#it takes such a long time for the reveal

[xskyll]

Achilles' horses: *positively sobbing over Patroclus, getting their manes drenched*

Me: Was no one going to tell me the horses in the Iliad could cry? I really had to read the book and figure that out myself?

Achilles' horses: "Yo, Achilles. You're going to die soon. Just an fyi."

Me: They talk!?!??!

[imminent-danger-came]

“I felt the red-winged man gaze, I heard him speaking. I know who you are, he said, there are two ways this can go, no, three ways. I don’t want to count the ways, I said, I just want to finish it. I need to get to the end. His wings lifted and sanked. Oh my darling, he said, you’re a long way from the end.”

— Anne Carson, H of H Playbook

[revenantghost]

The way that they put more effort into the cover design than any other aspect of these "deluxe editions"

[guardian-of-da-gay]

simpler times

[front-facing-pokemon]

[panharmonium]

i am not usually interested in dramatically canon-divergent scenarios because the canon story is what compels me, but i've been obsessed with this moment ever since i re-heard it during my second viewing. from the perspective of someone who already finished the story once and now knows the truth - this was wild.

WHAT IF?

[appropriatelystupid]

this might be an unpopular opinion but i’d rather have a full agnes of westview spinoff than only get more future agatha as a mentor/sidekick to billy and tommy

[xxplastic-cubexx]

mentally preparing myself for a switch from cherik to chax if the mcu x-men follow the comics direction

id be very surprised if people actually did- on a massive scale- switch to 'chax' when the majority, even comic readers, still call magneto erik i'll be tbh elkjaeklj BUT its not impossible ... probably ..

tho part of that may In Fact be due to the fact some people haven't learned that name yet. For Sure if it were used in the mcu/cartoons it'd become more common knowledge but still, i think most people would just stick with 'cherik' for convenience/familiarity

[princeanon]

AHHHHHHHHHH

Nobody contact me for 3-5 business days

[puhpandas]

hi mutuals im just curious.

[mcrunchybones]

something something photography being the art of memory and recording and basil being the photographer something something the way hes always the witness and never the subject and maybe he doesnt think he deserves to be the subject something something taking a photograph being the act of freezing a moment in time forever and basil (and sunny by extension) never being able to grow up and move on from what they witnessed the day mari died

[pa-pa-plasma]

you just made the scientific discovery of the century & you want to tell everyone & your kids are first on that list but you can't find them. you manage to get a hold of your daughter & she says everything is fine but her voice gets tight when you try to mention your work & she sucks in a breath & says she won't keep you from it any longer than she already has & doesn't say bye as she hangs up the phone. you have a sinking feeling in your gut & you really want to get back to what you were doing but. something's wrong. where are your kids. why was your daughter not surprised when you told her. why was she so quick to hang up on you. your husband has the same type of mind & that's probably why neither of you can ignore this odd turn of events & so you decide to track them down. the research can wait. after all, the spook got away somehow afterwards. it's not like you have anything to go through but data & recordings.

[linkito]

I feel so much for Scar in those pre-sleepover rambles T-T He's out here trying to balance his protectiveness with the hermits being like that. And the hermits seemingly not caring that they're hurting him too. Really only Impulse seems to be looking at Scar. It just all feels bad...

-🎀

It is bad!

And honestly, it's a tricky thing to write, because even though we typically focus on the perspective of Grian and Scar, we don't want to write the other Hermits as mean. In fact, they're not even necessarily in the wrong. Because things really aren't black and white.

They mean well. They're concerned about Grian, and in a way, it is helpful. It's making Grian look inward and think about what he likes and for what reasons. It is a good concern to have, just... executed poorly.

Because they don't know any better.

It's reactionary! They see bruises and a flinching avian and fangs and an angry vex. It's not an unreasonable conclusion to come to. And they're still not necessarily buying into this idea of Scar being an abuser of some sort, no they know Scar, but... They can't just discard their concerns because of their feelings.

They know Scar, but... this version of him almost seems like a stranger.

...On the bright side, there are more Hermits on Scar's side than just Impulse! (not Mumbo though /sob)

Impulse and Gem were there during the rescue, specifically they were the two that saw how Grian let Scar near when he wouldn't allow that from anyone else. The way Scar's vex form faded as he embraced him. The way they held each other so intimately, the way Scar shushed and soothed him.

They know. And they saw that awful world. They understand more than most.

And Gem regularly spars with Scar! She's probably one of the few who is genuinely intrigued by this "new Scar." She likes him. She likes him just as much as she liked "old Scar."

Skizz comes around. He's a bit nosy and can be very critical, but he's also a pair with Impulse, let's be real. If Impulse sees the good in Scar, so will Skizz. Skizz is just gonna be a bit more of a pain in the butt sometimes, but Scar doesn't mind being held accountable and being kept in check. (Grian minds that people think they have to do that.)

