#not to. make this about alfonse but this is exactly what i was talking about when i said on that poll a bit ago

[moe-broey]

Me trying to explain the importance of unpacking internalized ableism and standing in solidarity with more stigmatized disorders and BEARS REPEATING the internalized ableism that comes with being a high-masking "functional" autistic for most of my life (and somehow this correlates to my philosophies on Queerness and calling myself a Faggot as a rallying cry): "It's exactly like the nazi bar problem, you can't house both sheep and wolves, and also the leopards WILL eat your face."

My therapist:

Me:

me: "Are you familiar with any of that or"

My therapist: "I may need more context."

[hulloitsdani]

PLS go on another rant about Kiran Fire Emblem I’m begging you 🙏

I love to read you yapping💞💞💞 I like your TedTalks

:D

Aw thank you stranger! I’m happy to provide!

So recently I feel that I have been putting Kiran Fire Emblem through the wringer. Which is all well and good, but I believe it’s time for them to have good things. As a treat. This oddly takes the form of book 5.

In case it’s your first time witnessing my monologues or are in need of a refresher, let me provide a little context. Kiran had a life before being summoned to Askr and a major part of their arc is suppressing just how deeply that loss affects them. Like it or not, it bleeds into everything they do. This all culminates into book 4, which was an all time low for their character. A lot of issues all started blowing up in their face all at once, last but not least being the grief they hold from losing their entire world. It very nearly kills them. It was an extremely bad time.

However, lessons were learned. Since then, Kiran has been trying to vocalize their discomforts more. It’s a bit weird though, considering Anna and Sharena witnessed firsthand their little meltdown in the realm of dreams. It’s… damnit it’s just weird! Really weird! Most of their cards are on the table now and it’s weird! It’s not like their friends heard about this stuff by talking to them, they SAW it nearly KILL THEM. The dynamic is, understandably, different than it would otherwise be.

If they weren’t willing trying, Anna would pry their issues from their mouth with crowbar. Hell, sometimes she does anyway if she gets, in her own words, “a hunch.” Sharena meanwhile has been very pampering. They didn’t know she could be more pampering than she already was, but oh boy were they wrong. Three homemade meals a day guaranteed under her watch. And if they’re being honest, it does feel very nice, which ultimately makes them feel awful because the realm of dreams was rough for her too. She should also… they don’t know. They feel bad. She has reassured them many times that it’s all good and that this helps her too. And how even if it didn’t, she loves them and would do this stuff anyway. They don’t doubt that anymore but… they still feel bad. They feel bad about feeling good. It’s all a complicated mess. They are telling Alfonse about this though, which makes it feel less overwhelming. His insights help. He provides a bit of a sanity check.

It is within this state of recovery that book 5 occurs. Considering the weaponry of their enemy, Kiran ends up talking a lot more openly about their world. Delving into the literal and metaphorical mechanics of it. And it’s oddly fun! Alfonse has a leg up since he’s the only one who has been curious enough to ask prior to this. So there’s many scenarios where a.) something Kiran previous told him finally clicks now that he has a better visual for what they mean, which leads to b.) Alfonse and Kiran trying their best to explain to Anna and Sharena. It’s an absolutely ridiculous sight to behold— Sharena catches on a bit quicker since she’s pretty good at visualizing things, but Anna has no such boon and is STRUGGLING. Kiran and Alfonse aren’t exactly teachers either, so it’s a fun time.

Then they meet Reginn.

It feels obvious, in hindsight, that they were bound to click with each other. At first though, it seems like it’s going to be the same dynamic Kiran always has with the new stray the Order picks up. Polite friendliness alongside genuine empathy with a side of reassuring presence. The group agrees to help and Kiran gets cracking on how to make that a reality. But then something interesting happens. As Reginn speaks in further vulnerable detail about her plight to them, Kiran begins… talking. Like actually talking. Talking about their family and their life prior to Askr.

It starts small. The both of them are fixing up Reginn’s metal horse (the Order broke it in their initial fight with her) and she asks how they know so much about her country’s technology. She knows they’re from an alien world and, well, they aren’t proficient at this by any means— but they know enough to be helpful. And for once, Kiran is honest. “…My mom was a mechanic.” They say, not turning to face her. “She, uh, knew how to fix this kind of stuff. Taught us a little bit.”

