” Akihiko answers. “The elders believe it will be beneficial to both parties going forwards to establish a more direct relationship between our clans and the Fujioka have strong innate techniques that can be passed down. Honestly, I don’t know why you’re surprised. You and I are both the products of a political alliance.”
Whatever. Yoshi shrugs dismissively, waving his brother off. Better you than me.
Akihiko shoots him a withering glare. “The only reason why you aren’t being considered for marriage is because of your entanglement with that New Shadow Style user.”
Atsuya, Yoshi corrects, unfazed by Akihiko’s irritation. And it’s not just some ‘entanglement’; having a direct connection to the new head of the clan is good for us, even if we aren’t married yet.
“Tch.” Akihiko scoffs. “Kusakabe only recently gained that title. And it’s only because of that woman the transfer of power happened at all. All of Jujutsu Society is trying to right the balance of Gojo’s death.”
So, who’s the bride? Yoshi asks, quickly changing the subject.
“Apparently she was Gojo Satoru’s wife.” Akihiko replies.
Satoru’s wife, huh. Sounds like you’ve got big shoes to fill.
“Shut up.”
Is she pretty?
“I haven’t met her yet.”
Yoshi quirks an eyebrow. I thought the decision was already made.
“It was,” Akihiko retorts. “She wasn’t able to visit the compound until today.”
Ohh… So that’s why you’re all dressed up, huh? Worried about making a good first impression?
“First impressions are important, Yoshida,” Akihiko snaps. “Not that you’d know anything about presentation.” He gestures to Yoshi’s casual attire.
Yoshi just laughs. Jealous, aniki? Don’t be. You’re just as handsome as me. You just need a little help is all.
He gestures to Akihiko’s eyepatch and a scowl crosses over the older man’s features. Why was his brother here anyways? Didn’t Yoshida have more important things to be doing than bothering him? “Why are you here, anyways? I thought you had a mission. From what I’ve heard, high-level curses are spreading across the country like wildfire.”
Yoshi shrugs, nonchalant as always. I passed it on to Yuji and the others. They’re more than capable of handling a cursed womb by themselves, now. Besides, it wouldn’t be right of me to miss sending my big brother off to his new wife.
Akihiko scoffs. “You’re insufferable.”
You seem a little grumpy, Aki. Do I need to put you to sleep? Yoshi tugs down his mask, revealing his cursed seals. There’s no real threat behind the jab, but Akihiko can’t help rising to the challenge. A voice in the back of his mind says that they’re both too old to be squabbling like this but Yoshi always had a way of getting under his skin and old habits die hard.
Akihiko reaches instinctively for the hilt of his sword. “You wouldn’t dare.”
Before either of them can do anything else, the wooden panel door slides open and Shinoda, one of the oldest clan servants, steps in, immediately dropping into a low bow before the two men.
“Pardon the intrusion, Yoshida-sama, Akihiko-sama,” he says. “But Akihiko-sama’s bride-to-be has arrived at the compound. She’s waiting in the gardens.”
Ever the oldest son, Akihiko is the one who relaxes first. He lets out a deep sigh and reaches up to massage his temple. “Thank you, Shinoda-san. I’ll be there shortly. Would you please escort my younger brother out?”
“No need.” Yoshi says, speaking properly for the first time since his arrival. His voice is level but the look he gives Akihiko is pointed. I might not live here anymore, but I know my way around the grounds.
“As you wish, Yoshida-sama,” Shinoda easily acquiesces. “Now, if you’ll both excuse me, I must return to the kitchens; the staff require my assistance preparing for tonight’s banquet.” The servant bows before leaving, sliding the door shut once more and leaving the brothers alone.
Well then, Yoshi claps his hands together. As much as I would love to stay and watch you make a fool of yourself, I’ll be leaving as well. I’ve got a lunch date with Atsuya.
Akihiko finds himself letting out a sigh of relief. Good. At least he won’t have to worry about dealing with his brother’s antics and making a good impression on his future bride.
Yoshi rests a hand on Akihiko’s shoulder as he turns to go. Let me know how it goes?
Even if they go unspoken, Akihiko can sense the genuine sincerity of the words, and he nods. “I’ll catch you up on things later.”
Even if Yoshida can sometimes be a thorn in his side, Akihiko knows he means well. They are still brothers, after all.
Good, good. I want to know all the details.
