#listen she knows when she's outclassed in a fight okay

[thanflowers]

els trying to figure out how tf zev didn't easily kill her the day they met

[misanthropiczombie]

35 !!!

so im pretty sure im already spoild for how this arc uhhhh ends out. but we'll see

i love the sleeve flick as a show of displeasure.

ah yeah so that is in fact spoiled but wOW STILL EMOTIONAL

also so intensely fuck that guy

all of the 'its bad luck's were actually foreshadowing, alas

but! they have the bracelets, so in theory they'll get a second chance!

also THIS is what i mean by tragic romance needing a resolution before it can be properly tragic. It's sad because they were close, they'd overcome their obstacles, hand in hand but they were betrayed in an egregious way at the height of happiness.

also wkx is going to absolutely DEMOLISH these people he's gonan be SO MAD

okay but listen right LISTEN TO ME

She gets the warriors death and that is SO IMPORTANT TO ME. They could have made her weak or an actual bad fighter, but instead she's taking on someone who outclasses her by far because he was the one who sneak-killed cao weining (which is gutless and frankly he deserved better) and just Anyways. There's poetry in this and if she's going to die (which i paused to write this so like maybe not... but) this is the way I'd have hoped for her.

WEN KEXING KILL THAT MO FO

He heals and he keels

OH SHE LEGITIMATELY FORGOT HIM GOOD FOR HER GOOD FOR HER GOOD FOR HER

well less good for her

Does he have the key? is that actually the key? somehow I doubt it.

He inhereted that Ambition lol

Oh okay More Fighting

Well I guess thats one way to cleanse the mountain

ALSO sorry now he's retreating???? fuck this dude with a rusty spork

SHES REAL GOOD AT THE ACTING THAT mAKES ME CRY

NOT ME CRYING YOU CRYING

I hope Wen Kexing fuckign destroys them.

that's his DAUGHTER he tried to give her a better life, but in the end his past still caught up with him

vocalized music over the top= Emotional Beat but also they're right for it

but also he put the crown/diadem back on her AND HE GET CRAZY EYES BACK

when did he get a cut on his face.

because you are too ambitious for your own good

and also you deserved it

also YES YES YES BAD ASS, INTENSE WEN KEXING IS BACK. Im sorry it was brough on by Gu Xiang's death but like man do I love this shit.

God those swishy robes are the shit. lookit them long legs framed by the red twirl. very cool.

also stop throwing the fan please it is also your defensive tool and we have an entire other episode to go here

where was zzs he also ran in with him. why was he fighting this guy alone alsoalso took the HIT just to get close enough to kill him

I appreciate the commitment to the revenge but also she said to take care of your self

getting stabbed in the chest is not really my idea of Self Care

OKAY BUT WOW WHAT BADASSERY. i rewound that like ten seconds and he BREAKS THE SWORD OFF INSIDE HIMSELF THEN USES THAT TO STAB A MOFO

and also whooooooooooOoOoOooOOOOOOOoOo boy the LOOK when he do.

if we're going to get a second tragic death it really has to be next episode

and we've sort of wrapped up a bunch of ends here already

what a gorgeous shot tho

lmao "i do not give a fuck about the armory, im sunbathing fuck off" *is bleeding to death* wkx is a whole mood

i mean it a little insulting for you to stab him while hes already dying.

also okay so like. Look

I love Xie Wang, so, so , SO MUCh but ZZS should talk less and stab more. he has a husband in dire need of medical intervention, you know

'your life for his, fuck the power' very zzs pretty sure xie wang is moderately jealous

waht if he didnt accidentally that balm. save him instead of yourself do it

also KISS HIM, but you know. book for kissin, tc show for sick aerial shots

mo stabbin mo rehabbin

mmmmm i didnt actually catch it, but based on their responses I suspect this dude just called Xie Wang overly familarly or something. Of course that kind of stuff doesnt come across in translations

he turned away her ghost ):

there is some symbolism im missing with the tea, I think

hes wearing the hair stiiiiick

oh he for reals is going for it this time. aigh aight

Word of Honor Liveblogging pt 3

OKAY PART THREE

Episodes 1-16 ⪻⨀⪼ Episodes 17-26

I realized I need to stub out everything if I actually want to make these directional and a new reblog for each episode. ITS FINE.

Anyways, onto Episode 27 and through the last episodes of the series. I'm so goddamned obsessed already.

dramatic xiao playing again. He doesnt eat his emotions, he plays the xiao.

Ye bai ye? oh its both of them lmao

and there's the drop but he really dont look that surprised

BECAUSE HES SMART AND IF WKX HAD JSUT TOLD HIM IT WOULD HAVE BEEN FINE

The fight WKX has been ITCHING for

YE BAIYE so stronk

Man i know im like a fucked up little gremlin, but Wen Kexing looks real nice with some bruises lmao

wkx's devastated look is making a lot of appearances and A) its so good like acting wise B) it's SO GOOD emotional wise

~sword glare~

Anyways I just want to say one of my least favorite things in cdramas thusfar is the plot armor/plot nerf. wkx and zzs both down from one singular blow? for a guy they've fought a few times? ((the wens eradicating all of lotus pier with ZERO casualties on their side?? im still salty)) anyways they definitely could have lasted longer.

ZZS going for the 'i'm not mad, i'm disappointed" route. Fatherhood has agreed with him

EHEHEEEEEEEEEEEEHEHHDF me, hyperventallating into a bag: HE HELD HiS FACEa;lsdkfj no notes your honor

helpless child act lmao i love them i love them brat4brat i love this zhou zishu

she is trying so hard to keep it together just TELL HIM

good for him for sticking up for her.

Nut Bar

br u h is he in the bath. surely they have restored the manor enough for some more individualized rooms. there used to be 81 of his generation

DAMN ZZS "im not good at lying like you"

listen STAB HIM Zhao Jing fucking sucks and you deserve so much better.

KILL HIM KILL HIM KILL HIM KILL HIM i believe in you so hard kill HIM

ope we have vocalized lyrics, something Important is going to happen. MAYBE HER SECRET WILL BE OUT THERE CHRIST

lmao wkx getting chengling (presumably) drunk what a fucking gremlin. ZZS just letting him

gremlin wkx and zzs is doing that dramatic sigh like he hates it except he absolutely does not

[restlessfandoming]

“the president and the troublemaker” (part 5) (chilumi fic)

“Lumine is the student council president and Childe is the school’s number one troublemaker. They cross paths more than they’d like. Especially when Childe finds out Lumine’s big secret. Highschool AU à la Kaichou wa Maid-sama.”

[part 1] [part 2] [part 3] [part 4]

hey all so sorry for the delay—i was playing through dragonspine and got busy with the holiday season too ;__;

[Fic Masterlist] // [AO3 Link]

the president and the troublemaker (part 5)

“You sure you got proper training?” Childe asked Lumine as he circled her, noting her various fighting forms. 

“I got training,” Lumine said, her muscles feeling shaky after holding her form for so long. “Proper might be stretching it.”

Childe raised a brow, and Lumine sighed, relaxing her body. “Classes are expensive,” she explained. “Even if I wanted proper training, I wouldn’t have been able to pay for it.” 

“Well, I guess it’s a good thing I’m teaching you for free,” Childe said. “Out of the goodness of my heart.” 

“Thank you, O Kind One,” Lumine said sarcastically. “Proper training didn’t even matter in Kaeya’s arena. It was kind of just like a free for all.” 

“That won’t pass here. The fighters here aren’t just some thugs off the streets; these people have had that proper training, and are going to quickly outclass you if you don’t get that training in as well.” 

“I thought you and Kaeya both said I was good at this?”

“Talent is one thing, but it will only get you so far. You’ve still got to train and hone your skills if you ever want to progress further and better yourself.” 

“You sound so wise.” Lumine tilted her head. “If only you could do this at school too, you’d stop causing so much trouble for me and my student council.” 

Childe shrugged, a smirk on his lips. “Where’s the fun in that?”

She rolled her eyes. “Alright, c’mon. This is the only time where I have to listen to you, so let’s get it over with.”  

With enthusiasm, he walked her through various forms of punches and kicks—foot placements, weight distribution, where to send her strength—and soon enough Lumine was sprawled on the soft gym floor, all of her muscles aching and sweat pooling on her skin. Childe sat a few feet away from her, stretching. 

“You’re not even breaking a sweat,” Lumine said between gasps of breath. 

He smiled. “Been doing this a long time.” 

She sighed. “I can’t wait for my first fight next week.” 

“You’re not nervous at all?”

“Of course not,” Lumine answered with a scoff. “I’ve been waiting for that paycheck for a while now.” 

“How interesting,” Childe said looking around the gym. “Your little Vice President brother not here today?” 

“No, he’s covering some student council work for me while I’m here,” she replied. 

“Oh? Finally delegating your work instead of doing it all yourself?”

“Yup. If there’s anyone I trust to do the work as competently as me, it’s Aether.” 

“You two are really close, then.”

“He’s my twin,” Lumine said. She glanced at Childe who in turn was looking out one of the large windows. She realized she knew nothing about him—except that he liked to stir up trouble wherever he went. “Do you have any siblings?” 

A small smile. “I do. Too many, in fact.” He held up his hand. “Five siblings.”

“Oh god.” Lumine grimaced. “There’s five of you running around out there?” 

He laughed. “C’mon, Pres. I’m not that bad once you get to know me, right?”

“I don’t know you.” 

“You wound me,” he teased. There was a slight pause. Then, “Two older siblings: one brother, one sister. Then three younger ones: two brothers and one sister.” He started counting them off on his hands. “Alexei, Misha, Anthon, Tonia, Teucer.” 

“So you’re the middle child,” Lumine noted. “Is that why you do all this? For attention?” 

“Nope,” he replied, shaking his head. “Haven’t I told you already? This is all for fun.”

“Fun,” she muttered. She was doing what she had to for her family; would it be so horrible to enjoy it along the way? Childe seemed perfectly happy where he was. Could she ever be the same way? How does he do it?

“Trying to figure me out, Pres?” Childe smirked. “I’m flattered.” 

She looked at him, at his glinting blue eyes, and rugged orange hair—scars running up and down his arms and legs. 

Don’t get too involved with him. Aether’s words rang out in her mind. 

“Absolutely not,” she said, quickly getting up off the floor. “Well, I think we should call it a day. Thanks for the training today.” 

As she was leaving the gym, she couldn’t help but feel like she was disappointing Aether somehow. 

But it was natural right? Childe was going to be coaching her for the foreseeable future, and they were bound to get closer. It didn’t mean she was going to become involved with whatever delinquent activities he was doing. She was just learning from him. 

She clenched her fist. Just...learning....

* * * 

The student council room was abuzz as the members rushed around, finishing their end-of-month reports: budgets, expenses, cataloguing—anything and everything that needed to be tracked. 

Soon enough, the room was flooded with the orange hues of the sunset, and the council treasurer, a soft-spoken student named Noelle, timidly walked up to Lumine’s desk. 

“Madame President?” she asked. “Some of the members were wondering if we could go home soon?” 

Lumine blinked. “Is all your work done?”

“Ah, n-no,” Noelle responded. She clasped her two hands together. “W-we just wanted to get home before it got too dark.” 

Amber came up beside Noelle, a worried expression on her face. “Yes, there have been reports of some creeps targeting high school girls and assaulting them at night.” She pursed her lips. “I know there’s still a lot of work to be done, but I think it’s safest if all of us leave earlier than usual.” 

Bennett stood up, thumb pointing to his chest. “No worries! Me and Xiao will do our best to protect you ladies! Right, Xiao?”

The council historian, Xiao, glanced up from his own paperwork. “Yes,” he agreed simply in his usual monotonous voice. 

“Hey, where’s Aether anyways?” Bennett asked Lumine. 

“He got called into work right after school today,” she told him. She looked at Amber and Noelle. “I agree, it would probably be safest if we all leave now.” Then, she pursed her lips. “But, like you said, there still is a lot of work to be done, and the deadline is the day after tomorrow…” 

“We can try finishing it all tomorrow then!” Amber suggested enthusiastically. 

Lumine shook her head. “It’s too much, even if we tried finishing it all tomorrow.” She stood up. “Okay, everyone is dismissed. I will stay behind and complete some things to make sure we can finish by tomorrow.”

“B-but, Madame President! What about you?” Noelle protested. 

“Don’t worry about me. My priority as your President is to make sure you all are taken care of.” Lumine gave them a small smile. “If I can’t protect you guys, and step up when you all need me, what kind of President would I be?” 

“I’ll stay behind to protect you!” Bennett offered. 

Lumine laughed. “Thank you, Bennett, really. But I need you and Xiao to make sure these ladies get home safe, okay?” 

Her council was all looking at her, expressions worn with worry. 

“I promise you, I will be okay.” Lumine walked to the door, gesturing out of it. “Now please: your President is ordering you all to go home.” 

After much reluctance, all the student council members were on their way: Bennett walking Amber home and Xiao walking Noelle home. 

Eventually, as the sky turned darker and darker, Lumine finished up enough work to ensure that her council could finish by their deadline. 

She walked through the school gates as the last of the sunlight was dipping below the horizon, and a little inkling of worry bubbled in her gut.

She shook her head. I’ll be fine, she thought, shaking out her hands to loosen them up—just in case she needed to throw out a few punches later. 

Walking a bit further, she mentally ran through all the forms Childe had taught her yesterday. For this kick, I need my right foot forward, then my arms need to be—

A hand clamped over her mouth from behind. 

An arm wrapped around her waist, trapping her own arms to her sides. 

Shit! Is this the attacker they were talking about earlier?!

She clenched her jaw. I’ll stop you right now, you creep!

Lumine brought her foot up, and slammed down on her attacker’s foot with all her force. They stumbled a bit, loosening their grip on her, which gave her the perfect opportunity to break out of their grasp, elbowing them in the gut. She heard them fall on the ground behind her. She spun around, raising her fists, ready to strike—

“Childe?”

The tall ginger let out a sheepish laugh while holding his side. 

“What the hell are you doing?!” Lumine blurted. 

He slowly stood. “Playing stalker, I guess.” He rubbed his side. “God, your elbow is strong.”

She clenched her fists. “Anyone else would report you to the cops right away.” 

“You need to be more aware of your surroundings,” Childe said, ignoring her comments. “Haven’t you heard the news recently?”

Lumine threw him a glare. “I have heard about it. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say that attacker is you.” 

“Just keeping you on your toes, Pres.” He smiled, but something about it was...off. A little more strained than usual. 

“A simple warning would have been fine,” Lumine said. “I could have seriously injured you.” 

“Ah, but you didn’t,” he retorted. “If I was actually the attacker, you would have been knocked out by now.” He stuffed his hands into his pockets. “Let me walk you home.” 

Lumine gripped the strap of her school bag, walking away. “No thank you. Especially not after what you just did.”

“Lumine, wait—”

She stopped in place. He hadn’t ever said her name before, she realized, and her heart fluttered at how it sounded coming from him. Too close for comfort.

“Don’t you dare follow me,” she said through gritted teeth, continuing to walk home. 

After a bit, she glanced back, and Childe was still standing there, hands in his pockets, looking back behind at the school. 

Lumine trusted her brother more than anyone in the world. She knew he wanted the best for her, and she knew the best thing would be to do what Aether said: don’t get involved with Childe.

Then...why did it hurt to push him away?

* * * 

The next day, the student council was again in a hurry to get their work done on time, before the sun set. After stacking piles upon piles of papers on Lumine’s desk, the council collectively let out a sigh when the last stack was put down. 

“Aether isn’t here again?” Xiao asked. 

“Someone at his store quit suddenly, so he’s been called in to cover their shifts for now,” Lumine explained. “He sends his apologies.”

“Well, let’s get out of here quickly,” Amber said. 

Soon the council was walking through the hallways, towards the entrance, ready to part ways.

“Amber and I have to rush to the store before they close,” Bennett said, him and Amber already running down the halls. “We gotta get some supplies for our Outdoors Club!”

“Bye! Thank you for your work!” Lumine called after them. She turned to Noelle and Xiao. “Are you good to walk Noelle home, Xiao?” 

Xiao nodded. “What about you, Madame President?”

“Hey, I survived last night,” she said. “I’ll survive tonight as well. Plus, I have to help lock up anyways.” 

The boy frowned slightly. “If you insist.” 

“I do insist,” Lumine said quickly. “Thank you both for your work also. Get home safe, okay?”

“Thank you, Madame President,” Noelle responded softly. 

Xiao and Noelle walked away, and Lumine started to make her way around the school, locking up all the entrances. She had been such a stellar president that all the administration trusted her with this task if she and her council had to stay late into the evening. 

As she locked the last entrance, she heard footsteps behind her. 

She turned quickly, eyes scanning the entire hallway. 

But there was nothing there. The hall was empty, and it was silent. 

She let out an exasperated sigh. Maybe she was overworking herself again and her brain was playing tricks on her. She made her way towards the front gates. 

BZZZT!

The lights above her flickered then went out, plunging her into darkness. 

What?

“Don’t move,” a voice said behind her. 

“If you listen to us, we won’t hurt you,” a second voice added. 

Something plastic pressed into her back, and she recognized it as a taser. Then, someone started to wrap her arms in duct tape. They put a piece of tape across her mouth. 

They walked around her, looking down at her. One of the men was short and stocky, wearing glasses, while the other man was tall and thin, glassesless. 

“We’ve been watching you for a while, Lumine,” Glasses said. “And we’ve really gotten to know you. We know you’re such a good student council president.”

“Yes, so diligent and selfless,” No Glasses added. “Just relax, okay? We’ll show you a good time as your reward.” 

As they rambled, Lumine’s mind ran through all the possibilities of how to absolutely pummel them. 

The only thing stopping her was the taser, currently in Glasses’ hand; she couldn’t be hit by that, otherwise she was done for. 

She knew what to do. Now to just wait for the right moment. 

* * *

She’s taking longer than usual, Childe thought, leaning against the wall of the school building. A while had passed since he had seen the rest of her student council leave, which meant she was all alone now. 

Sure, she was going to be mad at him for coming here again, but he needed to. His thoughts wouldn’t settle unless he saw her get home safe. 

He knew she was more than capable on her own. She wasn’t weak. 

But she was human. And there are some bad people in the world, ready to do anything to hurt you, Lumine. 

He sighed, starting to walk away. Maybe she already left and I just missed it…

“Lumine.”

Childe froze. His head snapped to the door, eyes wide. He had barely heard it, but someone had said her name. Inside the school. 

He didn’t move a muscle, straining to hear more. 

“...so diligent…” another voice spoke. 

Two. There were two attackers.

Feeling the muscles in his body ignite, Childe quickly moved to the nearest window. 

An icy dagger ripped into his heart. 

Kneeling on the ground was Lumine, her arms bound, her mouth sealed, and two men were standing before her, one wielding a taser. The two men started walking towards her.

Childe’s face twitched, like he was subconsciously suppressing a snarl. 