It’s a small snippet of information that has taken five seasons to wring out of Kiran, and Reginn of all people is the first one to hear it. It’s way easier to tell her, for a multitude of reasons. One of them being exactly that— there’s no build up. Reginn didn’t see their book 4 meltdown. She doesn’t know how big of deal this is for them. That’s good. It takes the pressure off and makes it easier. For Reginn, this is information they offered casually and willingly from the beginning. And in doing this, they keep talking and both end up relating to each other rather deeply. It quickly becomes obvious that Kiran isn’t simply helping her out of the goodness of their heart, but because they personally relate to her plight. Kiran was extremely close with their siblings, and now they may never seen them again. They don’t want the same thing to happen to other people. This recontextualizes a lot of their actions, but it importantly builds trust. Kiran is immediately knocked off this pedestal as some morally pious figure and into a human person in her eyes. Someone who gets it and wants to help.

This creates a delightful dynamic between them. She is immediately more than friend, as that’s pretty explicitly what the Askr trio are to them. This is different. It’s familial. Reginn is working with information and a cultural context pretty perfectly equipped to understand them in this way. And, considering the losses they’ve both experienced, they crave this placement in each other’s lives. It’s healing. Kiran lost their family and Reginn’s family hasn’t been a family since Fafnir took the throne. It’s far from a replacement, but it’s definitely filling a void. They both needed this.

Gods, they both needed this.

They needed someone to respond to playful quips with a laugh and a clap back. They needed someone to triple dog dare to sling a spit ball into the back of a god’s head. They needed someone to people watch with as a late night to early morning watch shift wrapped up. They needed a shoulder to lean on after Otr finally said all the quiet parts out loud. They needed someone to understand some parts about them a bit more inherently than either are used to, for better or worse.

Without this, neither of them get better. Not anytime soon, anyway. But luckily, Reginn and Kiran entered each other’s lives at just the right time.

[blueorchid-95]

so I was going through Book IV for my theory post a while back and. Holy crap the foreshadowing goes Hard in this Book

In chapter 2 part 1, the party initially notices the summoner’s absence:

And then Peony says this in response:

Funnily enough, that’s exactly what happened. As of right now, the summoner is trapped in a dream. And what’s this part called again?

This is a completely accurate statement. The summoner is indeed lost in a dream, just not in the way that the party or the players expect.

Let’s skip on up to chapter 5. In part one, everyone “wakes up” to an Askr flooded with nightmares… and besides Alfonse, no one seems to recognize the summoner.

Now, this event is clearly spurred on by a nightmare. Alfonse sees it as his own fear:

But check out the way he phrases it. The fear of losing somebody isn’t exactly one-to-one with what’s happening here. Anna and Sharena are acting like the Summoner never existed. If it was Alfonse’s fear of loss that had taken over, the others would be aware of Kiran’s identity and a nightmare summoner would be preying on that terror. But that’s not happening—because this isn’t Alfonse’s fear.

Instead, it reads more as a fear of loneliness—no one knowing who you are, no one remembering everything you’ve done together…. It fits with the Summoner’s personality, too: they’re always working and working, showing kindness to everybody unconditionally, and yet barely taking a moment to relax. They want to have friends so badly that the very idea of being forgotten and abandoned terrifies them to their very core… but that fear doesn’t affect Alfonse, and the Summoner knows that, so he just ends up confused.

Oh, and on top of all that, what’s this part called?

This title hits so hard once you know the twist because it applies to BOTH Alfonse and Kiran’s perspectives. Alfonse is remembering the name of someone else, while Kiran is remembering their own name. And, frankly, I doubt many people read the part titles anyway. It’s so easily looked over and yet it’s so incredibly obvious once you first spot it. I should know—I almost missed it myself!

In Part 6’s final bit, Memory of a Friend, Veronica asks Alfonse to tell her about Zacharias, at which point Alfonse reveals his memory issues. Pay attention to the specific wording he uses here:

Fog, huh? Take a look at this!

When Alfonse dreams of the World of Steel, it’s covered in fog… just like his memories. The world is obscured, empty and cold, and it’s excruciatingly unfamiliar to him. In the Midpoint Movie, however, he encounters one other person when he’s in the fogbound city:

The summoner, aggressively charging towards him with hands outstretched. You know what happens immediately after this daydream? The party clashes with the mind-controlled summoner, and the Summoner finally realizes who they are and reclaims their identity.

When you think of foreshadowing in this Book, you most likely think of the squirrel conversation (unrelated: I had Ratatoskr in my party when I was getting these screenshots and I just think that was funny) in 11-5:

Immediately after Anna says all this, Alfonse begins showing obvious discomfort as he comes to a realization.