Akihiko huffs out an exasperated laugh as he shoos Yoshi away. “Hurry up and get out of here, Yoshida. It’s bad manners to keep someone waiting.”
I’m not the one keeping a lady. Yoshi retorts, but he’s out the door before Akihiko can get another word out.
Finally alone, the gravity of the situation seems to hit him all at once and Akihiko finds himself suddenly much more nervous about this meeting than he was just a couple hours earlier.
What will this woman be like? Will they get along? Can he ever measure up to the Gojo Satoru? What if she’s disappointed by him? What if she rejects him? He can’t tell what worries him more: the possibility of failing the clan, or the possibility of being faced with the fact that he just isn’t good enough.
A maelstrom of thoughts swirl in Akihiko’s mind like a calamity, momentarily drowning out all reason as he scrambles to prepare himself for the worst-case scenario. He can already imagine the things his future wife might say upon realizing that he was the one selected to be her new husband.
“This is all the Inumaki clan had to offer?”
“Is this some kind of joke?”
“Do you think you could ever replace Gojo Satoru?”
Dread starts to settle in his bones, cold and heavy like ice, but Akihiko forces his body to move. It would be horribly unbecoming of him to be late to their first arranged meeting. After all, it’s not only his honour or reputation hanging in the balance.
He can’t mess this up.
He won’t.
He is the eldest son, a direct descendant of the clan head, and a semi-grade one sorcerer. He will be one of the pillars that supports a new bridge of connection between the Inumaki and Fujioka clans. He must present himself the way tradition demands and fulfil the duties expected of him.
“You can do this,” Akihiko mutters to himself as he makes his way to the gardens. “It’s your first meeting; you have to leave a good impression.”
In the world of Jujutsu, marriage matches between clans are determined based on the availability of candidates and technique compatibility. Age is a secondary factor that is considered only if the gap between the proposed parties is wildly disproportionate.
Normally, Yoshida would be considered as a primary candidate despite being a second son. This is because he inherited one of the clan’s prized hereditary techniques. However, because Yoshida is already in a relationship which is considered beneficial to the clan, and his older brother is the first son of a high-ranking clan member, Akihiko was put forward before all other clan candidates despite not having the Cursed Speech technique.
The gardens are, predictably, completely empty save for one person. The space had been meticulously prepared in advance to make sure that everything was perfect for this meeting.
As he approaches the main fountain, located at the center of the gardens and no doubt where his bride-to-be was waiting, Akihiko tries to busy himself—and calm his nerves—by mentally reciting the scientific names for all the plants in the garden in alphabetical order: hydrangea macrophylla, ophiopogon japonicus, prunus serrulata, rhododendron ferrugineum, wisteria floribunda…
“Hello.” A quiet voice snaps Akihiko out of his thoughts and catches him by surprise. The greeting is soft and delicate, much like the woman standing before him, and he finds himself immediately drawn towards her.
He struggles to swallow the lump in his throat before attempting to speak.
“Hello,” He echoes, dropping his head in a bow. “My name is Akihiko. It’s nice to finally meet you.”
“I’m Mirai,” The woman answers shyly. “It’s nice to meet you too.”
“I’m sorry for your loss,” The words come out before Akihiko can stop them and he immediately snaps his mouth shut, desperately hoping he didn’t offend her.
“Thank you,” Mirai says, and the sincerity of her tone makes Akihiko relax just a bit. “These last few months have been difficult for everyone. I can’t imagine it’s been easy for you, either.”
Now that he’s had a chance to properly look at her, the first thing that catches Akihiko’s attention is her hair. It’s bright purple, similar to the wisteria blossoms scattered throughout the Inumaki compound, and done up in a simple, yet elegant style. A flower hairpin is tucked neatly behind her ear, matching the colour of her kimono. Her eyes, too, are striking and quite possibly even brighter than her hair. They shine like polished gold in the warm afternoon sun.
She’s beautiful.
Suddenly hyper-aware—and slightly self-conscious—of his missing eye, Akihiko clears his throat at the same time he turns his head, attempting to obsure his eyepatch. “I apologize if you were expecting to be wed to my brother, Yoshida,” he offers, trying to fill the silence and steer the conversation towards a… less depressing topic. “He’s the one who inherited the Cursed Speech technique.”