He stepped back, winding his body up, ready to kick through the window and go flying in. 

Just as his foot shattered the glass, Lumine stood up, ripping through her bindings. 

…

Huh?

* * * 

Glasses and his friend started walking towards her, practically drooling. 

Now!

Lumine stood up, pulling her arms apart, and breaking through the duct tape bindings. She ripped the duct tape off her mouth.

“You know me?” Lumine shouted as the two men watched her with wide eyes. “You don’t know a single thing about me.”

Using their shock to her advantage, she kicked the taser out of Glasses’ hand, then grabbed him by his collar, easily throwing him over her shoulder. She turned her attention to No Glasses, who was still frozen in shock. She easily swung her fist at his face, and he passed out on the floor next to Glasses. 

Standing over their bodies, breathing heavily, a loud burst of laughter sounded behind her. Leaping back, ready to strike another attacker, she stopped when she saw who it was.

“Childe?!” she cried between heavy breaths. 

Childe continued laughing hysterically, then wiped at the corners of his eyes. “Just...wow,” he managed to get out. 

Lumine looked past him. Her jaw dropped. “Th-the window!”

Childe blinked, then looked behind him. “Oh. About that…”

* * *

After giving their reports to the police, Childe and Lumine stood side by side as the police car drove away, the two perpetrators locked away in the back of the cruiser. 

“You’re really going to pay for the window?” Lumine asked, breaking the silence. 

“Of course. I broke it.”

“It’s going to be expensive.” 

He shrugged. “A small price to pay.”

Lumine bit her lip. 

He came to my rescue. Again. She looked at the shattered glass on the floor. He was really ready to save me.

All she had done was push him away. And yet, here he was, by her side, coming to her rescue again. 

“Thank you,” Lumine said softly. 

Childe looked at her, his eyes slightly widened. Then a smile, just as soft. “Anytime.”

She returned the smile, and it felt okay. It felt right. 

Maybe Aether was wrong. Afterall, he wasn’t the one spending time with Childe and learning more about him. How Childe could be caring and selfless and so patient with her.

Yes. Aether, I think…

...I think you may be wrong about Childe.

* * *

[part 6]

[megashadowdragon]

In the upcoming The Winds of Winter many characters we've come to know and love are going to intersect with each other. Their personalities and backstories are going to collide and the result of the concoction is going to vary from character to character.

In this thread, I'm going to touch on the interactions between two individuals that, weirdly enough, don't seem to get a lot of attention from the fandom in regards to how a potential interaction between the two might go down.

These two being Tyrion Lannister and Victarion Greyjoy.

On examination, there couldn't be two characters more different than each other. In a way, they're almost perfect foils to each other. Before I get into any foreshadowing indicated in the text of the books, I think it be best if I laid down some of these differences to give you guys an idea:

Tyrion has a sharp mind and uses this to great effect in understanding people's motivations and the politics surrounding them. Victarion is described as a "dullard" and "dumb as a stump" by GRRM himself, with not much knowledge or interest in the ways of greater politics.

Tyrion uses his wit to make jokes to entertain himself and those around him. Victarion heavily dislikes humor and it's even indicated in the text that he "mistrusts laughter".

Tyrion is a small, stunted dwarf with not much in the way of physical prowess. Victarion is a tall, muscular man who is a renowned warrior with great strength.

Tyrion regularly dismisses and mocks the idea of gods existing, thinking that all the suffering in the world proves that no gods are looking out for anyone.

If there are gods to listen, they are monstrous gods who torment us for their sport. Who else would make a world like this, so full of bondage, blood, and pain? Who else would shape us as they have? - Tyrion ADWD

Victarion is an extremely devout religious man that believes that the suffering in life is the proof of a god existing.

Life is pain, you fool. There is no joy but in the Drowned God’s watery halls. - The Iron Suitor ADWD

Now, I've listed these differences to give an idea on how these two could easily be connected as foils to each other, but surprisingly there's also some similarities between the two that connects them further:

Both Tyrion and Victarion have murdered former lovers of theirs after they betrayed them by sleeping with a family member. Victarion kills his wife after sleeping with his brother Euron and Tyrion murders Shae after she sleeps with his father Tywin. Both using their own hands to do it. (Tyrion strangling Shae and Victarion beating his wife to death with his fists).

Both were betrayed by their brother and have a desire to seek vengeance against them and destroy them.

Both have met Moqorro at sea and Moqorro has stated prophecies to both of them.

Both have fought and commanded in naval warfare. Both utilising fire in a naval battle (Tyrion with wildfire at the Blackwater and Victarion throwing the first torch onto Tywin's ship at the burning of Lannisport).

Both are seeking out Daenerys to use her for vengeance against their family. Tyrion with his siblings and his father's legacy and Victarion against his brother Euron.

So, now that the differences and similarities between the two characters have been established, I'll move onto what an interaction between these two might entail and what purpose it would serve.

The Monkey Demon

“We have become swollen, bloated, foul. Brother couples with sister in the bed of kings, and the fruit of their incest capers in his palace to the piping of a twisted little monkey demon.” A preacher at King's Landing ACOK.

“The dwarf, the evil counselor, the twisted little monkey demon. I’m all that stands between them and chaos.” - Tyrion ACOK

Tyrion Lannister, the monkey demon. Once tried to save a city and gain the people's love, found none and was promptly punted into a cell. Tried to work in his family interests, even if it meant defending the crown of a worm-lipped tyrant born out of incest, was turned on and blamed for the tyrant's downfall. Tried to find love in the arms of a whore and found out whores don't play fair (or where they go). All attempts, all that effort to seek validation had blown up in his face.

So, what's left?

The game of thrones, of course. You know, the very game that produces complete sociopaths like Varys and Petyr Baelish. With every other avenue denied to him, what else would be left for our favourite pampered lil shit Tyrion Lannister?

A man who's been denied everything and who has now found a re-newed purpose in life through a game of manipulation and deception. An individual with obligations no longer holding him down. No family to support, no love from the masses to be gained, nothing. All that's left is to engage in a game where self-gratification can be bought and the chance to tear down the old ghosts that persistently haunt him.

I won't engage too much into the finer details of Tyrion's character arc, but I highly recommend reading this excellent essay meereeneseblot . wordpress . com/2013/11/22/paying-his-debts-part-i-tyrion-in-kings-landing/ to better understand where Tyrion's arc will be going into TWOW.

So, our favourite dwarf finds himself traveling (waddling) to Meeren, hoping to seek the favour of the beautiful Queen Daenaerys Targaryen. Under siege with dubious allies and dragons you want to use to burn down your family's legacy, but they're too busy swarming the air like horny mosquitos...

But.... what's this? Ironborn swarming ashore? What the fuc-... With a complete donkey-brain of a captain leading them and who's just ready to be manipulated, you say? AND he wants to use Daenarys for his own ends too?

Muy bueno.

Now, to get to the point of the essay.

The Iron Captain

The Drowned God had not shaped Victarion Greyjoy to fight with words at kingsmoots, nor struggle against furtive sneaking foes in endless bogs. This was why he had been put on earth; to stand steel-clad with an axe red and dripping in his hand, dealing death with every blow. - The Reaver AFFC

So, I've showcased that Victarion Greyjoy's character is not one to dabble in higher politics or any other high-minded thinking. He's a man bred for splitting an enemy's skull in two with his axe, not someone trying to worm his way into people's confidences with false charm to achieve their own ends. Unfortunately for him, he's about to come across somebody who is.

A monkey on the mast above howled derision, almost as if it could taste his frustration. Filthy, noisy beast. He could send a man up after it, but the monkeys seemed to like that game and had proved themselves more agile than his crew. The howls rang in his ears, though, and made the throbbing in his hand seem worse. - The Iron Suitor ADWD

The moniker that's been labelled for Tyrion of "Monkey demon" earlier in ACOK has made a comeback by GRRM in Victarion's ADWD chapters to foreshadow their relationship going into TWOW. And what that relationship will entail, I think I can safely say, will not be a positive one. Not for Victarion anyways.

The monkeys, though … the monkeys were a plague. Victarion had forbidden his men to bring any of the demonic creatures aboard ship, yet somehow half his fleet was now infested with them, even his own Iron Victory. He could see some now, swinging from spar to spar and ship to ship. Would that I had a crossbow - The Iron Suitor ADWD

So, we can see that the passage likely connects Tyrion with the "monkey" moniker by way of referencing a "crossbow" as well as the word "demonic". As we all know, a crossbow is what Tyrion used to slay his father in ASOS. The mention of a crossbow in conjunction with monkeys being described as "demonic", I think we can safely say that Tyrion is being referenced by GRRM in Victarion's chapters .

Okay, so let's assume that Tyrion is referenced in these passages. What does it mean?

Here's what I believe: Tyrion, upon encountering Victarion, would have the judge of his character. Tyrion outclasses Victarion in every way when it comes to intelligence, wit, and manipulation. The two are at the same location (Meeren) and both want the favour of Daenarys. It seems inevitable that the two characters will cross paths. Tyrion would realise that this is a man that he can outwit and use for his own ends.

The first passage describes negatives feelings felt by Victarion at the monkey's "howling". This, I believe, is foreshadowing of Tyrion's attempts to manipulate Victarion. The "howling" used in substitute and reference to the lies that Tyrion will use on Victarion and his men.

Victarion's "frustration" is telling. There are two other characters in the series that aren't as versed in dealing with manipulation and the game of thrones in general, like Victarion. Those two being Eddard Stark and Barristan Selmy, and they reacted in similar ways to manipulation used on them.

“Most likely the king did not know,” Littlefinger said. “It would not be the first time. Our good Robert is practiced at closing his eyes to things he would rather not see.” Ned had no reply for that. The face of the butcher’s boy swam up before his eyes, cloven almost in two, and afterward the king had said not a word. His head was pounding. - Eddard AGOT

“Volantis.” Selmy’s sword hand tingled. We made a peace with Yunkai. Not with Volantis. “You are certain?”

“Certain. The Wise Masters know. So do their friends. The Harpy, Reznak, Hizdahr. This king will open the city gates to the Volantenes when they arrive. All those Daenerys freed will be enslaved again. Even some who were never slaves will be fitted for chains. You may end your days in a fighting pit, old man. Khrazz will eat your heart.”

His head was pounding. “Daenerys must be told.” -The Queensguard ADWD

When Ned encounters a lie by Littlefinger when they talk to him, it's described in the text as his "head pounding". The same happens when Barristan talks to the Shavepate in Meereen. It's likely that the Shavepate has his own agendas and when Barristan hears him he has the same reaction as Ned in where his "head pounds". The implication being that they instinctively know it's a lie, but can't grasp the higher details and fully realise it.

Victarion isn't an honourable man like Eddard and Barristan, but he shares the same ineptitude regarding the game of thrones as they do. The reaction isn't the exact same, but it's described in similar negative detail that taxes him. We can also refer to Barristan's passage where his hand "tingles" during the exchange, just as Victarion's hand "throbs" from the monkeys.

So, what is Tyrion's goal and why would he even need to bother with Victarion and his crew? We can refer back to this passage in Tyrion's final POV chapter in ADWD:

“I am dancing as fast as I can.” He wanted to laugh, but that would have ruined the game. Plumm was enjoying this, and Tyrion had no intention of spoiling his fun. Let him go on thinking that he’s bent me over and fucked me up the arse, and I’ll go on buying steel swords with parchment dragons. If ever he went back to Westeros to claim his birthright, he would have all the gold of Casterly Rock to make good on his promises - Tyrion ADWD

Tyrion's ultimate goal from ADWD and going forward is to tear down his father's legacy and to wreck vengeance upon his siblings. In order to achieve this, he has to acquire power. It's my belief that he'll try to persuade Victarion's men to fight for his cause. In the same way he swindled the Second Sons with promises of riches of Casterly Rock, I believe he'll do the same with Victarion's men.

To get a better picture of the character of the Ironborn soldiers I refer to this passage:

His words drew mutters of assent. “Slaver’s Bay is too far,” called out Ralf the Limper. “And too close to Valyria,” shouted Quellon Humble. Fralegg the Strong said, “Highgarden’s close. I say, look for dragons there. The golden kind!” Alvyn Sharp said, “Why sail the world, when the Mander lies before us?” Red Ralf Stonehouse bounded to his feet. “Oldtown is richer, and the Arbor richer still. Redwyne’s fleet is off away. We need only reach out our hand to pluck the ripest fruit in Westeros.”

“Fruit?” The king’s eye looked more black than blue. “Only a craven would steal a fruit when he could take the orchard.”

“It is the Arbor we want,” said Red Ralf, and other men took up the cry. The Crow’s Eye let the shouts wash over him. Then he leapt down from the table, grabbed his slattern by the arm, and pulled her from the hall.

- The Reaver AFFC

Euron Greyjoy, the king of the Ironborn, proposes an ambitious plan of acquiring dragons to rule all of Westeros, but his Ironborn soldiers opt for the easy way out. A way that will require less effort and with the promises of quick riches. Why sail half a world away when the gold is in their backyards?

The ironmen that have sailed with Victarion, will see the imp bearing his promises, and might just decide that he's their ticket to a grander prize. Their Iron Captain is a formidable warrior, aye, but Casterly Rock would have all the riches they need, and who better to offer them than the rightful born heir of Casterly Rock?

We've already seen Victarion's men turn on him before:

Victarion grabbed him by the forearm. “Refuse him!”

Nute looked at him as if he had gone mad. “Refuse him? Lands and lordship? Will you make me a lord?” He wrenched his arm away and stood, basking in the cheers.

And now he steals my men away, Victarion thought. - The Reaver AFFC

As I've highlighted in the first two passages, the monkeys are described as being more "agile" (more cunning) than Victarion's crew and infesting "half of them". It makes sense, since it's not like Tyrion can swindle 100 percent of Victarion's crew, but at least half of them? That doesn't seem like too much of a challenge, given what we know of the Ironborn's character.

Victarion Greyjoy mistrusted laughter. The sound of it always left him with the uneasy feeling that he was the butt of some jape he did not understand. Euron Crow’s Eye had oft made mock of him when they were boys. So had Aeron, before he had become the Damphair. Their mockery oft came disguised as praise, and sometimes Victarion had not even realized he was being mocked. Not until he heard the laughter. Then came the anger, boiling up in the back of his throat until he was like to choke upon the taste. That was how he felt about the monkeys. Their antics never brought so much as a smile to the captain’s face, though his crew would roar and hoot and whistle. - The Iron Suitor ADWD

“You have a gift for making men smile,” Septa Lemore told Tyrion as he was drying off his toes. “You should thank the Father Above. He gives gifts to all his children.”

“He does,” he agreed pleasantly. And when I die, please let them bury with me a crossbow, so I can thank the Father Above for his gifts the same way I thanked the father below. - Tyrion ADWD

For half a year he cartwheeled his merry way about Casterly Rock, bringing smiles to the faces of septons, squires, and servants alike. Even Cersei laughed to see him once or twice. All that ended abruptly the day his father returned from a sojourn in King’s Landing. That night at supper Tyrion surprised his sire by walking the length of the high table on his hands. Lord Tywin was not pleased. “The gods made you a dwarf. Must you be a fool as well? You were born a lion, not a monkey.” - Tyrion ADWD

Tyrion will use his personality to amuse and charm a majority of the Iron Fleet's crew, all so he can win them over and bond them to him, but Victarion won't be amused. We've already seen Tyrion's prowess used to great effect in winning over a crowd during his slave auction and he'll do the same with The Ironborn by playing the part of an amusing fool; "dancing" and making witty jokes to the bemusement of the knuckleheads from the Iron Islands.

He could send a man up after it, but the monkeys seemed to like that game

Victarion had forbidden his men to bring any of the demonic creatures aboard ship, yet somehow half his fleet was now infested with them, even his own Iron Victory.

Their antics never brought so much as a smile to the captain’s face, though his crew would roar and hoot and whistle.

Victarion may have some vague idea that the "monkeys" are nothing but trouble for his crew, but like Eddard and Barristan, he can't quite grasp the finer details of what a game of thrones player like Tyrion is trying to achieve exactly. He doesn't see the capering little monkey as someone trying to swindle his crew right from under him. "and sometimes Victarion had not even realized he was being mocked. Not until he heard the laughter. "

Because ultimately, the joke is on Victarion. The Monkey Demon makes his japes and charms all, while laughing from above at the dumb brute who can only frown his displeasure and not realise what the monkey has in store for him, until it's too late. And Victarion, finally realising the punchline too late, will be the biggest mistake of his life.

The Glory That Awaits

"The Lord of Light has shown me your worth, Lord Captain. Every night in my fires I glimpse the glory that awaits you." - Victarion ADWD

One of the biggest constants in Victarion's arc is that he's basically a born stooge. He's being manipulated by characters superior in intelligence than him, and while these manipulations haven't born fruit so far in AFFC and ADWD, I think they'll finally bloom and bite him in his kraken ass in TWOW.

Moqorro

Euron

Tyrion

It's been heavily implied in the text that all three characters are going to use him just to achieve their ends. The only character that hasn't interacted with him yet is Tyrion, but the first two share something in common that I think will translate over to Tyrion's machinations as well. That something being dragons.

Euron gifts him with a dragonhorn and bonehead extraordinaire Victarion thinks that he'll use it for his own benefit and snag himself a dragon. As if Euron would be stupid enough to allow Victarion to do that.

Euron was a fool to give me this, it is a precious thing, and powerful. With this I’ll win the Seastone Chair, and then the Iron Throne. With this I’ll win the world. - Victarion TWOW

Interesting that the word "fool" is invoked for Euron, a man who is more cunning than Victarion by miles. After all, you don't just secure a kingship like Euron did through sheer luck.

That's what the dancing little monkey will seem like to Victarion as well. Lord Tywin, a man after Victarion's own heart because he never smiled or laughed, wasn't amused by the monkey's antics either:

Lord Tywin’s mouth tightened. “Very droll. Shall I have them sew you a suit of motley, and a little hat with bells on it?” - Tyrion ASOS

He considered Tyrion a motley wearing fool. We all know how that ended for Tywin.

Moqorro then tells him that in order to capture the dragon for himself, he must claim the dragonhorn with his own blood.

“Your brother did not sound the horn himself. Nor must you.” Moqorro pointed to the band of steel. “Here. ‘Blood for fire, fire for blood.’ Who blows the hellhorn matters not. The dragons will come to the horn’s master. You must claim the horn. With blood.” - Victarion ADWD

So, the first two characters are connected via the use of the dragonhorn. Judging what we know from Euron's character, it's extremely likely that he's pulling one over on Victarion for his own ends. Since I've established that Tyrion is also going to do the same through this essay, it's highly likely Moqorro is just using Victarion as well.

Here we see Moqorro relaying a prophecy to Tyrion:

“Dragons old and young, true and false, bright and dark. And you. A small man with a big shadow, snarling in the midst of all.”

