#my guardian's torch is already cool but never being in the dark is better

[isabelpsaroslunnen]

It's a little thing, but:

In Guild Wars 2, one of the standard weapons you can equip is a torch. Usually this gives two fire- or smoke-themed powers (varying by class), some of which are really fun (varying by class!).

My favorite thing about them, though, is that I found out that a torch weapon will actually illuminate dark spaces, regardless of the powers attached to it.

[amethystpath-writes]

There is a legend of an enchanting princess who lives inside a giant tower, far away from civilization and deep in the forested mountains. They say that the birds bring her food and water, and every dawn and dusk she looks out her window for any wandering travelers. Every knight that has gone in search of her never returned.

But she is not a damsel trapped inside her prison. She is the guardian of its treasure, and will show no mercy to whoever dares attempt to take it.

(This is very random lol. Have fun!)

“It’s said the princess has hair of gold. Weighs like a normal head of hair, but anything but. And she’s alone- in the forest, surrounded by mountains. Do you know how many carriages have wrecked in the mountains? How many of them have fallen off into the seas?”

Gargon shook his head and tipped it back with a tankard held against his lips. Just a drop of ale left. With a sigh, he smacked it back down on the table and waved at the barkeep. He said to his friend while he waited, “Just myths. What princess gets left alone in a tower for years? Before you answer, I’ll tell you myself; none.”

The barkeep returned with a pitcher of ale and poured it into Gargon’s tankard.

Jemis, Gargon’s buddy, shrugged. “You might not think so, but I fancy the idea. And anyway, I misspoke a bit. The girl isn’t entirely alone. The birds- sparrows, robins, and hawks alike- bring her food. Either way, she stays on the lookout for travellers to find her.”

“Yeah?” Gargon took a swig of his drink. “What about dairy? Do the birds give her milk, too?”

“I don’t know, Gargon, but don’t you find it all even the slightest bit intriguing? Don’t you want to know for yourself?”

Laughing heartily, Gargon knocked his friend’s shoulder with his own. “You have a crush on the legend lady, don’t you?”

Jemis flustered, shoulders bouncing with uncertainty of what to say. His ears were becoming red; he could feel them heating up. “Of course not. I don’t know her, but I’d at least like to know she exists.” He smiled a bit. “And there’s treasure. Did I mention that part?”

“I’ll tell you what. You buy me half of the drinks I had tonight, and we’ll go out to find this forest-mountain princess with gold hair and bird friends. Maybe I can ask her where her dairy comes from.”

“Maybe use a different wording for that question when we get there.”

“Assuming she’s real. Are you paying?”

Jemis dug a pouch out from his belt, peeked inside, shrugged, and tossed it on the counter. “Paid. All of it. Can we go?”

Gargon held a finger up before closing his eyes and sludged his tankard back again, chugging the contents. Jemis shook his head; he was never one for drinking like his best friend was.

Slamming the tankard on the bar, Gargon stood, reaching behind himself and clapping Jemis on the back. “You ready, Sir Lancelot?”

You’d have thought the non-drinking friend was drunk by the way he practically fell from his stool. He followed after Gargon: one, because that was his adventure buddy, and two, because he was afraid Gargon would fall without assistance.

**

It wasn’t a long journey, but it was a dangerous one. Gargon nearly got swept away in a strong stream because his drunk brain stole his balance and common sense.

Jemis near regretted even mentioning the legend princess. But as the trip continued, he began thinking of the little joys; one such being that his friend was thankfully wearing his armour. Otherwise, Jemis listened to the birds chirping, and he imagined they were gathering berries for the rumoured girl in a tower. Why he was so fascinated, he had no idea. Fantasies were fun, and wouldn’t it be amazing to find that one of them was real? And if it was so nearby, why not chase it? What was the harm?

“You see that?”

“Hm?” Jemis stopped in his tracks and turned to look at his friend. Gargon was pointing, and though looking at a finger didn’t tell him where exactly to look, as Jemis looked in the general direction, he saw it. Stone. In just the near distance, maybe a hundred yards away.

“Probably some ruin.”

“I’ll tell you what ruin is, and it’s you ruining the moment, you arse. It’s the princess’ tower. The legend is true.”

Gargon grumbled something along the lines of, “You mad, scrawny lad.” He acted like a fifty-year-old man, but in all reality, both men were barely above the age of twenty.

“Come on, we should keep going.”

“Or we could make a shelter. It’s getting dark, Jemis.”

Looking up at the darkening sky, Jemis almost agreed. But they were so close, so close to that stone tower, so close to meeting the princess with gold hair. “We’re almost there. Surely, she will let us stay in the tower. You know there are wolves and the like out at night. It’s better to be in an already occupied tower than to lay in a tiny shelter made of twigs and leaves.”

Even drunken, Gargon shook his head with a huff. “I’m starting to regret making a deal with you.”

“Oh, come on,” Jemis began walking again, watching the ground, and stepping over rocks and twigs, and all else that the forest floor liked to use to trip people. “It isn’t a far walk. We’ll be there before the moon is up.”

“I can see the moon, it’s behind our heads.”

Jemis looked back and bit his lip. “Torches, from the- from the tavern we just left.”

“Right. Well, we are losing your so-called ‘daylight’ and gaining more ‘torchlight’ so keep walking before it’s gone altogether.”

And so, they walked.

**

The tower was…not very impressive, believe it or not. It was a sad, short thing in comparison to the stories- though still tall enough to see over the tress- with moss growing over it and with holes here and there. Still, Jemis fully believed a princess was hidden away inside.

“Well?” Gargon prompted as his friend just stood there in front of him, staring up at an empty window. “Are we going in or standing out as wolf bait?”

“We go in, of course.”

“Right. Sorry I had to ask. It wasn’t as if we were just standing and gazing at it. What was I thinking?” He huffed. “You know, this whole adventure has managed to make me sober and I’m not happy about it.”

Jemis shushed his friend as he walked towards an old and rotting wooden door. It heaved open and Jemis- in all his glorious skin and bone, fell to the ground, earning a bumble of laughter from Gargon. “Shut up,” he muttered, standing, and dusting himself off.

