#like they would have fought each other into complete destruction of their souls it would have never worked

[spicyvampire]

Man, I cannot stop thinking about Chalothorn coming to save Tharn and listening to Tharn when he asked to not kill Montree (and u know it's serious cuz i'm using his actual name)

Like that is when Tharn understood what he had to do to break the curse isn't it? Like this is when he went from grieving having to leave and accepting it because he knew what he was going to do while he was gone and he didn't know if it was going to work but he was going to try like this is a man with determination right there, like he isn't only looking at Montee he also has a goal in mind

and I feel like talking about this process Tharn went through but also just going through the trio's "character descriptions" as in Chalothorn being a fighter (maybe not talk about Chalothorn in this specific post I want to give him a whole post for himself), Wansarut/Tharn being an healer/protector (mediator?) and Sakuna/Phaya being a fighter (somewhat a little bit of a protector Wansarut/Tharn kinda rubbed off of them akasghjsgajhad like literally) and also just talk about power levels and who would match who in a fight and how that affected Tharn's decision or something idk we will see

Disclaimer : pulling all of this completely out of my ass from watching the show but it makes sense to me, might not make sense to anybody else cuz these are just raw out-of-order thoughts

I think I'll put everything under a keep reading cuz I know We about to spend an hour on this cuz this is taking too much space in my brain and I got school assignments to do so we just gonna throw it up right now

WANSARUT

Let's start with the fact that Wansarut is a healer/protector (and a mediator of some sort maybe? idk) like from the get go you got Wansarut saving Sakuna and healing him, simply because Sakuna was still alive (ep 8)

Like they are enemies at that point??? and what if Sakuna decided to kill Wansarut when he got better? And you can see that Sakuna does not understand Wansarut's actions cuz like they are enemies! That is a big risk Wansarut took simply because he was still alive, because it's not in Wansarut's nature to just sit there and watch someone die, whether they are from the enemy side or not, and Wansarut tells Sakuna to leave as soon as he feels better too, because Sakuna is clearly in Naga territory and it's dangerous for him there, and Wansarut didn't ask anything in return until Sakuna proposed it, and what Wansarut asks is just so goddamn UUUGHHHRBSGUYAHFG [tv static noise]

I literally do not know how to describe it but like Wansarut has an entire Garuda that is the literal Garuda king's brother saying he will give Wansarut anything as a favor because Wansarut saved him and Wansarut asks for peace between their people??? That's why I was like Wansarut is kinda a mediator, also later Wansarut says this

Really showing even if Wansarut would be happy with Sakuna, this situationship they got going on, Sakuna's presence in these woods, could make the war both of their people are living worst, and Wansarut do not want to cause harm, it would go against Wansarut's healer/protector nature

Also random sidenote : the way Wansarut talks the human world and about that Naga legend of a Naga turned human that wanted to be a Monk, is such a benevolent and loving god way of talking, also the fact that Wansarut is showing this whole part of Naga culture (Naga offering and breathing fire to pay respect to Buddha, on the 15th nigh of the 11th waxing moon) to Sakuna an outsider??? a literal enemy of Wansarut's people???? mind fucking blowing if you ask me

THARN

Ok enough about boyprincess time to talk about babygirl Tharn and how Wansarut's healer/protector (mediator) nature translated to him

Let me start with the fact that Tharn almost never attacks anyone first, and is always ready to put his gun down, and literally never shoot if he doesn't have to, let's just take a look at how fast he put his gun down in ep 12 and the fact that he didn't just shoot Montee goon in the back which gave him the time to disarm Tharn

Also when he could have literally shoot Narong possessed by Chalothorn back in episode 5, the coast was clear Phaya was out of the way and Narong was attacking Phaya so he had "reasonable" reason to just shoot the guy, like hell they even made eye contact and Narong (Chalothorn) just fully ignored him cuz he knew Tharn was not gonna shoot and Tharn really just didn't shoot

And don't get me started on the fact that Tharn took that stab for Phaya i'll be here till next year like!!! All that was in his mind was protecting Phaya and if he get hurt doing it so be it, which is literally exactly what his past self did, they will protect what they love, whatever the cost

Like it almost doesn't make sense that Tharn is a cop in this lifetime because of his healer/protector nature, if they still were making him a first responder, it would have made more sense if Tharn was a paramedic or something, but because his parents were killed it and he had to get justice for them he was knocked off the typical healer/protector path slightly, but he was still doing his cop job like he was a healer/protector (which is what cops should be tbh. but that's another discussion), like i wouldn't be surprised if Tharn's other reincarnations were in the medical field in some ways (but again how do you tell this story if they aren't in the same field of work? that's another problem innit)

SAKUNA

Unfortunately I gotta stop talking about babygirl Tharn and talk about our resident bird

Sakuna is fighter first and foremost like there is no questioning that, but I think he is a level lower than Chalothorn, like Sakuna is a high ranking soldier, probably his brother's right hand man but both time Sakuna tried to fight Chalothorn he lost, first time he was hurt very badly and Wansarut had to heal him, second time cost him and Wansarut's life and that's how the cycle started

And it honestly doesn't look like he match Chalothorn's powers even in garuda form, I think the garuda that would match Chalothorn would be Sakuna's brother (ep 12), unfortunately Sakuna would never get to a level where he could win since he died, and just keep dying every reincarnation after that, and I assume he just keep dying before he reach his full powers

But anyways by the end of Sakuna's life he wasn't only a fighter, you can see he genuinely was worried and wanted to protect Wansarut and he didn't care for his brother's war all that much, he did fight but that was to prove his love

And that's kinda beautiful isn't it? that's the effect Wansarut has on people Wansarut is close to and that's honestly the most powerful talent, like more powerful than the actual magic Wansarut can do

PHAYA

Phaya bird man extraodinaire is yet again a fighter (soldier) in this life, quite literally in the investigation team, but you can see that he has leadership qualities real early on (ep 2)

He is honestly a natural leader and I'm sure Sakuna was too, but on the powers side, his garuda powers like dormant/just under the surface this whole series, the best we get are little sparkles (ep 5 + ep 12)

His best qualities : his sparkles

Sidenote : let me just mention how protective Phaya is of Tharn, guy put his whole body over Tharn when there is a blast near, he is always in front of Tharn when they are fighting, not just episode 12 but simply all the time, like both time we saw his sparkles were related to protecting Tharn in some ways, like this man has a very fighter way of being a protector

But anyways my little birdy you are doing amazing tweety and I love you, but like how is he supposed to fight this fucking thing with goddamn garuda sparkles????????????

Well the answer can only be that he was never supposed to fight it. Like let's think about this for a sec, every goddamn reincarnation before phayatharn died why do you think? well idk but I can at least say for certain Sakuna and Wansarut died because Sakuna chose to fight. Literally every goddamn time this shit has always gone down south and we can assume it is because they fought Chalothorn. Fighting was literally NEVER the answer, but they kept doing it and honestly isn't insanity doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results???? They've tried Sakuna and Chalothorn's way and the only thing it got them, is them both killed in all their past reincarnations and Chalothorn being honestly one reincarnation kill away from turning into a Naga forever

Also like sidenote : there is no sign of Tharn's Naga form, like what we got from Tharn are some somewhat powerful sparkles but you can't seriously tell me he can fight Chalothorn literal king of Nagas with that, like the sparkles were only there to protect Phaya, Tharn/Wansarut were never meant to be fighters (ep 5), like even with Phaya and Tharn's powers combined it wouldn't work tbh

Problem is, this whole situation with Tharn's parents dying and people Tharn love dying did make Tharn forget who he was, so much suffering and hurt and grief from a young age can change a soul, Tharn was looking for justice for his parents and frankly was kinda impulsive and reckless about it, and thats why the abbott's role in this show was so goddamn important, he was here to remind Tharn of who he is (the lion king simba and mufasa style REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE), and that is a healer, a protector and a mediator first and foremost, he even said this in episode 3 and he is right Kindness is Tharn's biggest weapon (and Phaya's btw because Sakuna's soul has changed a lot over the courses of reincarnations and he is such a sweetie, that is until Chalothorn walks into the room)

FINAL

bro where was I even going with this? Idk but back to Chalothorn listening to Tharn in episode 12, I think that's when Tharn got a declic as to what the abbott meant by all of his mediation and precepts stuff, Tharn understood then that first of all Chalothorn is not only a killer, the person he has known all these years that cares about him and his wellbeing is there, he literally came to Tharn's rescue twice, in ep 11 when Tharn was falling off the cliff and with Montee in episode 12, the problem is you cannot talk calmly to Chalothorn with Phaya in the room, it's just never going to end well, you put those 2 head strong (mostly) fighters in a room and all hell break lose and people literally die

So Tharn knew he had to leave, but this time, in contrary to the end of episode 11, he had a purpose, the purpose was to change Chalothorn's mind from the inside, because Chalothorn's has show signs of caring and kindness (again he probably got that from hanging out with Tharn tbh), but Tharn didn't know if that would work, he didn't know if he was going to be able to come back to Phaya, and that's why he was saying goodbye like that

That's why it felt like, contrary to episode 11, this goodbye from Tharn had an air of acceptance of his fate, because he knew it was his time to go and fight for his and Phaya's love, but this time he was going to do it his way, and that way is with kindness, love and empathy, like the healer/protector that he is

[scarletwritesshit]

🍲Kotone Shiomi x Shinjiro Aragaki🍲Soup for All, in the Name of One

It felt like it was another one of those days.

Shinjiro stared down at the pot of soup as he absentmindedly stirred it, his lingering thoughts dissolving and marinating along with the soup base and vegetables. Ever since he had been freed from rehab, Shinjiro had been cooking practically every hour of his life for the past few months. This kitchen was more than just his way of giving back to the people; it was his way of atoning for his sins and apologizing for the rampant destruction he left in his wake.

His original plan was to let death claim him one way or another. However, a dear friend of his completely changed his outlook on life as a whole, driving him to press onward.

He wanted to keep living, for she couldn’t.

The tray of chopped up vegetables was practically calling to Shinjiro, as he had yet to add them in. Ideally, he should’ve added them in a few minutes ago, but he lost track of the time while preoccupied with his own troubles. Now, the soup was going to be far from perfect. Those who visited Shinjiro’s kitchen could care less, as even a meal imperfect meal by Shinjiro’s standards was enough to bring life into their frail bodies. However, he would still be left the lingering regret that the food was not as perfect as it could’ve been.

If Kotone were still around, she would turn this into a prime opportunity for teasing Shinjiro. Something about him “being a sweet man despite his high emotional walls,” to name one example. Or how “cute” it was to see just how easily his heart fluttered and attention wandered at her presence.

It would’ve been something like that. But that was many, many years ago. Despite them only knowing each other for a few months, and dating for even less, Kotone left such an impression on Shinjiro that the memory of her still remained very close to his heart.

It was this very treasure of a memory that allowed him to cheat death, not once, but twice. She was kind enough to go out of her way to retrieve a lost pocketwatch of Shinjiro’s, and it was this very trinket that turned a lethal gunshot into a coma that still couldn’t take down Shinjiro. Gunshot wound aside, Shinjiro fought through his decaying mental state and the darkness of Persona suppressants attempting to take hold of his body, reaching out for Kotone, his guiding light at the end of the tunnel.

She did not hesitate to reach back. In fact, her arms were always open and welcoming, no matter how low Shinjiro managed to crash, as she would lift him back up time and again all to see a faint trace of a smile on his face.

Once again, that would have been many years ago. Nevertheless, Shinjiro still found himself distracted by what he once had, and what he desired most to reclaim in his life. Every time that he thought he had finally moved on from Kotone, his feelings for her would return and crash into him like a semi-truck. It didn’t matter if he was lazily stirring soup, flipping pancakes on a griddle, or constructing sandwiches by hand, his ever-present love for Kotone would cause his mind to wander, hindering his performance. He hardly even mentioned his grief to the former S.E.E.S. members. Not like he would have much of a chance to, as contact between the group was rather limited due to everyone focusing on their own individual path in life.

The only one who knew of his heartache was Koromaru, who had taken up residence in the shelter as a sort of therapy dog for those seeking a roof over their head and a warm meal. He had become quite white-muzzled with the passing years, but one would hardly assume that he was at least ten years old with the amount of energy he possessed.

Much to Shinjiro’s surprise, Koromaru remained a gentle soul. Despite having to watch both his first master and Kotone die before him, as well as coming face to face with Death himself, it seemed as if nothing could cause the shine in his eyes to fade away. Shinjiro even argued that Koromaru was aging far better than he was. That little Shiba Inu was as happy as ever, while Shinjiro struggled with the scruff on his chin and the gaping hole in his heart.

The soup was finished, or at least, Shinjiro hoped it was. With how he found his mind wandering as he was preparing it, he hoped that it would be adequate. He stirred the soup around one final time before taste testing it for himself. He immediately tasted every minor flaw, though they were imperfections that only a seasoned chef like himself could discern. With a little grumble under his breath, Shinjiro was relieved that it was at least flavorful, and that his guests would be grateful nonetheless.

He can still hear her voice.

Shinji, it tastes amazing! Don’t talk down on yourself like that!

…She would say, then tackle him with a hug from behind.

Shinjiro shook his head, still trying to break free from these thoughts.

That was years ago. Let her go, dammit.

Before he opened the kitchen. Before he took his first steps into rehab to rid his body of the suppressants. Before he realized that he wanted to live, one day at a time.

…Perhaps, during his recovery process, he neglected to attend to proper healing of his grief-stricken heart. Though they did not know each other for a relatively long period of time, it cannot possibly be that easy to get over someone who had completely turned his life around for the better. What he would’ve done to be able to hear her sweet words of encouragement just one last time. Even when he would deny each and every compliment, Kotone insisted that Shinjiro was worth every moment and more of her time.

It wasn’t simply the praise for his cooking and combat skills that he remembered. It was the immense amount of faith that she kept in him even until the very end. Even when he was at his lowest point, ready to surrender his life as payment for his mistakes, she insisted on guiding him onto a path to a better future.

Did Kotone always know that she was destined to die? Shinjiro couldn’t help but wonder. Kotone always did have a lingering tinge of sadness underneath that bubbly personality, but the desire to die and the inevitability of fate are two completely different things. Perhaps that was a factor as to why she pushed for his survival, because she was sacrificing herself for a better future for all her friends and many more. She didn’t want her life to be a waste.

No. There had to be far more than that. Every bone crushing hug felt genuine, and only Kotone of all people could smile at the sight of his dreary scowl.

That bone crushing hug…Shinjiro would kill for one right about now.

Longingly staring at the pot of soup wasn’t going to do anything. The entire soup, from the base to the vegetables, was crafted in her memory, just as every other meal prepared in this kitchen has been. If he stood here for much longer, he would end up hearing Kotone complain that the food would get cold, and that it was more important to worry about them than her.

His mental vision of Kotone did have a good point. She had moved on, and Shinjiro felt as if it was his job to nurture what she had protected. Plus, Koromaru was likely outside of the kitchen growing impatient. He wanted his share of the food too.

See? Koro-chan thinks your cooking is amazing. Isn’t that what truly matters to you?

W-What about everyone else?

You act like the others don’t wolf down your food. Akihiko was out there begging for seconds.

At least this time, he should spare her a smile. That’s what Kotone would want from him now more than anything. If she was really watching over her friends from above, it would break her heart to see Shinjiro fall apart after years of redemption and mending.

Shinjiro studied his reflection in the still pot of soup. It was true that he had been feeling a bit down as of late, and many would argue that a frown did not suit him one bit. Despite his scruffy and rough appearance, he possessed a caring heart. If Kotone didn’t believe in that, he would not be here running this very kitchen today.

He forced a little smile, then tapped the ladle on the rim of the pot signaling to his guests that food was ready to be served.

[picaroroboto]

random rambly crossover thoughts under the cut

I talk a lot about the thematic overlap and coincidental lore similarities between FGO and FFXIV, but what I really really like to think about, and need to write sometime, is interactions between Guda and the WoL, because they are so similar: Guda has this strong yet simple kindness, they're a traveler, they've got a reputation for chaos and wierdness but everyone loves them so much that their defining skill is summoning a bunch of guys, they would be another Shard of Azem's soul except for the fact that they're from a completely different universe. Guda and the WoL have a lot of the same problems on the deeper level - the pressure of being the only one who can save the world in this way, the burden of being loved and idolized and put on a pedestal while also being reduced to just your title and your role. And of course the myriad traumas of a life of high-stakes battle and the struggle to put on a brave face for other despite all of this, because so many people are counting on you and a smile better suits a hero.

Oh, and they're both sort-of psychic, with the WoL's Echo visions and Guda's shared Servant dreams so probably not long after meeting they'd be thrown headlong into each other's worst memories: the WoL watching Guda's toughest battles in Camelot and Babylonia and the Temple of Time, the destruction of Chaldea at the start of Part 2, maybe flashes of Aphrodite's song and the Garden of Lost Will; while Guda picks up on scenes like the Bloody Banquet, Haurchefant's sacrifice, the battle with Ardbert in Soul Surrender - "One life for one world - you of all people should understand!"

(the WoL doesn't tell much of their past because they're enjoying the feeling of being somewhere where nobody knows their name, while Guda doesn't give much specifics of the Lostbelts because it would be hard to reveal to a hero from another world that saving your world involves destroying others)

So the WoL, summoned to Chaldea or some Singularity, does understand what Guda is going through and wants to help, but - Guda's not so different from an Ascian. The WoL knows what it's like to fight to protect your broken world, they've fought against and killed those who would return their world to it's proper course. Maybe they'd be allies for a while, good friends as well, but still oppose Guda at some point - not really a betrayal, maybe more of a trial, or just a sort of inevitability, because just like they can't not help Guda they also can't ignore the fact that Guda has defeated many heroes just like them, just like Ardbert and his party, like any Warriors of Light of the rejoined Reflections.

Leading to super sugoi summoning versus summoning battle, overlapping chants of "My will creates your body, your sword creates my destiny..." "Let expanse contract, eon become instant..."