“Snarling? An amiable fellow like me?” Tyrion was almost flattered. And no doubt that is just what he intends. Every fool loves to hear that he’s important. “Perhaps it was Penny you saw. We’re almost of a size.”

“No, my friend.”

My friend? When did that happen, I wonder? - Tyrion ADWD

Definition of amiable:

friendly, sociable, and congenial. generally agreeable

Definition of snarling:

Something used by predators before they rip your throat out.

Moqorro's label cuts to the heart of the matter, despite Tyrion's "incredulous" reaction to it.

How can the jovial, charming little dwarf be anything but a good, fun time? "Snarling"? Does it "look" like he wants to burn down all of Westeros just to get some empty satisfaction at the downfall of his family? Does it "look" like he wants to use people less intelligent than him to achieve those ends?

Yes, Tyrion. Yes it does.

So, onto the next point. Since we've established that Tyrion doesn't have Victarion's best interests at heart, there's a question we should ask ourselves here: Why would Moqorro consider Tyrion a friend if he can see that he'll just end up using Victarion? His prophecies seem to be pretty on point in judging future events and how it relates to people, so why look so highly upon the dwarf?

It's because Moqorro is manipulating Victarion for his own ends as well. If he was Victarion's true ally, he wouldn't be so chummy with Tyrion.

Considering Moqorro looks so favorably upon Tyrion, his claims to Victarion that he can claim the dragon for his own are dubious. Moqorro's prophecy for "the glory that awaits him" to Victarion may not be the glorious ending Victarion thinks it'll be. Since Moqorro is a priest of fire, the "glory" he speaks of is something that he himself finds glorious. Fire.

During Victarion's travelogue in ADWD, he starts to incorporate The Lord of Light's beliefs for his own and mixes it with his belief of the Drowned God.

He wondered if this was how his brother Aeron felt when the Drowned God spoke to him. He could almost hear the god’s voice welling up from the depths of the sea. You shall serve me well, my captain, the waves seemed to say. It was for this I made you.

But he would feed the red god too, Moqorro’s fire god. The arm the priest had healed was hideous to look upon, pork crackling from elbow to fingertips. Sometimes when Victarion closed his hand the skin would split and smoke, yet the arm was stronger than it had ever been. “Two gods are with me now,” he told the dusky woman. “No foe can stand before two gods." - Victarion ADWD

In one final, humiliating punchline, the Iron Captain will serve his two gods. But not in the way he intended.

“Might be his robes caught fire, so he jumped overboard to put them out,” suggested Longwater Pyke, to general laughter. Even the monkeys were amused. They chattered overhead, and one flung down a handful of his own shit to spatter on the boards. -The Iron Suitor ADWD

The captain could not abide lies, so he had the Ghiscari captain bound hand and foot and thrown overboard, a sacrifice to the Drowned God. “Your red god will have his due,” he promised Moqorro, “but the seas are ruled by the Drowned God.”- Victarion ADWD

The captain answered with a nod, grim-faced, then called for the seven girls he had claimed to be brought on deck, the loveliest of all those found aboard the Willing Maiden. He kissed them each upon the cheeks and told them of the honor that awaited them, though they did not understand his words. Then he had them put aboard the fishing ketch that they had captured, cut her loose, and had her set afire.

“With this gift of innocence and beauty, we honor both the gods,” he proclaimed, as the warships of the Iron Fleet rowed past the burning ketch. “Let these girls be reborn in light, undefiled by mortal lust, or let them descend to the Drowned God’s watery halls, to feast and dance and laugh until the seas dry up.” - Victarion ADWD

His plan to snatch a dragon and win the world will backfire horribly. Believing he'll become Aegon the Conquerer come again, he uses the dragonhorn to bring a dragon to him. Since the dragonhorn is at least six feet long, it'd be a pain and seem redundant to move it from the deck of The Iron Victory. Thinking the dragon will be binded to him, he'll be happy as a pig in shit when the horn gets tooted like an old lady's fart.

That is, until the dragon swoops down and opens his maw to unleash a nuclear holocaust on his sorry ass.

When he raised his whip, he saw that the lash was burning. His hand as well. All of him, all of him was burning. Oh, he thought. Then he began to scream. - The Dragontamer ADWD

It's not too far-fetched to say the passage connects with Victarion, considering his arm and hand have already been described as split and smoking. It's also isn't the first time his hand is referenced, as I've stated before in the reference to Barristan Selmy. Both references coming from the same book ADWD.

Engulfed in dragonfire, he'll have no choice but to jump overboard into the sea. That'll snuff the flames right ou-

The white roses drew back, as men always did at the sight of Victarion Greyjoy armed and armored, his face hidden behind his kraken helm. They were clutching swords and spears and axes, but nine of every ten wore no armor, and the tenth had only a shirt of sewn scales. These are no ironmen, Victarion thought. They still fear drowning. - The Reaver AFFC

None of his men had seen what became of the knight after he went over the side, however. Most like the man had drowned. “May he feast as he fought, in the Drowned God’s watery halls.” Though the men of the Shield Islands called themselves sailors, they crossed the seas in dread and went lightly clad in battle for fear of drowning. Young Serry had been different. A brave man, thought Victarion. Almost ironborn. - The Reaver AFFC

In a buy two-get-one free deal, the char-coaled Iron Captain will serve his two gods, sinking like a rock to the bottom of the ocean to feast in the watery halls of the Drowned God for eternity. The Monkey Demon laughing and capering all the while.

At least the Drowned God will be impressed with the Kraken armor.

The End

So, in a final analysis, I believe Tyrion will convince at least half, if not most of Victarion's crew to join in his cause, thinking they'll be rich beyond their wildest of dreams, not realising that they're just expendable pawns for Tyrion to fulfil his desire for vengeance.

While the exact logistics of how Tyrion is involved in Victarion's death escape me, I certainly believe he'll have a part in it. As I've stated before, Tyrion will likely be involved with Victarion and his plot for dragons just like Moqorro and Euron.

The white cyvasse dragon ended up at Tyrion’s feet. He scooped it off the carpet and wiped it on his sleeve, but some of the Yunkish blood had collected in the fine grooves of the carving, so the pale wood seemed veined with red. “All hail our beloved queen, Daenerys.” Be she alive or be she dead. He tossed the bloody dragon in the air, caught it, grinned. - Tyrion TWOW

It'd also be guesswork on my part to write what exact manipulations and lies Tyrion will utilise on Victarion and his men through dialogue, but I think my rough sketch is enough to give a general idea for the direction they'll likely take.

Considering that Tyrion is inevitably going to meet with Daenerys, and since it's not like he has any easy passage to any other location, he'll likely be at Meeren for a good while.

And since it seems highly unlikely that Victarion will just be killed off at the Battle of Fire, considering he's been chronicled and built up in the past two books, I think it's safe to assume that the two will have lengthy interactions with each other while they're stuck in Meereen.

Whether or not Victarion will be around long enough to meet the fair-haired queen of his dreams is unknown, but it's possible he'll be dead before then.

After all, wouldn't it be a worthy prize for our beloved imp to come bearing gifts of a naval fleet bonded to him to the lovely Queen Daenerys? All from him, no other person claiming ownership of them.

"The old captain? Eh, he wouldn't have been as generous as me."

Despite all of that, despite all the manipulations and deceit, will Tyrion be truly satisfied at the end result?

That night Tyrion Lannister dreamed of a battle that turned the hills of Westeros as red as blood. He was in the midst of it, dealing death with an axe as big as he was, fighting side by side with Barristan the Bold and Bittersteel as dragons wheeled across the sky above them. In the dream he had two heads, both noseless. His father led the enemy, so he slew him once again. Then he killed his brother, Jaime, hacking at his face until it was a red ruin, laughing every time he struck a blow. Only when the fight was finished did he realize that his second head was weeping. - Tyrion ADWD

[k7l4d4]

Midnight Striga: Fairy Tail/Owl House Cross Fic Episode 5 Part 9

Hello all, I am back with another exciting segment of Midnight Striga!! Admittedly, this one is slower than the prior chapter, but I still hope you all enjoy it.

Lilith strode forth, Eda hot on her heels. They circled through the Covention, spotting the representatives from the Major Nine assisting. The Construction Coven workers were rapidly working on structural damage dealt to key pillars and walls, members of the invading force held tightly by hastily assembled cells and chains, the Construction Head, and Lilith was genuinely puzzled as to where he had come from, looming over the invaders, personally guarding them. The Oracle, Healing, and Illusion Covens were working in concert, with the Oracles tracking down trapped or injured citizens while Illusionists either guided them to safety, or rescue workers to their locations, and the Healers had set up a clinic to attend to the injured.

The Plant and Abomination Covens worked to root out and capture the remaining attackers, many of whom were thrown into those same cells she had passed alongside the Construction Coven. The Beast Keeping Coven members used their abilities to track down and locate those stuck in areas inaccessible to the abilities of Oracles, allowing rescue workers to bring them to safety, the Bards using their magic to manipulate the pieces that the Construction members couldn’t move safely. The sight of the Covens working together, in harmony, brought a melancholy smile to Lilith’s face. Her mood plummeted further, however, when she saw the bodies.

Piles of corpses, so many they couldn’t lay them out properly and were overlapping in awkward lumps, were arranged before the Healers’ Clinic, families weeping over their loved ones, the ones who had been present with them at least. The rest would need to be informed. And not to mention the numerous corpses of Guards, some having died cleanly… others not so much. Titan, she really was a failure, wasn’t she? Shaking herself from her self-loathing, she turned to her sister. “Edalyn, I must ask, but do you have any idea what has occurred?”

“Well, from the looks of it, a huge fight.” Eda said, faux-humorously. Before Lilith could snap at her, she continued. “But seriously, while you were stuck in la-la land, that guy, Rudolph he called himself, said he and his group were part of the ‘Black Dog Squadron’ whatever that means, and that they were here to kill everyone for someone or something called Oroboros. Beyond that, I couldn’t say.” She recalled, face grave.

Lilith bit back a curse. Taking a deep, calming breath, she attempted to draw more information out of her sister; out of all the adults on the Isles, Eda’s knowledge of humans was estimated to be some of the best, by virtue of her regularly full stores of ‘treasures’ to sell. “Edalyn, I am begging you, if you have any knowledge of how this…” She gestured, to the corpses, to the crying parents and children, the ruined stands and damaged walls, ”all happened, I need you to tell me!” She pleaded.

Eda leveled an even stare on her sister, before slowly replying. “Lily, I had no idea how this happened, or what went into it occurring. As much as I hate Bonehead, if I had ANY idea that something like this was going on, I would’ve either let you know, or tried to stop it beforehand myself, maybe both.” Lilith searched her eyes, an almost desperate light burning within her, before sighing, accepting Eda’s words.

“As much as it pains me to say this, I will likely need your help for the moment.” Lilith said as evenly as she could, the bitter sting of acknowledging just how much her sister still outclassed her rearing its ugly head. “If any of these scavengers are still lurking about that are on the level of that maniac Rudolph, I will likely need your skill to defeat them before they can wreak further havoc.”

“Heh, glad to see you finally admitting my skills,” Eda preened, oblivious to Lilith's mood plummeting at her statement, before growing serious. “And yeah, of course. We may have had our differences, but I’m not gonna cut and run when kids are in the crossfire.”

Lilith nodded, relieved. She hated that she felt relieved; it was just another admittance of how Eda was better than her. Still, Lilith took in the sight of the dead guards, the mutilated children, and felt her resolve harden. It didn’t matter if Eda was better than her right now; justice was what was needed, and she would bring about that justice. She felt her eyes mist. It was the least she could do, as penance for failing them.

Throwing up her arms in confusion, Lilith exclaimed. “What I truly wish to know is how did Humans gain the ability to wield magic!? It should be impossible!! They lack a bile sack, so how did that-that maniac cast those spells!” She whirled on her sister. “Please tell me you didn’t know about this?”

Eda shrugged, feeling guiltily amused at Lilith’s flustered panic. “Eh, only for a few weeks or so. And let me tell you, it sure caught me by surprise!” She laughed. Eda paused, a thought occurring to her, but it was one she was hesitant to share. Biting her lip, she carefully broached the topic. “You know, I think I might know someone who could shed a little light on this whole mess.” She said cautiously.

Lilith zipped into Eda’s personal space, tightly gripping the front of her dress. “Truly!?” She asked, pleading honestly. “Where are they? Who are they!?”

“Well first off, personal space sis,” Eda bluntly stated, lightly pushing Lilith out of her comfort zone. Taking a breath, she added, “As to where they are, they honestly should be right here in the Covention.”

Lilith’s face fell, already fearing the worst. “But, if they were here, then wouldn’t they have had to face…” she gestured to one of the attackers being led to the cells, cackling insanely, “ Them?”

“Pffft! If goons like that were a serious problem, I’d be a little worried, but she’s crafty enough to stay alive, heck, she probably beat a few of them!” Eda cackled, before adding, with a hint of nervousness, “And, well, I hate that I got to ask this, Lily, but please keep an open mind when you meet her? Please?”

Lilith gave her sister a flat stare. “Edalyn, I have just had a rather large portion of my worldview regarding humans and the power and stability of the Isles torn out from under me, as have a large group of others. When word starts spreading, I have no doubt that more than a few people will either go into denial or mass hysteria.” She placed her hands on her hips. “Very little could properly phase me at the moment. So yes, Edalyn, I will keep an open mind.” She said the last part so dry and sarcastically that, if this weren’t serious, Eda would’ve been so proud to call them sisters. Eda nodded grudgingly, accepting her promise. With that, the two headed out. Eda really hoped the kid was okay.

Luz gasped and sputtered, nearly choking on her tears. Willow slowly rubbed circles on her back, calming some of her heaving and screams. Gus and Amity stood on the side, both feeling lost and awkward; neither was as close to Luz as Willow, but neither wanted to see the girl in such despair either. All three just wanted to know what was going on.

“Sshh… sshh… it’s gonna be okay.” Willow whispered, unbothered by the tears staining her dress; it had already been ruined from the blood and grime of the battlefield the Covention had turned into, but even if it was fresh and clean, Willow would gladly soil it for a friend to cry on. “You can talk to us, okay? And if you don’t want to, we’ll be here anyway.”

“She-She can’t be alive!!” Luz spluttered, tears clogging her throat. “She can’t be!! I can’t have abandoned her!” She wailed. It had to be a lie, it had to be!! Because, if it wasn’t… Luz would never be able to stop until she saved her, no matter what she’d have to do in order to do it.

“Who?” Amity hesitantly asked.

“My hostage.” Luz said glumly, her tears drying up for the moment. She reached into her jacket, pulling out a photo tucked inside, showing it to them, a watery smile forming on her face. “My sister.”

“Sister?” The group echoed, leaning forward. Staring back at them was a picture of Luz and, well, Luz! Or rather, they saw Luz standing by what they presumed was her identical twin. The two were still very much distinguishable from one another. The one on the left was clearly the Luz they knew, having a similar style, a wild and reckless grin stretched across her face. The one on the right, however, was shyly glancing away, a nervous smile on her face, hair tied back neatly with a pair of clips.

“Yeah, Vee.” Luz said, a melancholy look of remembrance on her face. “She was always my leash, even before I got drafted into Oroboros. Whenever I had some crazy idea, she’d talk me through it before I did something stupid.”

Willow and Gus sat down beside her, leaning close, Amity standing a respectful distance behind them, clearly listening. Luz continued. “One time, I got this idea to make home-made Lacrimas by shoving a bunch of magic into one spot, and Vee reminded me that neither of us knew how Lacrimas formed, and just stuffing magic into things blew them up.” She snickered, a tear tracing down her cheek. “And this one time, I was gonna try and tame a Wyvern, I actually went out and did it even! But then, Vee reminded me we had nowhere to keep it, and no way to feed it, so I found it a nice hunting ground, and convinced it to defend a nearby town.” She laughed out loud, a heavy, full-belly laugh that sent her sprawling, tears leaking.

She paused, tears in her eyes. “She was my best friend, the person who made every day away from home something bearable. She was my anchor, my rock, and Oroboros used her against me.” Her fingers dug into her hand, a pained look crossing her features. “If she’s actually been alive this whole time…” Her tears were cut off when Willow and Gus hugged her, both having tears of their own.

“Hey, it’s okay. We’ll get through this.” Willow stated, pulling away and looking Luz straight in the eye. “Oroboros is going to keep coming after the Isles, so you’ll probably get an answer one way or another. And either way, I’ll be right by your side.”

“And the same goes for me!” Gus chimed in. “Plus, my dad’s a reporter, so I can help find out new info for you to go off of!”

“And if I am available, I would not be averse to using my magic to fight against those who’ve threatened the Isles. Rescuing an innocent will be a nice bonus, I’d say.” Amity primly stated, sporting a confident look.

Luz gave the three an almost awestruck look. “You guys.”

“GET AWAY FROM THEM!!” A voice screamed, drawing their attention. Luz’s eyes widened as Lilith Clawthorne, Eda’s apparent sister, rocketed towards her, staff glowing with magic, her eyes burning with rage. Before she could smash Luz’s face in, however, Eda jumped in, tackling her sister to the ground.

“Sheesh, Lily! Chill out!” Eda cried, desperately wrestling her sister to the ground. “I told you to keep an open mind, remember?”

“What does that have to do with-” Lilith ranted, only to pause, eyes widening in realization. “Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me.” She groaned, hanging her head as Eda sheepishly chuckled.

“U-um… Eda, what’s happening?” Luz tentatively asked.

Eda really wanted to ask Luz why she’d been crying, but decided to put it off, focusing on the current issue. “Well,” She drawled, “My prissy sis here wanted info on everything that happened. And after thinking it over, I thought you’d be the best person to give it to her.” Eda stated, pointing at Luz decisively. As unbalanced as Luz’s emotions were at the moment, she could see the logic in that.

“Seriously!?” Gus cried, incredulous. “After what she just learned!?”

Eda blinked. “What? What’d she learn?” She asked, figuring that whatever it was was the reason behind Luz’s tears.

“Something we can talk about later. In. Private.” Luz stated, her face screaming ‘let it go for now!’ Eda grudgingly agreed.

“Ugh, can we please move back on to the topic of information?” Lilith growled, pulling herself up. She loomed over Luz, a suspicious glare emblazoned across her features. “I have a great many questions for you, human.”

“And I’m perfectly willing to answer them, Miss Clawthorne.” Luz replied, unblinking. She glanced around, taking note of the damage around them. “But maybe it’d be better if we went somewhere more private for this?”

Lilith nodded, seeing the logic in that. “Indeed, better we not be interrupted.” She turned to her sister. “If that is acceptable for you, Edalyn?” She asked, getting a shrug and a nod in return, the Witchlings following Eda’s lead. Lilith clapped her hands. “Well then, we’d better be going back to the main center, as I recall seeing the Covens building something of a camp there to deal with the aftermath of this mess. The Healer’s Clinic should have a room we can use.” And with that the group set off, a tension running through them after their collective ordeal.