They took a look at the square room they were in. It was nicer than the outside, more cleaned up, even if there were… bundles of straw? Why was there straw? Jemis dismissed it shortly, figuring maybe it was just the birds. In any case, it was all only pressed up against one wall and it was hardly noticeable if you weren’t deliberately looking for interesting finds.

It was dark, the only light coming from the various holes of the building and slits between stones, which both Jemis and Gargon supposed were meant to be windows.

There were stairs in the back left corner. Jemis took the first step.

“I don’t know about this,” Gargon said with a hand clenched around his buddy’s arm. “We can’t see up there. Whoever- if there is someone- they have the advantage against us.”

Jemis scoffed, pulling his arm away. “It’s fine. I told you the myths. The only thing that is up these stairs is-”

“Hello?”

The men went still as their gaze shifted up the stairwell.

“Is there someone down there?”

Smiling, Jemis looked at Gargon, mouthing, ‘What’d I tell you?’

“Princess? I am Sir Jemis, and my friend behind me-”

“Sir Gargon.” Oh, now he wanted to speak up.

A chirp sounded above the men and a bird came flying down, swooshing above their heads and making them both duck before it retreated upstairs again. Jemis couldn’t help the smile taking over his lips. The legend was real. It was proving itself further, and further, and further.

“May we enter what room you are in, Princess?”

Silence followed for a moment, but then there was another chirp and the princess answered. “The man at the bottom of the stairwell, leave your sword.”

Gargon looked to his hip and squinted before glancing up at the staircase again. He placed a hand on his weapon but didn’t remove it from its scabbard. “It stays with me at all times.” Gargon slept with his sword. He wouldn’t give it to a dirty floor of an old tower when, especially when demand by some random girl who shouldn’t have even known he had a sword.

“Then leave my home.”

Jemis pressed Gargon with a glare. “Just put it down. It’ll be there when we return.”

He shook his head. Absolutely not.

The feminine voice said, “If you do not lay it down- or otherwise leave- I will assume you are just another one of them.”

“One of who, Your Highness?”

The bird came flapping down again, this time flying to the wall where Jemis and Gargon noticed the various piles of clumped straw. It took a bundle in its beak and began slamming it rather viciously against the stone floor. The bundle wasn’t soft as it hit the ground. No. It made a hollow- but also solid- sound.

Gargon’s eyes widened. “Are those…”

“Bones,” the girl upstairs finished. “I am no damsel in distress, but I do like company. Some men took that to their advantage when they saw me- with me being what I am and all.”

“Jemis, we’re leaving. Come on, I feel better about wolves than I do about being here.” He casted a nervous glance at the bird, still beating a bone against the ground. Gargon grabbed his friend’s shoulder. “Let’s g-”

“Hold on,” Jemis whispered, and he stepped forward, head tilting like he saw something he fancied or was curious about.

As Gargon looked up, he saw it, too. Gold. The most glorious gold he’d ever seen. He was never one for the precious metals; he liked jewels, mostly, but this…he didn’t even know his mouth was open until he caught a cool breeze with it and snapped his lips shut.

“Drop. Your. Weapon.” The princess stepped fully into view, right at the top of the stairwell. Her skin was golden, and her hair, as well. Not only this, but her eyes were golden, too. She was…she was beautiful. She was magnificent. She was unimaginable.

Gargon nodded, wrapping his fingers around the grip of his sword, and pulling it away before dropping it on the ground. “Yes, Your Highness. I apologize if I made you feel threatened.” He bowed, and Jemis followed suit in a rather dazed way.

“You are forgiven. Now, come upstairs and tell me some stories. I do not have the pleasure of hearing them often.”

Jemis nodded, but all he could think about was how true and yet how wrong the rumours were. The princess was real, and she did live in this tower, and she did have some odd relationship with birds, but the treasure…The stories were told as if there were piles of gold. No one said the princess was the treasure herself.

Gods, her eyes were so enchanting as she watched the two men climb the stairs. They were golden, yes, but not in a solid metal kind of way. They swirled as if the stars also pooled in her eyes and were being stirred in with the gleaming yellow and orange. The men were entranced.

The room they walked into wasn’t special. It was just like the downstairs minus the….the human bones…and there was furniture in here, which was nice. They all sat in individual chairs made of creaking wood.

“It isn’t often I have two knights come to save the day.”

“Oh, I- I wasn’t- I didn’t think-”

“He was unsure if you were real or not,” Gargon filled in. “No saving intended.”

Jemis nodded rapidly. “I mean, if you needed help then we could- but you are handling yourself, so I- so we don’t…um…I apologize.”

The princess hummed sweetly. “What about you, swordsman? Did you believe in my existence?”

“N-no. I did not.”

“You have a scar on your eye,” Jemis muttered, and he hadn’t meant to be heard, but he was.

Touching her brow, where the scar was most noticeable, she sighed, looking to Gargon. “You understand why I demanded you put your sword down, yes?”

“Of course.” Gargon looked away from the princess’ beautiful eyes, looking instead at his lap, then his buddy, and his lap again when he noticed Jemis simply ogling the girl. “I am sincerely sorry. I had no idea that you…I am sorry.”

She laughed, and both men felt themselves smiling at the sound. Like caramel or something sweet, Jemis thought.

“You two are the most apologetic I have ever met. Tell me, do either of you have precious loves at home?”

“We don’t! Do not. Uh. We do not, Princess.”

Her smile fell into something mischievous. She stood from her seat, walking over to Jemis, then walking behind him, allowing her fingers to trail around his neck as she stepped. “Do you desire a strong love in your life?”

“Do I? I-I think every-everyone does.” He couldn’t think with her golden skin touching his own rather bland skin. “Gargon! You- aha- you talked about settling down when we were in the tavern, didn’t you?”