[pinkpruneclodwolf]

Ok, but what about a morgan Yuu who is still tonelico and has not yet lost complete hope. That when they inevitably go back to fairy Britain, they leave without a word to their friends. Once they figure out where they went they follow for answers.

However, once they get there they find that Yuu has become a completely different person. One whose cold and without that once bright hope shining in their heart. They join the fight to dethrone them because that's the only way to have a conversation and get answers, and hopefully snap them out of whatever is going on with them.

They never get that conversation. The next time they see them, it's Yuu's mutilated corpse that greets them.

They're crushed, but they get even more devastated when everything goes to hell and learn in detail what Yuu Morgan has done to keep this decaying hellhole alive. The guilt they would feel knowing that they contributed to their beloved friends brutal death, and the destruction of everything they bleed, cried, and broke themselves for.

That is saur fucked up because like imagine bro imagine.

Imagine some stranger showing up, there's brightness in their eyes and that little hope they have shining brighter than any star in the sky. Imagine you fight alongside them, you learn to be friends with them, you study, you laugh, you joke, you argue—by the Gods you are friend and you'd lay down your life to defend them.

And then, like a wisp of smoke, they disappear. They leave, and the space in your friend group is so hollow your desperate to fill it with anything.

And you remember their promise. You remember what they told you about their world and you pray, and you hope against hope. And that wish, that soul squeezing wish is granted but its not the same because the monkey paw can never stop curling.

You're sent to a world where the horrors are insurmountable, you band together and all you can do is watch and scorn. Humans reduced to less than cattle, faeries who indulge upon themselves like debased creatures, watching the few of your allies get picked off one by one because the world aches for cruelty, aches to show you the worst side of itself with no preamble.

So you watch and you scorn. The people and its monarch. You watch and you scorn because what else can you do when you're witnessing the depths of base desires in its entirety, watching it consume them inside and out like a rot that only stems from deep within your soul.

Only to find out that the one person behind it all (Or so you believe) was the friend who you'd come to love, aged in ice, but still the friend who'd helped you through the hellish experience of emotions and magic blending into one agonizing episode.

This is the friend who reigns Supreme. So you scorn your friend, barely letting them get a word in because what excuse could you come up with when it comes to human cattle and fae tearing each other limb from limb over petty disputes that amount to nothing? What excuse?

So you fight against them, leaving wounded and hurt at the notion that this is what your friend had fought so desperately to return to, that this is the friend who spun tales about their world and how much they adored it. Of course, you're hurt and upset—desperate to tear down the hellish realm brick by brick.

So you fight the calamities, you watch as the one closest ally dies and watch as the abyss finally sheds it skin to reveal its gaping maw and all you see beforehand is their mangled corpse.

And you learn and you mourn, for their suffering, for their endurance, for people who wouldn't even bat an eye at tearing your heart out. Because why else would they endure it all if not to experience just a modicum of compassion even after death?

I hope you know that you are a DEEEPLY EVIL PERSON for making me ruminate on this like I actually feel sick to my stomach 😭😭😭 Morgan!Yuu stop suffering challenge...... [FAILED]

[vetrenar]

So... I've finally watched the new Trigun and I'm completely swept off my feet! It's so beautiful, and incredible, and I like the new character designs (though I'm a bit sad that they decided to put Milly aside. I like Roberto and I love to see his "grampy dad" dynamic with Vash and Meryl but why can't we have +1 character instead of "that one or this one") and I have SO MUCH hope for this show...

Anyway, it made me think how different from each other all parts of the franchise are:

1. OG Trigun anime. "The First One" for many, for some of whom it's always will be The Best One.

In comparison with other variants of Trigun, the old anime feels the most like a goofy "classic" tale, with a bit of melancholic vibes. Yeah, it still has its share of sad moments but mostly the corners are smoothed. With 60% of the story being filler, it generally has more light hearted tone than the original manga. Also, the characters of the anime are much closer to the... I wouldn't say "ideal", but more like "archetypal" versions of themselves. Rem was a downright angel, July's destruction didn't kill anyone (although people still fought and killed each other afterwards), the philosophical question about kill not to kill is answered with "put a bullet through each of his limbs until he can't move and hope for the best" (ok, it was a strange one. But I'm still baffled with what Vash's plan was afterwards). What's more important, Vash's ideals, while are hard to reach, don't feel impossible.

2. Manga.

Oooo, I love this one. After the old anime, I totally wasn't prepared to how much more raw, brutal and unhinged the manga is. People who ask for FMA: Brotherhood treatment for the manga seemingly forget that such an anime would have to be shown only veeery late in the night, with the "for adults only" disclaimer.

At the same time, I find the raw, honest energy of the manga absolutely beautiful and love it much, much more than the old anime because of how down-to-Earth characters are there. They may not to be ideal, but they're undoubtedly, 100% human.

Yeah, it's Rem, after her symbolic "the ticket to the future" dream.

And Knives. So much more about Knives, his motivation and determination. And unlike the anime version, where he, being the odd one from the beginning and a bit of philosophical soul, took the problem of spiders and butterflies just too far, the manga version clearly shows that it's not really about good and bad ones. It's about how, after an excessive trauma, Knives' mind went to shit and never fully returned. He was more sensitive than Vash, and more open to dialogue with humans but, when cutting wood, it's a surgical scalpel that breaks first, not a kitchen knife.

Manga Knives doesn't just make scary faces. He sincerely asks his sisters to lend him their powers and, while the level of plant's self-conciousness is arguable, I think it's won't be so far fetched to say that they do care about him.

Aaah, yeah, manga's nice little body horror...

Also, manga is much more merciless towards Vash's pacifism. While anime says "yeah, it's hard, but if you try enough you can reach it", the manga is more about "It's impossible and everyone, including you, know that. But it doesn't means that you should stop trying, because even it's impossible, it's still the path you chose for yourself". And I think that this message is much stronger and more important.

3. Trigun Stampede.

Well, it's really a dark horse, isn't it? With so many controversy about changes in characters's design, story and everything. But from what I've seen so far, I can say that, while reboot doesn't try to repeat the original - original manga, not the old anime - word to word, it stays completely in tune to its main message and Vash's emotional journey, and it's the most important thing to me. And again, it's so incredibly beautiful and well made, and I really have so much hopes for it. My only fear is that there won't be a second season announcement because there is no way that they will be able to contain everything into merely 12 episodes.

Well, we'll see. Until that, Love&Peace, everyone!

[landoflustfulladies]

So, uh, I kinda went completely unhinged chatting with Star, so if you want my unhinged rant about the Yozi then look under the cut

So, back before there was linear time, there was The Wyld, a place of unlimited potential and infinite chaos. In that infinite sea of wyld, the beings known as the Primordials formed. They were sick of their creations being constantly washed away by the tides of chaos, and so they created the first ever permanent thing: Creation. They anchored it in place with the five elemental poles of Water, Air, Wood, Fire, and Earth, crafted the Gods to maintain it, and crafted the mortal races because, well, it was something to do.

But the Primordials were not kind masters, having made this world solely for their entertainment. They would make and unmake as the pleased, unleashing beasts of destruction upon Creation simply because they could. The Gods who cared for the world realized that their makers were in fact the greatest threat to it, or so they felt. However, they had sworn a geass that they could never strike the Primordials directly, and so working with the Primordials Gaia and Autocthon, the two who cared most deeply for the world, they created the Exalted, mortal humans granted incredible power. A long and bloody war was fought against the Primordials, their deaths shaking the very fabric of reality. In the end, after brutal losses, the Primordials agreed to surrender.

They would live to regret this.

The Gods and the Exalted were not keen to take the Primordials at their word. As the Primordials were beyond the scale of any living thing imaginable, even their very souls contained multitudes, taking the form of Demons who reflected the aspects of their masters. The highest of these Demons, the Fetich Soul, was so linked to their Primordial that to slay it was to rewrite the very nature of what they were.

As part of their surrender, each and every Fetich Soul was killed. No Primordial was left unwarped. Thus were born the Yozi.

Their king, now the Demon City Malfeas, was turned inside out, used to contain all other Yozi. Locked away, their oaths sworn in surrender made it impossible to break free from their prisons, and their they raged for thousands of years. For a thousand years they stewed in boundless rage, crafted a city of flesh and bone which would kill any mortal which set foot, birthed endless lesser demons simply to torture and rule over so they could feel some semblance of power. But through all this, the Yozi were contained, no true threat to the world.

But time would give them an opprotunity.

In a period of great strife, the mightiest of the Exalted, known as the Solars, were slain, their power locked away so they could not reincarnate anymore, as was the true power of the Exalted: another would always inherit their power in time.

The mad ghosts of the slain primordials had twisted the ghosts of ancient kings, and they hatched a plan. They would break the prison holding the Solars, and would turn them into the ultimate warriors against the Gods and Creation. They learned rituals of corruption from the imprisoned Yozi, they set forth and shattered the prison, but were unable to collect all the Solar shards. Still, they gained enough: 150 shards, to be shared between the Yozi and the Deathlords, to become the 100 Abyssals and 50 Infernals.

The Deathlords saught control, they made their chosen swear great and terrible oaths, layered foul curses upon them that death would be all they knew. But the Yozi, the Yozi had a plan they deemed far more reliable. They were angry, they were spiteful, they hated the Gods and the World. They realized that they didn't need oaths, they just needed people who thought like they did.

They found those who had been cast out, cast down, wronged by the world, whether in truth or simply in their own heads, and they said to them, "It's not fair, is it? If only you had been stronger. We can make you stronger. You do not need to serve, you will swear no oath. We believe you will do the right thing with this power. Just remember who hurt you, and remember who came to your side in your worst moment."

Because they knew, if they took someone that angry, that hateful, that wronged, and gave them power, they wouldn't need to order them to tear down the heavens.

They would burn them to the ground of their own free will.

So that, roughly, is what's up with the Yozi and the Infernals~

[zelphin124]

A lesson about Destruction: pt 2

The Story behind the photo

Error!Sans belongs to CrayonQueen

Ink!Sans belongs to Comyet

Iro!Sans belongs to me

Scene below 👇

"I cannot let a creation like you have so much power."

Iro was flung back across the AU from Ink's brush. She skirted across the dirt and came to an abrupt stop. All of her bones ached. The spots on her head grew darker with anger. She glanced at the guardian with fury in her eyes, trying to hide the immense pain boiling in her chest. "I thought you were my friend!"

"You were never my friend," Ink's empty white eyes pierced her soul. "You destroyed your AU, I cannot let you destroy others."

"It was not my fault!" Iro exclaimed, standing up and grabbing her two katanas. "I had to! You wouldn't understand!"

"I understand enough," Ink lunged for Iro. He fought her katanas with his large brush, blinding her with paint. "You should have listened to your brother Papyrus when he told you never to use the DESTROY button."

Iro blocked each of his attacks the best she could, but the eerie reality settled within her; she wasn't going to make it out of this fight alive. Rage and grief overwhelmed her as she pushed Ink back. She wasted no time to pull out the RESET button. Its yellow transparent screen reflected back on her face. Surely she could talk some sense into Ink if she just RESET to a moment earlier. Surely no harm would come in that. She didn't have much time to press it before Ink came at her again.

But it did nothing.

Iro was flung back once more. She became paralyzed with shock and barely avoided Ink's next attack. Why didn't the button work? It worked for everyone she tried... Why did it not RESET Ink? Did she miss? Surely his soul would have responded~

He didn't have a soul. Of course. Now she had to live with the mistake she made of informing Ink of her past.

"Last chance. Give up your power to DESTROY, TIME, RESET, CREATE, IMAGINE, and OVERWRITE, and I'll spare you." Ink snarled, emotion was far from his mind.

Iro clung to her chest as the paint tightened around her. Her left eye glowed a soft blue. She wasn't about to give her power to a soulless being who wouldn't even let her explain what happened to her AU. "These powers were given to me! People in my AU had them! I won't let you take them~"

She was cut off when dozens of blue strings wrapped around Ink's hands, making him drop his brush. Ink couldn't react in time as he was flung across the AU. He smashed into many buildings and into the ground. The guardian didn't move, groaning in pain.

Iro couldn't believe her eyes. Those strings... It can't be-

Error popped through a glitch portal, disconnecting his strings from the artist. The destroyer glanced at Iro. "YoU'rE wELcOmE, i-i-idIoT. NoW GEt ouT Of H-heRe bEfOre hE cOmES bACk!"

He opened a portal next to her. Her feet felt like cement. She couldn't seem to process everything that had happened. Ink's betrayal, flashbacks to IroTale, and Error saving her. What kind of upside down world was this? Ink trying to destroy her and Error saving her was not like them at all... At least to what she knew about them. Why had Error saved her? Why was he here? She tried to thank Error, but the pain in her chest cut her off.

"M-MoVe, MoRO-On!" Error's voice pierced her ears before she felt blue strings wrap around her own hands. The next thing she knew, she was in a white void.

It wasn't completely white; there were blue strings scattered across the non-existent ceiling. Some of the strings held small hearts that glitched in and out. There was a darker shade along the horizon. Iro turned a 180 to find a small beanbag and a TV behind her. She desperately tried to see anything else there, but there was not much more to observe. It was so empty and cold. It reminded Iro of a void. Of a destroyed past.

A destroyed AU like hers.

Her hands started to shake, although the previous rage against Ink had vanished. In fact, she felt no emotion at all. She felt her white tears drip down her face, however she couldn't pinpoint why she was crying. What was there to cry about? She had experienced every type of pain already, there was no need to be sad about anything else. Yet, she couldn't stop the shining water from falling down her bone cheeks.

Maybe Ink was right. It felt wrong to have all this power. She could entirely OVERWRITE, CREATE, or DESTROY an AU at her will, but she never wanted to. She hated every alteration she had ever tried, so she avoided using them. It's not like she abused her powers. She mainly just used the IMAGINE button to make up friends that would talk with her. But how could she ever finalize the friends? Wouldn't they betray her just like Asgore did? Iro had all this power, and yet she refused to use it. Was that wrong? Should she have given them up? She wasn't going to ever give them up to In , but should she give them up to someone else? It wasn't like she was the only one... Her entire AU could IMAGINE and CREATE, and some could DESTROY before they all died by Asgores hands...

A glitched portal appeared by her side. Error stepped through, rubbing his head before cursing. "T-ThaT sTuPiD S-S-SquID! I h-haTe hIM So-sO MuCh!"

The tears stopped. The grief and anger of Ink's betrayal came flooding back. She never could cry when she felt emotion. She only could cry when she felt nothing at all, and it annoyed the heck out of her.

"Error-" Iro stopped herself as Error snapped a pitiful and rage-filled look at her. She put away her swords and bowed her head. "Thank you... for saving me."

"D-DOn'T a-a-assOcIATe wItH InK aNyMorE," he snapped. "A-AnD I d-dOn'T nEeD yOUr t-t-thAnKS, I-I-Iro."

Error saying her name made her stomach turn, making her nauseous. She nodded and sat on the ground. The spots on her hands started to grow again. Had she done something she regretted already? Why did they get more intense?

Error turned around and sat down in front of Iro. With a flick of his wrist, a bright red heart came tumbling down in front of Iro. It was tied with his blue strings and wasn't beating anymore. Iro stared at the heart of DETERMINATION for a long time, mesmerized by its beauty.

"PrOvE i-iT."

Iro stared at the destroyer. "What?"

"IdIo-oT," Error slapped his head. "PrOvE t-tO mE yOu c-can dEsTrOY. D-DesTrOY tHis h-h-eArt."

Why would Error want to destroy DETERMINATION? It didn't make sense to her. Heck, none of this made sense to her. Iro had many questions, but something told her that Error wouldn't be willing to answer any of them.

"Do yOu t-thiNK I-I-I jUsT SaVeD yOuR w-w-wOrThLesS lIfe jUsT beCAuSe I cOUlD? D-D-DeStRoY iT."

Iro didn't want to protest any longer. She was a follower after all, and she was disobeying her orders. Iro pressed the red gem in her chest to reveal the DESTROY button. Hovering it over the red heart, she tapped it.

The heart shattered into a trillion pieces. Its components flew in every direction as the code got smaller and smaller until it could be seen no more. Not even DETERMINATION could resist the complete wiping of code.

Error nodded slowly, removing the string that once held the heart back to who knows where. He stared at Iro for a long time.

Iro started to get uncomfortable with the silence. Heck, she was uncomfortable around any other Sans. Could Error tell she was a female? Why was he staring at her? What did he want from her? This wasn't the first time Error had used the silence to his manipulative advantage towards her. Her fingers fidgeted with each other as she stared at the ground, not saying a word. At least it's better than being with Ink I guess...

"I h-hAvE a pRo-opOsiTion fOr y-y-yOu." The destroyer stood up and glanced down at Iro. "W-WoRk fOR mE tO m-m-maKe AUs w-worTHwHiLE oR De-DesTrOY thEm alToGeTGer, aNd I'lL pRoTeCT yOu fRoM tHat S-S-SquID."

Iro immediately accepted in her heart, but her mind held her back. A different anxiety rose within her. Working for Error, was that even possible? She figured she would have to spend a ton more time around him if she accepted. If there was one thing that she didn't want to deal with, it was Error's tantrums. Could she befriend the destroyer? It seemed impossible with his emotional instability.

But it was worth a try.

"I accept." Iro interrupted Errors upcoming retort. She smiled at herself. "It might even be fun, who knows, we might become friends in the process."

Error held in a laugh. "K-KeEp dReAmInG K-Kid." He pulled out a blue string from his eye and tossed it to her. "U-Use ThIs to CoN-NtaCT me. dO n-noT gO bAck on y-yoUR wOrD."

"You know me, Error," Iro shrugged, unable to comprehend what all happened that day. "I never break my promises."