Alfonse and the Identity Crisis! Look at him go! This could also be a potential interpretation of the Summoner v. Alfonse scene in the movie: the dreamt-up personality coming into conflict with the actual one.

This tells the player that this may not be the real Alfonse… but it doesn’t tell them WHO. And so, they’re still on their toes when the big reveal comes around—which makes the truth of Alfonse’s real identity hit so much harder.

TLDR: Book IV had some of the most amazing foreshadowing I’ve ever seen in a video game and I wanted to talk about it some

[thesummonerandthehelgeneral]

Book III Revisit Chapter 4 Part 1

We make it back to the castle and Eir says there's no escaping the curse. My Summoner would be with Sharena hoping for some way to prevent it.

Well technically he didn't disobey. Hel just snuck up on us.

See, Anna gets it.

Are you serious right now, Gustav? Last chapter you were telling him "Do what you will" and now you're like "That's what you get for being on the battlefield, idiot." Not to mention he wasn't even anything rash at the time it happened.

Alfonse, you don't have to apologize. You didn't do anything wrong

Oh yeah, I remember that Hel had killed Gustav's dad, but I couldn't remember where it was mentioned. Now I know. I'm guessing most likely that was the incident that probably caused him to change.

Gustav, what the fuck?! I do remember it is later revealed that he's actually talking himself here, but still this is the worst way to put it. Especially since it looks like you're talking about your own son.

Oh wait, we actually have another interaction between Sharena and Gustav. And once again, it's not exactly a positive one.

Alfonse....

[avisteliterature]

A Little Jealousy

Alfonse (Fire Emblem) x Reader

RATING: General

GENRES: Fluff

WORD COUNT: 558

SUMMARY: Alfonse gets jealous of how friendly the other Heroes are with you.

Alfonse always prided himself in being a calm and rational man who made judgments based on logic and reason rather than emotion. As the one next in line for the throne, he needed to be impartial and not let his feelings get the better of him. ...But this wasn't something he could just brush aside so easily.

He watched with irritation barely visible on his face as the more flirtatious of the Heroes crowded around you, the Summoner, showering you with frivolous words of love and attention. Alfonse tried desperately to ignore it at first, knowing full well that you weren't someone he could just monopolize, especially after considering your important role within the ranks of the Order. And yet... it irked him. The Askran prince was peeved that so many men and women alike would be so overly friendly with you. Then again, it was better that they be friendly rather than spiteful, but this was just too much. Alfonse had enough.

He stormed up to the group and muttered a quick excuse about how he needed to talk to you about something before taking your wrist in his hand and dragging you away. You trailed behind him, stumbling as you struggled to keep up, a sense of dread filling you that perhaps you did something to upset the young man.

The moment the two of you were alone, Alfonse immediately let go and ran a hand through his hair, letting out an aggravated sigh. You flinched, and you bowed your head low, your shoulders rising up in defense. "I'm sorry..." you whispered, uncertain for what exactly you were apologizing for but nevertheless felt it necessary to say.

Alfonse turned around to face you, confusion on his face towards your apology before his features turned to one of realization and then guilt. "No, you didn't do anything wrong," he tried to assure you. "I'm not mad at you, I promise. I'm just... I'm just frustrated with myself."

"About what?" You questioned with a confused tilt of your head.

"It's... Well, I..." Alfonse struggled to find the words, huffing in a frustrated manner as he ran his hand through his hair once more. "I hate how jealous I get whenever I see somebody else acting all friendly with you. I know that it's not like I can keep you all to myself, but it's just... It makes me feel inadequate, somehow."

"Oh..." you breathed out, finally understanding why Alfonse was behaving the way he was. You found yourself smiling, feeling oddly touched that he would love you to that extent to feel that way. You stepped closer to the Askran prince and gently took his hands. You sighed, lessening the distance between you both even further as you laid your head against his shoulder.

"Alfonse... I'm yours," you reminded him. "No matter whoever or however many people are friendly towards me, you're the only one in my heart. You're the only one I love like this. My heart is yours. Everything that I am is yours and yours alone."

Alfonse stared at you for a while, unable to speak. He squeezed your hands, and you squeezed back in return. The prince smiled at you, and he nuzzled his cheek against yours. "You belong to me," he whispered a reaffirmation.

"Mm-hmm. I belong to you and no one else."