No. He didn’t. He and Jemis never even came close to discussing relationships because neither of them wanted it. They were knights- soldiers. Love had no place for them even if they wanted it. Sure, romance was glorified in the stories, but it wasn’t real, not when you could be sent off to war at any moment. Love was a fairytale, and even with the stunning princess in the room, he still didn’t believe love was one of them. Jemis suddenly did, though. And it wasn’t right because this was the first time he ever fancied it.

The princess made her way to Gargon, doing to him what she did to Jemis, dragging her beautiful skin against his. “Your colour contrasts greatly against mine,” she whispered, her hand stopping at the base of his neck as she bent down to his ear. “I dare say you are as beautiful as I am.”

“Flattering, Your Highness, but unlike my friend, I have duties to fulfil.”

“Am I not allowed to flirt with a knight?” Her lips turned against his ear and he took a shaky breath. “And anyways, who said I had deeper intentions? At least with you.” The princess pulled away from Gargon and began a leisurely stroll towards the open-mouthed Jemis once again.

Gargon stood with a dry mouth. “Jemis, we need to return home. Thank you for allowing us to stay, Your Highness, but I-”

She brought a finger to her lips. “He cannot hear you now.” The princess giggled, and this time it sounded closer to poison than sugared treats. “Your mind is very strong, Sir Gargon. I might like to keep you for a little while longer. Sir Jemis, however…”

Her Highness sighed and did the same finger-around-the-neck that she did before. Gargon watched as his friend’s eyes snapped shut. His own eyes widened and without another thought, he ran down the stairs in search of his sword, but it wasn’t there where he dropped it before.

He turned, watching the top of the staircase, and wondering what the hell he should do. Gargon wouldn’t leave his friend- he could never, but without his sword…He turned back to the floor as he thought. Gargon could hit the princess, knock her out, but that…that wasn’t right. Why was the idea of shoving her through with a sword easier than manhandling her? It didn’t matter. Where was his damn sword?

“You have been the most fun knight, Sir Gargon. You came here for treasure, did you not? I could see it in your head, that little conversation you had at the tavern with your friend upstairs. You only agreed to come when you knew you would gain something. That changed, didn’t it?”

Gargon spun on his heel, backed up step by step until his back hit the wall. It was too dark to see the bones anymore, or even the bloody door. He was trapped.

Except, the princess glowed. Bright and beautiful, her golden skin shone like an ingot in the sunlight, only her glow was confined to her skin, it didn’t stretch- didn’t light the room. It was through the glow, however, that he saw the red covering her mouth.

Tears pricked his eyes. “Please- please tell me he- tell me he is alive.”

“Would it give you hope?” Gargon didn’t answer. “I think it would, so I will say it. Your friend is alive, but I am not quite sure for how long.” She tapped her chin as she stalked towards the terrified knight. “Humans bleed out very fast.”

“What…are you?” His voice was breathy, almost unwilling to come out at all.

“Treasure.”

His mind wasn’t so hard to break this time. She broke him down with the blood on her face from her meal upstairs- which she very much enjoyed. But, the treasure-seekers were always so much more delicious, and Gargon certainly was.

( @whatwhumpcomments )

[beacon-sanctuary]

Chapter 2: Class decisions and dorm warfare for the win!

introduction, Ch.1

Note to self: next time Bean and Merlin fight, get popcorn, and maybe grab wall rubble, I’m not a hoarder, scouts honor~

     I looked up at the teachers with stars in my eyes, everyone was so cool!  Plus, I got a head pat-so that’s even better!  Ugh, why’d you guys have to make so hard to choose a class, hmmm let’s put our suspects, up shall we?  Looking at the professors, I saw the grumpy Alchemist guy, his pale wood patterned skin shone in the lights above as once more those dang amber eyes of his bore into my mind.  Like chill man, how can putting a baton in your jacket be mind warfare?!  Huff, he looked so cool during the show but ehhh, too strict for me.  

 Well, Rasputin’s a no I guess, number 2, Louis Armstrong, seems like a fun guy, buuut I have no musical talent, got two left feet, voice sounds like a banshee bleh, ain’t a good fit.  It’s not you Louis it’s me, sorry man. Onto suspect 3, Hobo Billy the kid, chill, kinda dusty, but I’m not stealthy, wouldn’t have light-up shoes if I was after all.  Suspect 4 come on down!  Here we have Joan of Arc, awesome sword wielder and dealer of cherished head pats, 9/10 we might have a winner here people.

 Now onto suspe-oh no megaphone man’s back, just in case, I pulled my beanie over my ears, no hearing loss for me.  

 “Ah, jolly good show everyone!  It was quite a sight to see, I must say, now children, if that display did not solidify your choice-well buck up!  We’ve decided to allow our professors the chance to remind you of their profession and the meaning behind each class!  And remember no class is better or worse than the ot-”

 “Guerillas are best, don’t listen to the loudspeaker” Izusa jabbed in

 “Heheheh, Izusa I am glad for your class pride still runs deep, but we are headmasters, after all, we need to be unbiased!  Let our bright youths decide for themselves!”

 “Unbiased, you have your freaking Knight necktie on” She fired back motioning to his stripped blue silver tie which he straightened. 

 “Well, of course, one must never forget their roots after all, and even though I myself favored our knights here, this is not-” Before he could finish, a sharp  “Shush” interjected.  Professor Blum strode forward hand massaging his temple.

 “If we listen to this squabble any longer, we shall not move anywhere, and I would like to return to my facility before night comes if you don’t mind.” Fixing his overcoat, the amber eyes of the earth magi quickly returned to the crowd, piercing them with a cool stare as he began to speak once more.

 “To you lot” he admonished us snapping his arm, “Listen well, for I shall only say this once.  Despite what the news or the media has led you to believe, Alchemists are those who study and pick apart the gears of magic and the world for all its worth.”  When he said news and media he spat out each word as if it were venom in his mouth, and as he began to go on, the methodical style of his speech began to ebb more into a stately passion. 

 “We are no mere scientists, we are alchemists! The fusion of creativity and scientific reasoning to understand, this little thing we call magic.  Despite the moniker of “Youngest class,” Human, Magi, or whatever in between that’s shuffled about on this rock has always been curious of this force in our world.  Whether you trace our origins to the wizards and warlocks of old, or to the Alchemists of which we’ve gained our title, we are both and neither of our predecessors!” 