[theauthor0]

Misery!Tale

===========================

INFO

===========================

Misery!Tale the fusion of Under!Darkness, Freak!Tale, and Negative!Tale

===========================

BACKSTORY

===========================

Just like in negative!tale , the monsters were defeated by humans and sealed underground, with Asgore ordering the royal scientists to find a way to break the barrier

At that same time the king was growing mad and wanted revenge on humanity and this grew further when Asriel and Chara died so during the time when the Royal scientists were finding a way to break the barrier

Asgore instilled a new rule to where only the strongest survive

Putting monsters through extreme training and the monsters that failed became experience points for the stronger monsters so that they can gain LV

Gaster was the lead scientist and Alphys was his assisant

They previously worked on creating artifical monsters before Asgore decided to focus all resources on breaking the barrier

One of their suscessful artifical monster was Undyne, before the change

The Results weren’t looking so good as the only way to break the barrier were 7 human souls but if they didn’t produce results Asgore would be furious

In Gaster spare time he developed the core in hopes to generate enough power to make things more convenient but then an idea struck him

With the amount of power that is produced from the core, he could use it to try to force open a hole in the barrier with the addition of Chara soul

Which was being held in a glass jar near the barrier

Gaster asked the king for permission, and Asgore allowed it as he believed this would make Chara useful once again

At last the machine was done, Gaster proceeded with the help of Alphys to move the machinery to the barrier

After that was done, Gaster started the machine but noticed that Chara Soul has turned black, he thought nothing of it and proceeded as they couldn’t delay this any longer

At first it was working, but then the machine went out of control causing reality, time, and space to distort and rip apart

Gaster in the last moments before everything crumbled, he destroyed the machine

The explosion of the machine destruction caused a massive wave of corruption to spread, infecting all the monsters

The monsters underwent a complete physical and mental change, their bodies became black and mutated becoming true freaks of nature and their personalities have been warped to be more darker and twisted

At first when the monsters were corrupted their minds couldn’t handle the sudden change so for some period of time they became mindless monsters

This did not last forever and some monster’s returned to their sanity sooner than others, others not so lucky

During the time when the monsters were mindless beast they started killing each other for LV

And When the Fallen Children came, it was mosh pit of fighting and death as monsters fought with each other for their soul

However after being corrupted there biology changed to where they can no longer absorb souls

===========================

MONSTERS

===========================

The Monsters became more darker and dangerous as their bodies had turned completely black and their forms being more monstrous and scary

Their bodies are no longer made of magic but now made of an something called Miasma which is magic that got corrupted by the machine gaster made

Most Monsters have the ability to shapeshift their body in many forms, they tend to use more monstrous and scary forms but still keep their original appearance with some tweaks, they can also shapeshift their bodies to look mimic certain things

For example: they can transform their bodies to look like a rock to hide and surprise others or to show every disturbing scenes

Not all monsters were fully effected by the change mostly is mentality (tho they still might have some slight changes) but all the monsters changed physically

Monster souls have also changed to become black instead of white

Their magic also changes color for example Toriel Fire is now purple and Sans bones are black

Most Monster take on the belief it’s killed or be killed and became more aggressive to humans, with this mindset Asgore declared that weaker monsters once every year will be sacrificed to the stronger monsters so that they will have a use

===========================

HUMANS

===========================

Humans have not changed much but there is some info on their souls

Humans souls if left in the open for too long, will begin to rot making them turn black and eventually start melting

===========================

CHARACTERS

===========================

Frisk/Chara

Sans

Papyrus

Toriel

Undyne

Asgore

Flowey/Asriel

Mettaton

Alphys

Muffet

Grillby

===========================

CREDITS

============================

Under!Darkness by @zheyzhey

Freak!Tale by @sharks-freakshow-aus / @shark-draws-stuff

Negative!Tale by ValenSealover

[christian-perspectives]

When You are Depressed And Feel Far From God

Have you ever felt so depressed that it seemed like everything was going against you? Yeah, I've been there. Depression has a way of negatively twisting the perspective of our thinking. In Psalm 13, David also experienced a depressed state of mind. Fortunately, he fought through it by seeking the Lord and turned his depression into delight. Let's explore how he did it. O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever? How long will you look the other way? How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day? And how long will my enemy have the upper hand? Psalm 13:1-2 As you will notice, David, the man after God's own heart, sought God in a depressed state. Four times, he asked, "how long." How long would the Lord seem distant to him? Like David, we want everything to go right for us. But sometimes they don't. Even the most spiritual person can experience times when God seems distant to them. Why does that happen? Keep in mind God doesn't waver in His love for us. We can, however, waver in our relationship with Him. The Bible helps us to identify a few reasons why God might seem distant to us, - Unconfessed sin can hinder intimacy with God. - Life's dark moments can distract us and cloud our spiritual vision. - Changing our priorities and spending less time with God will affect our relationship with Him. God might seem distant in getting us to pay attention to a destructive path we have chosen

Testimony of a Depressed Person

Once, I spoke with a very depressed man because of his life situation. Things weren't going well for him at all. His family life was in shambles, his job in jeopardy, and he was broke. He had convinced himself that God didn't love or care about him anymore. In his opinion, God had forgotten all about him. What do you say to a person in that mindset? He inflicted on himself each of the circumstances he found himself in. He caused the problems in his family. And he created the troubles he faced at his job. On top of that, his financial woes resulted because of his poor money management. Instead of taking responsibility for his actions, he blamed God for them all. I understand we don't cause all of our problems. But it really doesn't matter if someone thrusts them on us or if they come by self-infliction. God loves us and won't turn his back on us. David had lost the sparkle he once had in his eyes. He assumed God didn't want to look at him anymore. I want you to observe amid his depressed state, he continued to speak to God. Turn and answer me, O Lord my God! Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die. Psalm 13:3 I've met people who believed God had completely given up on them. So, despite past experiences of God wonderfully moving in their lives, they decided to abandon Him altogether. David never entertained thoughts of turning from the Lord. And because of his past experiences, he knew God would never turn from him. The Bible says He will never abandon any of us.

God Will Never Leave Us

- Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9  - The Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you. Deuteronomy 31:6 - Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10 - For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. Zephaniah 3:17 - And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20 So, instead of turning his back on God, he decided to trust him. Therefore, he brought the following petition before the Lord. Don't let my enemies gloat, saying, "We have defeated him!" Don't let them rejoice at my downfall. Psalm 13:4 That petition, in essence, demonstrated that David never lost his confidence in God. It showed more than confidence and trust. He moved from questions to God to the worship of God. But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me. Psalm 13:5 When did God rescue him? Every time he faced an enemy, the Lord rescued him. Did David have to fight some battles physically? Absolutely, but each time, God gave him the victory. In every phase of David's life, the shepherd, warrior, king, and Psalmist, God protected him. We have no reason ever to become depressed because He always stands with us as well.

Dive into the Arms of God

Along with trusting God, David said he rejoiced in the Lord. I like the way the Message Bible translated verse 5. I've thrown myself headlong into your arms—I'm celebrating your rescue. Psalm 13:5 MSG Why did he do that? Because he remembered that God had rescued him before. We all have moments and even days when we wonder where God is or if He hears our prayers. Sometimes, we must do what David did by reminding ourselves of times when God came through for us. Then, throw yourself headlong into His arms. In other words, dive into the arms of God. Let's also look at how the Message Bible ended this Psalm with its translation of verse 6. I'm singing at the top of my lungs, I'm so full of answered prayers. Psalm 13:6 Do you remember the old hymn called "Count Your Blessings?" The chorus says, "Count your blessings, name them one by one. Count your many blessings, see what God has done." When a Christian becomes depressed, it should be short-lived. Instead of focusing on your problems, focus on the one who brought solutions to your past problems. Then, because of your past answered prayers, fill your lungs with praises and sing them to the Lord. God loves you! He really does, and He will never leave or forsake you! Lord, bring new life to those who think you don't care. When we are depressed, remind us of times when you took care of us in the past. Check out these related posts about trusting the Lord. - When Out of Your Comfort Zone, Trust God - How to Trust God in Difficult Circumstances - Put Your Trust In The Lord - Trust In The Lord, He Will Never Fail You - Don't Worry About Tomorrow - How To Trust God When You've Had Enough To receive each new devotional post delivered to your inbox, subscribe below by giving us your first name and email address Read the full article

[thebrainrotsreal]

I need you to know every since I saw this reblog I have losing my fucking MIND RIGHT NOW HOLY SHIT????? YOU GET IT. YOU GET IT FR THIS IS INCREDIBLE. I am losing my mind. I am fucking pacing. I want to scream to the very heavens in excitement. Shrieking and foaming at the mouth because yes yes yes yes yes yes.

Calling him Wasp? Yes. I love him. I love that. I was also thinking this, but oh my goodness now it's tickling me because hehe "W" being upside down "M", and vice versa just like how Wasp and Mark are arguable the same "letter" AKA person just inverted morals. I love them so much, your honor.

I LOVE THE WAY YOU THOUGHT OF THE PLOT BECAUSE IT MAKES PERFECT SENSE. I can see Cecil capturing Wasp if Angstrom accidentally openeed one last portal and Wasp came through. Wasp says something implying he's fought/killed/etc. I can absolutely see Cecil using Wasp a potential weapon-in-training (tortured to obey), since they are seriously lacking in the super powered forces right now. Wasp is fucking feral about this double torture because a) forced to help and/or be nice? He would rather bite someone's throat out, then b) his fucking pride of being captured by human forces he once killed.

I seriously want to reply of these because they're incredible but please picture me like so, in complete and utter excitement for every single thing you just said because i love this AU with all my heart and soul and I am so happy I went through with posting it.

I am actively short circuiting in complete and utter excitement because yes yes yes yes. I know what I am drawing next oh my goodness holy shit.

"they both hate each other so much, but it merges with hating themselves bc. they're the same person. what hurts one, hurts the other, no matter how different they are"

YES YES YES EXACTLY! There is this self loathing that exists when they're so callous and violent towards each other, and it's off-putting to witness. I think similar to how Wasp is jarring because he acts exactly like Mark except for the one almost invisible (at times) difference, it's jarring to see Mark being so angry at someone else, and so constantly full of loathing whenever Wasp is around. Even if it's a low simmering annoyance, a deep exhaustion, he's so callous and biting, in a way he would never be with anyone else. They just set each other off so instantly. If Mark (or Wasp) come back with a bruise, you don't know if it's hero related or because he was fighting with the other "twin".

Bonus points if: much like how Nolan flies is eerie because it's too smooth (while Mark makes poses that feel more natural) when he's around Wasp and pissed the fuck off, he flies like Nolan and Wasp do--entirely too smooth, unnatural-looking.

"mark "i can fix him" grayson vs mark "i can make him worse" grayson. one of them will drag the other to their side kicking and screaming"

YES YES YES AND AGAIN YES. EXACTLY THE POINT OF THE AU. I think if Wasp and Mark are ever working together on some hero mission, (Wasp being allowed to kill with monsters/creatures/etc) Wasp is scarily efficient because he aims to kill from the get go. And in a way, he's showing off. Showing how he's better in some way against Mark, because this Mark is so weak in his eyes, but he has his mom, his friends, his school, human food at a moment's notice (wholly believe Viltramite destruction means bye bye milkshakes) but the one thing Wasp has is violence and he wields it well. He refuses to let it go.

He wants Mark to crumble to see this way to validate everything he's done, so he's right, and what he's lost along the way was worth it.

I gotta imagine if Mark was ever struggling with an enemy (and Wasp was certain he wouldn't die or it's way earlier into their dynamic before the insane protectiveness while still full of hatred), he'd pull and Nolan and watch Mark, waiting for Mark to be deadly, to be something more (just like he is), and become even angrier when Mark wins at the last second, or struggles for far too long. He would probably ending the fight himself, scoffing at this Mark and hating him so much he can barely breath, choking on ire (because how dare you have so much more than me and be WEAK-). This could be how they meet???

"imagine wasp gifting mark other people's body parts like a cat leaving a dead bird in your room. he hands him a still beating heart, and thinks, hateful, "you had this coming. you're keeping me here against my will. deal with the consequences"... they grow to care for each other but in a very fucked up way. they still hate each other don't get me wrong, but they would now kill for each other"

Oh my goodness, this is so fucked up, I love it. Wasp hands him a still beating heart, a hand, an ear, a hand still twitching. I can see it, too. Wasp seeing where ever Mark is and gesturing come here and then shoving at it him, savoring when Mark pales in horror. Bonus points for imagery if Wasp's hands are bloody and in the process of catching the bloody whatever-it-is Mark's hands get bloody too.

Working with the other point, I can totally see Rex seeing this and being horrified and yelling at Wasp, "What the fuck is wrong with you?! You know what-", and Mark just instantly shoving out a hand to make Rex back off, glaring venomously. "Don't. Just Don't." And almost wanting to flinch at Mark's tone. Remembering this is Nolan's son for a second. What he can do.

Dysfunctional ass siblings with cain instinct pumped up to actively homicidal levels, actually lethal. Full of deep, deep loathing, and yet "lay a hair on him and I'll fucking kill you".

they can finish each other's sentences. they are not happy about it

YES YES YES YES YES. I KEEP SAYING THAT BUT IM LEGIT SOOO EXCITED AND DELIGHTED. They're so alike. Wasp and Mark go to comic con's together on a truce, they're delighted by the same issues and same shows. Especially Wasp, who might not be able to partake in comics/shows with the whole destruction and enslavement of humanity, and Mark (even tho he hates it) has someone to talk to about the stuff he likes. They both hate it.

They make the same jokes/same humor, they can guess each other's punchlines and end up snorting before it's even said. They both hate it so much.

They kick or punch each other out of the blue, too. Because they know they can take it out on each other, and it still hurts, this kind of self loathing, but it's so palpable, so poisonous.

OH AND THIS TOO:

wasp: oh, mom is still alive. y'know, i killed her in my universe. i could do it again in yours

mark, slowly turning around with a murderous look in his face: what.

I gotta imagine Wasp is unsettled by seeing Debbie alive again. Avoids Oliver. He can't stand whatever this is. Avoids them completely. He acts disgusted by them, but he's unsettled and scared of confronting the taste of regret and guilt. How it could consume him but he's not weak like that, he's not supposed to be, he can't be that way. Not him, he's stronger than that, he killed to be. He could kill her again, and he repeats to himself to be something smoothing. I could kill you, a soothing mantra to remind himself he is still strong.

ALSO YES EXACTLY. WASP BEING DRAGGED KICKED AND SCREAMING BY THE DAMN HAIR INTO REDEMPTION.

thank you so much for adding on because i am actively running on the fucking walls in incomprehensible excitement and utter delight. YOU GET IT.

EVIL MARK, EVIL MARK, EVIL MARK!!! I want to be coherent about this season but please picture me foaming at the mouth and running on the walls. S2 being what if Mark's just like his Dad? Insanity. I love this show. Anyways, AU where an Evil!Mark tries to make Our!Mark worse, and Our!Mark tries to make the other better. Something something confronting your idea of the worst version of oneself. Plus, tweaked black and yellow costume because I saw it and immediately went murder hornet lookin' ass and knew I had to draw it. Evil ass Mark. Horrible. I think he should be dragged kicking and screaming into redemption.

[crumbledcastle28]

Chapter 15: A Clan of Three

Warnings: really bad depression and mourning in the beginning, mentions of large amounts of death and violence, and injury.

Author’s Note: Almost to the end! I hope you enjoy! I also went a bit off canon for this one, so I hope that’s ok!

(Gif gotten from fuckyeahgrogu)

Your walk down in the sewers was….. indescribable.

You felt like the opposite of a ghost. You weren’t a soul roaming the sewers, you were just a body. Only the physical means of you survived this long, and the remaining piece of your soul was left behind with your Mandalorian.

So much so, that you didn’t even know where you were going. You presumed a way out was the end goal, but you didn’t even think about it. You stared at the floor for what felt like hours, sniffling and trying to find your breath.

You hadn’t felt like this before. Not even when Mando figured out who you were…. because he was there.

You didn’t care if he was bloodied, bruised, half dead, or had a physical ailment for the rest of his life that forced you and only you to carry him for the rest of your days….. you just wanted him here.

The kid seemed to be having the same feelings of numbness and shock that you did. His emotions were completely blocked from you and you could tell he didn’t want you to know what he was actually thinking. You couldn’t blame him, your walls reached their peak once more when you felt Mando squeeze your hand one final time.

How did you even get here? Weren’t you trained to always put the mission first? Why did all of your rational and strategic thoughts go out the window as soon as Mando ate with you the first time?

You wanted to go back in time and tell yourself to look at him for even a second longer. Ask him a stupid question one more time. Just one glimpse would tie you over enough to at least speak again.

“I uh… I made the IG promise to bring him,” Cara said at one point, but you didn’t even react.

You were grateful for her trying to lift you up when mere minutes ago she thought you were the reason everything went wrong, but it felt as if it wasn’t even worth it to hope that Mando was alive. Not when there was a chance he could be dead.

You thought about turning back one too many times, but you couldn’t betray Mando like that.

He asked for a warrior’s death… and he got one.

The child started acting funny and crying in your arms, and you tried to sooth him.

“It’s ok little guy,” you whispered into his ear, trying to keep your burning throat at bay. “We have to get out of here, ok?”

But it was no use. The kid wouldn’t stand still.

You almost let your frustration with him get the better of you, until you felt it.

The tiniest, faintest tingle crawling up your spine, causing your brain to echo danger throughout the rest of your body.

Something’s coming.

You spun around, eyes widening as you scanned your surroundings. Your eyes were wide and your heartbeat quickened.

You didn’t know if you had another fight in you.

Cara saw your quick movement and spun around as well, using her flashlight to illuminate the tunnel.

“What is it?” Karga asked, and you slowly but surely heard footsteps approaching.

You wiped your tear stained face and took your longspear from its holder on your back.

Mando wasn’t here. You had to take care of the child, and dying in a sewer underneath an Empire base wasn’t the way you wanted to go.

The form of IG-11 appeared through the faint shine of Cara’s light, and you expected to be disappointed.

You expected him to apologize for your loss and be on his way.

But, a limping form of shiny metal was right beside him, and you felt yourself enter your body once more.

The feeling was almost euphoric. If this was the only blessing the universe could give you in your whole life, you would be a damn happy woman.

Cara instantly ran to him to help him stay up, but your shock and joy only allowed your body to drop your longspear and stay frozen in place.