[lovelyfeh]

Comin right up my dear! Hope you enjoyed this prompt, angst is still one of my favorite things to write! I used gender neutral pronouns for Grima since you didn’t specify which one! Hope that’s alright!! Hopefully this came out ok or how you wanted it to, if not rewrites are always open!! (I’m so so sorry this is so late but hey!! I’m back everyone :)

┈┈┈┈┈┈┈୨♡୧┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

➼Grima had never been the friendliest hero in the Askrian castle (if you could even call them a hero). Cold, rude, and constantly spouting threats at anyone who even looked at them the wrong way. They were the fell dragon after all, so you were never very surprised when Chrom or Lucina came to you with another complaint about them.

➼But for some odd reason they seemed very... attached to you. At first they had been distant, the same with you as everyone else, but it had barely taken them any time at all before they grew quite accustomed to you. (And it’s not as if you were complaining, while Grima wasn’t exactly friendly their overprotective nature was cute!) You often found yourself spending the day with them, making friendly small talk considering they tried to ignore you or called your talk ‘pointless’ most of the time.

➼As for Grima themselves, they weren’t sure why they were like this towards you. You were nothing, a mere worm in their presence. But the more they listened to your useless chatter, the more you practically glued yourself to their side , they found an odd feeling growing in their chest. Something they couldn’t explain, which was on the verge of driving them mad. Maybe someone had hexed them? They’d be sure to find out who.

➼Grima was one of your strongest heroes, always joining you and your main team to dispatch enemies. They were more than happy to kill, and sometimes even seemed even more eager when killing for you. They showed off the many soldiers that they practically shredded to you, and although it was disgusting, you’d smile sweetly and congratulate them.

➼But even evil gods needed breaks, according to Anna. Today was Grima’s off duty day, and you could tell they were a little more than irritated with this. They followed you around and complained about it all day, repeating the same mantra of how ‘you’d never win without them there’ and ‘they were the strongest god in the entire castle’. You could only roll your eyes playfully at their childish whining.

➼You assured them you would be fine,

➼An hour or two passes before the crackle of magic filled the air, and a burning portal opened between the magic stones. The healer tents and backup heroes that had camped nearby all snapped to alert, but no one came through for a good while.

➼And then their replacement stumbled through, someone slumped over on her back. Her clothes were filthy and smeared with blood, but she didn’t seem injured whatsoever, rather the person crudely bandaged up in stained white cloth on her back was. She called out for healers, shifting the lifeless figure into her arms, and Grima managed to get a good look at the wounded person. And then their heart stopped.

➼That was you. You had been practically ripped open, your cloak in tatters and wrapped around your middle in a desperate attempt to stop your open wound. You weakly writhed in pain as healers frantically rushed to your side and placed hands on your injuries to stop the blood, and the cry you made finally spurred Grima into action.

➼They shove others out of the way, hissing and growling at anyone who challenged them. They pushed their replacement away, cradling your head in their hands and not failing to notice the way your eyes stare blankly ahead.

➼“You idiot! You damned fool! Who did this to you? This wouldn’t have happened if I were there! And now...”

➼You were to weak to argue, instead letting out a small whine and grasping their cloak. They stopped themselves from yelling at you any further, instead redirecting their anger to the rest of the heroes finally retreating through the portal and the woman that went instead of them.

➼While you were whisked away, Grima screeched and yelled at Alfonse until he finally spilled the story. You had been unguarded, left in the open while trying to catch up with your personal guard. An axe wielder had easily cornered you, and before any of them knew it, Mareeta had spotted you stumbling towards them desperately with major injuries and soldiers hot on your heels to finish the job.

➼Grima was angry. Beyond furious. They wanted to find those miserable creatures that hurt you and make them pay. They wanted them to feel exactly what you felt. They wanted them to die.

➼But they waited, worry they would never admit to feeling gnawing at Grima’s cold heart. They ripped flowers to shreds from a nearby field to release the fury building for what seemed like ages until a healer shot a flare to alert any worried heroes that you were in stable condition.

➼The morning sun had disappeared, replaced with purple skies and twinkling stars. You had been in healing for so long that Grima wondered they’d even be allowed to see you, but Lissa fearfully allowed them inside when they arrived.

➼Their heart skipped a beat at the sight of you. You were still, eyes closed. You would’ve looked peaceful if it weren’t for the bloody bandages wrapped around you and your unnaturally pale cheeks. Silently, Grima stood by your bedside, glaring at the spots of blood covering the bedsheets. They would find who did this to you. Even if it killed them, they would put that worm through hell.