      Pacing a bit, he calmed his voice back down as he continued on, “Were our ancestors simply explored the capabilities or tried to pick apart magic for their own uses, we have a different goal.  We carry the light of knowledge, illuminating the unknown for our fellow people so that they may find comfort in said findings.  If you choose this path, burn this into your mind! If you have no passion or hunger for finding the secrets of magic and our world, then as soon as you enter my facility, you. shall. be. Gone!  I do not want to hear your complaining, “Oh it’s too hard,” or, “ Oh, it’s too boring” for if I see one hint of uninterest in your eyes, I'll throw you out myself! For if you have no passion or drive in your field what is the point of you?  Now then,”  

 After a long sigh, he quietly composed himself, “if you feel this is right for you, step forward now.” he crooned out. And to my left, I felt a rustle beside me Orion groaned up and walked towards the old magi, he gave me a two-finger salute and lazily walked forward.  And as everyone saw him go, bit by bit more people stood in front of Rasputin, as each was handed some black clothes in a bag.  And as if on cue, a sharp whistle broke the silence, bringing all our eyes on Billy the kid.

 “Alright, kiddos eyes on me for a sec’. Thanks to ole grandpa given that essay, I’ll be straight with ya.  Guerillas are the rebels, outlaws, anarchists, or whatever they call us now.  Where there's some rules we break 'em, were there's laws we go past 'em. We be the judge of those in power, that roarin' flame under they feet that keep our leaders in check. And if they go too far, well, this lil' fire finna burst into an inferno I'll promise ya that.  If ya got freedom and rebellion in ya chest. We yo people, see a riot, we in there, see a protest, we in there, and if you see a revolution? Hoo boy, you sure as heck know we in there! We carry the light of freedom and change, always there to stop a leader if they go too far and if they do, we gon' hold 'em accountable and make somethin' new.  If my words struck home, we be happy to have ya, welcome to the family kiddos.” legs dangling over the stage the professor watched as the future Guerillas approached, heck even one girl flew up and gave a high five to him.  Thanks to her wings, she was an air magi, had some golden-brown wings and storm grey hair, and perched atop the stage as her classmates rushed up too.

             At my right, I heard a grunt as freaking Joan of Arc hopped off her pommel and kicked the sword in her hand like it was nothing!  Yup, definitely joining her I don’t care what anyone says-Imma be a knight!

 “Heh, alrighty, may as well start, hmph” She grunted, holding her sword in a rigid pose.  If I’m being honest her face looked like she was constipated “to be a knight you be gallant, focused measured precise and powerful, my children take up arms your calling is nye it is time for a crusade!  We shall take back the holy land,Deus vult, DEUS VU-pfffft, heheheh, sorry I had to” she chuckled leaning on her sheath “Oh, that never gets old, ok serious time now” she took in a breath to speak but

 “Ah, it seems the impossible did happen, you being serious” Rasputin interjected walking past her, to this he received a light snicker

 “Listen I can be serious sometimes, on occasion, when I feel like it, every few years.  But, as I was saying before mister essay interrupted me, Knights are old as heck alright, we’re the first beacons, defend people for generations, all that good stuff.  But just cause we got knight in our name, don’t mean we’re Chivalrous, glistening warriors who vanquish evil to the ends of the earth that’s only a third of the pie, we’re not just warriors, we’re healers and guardians kids.  The sword, shield, and healing hand, we become that light.  We guard against the dark and give people a haven.  In more than one way!  So,” she said resting her sword over her shoulders,

“If you want to be a knight, grab some chainmail and a tunic from the stage and come to my class tomorrow.  I’d be happy to have you” She winked strolling out.  Yeeep, I’m all in let’s freaking go!  I cheered in my mind, but I had a feeling I had a dopey smile on my face all the same.

             After that, not much else happened, learned about the other two classes, Artificers, basically artists, builders, and all that fun stuff that entertains or helps people. And seekers, explorers, and stuff, always run headfirst into the unknown and hard to pin down.  But by the end I got some bag of clothes and a rune stone. It was a smooth navy-blue rock with a messed-up F burnt into it.  It felt warm and hummed a bit in my hand as I turned a bit, it was like a weird magic compass to my dorm I guess, this is so cool!  Welp, into your prison-I mean my bag little guy.  As I was putting my stone back in my bag, a gun shot made me nearly drop it on the ground.

 “Gah!  what is this, give Eir a heart attack day?!” I mumbled clamping my stone as Headmaster Ortiz cleared his throat.

 “Knights, Alchemists, Seekers, Guerillas, and Artificers, thank you all for continuing in the protection of Human-Magi kind.  This is the first step of your journey as Beacons!  For even having the courage to step up this far, you should be proud!  Bully indeed for you!  I already can see great potential in all of you, all I can say is good luck, and may your lights always shine bright.” He finished his final speech and gave us all a hearty laugh and warm smile before walking into the back as Izusa made her way to speak.

 “Alright Torches, like the headmaster megaphone said, this is your start, remember you all wanted this, so get ready, tomorrow starts four years of hell, have fun~” she sang away into the darkness from whence she came.

             After the speeches of fluff and doom we all dispersed to our new dorms, which for some freaking reason was on the of the fort!  School’s in the middle, makes sense, access to everything, but the dorms. At the very edge of the freaking coast, who designed this and where can I smack them with my bag?  I’m going helicopter them so bad won’t know what hit them.  But still, I walked to my dorm.  Weird F rune dash 5 as the stone in my hand vibrated more and more the closer I got to my door.  The jade-gold rune patterned carpet sat atop a shining wood floor and the air had a scent of strangely chocolate, and fire?  

 “Who’s burning something?” I thought aloud, but right as the words came out of my mouth, the wall right across from me shattered as a flaming girl bulldozed through while a hand patted me on the head.  Whirling my head from side to side I saw Orion standing besides me snickering at the dragon girl.  She had two jagged black horns sticking out of her messy flame like curls.  She was short but had a stocky frame, I think I even saw a few muscles if I’m being honest.  And as I saw her gold eyes stare daggers at Orion(nickname still pending) a wicked smile seared across her face, disrupting the red scales upon her cheeks.