The child squealed slightly in your arms, and that was the noise that made it real.

This was real. He was here.

Not even a second after Cara helped prop him up did you run to his side, slightly slowing down once you got to him, and collide with his chest.

You felt the tears of pure joy start exiting your eyes, and you couldn’t help but laugh at the small puff of air Mando released when your chests collided.

“Easy,” he chucked out, and you laughed into his armored neck, only squeezing tighter. He rubbed your back with his free arm as you sobbed happily into his neck, and the child tapped Mando’s chest slightly with happy giggles.

You finally pulled away to place your hand on the side of his visor, framing the helmet, and looked into his eyes.

You were stuck in an Emperial sewer, beaten and bruised, with virtually no way out in sight….

…but this wasn’t the last time you would look into his eyes, and that was enough.

“Sorry to.. break up the reunion… but we are kinda stuck,” Karga finally stated, and you let out a breathy laugh with Mando following with one as well.

You kissed his cheek, and then lifted his arm over your shoulders while your free arm reached around his back to help Cara move him down the hallways.

It felt good to finally help Mando up, after the many times he had helped you. Even in the horrible circumstances you were in, you couldn’t keep the smile off your face.

“Do you know which way to go?” Cara asked Mando, referring to the coverts he had lived in before.

“No, I don’t know these tunnels,” Mando admitted, the child still managing to giggle in your arms.

“If we follow the smell of sulfur, it will lead us to the lava river,” Karga said.

“The Imps will catch us before we make the ship,” Mando said, and you couldn’t help but agree.

“We need the Mandalorians to escort us to safety.”

You could tell Mando was using his helmet to search for tracks, and you could feel his body becoming stronger. So much so, that he started standing and walking on his own.

You felt more relieved than you could even explain. Your “partner in crime” of sorts was back by your side, and it felt damn good.

The group was moving faster, until Mando stopped abruptly after turning down a corridor.

A huge pile of Mandalorian armor and helmets was laying on the floor in front of Mando, and he dropped to his knees.

You knew what this meant…. the Empire had taken an entire covert of Mandalorians down. This was Mando’s family, and the Empire had plucked them off their list as if they were nothing.

“We should go,” Cara said, trying to be gentle for Mando’s sake.

“You go. Leave the ship. I can’t leave it this way,” he said, and the familiar pain in his voice was returning.

You bowed your head slightly, trying to show respect to the warriors in the little time you had to stay there. You had fought Mandalorians before, and they were some of the fiercest people you had ever met. They deserved better than this.

“Did you know about this?” Mando asked Karga, and you could hear the venom returning to his voice.

“Is this the work of your bounty hunters?” Mando said, getting more into Karga’s face. The anger in Mando was strong and dangerous. If the group started fighting each other, there was no way any of you were making it out alive.

“It was not his fault,” a voice said from behind you, and a woman Mandalorian appeared from the shadows.

She was taller, but lean and built. She looked strong and tough, but you could feel her mourning as well.

“We knew what would could happen if we left this place. The Imperials arrived shortly thereafter,” she said, referring to when the covert revealed themselves to save Mando.

He had very briefly explained how he got the kid off of this planet before, but you didn’t realize an entire covert of Mandalorians revealed themselves. You were surprised the Empire didn’t wipe them out sooner.

“Did any survive?” he asked the woman.

“I hope so. Some may have escaped off world,” she responded.

Mando took a moment to think, before looking up at her and saying, “come with us.”

“No,” she said instantly. “I will not abandon this place until I have salvaged what remains.”

She began to gather up pieces of armor from the pile and holding them above large blue flames.

“Show me whose safety deemed such destruction,” she asked, and everyone turned to the child in your arms.

“This is the one,” Mando said, gesturing to the now sleeping child.

You tried to keep your face neutral, looking down at the child, but all the eyes on him scared you. This woman was in deep grief, you could feel it, and that made people react in very rash ways. If she felt that Mando was at fault for the pain she had….

“This is the one that you hunted, then saved?” she asked, and the confusion in her voice was slightly comical.

“Yes,” Mando responded. “The one that saved me as well.”

“It looks helpless,” she said.

“It is injured, but not helpless,” Mando responded. “We think he has the powers of a Jedi.”

“Ah, yes, Jedi,” the woman responded, and your heart tightened with fear. If she knew about Jedi, then she had to know what you once were.

“The songs of eons past tell of battles between Mandalore the Great and the Jedi.”

“Are they an enemy to us?” Mando asked cautiously, and you could feel the protective emotions he felt towards his creed and his people.

“No,” she said. “Its kind were enemies, but this individual is not.”

She looked at the child once more. “It is a foundling. By Creed, it is in your care.”

Mando tightened, as did you.

“You have no choice. You must reunite it with its own kind.”

“Where,” Mando asked.

“This you must determine.”

“You expect me to search the galaxy for the home of this creature and deliver it to enemy sorcerers?” he asked, and you couldn’t help the faint grin on your face at his bluntness.

“Until that time, or it comes of age, it is in your care,” the woman said.

“You are as it’s father,” she said, and your eyes widened.

Mando was a father?

If Mando was the kid’s father….. what does that make you?

“And you,” the woman says, looking at you straight on. Your head popped up to meet her gaze, trying to hide the timidity and wonder in your eyes.

“You have helped?” she asks, and you glance at Mando with your eyes for less than a second before meeting the woman’s gaze again.

“Yes,” he responded for you, registering that you were asking for his help. Normally, you didn’t like when people talked for you, but this was Mando’s department, and you didn’t want to speak incorrectly for him.

“She keeps the child safe, same as I do,” Mando says, looking at the woman with confidence.

You grin slightly, looking at the child once more.

“Well then… if you so choose… you are a clan of three,” the woman says, and your eyes snap back to Mando, who is already looking at you.

You had heard about the Mandalorian clans. They treated each other like family, and fought till the death for each other. It had been something you had never had before, but if you were going to do it with anyone, it would be with Mando.

This thought boosted your confidence, and you gave Mando a slight nod of your head, showing that you want this. You want him.

Mando nods back, and says, “Yes. If that is possible.”

You feel the blush creep up your face, and even if you were in a dark and shadowy room, everyone could see it.

You were in his clan. His family. You wanted to jump for joy and squeeze into Mando’s arms once more.

“You have earned your signet,” the woman said, affixing the mudhorn signet to Mando’s right arm.

“You are a clan of three.”

You felt the happy tears creep up again, but you blinked them away. Trying not to ruin the moment.

“Thank you,” Mando stated. “I will wear this with honor.”

You were convinced you had never been happier. The day started with Kuiil dying, fighting for your life, and Mando almost dying, but you made it through. You made it to right here.

You bowed slightly to the woman.

“Thank you,” you said. “I am honored.”

“The honor is mine,” she says to you.

You smiled up at her, enjoying the butterflies in your tummy and the happiness in your eyes.

You had everything you ever wanted… now, you just needed to get out.

Tag list:

@leahkenobi @pinkninja200 @farfromjustordinary @440mxs-wife @bookloverfilmoholic

[i-need-air]

"Dude" — Bakugou Katsuki x Reader [P.2]

Word count: 6.7k;

[ Part 1 ]; [ Masterlist ]

The new message plastered on your phonescreen earned a small smile from you. After a couple of days of sitting together at the same table due to Mei dumping your lonely ass for her babies, Mina suggested to text just to keep in contact more often. Something you did not expect was to be thrown in a group text with her and her friends.

They were absolutely hilarious; until recently they found out you had decent grades and started asking for your assistance, bugging you to join their study sessions, adding something about Bakugou being an absolute beast whenever he tutors them.

Pinky: Aww sucks that you're not coming! You're missing out Bakugou strangling Kaminari lmfao

You rolled your eyes in amusement. Why of course he'd be doing that.

What a strange little man. He really was; just as you started sitting with them, he'd mainly mind his own business, wearing his normal resting gremlin face and poking his food as if he was practicing murder just for the sake of it. First he orders you to sit with them, then he turns into an antisocial bastard most of the times. Yet, somehow, lunch with them was delightful and you found yourself looking forward to spend time with them, hear about their amusing stories and to top it all, making fun of The Great Bakugou Katsuki turned the whole event into a whole different level of fun.

As you weren't completely oblivious, his wandering eyes were really hard to miss anyway; you'd catch his gaze from time to time and he'd look away, annoyed, grunting like the man-child he actually was. Infuriating; how your heart skipped every single time it happened and how you wanted to have those deep crimson orbs on you again and again.

One thing you did not want to do was to leave Mei to the side; whenever she couldn't hang out she would inform you and you'd find something else to entertain yourself with; in occasions you did march in her workshop and sat your royal ass down without permission. Like as you did today, sitting in silence, you enjoyed the normal machinery sounds and her focused hums as she worked with you by her side. It was calming. The much needed calmness that you craved.

It's been a couple of weeks after the glorious incident and you have been noticing how your classmates, mostly the popular ones, started giving you the stink eye; your spidey-senses very much aware that it had to be Midori's doing yet the girl was keeping a very low profile. The hairs on the back of your neck rising whenever you thought about her next step because this level of radio silence was suspicious.

Between your growing interest into the blond and the dread related to your nemesis, Mei stopped her hard work to frown at you.

"Something's on your mind?" She probed, adjusting her goggles better on her head. "You're awfully quiet~"

Through a small giggle, you nodded but took some time to answer. "I guess?"

"Let me rephrase that." She cleared her throat dramatically "Someone's on your mind?"

A sharp gasp left your lips, realization kicking in; you had Hatsume Mei's full attention for the first time ever. In the workshop. Where her babies were! About to point it out, she narrowed her eyes at you, zooming onto you.

"[Y/N]." It's all she needed to say before you looked down, mind on one person in particular, not noticing how your friend smiled fondly to herself as she placed her hands on her hips; she chuckled lightly.

"Mind sharing what's funny with the class, Mei?" You asked trying to decrypt her expression still locked on you. She shrugged and shook her head, her wild pink locks moving wildly.

"OI, WERD—" the brash voice interrupted itself in reconsideration. The owner of said voice clicked his tongue and entered her workspace with indifference, looking around. "My gauntlets fixed?" He asked, curiously checking the lone couch in the corner, then turning his glare at her.

Ignoring his question, Mei's inquisitive gaze locked on him. "Are you looking for someone?"

It was as if she pressed a Total Destruction button because even the hairs on his head spiked up more than normally as he threw her a bloodshot glare.

"WHY THE FUCK WOULD I LOOK FOR [Y/N]?! I DON'T EVEN CARE WHERE—"

"I didn't mention [Y/N] at all though." she cheerily retorted, seeing his position stiffen even more.

"WHAT— WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT— WHO EVEN IS [Y/N]?!" Word-vomit took over; he was shaking at this point, panicked and cringing at his own mistake. "I'm SO FUCKING DONE with people giving me SHIT about that dumbass!" he kicked a table trying to prove a point but the girl was unimpressed.

"So you do know [Y/N]."

"YOU KNOW WHAT? FUCK YOU, GOGGLES! Fucking bothersome assholes always buttin' in—" his voice started fading into the distance as he walked out, fuming with nerves.

She blinked before screaming "What about your gauntlets?" through a smile.

"OH, FOR FUCK'S SAKE, GIVE ME—" he appeared once again, agitated.

A wave of lava filled your chest as she told you casually, even trying to copy the way he talked, making you laugh in exchange. You shouldn't feel that way, shouldn't you? It was ridiculous since he truly only insulted you and screamed in your general direction; well, it seems he screamed in every direction but it wasn't the point. The point was the warmth in your chest only gave you hope and the still functioning part of your brain begged to differ.

"He's a good guy." You whispered, suddently shy under Mei's knowing gaze.

And he called her Goggles too. You giggled fondly.

—

A few days later, wild gutural screams made you jolt from your desk in panic. You would've recognized that voice anywhere by now so you rushed towards the infirmary door just to find professor Aizawa and two cocoons made of his scarf behind him. His eyebrow was twitching and had a dark aura around him, eyes glowing menacingly but not directed to you.

"I'll fucking kill you—"

"But Kaccha—"

"Silence." The irritated and tired looking man said entering the room, dragging said cocoons behind him, knocking one in the door and pulling harder. You cringed, sure thinking he wasn't having a good day.

"OOF— What the shit was that?" The bundle started to shake uncontrollably which made you giggle. It stopped; halted and froze in place listening attentively as you tried to hide your laughter, trying not to annoy the teacher that seriously gave off a whole Done with life aura.

"You must be [L/N]." he pointed out, undoing one of the cocoons, a big fluffy broccoli like head appearing, big green eyes trying to focus.

"Yes, sir."

"They're beaten. Broken leg and broken rib. Can you heal them or should we wait for Recovery Girl?" The dark haired man went straight to business.

"I can handle that so no need to wait for her."

"Good. I'll leave them in your care." With a nod, he also released the blond, making him tumble and fall on his face. The poor guy groaned but bolted up with a raised fist.

"Behave." The older man said walking away, not really caring about Bakugou's heated muttering. The door shut gently and you found yourself looking at two boys; one fuming and avoiding your eyes, the other on the floor, staring up at you. His leg looked wonky so you fought back a face of discomfort before going to his aid.

"You." You pointed at Bakugou then at the bed. "Sit." A grin spread on your face as you used his words, meanwhile you leaned down to help Midoriya Izuku.

His eyes were absolutely intimidating, as if the boy tried to search within your soul as you helped him up.

"My name is [L/N] [Y/N] and I'm going to heal you today." He returned your smile with ease and nodded, his fluffy green hair shaking through the action.

"I'm—"

"Midoriya Izuku, yes. You're pretty popular, you know?" His face went all red, taken back by the fact.

Curses could be heard behind both; your hand was supporting Midoriya's weight as he only hopped ahead with his good leg, leaded towards a bed. Shuffling sounded too, still accompanied with another round of indistinguishable curses and grunts.

When the green-haired boy was securely placed, you turned towards the other, finding him sitting on the edge of the bed furthest away from Midoriya, pouting adorably.

"So you've got a broken rib, right?"

"What's it to you?" It was his turn to be a petty little shit and copy your words, still not looking up. His leg was shaking and his posture looked uncomfortable so it was not the time to get into your usual bickering.

"Lay down." He tsk-ed sharply. "Please." You pleaded, pursing your lips at his childish attitude. He finally snapped his eyes on you, just slightly widened in what could be surprise but you couldn't tell. All that mattered was that he ended up doing what you said. Though with more huffing, as if it bothered him immensely.

"Ya happy now?" He snapped.

"Very! Now—" you're taken back yet again by the intensity of those green eyes that looked between you and Bakugou with interest. "I'm gonna have to give you an anesthesic and adjust your leg back in place before healing you—"

Like a working bee, you ran around the infirmary getting your syringe ready, a little bit too nervous as two pair of eyes burned into your back.

"Where do you know each other from, Kacchan?" Izuku asked. Even if his leg hurt like a bitch, he couldn't help but be curious about the person Kacchan has been having lunch with for the past weeks; but what type of response could you get from the one and only?

"Mind your own damned fucking business!"

You sighed, irritated but the nickname didn't fly above your head. In all means, he shouldn't be screaming. He had a broken rib and he was screeching like an idiot. Didn't it hurt to even breathe?!

"Bakugou, you need to lay low and shut up."

There wasn't any time to play around; Midoriya behaved exemplary, just barely wincing at the syringe probing his knee but did not complain at all. The polar opposite of the blond beds away.

After letting the anesthetic to take effect, you moved towards the guy that's been living rent free in your head. He looked beaten up, had a bloody nose, open-wounded knuckles and shaky hands.

"Okay, I need you to relax." You whispered, trying to lift his tank-top but he stopped your wrist.

"The fuck yOu doing?!" his voice cracked momentarily while hyperventilating.

"Dude, take slow, steady breaths. In order to heal you I need to touch the skin closer to the wound." It wasn't entirely true but not exactly a lie either. After a pause for consideration he nodded but his eyes remained wary. "You've seen me do it before! Now show me where it hurts."

You needed concentration, focus, steady hands, rock-hard abs and tanned skin— Nooooo, [Y/N]!

All your might; all of it to act nonchalant and professional, to not fucking stare like a degenerate because he was absolutely built. But you couldn't help it. You couldn't help placing your palm on his ribs gently, instead of just the tip of your fingers as you normally would've needed. His sigh of relief made you incredibly giddy, feeling accomplished and fulfilled knowing you've done a great job for him. You also couldn't help healing his most visible wounds one by one instead of doing it all together in one single touch.

Were you flustered? Definitely and his attention only made it worse. You picked one of his hands and he spasmed away but ultimately gave in with a choked grunt; then grabbed the other and channeled your energy into his body.

Your heads were tilted downwards, both staring at how his knuckles healed slowly. What neither him or you noticed was how all his scratches and bruises all over him healed too, or the prying eyes of a third wheel that was already taking notes of your quirk.

"Okay." You whispered, not really wanting to let go. Your brain screamed Dishonor! but your heart skipped a beat, then another, then exploded when you lifted your gaze.

Crimson eyes looked at you in awe, wide and never this clear. They were shining too and you couldn't help but give his strong hands a squeeze, feeling in the calloused skin of his palm and wondered which one of you was shaking... He blushed then and opened his mouth, yet his brows furrowed as his focus shifted behind you.

"THE FUCK YOU STARING AT, PUNK?!"

Oh, yeah. Your other patient.

In a heartbeat you were by Midoriya's side and got to work, chest heavy and no words coming out of you. No snappy or cheeky retorts either, just trembling hands and warm cheeks. Only with murmurs you guided him through the procedure before healing him completely.

Dizziness overtook you; the downside of your quirk and something you've been training with Recovery Girl for the whole semester.

"That was amazing, [L/N]-san! Thank you!" The boy cheered, staring down at his leg in utter disbelief. His compliment made you grin, full and proud.

"Of course it was!" Your normal self surfaced.

"Fucking woo-hoo." Nevermind. Mood dropped and your face did too.

"Well, since you've been a good patient—" you start and ruffle through your bag "You get a lollipop!" Said candy was thrown in Midoriya's lap and he stared at it baffled. Meanwhile you turned towards the bane of your existence and raised a brow, shaking another lollipop in your hand. "You don't. This one is mine because I deserve it."