Mirai giggles, seemingly amused by his flustered state. “It’s alright Akihiko-san,” she says, lips curling into a faint smile. “I was the one who put forward the suggestion of a marriage alliance.”
“I—what?” Akihiko startles. “Forgive me, I thought—”
“It’s true that the clan heads oversee extra-clan marital agreements. But, if the proposal isn’t accepted by the potential wife, then it’s considered annulled.” Mirai explains. “I’m not naïve. I know that the safety of my family, my clan, was put at risk when Satoru died.” She takes a small step forward, reaching to clasp one of Akihiko’s hands in hers. “I didn’t agree to marry you because I wanted you to take his place, Akihiko-san. I don’t think anyone can.”
“But—”
“It’s okay,” she insists, giving his hand a firm squeeze. “No matter how much I might want to, I can’t change the past. Satoru is gone and even though I miss him, I know he would want me to move on and find happiness with someone else. He wouldn’t want me to be alone.”
Akihiko is quiet for a moment as Mirai’s words sink in. Her conviction is surprisingly strong and he’s mildly surprised (and pleased) by that fact. He didn’t expect her to be so… okay with being in such a position so soon after the fallout of what happened. He can’t imagine what it’s like being in her place. He doesn’t think he wants to.
“I’m sorry, Fujioka-san,” he says. “It wasn’t right of me to assume.”
Damn, I can’t believe I’ve already screwed things up. He thinks. Yoshida was right, I did make a fool of myself… at least he wasn’t here to see it…
“There’s no need to be sorry,” Mirai reassures him. “I was under the impression that you knew about the conditions of this arrangement. After all, I only agreed to marry you because you’re Yoshida-san’s brother!”
The shock and confusion must show on his face because Mirai turns her cheek against her shoulder in an attempt to hide her laughter. “Yoshida-san was friends with Satoru, you know, since they both taught at Tokyo High,” she clarifies. “And I heard about what you did in Shibuya, so I know you’re not a bad person.”
“Is that right?” Akihiko chuckles, unable to stop the smile that spreads across his face as he glances down to where they’re still holding hands. Yoshida, you sly dog. I can’t believe you got one up on me.
Mirai nods. “It is.”
“I see.”
“Oh, and one more thing,” she adds.
“Yes?”
“We’re going to be married, so please call me by my first name.”
“As you wish, Mirai-san.”
Any worries that Akihiko may have still been hanging onto are washed away when Mirai gives him a smile as bright as a new moon.
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scarlet--wiccan · 2 days ago
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Hi, do you know if Pietro is albinos or just has light skinned (colorism).
Neither, and you're using both of those words incorrectly. Pietro has white hair as part of his "mutation," and his skin tone is the same as Wanda's-- which, in their current official designs, is a light/medium brown.
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If you're assuming that Pietro may have albinism simply because he has white hair, I would encourage you to do some research, because that's not how the condition works. I have always found the way fandom equates albinism with fantasy hair colors to be reductive and insensitive-- although it's not my experience to speak on, so if anyone with a more informed perspective is willing to share their thoughts, I'd love to hear them. Regardless, there are many other factors that a person with albinism is likely to exhibit, physically, and to experience both socially and medically, none of which have ever been ascribed to this character.
Colorism is not "having light skin." It is a term that is used to describe prejudice and discrimination towards towards people with darker skin tones, or, in certain contexts, preferential treatment of those with lighter skin and more euro-centric features. This comes up in a lot of conversations about intracommunal issues, and it's usually not appropriate for someone outside of a racial group to comment on this, but I will say this-- when someone with lighter skin feels like they don't fit in with their peers or community, that is not colorism.
To my knowledge, the idea that Pietro has lighter skin than Wanda is based solely on Uncanny Origins: Quicksilver, a retelling of Wanda and Pietro's origin story and childhood that was published in 1996. Such retellings are dubiously canon at best-- they often take liberties with certain events and create contradictions that aren't ever acknowledged in the main continuity. Uncanny Origins is guilty on both counts, and it does something really strange with the twins' racial identities. At one point, Marya comments that Wanda and Pietro aren't truly Roma, which is not only false-- at this point, both Erik and Magda were thought to be Sinti, so as far as readers were aware, the twins were Romani on all sides-- but it's also just not something I believe that a mother would say in this context.