 “Orio get back over here so I can hit ya!” She growled in her rough voice, to which Orion strolled across from me with a playful shrug

 “nahhh, don’t really feel like it sunflower, good offer though, you’re getting’ better at em, I’m proud!”

 “Tsk, I told ya before, I ain’t no little flower, I am the sun!” she yelled crouching down for probably another charge.  Orion chuckled as he held his free hand at his ear

 “Uh, say that again white dwarf, I ain’t hear ya~” he teased, and at that my eyes even glared at him,

 “Please don’t my ears have suffered enough for a day!” I groaned,

       But as at the girl, it seemed like she physically had a tick mark on her head as the whole room heated up to 90 degrees. I had to take off my hat and fan myself, what the freak did he say to make her that mad? But unfortunately, I got no answer as the girl barreled forward with a battle cry.  Careening towards Orion before I saw him poof out of existence in a blue flash before reappearing behind the solar magi.  He placed a hand on her back and caused it to steam, but what instantly caught my attention was two words that slithered from his mouth.

 “Liga Hostem” he said, and yanked his hand back as multiple black and blue chains wrapped around the girl, battling against the fire and the light she gave off.  Making the hallway as wicked battle of heat and cold. Gasping from excitement I rapidly said

 “You used a binding spell!  It’s not the full incantation but that’s still awesome!  Wait, your element doesn’t usually go into that unle-“

 “let’s save this for later, I ain’t tryin’ be bbq magi over here”  to further his point the girl took in a deep breath and bellowed out a stream of flames in the boy’s direction, cursing under his breath Orion slammed his hand on the ground and cried

 “Fortifico!” as a black and blue hexagon of swirling void, blocked the incoming flames, and as soon as the barrier was released, the girl charged forward with an knee aimed at Orion’s fac, he rolled back and threw a punch at her stomach, but she brushed it to the side.  Back and forth they parried and dodged each other’s blows like clockwork.  Oh I wish I had popcorn, this is so good, but sadly before the fight could continue, the door behind me slammed open as I saw a baby face looking Asian guy with, a long, rat tail… Oh its him, time to give him a piece of my wait why is he my dorm mate?!

 “QUIET” the pale faced boy roared, on his face was now a pair of jade, metallic looking goggles, and as soon as he looked at the two magi his face grew a face of sheer disgust. “Ugh, just typical of their kind, arrogant and loud beyond measure. You two, cease this disturbance immediately, I am trying to work. “ he screamed in his childlike voice waving a large wrench at the two.

 “Hey, angery baby man, shush.” Said angery baby man looked agasp and was about to say something before I said

“Oi, ya owe me an apology from earlier, what was your deal?” I demaded looking over my shoulder

 “just my luck, of course I’m roomed with you of all people.” He rolled his eyes

 “Me of all people?!  Square up baby man, lets go!”

 “First of all, I am not, a baby man.  My name is Lin Su-Wang, and I am not fighting a munchkin.”

             And this is how this went for like thirty minutes, four people either fighting or yelling at each other before, nothing, I really can’t remember what happened afterwards, only thing is I woke up with a pain in my neck for some reason.  Weird, buuut yeah, this was one interesting first day.

 Day one-completed! :)

[flatsuke]

if i missed you, would you hold it against me

Summary: With Soryu and MC’s passing, it now fell onto Eisuke to be Ryusei’s legal guardian. Why Soryu and MC would think naming Eisuke, of all people, as legal guardian in their will was beyond him.

              You’re the only one we can trust, Soryu had told him. But that didn’t mean Eisuke was ready to be a father.

              Hell, he wasn’t ready for anything that came since that day.

              He wasn’t ready to be a father.

              He wasn’t ready to lose his best friend.

              He wasn’t ready to lose her.

Genre: Angst, Hurt and Comfort

Pairing: One-sided Eisuke/MC, MC/Soryu

a/n: I haven’t written a proper fic in so long lmao. this idea just popped in m head one day, and since then, i couldn’t stop thinking about it lmfao. 

@2bedroom-baddestbidderlove i hope you like it!! @maidofstars @bolt8826 @tsundere-eevee @alolan-lillie @themysticaldaydreamer here’s a fic after so long lol

               Dinner was a solemnly silent affair.

              In the stillness of the dining room, the only sound that could be heard was the clang of Eisuke’s utensils on his plate. Across him sat little Ryusei, who only stared at his untouched food with empty eyes.

              “… You’re not hungry?” Eisuke asked slowly.

              The boy shook his head without looking up from his plate.

              Eisuke sighed in defeat, putting his utensils down. “Do you want to go to bed already?”

Ryusei nodded in assent. Gingerly, the boy pushed back his chair and gave a little bow, leaving Eisuke alone with his thoughts.

              “I suppose it’s not going to be easy, huh?” he said to no one in particular.

              And it won’t ever be easy again. Not with them gone.

              Just three days ago, Eisuke was staring into Soryu’s and MC’s coffins. Both of them looked deceptively peaceful, as if they were only asleep—that anytime, they’d wake up from their long nap and mess around in the penthouse like always.

              But Eisuke knew better.

              Underneath all the flowers and their elaborate clothes were the bullet wounds dealt unto to them by a rival gang. The Ice Dragons had been in an ongoing feud with the said rival gang for a while now, but no one could have predicted the rivalry to escalate to MC being kidnapped, Soryu getting into an outnumbered gunfight, and both of them ultimately perishing.

              (The memory of Soryu and MC, clinging onto each other for dear life while covered in bullet holes was something Eisuke couldn’t forget, even if he wanted to.)

              With their passing, it now fell onto Eisuke to be Ryusei’s legal guardian. Why Soryu and MC would think naming Eisuke, of all people, as legal guardian in their will was beyond him.

              You’re the only one we can trust, Soryu had told him. But that didn’t mean Eisuke was ready to be a father.