His angry, stupid and scandalized expression was everything you were looking for. Did you get out of your way to buy lollipops knowing Bakugou would end up in the infirmary sooner or later? Maybe. Was it worth it?

"What the fuck does that mean, dammit— I—" words caught in his throat as he choked with air, looking at the candy in your fingers with murderous intentions. Definitely worth it.

"Thank you?" Broccoli Boy asked but started unwrapping it, probably not to insult your kindness, and the whole interaction fueled Bakugou's anger. He snapped out of the bed and so did Midoriya, but one was marching towards you while the other just wanted to run away in fear, direction Exit.

"Gimme that shit!" He tried to grab it out of your grasp, but you moved away, laughing at his face.

"Midoriya has been nice and thanked me for the healing—" at this point he was boiling. "Say Thank you, [Y/N], you're amazing and awesome and—"

"LIKE FUCKING HELL IMMA SAY THAT, DUMBASS!" he was so sweet, the guy you liked; yeah, your sudden realization hit as he looked like a tomato ready to bite your head off and the only thing you could think was how adorable and sweet he was. All gurgling in rage, spitting cussed words left and right; dreamy, he was dreamy. He caught the lollipop from your hands, his scowl turning into a full blown victorious grin. So shiny... so bright... God, he was so handsome...

You're suddently falling in his arms in slow-motion, the world around you twisting and turning with him in the center of it all. Warmth engulfed your frame as you hit the most comfortable pillow of your life. His chest.

"Oi, [Y/—" he cursed, taking no time to place you on the bed with ease. "You okay?"

"W-What happened? Is she okay?" It seemed the famous Deku decided to remain for the spectacle.

"Get lost!"

Even if you wanted to pass out, his snaps wouldn't let you and with that thought you chuckled breathlessly. "I'm fine, I just need a nap after healing this much..." you assured into the air.

"Will you be okay, [Y/N]-san?" You turned your head until you spotted him and nodded through a smile but someone else answered for you.

"I see you took matters in your own hands." The sweet, gentle voice of your mentor put you to ease but scared poor Midoriya to the core as she appeared behind him at the door. Bakugou was still hovering over you in bed, not really knowing what to do. "You should leave [L/N] rest, boys." With tiny steps she walked around, not really paying any more attention to the scene.

The blond gave you a glance and pursed his lip, analyzing the candy in his hand. Through half-lidded eyes you saw him secure it in his fist and give you a nod. At this point everything was blurry.

"Thanks... or whatever." He didn't waste any time to bolt towards the door, his broad uncovered shoulders were the last thing you saw before closing your eyes in contempt.

"Kacchan, is [Y/N]-san your—?"

"MIND YOUR GODDAM—" the door shut close, making the room tremble and you giggled like a drunk fool.

—

Bakugou walked with his hands in his pockets, looking around with little interest as Dunce Face and Racoon Eyes blabbered without pause to breathe. Fuck, he was exhausted and the concept of shoving food down his throat sounded fucking fantastic. His insides turned and twisted knowing you'd be meeting them soon.

"Yo, isn't that [Y/N]?" Like a flash, his head bolted in the direction Denki pointed at and before he spotted you, the blond already wanted to punch himself in the jaw. Why the fuck is he acting like that? The answer faded in his mind as the scene unfolded in front of him.

—

"You're such a fucking bitch, you know that, [Y/N]?" Arms crossed, you placated the poor first year that was whispering behind you.

"Wow, Midori, so original." With a dead tone and rolling eyes from you, the white haired demon only twisted her face in disgust. "My feelings are hurt."

"Who do you think you are? You're a fucking nobody, [Y/N]! You think you're doing any good here? Go kill yourself!"

"And give you the satisfaction? No, not happening, you fork-tongued lizard." Your nails looked interesting.

Her pale purple eyes got ignited and her diminute frame puffed, like a rabid little mole-rat ready to bite someone. And just like that, she took a deep breath and started yapping and barking. "YOU'RE BETTER DEAD ANYWAY, YOU WHORE! YOU RUIN EVERYTHING! NOW EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT ME! ABOUT HOW YOU STOLE HIM FROM ME! DIE ALREADY!"

Sadly you didn't have any cookies on since you definitely felt like shoving one in her fanged, venomous mouth and patting her head for the effort. Your lips turned oh, so slowly into a grin, enjoying her reaction way too much.

"That's nice. Now can you like, I don't know, go back to making potions with your coven or some crap? Leave the kid alone—"

"This pathetic little shit was talking about me! ME!" her screech hurt your ears so you covered them before you turned to the kid to just see him standing there, petrified.

"Did you try to summon Satan and she appeared instea—?"

"I'M SO FUCKING DONE WITH YOUR CRAP, YOU—" she pushed you but grasped your uniform, a ripping sound following. "UGLY—" nothing prepared you to get attacked by her. "FAT—" she raised her palm. "WHORE!"

No way in hell you were going to back down, instead you clenched your jaw and got ready to block it and finish the fight. She never remotely attended to hit you in a somewhat public place as she was a careful witch, always brewing something in that rotten brain of hers and making sure to keep her sweet appearance on point for the public.

You blinked.

"That was insane!"

The scenery in front of you suddently changed with that one single blink and a tall blond mass of muscle just popped out of nowhere. It knocked the air out of your lungs for a moment and seeing him staring down at her with such hatred, holding her wrist high in the air made you feel immense relief, much to your own surprise.

Were you that tense before?

"Midori-chan, I didn't know you were this rotten." Kaminari appeared in your field of vision too but got ignored by the girl. Her only goal was to free herself from Bakugou's grip but he wouldn't bulge.

"Y-You got it all wrong, Bakugou-s-san!"

Everyone stood there silent, utterly disgusted with her attempt to even try to twist reality.

"Don't even fucking think about it." He warned and those words rumbled deep, threat held within.

"We heard it all, Midori." You shook in place, twisting to see Mina by the kid's side, patting his back. After being used to seeing her easy-going attitude it was only natural to be amazed by her somber tone and serious manner.

Why were you so relieved? kept creeping in your mind. Why?

He then threw her wrist out of his grasp and bared his teeth in her direction, globes so bloodshot scrutinizing her. He oozed rage and fury and was combusting in place. But he did not scream. Bakugou Katsuki did not scream for once when he started talking, instead he growled his words, each with care and clarity.

"If i ever fucking hear you talking like that to anyone ever again I will— fucking— break you." you could hear his teeth grit, the sound making you shiver both in terror and excitement. "NOW GET THE FUCK OUT OF MY FACE! I BETTER NOT FUCKING SEE YOU OR HEAR ABOUT YOU EVER AGAIN!" she yelped, fluttering her tears away and scurrying so fast it could've been comical.

Bakugou then spun to study you, chest raising and falling heavily. You couldn't descypher his appearance at the moment; there was the aggravation, the outrage, the burning flame in his orbs but also... Uncertainty? Guilt? Shame? It wiped off his face before you could figure it out.

"We're taking him to talk to a professor about what happened." Mina's voice faded in the distance. He nodded at Kaminari, who was behind you, and got a nod in response plus a pair of thumbs up, and with that they were gone.

He still tried to control himself, but as soon as you parted your lips to say anything at this point, he snarled into the nothingness. "THAT FUCKING BITCH—"

"Bakugou..."

"FOR HOW LONG?" he then screamed at you, malice gone but tone just as rough and loud.

"For how long what?" You said calmly while also noticing and adjusting the ripped sleeve of your uniform. He ran his palm over his face, eyeing it too.

"For how fucking long has this been going?"

"Oh, her—" there was this pressure to say it out loud, to confirm what it really was, like saying it out loud would give it weight, importance...

"Her bullshit, yeah." he didn't force it either, thankfully.

"Since we were in middle-school." you shrugged, chest and neck aching without an apparent reason. You cleared your throat.

"Stop that— Stop that fucking shit. Don't do that." He got close to you in a single step and you had to look up at him, feeling so small out of a sudden by his side. You smiled, as you taught yourself to do whenever things got tough.

"Do what?" It came out shaky, too shaky for your own taste but he was so close.

"Act like it doesn't fucking matter! Like it's no big fucking deal!" His breath fanned your face.

"I mean..." you started shrugging again but he stopped the action, palms holding your shoulders in place as he gave you a pissed off look. "It doesn't really matt—"

"YES, IT FUCKING DOES!"

His fingers held you in the spot as he inspected your features with a clenched jaw and classic furrowed brow. Flames erupted in your ribcage at his words and you couldn't even breathe anymore.

You licked your lips, not sure if you could say the next words but the fact that he focused on the action too attentively gave you the push needed. "What's it to you?"

His breath hitched, fanning over your face as he stiffened. Deep crimson waved between your own orbs and your lips—

Those flames? The flames that burned your inside? They were spreading throughout your body rapidly, the epicenter at the spot where his thumb caressed your skin at the edge of your shoulder, just touching the start of your collarbone. Even through the layer of fabric you felt it, as tiny as it was, but he did not do anything, just stood there with red tinted cheeks in daze. Much like you were.

"Thank you for saving me today, Bakugou." You whispered and he just nodded, still enthralled with your lips. At least you knew he was somewhat still there with you. Involuntarily, you bit your lower lip, just a little, smiling softly, taking the smallest step towards him; the corner of his lip turned up slightly—

"[Y/N]! Director Nezu wants to talk to you too!"

The spell was broken; you yelped into him, grabbing his shirt for support and checked your surroundings. A waving hand caught your attention; Kaminari was signaling you to go to him then froze and started running away; little did you know someone was sending him a death glare.

You cleared your throat, still warm and fuzzy from head to toe and separared from the blond that caught you in his arms. Bakugou seemed to have noticed the position too because he jerked away a step back and looked completely out of place.

Ridiculous. And hilarious, looking anywhere but you and still made no attempt to move. Neither did you, instead opting to hide a giggle.

Because you felt warm, tingly, all while he was a complete gremlin, sweet in his own personalized way, in which he cared for you, he defended you.

And you're in disbelief because how come this guy, this adorable, blushing porcupine with anger issues made you feel so soft and fragile? How did you end up in this situation and how can you stay in it forever?

"What's so fucking funny, hah?" There wasn't any bite to what could've been an aggressive wording, just hidden tenderness. He fought a smile too and had the audacity to try to act annoyed. Sadly, you had to go, so you shook your head and took a step back.

Bakugou understood, so he nodded and shoved his hands in his pockets.

"I'll see how later, ok?" You promised and he glanced at you from the corner of his eye. Now you had his ear in full view for you to see the tips reddened too. You want to melt, even coo at the sight, but you really did have to go. However, you couldn't leave without sending him a cheeky smile.

"Yeah, whatever." His jaw sinked a little in the collar of his shirt as he stomped away too.

—

The whole afternoon was spent talking to a counselor and to the principal himself about a problematic individual. The first year student was encouraged by your new friends to report it as they escorted him to safety and soon an internal investigation started; maybe, possibly because of you.

Why were you so relieved?

Because they listened to you. Because they believed you. Because you didn't have to prepare yourself every single morning to take verbal hits from all directions. Because you've been given a voice, unlike your old school where everything was brushed off; "It's your word against hers" and much more bullshit. No, this time was real and they proved it by listening to every single word you said.

You were dropped at your dorms just before 9 P.M. and it was too late to meet anyone at the point. But it wasn't important; the moment you landed on your bed a smile broke on your face, a few tears fell and you had the best sleep in forever.

—

The air changed. The aura around your class switched. Midori was clearly missing, which instantly turns a bad day into a fantastic one, but it wasn't only that. Students were called, one by one, again and again interrupting class and took hours to come back. Meanwhile the Divas in particular looked concerned, another great view to enjoy now and until the rest of time.

It was obvious why this was happening and you never felt this much peace and satisfaction. Even so, you started to feel overwhelmed because people suddently started greeting you. The people that weren't in Midori's toxic and constricted entourage.

They said your name! Without hatred! The school's goldenboy's name, Kaminari Denki, was dropped again and again too. It seems he just casually started mentioning what he witnessed the day before and you suddently felt the need to hug him tight. Gossip spread like wild fire thanks to him, after all.

Maybe you fell into a parallel universe but you couldn't bring yourself to care, you just waltzed on the hallways after the bell rang, wanting to go get some food, then hide at Mei's workshop for some recharging. Another part of you wanted to meet the explosive boy too, though.

In all honesty, it didn't matter where you ended. You were in an incredible mood.They talked to you and it was exhausting but nice!

Was this what it felt in horror movies when the demon-child with rotating head and projectile vomit was finally exorcized? Was the curse really released for good?

As you floated in the skies, high on life and what-not, you turned the corner just to run nose straight into a wall. Your brain decided to take a break for the day, it seems, and you genuinely hoped nobody saw you march head first into— It wasn't a wall, but a boy that gave you a raised brow and narrowed eyes.

"Watch where the fuck you're going, dumbass."

"Great to see you too!" you chippered, walking around him, knowing for a fact his attitude wouldn't be able to piss you off—

"What's with the idiotic expression?" Nevermind, he can go fuck himself. Yet you smiled because you're a Godsend angel and that's what winged saints do.

"Just really happy." You shrugged, walking away with ease and tried to bite a bigger smile off your face when you noticed him turning to walk with you. "What are you doing on this side of the campus?" You inquired.

"Came to walk you to lunch or whatever." Well, damn, that made you halt in surprise. He's behind you, staring out the window with disinterest but froze when he saw your dumbfounded face. "WHAT? IT WAS IN MY WAY, OK? Want me to leave? I can leave! You can fuck off—" You placated your hands and started laughing.

"No, no—" Your eyes glint. "It's really sweet of you." You said, awaiting his reaction with mischief.

He first choked on air, like one normally does, and then showed the worst allergic reaction to mere words. "SW—! THAT'S NOT— I'M NOT— YOU— I— NO—" in no time you're crackling like a deranged witch, adoring every single second of the show he was pulling. He was basically howling and your laughter actually infuriated him more.

"FUCK OFF!" Your amusement calmed down as you studied him, his puffed cheeks, red eyes avoiding you; with a few stomped steps he placed himself ahead of you but made no attempt to stand you up and go be a hermit somewhere else.

Bakugou Katsuki. Ash blond hair, broad back, pink ears... Swears like a sailor, is all bark and and all bite, except with his friends. Has a big heart...

"Something strange is happening." You find yourself saying.

"Hah?" He glances back.

"People have been acting weird." That stops him.

"They better not be fucking messin' with you—"

"No, on the contrary, they're nice to me..." you assured, voice faint as his comment repeated in your mind and your chest warmed up once again because of him.

They better not be fucking messin' with you.

"Good." He says and you can't bite your tongue.

"You're a good guy, Bakugou."

He gives you a face. "Hah? Now you fucking notice?!" But he's grinning at the end of the sentence, cocky and so full of himself and you'd lie if you said you didn't consider him incredibly handsome. Although it seems he did not get the message.

"No. I mean it for real. You really are a good guy." He grunts like he hurt himself in his own confusion, staring stupidly at you, slightly blushing. "You're gonna be such a great hero too." Mouth agape to try to answer, he just gives you plate eyes and nothing else. On the other hand you genuinely expected more explosive reactions but this seemed to have broken him for some good seconds. He stared and watched and stood there like an idiot in front of you, making you want to both bury yourself in your own embarrassment and laugh at him.

You opted to look up at the ceiling, flustered and amused, yesterday's events suddently washing over you; they never really left your thoughts but now all the feelings decided to come visit once again.

"Oi—" he better not ruin it. "Wh— The fuck you kissing my ass for?!" You breathe out, long and loud for him to understand how stupid he sounded and stalked ahead; only food could save the day he's been actively ruining and that's what you were gonna get. He followed your rushed steps with cusses and questions until he grabbed your wrist to slow your pace. "Slow down, dumbass!"

The issue was that his obnoxiously loud voice caught then attention of some students that were just minding their own business.

"Is that Bakugou Katsuki?" Earning a groan from him as if it wasn't his fault!

"—with [L/N] [Y/N]?"

"Are they holding hands?!"

"So they're really together?" You cringe in embarrassment.

"Is that a confession?!" No, no, absolutely not happening. You rush out of the scene, gut burning, the boy on your toes cursing and mumbling whatevers but you didn't reach far until he talks. At least he had the decency of stopping you at an empty spot before giving you a heart attack.

"This is when you confess— or some fucking— dumb shit like that." Even without seeing him, back turned and absolutely petrified, you heard the cocky vibration in his tone that was sprinkled with some light stuttering.

Son of a bitch. That prinkly ass cocky fuck. That absolutely handful of a sea urchin—

You checked the closest stairway, your nearest exit and pathway to your salvation but something in that attitude of his just made you shake as you covered your face and laugh.

"You're... You're the worst." You mumble in disbelief but the grin that almost broke your face got even bigger as he choked and inhaled sharply.

"Hah?! Wasn't I the fucking best a minute ago?!"

"I did not say tha—"

"Same shit!" He bites when you glanced on him through your fingers. Your skin was burning so hot it would've been mortifying if he didn't look just as rattled. The view managed to calm your nerves and spike them at the same time.

"You're the worst..." Finally uncovering your face, he takes in your grin and visibly calms his fuming yet remains just as discomposed. "—and I like you."

Still, you cover your mouth because the blond in front of you started combusting and it was glorious to watch. Hell, you felt like grabbing a snack and watching him go through all those feelings that slapped his face on repeat. First his eyes widened, the teasing from before forgotten, then his skin, already splashed with red transformed completely into the same color, so deep it in resemblance with his eyes, eyes that were reading into you intensely. He went rigid too and as time passed and passed and he did not move, the only thing left was to break him out of his misery. Yes, break him.

"This is when you say it back."

He snapped. "I— DON'T FUCKING— DON'T FUCKING MAKE ME SAY EMBARRASSING SHIT LIKE THAT!" Birds flew away in one mile radius, windows trembled, your eardrums cried for mercy and you hid your smile because even through deafening volume, Bakugou Katsuki did not deny it. A zoo totally high on crystal meth started a revolution in your insides and the feeling threatened to burst out at any moment.