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The narration also states that Pietro has a hard time fitting in with the community because of his lighter skin. Keep in mind, all of the characters in this comic are colored the same way, so there's no difference between Wanda, Pietro, or any of the other Roma, and they all pretty much look like white people. Beyond that, I just don't think this is an accurate or likely scenario-- Romani identity is nuanced, but it's not predicated on appearance. Even if Pietro was notably lighter, he'd be less likely to face rejection from within the community, and more likely to be at risk of violence from outsiders. There is a history of lighter-toned and white-presenting Romani children being taken from their families.
Like I said, Romani identity is complicated, especially when it comes to adoption, but it's not appropriate for outsiders to speak on this and I really don't like the tone that Uncanny Origins takes. I usually tell people to disregard this portrayal, since it's such an isolated incident. It's worth noting, as well, that none of this aligns with the twins' updated backstory. In the current continuity, Django is Wanda and Pietro's uncle, and their mother, Natalya, placed them in his and Marya's care. They, and the rest of their community, knew exactly who these children were, and there would have been no question about their racial background or sense of belonging.
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wojnalik · 1 month ago
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secret santa exchange thingies! Did you know that in some polish families its Gwiazdka (Little Star) not the Santa Claus who gives presents on the Christmas Eve? I just think its super cute, my parents always fooled me that Gwiazdka already came to us, put present under christmas tree and I can look at her blinking outside x]
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egophiliac · 2 years ago
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redesigning my headcanon for Sebek's parents, based on important new information (SCALES)
(you can't see it but they're both wearing crocs)
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add1ctedt0you · 1 year ago
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The Untamed - Episode 19
Throughout the night, he [Jiang Cheng] had somehow managed to sleep a couple of times. The first reason was that, having been too tired from crying himself weak, he couldn't help from passing out. The second reason was that he still had the hope that this might be a nightmare. He couldn't wait to wake up after some rest and open his eyes to find himself lying inside of his room back in Lotus Pier. His father would be wiping his sword in the main hall. His mother would be angry again and complaining, scolding Wei Wuxian who winked in a funny way. His sister would be in the kitchen, thinking as hard as she could about what to make today. His shidi would be refusing to do their morning lessons properly and jumping around.
The Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation, Chapter 59, Poisons- Part Four
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katierosefun · 11 months ago
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modern family is all fun and games until you get to the scenes where you burst into tears because the once-vaguely homophobic dad now refers to his son's husband as family, and also the academically gifted daughter realizes that her dorky, clumsy dad was always really proud of her and just never surprised because he just assumed she could do anything, and also the eldest daughter who eloped comes crawling back to her parents' room and whispers that she still wants her parents to be present for her wedding, and also the anxious queer lawyer character admits that he was terrified that his husband would just leave him alone with their baby daughter, and also that the once-vaguely grouchy dad looks at his stepson and tells him that what makes a family is who sticks around, not who you're blood-related to and anyways what was i saying
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oceanwithouthermoon · 11 months ago
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ive never liked powerless saiki aus because the entire conclusion of the series is him accepting his powers as being a part of him that he cant change so like.. in aus where the power remover works, half of his development is erased..
if he had been "powerless" for longer, we wouldve gotten to see him realize this himself and im genuinely sad that we didnt.. we got to see him realize that being powerless wasnt the change he wished it would be and that its something he cant change, but its literally over a two day long period and we miss out on sooo much potential development..
and then in aus where hes born powerless, people think he would have the exact personality and development that he THOUGHT he would if he got rid of/didnt have his powers, like NO ? "without powers he would be another satou-" NO he would be a shy, borderline flamboyant, weird, awkward, genius LOSER.
he would have a more normal relationship with his brother (still probably competitive but in a way more average sibling way and kusuke wouldnt have had the motivation to become so murderous) and he would probably be even more friendless but with less trauma.. he may or may not have ever befriended akechi at all, and the classroom incident wouldnt have happened.. even some of his current friends might not be around if not for coincidences due to his powers or direct involvement from his powers.. (nendo and kaido would for sure still be there though, but this only ensures the idea that he would be the biggest fcking loser ever)
he would still be saiki, but. his powers are a key part of him. he would be totally different without them, but NOT in the way he thinks he would..