              Hell, he wasn’t ready for anything that came since that day.

              He wasn’t ready to be a father.

              He wasn’t ready to lose his best friend.

              He wasn’t ready to lose her.

              (Despite everything, the torch he held for her never burned out.)

              Every time he looked at Ryusei, Eisuke felt the dull ache he kept hidden for so long resurface again.

              At first glance, Ryusei was the spitting image of his father. With his dark hair and dark eyes, Ryusei was essentially the mirror image of the stubbornly serious young boy Eisuke had befriended all those years ago at boarding school.

              But to anyone who knew better, Ryusei also carried his mother’s likeness, albeit more subtly. Ryusei’s eyes held a gentle strength Eisuke was all too familiar with, and the boy’s selfless nature was a constant reminder of what he could never hope to have.

              Sitting on the edge of Ryusei’s bed, Eisuke pulled up the covers over the boy. Ryusei was asleep, but he held onto his family photo with a firm grip, as if he was afraid that if he let go, the people in the photo would fade away.

              It’s too late for that now, though.

              Since that day, Ryusei had been unnaturally quiet. He had always been on the calmer side, but now, it was like Ryusei couldn’t speak anymore.

              Even with constant visits from all the other auction managers, nothing could rouse him from his self-inflicted speechlessness. Despite Baba’s gentle encouragement, Ota’s invitations to hang out, and even Mamoru’s uncharacteristic support, Ryusei wouldn’t budge. Not even Inui or Samejima could do anything to help their Young Boss.

              During the funeral, Ryusei practically held a blank gaze the whole time. Not once did he cry, and his once bright gray eyes were now a dull slate.

              But right now, Eisuke could see how puffy his eyes were in his sleep. Ryusei had been crying, but he did so all alone, away from anyone’s sight. He probably didn’t want to burden anyone with his tears, Eisuke thought.

              Just like his mother.

              Baba had suggested looking through old photos  to try and cheer Ryusei up.

Recalling and sharing happy memories might help him, the thief advised with a smile.

              Eisuke was never the type to be sentimental, nor was he good at comforting kids, but he supposed Baba was right.

              “This was from your sixth birthday, right?” Eisuke asked, holding up a photo album.

              “… Yeah,” said Ryusei, speaking up for the first time in a while. “The Ice Dragons threw a surprise party for me. They said I was the hero of the day.”

              Eisuke remembered that day, too.

              Ryusei had a superhero-themed birthday party. The whole thing was pretty silly, now that Eisuke thought about it. Seeing all the hardened Ice Dragons dressed in bright capes and masks was a sight to see. Even the auction managers got it on the hero action. Baba was excited to show off his full-on spandex outfit to everyone.

              “That was a fun birthday. Everyone looked really cool in their costumes,” Ryusei beamed.

              “They did, huh?” The corners of Eisuke’s mouth twitched in a ghost of a smile. He remembered how hilariously uncomfortable Soryu had looked in his costume.

              The two of them continued to browse through all the albums until Eisuke stopped at a particular one.

              “Oh, that’s my parents’ wedding album.”

              The devil in Eisuke told him to drop the album immediately in anticipation of the ache that he knew would surge, but he told himself that he had to do this for Ryusei.

              I’m supposed to feel grief, not jealousy. Get your shit together, Eisuke.

              Leafing through the pages, Eisuke could almost relive how bittersweet their wedding day was.

              He, of course, was chosen as Soryu’s best man. Standing to next to Soryu, Eisuke could see MC walk slowly down the aisle, looking immaculately stunning in her gown. She was so painfully beautiful that Eisuke was tempted to take her hand in his own, as if he were the groom.

              But he wasn’t.

              She stretched out her hand—with her engagement ring shining—and laced her fingers with Soryu’s.

              Now, Eisuke knew that if anyone deserved MC, it was Soryu. He knew that Soryu, amidst his tough exterior, was a good person at heart. He would never do anything to hurt her, and he would always, always make her happy. MC, in turn, was a perfect match for Soryu. Seeing the usually-cold mobster letting his walls down and opening up to someone was a breath of fresh air. She managed to bring out the tender side he had hidden deep within him. Eisuke knew better than anyone that they both deserved to be happy with each other.

              (But still, that didn’t mean it hurt any less when he heard the words “I do” from her lips.)

              “…Mom looks really pretty in that picture,” Ryusei said with a sad smile, pointing to a photo of husband and wife, lips on each other’s in a fervent declaration of love.

              Biting back a sob, Eisuke gave a sad smile of his own.

              “Yeah. She sure is.”

              Ryusei was finally feeling better enough to see visitors again, so Eisuke asked Inui and Samejima to watch over their Young Boss while he went out for a while.

              It had been far too long since he last checked Soryu and MC’s grave. Eisuke thought that now would be the best time to visit, considering not much people would go there after all the time that passed.

              Driving alone, Eisuke checked the back seat one last time to make sure his cargo was still intact. Thankfully, the flowers he had ordered weren’t damaged from the long car ride to the cemetery.

              When he finally arrived there, he took the baskets of flowers on each hand and began the long, halcyon walk to their grave. The only sounds he could hear were the clacking of his own footsteps on the pavement, and the constant humming of the cicadas in the summer.

              Eisuke had to chuckle bitterly. If only his feelings were as peaceful as the surroundings.

              Their grave was left in pristine condition, with white chrysanthemums to adorn it. He assumed a caretaker must have been tending to the grave every day since the funeral. He’d have to thank them for keeping the place pleasing to the eye.

              Setting down the flowers on their graves, Eisuke mused to himself silently.

              He had so many things he wanted to ask them—what would happen to the Ice Dragons now, what should he do to the rival gang, why did they think he’d be a good father to Ryusei—but he kept it all inside.

              Seeing MC’s name etched onto the grave didn’t make it any easier for him.

              Sometimes, in the darkness of his bedroom, Eisuke would think about all the forbidden what-ifs. What if they never died? What if they were never married? What if she had chosen him instead of Soryu during that fateful night at the auctions? He could’ve kept her safe, they could’ve been happy together, she could’ve lived to see today—

              “Oh, Eisuke. I didn’t know you were going to visit.”