This is it. This ball of emotional constipation was taking your breath away while cussing you after you confessed and all you wanted to do was to squeal... What have you become?

But you said nothing, just stared with your hand covering your mouth, taking in the boy that looked like he wanted to throw fists with you, bared teeth and all, and also simultaneously die of a stroke.

"I—" he tried, you had to give him credit because he really did try. Like a challenge, like he wasn't going to back down, he gave his best and not without looking like it killed him inside. "F—" cuss word got stuck in his throat when you couldn't help a scoff. Suddently the show comes to an end when he halts, gives you a glare and takes a deep breath. For a moment you feared he'd walk away. Oh, how wrong you were because deep down you had to know he did not back down easily.

"I like— you, too." Beautiful words came out of his mouth, looking like it physically pained him to say them. "THERE, I SAID IT! YOU FUCKING HAPPY NOW?!" He howls indignantly, crossing his arms, trying to hide his clear flustered self yet it takes him one glance at you to return to his self induced stroke. "Don't fucking make that dumb fucking face—" he struggled to exist. "Don't look at me like that, dammit!"

You giggle, relieved and happy and in all honesty about to cry a tiny bit. You couldn't help it, enamored with how blissful this moment was. Bakugou stops his grunts and watches you in awe, small, minuscule grin taking over his face and he clicks his tongue, trying to fight it.

And deflects, as always.

"C'mon. Have to walk you there before you get lost or some shit like that." You breathe in and nod, even thought you were perfectly capable of walking to the cafeteria as you've done it for a year and some now.

"Okay."

"You'd be starving if it weren't for me." You snort and roll your eyes, but beam like a lovestruck idiot.

"Sure thing, dude." It instantly earns a grunt, then a pout, followed by grumbles and heavy feet by your side. You check on him, noticing his shrugged shoulders and tinted nose and you almost trip with your own legs because of it. He doesn't say anything for the longest time, which you didn't mind as you yourself needed some time to shoo away the butterflies and rainbows that floated all around in your very empty head. It wasn't until you almost reached the cafeteria that he stops you by the arm and looks away.

"You— You shouldn't call your boyfriend dude, dumbass."

Remember the butterflies? Now they're radioactive and fluttering around, crazed and disoriented.

"Says the one that calls me a dumbass, Bakugou." You relent, thankful he took the initiative to answer the question that lingered in the air throughout all the walk.

A wild flush takes over him and he refuses to turn toward you, just observing from the corner of his eyes.

"It's— It's Katsuki to you, dumbass." And he drags you inside without giving you a chance to process it. But when you do, you grin like mad and whisper just as you were manhandled through the door, preparing yourself for his explosive gargling and screaming and silently apologizing to everyone in your general proximity.

"Okay, Kacchan~"

Note: Thank you for reading and for any sweet mesages! I read each and every one of them and they make me so incredibly happy!! I would like to point out that the phone editor switches around paragraphs and it's very confusing. I edited some mistakes and for now it's good but I'm scared it wasn't fixed since I edited before too and I encounter the same problem again... If you find something off, could you please let me know? I want the reading to be enjoyable for everyone after all. Thank you again! 💕

[sirenthegalaxycollector]

Some thoughts I have been having for a long time about Thedas and the Veil that I want to get out of my head. 

When referring to spirits I am including demons as a kind of spirit.  The world beyond the Veil is completely influenced by the mind and will of dreamers, mages, and spirits who exist there. What you believe, you see. Solas says as much, when he talks about the nature of spirits and explains that if you see a spirit of wisdom and think it a demon than it will change and appear as a pride demon. It seems that the Fade is largely a subjective experience, with the exception of areas controlled by powerful spirits. 

And, of course, the one big exception of the Black City. Back to that later. 

There is one emotion that seems to dominate the average Thedosian psyche, fear. 

Thedosians fear; the Blight, the Breach, the Game, Tevinter, Orlais, archdemons, broodmothers, dark spawn, demons, abominations, mages, templars, elves, humans, the Qunari, the Avvar, the Chasind, the Grey Wardens, slavery, plague, war, famine, etc. 

It’s a long list that kept one spirit fed so well that the Inquisitor had to retreat from it. Most of those fears are less than two degrees removed from any average citizen of Thedas. If you have never suffered the wrath of a blood mage or fought off a darkspawn you probably know someone who has.

For mages this fear is doubled. They are feared both by everyone around them and arguably worse, they fear themselves. This fear is reinforced by the Chanty and the Circle. Mages are taught, by religion and rote, to fear themselves and each other. For a bunch of people able to will things into reality that seems inadvisable at best. 

It is also a super ineffective way of training mages. Look at the Avvar vs. the Circles for instance. The Avvar’s mages are trained by spirits. Who appear as spirits, not demons for their pupils and worshippers. They are not taught to fear themselves or the beings their abilities bring them into contact with. So the spirits don’t appear as demons and possessions do not always result in abominations. Or perhaps Rivain? Where the seers are revered and respect the spirits they work with. The point here is there are ways to coexist with spirits and mages that is different than the Circle and Chantry of Orlais, Fereldan or Tevinter. Learning from these examples might be really important moving forward.  

Because what if the Veil has been weakening this whole time. Lots of theories I see connect the archdemons to the Veil and I agree. It’s likely that Solas sealed away some part of the Evanuris’ spirits into the dragons that become archdemons. Which is why he is freaked all the the way out when he learns about the Grey Wardens and their plan to end the Blight. I think it’s also likely that these seals lent stability to the Veil. As the archdemons are slain the Veil becomes thinner.  A thinning Veil would also explain the increasing birth rates of mages. 

It could potentially also lead to experiences in Thedas becoming more subjective to the collective emotions of the people living there. IE. Abominations becoming more common because the fear everyone has towards mages and spirits compounds the issue. This leads mages to fear instead of learn their abilities, leading to a loss of control, possession and abominations.  

Adding to this, I think its very interesting Morrigan wanted to raise an Old God baby. Riordan says that a Grey Warden must kill archdemons so the Warden can be a lightning rod for the archdemon’s spirit into destruction. But we know that spirits are never completely destroyed. They are dispersed, to later reform. Though they may never become what they once were. (Solas, again) I think Mythal is proof this doesn’t necessarily hold true for the Evanuris. So what if Morrigan wanted to try and raise an Old God soul to be something other than it was? Like helping Andruil be less blood thirsty through good parenting or re-educating them on morals and ethics? 

The Veil is also weakened in places where many deaths occur. Thedas is notably the only continent we have seen, despite knowing there are civilizations elsewhere in the world. It seems strange that one area of the world would be subject to so many near catastrophes but perhaps we just don’t know about the ones outside of Thedas. Like whatever drove the Qunari there. Regardless, a lot of death has occurred in Thedas. Just in the time we are present for in the three games alone there are two civil wars, a Blight, the explosions at Kirkwall and Haven. This is on top of the day to day plagues, famines, and conflicts that have occurred.  

Yet despite this the Veil is only very thin in relatively few places through Thedas, at least prior to the Breach. What if Thedas is where the Veil is strongest because it’s where it was raised (Sundermount?) and its seals are there. What if in other places around the world magic and the Evanuris have been stronger, more empowered to interact with mortals and the physical realm. 

What if Solas, young, arrogant, hot headed Solas, tried to seal away magic and spirits and the Evanuris but didn’t quite do the job well enough. It must be hard to separate reality into the Fade and the physical. Especially if you are unaware of a world without magic. Must be harder to try and do so with what was likely some pretty heavy resistance. Sure the stories say the Dread Wolf tricked the gods and the Forgotten ones, but we know that Solas led a rebellion against the Evanuris so. And what about those Evanuris and Forgotten Ones.

The Forgotten Ones are theorized to be the Titans, and that may very well be true. What if though, Thedas belonged to one set of Evanuris. Again, we don’t know much about the world outside of Thedas so it could be that they also had super powerful elven mages who assumed the roles of gods, and what if these are the Forgotten Ones? 

Or they could just be the Titans.

And if the rest of the world wasn’t ruled by the theorized Forgotten Ones, then it stands to reason it was ruled by the Evanuris. 

Why would the Waking Sea be any trouble for beings that could use their pretty mirrors to teleport across planes? Which, looking at the symbology present, means that Thedas was likely ruled by Mythal. Much like her temple, she proudly displays the symbols of her fellow Evanuris across her realm. Additionally I would theorize that the Qunari came from a land ruled by Andruil and Ghilan'nain. What if the Veil has already been significantly weakened or even torn in other places. What if crossing the Waking sea is so perilous because beyond it is a land where the Veil and the physical world are no longer separated? The Evanuris are just as, if not more powerful than Solas. If they are aware (and the dragon gods of Tevinter kinda seem like at least some part of them is) they are trapped then they are likely poking and prodding at their prison attempting to find a way out. Especially June, although admittedly we probably have a flawed understanding of them, but he seems like the type to like a good puzzle.

Back on point, if any of the Evanuris’ spirits remain intact enough, like Mythal, to remember the past I do not think they would be sitting idly by waiting. They probably attempt to influence the physical world through spirits, mages, Dreamers, heck maybe even the Chantry themselves. (Interesting that Elgar’nan and the Chantry share the sun symbology and a strong desire for absolute obedience, no?) Now onto the Black City (told you we’d come back). The one singular thing that remains constant in the Fade. The Fade, where the world is subject to the strongest will and only very powerful spirits have the power to maintain realms. The place I think Solas established to recover after creating the Veil. The place breached by the Ancient Magisters. Ancient magisters egged on by their gods that went silent afterwards. A plot perhaps, of the Evanuris to breach the physical world? Going after Solas as he slept, only to be thwarted by an alarm system (the Golden City going silent). Their champions cast back to the physical realm, their voices silenced. 

What if one of them got off a last little jab before that though? Like releasing the Blight? And Solas, too exhausted to maintain his realm in its former glory, falls back to sleep before the repercussions of the Blight are known. Which is why he is so sure killing the archdemons will not end the Blight. He knows that the goal is not the cause.  The fact that magic, lyrium (both blue and red), and archdemons all “sing” is a detail that gnaws at me, but I can’t quite puzzle it out. I don’t think the Chant being called that or being a song is a coincidence either. It’s a puzzle piece I haven’t found the place for yet. 

If you read this whole thing, thanks for indulging me 😊

[bokettochild]

Hi! I really like the fics you write, and for the requests I was thinking some Wild and Legend bonding? I’m a big angst fan, but fluff always makes me happy :)

Okay, so, this was partially inspired by this, but also this.

I'm not really sorry, this has been brewing since the last update and I finally wrote it. That and I broke my writers bloc and figured out how to write Legend again!

Suffer 🙂

Sunset Comforts

Twilight was dead.

That was the thought flashing through his mind as he called the younger heroes to order. The worry that stung in his heart as Hyrule and Four charged towards the enemy that had downed their friend with ease.

A gleaming axe had struck the wolf form of their brother mid spring, and the pained and breathless whimper of the canine mixing with the wet squelch of the blade pulling free echoed in his mind.

Legend’s stomach rolled, the need to turn to the side and be sick growing as the battle continued on around him.

He didn’t know how he took command, simply let his emotions fall to the back burner, pressing down the need to vomit along with memories of a dark sewer, a gleaming blade, a wizard's cackle and wet and wheezing breaths. He focused his gaze on the enemy and called out orders, forcing the hero’s spirit to take the reins while a young hero fell to the background, eyes wide and full of tears as sobs built up in a throat that words had not poured from in years.

Blades sang a death dirge as monsters had fallen; enemies laid low by the weapons of the heroes still standing. There were no words to the song as an eerie silence hung over the field, only the sounds of battle and the occasional cry filling air that felt thick and muddled as they fought. And when at last the final monster had fallen from Wild’s blade, and the shadow had long since faded back away from where it had come, leaving the heroes bloody and breathless, Time and Wild had sprung to the rancher’s side.

Legend stood to the side, hands gripping his blade, ignoring the blood that trailed over his clothes and skin, eyes wide as they’d watched Time firmly press Warriors’ scarf to the gaping wound in -the now hylian- Twilight’s chest.

White and red clashed beneath blackening green, and Legend’s stomach revolted again at the sight, one hand pressing to his lips as he’d been forced to turn away, the sight to much for him. Bloods stench was heavy on the air, death and destruction smelling of gaping wounds and foul flesh, and it made his stomach roll. There was no task he could complete as he stood to the side and allowed the others to fuss and heal, and the mere smell of the blood on his hands made him wince back nausea.

He was covered in the stuff, it coated his body and overwhelmed his senses, and as the other’s fussed over far more pressing matters than blood; a wound, gaping and black with shining bones exposed to the air and torn flesh and-

Legend keeled over, heaving and wheezing for breath as the contents of his stomach found a new home in the carcass of a slain bokoblin.

The camp that night was plagued by the eerie heaviness in the air that had lain over the battle-field.

Warriors leaned back against Sky’s side, hands shaking from having laid the final stitches, eyes bleary as the Skyloftian gently pressed a potion to the captain’s lips. Not far from the two, Hyrule’s glimmering hands worked over Twilight’s chest weakly, shoulders drooping and hands shaking until Four had gently pulled him away with his one good hand, the other wrapped and hung in a sling from his neck as he gently ushered the traveler towards his bed roll to sleep.

Time, to no one’s surprise, sat at Twilight’s side, the ranchers hand clasped tightly in his own as worry creased already heavy brows, a single eye dark in the fading light as a song, bitter and almost tearful rings through the air. There are no words, but Warriors’ voice, heavy and weary, joins in, and though Twilight’s body lies still and the rancher hasn’t opened his eyes, there’s a flicker of his lids as his breath evens slightly, the faintest of hums sounding wet and broken from blood-stained lips.

Legend turns his gaze away.

None of the others had seen his shameful reaction earlier, and as much as he wants to be of aid, he knows that the blood that coats the bandages wrapped around Twilight’s chest and spatters over his clothing will only made him ill again, which will be in no ways helpful.

Violet eyes drift over leaves and stone before coming to rest on the form of the Champion, curled around himself at the furthest edges of the camp, fingers digging into his arms as his eyes remain fixed on his mentor. The vet blinks in surprise as his gaze trails from Twilight’s broken form to the huddled form of the man’s protégé, hiding on the edges of the camp and making no moves to approach him.

Does Wild have trouble with the blood too?

A closer look reveals that the champion’s face is red, eyes puffy and tear tracks rolling down his face, but the gaze on the champion’s face is hard, and Legend finds himself shaking off shivers from the intensity of cornflower hues as they stare across the camp, resolute and dark.

He’s useless to the healers, and the sight of Twilight’s blood streaked across all the surfaces around camp, red and wet and warm and full of life that should be staying inside him and not bleeding out because he needs to live, he needs to live, he needs to stay alive! Link can’t live without him he can’t it’s just not possible please-

The vet forces himself to breathe, shaking his head and blinking back his own tears as he moved towards his fallen friend’s protégé. He can’t offer any help to the others, but at the very least he can knock Wild out of his own head.

Twilight would want that.

As feet pick across the camp, bare because he can’t stand the ooze that coats his boots, he wonders when he began to wonder what the rancher would want or do.

Wild’s fingers are digging into his arms, blood springing up beneath his nails as they grip tighter, and Legend has to fight the urge to flinch away at the sight. It’s shameful, his aversion. He’s a hero and he’s killed more enemies than he’s seen seasons. Yet, he still flinches back at pooling red, and the droplets that roll down the champion’s arms to drip onto the ground are enough to make his stomach lurch again.

“Quit it.” He scolds, positioning himself in the way of the kid’s line of sight, blocking off the sight of the rancher as cornflower blue flicks up towards him.

His stomach rolls again at the ethereal glare that’s cast his way, eyes too old and a soul too shattered for the young body they’re set in. Still, he’s fought a corrupted goddess, he can meet the gaze of the champion, but it’s hard, and he hates it, but he forces himself regardless. Violet and blue clash, trails of gold set in each as both boys glare at each other, both disapproving in their own way before Legend shakes his head, reaches down and pulls the champion’s hands free of his arms. “None of that now. You don’t need more scars, kid.”

Wild’s eyes blink slowly, but there’s no recognition in them, and Legend finds panic flooding through hm as he realizes that Wild may or may not even be fully aware at the moment.

Great Seven, what would Twilight do?

Wild is stiff as a board and silent as death itself as Legend kneels before him, the kid’s gaze unmoving as he glares over Legend’s head, right between his ears, to where Twilight lays in his mentor’s hold. Pain leeches into the silent cold of ethereal blue, and something inside the vet shatters, his chest burning lightly at the pain and hopelessness that crosses over the kids face for a brief second before it returns to stony coldness.

Ah.

“It’s not your fault.” He breathes, crossing his legs underneath himself as he gazes up at eyes that won’t meet his own. “Wild! You can’t blame yourself; you hear me?” His own gaze hardens as he focused on the kid. “Twilight chose to chase the Shadow. It was his choice-” Glowing blue turns to him with a ferocity that nearly steals his breath, but Legend presses forwards, golden tinging at his own irises as his voice rumbles low and firm, blessedly free of its usual squeaks and breaks. “Twilight chose to fight. I’m not saying this is his fault, but it isn’t yours either.”

The champion’s gaze is stony and silent.

“You had no way of stopping this.” Legend repeats, hand clasping the kid’s arms just below the shoulders and gaze heavy as it meets the flickering blue before him. “You were on the other side of the battlefield, your arrows would have only made things worse and you had no way, on Din’s green earth, to reach him before the shadow struck.”

Wild’s eyes flicker up to Twilight’s broken form again, but the vet catches the kids face in his hands, eyes firm and glimmering slightly in faded light of the sunset. “Do you understand?”

“I failed.” The kid croaks out, broken and stiff and every word labored as if it is a weight that holds down the kid’s tongue. Each weight falls hard and heavy on Legend’s shoulders, pain dancing through his chest at the broken soul that cracks through the stone gaze. “I couldn’t save him.”