➼“Grima....?”

➼They returned their gaze to you, surprised to see you awake at all. Your eyes were tired. They felt another spout of anger rise in their chest, but quickly stuffed it down in favor of gently taking your hand.

➼“You are an idiot. You should have let me come with you. I would have never let this happen to you.”

➼You said nothing, closing your eyes again. They felt you squeeze their hand gently, as if in confirmation of their words. “I’m sorry,” you whispered, “it was my fault I was injured. Please don’t blame Mareeta or the Order.”

➼And of course they did. They were inadequate. Useless pests that could do nothing but panic at the sight of you covered in your own blood. But they did not respond to your words, instead placing their forehead against your hand.

➼“It matters not. For now, rest. I will deal with the vermin who did this to you in the morning. I will be protecting you from now on.”

➼The weak smile you gave them was enough to make Grima’s heart flutter. This was uncharacteristic of them, to be as nice and doting as they were right now, but for some odd reason they didn’t mind you seeing this side of them (that truthfully they didn’t even know they had).

➼As you drifted off back to sleep, hand still in theirs, they thought they heard you say something. It was so quiet, barely even a whisper, but Grima managed to catch the end of it. ‘Love you’.

➼And the Fell Dragon would never admit to you that as you slept, they left a small kiss on your forehead in response to yours words.

[person-of-varying-obsessions]

Lif/Summoner (Part 2)

It wasn’t until three months passed that he finally gathered the courage to visit Zera of his own accord. 

After telling himself over and over that it was fine for him to visit the summoner, he hesitantly made his way to her quarters and quickly knocked on her door. 

She immediately responded with a call of “Just a second!” followed by something falling over. He had to bite back the upward tilt of his mouth at the memories of her little habits and tendencies. A moment passed before the door opened, revealing a semi-disheveled Zera.

“Oh, hello, Lif. Did you need something?”

“Yes.” He quickly went over everything he had planned to say before coming here, making sure he didn’t draw a blank. “I need to talk with you, if you have the time.”

“Of course. Just give me a second to clean up a few things.” Rather than close the door again, she left it open as she turned to walk back inside. He followed her but waited near the door. There were various books strewn about, each opened to a certain page.

Lif noticed one of them by his foot and picked it up. The page it had been opened to showed a sketch of a person’s neck with some kind of dark coloring covered most of it. The parts that weren’t colored were their collarbone and the bottom half of their jaw. Various notes were scribbled on the mirrored page. 

Attempt #1: Healing Magic

Neither Natasha nor Silque could purify it

Even got Mercedes and Flayn to try but nothing worked

Attempt #2: Curse Canceling

Tried to get Tharja to curse me with something that could be removed, but all it did was overlap with the other and be removed, leaving the original as it was

Attempt #3: Physical Removal

I dug my fingers underneath it and pulled as hard as I could, but the only thing that happened was that I started bleeding. Again

Attempt #4: Enchanting Tools

Results are yet to be determined

The book fell from his hands, landing with a muted thud. He could only stare down at what he now knew was a sketch done by Zera of her own neck area. Somehow, he had never noticed that she was in pain, even when he was still the Alfonse of his world. She never mentioned it, nor did she show any signs that she was ever in pain from whatever the curse is.

She must have heard the book fall because she was rushing over in an instant, scrambling to close the book and stack it with the rest. Silence filled the room like a dense fog as Zera was now taking her time cleaning up the rest of her items.

When she finished, she flopped onto her bed with a heavy sigh. Lif walked over to her and stood at the end of her bed.

She slapped the space next to her. “Take a seat if you wish to speak with me.” As she sat up, Lif sat beside her. 

He was quiet at first; in his mind, two topics bounced around. One was the question sitting on the tip of his tongue: what were those notes and sketches about? The second was what he initially came to her for. 

“You seem frazzled. Did something happen?” Instead of choosing between the two foremost topics, he took the indirect approach to getting answers about what was in that journal.

That seemed to shock her, as she stared at him with wide eyes before heaving a sigh. “You could say that.” Their eyes met, and she could see the concerned curiosity in his gaze. She knew exactly which book he had looked at, and it was the worst possible book he could have looked at. Any of the other tomes she had would have been better than her personal journal.