              A deep voice shook him out of his internal stupor. He turned around and was met with the sight of an old, familiar friend.

              “Luke. So you’re here.”

              Eisuke didn’t expect to see Luke, of all people, show up with a bouquet of white chrysanthemums in hand.

              “It’s been a while, hasn’t it?” The doctor gave a sheepish smile. “How is Ryusei?”

              “He’s doing much better. I left him back home with Soryu’s lapdo—ahem—Inui and Samejima. But what about you? What brings you all the way here?”

              “I’ve actually been coming here to give flowers and tend to the grave every day.”

              Luke did all this?

              “You don’t have to do that, you know,” Eisuke replied. “You must be busy with all the surgeries.”

              “You’re right about that. But every time I try to go back to my old routine, I can’t stop thinking about them. You and Soryu were the first friends I ever made back in school, and now that he’s gone, it all feels so… incomplete. The three of us won’t be together again to play with cats anymore.”

              It was unlike Luke to be so open and honest about everything, but the wistful nostalgia on his face kept Eisuke from saying anything.

              “And Sexy Bones—no—MC. She was… special. Her collarbones were definitely a thing of beauty, but I’ve never met anyone whose smile could heal me until I met her.” You and me both, Luke.

              “I… I miss them terribly, Eisuke,” Luke lamented, his lips trembling in an attempt to hold back his tears.

              “… I do too.”

              Both of them stood in silence, basking in the sorrow of it all. The cicadas hummed again, as if to play a requiem for the lost lovers and their grieving companions.

              “… I have to go now. Ryusei’s probably waiting for me to get back,” Eisuke said, turning to Luke.

              “All right then. Tell him his Uncle Luke said hi.”

              Eisuke gave his friend one last nod before walking away to leave.

              “Wait, Eisuke,” Luke called out. “I only noticed it now, but the flowers you gave Sexy Bones… why did you get her yellow tulips?”

              This was one secret Eisuke would keep to his grave. No one, not even Luke, must ever know what those flowers really meant. This was between him and MC alone.

              (If anyone knew the language of flowers, then they would know that yellow tulips stood for one-sided love.)

              “I just thought they would suit her, that’s all.”

              One morning, Eisuke and Ryusei had breakfast together in silence. Unlike all the previous times, this silence was peaceful instead of the usual stifling tension.

              It had taken a long, long time, but Ryusei improved considerably since that day. He stopped crying alone, and he opened up a lot more, too. He was back to his old self, thanks to the constant support from all the others as well.

              In truth, Eisuke was thankful for Ryusei. After his last visit to the cemetery, he focused all of his attention on raising the boy; that way, Eisuke wouldn’t have the chance to lose himself in grief and longing.

              In a way, Ryusei saved Eisuke from himself.

              “I made us some omelets,” Eisuke said, setting down the plates. “It’s not as good as your mom’s, but it’s certainly better than your dad’s.”

              “You’re right about that. Sometimes, the kitchen explodes when he cooks!” Ryusei laughed in return, poking the eggs with his fork. It was true that he could order a chef to cook for them, but Eisuke thought this would be a nice change of pace for them both.

              “Oh, wait! Stay there, Uncle Eisuke!” Ryusei chirped. “I’ll be right back.”

              Ryusei ran to the kitchen, leaving Eisuke wondering what he had in store.

              After a few minutes, Ryusei came back, a steaming mug of coffee in his hand.

              “Um, I made you some coffee,” the boy said, slightly unsure. “Mom… she told me you liked coffee a lot.”

              “Ah… she did, huh?” Eisuke forced a tight smile. The recognizable aroma was starting to take a toll on his self-control, and he could already feel the waves of his forgotten déjà vu hit him one after the other.

              ...He really is your son, through and through.

              With a slightly shaky hand, Eisuke took the mug from a hopeful Ryusei. He took a sip.

              “I—I hope you like it! I’m sorry if I put too much milk and sugar.”

              The taste that spread through his mouth was all-too familiar. It was a combination of a resolute sweetness, a gentle warmth, and a signature creaminess that reminded him of the only person that ever mattered to him in a long time. The experience of it all was all too much to bear.

              “Uncle Eisuke, are you okay? Was it too hot?” Ryusei fretted.

              Eisuke didn’t even notice the tears that started flowing down his face. All the years of pent-up loneliness, grief, and regret came out at once. It had been far, far too long since he had let his guard down in front of anyone, but the drink was what finally burst the dam of his well-hidden sorrow.

              “… It’s delicious, Ryusei. You make really good coffee,” Eisuke confessed through his sobs, ruffling the boy’s hair.

              It tastes just like yours.

[the-squeeky-reel]

So Warner Brothers and Marvel Studios just released brand new trailers for their upcoming films, Justice League and Spider-Man: Homecoming.  Both of these trailers look incredible, and both companies just keep getting me more and more excited for each others films. I am not one of those fans who picks one side and hates the other, I love both comic properties, but Warner Bro. and DC are the ones that needed to prove more to me with Justice League, Marvel’s Cinematic Universe has developed a nice track record, especially with films like, the final two Captain America films, Guardians of the Galaxy, and basically their entire phase two and three lineups. Now Justice League is part of a cinematic universe that has struggled with both fans and critics. With only three movies in, all have received average to negative reviews, Warner Bros. and DC seem to desperately need a winner this time around. Now I’d just like to say, that I loved Man of Steel, I liked the Extended cut of Batman V. Superman: DOJ, but I really didn’t like Suicide Squad all that much. Now with that out-of-the-way, let’s talk about the awesomeness that is the second Justice League trailer and the second Spider-Man: Homecoming trailer.The newest Justice League trailer showcases brand new footage, by showing off some terrific epic battles, and new character interactions. They seem to be setting up The Flash as the main attraction. In the trailer we see Barry Allen visiting his father in prison, showing off his running style and how vibrant and different his powers will look on the big screen. Fans of the CW version of the Flash will notice the obvious differences between Grant Gustins, Barry Allen, and Ezra Miller’s. While Gustin seems to portray more of a burdened version of Barry, but aside from the touching moment between Barry and his father, Ezra’s Barry seems more happy-go-lucky, and just wants to do good things with his powers and make some friends along the way. There also seems to be a mentor and protegé relationship developing between Barry Allen, and Bruce Wayne.