Emira paced, frantically glancing about the interior of the Healer’s Station, Edric gloomily slumped next to her. Her eyes scanned the nearby groups, hoping to spot something, anything, that could give her some hint as to where her sister was. She and Edric knew she was here, but where had she disappeared to after being displayed up there with Lilith was the real question.

“Could you please stop pacing, sis?” Edric groaned, clutching his head. “It’s not going to just make her appear if you keep doing it.”

Emira whirled on her brother, fire in her eyes. “Well what do you expect me to do!? Maniacs barged into the Covention, massacred who knows how many people, and OUR SISTER IS MISSING!!! I don’t have a lot of options right now, now do I?” She brutally snapped, briefly yelling in the middle of it, before fading into a broken tiredness. All those people, those kids, all gone. If her sister was gone like that, and her only memories were of her and Edric pranking her… She looked into Edric’s eyes, and saw the same fear, the hopeless, helpless realization that Amity may be gone, and her only memories of them would be of all the times they gave her trouble.

Edric sighed, tiredly rubbing his eyes. “Believe me sis, I get it, but all we can do is wait, and hope she’s okay.” He patted the spot next to him, a clear invitation to sit. Emira gave one last furtive look around, and glumly complied. The two briefly wondered just how their parents would take all of this.

Bria bit her lip, glancing over at Gavin and Angmar. She didn’t consider them friends, not really. Maybe she’d change that? She wasn’t sure. She wasn’t sure about much right now. She… had been made helpless. Magic like nothing she’d ever seen had been on display, and a LOT of people were dead. She, Gavin, and Angmar WOULD be dead. If it hadn’t been for Matty. Matty; goofy, clumsy, always taking the fall, boasting about his skills Matty, had saved their lives. Tears pricked her eyes, as she remembered how close she’d come to death, the sheer heartlessness on display. Was that what she was like? Some kind of monster? ...Was that what everyone was like at Glandus, behind all the excuses about being powerful?

“Hey, I got your drink!” Matty cheerfully replied, holding a glass out to her.

Bria shot him a half-hearted smile. “Thanks Matty.”

“Eh, it’s no problem.” He said, waving it off. “After all, we’re friends, right?”

“Yeah, friends.” Bria muttered, sipping her drink. Maybe… they really were friends. She’d have to talk to Angmar and Gavin about this. Maybe Hexside was still taking transfers.

Skara listlessly handed supplies to Bo, who was frantically patching up as many injuries as she could. Skara just felt so tired, so hollow. So many people had died. She’d seen little kids ripped apart, their parents crying over their bodies. She’d seen the opposite too, parents being cried over by their kids and family members.

Skara only had eyes for one thing, though. Boscha. Boscha was propped up on a bunk, at least two rows away, but still in Skara’s line of sight. She’d been brought in by a little demon, screaming and demanding that someone help her. Skara felt a twinge of jealousy at the thought that it wasn’t her demanding that someone heal her friend. Oh, wait, they weren’t friends anymore. It still hurt to think about, even though talking with Amity helped. The demon was hovering around Boscha, ranting and ordering around anyone and everyone who got close. In the back of her mind, Skara was honestly impressed at how unrelenting and exacting he was with his demands, even if no one was following them.

Then, Skara caught sight of another body brought in, another corpse. It was Batthew, a nice guy who had flirted with her a few times before. He was sweet, in his own way, and was really fond of going over the top. His throat had been slashed open. Skara didn’t fight the tears as they came.

Lilith pulled up a seat, eyes glaring daggers at the human seated before her. One way or another, she was going to get the answers she needed. She briefly spared a glance at Perry Porter, a known and well-viewed reporter upon the Isles, and one known for being unabashedly honest and direct in his reporting, something that earned him several points with the populous, as they knew they could trust his information. The boy, Augustus, had called him in after they’d gotten to the emergency clinic the Healers had established, citing a need for the people to understand what had happened. Thinking of her own impending reveal to the public, Lilith had agreed. If all turned out well, both could be accomplished together.

Lilith leaned forward. “Now then, human, it’s time for you to answer my questions. The People of the Isles are dying to hear what you have to say.” She said, eyes half-lidded.

Luz placed her hands on her chin, a brave smile on her face. “Ask away. I’m all ears.”

[capricornus-rex]

Someone Left to Save (6)

Cal Kestis x Reader

Requested by Anon

Summary: The Mantis crew arrives to the capital of Ulfin, in the planet of Pevera, under siege. They meet the local rebel cell spearheaded by the former Republic admiral, Jax Beneb, who seeks to destroy the Empire’s occupation that was aggressively imposed upon while exploiting the planet of its natural resources. A plan is devised to destroy the Imperial’s main base of operations—as well as their influence—in the planet; however, it was a do-or-die mission that you and Cal had gotten yourselves caught in.

A/N: Sorry if I haven’t been uploading as quick as I used to. I’m not in a good place right now mentally. I’ve had random crying episodes that rooted from last night’s breakdown, I’m stuck dealing with overbearing parents who don’t understand and can’t be bothered to take in the time to listen to their kid. I had to look for that from my friends who really know and understand me. It’s really hard. Because what do you do when your boomer, overly-traditional parents misinterpret your artworks and then drag you down for it? But I’m trying my best to fight it off and be better, so I can still give you guys good stories. I’ll get through it, I’ll be better eventually. So, if my posting frequency seems slow, I hope you understand. Thank you for your continuous support! You guys are the greatest. Love, Veron.

Tags: Force-Sensitive! Reader, Inquisitor! Reader, Jedi! Reader, Fake Death, Jedi turned Inquisitor, Seduction to the Dark Side, Turn to the Dark Side, The Dark Side of the Force, Aftermath of Torture, Torture, Psychological Torture, Redemption Arc! Reader, Possible Redemption, Premonitions

Also in AO3

Chapters: 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 | Previous: Part 5 | Next: Part 7 | Masterlist

6 of ?

In the span of three weeks, you and the Second Brother were in constant observation by the medical droids—encoding and then relaying their findings to the doctors who occasionally visited you every other day. A medical droid reports that you might open your eyes perhaps at the end of the week. The same goes for the Second Brother, despite his severe injuries and that tedious surgical operation that he underwent.

When the third and a last week came, you did open your eyes. The Bacta-infused water stung your eyes and you realize you’re submerged—by instinct, you held your breath, unaware that you have a medical breather on until you bit on its silicon mouthpiece, you felt the rather uncomfortable armbands on your pruning skin. Through the glass of the vat you’re encased in, a medical droid hovers in front of you.

In confusion, your heart rate spiked—reflecting on the heart monitor just right next to the tank—but the droid wasn’t alarmed. It deduced it as a natural, conscious bodily response. The medical droid tapped hurriedly on its dapatad; shortly after, a doctor comes rushing into the ward, he approaches the vat to look at you.

Peering again through the glass, you can see through your squinting—and already stinging—eyes that the doctor’s mouth is moving, but the bubbling of the substances shrouded your hearing from any outside noise.

“Prepare to drain the patient’s Bacta vat,”

A loud rumble echoed in the back of your ears, your head jerked up to the source of the sound and saw the water level lowering. As the substance fell to the level of your breasts, you mentally prepare yourself to plant your feet on the floor and your palms to the walls of the tank once you needed to balance and support yourself.

Finally, the tank has been emptied—the remaining liquid gurgled under your feet as it disappeared into the drain. The glass whirred as it retracted into its round, metal frame and then the nurses helped your balance yourself. Their faint whispers of encouragement rang indistinctly in your ears.

“Hello there, can you hear me well?” asked the doctor.

“I… I suppose,” you groaned, hooking your grip on the nurse’s arm. You looked at your surroundings. “Where am I?”

“You’re in a medical facility, in Mons Golotha,”

“Mons Golotha? Where is that?”

“In the Outer Rim. Don’t worry, you’re safe here. We’ve been helping you recover,”

“It looks like you had quite a dangerous brush with death there,” the nurse added.

Still confused, you surveyed the room further—there were more droids manning the computers and the machines. It appears that you’re the only patient in this room. You blinked several times until your eyes adjusted to the light pooling in the dull, gray ward. Something didn’t sit right with you, but your waking up gave you a bit of a hangover that you can’t pinpoint it. Little did you know that the Second Brother is still submerged in his own tank in his own room and that you are in Inquisitor—rather, Imperial—territory.

The Inquisitors were informed in the comfort of their temporary lodges that you’ve finally awakened. The Seventh Sister smirked with satisfaction, as if her work given by Grand Inquisitor is close to its completion. At her mercy, she allowed you until tomorrow to rest, after that you will be sedated and transported to   the main fortress; when she finished hearing the report, she resumed her meditation in peace.

You stayed in bed, fed with three square meals, regularly checked for your vitals, temperature, blood pressure and the like—this was your entire routine for a day and half.

The Seventh Sister’s given timetable is due. As a way to not startle you, the doctor was very subtle on your sedation in the guise of a treatment.

“Alright, [Y/N], the vapor that’ll flow out of this mask when you wear it will dissolve the smoke and particles that may have polluted your lungs when you inhaled the smoke from your accident,”

You nodded, “Okay.”

You lied down flat on your back first, then the doctor gingerly placed the transparent mask, then the medical droid switched on the machine at the doctor’s command. It growled and the vapor hissed through the tube up to your nose and mouth; the sound sort of lulled you to boredom, you thought that it was a hypnotizing sound that you slowly let your eyelids drop and lean your head further into the pillow.

“Just a few more milliliters until she’s fully sedated,” the doctor mouthed to himself, watching you lie perfectly still in your bed.

Ten minutes later, the medical droid’s readings indicate that you’re now asleep.

“Vitals are still at a normal and optimum level, she is amenable for transfer,” the medical droid added.

Through his own comlink, the doctor contacted the Seventh Sister.

“Is she really unconscious now?”

“Yes, she won’t be able to recall a single thing before the sedation,”

“Good. Oversee the preparations for the transfer,”

The doctor nodded in compliance and the Seventh Sister switched off the transmission on her end. He immediately did as he was told and then you were transferred from your ward bed to the hovering gurney. It was a warden who escorted you to the main fortress, the apparatus used to administer the sedative is still attached to you as they wheeled you through the corridors.

—–

Eventually, you’ve arrived to the prison block. At the end of it is the torture chamber especially designated for you. The Seventh Sister and the Fifth Brother were waiting inside the chamber, they turned to the door when they heard it whir and found you still as a rock in that gurney.

“Put here in,” the Mirialan ordered.

The warden pulled the gurney closer to the torture chair—with its restraints wide open, like an animal’s maw waiting to snap shut once its prey has fallen in—and put you to the machine. The restraints clamped shut when the warden stepped back, the metal clanged so loud that it startled him, making his shoulders jump. The warden was dismissed immediately and left the chamber.

The sedative wore off by the minute, the intensity of the light shone differently than what you recalled, and now you find yourself unable to move—you flinch your wrists and ankles to find polished, silver handcuffs that are three inches thick banding around them. Leaning in front of you is the mechanical limb of the torture chair with panels running with electrical current; you attempt to sink yourself farther into the bed, and the cold metal stung through your bleach-white tunic that the nurses dressed on you. Your heartbeat spiked again, the Inquisitors can sense the fear oozing out of you.

The Seventh Sister stepped out of the shadows, hands tucked behind her back.

“Oh don’t bother fighting it off, it’s not like you have the strength to break out of that,”

Your eyebrows furrowed, struggling to recognize her.

“You’re an Inquisitor, but I… I’ve never seen you before,”

“Who I am to you is not important. You, on the other hand, know something we don’t—and we’d like you to let us in on that,”

“Oh I bet you do,” you spat.

The Seventh Sister liked your snark, she’ll give you that, but she didn’t like other people outclassing her. One flick of her finger and the Stormtrooper operating the machine flipped a switch; the limb with the electrical panels lowered closer to you until only an inch hangs between you and the bright, violet cracks.

In the next second, a jolt courses throughout your entire body. The metal cuffs on your wrists and ankles amplified the voltage and doubled the pain of the shock. You didn’t even get to take a deep breath, you were simply taken by surprise. The limb then retracted, returning to its original distance from you.

“She’s got a kick to it, doesn’t she? You’re gonna have more than just a kick if you don’t tell us what we want to hear,”

“I’ve had worse beatings!” you winced.

“I’ll bet you have, [Y/N],”

It didn’t matter how the Mirialan knew your name. She proceeded with your questions that you retorted with the perfect opposite of it—sarcasm.

“Tell us where the rebels are hiding, and we’ll let you go scot-free. We’ll even give you a headstart so you can warn your friends,”

“The last time someone gave me a bargain like that…” you panted, recovering from the shock. “They found my lightsaber sticking through their ribs.”

The Seventh Sister sighed.

This is gonna be a long day… but I don’t mind. She thought.

Hours dragged on as you kept yourself mum, filling in the blanks of their questions with sarcasm or straight-up refusals. But for every time you decided to keep your mouth shut about the location of the rebels who staged the bombing of their outpost in Ulfin, you were returned with a shock of the torture chair—the voltage became more powerful and lethal than the last.

“Impressive,” the Fifth Brother commented. “Not many can withstand this many hours, let alone that high of a voltage, in the chair.”

“Perhaps, there’s a better way of persuading you,” the Mirialan chided.

From her pocket, she fished out her holodisk. She thumbs the button and out comes a figurine-sized projection of Cal. The faintest, sharpest inhale from you wasn’t spared from the Inquisitor’s keen sense of hearing. She smirked and glanced at you.

“Oh, you know him, don’t you?”

You didn’t answer, but it already feels like the Seventh Sister has seen through your tough-faced façade.

“The longer you stay in this chair, the more likely my troops are capable of finding him. Who knows? I could bag a complete package if he was siding with the rebels the whole time. Definitely likely.”

The rage rooting from the pain and the Seventh Sister’s taunting flared in your body. The Mirialan could almost feel the blaze of that anger pouring out of you. She catches a whiff of it and was intrigued.

Your body impulsively leaned away from the backrest and strained yourself to get at least an inch closer to the Seventh Sister, but you’re nowhere even near six inches in front of her.

“IF YOU DO SO MUCH AS PUT A FINGERNAIL ON HIS HEAD, I’LL MAKE SURE YOU GET TWENTY TIMES THE PAIN YOU’RE GIVING ME NOW!!”

“Oh, there we go. Yes, use that hate, that anger!” the sheer adrenaline rush caused the Seventh Sister to slam her fist against the wall of the operating computer. “TELL ME WHERE THEY ARE!!”

“I…” you hissed. “Will never… TELL YOU!!”

The Seventh Sister eased her shoulders.

“So be it,” she jerked her head to the operator. “Again! And don’t stop until I say so!!”

Your shallow, rapid breathing didn’t save your lungs to overcome the pain sent by a thousand to ten thousands volts coursing through your body. Your throat strained as you cry in agony, your fingers twisted and curled as the tendrils of electricity violently pricked the nerves, your body thrashed in all angles trying to alleviate the pain but it’s as though several daggers entered and left your body repeatedly.

Your head jerks back, unable to withstand any more of the gradual pain the longer it dragged on. The only thing that filled your eyes was the lamp that hung overhead and the cracks of compacted lightning from the electrical panels. You don’t know how much your heart can take. At the Seventh Sister’s mercy, she shot her hand up—signaling to stop—the Stormtrooper obeyed; it only was a ten-second breather, and she asked again.

“Where are they hiding?”

“In a Bantha’s arse,” you gasped.

Seventh Sister scoffed, she snapped her fingers and the torture resumed. Your mischievous snickering at your own joke was instantly replaced by a wail of pain. The longer you remained in that torture chair, the more the Inquisitors saw your rage and hate crawling out of you—and they relished each waking minute the darkness seeps out of you.

In the midst of your screams echoing across the entire chamber, the Seventh Sister stepped back into the shadows to join the Fifth Brother. She stood on the tips of her toes to reach his height, close enough for him to hear her, and she whispered.

“She will be a good Inquisitor.”

There was no worded response, but the Fifth Brother smiled in agreement. The violet light of the electrical current flashing and pooling over the surface of their faces as they watched you at the mercy of the torture chair.

[rwby-nwbe]

Just Finished RWBY Volume 2...

...and HOLY HECK IT GOT BETTER.

[Warning: Spoilers for Volume 2 and Long Post.]

New antagonists! More huntsman action! More characters and interactions! And the fights, tho. THE FIGHTS!

*Ahem* Okay, clearly I just need to start from the beginning...

Episode 1

We start the new season by being reintroduced to our new antagonists, Emerald Sustrai and Mercury Black. They may be villains, but they're also obviously teens (Mercury radiates prick energy) and they're dynamic is entertaining. Also, RIP Tukson, he seemed like a nice dude...

We then cut back to Team RWBY and JNPR, who are apparently on break at the moment. It's also nice to see Sun again, and we also get to meet Neptune. Anyways, someone throws a pie in Weiss face, and you know what that means...

FOOD FIGHT!!!

Seriously, THESE KIDS ARE CRAZY. Ruby can apparently surf on lunch trays! Weiss used ketchup and a freakin' swordfish like Myrtenaster! Blake used baguettes and a sausage link like Gambol Shroud! Freakin' YANG was punching things with TURKEY! JAUNE... threw a melon, that was cool; nice to see that he's losing the noodleness of his body. NORA RIPPED OUT A PIPE, STUFFED IT TO A MELON, AND CALLED IT MAGNHILD! Note to self: never challenge Pyrrha to a fight near a vending machine (or anytime, really). Ren can kick WATERMELONS, and fight with LEEKS. HOW CAN THEY EVEN DIGEST ALL THAT FOOD!?

RIP Neptune's hair though, I hear grape is hard to wash out...

Then we cut back to the White Fang and Torchwick, who are then met with Mercury, Emerald, and later the great Cinder Fall herself. I'll admit, Mercury's funny but a jerk, and Emerald... I'm pretty sure I was mentally screaming "YOU'RE BEING MANIPULATED" when I saw her and Cinder. First she doesn't give Emerald a hug, then she tells her to not think and just obey? RED FLAGS. RED FLAGS EVERYWHERE.

Oh, speaking of Cinder, while she does radiate boss energy, I'm glad that I don't personally like her. I don't know what it is, but it might be the fact that she's treating everyone else like her pawns (and considering she used a chess piece later in this volume, I wouldn't be surprised). I mean, good villain, but like any good villain, I want her to get roasted, though that might not work given her Semblance.

Also, Roman Torchwick, you beautiful jerk, never change. I love ya, but I also love seeing you get dragged, which is what Emerald did to you at the end of this. Yep, I'm on board for this season!

Also, the new opening. I thought nothing could top "This Will Be The Day." I was wrong. Haven't listened to all of it yet, but "Time To Say Goodbye" SLAPS.