“You do not have to share if-”

“No,” she huffed. “If I can get this to work, then there would have been no need for me to have said anything, and nobody would have to worry over me.” 

Lif glanced away from Zera, fighting off guilt from looking at her journal. 

With practiced motions, she stood and removed her signature cloak, followed by the now-apparent bandages that were wrapped around her neck and collarbone. The bandages were stained with red - most likely from when she tried to use “physical removal” on the curse she has. With the bandages gone, he could see what the sketch tried to replicate.

Some kind of dark substance was wrapped around her neck, stopping between where her head connected to her neck and the very top of her collarbone area. It seemed to be swirling with magic as she turned to face him, allowing the light of her room to shine on it. 

“It is… a curse I’ve had since I was a child. It binds me to one of higher power in the universe and allows her to control me whenever she needs me. However, since I was brought into this world, I have felt a sort of ‘loss of connection’ with her, so I was trying to terminate my connection with her while I was here.”

He moved without thinking, rising from his spot on the bed to see the cursed spot up close. It resembled his own cursed flesh and, as he used two fingertips to touch it, he felt the same sort of power radiating from it. It was a power that came from darkness, a power drawn from the most morbid of curiosities and the most evil of beings. Despite how detrimental this was to Zera’s life, knowing about her curse made Lif feel a stronger relation to her.

“I wonder if the summoner of my world also had this curse…” The words came out without him realizing it. Rather than panic, he just stayed in place, fingers idly stroking the dark area of Zera’s neck.

“She did.” Lif’s eyes widened, but he said nothing. “When she died - rather, when I died - I returned to the realm of my controller. She greeted me with nothing more than curiosity regarding what this world was like. I was brought back by this world’s Alfonse and Sharena, and I realized that, if I am ever cut down again, I will simply return to that realm. No matter what, I will never die so long as she has a hold on me.”

“So you are like me.”

“What do you mean?”

“I have yet to tell you, but I am tethered to those who govern the different realms of this world. They have promised to bring my world back in return for my cooperation, but I am always working to find anything about their weaknesses in order to strike them down if it becomes necessary to do so.”

She reached up to hold his masked face in her hands, regarding him with a painfully sympathetic look. “So you are a puppet of the gods as well…”

His free hand rested over one of hers. “Indeed I am. Though, if my assumption is correct, you were taken by force rather than offered the choice.”

“Your assumption is correct.” She moved her free hand to hold the wrist that was by her neck and squeezed it. “I was manipulated, taken advantage of because my emotions and thoughts were tainted by my circumstances.” As she looked away from him, she muttered something under her breath. Her voice came out as a breath of air, but Lif could tell it was something he had no right to ask about.

He stepped just the shortest bit closer. Their faces were now only an inch apart, his sharp red eyes boring into her own violet and silver eyes.

Her other hand once again rested over his mask, though she used both hands to gingerly remove his mask. She tossed it onto her bed behind him and coaxed him into leaning down to her level. Lif opened his mouth to say something, most likely a protest against whatever was about to happen, but Zera covered his mouth with hers to silence him.

The kiss was slow, her movements working to express what she couldn’t say aloud. He quickly reciprocated, moving both of his hands to cup her head by the base of her neck. The sensation of touch against her cursed flesh was something she had never felt before. She slid her fingers into his hair, entangling them in the short blue strands that resembled his previous self. As she pulled back, she had to catch her breath before leaning in to kiss him again.

This time, the kiss was more impassioned. Lif took hold of her waist and pulled her flush against him. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and pushed herself towards him to hint that he should move back. He followed her silent suggestion, walking them both back so he could sit on the bed’s edge and have her sit on his lap. 

She winced, slowly moving back. He opened his eyes, suddenly concerned. “Did I do something wrong?”

“No. Your armor just… poked me. It hurt.”

He nodded, eyes closed in thought. After a moment, he lifted her, standing so he could set her down, and started removing his armor. She was used to seeing her partner haphazardly throw their clothing on the floor; the meticulous and neat way Lif put his armor away was both strange and endearing to her.

Zera felt warmth run all over her body, though it settled over her face and in her lower body. She could only watch, entranced as he slowly but surely revealed his form to her.

“For the record,” she found herself saying out of habit, “nothing needs to happen tonight. If you are uncomfortable in any way, I-”

She was cut off when Lif, now wearing nothing but his thin trousers, took hold of her hands and knelt before her. “I should be the one saying that, not you. As you said, nothing has to happen. However, if you are wanting, I will stay and please you in any way you may need.”