Ben Affleck is reprising his role as Batman/ Bruce Wayne. Despite all of the backlash from Batman V. Superman, I still think he was one of the best parts of that movie, and I’m very excited to see what he has to offer in Justice League. With the trailer drop we seem to get another new suit change for the dark knight. In the beginning I think we’ll get his costume from BVS, then through the duration of the film, we’ll get at least three more suits. Bruce has taken on the role as recruiter and co – leader of the team along with Diana/ Wonder Women. With BVS, the entire tone of the film was dark and bleak with only a few one liners from Bruce and Alfred during their banter, but now it seems Bruce has two sides to him. To me it looks like he will have both a dry humor personality and that dark and bruising personality we saw in BVS. In this trailer we see Bruce actively recruiting team members while Diana is back at HQ monitoring. In both Justice League trailers, we see Bruce going to the reoccurring second home of ” The Aquaman”.

Arthur Curry/ Aquaman, played by Jason Momoa, seems to be the most difficult to recruit. During both trailers we see Arthur Curry getting tough with Bruce and begin very difficult. Now, in trailer #2 we see him in full costume and joining the team, and is dealing out some major damage. This version of Arthur Curry looks great! In past comic versions we’ve seen a clean-cut, blonde haired Atlantean that tries to over compensate by being rough and tough, but his look throws it all off. Now Jason Momoa’s portrayal looks rough, and rugged, which is exactly the kind of updated look Aquaman needed. His armor is fresh and classic, it looks very tribal and heavy-set. Aquaman gets a lot of screen time in the new trailer, and he shines throughout with all of his quick one liners, and bad ass action sequences. Now there was something that didn’t quite click with me during the trailer, and that was Cyborg.   I was trying really hard to like this iteration of Cyborg, but I just couldn’t. Hopefully I am surprised and he ends up being a big shining start in the film, but I’m just not getting that from the past two trailers. What’s throwing me off is his suit. It seems as though there are too many moving parts, rather than the mostly solid piece that I am used to. I do think Ray Fisher, from what I’ve seen in this trailer, looks like he’s going to give a good performance.  Now as much as I’ve been complaining about Cyborg, I think we all are going to have to just wait and see how he turns out. Now I really can’t decide on a clear winner if any in the battle of the trailers. I watched both trailers two to three times and both of them have a lot to offer and both just raised my expectations for each film.Spider-Man: Homecoming is in my top most anticipated movies of the year, so there’s no doubt I was eagerly awaiting the new trailer. I watched this trailer three times, and each time I found something new. Peter is riding high after the events of Captain America: Civil War, and the first trailer showed that. Upon examining the second trailer, It looks like Peter has some learning to do.  Robert Downey Jr. is reprising his role as Tony Stark/ Ironman, and is acting as Peter’s mentor and equipment designer.  This second trailer shows a lot more of the relationship between the two heroes and we actually get a reason, why Tony has decided to take on Peter as a protegé.

Tony seems very much in charge and in the trailer we see the infamous boat scene, where Peter is attempting to keep a boat from splitting apart using his webs.  Tony is seen coming in a saving the day to a Peter Parker who is way in over his head. Tony then lectures Peter about wanting him to be better than he is. This movie seems to be a passing of the torch from one generation to the new generation of heroes. It’s nice to see that character relationships are taking center stage in this film. Going along with this trend we see slightly more of the romantic relationship between Peter Parker and Liz Allen, played by Laura Harrier. Liz Allen is a brand new love interest in the film history of Spider-Man. In the past we’ve seen Mary Jane in Sam Rami’s iterations and In the Amazing franchise, we had Gwen Stacy. In the Ultimate comics, Liz was a sort of bigot who was against all super powered heroes, but in Homecoming, she seems to be more open to all walks of life.Michael Keaton also returns as another winged character, but this time he’s a villain known as the Vulture. He is seen wearing a tech suit with a lot a gadgets and gizmos at his disposal. Keaton’s portrayal seems ruthless, but he often talks about having a family, and being a blue-collar working man. Adrian Tombs (Vulture) seems to run with a crew, and he constantly talks about how close they are. It’s going to be really interesting to see a villain with so much depth, come to the big screen against Peter. Vulture’s suit looks amazing and his mask looks simple but menacing. Vulture is shown having metal wings, but their function looks more for gliding purposes, as he also has a jet pack in the middle of his back. Vulture has never been seen in a live action film, so I’m excited to see him make his big screen debut. Vulture isn’t the only one to have his suit showcased in the new trailer. In this trailer, we see that Peter has a few new gadgets of his own, and also that this suit isn’t the only one we’ll be seeing in the film. We don’t know exactly what the spider emblem is on Peters chest but in the trailer we see it come off and fly away.  The only thing I think it could be is a drone, but either way, it’s going to be cool to see how Peter uses this to his advantage. We also get to see how much tension and pressure is on Peter to do well, from the public to Tony. In the trailer, Tony takes back the suit, and that forces Peter to go back to his homemade suit. Peter seems to have some confidence issues, much like we’ve seen in past films, but now that’s going to show in his school life as well. Peter looks to be a sophomore in high school, much like in the Ultimate comic series.

Both of these trailers impress, and raise the excitement level for each film. For WB and DC I will go as far as saying that Justice League will be their first clear winner in their universe. I also think Spider-man: Homecoming will be another success in Marvel’s long list of already impressive films. Justice League will be released on November 17th, 2017, and Spider-Man Homecoming comes to theaters on July 7th, 2017.

  Post #3: Justice League and Spider-Man: Homecoming. So Warner Brothers and Marvel Studios just released brand new trailers for their upcoming films, Justice League…