“No one could.” Legend presses, voice catching in his throat.

“I should have.”

The words are simple, but they bear a weight that nearly fells the veteran hero right then and there, and he watches in horror as tears pool behind Wild’s eyes as they turn to gaze at the dirt at his feet.

“I’m supposed to be the Hylia forsaken Hero.” The kid curses softly. “And I can’t even save my best friend.”

“You can’t save everyone.” He murmurs in reply, his own gaze struggling to stay on the kid before him and to not follow it to the ground.

Red hair and a bubbling laugh ring in his memory alongside a booming laugh that is weakened by blood that trails from an open wound, hidden in the sewers below the castle. Hands that held his own, laughter that rang with his and voices that carried joy and wonder on tehri lips as they filled his heart and breathed life into his soul.

Both of them are gone. He couldn’t save them. He’ll never have another chance to try.

“But Twilight is still alive. He’s still breathing and...” A wet laugh stutters up in his chest, broken and wrong, but impossible to hold back. “He’s still trying to sing on key.”

Wild’s eyes freeze the breath in his throat, hard and shattered and angry as they bore into him. “Twilight is still alive because Warriors and Time saved him.” The kid hisses. “He’s alive because everyone else banded together and staved off the monsters. He’s alive because you all are heroes enough, that while I was pulling my sorry ass off the top of a wall, you were all down there protecting him!”

The kid’s voice rises and those behind them turn to stare, but Legend isn’t cowed. He’s heard many a worse speech from his own shattered soul ringing in his mind again and again over the years. The kid’s broken voice and aching soul aren’t enough to bring him to tears and reassurance.

Twilight might treat the kid with care and grace that one would a wounded child, which Wild needs. But the kid also needs the sense slapped into him, and Legend’s very good at that.

“You all protect everyone!” Tears spill down the kid’s cheeks as he glares at Legend. “All I ever can do is sit by while everyone else struggles, and I can’t even offer help!”

“Wild-”

“My whole world died while I was sleeping!” Wild’s voice breaks, blue eyes sparking with lights that aren’t natural or Hylian.

“And I killed mine!” Legend shoots back, gaze and voice both dark as he meets the kid’s stare. “You’re not the only one of us to have ever failed!”

The champion blinks at him in shock, and Legend takes the moment to catch his breath, eyes blinking open again to meet the kid’s. “I destroyed a whole world. People, places, families and homes. Just blotted them out of existence.” His voice is firm but tears prick at his eyes as he glares down the taller hero. “You aren’t the only one who messed up.

“What matters though, is that when you were given a second chance, you took it. You stood to your feet, after being killed in battle you came back. And you walked right up to Ganon and drop-kicked his ass back into whatever hell it came from.” Violet and gold swirl in the vet’s gaze as it bores into Wild’s, the kid’s expression fading just left of wonder as he stares back. “You are still living your second chance. You are going to make new mistakes. You are going to get hurt. Other people are going to get hurt. What matters is that you don’t spend all your time crying over what you aren’t, and instead use it to become what you can be.”

The vet’s gaze softens. “You’re a good kid, Wild. And a great hero. Don’t ruin that by worrying about the past. You don’t live there, so you don’t belong there. Get your ass in gear and start worrying about the now.”

Wild opens his mouth to protest but is cut off by Legend. “And I don’t mean fussing about a battle that’s already lost. I mean by getting over there and hugging the stuffing out of your grand-mentor or whatever the shit Time is to you, because the guy is on the verge of tears and none of the rest of us can help.” The vet cracks a weak and strained smile. “Twilight’s strong. He’ll pull through. Don’t make me have to explain that you’re depressed because you can’t accept what he sees in you.”

He’s not fast enough to pull away before Wild’s arms are wrapping around him in a tearful hug, sniffles and sobs escaping the kid as he whispers thanks into Legend’s blood matted hair, and Legend can’t even bring himself to pull away. Instead, he gently rubs the kids back, grumbling back fondly until Wild pulls away, rubbing at his eyes and nose he offers Legend a wobbly smile, before standing and making his way back into the center of the camp.

Time’s face when Wild comes over and wraps his arms around the man is priceless, the tune on his lips fading out as the man folds Wild into his arms with a quiet sob, and Legend fights back a twitch of his lips as the two hold tight to each other.

Night falls as the others fade off into sleep.

Legend had finally pulled himself back into the camp once the lights had dimmed enough that the blood across their faces and clothes could be mistaken for dirt and shadow, and while the others cling to each other in their sleep, his eyes are fixed on the rancher.

Twilight’s breaths are sharp and strained, chest stuttering and stopping agonizingly often as the night continues on. Each time it stutters, Legend has to hold his hand above the rancher’s mouth and nose, waiting for warm air to caress his palm. Each time it comes late, panic blossoms inside of him, and Legend has to hold his own breath as he waits for it to eventually puff out again.

Time sleeps not far off, Wild’s curled in his arms where the two had dozed off after their nerve-wracking evening, and Sky is settled not far from them, Hyrule pressed to one side and Wind to the other, and Four lying across the lot of them while they sleep.

Warriors sits at the edge of the camp, hands working over the blades of his brothers, cleaning away blood and dirt and sweat with practiced movements as his gaze flickers from the forest to the fallen hero, concern in the royal blue gaze as it turns every so often to Legend.

He knows the captain wants to tell him to sleep, wants to tell him to rest, but seeing as the man himself doesn’t seem able to do it either, neither presses the other to sleep. Grim understanding flashes across the camp when their eyes chance to meet, and Warrior’s turns his attention back to Legend’s sword where it lays across his lap, hands working over it while its owner sits beside Twilight.

He doesn’t know when he’s taken Twilight’s hand in his own. Doesn’t know when his fingers start trailing over worn scars and calluses, taking comfort in the warmth that they find there as he holds it close to his chest, breaths deep and stuttering as his eyes flicker over Twilight’s pale face.

“You better be okay.” He whispers, voice breaking slightly as tear prick at his eyes. “I told the kid you will be, but it you make that a lie I’ll-” A sob breaks the silence, one that Warrior’s politely ignores as Legend drops his gaze, clinging to the still hand. “You’ve got to make it through this, Twi. Please! Please!”

Scarred and calloused fingers twitch softly, clasping Legend’s own weakly as another sob shatters the silence.

[snickiebear]

this will be an ever updating list of my fics!! :D ao3 | twitter | kofi

naruto

1. series: divine violence | enemies to lovers, fantasy shikasaku au | ongoing

of love and war | E | 37.5k | ongoing

index | G | 2k | updated whenever new information arises

2. series: my heart is thrilled by the still of your hand (its how i know now that you understand) | kakasaku oneshots | ongoing

the intimacy of being understood | T | 21.5k | complete

you taught me how to misbehave | T | 3.4k | complete

peace is a fragile, bloody thing | T | 1.9k | complete

look (don't.) | T | 1.9k | complete

devastation | M | 833 | complete

a drop of power (there is an ocean) | T | 371 | complete

rest, my love, rest | T | 1k | complete

get your courage up my friend (go ask that pretty girl to dance) | T | 834 | complete

this is where we stand, within the ruin, among the very dead (we are the catalyst of our own destruction, the impetus of our own rebirth) | M | 1.1k | complete

milk vetch and yellow tulips bloom on her windowsill | G | 906 | complete

the making of a woman (the killing of a god) | M | 3.9k | complete

arms | T | 3.5k | complete

godless are the eyes of those who survived | t | 5.2k | complete

3. series: war torn and ragged (the beginnings of peace and a soft, soft life) | kakasaku same age, god eater!sakura au | complete

stars in our eyes as we dream of the heavens (the gods walk among us, sweet child, do not forget) | T | 4.1k | complete

ichor runs through my veins, painting my very insides gold (god's flesh does not come without a price) | T | 9k | complete

we are creatures of war, things of violence (all i know is loss but promise me that i won't lose you) | M | 13k | complete

this is paradise, this is home (we fought for this, we died for this, we deserve this) | T | 2.4k | ongoing

4. series: so come meet me in the garden (where the angels sing) | shikasaku oneshots | ongoing

the village's best kept secret | T | 1.3k | complete

the world settles on his shoulders | T | 1.8k | complete

god's pity | T | 1.9k | complete

reflections of our soul (reflections of you and me) | 1.4k | complete

truths: seek them, tell them, accept them | T | 902 | complete

what haunts us | T | 3.2k | complete | shikasakusai

the knife against my throat does not tremble, your hands do not shake (i lean forward, i lean forward and let it all spill out) | T | 1.9k | ongoing

5. series: beautiful wide smiles (and unending laughter) | team 7 oneshots | ongoing

all in good company | T | 687 | complete

gym rats | T | 1.9k | complete

6. series: a crooked smile an echoing laugh (you look to me, i look to you; the future) | shisaku oneshots | ongoing

you're a wild mind never quite tamed | T | 2.6k | complete

the dark under your bed (where the monsters lurk) | E | 10.6k | complete

here are the fruits of your labor (would you like a cherry on top?) | M | 4.7k | complete (for now)

to taste the heavens | M | 415 | complete

7. series: you are home, you are love (you are everything i have ever seen) | leesaku oneshots | ongoing

a booming laugh, the bounce of that ass | T | 1.7k | complete

a cocoon in the heart, a speak in the brain | G | 1.6k | complete

8. series: we will drown within each other (flowers growing from our throats) | kisasaku oneshots | ongoing

cast your net, reel your lines (did you find what you are fishing for?) | T | 4k | complete

one monster looks to the other and smiles | m | 6.6k | complete

9. social media aus on twitter | discontinued

the thing that crawls | e | zombie apocalypse, sakura centric, you choose | ongoing

10. other | other nart ships

the art of redemption | ShikaTema | M | complete | 455

there are no exit wounds (not from this gun, not from these hands) | SasoSaku | T | complete | 1.4k

and in the end, there is us (like the sea, we are constant, we are a force of nature; unstoppable) | SakuTema | T | 1.7 | complete

glory on the tongue | KibaSaku | T | 1.9 | complete

what sand teaches you (and other metaphors) | GaaSaku | T | 394 | complete

what goes unspoken | GenTen | T | 676 | complete

machine heart | GaaSaku | T | 9.5k | complete

soul eater

flashing steel in tender flesh (weapons of children, children of weapons) | T | complete

[patchofsunlight]

Warmth | Zuko x Fem!Reader

SUMMARY: Avatar!Reader AU | Zuko has made many mistakes and holds uncountable regrets, but maybe Y/N can still love him back. Spoiler: she does.

REQUEST (by anon): “Could you do a zuko with maybe a f! avatar? Him falling in love with her like how they joked in ember island play. And him being tormented when she 'dies' in cross roads and them having some tender moment of confessing either in the western temple or ember island? maybe the play has the kiss and he confesses idk”

WORD COUNT: 5.3k

WARNINGS: Y/N is the Avatar, so Aang doesn’t exist. kissing, there might be swear words but I don’t really remember, bad editing. lots of mutual pining and some angst. I don’t know if I did this request justice but I really tried?

OBSERVATIONS: there’s a bit of Sokka x Reader bc I’m a weak woman but in the end he’s the main Zuko and Y/N shipper. not having Aang seriously hurt me. I wrote most of the Zuko sad rant in the beginning listening to Words Fail by Ben Platt and I think it would be interesting if you guys listened to that while reading? idk

I hope you all like it!!! feedback is always appreciated, so keep that in mind and thank you very much for reading!!

There was a hole inside his chest that Zuko simply couldn’t get rid of. It hurt him to his core, bringing pained sobs to the edge of his throat and slowly dismantling his soul.

He always thought getting rid of Y/N would quench his anger, rebuild his honor and complete his destiny. Now, his father accepted him again, Mai was his girlfriend, and Azula treated him like a true brother, in her own deranged ways. The Fire Nation considered him a hero, the man who killed the Avatar.

Then why did it trouble him so much? Why did he wake up every night in a cold sweat, with tears stinging his eyes? Why did he have the same nightmare over and over where he was the one responsible for her death, hitting her with lightning and watching as the light inside her disappeared, leaving behind only her idle body and Katara’s desperate cries? Why couldn’t he be satisfied? He had fulfilled his fate. He had done what he was meant to do, sided with his people, and fought against his greatest enemy. Why wasn’t he happy? Why couldn’t he ever be happy?

Back in Ba Sing Se, he saw her at the Jasmine Dragon more than once. He couldn’t believe his eyes when she first entered the teashop, and he was pretty sure she had recognized him, but Y/N managed to send a polite smile in his direction and sit down, greeting “Mushi” with joy. When Zuko served her tea, she asked him what his name was as if she didn’t know. She didn’t confront nor attack him — she simply let him live his new life and went on living hers. It felt like she had washed off his sins, erased the bloodstains he carried in his soul and hands. Y/N freed him of his past and he had thrown it all away.

It was the right thing to do, he had told himself day after day after day. Except it wasn’t, and now Iroh refused to talk to him and the Avatar was probably dead and, in the case she wasn’t, she would never forgive him. She wouldn’t let him be free of himself again and he would never get redemption for his mistakes.

He wished he could go back in time and fight alongside Y/N in that crystal cave, wished he could live up to the trust Katara offered him before they were saved, wished he could have stopped Azula from throwing that lightning bolt. He wished he could do things in the right way, yet he couldn’t. Zuko tried so hard to regain his so-called honor and to bring his father pride but his only real achievement was engulfing himself in guilt and regret, being aware that powerful and forgiving Y/N could be dead because of his lack of dignity and character — this couldn’t be honor. Violence, betrayal, death, and hurt couldn’t be honor, and he wasn’t sure he wanted his father’s pride if it meant feeling like this, like he was no good, like he was not worthy of love or praise or admiration.

Zuko had spent a great part of his life hating himself, but nothing compared to the hate he felt every night after waking up from another crushing nightmare. How dared he make this about himself and his feelings of guilt when the Avatar could be dead? How dared he worry about the Fire Lord’s pride when the world’s last hope was gone? How dared he indulge in self-pity after all he had done? He didn’t deserve pity, didn’t deserve help, he only deserved to wallow in his own pain and die. But that wouldn’t fix anything, neither would it bring Y/N back — he had to act, and he had to do it fast.

Going after Team Avatar was not difficult. He thought he would feel complicated like he had when first betraying Y/N’s trust, thought it would hurt like coming back to the Fire Nation did. Thankfully, leaving only caused a new type of satisfaction to bloom inside his chest, giving him the sensation he was finally walking through the right path. Hope seemed to pour out of every pore in his body and he could somehow think of better, future days when he would have done enough to make up for his mistakes, days when he didn’t feel the urge to scream every time he looked at a mirror. Maybe then he wouldn’t have to despise himself like he currently did, maybe things would be okay and he would be truly happy, if that was even something he had the capability to do.

But then they didn’t want him. He left everything behind, he charged every inch of his hope with the idea of joining the Avatar, and they didn’t want him. Why would they? Why would they, after everything he had done? How could he have even considered they would accept him, that she would trust him again? Of course they didn’t want him. No one did and no one ever would and that was entirely his fault — it was his fault that he was a bad person, took the wrong decisions, and caused pain and destruction. It was his fault he never did the right thing and he should’ve known he would be rejected again, for being rejected was just what he deserved.

But it still hurt. Oh, Spirits, it hurt. She couldn’t even look at him, even after he helped them defeat Combustion Man and was finally accepted in the group. Sadly, it made Zuko realize that, no matter where he stood, he would never be a part of their team, and Y/N would never trust him entirely. For some reason, that was more upsetting than their rejection. He wanted to impress her, wanted her to like him, and she never would.

“Y/N? Can I—can I come in?”

The Avatar looked up from the map she was currently analysing on her bed, studying his figure carefully before nodding with hesitance, “yes. Do you need something?”

He sighed deeply and walked towards her, feeling his heart crack when she brought her legs closer to her body and away from him the moment he sat on the edge of the bed, “I—I just wanted to talk to you about, well, you know, everything.”

Her expression hardened and she averted her eyes back to the map, “we have nothing to talk about, Zuko. You can go back to your room.”

The Fire Nation Prince swallowed nervously, “Y/N, please. I’m so, so sorry. I have made so many mistakes, I—”

“Zuko,” her voice was firm and emotionless, but that quickly changed when she met his gaze, “I thought things could be different. I thought things could be different back in the North Pole, when we first talked to each other and you told me about Azula. I thought things could be different when you saved me as the Blue Spirit. And I was so convinced things would be different when we met again in Ba Sing Se that I—” she scoffed at her own words, “I had a crush on you, can you believe that? That’s why I visited the teashop so regularly, I just wanted to see you. Stupid, of course. I should’ve known.”

Zuko was sure she could hear his anxious heart beating from the other side of the bed. They were less than a foot away, and yet it felt like miles. He didn’t want her to think about him like that, he didn’t want her to be disappointed in him. Damn, she used to have a crush on him, she liked him, and he screwed everything up like usual. “I’m so sorry, Y/N. I’m—I’m here now, I’m on your side.”

“Yeah, but I thought you were on my side back then too. Anyway, it doesn’t matter anymore. You need to teach me firebending and that’s the only reason you’re allowed here. Talking is unnecessary.”

“Please, I—”

“You should leave, Prince Zuko,” he flinched at the title escaping her lips, hating how it sounded bitter coming from her, “I have really important matters to deal with. We’ll start my firebending training tomorrow.” 

“Y/N—”

“Leave, Zuko.”

With a heaviness inside his stomach, he left the room, missing if by a second the frustrated tear that ran down Y/N’s cheek. She wanted to trust him, but how could she? How could she let him in after his betrayal? She had always been forgiving, but she refused to be naive — seeing Zuko side with Azula in the crystal caves hurt her deeply and shoved her little crush on him down her throat. She couldn’t go through that again, it would be simply idiotic to. Y/N had to stand her ground. She wouldn’t be hurt by him again.

-----

“Hey, jerks. Mind if I watch you two jerks do your jerkbending?”

“Get out of—” Zuko was interrupted by the Avatar’s laughter. Sokka smiled softly at her, cheeks blushing. For some reason, that only managed to piss Zuko off even more, “get out of here!”