“I-” Her voice cut out, and she could feel an unfamiliar burning both behind her eyes and in the back of her throat. The last time she had felt this way was with Shiori, and even then, it wasn’t this intense. The love she received from her sister - which she felt undeserving of - was different from whatever spark had ignited the flame between her and Lif.

“I want you to stay.”

“Then I shall stay.” He rose and sat beside her, grabbing his mask and setting it on her bedside table. Taking her face into his hands, he pulled her into another kiss. She returned it with fervor, laying her hands over where his pectorals would be. A shiver went through her as he combed his fingers over her neck once more. He worked to turn them, guiding her with one of his hands to lay down on her side while he laid parallel to her. They parted once more, gazed at each other, then kissed once more.

[pokemagines]

future child. (byleths x reader)

other fics in this series! alfonse // sharena \ fjorm & gunnthra // loki \ michalis // shigure \ zelgius // chrom \ ike // hrid \ ninian // soren

female byleth is named “beleth” in this fic as to not confuse the two !! its just another name for the demon byleth is named after so :O !!! 

Wide-eyed, blinking slowly, Quinn looks around the wide expanse of the noisy corridors of the Askran palace. It was much different than Quinn remembered, though the castle he was from was much more dour and run-down. The sparkling energy resonating off the walls was also new, heroes discussing happily amongst themselves, challenging others to a sparring match, or napping lazily in the sun filtering in through the grandiose windows.

Had he not been on a mission, Quinn would’ve joined the sleeping manaketes, tucking himself under a wing and curling up for hours on end.

Peeking around the corner, he manages to spot a hero he knew vaguely. It was Annette, much younger than he remembered her, but still humming loudly just as he remembered she always did -- even on the darkest of days. Deep within him, he feels the urge to smile, but it doesn’t register on his features.

‘What are you grinning about?,’ He hears Sothis’s voice in his head. Quinn steps out of the way as the ginger skips past him, seemingly on her way across the castle. ‘Annette is still the same, it seems’. Quinn nods, still scanning down the hallway for either one of his parents. He hadn’t seen them in so long, for a moment he wonders if they’d still be the same as he remembers them, like Annette was.

“Why are you standing there for?” Quinn turns slowly upon hearing the voice, Sothis seeming to be spooked as she jumps from her intangible form behind him. “Looking for someone?”

“It’s you.” Quinn whispers, wide eyes growing wider.

“It’s… me?” You put a finger to your chin. “You know me? I don’t think I’ve seen you before…”. The blank expression reminds you a lot of Byleth, but surely that was a coincidence? You had summoned younger versions of heroes before, so that was possible an explanation. Though, you don’t know how the child Byleth would know you.

But Byleth had always been an enigma -- so you wouldn’t be surprised.

“You’re my parent,” he blinks, quickly grabbing your hand. “We should go find papa”.

Had he not referred to his father as ‘papa’ he would’ve almost reminded you of an adult. It contrasted heavily with his appearance, you would bet he couldn’t be much older than six. 

“Summoner,” speak of the devil, but not the right one. “We must talk.” Beleth smiles sweetly at you, her hand holding onto a child that looked eerily similar to one you were holding onto. The only difference was her hair was a bit longer and tied up in pigtails, everything else -- height, build, facial expression -- was much the same. It makes your heart drop, was this your kid as well?

“I’m Quinn,” the little girl mumbles, kicking nervously at the floor. “And y-you’re my... other parent! I’ve been looking for you for so long...”

“But I’m Quinn?” The Quinn holding onto you tightens his grip. He wants to pout, but the being napping deity inside of him is sparse to let him -- forcing an emotion to the surface was nearly impossible for him. “Are we…?”

“The same?” Beleth’s Quinn finishes his sentence, it's then you realize just how similar their voices sound.

“Summoner, who are these people?” Byleth shows himself, a puzzled look on his face as he crosses the stone, boots clicking with every step. The twins both turn to look at him, almost as if in unison. Had the situation not been so strange, you might have made a joke about them sharing the same brain cell.

Quinn pulls himself out of your hand and runs over to Byleth, looking up at him with a hand up, motioning for him to grab it. Byleth holds his hand without a second thought.

“Well, it looks like we have a lot of… talking to do.” You laugh out nervously, eyes darting between the four of them. None of them look angry, just mostly confused. Why did all the strange things happen to you?

‘Yeah, no kidding,’ Sothis yawns from behind, waking up from her nap to take everything in.