Cleo is also a huge support. Imagine Scar asking them if he scares her. And Cleo just snorts like, "Scar, you could never scare me." She's literally undead! A vex doesn't startle them. Cleo is also the one to help dress Scar for the sleepover and cut his hair. Mama Cleo energy <3

And surprisingly, someone who is just undeniably on Scar's side and goes as far to say the other Hermits are completely out of line?

Doc.

Doc, who had Scar practically destroy his bionic arm on the ship during the rescue. (It's fine, it gave him an excuse to make upgrades.) Doc who is taking care of [redacted] and understands more than anyone what those two had to go through.

"Those Hermits, man, they love to get involved in everybody's business. Some of the things they say, so stupid."

Doc isn't scared of Scar. Just look at him, he's the scary one! (No, he's fluffy and soft. Soft for Scar and soft for the pesky bird.)

And then of course, there's— /dragged away by the redacted fairies

0:-)

[deiaiko]

#22.1 Hostages

Khun knew he shouldn't be surprised that his team got kidnapped by Agni. It wasn't even that long after they formed an alliance.

Agni had sent him a notice for today's training plan, telling them to gather at the same place as last week. Though Khun already had a bad feeling when Agni showed up by himself. "I thought we were going to do a team activity between our team and yours?"

"We are." Agni smirked and with a wave of his hand, a lighthouse that was hovering over them came into view.

Suddenly it felt as if someone had pulled the ground out from under his feet, throwing Khun off balance and causing him to fall unceremoniously on his butt. When he regained his bearings, he no longer recognized where he was. Khun looked around to check on his team, and he should've not been surprised to see that Agni was the only one who was still standing.

Did Agni just teleport them? Khun knew that lighthouse teleportation was hard to set without proper knowledge and expensive add-ons. Plus, to be able to teleport this many people at a certain distance would need very precise shinsu control. The gap between them seemed to grow wider and wider the more Khun learned about Agni. It was frustrating.

"Welcome to our team's training ground," Agni introduced. It was an indoor training ground. The windows showed a view of clouds moving, too fast to be from a high apartment building, so they were probably in some kind of moving floating ship. Agni waited until everyone got to their feet before lowering a screen next to him. Khun's heart did a flip as he noticed Bam half-hidden behind Grace.

"Best Turtle! Black Turtle!" Rak was the one to shout and run toward them, but his snout crashed against an invisible barrier, and he fell back. Khun tensed up at the realization that they were caged up.

Agni held up his hand to pause their mumblings. "Before we start, I would like to get everyone here on the same ground."

Grace nudged Bam to stand side by side instead of behind him. There was no smile on their faces. Bam's long bangs covered his eyes like a curtain, but his hands were fidgeting nervously.

"I don't know how many of you know, but let me introduce them to you. They're FUG's newest slayer candidates; Grace and Viole."

As if on cue, Bam tucked his bangs away from his face, showcasing his golden eyes that were still as bright, but less innocent. Khun might be imagining things, but Bam seemed to be looking at him most.

It took a few seconds before Khun heard Endorsi gasping from behind him. "Wait. Isn't that Bam?!" she screeched. "Tell me I'm not seeing things."

Other than Isu, no one else in his team knew that Bam was alive. Though, Khun didn't think that Agni would actually reveal it to everyone this soon. Didn't FUG go into all that trouble to take Bam away? So with this information out in the open, would it endanger Bam? His team?

"That is indeed him," Isu said bitterly.

"But isn't he…?" Hatz trailed off. "How?"

"His death was faked," Grace told them, emotionless. "Rachel pushed him to his 'death'."

Endorsi cursed, "And how exactly do you know about this?! You were involved, weren't you? That's why you suddenly disappeared."

Agni cleared his throat before Grace could refute. "Regardless of who was at fault, Viole is now one of FUG's slayer candidates."

Forced to be one. Khun corrected mentally. Because he was an irregular. 

"To keep Viole and Grace as part of FUG, you are kept as hostages against them, and they were prohibited from meeting you. However, I made a new deal with FUG. And that's why you can see them today. Of course, on one condition–" Agni raised a finger– "that as long as Viole and Grace are loyal to FUG, FUG will leave you be. If this deal is broken by Viole and or Grace, FUG will come after you. But if FUG breaks the deal by targeting you, Viole and Grace are allowed to go against that faction of FUG that started it. However, they will still be FUG's slayer candidates whether the deal was broken or not, as that was their promise so that they could get in touch with you."

"It doesn't sound fair." Hatz unsheathed his sword. "Bam, tell us that you were forced into this!"

Bam didn't respond, but he looked away from them. The sight made Khun’s chest tighten in guilt; From letting Bam live this kind of life. From giving up and believing that he had died. From failing to anticipate that outcome back on the second floor.

However, Hatz was taken aback by Bam's reaction. "...Grace?"

Grace raised his eyebrows as if not expecting any questions directed at him, but he was firm with his decision. "I chose this. I know you all must be upset for multiple reasons, but believe me that this is the best outcome we could have for everyone."