Episode 2

So, several things. There's board games, insert Yu-Gi-Oh reference here... Yang has too much power. Also, if I remember the lingo right, then this is also the episode where the White Rose shippers got crumbs, the White Knight shippers were once again denied, and where the Iceberg shippers were born (while the rest of us were titling our heads in confusion with Jaune). Jaune continues to be a social dork (what's with the blonde boys blowing Blake's secret? Don't think I've forgotten about Sun...). Blake is being consumed with the burden of RESPONSIBILITY. I feel that Blake. Oh, and the ending...

Why do out villains have to be clever enough to infiltrate the actual school!? And Weiss' "We're doomed." I hope that's not secret foreshadowing...

Episode 3

Jaune fails yet again at wooing Weiss (at least Yang comforts him at the end), and the gang begins their espionage. We meet Penny again, Weiss deals with her past, albeit briefly, and Penny... oh boy. She's hiding something, and the hiccups make it obvious. What could it possibly- oh...

Episode 4

Most of us had our suspicions, what with Penny's awkward demeanor and ludicrous super strength, but yep, she's a robot! Aw, get yourself a real one like Ruby. Oh, and Neptune's useless with Yang around. Speaking of, HEY, good to see you again, Junior! So Blake and Sun intercept the White Fang rally and... oh fudge they got giant robots. BAIL! We also get to see Neptune's weapon and Sun's semblance (before they nope off the road and leave the rest of the fighting to RWBY, while they go off and get ramen, the jerks...). Also, nice to see that they have team attack names (I believe some of them double as ship names), and this is where we get to meet the Ice Cream Queen Neopolitan (not to be confused with the now officially dubbed Ice Queen Weiss Schnee. If even the villains are calling you that, then congrats, you have a new title)! Neo then proceeds to give them the slip, and I personally believe that Yang only disliked Weiss' pun because it highlighted her failure.

C'mon Yang, at least she's TRYING!

Episode 5

Pyrrha is a combat queen. 'Nuff said. Suck it, CRDL.

Oh no. Mercury is both a smart aleck AND smart. This will not end well.

Blake, take a break. No, seriously, working yourself to death just because you think you can doesn't mean you should. You will only feel worse. TAKE A BREAK.

Well Jaune, mission failed. You'll get her next time.

Pyrrha Nikos. Sweetie. We're talking about Jaune Arc here. He's not gonna get the hints you're dropping unless that "hint" is a full blown irrefutable confession so obvious that even he can't screw it up. I know you want to help him because you like him (and yes, even like like him), but it's clear Weiss isn't interested, at least not now. Capitalize on that!

And our villain group continues to be dastardly. *Chuckles* We're in danger.

Episode 6

The dance draws near, and it seems that both Blake AND Jaune could use a pep talk!

Poor Blake. It appears your faunus trait makes you more cat-like than just the ears.

Also, poor Ren. He just wants a nice bath, but alas, the power of bromance.

Oof, tough love from Yang. Pretty good flashback, though. Also, Pyrrha, your selfless nature will be your undoing, listen to Nora.

...oh God, if I'm saying "listen to Nora" when the world isn't ending, we might ACTUALLY be in danger.

Aw, the dance looks fun. Poor Jaune, tho. Don't worry, at least Yang, Blake, and Sun are having a good time (and this is the part where I realize I'm becoming a SunnyBee shipper, crap). Poor Ruby, having to wear heels. Don't worry, Ozpin will keep you company.

Oh crap, the villain kids are here! What are you up to!?

Episode 7

This one gets the runner up for my favorite episode. Alternatively, I give it the title "Team Leaders Know What's Up."

Jaune, you may be a dumbass, but you're the rare "Surprisingly Competent Dumbass With A Heart Of Gold," and you get my respect for that. Being socially awkward with Ruby? Comedy gold. Putting things into perspective for Neptune? Props, my dude. Comforting Pyrrha? Friendship goals (even though it should be more than friendship goals, but hey, you put on the dress, I'll give you that). Nice dance moves, by the way, JNPR.

As for Ruby... drinking Jaune's punch? Iconic. Noticing Cinder sneaking away? Nice. Fighting her in heels of all things? You, my dear red reaper, are on another level. A shame that Ironwood couldn't get there faster and that Cinder had to bail, but oh well.

Also: Penny continues to be heckin' adorable. I will never NOT stan.

Episode 8

HEAR YE, HEAR YE, THE NOBLE DOG ZWEI HAS GRACED US WITH HIS ADORABLE PRESENCE. Tremble before his ability to fit in boxes and melt Weiss' heart. Oh, and RWBY gets exposed to Ozpin, but surprise! Even Ozpin doesn't have to play by the rules! Though that could get him in trouble with Ironwood later...

Why does this show keep showing me characters that I want to get to know better in record time!? Team CFVY looks so interesting, and it's nice to see Velvet again! Ooh, I hope we see them more later...

Also, Professor Oobleck, I know we saw a bit of you in Volume 1, and I wish we got to know you better. You seem delightful.

Episode 9

Okay, my previous statement of DOCTOR Oobleck still stands. I love this chaotic fast man.

He's both funny AND deep! His reaction to Zwei? Comedy gold! Him picking apart RWBY's motives and the Grimm? Disturbingly thought provoking, but enjoyable. Also, Ruby, you're great, but you're not entirely a genius, you're just a little bit lucky.

In conclusion: there are a lot of characters to stan in RWBY. Dr. Oobleck is one of them.

Episode 10

We learn about WBY's motivations, now excuse me while I go crying in the club right now.

OH NO, RUBY GOT KIDNAPPED! AND SHE DOESN'T HAVE HER SCYTHE! FRICK, it's a mindset kind of deal! Without her scythe, she thinks she's useless! Oh, and Roman's there too, that's not good.

...that is REALLY not good, Oobleck! Get down there, all of you! Wait, is your thermos... your WEAPON!? HOW THE FU-

(Sidenote, I looked up the name, since most weapons have them and I'm impatient for them getting name dropped. "Antiquity's Roast," eh? Fitting...)

Episode 11

So... this episode.

Poor Ruby. She failed to fight back, she almost ran away but then it turns out Melodic Cudgel is also a GRAPPLING HOOK. Thank god Yang and company finally busted their way in.

...why are Roman and the White Fang going kamikaze with those train car bombs? Oh right, the Grimm. Crap, that ain't good.

Ah, Oobleck. You may have accidentally repeated Ruby's line, but a swig of your thermos/club/flamethrower and then using it to bat Zwei into a cannonball of death redeemed you!

So Neo's back. She's skilled, sassy, has something going on with her eyes... Oh boy, Yang's getting outclassed by a pipsqueak. That's gotta suck.

Does every faunus (baring Blake, Sun, etc.) hate the SDC? Seriously Weiss, what did your father DO!?

Roman, do not get flirty with Blake. Junior tried something similar with Yang way back in the Yellow Trailer, and he got socked in the face. You deserve that kick in the head.

Oh look, Yang's mom is here! Nice, now Neo can't kill her (don't you dare, you little ice cream, I swear...). Oh. OH. That's a big sword. Yeah, ya better run, Neo. You ain't winnin' this fight. Great, now I want to know what Yang's mom's deal is. Figures she just warped away afterwards...

And now the Grimm are above ground. Yeah, seems like a good time for the season finale.

Episode 12

Now THIS is my favorite episode.

Look at that, Jaune's getting good instincts! And it's nice that Team JNPR was able to help RWBY. Also nice that Jaune can actually kill a Grimm now. Good job, man. You earned Pyrrha's smile of approval.

As much as I'm wary of the antagonist trio, I'll admit, they can fight good. Especially Emerald, her guns are sick. Why am I warming up to her so fast? What is this magic!?

...CFVY. CFVY. WHY ARE Y'ALL SO BADASS? Seriously, Yatsuhashi's carying an entire sword and a half. Fox just pulled a Ren and caused a Grimm to explode. Coco... God, Coco- WHY DOES RUBY HAVE SO MANY QUEENS, FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!?

"You just destroyed my favorite clothing store. Prepare to die."

I-FREAKING-CONIC!

And she just murders Grimm with a BRIEFCASE. That turns into a GATTLING GUN. BECAUSE OF COURSE IT'S ALSO A GUN. (BTW, Gianduja is a really cool name for it.)

And now I want to know Velvet's weapon! It doesn't look like much now, but apparently it took a semester to build. And we know that Velvet can fight based on what we saw with her and Fox, so how does she ADD to that!?

THAT TRACK IN THE BACKGROUND, TOO! "CAFFEINE~" HELL YEAH!!!

Ooh, Port and Oobleck teamup! Oh no... THE GLYNDA IS MAD PEOPLE. I REPEAT, THE GLYNDA IS MAD! SHE HAS NO PATIENCE FOR YOUR GRIMM BS!!!

Welp, Roman got handled, though I doubt it's for long... Yay, RWBY finally gets a break! Oh boy, trouble brewing between Ozpin and Ironwood, that ain't good.

...bull man's back. Uh, guys, Adam's back! And he's helping the bad guys! THIS IS REALLY NOT GOOD.

...oh, so your name is Raven? And that's what you look like under the mask. There's the resemblance... Oh boy, where have you been all of Yang's life?

...

So all in all, Volume 2 was even better than Volume 1, in my opinion. It's like they took the first volume and amped it up to 11. Longer runtimes, great comedy, great action sequences, great CHARACTERS. It's just a complete trip! 10/10, would ride again. Welp, it's getting late, so I can't immediately start Volume 3. But what Volume 2 gave us is good enough to tide me over.

...I am so glad I started this series. Well, this is goodbye for now. Cheers, internet!

-Mathewton, the RWBY Newbie (22 March 2020)

[thelastspeecher]

26. — protection for Stangie in the Superhero/villain AU.

26. Protection

I went with the Redux version of the Superhero/villain AU - the version where Stan finds out he’s a dad when Danny and Daisy are three.  So here’s some sweet, sweet Stangie in that AU.

Prompt List

——————————————————————————————

              Stan swiped to another photo onhis phone.

              “Here’s Danny eating ice cream,”he said animatedly to Ford.  Ford let outa weary sigh.  “Hey, I listen to you talkabout science all the time, you can look at the pictures of my kids.  My kids are way better than whatever bullshityou’re doing in your lab.”  Afterreturning from another afternoon at Angie and Lute’s place, playing with hisdaughters, Stan was excitedly showing Ford pictures of what they had been upto.  Ford kept glancing at his book, whichhe had set to the side when Stan started showing him pictures ten minutes ago.

              “Fine,” Ford muttered, shooting anotherlonging look at his book.  Stan swiped toanother picture.

              “Angie took this one.  Here’s Lute showing me how to put Daisy’s hairin those cute braids she loves.”

              “Speaking of Angie…” Ford saidslowly.  Stan hurriedly went to the nextpicture.

              “Here’s Danny taking apart one ofher toys.  She’s gonna be an engineer orsomethin’ when she’s all grown up, I can tell.”

              “How are things going with Angie?”Ford asked.  Stan grimaced.  “Not well, I take it?”

              “No, they’re- they’re goingreally well,” Stan said, putting his phone back in his pocket.  “I’m getting to know her and she’s getting toknow me.  She’s way outta my league.”

              “Aren’t most of the people you’vebeen in a relationship with?” Ford mumbled. Stan punched his shoulder.

              “Rude.  Angie outclasses all of my exes, okay?”

              “So you’re not planning onpursuing a romantic relationship with her, then?” Ford asked.  Stan rubbed the back of his neck.

              “I mean…I would like to, but itprobably- it probably wouldn’t be a good idea.”

              “Why?  Just because you’re worried she’s out of yourleague?  The McGuckets don’t care aboutthat sort of thing.”    

              “It’s-”

              “You already have two childrentogether.  You have the beginnings of arelationship,” Ford added.  Stan frownedat him.

              “Why are you suddenly playingmatchmaker?” he asked suspiciously.

              “I just think it would be amistake on your part to not at least take a shot at having a relationship withthe mother of your children.”

              “Hmph.”  Stan looked down.  “…I’ll take your opinions into consideration,I guess.”

              “Why are you so opposed topursuing her?” Ford prompted.  Stangrimaced.

              I don’t want to be in thisconversation anymore.  There was achirp from his hero pager.  Oh, thankgod.  Stan quickly removed his pagerfrom his pocket.

              “Gotta go.  Big fight,” he said quickly, getting up fromthe couch without even looking at his pager. Ford rolled his eyes.  “See youlater.”

              “Goodbye, Stanley,” Ford said, eagerlygrabbing his book and opening it.  “Gokick Sirocco’s ass.”  Halfway out the door,Stan froze.

              Shit.  Please don’t tell me I’m gonna have to go upagainst Angie.  He looked down at hispager.  Goddammit.

—– 

              Stan shot another fireball atTsunami, who Angie had told him was actually her twin brother, Lute.  Lute laughed.

              “What’s wrong, Flamethrower?  Feels like you’re holding back a bit.”

              Yeah, I am.  I don’t really wanna beat up my baby mama’stwin brother.  Especially since he’s beennothing but nice to me.  Well, except forright now.

              “Gimme a break, man,” Stansaid.  “I got some big news the otherday, okay?  My life’s in upheaval.”  Lute snickered.

              “And yet you still feel up forgoing a few rounds with me and my sister. Sure.  Nah.  I think you’ve got a crush on me.”  Lute grinned at Stan.  “Hate to break it to you, but you’re not mytype.”

              Not according to Angie.

              “Ow!”  At the large yelp of pain, both Lute and Stanlooked over.  Stan had managed to avoidactively fighting Angie, but that meant the person currently combating her was Stan’sleast-favorite coworker, Bud.  Somehow,Bud had managed to land a punch, sending Angie flying into a brick wall.

              “You son of a bitch, get awayfrom my sister!” Lute shouted, abandoning his fight with Stan to intervenebetween Angie and Bud.  Angie wascrumpled against the wall, holding her side. Stan’s breath caught in his throat.

              She’s hurt.  She might be hurt bad.  But if I do anything while I’m in my mask,that might-  In his peripheralvision, Stan saw movement.  He looked upat the bricks above Angie.  They werebeginning to crumble.  Angie let outanother moan, not noticing what Stan had. Stan looked at Bud and Lute.  Theywere both engaged in an intense duel, unlikely to notice much outside of theirfight.  Fuck it.  Stan flew over to Angie and picked her up inhis arms, just as bricks fell onto the spot Angie had just been sitting in.  Stan landed behind a nearby dumpster and setAngie down.  Angie glared at him.

              “You could’ve blown everything!”she hissed.

              “I couldn’t let you get hurt, Ang,”Stan snapped back.  Angie huffed and rolled her eyes.  “Don’t worry, thosetwo yahoos were too busy punching each other to see me rescue you.”  Angie let out a soft laugh.

              “Please call Lute a yahooin front of him.”  Stan grinned ather.  Angie winced again.  “Oof.”

              “You’re hurt.”

              “I’ve been hurt worse.”  Angie eyed him.  “You’ve hurt me worse.”

              “…Don’t remind me,” Stanmumbled.  Angie frowned.

              “Why not?  You were just doing your job all those timesyou beat me up.”

              “I don’t like thinking about howI punched someone I care about, okay?” Stan snapped.  Angie blinked at him.

              “You…care about me?” she askedquietly.  Stan felt himself immediatelyflush.

              “I mean, you- you’re- you’re mykids’ mom, so…” he stammered.  Angiegrinned.  She leaned close to him.  Stan felt his face getting hotter by thesecond.

              “No, I don’t think that’s it,”she teased.  “I think you might becatching some feelings for the lady what birthed your daughters.”

              “Just ‘cause I didn’t want you toget hit on the head by a buncha bricks, or I care that you might have a brokenrib, that means I’ve got a thing for you?”

              “Hmm, no.  But we have knocked boots twice, spent thelast couple weeks ‘round each other almost nonstop, and yer turnin’ redder ‘n aturnip,” Angie said cheekily.  Stan startedto get up.

              “Well, you’re clearly fine, so Ishould get back to punching your brother-” Angie abruptly grabbed Stan and pulled him close, planting a kiss on hislips.  Stan sunk into the moment.  When they pulled apart, he stared at Angie.

              “Yer not the only one what caughtfeelin’s,” Angie whispered.  Stan’sconfusion disappeared, replaced by a stroke of confidence.  He grinned at her.

              “Good.”

              “Ow,” Angie hissed, bending oversuddenly.  Stan stood and scooped herinto his arms.

              “That’s it.  I’m taking you to go see a doc.”

              “I don’t think my villain clinicwould like a hero walkin’ through their door,” Angie whispered.

              “Okay.  I’ll take you to see a doc after I changeback into my civvies.”  Stan paused as herealized something.  “Uh, Lute won’t besuspicious about the two of us disappearing, will he?”

              “If yer askin’ if he’ll think we’redoin’ it in a dirty alley again, no, he won’t. He doesn’t know about our flings.”

              “Not what I meant, but that’sgood to know.  I meant that he won’t comelooking for you.”

              “I’ll just text him that I got outof there or somethin’,” Angie said with a shrug.  She winced.

              “Stop moving,” Stan said firmly.

              “No.”

              “Damn, you’re stubborn,” Stanmuttered.  Angie grinned.

              “Mm-hmm.  Just like you.”

[iwhumpyou]

Duel (Part 2)

Masterlist.  Riva

Part 1.

~#~#~#~#~#~

She fidgets all the way to their destination – tapping her foot, rubbing her thumb over suddenly ring-less fingers, clenching and unclenching her grip on the staff resting on her lap.

They tried to teach her the quarterstaff but learning how to fight was impossible in two days, much less learning a skill taught only after the basics of stance and breathing and movement are learnt.  Frederick took over physical conditioning until he gave up when she couldn’t do a pull-up – Francesca was simultaneously more reassuring and more terrifying than he’d been.  Eileen taught her basic blocks and lunges, trying to get her used to moving a five foot pole around her body.

(It feels like someone shoved a tree trunk in her arms.)

Landon…Landon only watched. Throughout it all, she felt his burning gaze.  She didn’t know what he wanted, she didn’t know what he was thinking.

They pull up outside Council Hall and she starts because that – that is a lot of people.  That is so many people they’re spilling out onto the steps outside.  Those are news crews and reporters. 

She stares at them, heart caught in her throat.

“Come on,” Landon says as the car stops.  He looks at her and then looks at her, eyes flickering down to the staff she’s clutching, knuckles pale.  “Riva, come on.”  She doesn’t think she can reply – there is something in her throat and she can barely breathe.

“I can’t do this,” she says so quietly she can barely hear the words.  “I can’t.”  She isn’t a fighter and two days of practice will mean nothing against Katia.  She doesn’t want to get hurt, she doesn’t want to get humiliated in front of an audience.

“Riva,” Landon says, staring at her, and she shakes her head, staring at the wood in her hands. Eileen tried to teach her how to fight but two days just left her with sore muscles and bruises and a thorough understanding of how completely outclassed she is.

“Riva, I’m sorry,” Landon says quietly and it’s startling enough that she darts her head up to look at him.  There’s hurt on his face, but there’s resignation too and she swallows because he isn’t relenting.