#also realistically he would be just as much of a stubborn asshole tsundere without his powers cmon#like yea his anxiety might present itself more as shyness than it does in canon him#but hes still an awkward stubborn asshole tsundere like thats just who the guy is#hes extra shy and maybe extra cute without his abilities to make people not find him cute#and is also like extremely ditzy and clumsy like he is in canon but its more visible to people because he doesnt have the powers to hide it#idk the point is his little quirks he thinks he wouldnt have would still be there but he wouldnt have the same faux justifications for them#need canon saiki to see an alternate universe him where he was born powerless#and hes like 'wow im going to see my ideal average me!'#and then au him is some super quirky ditzy clumsy kid with severe anxiety and also dysphoria#and he doesnt have powers to avoid being bullied like we see him do multiple times#this guy doesnt realize he will always be a loser no matter what#he loses key parts of himself and doesnt even realize that a lot of the parts left behind are still parts of himself that he hates#i know a lot of people think he would be much less jaded powerless which i get but#a lot of aspects of his personality that have less to do with his powers are a lot of the parts that he doesnt like and gets made fun of fo#so he would probably only be slightly less jaded and his awkwardness would just weigh it out a little more#though its hard to pinpoint exactly which aspects of him are only due to his powers#a lot of them are but i personally think those specific key personality traits would remain#anyway i would love to see what his relationship with his family would be like if he was born powerless#and i want to know who his friends would be#saiki k#tdlosk#the disastrous life of saiki k.#saiki kusuo#meows post
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bitchfitch · 5 months ago
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I'm working on that spirit of spring thing and its got me curious about something
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wonder-worker · 6 months ago
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Studies of Elizabeth Woodville […] have been hampered by the continuing fascination with her brother-in-law, Richard III. The Ricardian [and Yorkist] apologetic is now largely dependent upon the argument that the Woodville family posed such a threat to Richard of Gloucester, and the kingdom as a whole, that Gloucester had little option but to take the throne from his Woodville-dominated nephew. Although this argument has [irregularly] been contested, a reassessment of the queen's role in 1483 has not yet been attempted. Michael Bennett, in his 1987 account [...] still dismissed her as `an inveterate intriguer, capable in her vanity and fecklessness of some remarkable shifts and turns'. But more often she is scarcely mentioned in general histories of the period.
— J.L. Laynesmith, “English Queenship 1445-1503” (Thesis for the degree of DPhil in Medieval Studies, University of York, Centre for Medieval Studies, April 1999)
#Every single thing in this remains as true in 2024 as it did when she published it in 1999 btw#historicwomendaily#elizabeth woodville#wars of the roses#my post#Ironically Laynesmith herself is guilty of the same thing: her 'reassessments' of Elizabeth's role are really bad and always favor Richard#(so I don't know how she can call them 'reassessments')#also Laynesmith seems to think that the anti-Woodville argument has been 'repeatedly contested'#I would love to see those arguments because frankly from what I've seen (and I've searched A LOT) they are entirely non-existent#even historians like Rosemary Horrox who analyze Richard III critically retain a very negative and equally condemning view of the Woodville#throughout it all - so I am not sure that counts lol#That being said I'm really glad that Laynesmith pointed out how Elizabeth “is scarcely mentioned in general histories of the period”#because it's absolutely true#Like I said before - even in traditionally negative narratives there is very lacking interest in Elizabeth as a historical figure#She's only relevant for marrying Edward and Promoting Her Family and scheming against Richard#Most historians barely pay attention to her beyond that#The thing about Elizabeth is that she really has the worst of both worlds - she's vilified and diminished in equal measure#This has a lot to do with her brand of vilification; the persistent need to reaffirm Richard of Gloucester's appeal and authority;#and the very specific anomalous place she occupies in this period of time (between the three dynasties)#In the so-called 'era of queenship studies' where other controversial queens like Eleanor of Aquitaine Isabella of France and#MoA were receiving a great deal of attention and reassessments - Elizabeth remained equally vilified but was also#ultimately still dismissed as someone who 'grounded her queenship in her carnality' (with Edward IV) :/#So when recent 'revisionist' reassessments have depowered her still further...not only are they singularly unhelpful and inaccurate#they are also actively contributing to a major element of her negative historiography that has literally been present across centuries#hence why they annoy me so much#(This is also why Elizabeth is often written as a hysteric with haphazard and incoherent motivations in historical novels btw#It's a direct result of the vilification + diminishment combination that's been so persistent with her)
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