Agni looked over at them again. "As I told you earlier, this is all just to get us on the same ground. You have no say in this deal."

Bam nodded, more certain this time. "I have agreed to it."

That silenced them. Khun wanted to argue, but he bit his tongue, sensing from the odd tension from their hosts that there was something more to this.

"Now that we've told you about it, you have to make your choice. If you want to be in contact with them, you’ll have to accept their status as it is now." Agni seemed to have stated this specifically to Khun, Ran and Endorsi, as they were from one of ten great families and a Jahad's princess. "Or you can cut ties with us and not be involved in our deal."

"I just want to climb with Best turtle and Black turtle!!" Rak kicked the barrier with his clawed feet. "Why are you making it so difficult!!"

Khun already knew his answer long before he was asked. "I agree. I know what I signed up for the moment Bam told us that he was an irregular. No way I'm letting him go again." He couldn’t care less about Grace. But because Bam liked to have Grace around, he figured they’d come in a package.

To his surprise, Agni smiled at them both. Not his usual smug smile, but more gentle and mild. Though it was still getting on his nerves.

Shibisu stepped forward, standing closer to the barrier. "There are far worse things that could've happened than having FUG as an acquaintance. I can deal with it. But I will still take my teammates' decision into consideration."

Hatz sheathed his sword back. "Grace and Bam are my friends. They accepted me as I am, so it's only natural that I respect their choices."

"I honestly don't care if they're from FUG or not, as we've never met before." Ran shrugged. "But if A.A. choose them so then why not; interesting things keep happening around him."

Khun mentally reserved a punch to that chibi's head when they got back.

"I'm also just tagging along," Anaak spoke up. "I'm already an enemy of Jahad anyway. Going up with FUG won't affect me that much."

Endorsi crossed her arms and raised her brow, "I don't see why it's suddenly such a huge deal. I would have left my niece a long time ago if I was scared to be a traitor of Jahad."

It was brief, but Khun caught Grace and Agni exchanging glances. He didn't know what to make of that.

"Very well," Agni flicked his fingers and the barrier dissipated.

Rak immediately took off running and tackled Bam and Grace, holding them as much as his arms could reach. The brunets hugged him back. Khun found himself already walking at them, but he stopped himself at just enough distance from Bam to not make it too obvious how much he missed him. Eventually, everyone joined the reunion, and hugs and handshakes were exchanged.

Since they were still in the enemy's territory, Khun knew better than to let his guard down. So he still observed Agni from his peripheral vision, and immediately noticed the moment Agni turned his head to the side and talked in hushed voice, "Does their answer satisfy you, sir?"

A shadow in the hidden corner took form into a man, and his presence immediately alarmed everyone in the room. Khun felt his blood run cold as he noticed that the man was none other than Jinsung Ha. From behind, Khun heard Hatz whisper anxiously, "Isu, that's him!"

The man's heavy stare fell all over them before he looked at Agni, and then at Bam and Grace. "They're all really something." The man blew out smoke from his cigarette. "But I don't see anything special about them that's worth the trouble."

Khun bristled at that, but he could only bite his tongue in fear. To think that Agni, who was clearly also a Khun, could interact with Jinsung Ha like this…was something Khun wasn't sure he would dare to.

Grace raised his eyebrow and gave the man his most unimpressed stare, while Bam looked at the man with his puppy eyes. After noticing their reactions, the man glanced at Agni, and then suddenly shifted his focus to Khun, which almost made him jump. Khun shuddered when the man started laughing. 

"Ah. Of course, of course." The man walked up to Agni and patted his shoulder. "I will take your word for it. They better not disappoint."

Agni smiled with confidence, "That I can promise you, sir."

"Very well, I will leave you kids to your game then." The man walked past him into the corridor, waving his hand in dismissal and not looking back. "Until we meet again."

Grace and Bam bowed a little at the parting figure, and replied with a renewed vigor. "Take care, Master!"

Masterlist

Previous

Next

Let me know your thoughts in the reblogs <3

☕ Buy me coffee ☕

[simgerale]

CHAPTER ONE ; 3/3

TRANSCRIPT:

killian: Mama gets so testy this time of year.

dara: Try being Empress to an entire nation. Oh, right—that will be me.

k: And you get especially testy. Really, what is it about spring?

gregor: The snow melts, and everyone wants to renew their trade deals with unreasonable demands. Nothing new.

k: The politics of it all… how exhausting. [mumbling] Every year, I am more and more grateful that I gave up my chance at the throne.

[The secret door shuts behind him, the mechanism locking into place with a soft thud]

g: I will take my leave, as well. How long are you going to be in here?

d: All day. As I am participating in the trade talks this time, I must know everything there is to know.

g: Oh well. I was going to invite you to the luncheon regarding magic reform.

d: Let me know if any good ideas float around, will you?

g: ...As always.

[braceletofteeth]

Nuengdiao waiting for Palm to come back to him home