“I wish there was another way,” he says.  There are other ways, she wants to scream, but he doesn’t know what they are.  She doesn’t know what they are.  They are rapidly running out of options. 

“How is this going to help?” she asks, “How is my losing going to help?”

“It’s what she asked for,” Landon says, “And perhaps, this time, everyone will finally understand how unreasonable she’s being.”  She snorts, because Katia has become the city’s darling and there’s no chance that will change.  “Calling a duel over a simple insult?” he raises an eyebrow, “Quarterstaffs are dangerous.  Deadly, if not properly controlled.” 

“If you’re meant to be reassuring me, you’re not doing a very good job,” Riva says, her voice climbing high.

“It’ll be okay,” Landon says, but the smile he forces to his face is anxious and tense.

(It’ll be okay, not you’ll be fine.)

She’s thought the fight through in her mind.  What she could do, compared to how fast Katia could move.  When she’s supposed to surrender – because she has to call the fight if she wants to end it.  Otherwise it will end with her body on the floor.

She has to call it at the right moment.  Too soon, and she’ll look like a coward.  She’ll make the Watch look like cowards, like bullies who will run away when they’re confronted. 

She doesn’t want that to happen, but it’s murkier when she’s in the line of sight.  She’s imagined a thousand versions where she surrenders and in every one, Landon’s disappointed gaze looks the same. 

(It hurts.  It tears at the part of her that needs his approval.)

She has to call it at the right moment but that’s a thousand times harder to do with so many people. She doesn’t even like public speaking. Her stomach is churning and she’s glad she didn’t try to have breakfast.

“Riva,” Landon says and she nods mutely, getting out of the car.

There are camera flashes in her face and shouted questions and mutters growing in intensity and Riva ignores them all, her gaze fixed on Landon���s back as they walk into Council Hall. She ignores them all, concentrating on every step she takes as they pass through packed halls, go down a flight of stairs, and emerge into the large hall underneath the building.

The dueling arena is in the center, a circle twenty feet wide, ringed by tiers of seats extending all around them.  There are more people packed in between rows, sitting on stairs, standing at the back. They stare at them as they enter and she can sense their anger – it’s a dull roar that grows with every step.

Landon walks down the steps, fluidly stepping past people, and rounds the arena, until he is in front of the small box of seats on the other side.  The council already sit there, and Katia’s husband, and they stare at Landon with mixed reactions.

Katia herself is on the stage, twirling the staff in a fluid, controlled display of skill, and she bares her teeth in a smile when she sees Landon.

Landon opens his mouth and the crowd quiets – the council lean in closer and Katia gets a dark gleam in her eyes.  He turns to her, nods, and says, “Good luck.”  Then he bounds up the stairs to take a seat in the box, leaving Riva standing alone at the edge of the arena.

From the expressions on everyone’s faces, it becomes apparently clear that this is not what anyone expected.

Riva turns mutely and ascends the short set of stairs to the dueling arena and Katia looks at her like she’s a ghost.

“What?” she says, and that seems to break the dam – there is an outpouring of whispers and mutters that grow louder and louder and louder.  Riva fights the urge to hunch her shoulders and stands like Eileen taught her, light on her feet, shoulders back, head up.

“What are you doing?” Katia snarls and she looks like she wants to push Riva off the arena, duel or no duel.  She turns to Landon but Riva clears her throat because this is her fight and everyone has to see that.

“You called for a duel,” Riva says as clearly as she can manage.  The crowd quiets at her words and she can feel her ears flush.

“You’re going to fight me?” And her tone is a mixture of incredulity and derision and disdain and Riva instantly flushes, her eyes beginning to burn because she knows how ridiculous it looks, how ridiculous she must look standing in front of Katia.

“You called me out,” Riva says, and it takes all her willpower to keep her voice from breaking, “I’m here for our duel.”

Katia looks at her incredulously, and turns to Landon, who’s made himself at home in the box, lounging in his seat like he doesn’t have a care in the world.

(His hands are clenched too tightly around the arm of the chair, she can see his knuckles straining.)

“You’re going to let her fight me?” Katia calls to him and the weight of the room is now on Landon.

He raises an eyebrow, like he can’t feel the pressure.  “Let her?” Landon blinks, “She’s not a pet, Katia. You asked for a duel.  You have one.”

Katia laughs and the sound is harsh.  “Really, Landon?  Just when I thought you could sink no lower.”

There is a hiss around the room, echoing her words, but Landon spreads his hands to the side, bewildered, doing a very good job of looking like he has no idea what she’s talking about.

“Katia, I’m not sure why you’re even talking to me.  You called the duel with Riva.  Take your issues up with her.”

“You don’t have anything to say?” Katia asks, low, sibilant.

“What do you want me to say?” Landon asks.

“You’re not going to fight for her?” Katia asks and Riva can see the brief flash of dark glee in Landon’s eyes.  It echoes in her heart – she didn’t think Katia was going to say that out loud.

“If you wanted to fight me, Katia,” Landon says, and doesn’t let the smirk out.  He keeps his face cold and unimpressed.  “You should’ve called me out.” 

Katia’s lips thin and Riva can see on her face what she’s holding behind her teeth.  She wants to rage at Landon but there’s too many people. Too many eyes watching, too many ears listening, too many people beginning to pick up on the undercurrent of manipulation.

“I have no problem accepting your forfeit if you’d prefer to fight Landon,” Riva says, and she has no idea where the words are coming from or whose confident, assured voice she’s borrowing, but Landon flashes a quick smile and she knows she’s on the right path.

“I’m not going to forfeit,” Katia snarls, turning towards her.

Riva shrugs, keeping her body relaxed even though her gut is clenching and her muscles trembling. “You seem more interested in fighting Landon than fighting me.”

“I assumed he was going to take your place,” Katia says coolly, “He seems intent on micromanaging every aspect of the Watch.”

Riva tilts her head one side and fakes confusion.  “But that’s not how duels work,” she says and watches as her words hit the mark.  Katia flushes instantly – she’s spent the better part of a year campaigning for a return to traditional methods.  She knows exactly how duels work.

Riva is beginning to think she’s made Katia angry enough.

Katia signals out someone from the crowd and they come to the edge of the arena.  Riva think she might recognize her, one of Katia’s minions, the one who always had the right piece of paper to shove in their faces.

“Georgina will referee,” Katia says, turning to Landon as if daring him to disagree.

“Fine by me,” Riva responds and Katia snaps her head back and gives her a foul glare.

Georgina adjusts her glasses and speaks – she’s gotten ahold of a microphone, Riva realizes when the sound echoes throughout the hall.

“Katia Lopez, you called this duel to avenge your honor, which was slighted by Riva Muni,” she says and the whole room quiets, “Riva Muni, do you accept the duel?”

“I do.”

“Shake on a fair fight,” Georgina says.  Riva crosses the last few steps and clasps Katia’s hand with her own clammy one. Katia narrows her eyes, but to her credit, does not attempt to crush her fingers.  They separate quickly and move to the edges of the arena.

Riva has no illusions on how long she’ll last.  But she needs to put on a convincing show.  She cannot look entirely outmatched – the tide of opinion will turn against Landon then, for letting her fight instead of taking her place.  But neither can she lose cleanly – it will just make Katia’s point, will support her stance of returning to traditional methods of policing.

She has no idea how she’ll accomplish either of those things.  Already the staff is sweaty in her hands.

“Begin.”

~#~

Part 3.

[calliecat93]

So last week was… okay. Lost of good things happened, but the execution was flimsy especially regarding certain revelations. But we’re nearing the end now, and that means a ton of insanity from now until the end. After this week we only have three chapters left to go, and we still have a loooot to get through. What are we in for this week? Well… lots and lots of fighting. Let’s get on with it.

Overview

Mantle is in chaos. Various Grimm are attacking and the citizens are running for their lives. The heroes are doing their best to fight off the Grimm and save the people, but it’s easier said than done especially with the limited shelters. The people are still upset, begging to be taken up to Atlas and demanding answers as to why Ironwood is doing this. But thankfully, they get their answer as Robyn and Ironwood appear on the broadcast screens. With Robyn using her Semblance to confirm it as true, Ironwood reveals Salem’s existence, exposes Watts and Tyrian, and reveals the reason behind his actions. He states that Amity is ready now and he’s sending his forces into Mantle to help with evacuations. This is enough to, for now, calm the people down.Tyrian is enraged and Watts is stunned that Amity got past him, but he re-scrambles. While he goes to Amity he tells Tyrian to cause as much chaos as possible, and the Scorpian man gets an idea when Robyn declares that she’ll be heading down herself.

Cinder and Neo have also heard this, and Cinder is unhappy. Not just because of Watts and Tyrian being there, but because this goes against the timeline that she was aware of. Due to this, she’s forced to adjust the plan and tells Neo to go after Oscar and get the Lamp. Neo is unhappy, after all, she’s there to get at Ruby. But Cinder refuses until she has what she needs. O while Neo gets the Lamp, she intends to get the Winter Maiden powers. Back in Mantle, the heroes continue to try and take down the Grimm and evacuate the citizens into the choppers. At this point, Penny has joined the fray and tries to help Ruby and Harriet against a Mega Goliath. 

During this we see Ruby close her eyes, clearly trying to focus so that she can use the Silver Eyes. But like in the V6 finale, she can’t maintain focus and this time she doesn’t have Jimm to give her an out. SO she resumes fighting per usual, having to go after Penny after the Mega-Goliath knocks her away. Fortunately, Ruby is able to form a plan. Penny, with her lasers, weakens one of the Goliaths tusks, allowing Ruby to slash it off and knock the Mega Goliath right onto it, killing it. This is why we don’t mess with Ruby Rose kids. Seeing Penny defend them helps restore the people’s faith in her as she conforms to Robyn that she can proceed with evacuations on her end. Robyn leaves that task to Joanna as she looks for stragglers… but Tyrian chooses to strike her then. But unfortunately for him, Robyn isn’t alone. Clover and Qrow were earlier informed of new orders, and are now there too face Tyrian alongside Robyn. Grudge match time~!

Up in Amity, Watts finds himself at the center stage. He says ‘it’ll do’ and he has the briefcase that he had back in Chapter 2. The doctor, however notes that it doesn’t seem finished… and he’s right. The lights come on and Ironwood welcomes him form the announcer booth. Yep, it was a trap. The Arena isn’t ready yet, but the announcement sure lured Watts in. But Watts isn’t deterred by this, using his control ring things to activate the Biome system and blocks a shot by Ironwood with a Hard Light Shield. Ironwood calls him a pain in the ass as she continues the attack, Watts jumping away as the Biome is set: the previously unused Anti-Gravity Biome. The biome emerges and Watts, armed with his own gun, informs Ironwood that he’s not going down without a fight.

Review

I know that compared to usual the Overview seems rushed but that’s because this is mainly a fight scene/setup chapter. There, unfortunately, isn’t much to say with these kinds of chapters. It’s just fight scenes. I’m not saying that as a negative and trust me I’ve still got plenty to go over. But all that I can really say is that the fights were good. Ruby and Penny vs the Goliath especially, though Harriet’s Aura breaking certianly has me concerned… still, it was really good. There isn’t much to say otherwise and considering it takes up the majority of the volume, it leaves me with only so much to talk about.

So we have Neo and Cinder back and their plans are now more clear. Cinder is going for the Maiden Powers and Neo, against her wishes has to go after Oscar. TO say that I am concerned would be an understatement. I’m fairly positive that Cinder isn’t going to get the Winter Maiden powers… but IDT that Winter, who I assume that Cinder’s gonna fight at this point won’t either. This not only makes me worried for Winter, but for whoever does get the power. There are a number of possibilities about who will and what’ll happen. I still expect Nora because of the whole ‘Fria might be Freya’ thing, but I could be wrong. Either way, Winter is strong but up against CInder? Well… hopefully, she maks it out. Please. /Please/.

But let’s talk about the Cinder and Neo partnership. I know that a lot of people are expecting Neo to backstab Cinder, myself included. But… IDT it’s gonna happen yet. For one, Neo is still outclassed by Cinder and she is fully aware of this. The whole reason she decided to listen to CInder in V6 is because Cinder went into Maiden Mode. I assume that Neo has a similar ‘survive’ philosophy that Roman has, and maybe we’ll see her outgrow that if Cinder pushes her too far, but for now that’s not gonna happen. She’s certainly unhappy that she has to go after some farmboy over Ruby. But I imagine that she’ll still do it, and heck if she succeeds, she’ll have the perfect way to lure Ruby out. I think Neo is very much waiting to kill two birds with one stone, but with Cinder going to do her own thing, the time isn’t right. V8 is likely when that’ll come into play more, but this is good for setting things up.

That’s what this chapter is for the most part; setup. It’s the beginning of the final ac of the volume. We FINALLY have the Qrow and Robyn (and apparently Clover) vs Tyrian fight that we’ve been anticipating since the opening came out. We have Ironwood facing Watts in Amity. This can go /multiple/ ways. I think that Robyn and Qrow are safe for now, and if Harriet dies first Clover might be. It’s certainly NOT going to be taken well if he does die, that much I already know. Tyrian I think might also survive, or at least I think his chances are better than Watts. But we don’t know what Watts plans to do with Amity Tower and we still don’t know what’s in that suitcase. Ironwood… well… he’s correcting his missteps, but those missteps may very well cost him his life. Especially against a guy who can control technology, and what is half of Ironwood’s body made of? Yeah… but Ironwood is also a rained military general while Watts is just a disgraced scientist, though at least not a defenseless one. It’s gonna be interesting to see how this all goes down. Oh and we still have the potential Flying Money attack to worry about, though at this point it might be a V8 thing.

But speaking of those missteps, we get to the negative side. I think I made my feelings about the rushed revelations and everyone taking it far too well clear. Well… here we are again. Now I think it was better here since they had Robyn use her Semblance to make it clear to everyone that Ironwood is telling the truth. As such, I can buy that the people will believe it especially given Robyn’s status among the people of Mantle. But ‘believing it’ and ‘being happy about it’ are NOT the same thing. I can’t buy that the people put their resentment of Ironwood aside that easily. That they are so willing to go ’oh some evil lady and her minions are behind this? Okay!’. For one ironwood STILL made bad choices even before this. The embargo, the police state, his deprivation of resources causing the attack, to begin with, he is still is at fault for those things. And after we saw Mantle break into multiple riots, including resorting to outright violence last week, you expect me to believe that revealing the truth made everything okay? Really? Really?

Yes, I know that we have three chapters left. And yes I know that this could very well cross over into V8. I know this and am willing to accept this. But I am still unhappy about it because it is anti-climactic. Yes, I’m glad to see everyone co-operating but it leaves no consequences. None for Ironwood’s missteps and dictatorship. None for Ruby lying about Salem’s immortality. Really the way Ruby was handled for this I am going to reserve for the Full Review cause to say I’m not happy is putting it lightly. Yes, we know why they did these things, but choices have consequences. Revealing Salem’s existence should have consequences. I guess if Ironwood dies that means he pays the price, but still. It just feels like they couldn’t think of a better way with everything else going on, so they had no choice but to just rush through it. I get that timing sucks, but this really is dampening my ability to enjoy these final chapters. I hope that isn’t the case with the final three, but only time will tell.

Still, there were plenty of good scenes. Like Ruby trying to channel the eyes. There’s no dialogue but you can just tell that she’s trying but still can’t properly focus. This not only helps explain why she doesn’t just do that right now but shows that she still has a long way to go with being able to use her powers willingly. As I said, all the fights were excellent with highlights aside form Ruby and Penny being Weiss saving Marrow, Jaune getting the people into line, and Elm using a rocket launcher on the Goliaths. While this is mostly setup, it’s good setup and certainly leaves us with a LOT to look forward to. Or be terrified of. Depends on how you look at it.

Chapter Eleven Predictions

This… is a tough one. We have so much going on right now. The Tyrian fight. Watts vs Ironwood. Neo going after Oscar. Cinder going after the Maiden powers. That last one I can see being held off until Chapter 12, but IDK about the rest. I already expressed every character I’m concerned for so there isn’t much left to say there. IDK what RWBYJNR and Ace-Ops will get into aside form continuing evacuations, but I won’t be surprised if some kind of bomb that makes things worse drops. All that I can safely say is that it’s gonna be complete and utter chaos.

Episode Stats

Favorite Character: Ruby Rose and James Ironwood Favorite Scene: Ruby trying, and failing, to channel the Silver Eyes. Least Favorite Scene: More rushed truth revealing Favorite Voice Actor: Jason Rose (James Ironwood) Favorite Animation: Opening shots of Mantle Rating: 7/10

Final Thoughts

I feel the same way that I felt last week about this chapter. It was okay. Not good. Not bad. Just okay. Again the flimsy execution with the truth reveals is really hampering my ability to enjoy this. But we still have plenty of good fights and things to look forward to next week. I am more uncertain than ever about how things are going to end, where in the past I usually had a decent idea of what would happen by now. We can only wait and see how these final few chapters play out. But either way, we’re nearing the climax folks. Be very afraid.

[nobodies-png]

Modern Sora Quintet + Kairi + Just Dance date headcanons, please? I love your writing so much aldjksshfkh

hEEUY I LOVE JUST DANCE SO MUCH - also, glad you like the writing ! ! 

Sora :

Sora knows how to dance, but he’s not good following instructions and copying moves so suddenly - which is basically everything that you gotta do in Just Dance. You should p r o b a b l y make sure that the Wii strap is properly tied, cause Sora’s the type to Y E E T that shit across time and space by accident, maybe break a window or two. Or accidentally hurt himself or smack you at some point. Listen, maybe just give him some time to get familiar with the remote before playing at the same time.

I hope you have high stamina, cause Sora would choose the more energetic songs (like those fuckin gymnastic versions of the popular songs) ! Get ready to j u m p and twirl around, giggling like idiots all the time. Please for the love of god, don’t let him find out about the memes - cause he’d force you to play I’m Blue Da Ba Dee, Despacito or Dame tu Cosita. Maybe even beg to record some funny parts just to show Kairi and Riku.

At the end of the day, the two of you would be laughing your asses off on the floor, sweating and panting because Sora convinced you to try to play every song in one sitting - but of course that’s pretty much impossible for a couple of n e r d s, so you guys gave up after 9 songs or so. That’s still impressive, though. I can see him organizing friendly tournaments with you and the rest of your friends just for fun ! 

Vanitas :

Once again, this sourpuss would most likely be hesitant to play, saying that the game seems pretty stupid, acting all superior and condescending at first. But as soon as he gets a hold of the remote, you can see the f i r e in his eyes. Vanitas might not be a fan of dancing in general (or haVING FUN, PSH) but he sure is a fan of w i n n i n g - and that’s exactly what he’s planning to do today. Date ? Sorry, don’t know her. He only knows one-sided c o m p e t i t i o n s.