“Okay, take it easy. I was just kidding around,” the Water Tribe boy winked at Y/N, “see you later?”

“Sure, we still need to see that part of the temple we found yesterday. Exploration partners!”

“Exploration partners!” he agreed with a chuckle and turned away from them. “Bye, Y/N. Jerkbending… Still got it.”

Zuko glanced at her with irritation while she watched Sokka leave. He felt already incredibly frustrated for not being able to produce his fire and not knowing why, he definitely did not need to watch as Sokka and Y/N flirted. 

They would make a cute couple, though, and she smiled so brightly at him it was physically painful to watch. He wanted her to smile like that at him, look like that at him. But she wouldn’t — she was over her crush and had no reason to ever feel anything towards him again, not after what he had done. He didn’t deserve her love anyway, so maybe it was for the best.

“So? Any progress, Sifu Hotman?”

“I told you not to call me that,” he snarled angrily and she sighed.

“Sorry, Sifu Hotman.”

“This was a mistake,” he sat down roughly, ignoring the ache on his legs due to the sudden movement, “maybe teaching you firebending is not my destiny.”

She looked at him with furrowed eyebrows, not understanding, “what do you mean?”

“How can I teach you anything when I’ve lost my fire, Y/N?” he chuckled sadly, letting one of his hands go through his hair in distress. “I wanted to be on the good side of the war and I can’t even make myself useful.”

“You haven’t lost your fire, Zuko,” her voice was careful, “I think you’re just going through some internal conflict and that’s reflecting on your bending, but if you were meant to teach me firebending, you will. Your destiny is still your destiny regardless, Sifu Hotman.”

“It’s easy for you to say, you’re the Avatar! I’m not even sure who I am anymore, but you have always known what your destiny was.”

“Yeah, and I was scared of it,” she smiled softly, “I ran away and disappeared for a hundred years. People died because of my absence. I have made mistakes, and I have failed many, many times. Sadly, that doesn’t make me less of an Avatar. Zuko, if you must be my teacher, it’s gonna work. We’ll figure things out and you will get your fire back. Okay?”

He stared inside her eyes. There was still some sort of mistrust in them — she was willing to help him because she needed him, but still suspicious. She wasn’t really sure he was on their side, but this was a start. He was going to fix everything and he would make her proud. He would make Y/N happy to call him a friend. Or something more.

Maybe he had a crush on her, too.

-----

Toph’s idea to look for the original source of firebending had greatly backfired (no pun intended, even though Y/N could clearly hear Sokka’s laughter in her head at the joke). They traveled to the Sun Warriors’ ancient city and found an impressive temple adorned with statues. Things were going surprisingly well until they weren’t, and now they were stuck in a disgusting glue because Zuko touched the pretty gemstone. Hours had passed and Y/N was increasingly more annoyed at their situation.

“You had to pick up the glowing egg, didn’t you?”

“At least I made something happen! If it were up to you, we’d never have made it past the courtyard.”

“Maybe, but we wouldn’t be stuck here either, so did you really win?”

Zuko rolled his eyes, “this is stupid. How are we getting out of here?”

“Help!” the girl screamed as loudly as she could, being met with only silence.

“Who are you yelling to? Nobody’s lived here for centuries,” the Fire Prince argued and it was Y/N’s turn to roll her eyes.

“Well, what do you think we should do, genius?”

“Think about our place in the universe?”

Despite her current irritation, Y/N couldn’t help but smile at his words. He instinctively smiled back and she felt warmth spread through her chest.

She was starting to think she wasn’t as over her crush on him as she thought.

They were rescued by the Sun Warriors and judged by the last dragons, and Y/N was sure she hadn’t felt this alive in a while. After burning Katara (it was so long ago it seemed like a different life), she had thought of fire as something destructive, harmful, but she could now see it with new eyes. Fire could be love, life, and power. 

The Avatar glanced at Zuko. Maybe she could try and see him as that, too. 

-----

“You did well today,” Zuko complimented warily, avoiding her gaze, “if we keep up the training, you might become a better firebender than me.”

“Why, thank you, Hotman,” she smiled brightly and Zuko was sure he could pass out right there, “I just have a great teacher.”

“Y/N!”

The Avatar felt Sokka before she saw him, laughing at the way he hugged her from behind joyfully, leaning his chin on her shoulder. “Hey, honey. What’s up?”

“Doing fine,” he mumbled, brushing her hair off his face delicately, “wanna grab something to eat?”

“I think I’m gonna train some more and clean myself later. I’ll meet you after?”

“Sure! I’ll be back inside. See you, Y/N, Zuko.”

They both watched as the Water Tribe boy entered the temple again. There was a weird burning sensation running through Zuko’s blood when he asked, voice slightly raspy and overly quiet, “so, you and Sokka, huh? You make a nice couple.”

She turned her head to him so quickly it almost gave her whiplash, “what? No! I mean—” she blushed at the question, flustered by the fact he would even consider something like that. The Fire Prince waited silently, irritation surfacing at her stammering. He wasn’t sure why that angered him so much, but he decided to be still and listen, “we are just friends,” she concluded, “he means a lot to me, but so do Katara and Toph, you know? We are—we are just friends. He even likes that Kyoshi Warrior, Suki! So, yeah, we are definitely not a couple.”

“I see,” Zuko felt curiously static with that piece of information, “and you don’t have feelings for him?”

“No, of course not. I mean, I had a thing for him when we first met, but now it’s gone. He’s my best friend and I love him, just not like that.”

“Okay. Good.”

“Good?” Y/N turned her head to the side in confusion and he paled considerably, finally noticing the meaning of his own words. “Why is that good?”

“Oh? I—it’s good that you love him! Yeah, having friends is amazing, right? Yeah.”

She smiled amusingly, “it truly is.”

“Yeah.”

The Avatar chuckled lightly, “come on, Sifu Hotman. Let’s do that leg movement again, I think I’m not doing it right.”

Days passed and a lot of things happened. Zuko knew Y/N wouldn’t be happy with Sokka’s suicide mission, but he couldn’t let him do it alone, so he accompanied him to the Boiling Rock. Again, she wasn’t happy when he followed Katara for revenge for her mother’s death, but then at least someone had Katara’s back and was ready to protect her. He desperately wanted to earn Y/N’s trust and friendship, but that was rather difficult when he insisted on doing the stuff she didn’t want him to do.

They continued their training on Ember Island and the whole Team seemed to thoroughly enjoy the place. Y/N was giving her all to learn firebending and was succeeding splendidly. To be honest, Zuko loved to see her get the moves right — every single time she made it, she would look at him with bright eyes and grin. It was the most beautiful sight Zuko had ever seen and he would do anything to have it permanently engraved in his mind.

They stayed up late during one particular night. They were both exhausted after hours of training and ended up sat beside each other on the ground on the back of the Fire Nation Royal Family’s beach house. The air between them was filled with silence and heavy breathing from their previous effort.

“Hey, Zuko?” after a few moments, Y/N called him gently, voice tired and raspy giving him chills. She laid down and stared at the dark sky. “Look at the stars with me.”

He blinked, “really? I mean, shouldn’t we go inside?”

“Please?” her eyes met his and his heart skipped a beat. “Just for a bit.”

“Okay,” Zuko whispered, lying down next to her. They looked at the sky quietly for a bit.

He liked to be around her. It could be the Avatar thing, but Y/N had a calming aura around her that was just unmissable. Being next to her like this gave him the feeling things would be alright, the feeling he was not worthless. It was a lie, of course. There was no way to know how their plans would go, and he was pretty much worthless.

But being beside her was enough to trick his mind. Maybe the little crush he harbored towards her had become something more — Spirits, he liked her so much. Not that it mattered, considering there was no way she would ever love him back, not after everything he had done.

“When I was younger, I believed we became stars when we died.”

He turned his head to look at her, “really?”

She turned to look back and his breath hitched at their close proximity. She chuckled, “yeah. I didn’t even know I was the Avatar back then, I was so young. They told me when I was sixteen, and I ran away shortly after,” there was bitterness to her words, “like a coward.”

“You are not a coward, Y/N. You had no way of knowing how things would go.”

“You really think so?”

“I do. Besides, if you hadn’t run away, you wouldn’t have been stuck on ice for a hundred years, and I would never have met you, which would be awful,” he widened his eyes, completing quickly, “and Sokka, Katara, and Toph, too. I wouldn’t have met them either. Of course.”

Her smile was so pretty he forgot how to breathe, “you’re right, Zuko. I don’t think I would have liked to live a life where I never met you,” she smirked before going on with teasing eyes, “and Sokka, Katara, and Toph, too. Of course.”

“Of course,” he agreed with a blush on his face. They stared at each other carefully and Zuko was pretty sure his heart was performing a professional routine of somersaults inside his body. He definitely was past just a simple crush.

Y/N smiled that dazzling smile of hers before averting her gaze to the stars again and yawning. “We should go in.”

“We should,” the Fire Prince immediately started to sit up, but she held him down with a hand to his chest, and probably felt his crazy heartbeat under her fingers.

“Just a bit more, Prince Zuko,” she whispered, eyes trained to the sky. Slowly but surely, she moved her hand from his chest to his own hand, creating goosebumps on every inch of skin she lightly touched on the way there. Zuko could feel his body burn at the barely-there feeling of her fingertips. She intertwined her fingers with his carefully, giving him the chance to pull away if he so wished. He let out a shaky breath and squeezed her hand. She immediately squeezed his back in reassurance.

In the middle of the quiet and comfort they suddenly found in each other, they fell asleep under the stars, fingers playing with each other until exhaustion finally engulfed them in dreams of pretty smiles and light touches.

It was nice to dodge the nightmares.

-----

“I’ve heard you and Zuko slept outside today,” Sokka had a teasing tone to his voice. Y/N glared at him, “you are together now or something?”

“We are not,” she countered, scratching Appa while they talked. Zuko, Toph, Katara, and Suki had left for the beach already. Y/N still needed to feed her sky bison and Sokka offered to help with the excuse of being a good friend. The Avatar was absolutely sure that wasn’t the real reason he stayed back alongside her and he was currently proving her right, “we were just stargazing and then fell asleep.”

“Stargazing, huh? Real cute. I bet it was an endearing impromptu date, wasn’t it?”

“Since when do you even know the word impromptu?”

“I am always full of surprises.”

“Right,” she rolled her eyes and he laughed loudly, “it was not a date.”

“But you do like him, right?.”

“What?” she turned her entire body to him, furrowing her brows and crossing her arms in a defensive stance. “Why would you say that?”

“Because I know you better than you know yourself and I can tell you have feelings for him,” Sokka copied her movements, staring at her with a smirk, “I also know he likes you back.”

Y/N scoffed and transferred her attention back to Appa, “he does not.”

“So you admit you like him!”

“Shut up, Sokka!” she glared, but quickly gave up under his intense eyes and raised brows. “Yeah, I like him. It doesn’t matter, though.”

“Yes, it does! He feels the same! Look, what about this,” he leaned in closer, that crazy look he had whenever making up a plan taking over his face, “we are going to watch that play about us tonight, right? Well, you guys can sit next to each other! Like a couple!”

“That’s a terrible idea, honey.”

“It’s not! I bet he’s gonna make a move!”

“He won’t, because he’s not in love with me.”

“Wait, you’re in love with him?”

Y/N’s entire body tensed up. She shouldn’t have said that. She wasn’t in love with Zuko! Was she? I mean, she did love to be beside him, and her heart sped up when he gave her one of his rare smiles, and training with him when he had his shirt off was distracting to say the least. Besides, he really seemed to have changed and grown — she felt like she could trust him again, but she could never be sure, and she was adamant on not getting hurt once more. Especially now, when she was dealing with so many things. If he betrayed her a second time… Spirits, it would be just too much to handle.

“I don’t know,” she muttered and Sokka’s cheeky smile faltered, “I don’t want to be.”

He stretched an arm out to hold her hand fondly, “it’s fine, Y/N. Whatever happens, I’m here for you, okay?”

The Avatar smiled sadly, “thank you, Sokka. I’m really glad to have you in my life.”

“I know, honey. I’m great like that.”

She laughed loudly and he grinned in satisfaction, turning her body around and starting to lead her towards the beach, an arm through her shoulders holding her close to his body.

“Shut up, Sokka. You’re so stupid.”

“Yeah, yeah. I love you too.”

Zuko felt a pang to his chest when Sokka and Y/N arrived at the beach holding each other so dearly, but he knew he had no right to complain. She would be better off with Sokka anyway — he was good-looking, nice, funny, smart. Meanwhile, Zuko was nothing but a sad mixture of mistakes and regrets. The Avatar deserved more than that.

“Hey, Hotman,” she walked to him with a smile, planting a kiss on Sokka’s cheek before leaving his side. “Why are you all alone on the sand?”

“Because he’s boring,” Toph answered from some feet away and Katara chuckled. Zuko could feel his face redden.

“He is not,” Y/N argued amusingly, sitting down beside him and grinning. She glanced at him with a happy spark in her eyes, “are you excited for the play tonight?”

“No,” he muttered, but his lack of vivacity didn’t bother her in the slightest, “the Ember Island plays are always ridiculous.”

“I think it’s going to be fun,” she shrugged contently, basking in the hot sun, “if it isn’t, we can always throw food at the stage or whatever.”

He tried really hard, but couldn’t bit back the smile that took over his frown. He watched her attentively, noticing how she seemed to glow in the daylight, giving off this incredible warmth he had only ever seen on her. He averted away his gaze, feeling his neck and face heat up at how unapologetically beautiful she was.

Zuko cleared his throat quietly, “yeah, I guess.”

She only smirked in response.

-----

The play could be worse, he figured. Yes, their portrayal of him was horrible (even though his friends — could he call them friends? Were they friends? He hoped they were — said otherwise) and the actress playing Y/N was not nearly as pretty as the Avatar really was, but Y/N was next to him and, at some point, she had leaned her head on his shoulder tiredly and stayed there. All the training was getting to her and he felt inexplicable joy in the fact she trusted him enough to rest her body on his.

“Look,” her voice was raspy from sleepiness and a chill ran down his spine, “I think now is when you join Team Avatar and becomes our friend.”

He nodded carefully not to disturb her from her position and his heart skipped a beat when she nuzzled closer to his neck. Zuko watched as actor Zuko was accepted into the group and just after a scene with only him and actress Y/N started. Actor Zuko stared at the actress longingly, “my dear Y/N… I know I have wronged you in many ways, but I wanted to apologize for my mistakes and beg for your forgiveness!”

Y/N giggled at that, nudging him affectionately, “that really happened.”

He smiled, eyes following the performers on stage. Actor Zuko continued, “your forgiveness… And maybe your love, Avatar.”

They both immediately tensed up at the words and Y/N moved her head slightly, brows furrowing in confusion.

“My love, Prince Zuko?”

“Yes, my darling.”

They all watched as Actor Zuko and Actress Y/N kissed passionately, earning cheers from the audience. Sokka whistled loudly and Y/N turned to glare at him, receiving a wink in return.

“I have been in love with you since we first met!” Actor Zuko declared excitedly, holding Actress Y/N’s hands. “You are the only one who can make me forget about my teen angst. I love you, Y/N.”

“Well… I don’t!” Actress Y/N moved away swiftly and the crowd gasped in surprise. “I have accepted you in my group, Prince Zuko… But I’ll never accept you in my heart! You’re a bad person that doesn’t deserve my love!”

“What?!” Sokka almost screamed in disbelief. Y/N finally took her head off Zuko’s shoulder, incertitude swimming in her eyes. Before she had the chance to speak, Zuko had already left. The Water Tribe boy widened his eyes at her. “Go after him!”

Y/N nodded her head, getting out of her seat and walking after Zuko, calling his name. He ignored her, feeling anger boil inside him. He knew she would never directly say something like that, but he also knew it was true. She would never love him — he wasn’t worthy of her love, and he was pretty sure she was aware of that too.

“Zuko, wait!” she finally catched up to him, holding his arm and pulling him back. “It’s just a stupid play, Zuko. None of that is true.”

“Really, Y/N?” he turned to stare at her, rage covering his expression. “Because I’m almost certain it is. They said I don’t deserve love, Y/N, and that’s true. After everything I’ve done…”

“No!” she exclaimed desperately, shaking her head vehemently in disagreement. “Zuko, of course you deserve love. Yes, you have made mistakes, but all of us have. You shouldn’t care about what some actress says.”

“But they’re right, Y/N,” he insisted, feeling tears stinging his eyes, “I’m unworthy of love and everyone knows, and that’s why nobody actually loves me.”

“I love you!” she yelled out before she could stop herself, breath hitching at the troubled look taking over his face. Y/N sighed deeply, crossing her arms shyly and looking away, “I do,” her voice was small as she blushed, “I thought I was over my little crush for you but I wasn’t, and it’s—it’s much more than a little crush. I was afraid of admitting it but I know who you are, Zuko. You are loyal and smart and so inherently good and I love you. Spirits, I really do.”

  He stared at her for a second, processing her words. She fidgeted anxiously and he smiled at all her small manners. With certainty to his movements, Zuko took a step forwards and cradled her face in his hands. He studied every inch of her expression, waiting for some kind of rejection. She offered him a hopeful smile and he was quick to smash his lips with hers, feeling the warmth that always surrounded her consume him entirely. He kissed her passionately, happiness pouring out of him — the words “she loves you” echoing inside his mind like a broken record, filling his heart with joy.

She moved away when there was no more air in her lungs, breathing heavily and grinning like a mad woman. Y/N lifted her arm and touched his scar so fondly it physically hurt. Never before had he been touched with such care and it made tears flood his eyes, something she instantly noticed, giggling at his cuteness and drying one running tear with her thumb. She felt like her chest was full. He kissed her thumb lovingly when it rested near his mouth. 

She loved him. She thought he was worthy of love, of her love, even after everything he had done. No matter how many mistakes he had made, she still loved him, and that thought was enough to make Zuko feel some sort of hope towards the future.

Spirits, she really loved him.

“I love you too, Y/N. Very, very much.”

is it good? not really. could it be worse? yeah lmao

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