It’s actually pretty cute to see him so concentrated and focused to beat you at this game. Specially cause you put the hardest songs first just to fuck with him and tone down that temper, h o h o h o h - yeah it doesn’t really end up well for you either. The p l a n backfires and the two of you are out of breath by the third song ! Vanitas is insisting on continuing while you just laugh at him and convince him to take it easy.

He’d love songs like Walk This Way or Bang Bang Bang. Vanitas is the type of dude bro who always has to pick the male dancer in whatever song you two play cause his f r a g i l e masculinity won’t allow anything else. However you can tell that he’s dying to try other songs like DDu-Du-DDu-Du or Built For This, anything with that p o w e r f u l vibe to them. After this date, Vanitas wouldn’t be as opposed as before to have another round of Just Dance with you.

Ventus :

You half expected Ventus to refuse, but he was actually pretty enthusiastic to play with you ! He’d lowkey brag about being a master at the game - however not too long after starting, you’d realize that Ventus is that one type of Just Dance player who can dance 6 specific songs while blindfolded. Because that’s literally all the songs he plays. Once you take him out of his comfort zone, he’d be pretty much at l o s s.

Like he’s really good at Another One Bites The Dust, Beauty and the Beast and Cheap Thrills - he’ll even wink or blow a kiss towards you for that d r a m a t i c effect, but that’s about it. You gotta help him e x p a n d his repertoire. It’s like he legit didn’t knew he could play other stuff, he’d gasp in surprise whenever you guys passed popular songs or ones that he recognized. W e l c o m e to the real world of Just Dance, Ventus.

Okay, he can dance and he’s having the time of his life trying out new songs with you. But if you choose one of the more s e x y and spicy dances like Maneater or Ain’t My Fault, Ventus would most likely scream internally and hide his blushing face into the couch or something. Do with this information what you will.

Roxas :

Roxas has the p o t e n t i a l - like he’s a good DDR player, has the reflexes, the speed, the b a l a n c e and everything needed to properly play Just Dance ! Sadly it’s like seeing a newborn duck waddling after it’s mother. You know when a friend dares you to twerk or do some other memey shit, and you half-ass it instead of owning it because the embarrassment holds you back ? That’s Roxas with Just Dance. He doesn’t have stage fright, he just doesn’t want to make a fool out of himself in front of you.

Even so, he’s willing to give it a try cause he just can’t say no to you. At first he’d beg you to pick easy songs so he can keep up and not d i e, but you can see him gradually getting excited upon finding some familiar songs in the list. Roxas would try to sing while dancing and it’s so contagious that you’d start singing too ! (wHERE DID YOU COME FROM WHERE DID YOU GO COTTON E Y E J O E)

His favorites would be Cake by the Ocean, Die Young and Good Feeling (I just realized the first two songs somehow make sense with the 358/2 plot and i’m so sad now, someone hold me) but he also likes duet songs, trying the super extra moves, picking and twirling you around as if you two were professional dancers. 

Xion :

This wholesome baby would love to play, she’s always excited to spend some q u a l i t y fun times with you ! Xion can adapt to any situation and Just Dance is no different - she’ll get the hang of the game after a couple of songs. Unlike Roxas and Sora, she has enough braincells to follow the dancers on screen with ease, no biggie. (like come on guys, step u p your games smh) 

At first, she’ll obviously be sort of clumsy - but you have to admit that seeing her stick her tongue out, focusing at the screen with the most determined look on her face while going “Whoops!” or “Gah, wrong way!”  when she misses a move it’s the cutest and most adorable thing you’ve seen. Xion is so eager to play and p e r f e c t i o n a t e her skills, you just want to smooch and squish her cheeks - but you don’t have the heart to interrupt her.

Her favorite songs would be Oishii Oishii, Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You, Crucified and No Control. Or just any cute and upbeat song ! Once she’s gotten comfortable with the controls and everythimg, Xion would get k i n d a cheeky and maybe give you a light hip bumb to throw you off. You’d reliatate back and forth until the two of you end up tangled on the floor in a t i c k l i n g fight. 

Kairi :

Kairi is that type of person who makes absolutely everything seem efortless. You look at her doing her own thing and it’s like “it can’t be that hard if she didn’t even break a sweat!”. She’s a natural at Just Dance, as well as a big fan so of course she’d love to play with you ! Usually, being outclassed makes people m a d but Kairi is so nice and tries to make everything fun for everyone that you just c a n t hate her for being an absolute icon.

She’s obviously partial to cute songs like Birthday, Popipo or any Disney princess song (how Far I’ll go is her absolute fave) but since you two are playing together, she’d insist on duets. You two are here for a fun time, not a competition so Kairi would try to sneakily tickle you or distract you because she thinks it’s cute, how much you lowkey wanna beat her scores. Probably sits down at some point, only moving the remote with one hand just to playfully tease you.

If you get “angry” and pouty, she’ll just cling onto you and smother you with kisses so that you forgive her, saying that she’ll go easy on you during the next song. And if you want, she can give you some tips to get better at the game ! You should take up that offer cause Kairi can do that one super hard Circus dance perfectly lmao

[brownfrogs]

I was asked to do an explanation thread for this meme. So here we go, buckle in!!!

Panel #1 - You would think this is a simple intro image. Nothing too crazy. But do know Hanzo is grabbing Cole’s ass. Makes you think doesn’t it?

Panel #4 - This is just how they are when they reunite from being at different meetings. Even if it was just like, 30 minutes lol.

Panel #5 - Okay. So in the 1v1 matchup against the two. Hanzo definitely outclasses Cole. BUT, if Cole manages to close in the distance/able to hatch a plan, I would say they are equally matched. Cole could even overtake him, if Hanzo underestimates him.

Basically I just hc their first official meeting is Pre-Recall and they’re both contracted to kill each other. Cole, knowing who Hanzo is, doesn’t feel it’d be right to take him out without Genji’s input. So he plans on just knocking him out and delivering him to his brother for the final say. Hanzo on the other hand, doesn’t know much about the cowboy, but based off first impressions, he thinks it will be an easy job.

Cole leaves behind fake clues for Hanzo to follow and trap him in. He leads the archer to a deserted ghost town. At first, Cole tries to reach out to reason with him but Hanzo being himself doesn’t listen, especially after realizing he’s been duped this whole time. Ego bruised, he lashes out and begins the fight. But eventually it becomes a stalemate bc Hanzo is clearly out of his element and Cole can’t quite nail him for a nonlethal blow.

The fighting gets kinda ridiculous, with things getting thrown along with insults. It gets to the point where they lose the weapons and just start punching and wrestling with each other lmao. Soon enough, they just, tiredly lay on the ground together and agree on a truce.

Later they clean themselves up and actually get to know one another :>

Panel #6 - I already wrote bout this here!!!

Panel #7 - Ahh, the wedding. Hanzo once confessed he always wanted to wed on the Shimada estate. Just for the cherry blossoms alone. And well, Cole was content just to get hitched in the alleyway of any ol’ bar. So they went with Hanzo’s choice of venue. The only issue is, that the place is crawling with Hashimoto.

So obviously, along with Satya doing their wedding planning, they gotta hatch a plan to break in without alerting all of the Hashimoto in the area. Thankfully, they have a great tactical team and are crazy enough to pull it off. But within all that planning, someone might have spilled of the wedding to a certain nosy hacker (Baptiste still apologizes about it to this day).

But the date is set, the clothing has been tailored, and Satya has ordered enough food to keel over Reinhardt alone. Nothing can stop this train. Come hell or highwater, the wedding will go on.

So an explosion, courtesy of Junkrat, gets the Hashimoto's attention. Along with Roadhog causing chaos in the arcades, they leave the Shimada Castle to tend to the junkers. Which allows the rest of the Overwatch team to get in, carefully knock out any stragglers, and set up everything.

And everything is laughably perfect. Everyone is full of smiles and some with a few happy tears. They all wait patiently for the grooms to get ready at the opposite ends of the courtyard. Cole gets his cheeks pinched by Ana and patted on the back by Fareeha. Hanzo gets a terrible pep talk from Genji and Kiriko fixes his haori-himo as best as she can. Soon they all get called, following the sounds of Lúcio’s music.

Cole is nothing but smiles as he sees his beloved Hanzo lock eyes with him as they both meet at the end of the aisle. Hanzo reaches out to hold his hands as Zenyatta begins the opening remarks.

By the time he asks “Does anyone object?”, a purple hand emerging from nothing raises high. Sombra decloaks from her seat with a smile, “I object on the account that this is the most boring wedding ever. Plus the one in white isn’t even a virgin.”

Everyone points their weapons at her to scare her off. Genji has to hold Hanzo back from straight up attacking her. Sombra laughs and teleports out of there. She reappears on the catwalk, “Don’t worry, I brought some friends to liven up this party.” She snaps her fingers and the gate doors burst open.

Out comes a charging Bob. He stops in his tracks when he realizes he accidentally knocked over the gift table. He tries to put it right side up, but Ashe throws an unconscious Junkrat onto the table, knocking it over again.

“This is a stick-up!” She levels her rifle at Cole and Echo gets in front of him to block the shot. She fires back her sticky bombs which Bob picks Ashe up to avoid them.

As if on cue, Roadhog comes through the gate Whole Hogging a bunch of Hashimotos into the courtyard. Absolute chaos ensues as everyone starts firing at each other.

“Sniper! Get your head down.” Jack yells out to everyone as he shoves Mei out of the way of Widowmaker’s line of sight from the gate’s window. Ana whips out her sleep gun in a blink of an eye and hits her. She falls to the ground asleep but is caught by a dark mist which carries her to the catwalk along with Sombra. It continues onwards behind the grooms, Reaper appearing from the ground. “Not even a single invitation, how ungrateful.”

“Must have gotten lost in the mail.” Cole says as he whips out a flashbang, “Oh wait, here it is!” He throws it at Reaper’s face, causing him to reel back with a growl.

“Now! Let’s go!” Hanzo grabs Cole and they run to the other side of the bell.

“After them!” yells Ashe and Bob runs towards the two grooms. Reaper recovers from his stun and yells at Sombra and Widow to follow them as well.

But by the time they get to the edge, the pair has already jumped. Arms clasping together as they descend seemingly to their doom. But as per the escape plan, they are grabbed out of the air by a suited-up Fareeha and Echo. They land safely and the newlyweds get to enjoy their honeymoon in Illios.

Panel #8 - This is what happens when you rudely complain about the dessert to the head chef while the head chef is the boss of a dangerous laundering ring. Cole just wants to have a nice night out without the risk of being shot for ONCE.

Panel #9 - Cole, being a heavily known criminal, gets often arrested when least expected. He usually doesn’t fight it, but it is a major inconvenience when he’s just trying to see the local sights. Genji is usually the one to sneak him out of jail, but Hanzo can be very persuasive when he wants to be.

Panel #10 - KID AU, man I love kid au, I will never not include kid au. I desperately need more trans dad Cole content y’all. But in general the two of them being incredibly imperfect but loving dads gets to me so bad. They make a lot of mistakes but always try their best to make sure their kids are happy, heard, and loved. The amount of kids depends on the story (it can go up to 12 hehe) but it usually rounds out to Olivia, Anamori, Wesley, and Clementine. Every night, Cole and Hanzo read and act out stories for their lil family and it's real nice and sweet. :’)

wanted to do this classic meme but i might have gotten carried away lol (x)

[happyhollow-mellowmarsh]

Awkward Look Monkey Puppet In Human Form || Erika Tamaki || Trial 2.5. || Re: Star, Nya-o, RIP, Haven

The only thing that can be commented upon Erika physically, at first, is the awkward look monkey puppet resemblance as she thinks, unsure of what to think and feeling guilty. 

There's so much going on. So, so much. She isn't sure how to begin processing it all, listening to people argue over what is right and what isn't right. Over who to vote for and whether or not it will be a good idea to do so. Over who qualifies as somebody selfish and who qualifies as somebody good. Good. 

Erika doesn't think that something like that exists right now. She's an optimist, she's meant to be an optimist, but there isn't a good option. The moment Caroline took her last breath there stopped being a good option. The moment when Nya-o - her friend, Erika's friend who she trusted, still trusted in some sense - killed somebody there stopped being any good options. If they vote for Nya-o, they kill them. Somebody who had been scared. It was different from Hozuki. Far, far different. They'd all condemn somebody to death like that, because Erika agrees with Star there. Nya-o doesn't deserve death.

...Neither did Caroline Wit though. Maybe Erika didn't know her well, but Caroline was still a person. She had her own dreams, her own thoughts. She had struggled to live, to fight back. She had her own thoughts and passions. She probably had friends and family too. ...No, Erika was sure of that. And they'd never see her again. Caroline's last moments must have been awful too. And Nya-o had killed her. It wasn't justice to kill them. It wasn't justice Caroline had to die though.

And RIP was right too. The rules were vague, and purposefully designed to be so. And it was all well and good to volunteer yourself, to volunteer others who might be willing to sacrifice themselves, but what if Hex chose somebody who hadn't volunteered? Was there a tool for measuring life, whether an unwilling sacrifice was okay? Can you justify that when you don't even know for certain if the punishment is death or not when it might be thrust upon somebody who wanted no part in it?

And it didn't do good to fight against somebody who outclassed them all too. She was a fool - she wanted to be a fool - but even she coudl strategically see it was a losing battle, and one that would lead to pointless destruction and pain at that. 

She finally focuses again, tears welling up in her eyes, a decision in her mind.

"There is no right answer. I...I understand what you're saying, but...Haven and RIP have points too. There's no way to win this game, and I say this not as Erika Tamaki but as a chess master. You can believe otherwise, and I understand, but you have to accept others might disagree."

It's all that she can say. She doesn't want to start a fight. She doesn't want to make it a show. Nya-o...Nya-o's already traumatized, scared and tearful. How cruel. To Erika, showing sympathy would be cruel. Especially now, but...Nya-o's her friend, still.

"I'm sorry you're in this situation. I'm sorry your life has been so rough in that sense. I'm sorry you felt you had no choice. ...You've been a great friend to me, Nya-o. And I'm sorry if I pushed you too hard during the trial."

She's almost grateful, really, that nobody noticed how early she had used her crystal ball. She'd hate herself no matter the result, she's sure, so what difference would it make? 

...Is it childish (selfish?) she just wants a hug right now, to not feel so alone? 

It's much easier being the fool. 

[rinrinp42]

Becoming Grim Chapter 2

Here’s the second chapter!  In which questions don’t get answered until they do, relationships are hard, and some people show up.

Kravitz slipped from behind the tapestry, once more in his vest and jerkin, medallion on display. He glanced around and sighed. Good, no guards. He turned and took a step towards his rooms when a hand landed on his shoulder. He stiffened.

"Dear Heart, thou hast been visiting Kleeck once more," his mother spoke from behind him.

Kravitz spun around to face her.

"I, I don't know what thou mean-" he started.

She interrupted him by running a hand through his straightened hair, magic warm on her hand. A modified Seeming weaving into his hair, solid unlike a regular version of the spell.

"Thine feathers were on display," she told him with a wistful smile.

Kravitz ducked his head, peeking through his lashes at the elaborate style her own hair was in and the mostly hidden braid holding a gold bead and feather.

"Where we in the Haugskold, thy dreads would proudly show them," she told him, placing a bejeweled hand on his cheek.

"Kleeck says thou still shine like obsidian," he told her.

Delight lit up her face before it shuttered, and her hand dropped.

"Wife," a harsh voice barked from behind Kravitz and he flinched, "Boy! What are the two of you doing in the middle of the hall?"

"My Lord," Kuori's voice was flat, "we were discussing which instrument Kravitz shall learn next."

His Lordly Father snorted in disdain.

"Nothing will come of it, why bother?"

Kuori's arm twitched, as if she were about to reach for a weapon that was no longer there.

Kravitz had never seen her zweihänder but Kleeck had sketched it out once, showing Kravitz how Kuori looked as the Sorcerer Queen of the Haugskold before his Lord Father had taken her.

He imagined his Lord Father did not think of said zweihänder when he spoke to Kuori thusly.

And yet, his mother stayed her hand, taking a breath before answering.

"It is enough to fill his time. Or would you rather he go to the Slums?"

His Lord Father sneered at that and stalked closer.

Kravitz woke with a start, as The Raven Queen's favorite, oversized raven cawed at him.

Oh, it was, he had fallen asleep. He.... didn't really do that in the Astral Plane, though Shadowfell was always an exception to the rule. He slipped from the ger, squinting at the false sun Hades had weedled for upon marrying his wife. The day cycle was determined by Persephone, but it still aligned with the Material Plane in some spots.

He needed to go, he had to explain things to Taako.

He stretched and gave a pat to one of the ravens as he headed out of Shadowfell and into the Astral Plane proper. He nodded to a few of the Guards, old souls who had sworn themselves to the good of the Astral Plane and the souls within, who would remain loyal to The Raven Queen as long as she held the well being of said souls as a top priority.

With nary a thought, Kravitz ripped a tear to the Material Plane, and Taako's house, open and stepped through.

He was immediately tackled by his boyfriend, the elf wrapping around him and burying his head in Kravitz's shoulder.

"Taako?"

"You didn't come home," the elf mumbled, and Kravitz silently cursed even as he wrapped his own arms around Taako.

"I, uh, spent the night in Shado- in the Astral Plane. I, I didn't think you wanted me here, and, I, uh, had to think about some things-"

Taako shook his head.

"Don't care. Just don't, don't do that again, okay?"

"Yeah, okay," Kravitz promised, what else could he do?

Taako pulled back, determinedly ignoring how he wiped at his eyes. Kravitz let him keep the fantasy.

"You are probably starving my man. Let ol' Taako whip you up something."

"Taako, about last night-"

"Nope. We are having brunch and moving on."

Kravitz swallowed and nodded. He wasn't going to make Taako listen to his stupid past. He'd just.... deal. He'd done it before.

It was a strange few days after that, with Taako being clingy and refusing to talk about it and Kravitz both not wanting to push and desperately trying to forget the memories the medallion had brought up.

And then there was Lup.

"I don't give a shit if you are The Raven Queen's favorite, I will kick your ass if this keeps up," she snarled at him before their next bounty.

Kravitz gave her a startled look.

"I, I don't-"

"Listen here jackass, I can and will get Lucretia to put a Ward around Taako's house to keep you out."

"Lup, what are you-"

"How you're treating Koko!" she exploded at him, "He's walking on eggshells around you so you won't fuck off again!"

Kravitz paused at that, replaying Taako's actions since he got back and cursed himself again. Of course Taako was trying to keep him from running off, it was just like how he'd doted on Lup once she got her body back.

Gods he was an idiot. Kleeck would have whapped him upside the head for this. "Bards - and yes, a conductor is a Bard - must observe the feelings their music creates." He hadn't even thought about why Taako was so clingy, about what he had brought up for the elf.

"We have a job," he told her, his voice sharp as he swept past, his flesh melting into bones, "keep the personal out of it."

She glared at his back.

Later, Kravitz stepped through a tear and wrapped his arms around Taako, burying his face in Taako's updo.

"I need to have a long talk with The Raven Queen," he mumbled.

Taako turned in his arms, gazing up at him, slight panic in his eyes.

"But first I need to explain what happened before."

"No, Taako's good out here," the elf protested.

Kravitz shook his head.

"I don't, I'm not ready to share all the details, but you deserve to know," he said.

Taako was silent at that.

"When I was a child, my mother was married to a very powerful man. She hated him dearly, but for all her strength and magic, he outclassed her. He, he didn't treat us or those who relied on him in any decent way. My mother was as much a possession to him as any jewel. We, my mother and I, along with my mother's lover and my mentor, led a rebellion against him. We won, and he was gone. But now these medallions that are just like the ones he made us wear are popping up in these necromancy cults."

"You don't like to talk about then, do you?"

"No, it, it wasn't a good time. My mentor, Kleeck... Kleeck was all but destroyed."

A tug on his Soul and a raven's caw in his mind. He sighed.

"I have to go, but Taako?" he cupped Taako's face in his hands, "I will always come back to you, okay? And if I can't? Then I know you would find a way to get me back. You already did it once."

Taako smirked at that.

"Damn right I did."

Kravitz smiled at him and placed a kiss to his forehead before giving him a proper kiss. And then he was striding through a tear, flesh melting away.

"Where did you disappear to?" Lup asked with a facimal of a scowl, "I had to argue with the Guards to be able to even get that necromancer out of the Stockade. They don't even like me!"

"They just don't know you," Kravitz said, nodding to one of the Guards hovering around.

:She knows not the past of this realm,: they told him.

Lup's lich-like form flickered in confusion.

"What was that?"

"Val wished to tell me something. :She'll get there.: Don't worry about it."

With that he led the way, stepping into one of the wrinkles of space in the Astral Plane that would take one to Shadowfell. The trick was knowing how to even find one outside the Appeal Gate. The Soul in Lup's grip transformed into a ghostly figure even as her jaw dropped.

"Skin, love, it's rude to walk about Shadowfell in work forms," he told her, even as his own flesh formed around him.

Lup obeyed numbly.

"I didn't know this was here," she mumbled, glancing at the gers, the various Celestials wandering around, the Souls who had bargained with The Raven Queen for something or other that meant they were kept from the Sea of Souls, and the Guards who no longer looked like people shaped light.

"Did you think The Raven Queen held court in the Stockade?" Kravitz asked, looking at her from the corner of his eye.

"I, I guess I didn't think about it."

Kravitz hummed at that.

"Arawn is with her," Persephone said as she slid up next to them.

Lup gave the Celestial a wide eyed look.

"She knows you are coming and the Three Judges are holding court outside. This must be very important," she peered up at Kravitz through her flower crown, eyebrows raised.

"It really is. Ellyjobell will most likely join us as well," Kravitz glanced at the Guard as the once-gnome stepped into line with him.

The grim look on her face was only made worse by the scar she still bore that nearly bisected her face.

Persephone gave a startled look to the pair of them and fell back.

Kravitz led the way into the Hall where The Raven Queen and one of the Celestials were leaning over a map. Arawn was a more than capable warrior, and was more willing than some of the other Death Celestials to fight for the Souls in their possession and the well being of the living.

The two glanced up as the group entered.

"DID YOU SPEAK WITH TAAKO MY OWN?" The Raven Queen asked, the hint of her smirk only visible when one knew where to look around her great headpiece.

Kravitz rolled his eyes.

"Yes, I did. But if we could focus on the important part?"

Arawn chuckled at the two of them.

"YOU AND YOUR RELATIONSHIP ARE ALSO IMPORTANT TO ME MY OWN," she teased him.

Kravitz flushed before motioning Lup and the necromancer forward.

"This is one of the recent necromancers we have found with that mark. And this one was willing to make a deal."

The Raven Queen grew serious at that.

"CENTAUR NESSUS SHOULD YOU PROVIDE INFORMATION ON THE MEDALLION YOU WERE FOUND WITH, TIME SHALL BE LIFTED FROM YOUR SENTENCE, THE AMOUNT DETERMINED BY THE CONTENT OF YOUR INFORMATION."

Nessus quaked at that before straightening.

"We serve an Old God, one that predates even you," Nessus sneered, "the High Priest realized the whispers for what they were once we all heard the Story."

The Raven Queen regarded him for a moment.

"HM. ALMOST USELESS. BUT STILL, I CAN BE GENEROUS. ONE YEAR."

"What?! When Nerull takes his rightful place, you will be ousted from power and placed under Him, where you should be! When that day comes his loyal servants will be rewarded and I will be free!" Nessus ranted.

Kravitz swung is scythe around with a flourish, bringing it to a rest on Nessus's throat.

"Speak like that again and your sentence will become a Destruction instead of Imprisonment," he spoke casually.

Nessus froze at that. The large raven that shadowed The Raven Queen most of the time chortled.

Ellyjobell stalked to the door and jerked it open.

"Henzio! Shava! Get in here!" she barked.

Two more Guards slipped into the Hall, nodding at the reapers and giving short bows to the goddess before focusing on Ellyjobell.

"We're done with this trash, take it back to the Stockade."

The Aasimar and Elf nodded and grabbed Nessus, effortlessly dragging him away. Once they were gone, Ellyjobell turned back to the rest.

"So," she said, her voice falsely cheerful, "the Cult of Nerull is back. What are we going to do?"

[gondalsqueen]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Star Wars: Rebels Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Kanan Jarrus/Hera Syndulla Characters: Hera Syndulla, Cham Syndulla, C1-10P | Chopper, Kanan Jarrus, Mart Mattin Additional Tags: s4e09: Rebel Assault, Mid-Season/Series 04 Hiatus, dream scene, Non-graphic injuries Summary:

"The thrum of engines beneath her meant that they were in a vehicle, and her lack of attention meant either that she was in the passenger seat, or else that she was in very big trouble. Hera’s unconscious mind turned these facts over."

On Pryce's prisoner transport, Hera has a hot minute to plan out what to do next. This gets complicated, since she's not actually awake.

This scene takes place immediately after "Rebel Assault," during the season 4 hiatus. ... She was riding, not driving. The thrum of engines beneath her meant that they were in a vehicle, and her lack of attention meant either that she was in the passenger seat, or else that she was in very big trouble. Hera’s unconscious mind turned these facts over until it found a plausible memory. 

Cham drove the landspeeder. Hera, twelve, sat next to him. He hadn’t slept in three days, working furiously at diplomacy and posturing so that nobody would have to fight, scrambling even faster as his efforts failed. Now they had one more chance—a contact out here in the southern settlements who could pull some strings with off-world military leaders—but Hera had no idea where they were going, and Cham kept nearly nodding off at the wheel. 

She shoved her father hard in the shoulder—“Hey!” and he woke sharply.

Hera frowned in disapproval. “Pull over and let me drive.” 

“No.” He took a gulp from the thermos of caf. “We are almost there.” 

“And you have no idea where you’re going, and you’ve been awake for three days. It’s not safe. Pull over.” 

“I said I was driving, young lady.” 

She fumed. She was a perfectly capable driver—Cham let her drive herself places. This was nothing but a stupid display of control. He was the father, so he had to be in charge of everything. They would need to find a place to rest, anyway. He couldn’t go into a meeting like this. 

Hera examined the datapad in her hand, and before her eyes, the dream filled in a path. “I think we turn right at the Abram pass,” she told her father. “At any rate, the map is still loading, but here’s the pass coming up fast.” 

“Right?” asked an exhausted Cham. 

“Here,” Hera told him. “Father, now!” 

He listened and swung right, accidentally flooring the fuel pedal as they turned into the narrow pass. A sloppy turn, but they made it. 

Hera left the dream with a vague feeling of accomplishment and meandered lazily towards consciousness instead of whatever destination her father had in mind. 

In the here and now, she knew that she was wearing gloves. Her forefinger twitched, and its broken nail snagged annoyingly at the leather interior. Okay, that way was reality. Her finger, the vibration of the deck plate under her shoulder, the painful hum in her head. No, no, she wasn’t ready to be awake yet. Something was injured. Run away, sink back down into sleep, and they can’t do anything to you. They can’t torture you until you’re awake. 

Her dreaming mind ransacked her past for an appropriate next scene. Defeat and physical pain—the first time she’d found herself outclassed in a fight, then. A Trandoshan, a human, and a Twi’lek girl walk into a bar, said a bitter little part of her mind. Stop me if you’ve heard this one. 

She hadn’t de-escalated that situation very well, or hadn’t been able to stop it from escalating, at least, and two punches in the Trandoshan had lifted her and slammed her into the ground. She raised her arm to hit back and felt such a sharp pain in her side that she collapsed into a ball instead. 

Unable to fight. What did that leave her? She wished fervently that Chopper, at least, would stay out of the way. A droid and a Twi’lek girl walk into a bar—who pulls the best asking price? Stop me if you’ve heard this one. 

But Chop, at least, they’d underestimated, and he managed to get them both away from there. 

Leaning on Chopper later, sobbing bitterly more in humiliation than pain as she inserted the bone knitter, she took a good, hard look at her own abilities. She hadn’t realized until then that she, Hera, could be too injured to fight back. What was she going to do next time? 

What was she going to do this time? The comforting whir that her dreaming mind had taken for Chopper’s motivator changed timbre as she climbed again towards aching awareness. Reality would have to be dealt with at some point. If she couldn’t fight, she would pretend to be more hurt and terrified than she was until she could seize her moment and escape. Time to start the reconnaissance. 

But as she thought about opening her eyes, the beacon of pain exploded in her head, and it was too much. She retreated into unconsciousness. The transport’s engine became the hum of ships taking off and returning on Yavin IV’s flight deck, and one of them had brought her whole team, all of them. Kanan had returned. And he’d brought Sabine back to her. 

And Ezra, who was raring to go on this Lothal mission, desperate to DO something. They packed up the Ghost on their off shift—they could sleep during the hyperspace jump. 

But Hera was also raring to go, so first she pulled Kanan into the alcove behind her x-wing, well in the shadows of the hangar. 

He’d laughed against her lips—“Engines humming, Captain?” But he’d also taken his time kissing her back, hungry and intending to savor that meal very, very slowly. His hands left trails of heat down her sides, delightful and aching. Their repertoire was limited in a place like this, though—just some stolen moments and light marks. They needed to find somewhere private very soon.

After the mission. 

She remembered the mission then, and the second wave of TIEs coming at them, so many spread across the sky that she got the sensation of standing still, even on full throttle. Damage control, Hera. Damage control, damage control, think of something NOW. 

“Break,” she’d told Mart. “Behind me!” 

“Repeat, General?” 

She knew what he was wondering. Staying behind her gave them little tactical advantage. In front of her, she could guard him from any rear attacks while he took out the enemy with those perpetually forward-facing guns.Not right now, though. Today their best offense was running as hard as they could. 

“Behind!” she repeated, and this kid she’d trained to be a good soldier--he just did what she told him to do. He hit the brakes then started a wild dive towards the Imperial Shipyard. 

The TIEs moved to intercept, opening fire. But Hera was too good for them, pivoting the flat of her X-wing’s belly straight into the line of fire. This would have worked better in the Ghost. Thank the Force that the Ghost was safe. 

She’d taken damage. That’s right--that was real. And then… In a flash she remembered everything about her present circumstances, and the mortification brought her around at last. Oh stars, she was being taken in for questioning. And she still had Kanan’s hickeys on her neck.

She would laugh if it didn’t hurt so much.��

She could assess the damages now--her arm, her side (probably only ribs), and more disturbingly, something wrong with her head. And she’d failed. Lothal would mass produce the TIE Defenders, and she didn’t have a single fighter to stop them with. 

At least she could protect the Rebellion from herself. She had to shut down these memories, scrub all signs of them out of her mind even if she couldn’t do much about her body at this point. She couldn’t give them any context to use against her. 

What had Kanan called her back on Yavin? “Hera Syndulla, Freedom Fighter.” Yes. She’d be that. 

Yavin. Better shut up, Hera. 

The feel of the ship changed again, slowing as they neared their destination. She assessed her capabilities. Rough, but completely awake at last. And still Hera Syndulla, she reminded herself. That felt better. She could still plan. She wasn’t out of options, yet. Think of this as...an attack run, she decided. The battle isn’t over.  

Where had they taken her? The governor’s complex? A detention facility? Oh please oh please let it be the shipyards. 

Kanan was coming, for better or worse--she knew it as surely as she knew her own mind. And Pryce was escorting her into the Imperial facilities on Lothal through the front gate. She knew who she would meet when she got there. 

Remember me, Thrawn? She wouldn’t tip her hand by saying it aloud, but he couldn’t stop her from thinking it. Go ahead, invite me in. I know how to blow things up from the ground, too.  

[shewholovestoread]

Game of Thrones Season 7 Episode 4 and 5

Okay, I didn’t see the previous episode due to work so I saw both episodes back to back. I really liked The Spoils of War but episode 5 was a more than a little frustrating.

First off, let’s start with Dany. The people around her keep saying that she has a good heart and that she’s not her father but there are things that she does that are quite problematic. The scene where she burnt all those men was downright horrible. The way that scene plays out clearly demonstrates her as the villain. Listen to the music that plays and the way the Dothraki are shot, they were not being portrayed as the heroes. the camera and therefore the audience , stayed with the Lannister and Tyrell army. We saw Tyrion’s horror at what was happening. In that moment, Dany was every bit the villain that Cersie described. She may not have enjoyed it, but she didn’t regret her actions/decisions either. She burnt people alive and didn’t even blink. Dany does have a dark side and there’s not getting away from that. Even the aftermath is not shot like a heroic victory. Randall Tarly was a horrible man and yet in his last moments, the show makes us sympathize with him and Dickon. Dany also burnt the food and supplies, supplies that would have fed the common folk, people that she claims to be fighting for. And yet she never stopped to think about it.

Tyrion and Varys: Tyrion has started repeating the same old line and it’s getting old. Saying that he’s her hand and not her head is not enough. Varys’ line about what he told himself when the Mad King “punished” people was very telling. I think Varys is definitely wondering if he made the right decision when he joined Dany. *psssst, Varys, you can always join Sansa*

Jon: Okay, the past 2 episodes were really trying to push the Jon x Dany ship but it was very overt, in the sense, it had to be stated by other characters because it wasn’t as apparent, the way it is with Jon and Sansa. Also, I loved the scene where Jon and Drogon interacted. And I liked that he finally told Dany off and told her that he's a king himself and she can’t hold him at Dragonstone. But I can’t help but think that Dany won’t be happy to learn that not only do her dragons like him but also that he’s a Targaryen himself and he’s not a bastard as we found out this episode. Rhaegar married Lyanna after annulling his marriage to Ellaria. She won’t share her power, she believes that the Iron Thrones is her birthright. Once she finds out that not only is Jon a Targ but that he’s Rhaegar’s legitimate son, she will be far from happy. Let me repeat, Dany will not share power. He’s a contender and has a strong claim to the Iron Throne. For those who think that Dany won’t mind, they don’t really know her. She’s not as cruel as Cersie but she’s just as ambitious and driven and won’t tolerate any competition.

Cersie and Jamie: these are so messed up together. I think Jamie has the potential to be truly decent and honourable, but that can’t happen as long as he’s with Cersie. He also genuinely loves her, but I don’t think she loves him anymore, at least not as she once did. Now, she only has one goal, defeat her enemies and rule the seven kingdoms. That’s her sole mission and Jamie is just a convenience. Someone she knows she can mould because she knows that he’s truly in love with her. I also don’t think she’s actually pregnant, I think that’s a ploy to keep Jamie loyal to her and what better way of doing that than making him think that he’s about to become a father again. And now, he won’t have to hide that he’s the father.

Arya and Sansa: I was thrilled to see that Arya was finally back at Winterfell and the reunion between the sisters was absolutely heartwarming. But sadly it didn’t last. They weren’t close to begin with and they’ve both gone through so much that they’re not who they were. You can see that Sansa is disturbed by the mention of Arya’s list. Her skill with the blade is also something that concerns her because it makes her wonder where and who she learnt from. While she and LF stand at the battlement, she casts LF a quick look before moving on. She doesn’t want him to see that she’s worried. She hides that from him. Sansa knows LF and knows how he works. But Arya doesn’t. LF lays out an elaborate trap that Arya just walks into. He shows her precisely what she wants to see. She doesn’t trust Sansa, she verbally attacks Sansa before LF lays out the breadcrumbs. And these supposed “clues” are just adding more fuel to her fire. He’s pitting the two sisters against each other and Arya is falling for it. For those Sansa haters saying that Sansa is trying to overthrow Jon, there is no evidence to support your claim. Arya berates her for not standing up for Jon and implies that those who question them can be beheaded. Well, Arya honey, that’s how Robb lost the war that he was actually winning, when he cut off a bannerman’s head off, he lost the entire house and all the people who came with them. Also, need I remind you, that Jon didn’t want to behead people either, did not even want to punish the houses that stood against them. I can’t imagine that Jon would be happy with Arya’s plan. Arya is smart, I just hope that the sisters find a way back to each other.

Also, watch the “behind the episode” for episode 5, D & D clearly say that LF is pitting the sisters against each other.

I think Sansa will realise what LF is trying to do and will try to get through to Arya. We hear Arya saying something like “what are you afraid of?” in the promo for episode 6, I think she’s saying that to Sansa and confronting her about conspiring with LF. The thing is that Sansa is trying to communicate with her, she’s trying, but Arya isn’t. There is so much aggression in Arya’s voice when she lays into Sansa in their parents’ bedroom. The problem is that when it comes to plotting, she is vastly outclassed by LF, she has no idea just how insidious he is. Arya is so sure of her skill that she hasn’t stopped to think that everything that she saw and heard might be a trap.

We only have 2 more episode to go, I need LF to die and I need Sansa to do it. Arya can help but the driving force has to be Sansa. She’s the one he’s tormented the most and she deserves this kill. Arya needs to get her head out of her ass and actually see how much good her sister is doing. When Lord Glover said that they perhaps made a mistake in choosing Jon, he was right, Jon is a military man, like Jamie, he’s not made to rule. He’s a man of action who has no patience for politics.

I feel like so far, the plot hasn’t really moved anywhere. We have 8 episodes to go, and so far the only thing the show has done is thin the herd and move the characters so that they align neatly in groups. But in terms of actual plot progression, precious little has happened. I don’t think that we’ll see either the Cercie plot or the White Walkers plot line resolved. It looks like both of these problems will come up simultaneously in season 8. Jon, Sansa and Arya will have to deal with Cersie and the White Walkers. And Dany, once she finds out that Jon is Rhaegar’s son. I think this season will see the death of LF and making the Starks one unified front. These individual splinters will become a pack and stick together, against all odds. I am so done with characters falling for LF’s schemes, it’s gotten old. I want Varys to switch sides and come work for Sansa. She needs someone as smart as him and someone who will also stay loyal to her.