                                                -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

“So… you’re saying that I’m both of your parents?” You look from Quinn to Quinn, the two of them nodding in unison. You pinch the bridge of your nose, feeling a headache coming on. As much as you loved Byleth and Beleth, the thought of being a parent so early was a horrifying thought; especially out of the blue. 

“This is a lot to take in.” Beleth whispers, nervously fiddling with the hilt of her sword.

“Yes, yes it is.” Byleth sighs, arms crossed in thought. “I never expected to have children so early. We aren’t even wed yet.” Yet, the implication makes a flush grow on your cheeks.

“But having both of your children?” you bury your face in your hands, you hoped they wouldn’t think you would cheat on them. Sure, you were flirty with the both of them, but you weren’t exactly dating either of them. Courting in Askr was much different than it was where you came from, people seemed to get married here much more quickly. 

“I mean we are the same person,” Beleth leans back against the desk in your room, arm resting on the edge of it. “Same soul and all, just a different universe. Like how there’s another version of me here, with Lady Rhea. Who’s dating Lady Rhea.” Beleth shakes her head as if it was ridiculous to even think of it. Of course it would be preposterous for her to think; considering she comes from the timeline where she took sides with Edelgard, effectively making herself the number one heretic in all of Fodlan.

Byleth smiles, a rare gesture you don’t have the pleasure of seeing often. “I fear to see who the other versions of me ended up with as well.”

Beleth scowls, “don’t worry about them. It seems we ended up with a good person, our summoner.” You flush scarlet under the both of their loving gazes -- so much different from the emotionless duo you remember first summoning. It seems merging with Sothis and being around heroes opened them up emotionally more than you would’ve ever thought possible.

The Quinns sit side-by-side on the floor, looking between all of you as you talk; not grasping everything said but listening intently as if they do.

“S-so you’re both okay with this?” You say, “okay with... me being with the both of you? B-because I wouldn’t mind. I do... well, I think it would be best to talk it through later tonight.”

“Yes, that would be for the best,” Beleth replies, “I think I know what you’re going to say, and I feel the same way if so.”

‘Hm, your parents are most peculiar,’ Sothis floats around the two, ‘definitely different than when I was with them’.

“Miss Sothis says that you both are weird.” Quinn pipes up, tucking a stray bang behind her ear. The room gets so quiet you can hear a pin drop, before three voices yell in unison:

“Miss Sothis says what?!” 

[cinnachuu]

we’re always here for you.

word count: 745 words

warnings/genre: angst, nightmares, etc. comfort fic for everyone completely destroyed by the recent events, alfonse focus with platonic relationship for everyone :))

a/n: I’m still not okay, don’t mistake this fic as mental stability

╰(*´︶`*)╯♡╰(*´︶`*)╯♡╰(*´︶`*)╯♡

The night was calm, serene. It was a warm summer evening, with a gentle buzz luring heroes and civilians alike into their beds, the song of cicadas offering a nice, albeit slightly annoying, ambience. The heroes were busying themselves with nightly preparations, some soaking up the last minutes they had in the training tower, others wandering the halls of the castle with their friends, and some refining their skills in the library.

You, lovely summoner, were enjoying an evening in bed, sleeping peacefully. It was a long evening consisting of difficult adventures, constant arguing due to the fact you tried to pair Berkut with, “commoners,” today. Then you studied strategy with Byleth and Robin, only to be interrupted by a frantic Soleil trying to escape from the wrath of fell Robin.

Great day.

It was all calm in the castle, just the usual mumbling and distant chatter. Until a sharp scream ripped through the air from your room, Alfonse jumping up as Anna and Sharena hurriedly followed.

“Y/n? Was that them?” Anna asked, as Alfonse made quick strides through the halls.

“That’s definitely them, come, they might be in danger!”

“Alfonse, slow down!” Anna prompted, as Sharena sped up faster after Alfonse’s affirmation. Worries gnawed at their minds about what exactly could’ve happened to you, what if they entered your room to find a tragedy?

None of them could shake the idea of you lying limp on the floor.

Alfonse practically burst down the door, to find you sobbing on the floor, the only thing in disarray being you and your bed sheets, thrown all over the place. Your hair was a mess, and your eyes were red and puffy from crying. You were frazzled, evidently, your entire body shaking violently as Sharena ran over and kneeled to your height.

“Y/n, we’re here, we’re right here,” she murmured, grabbing a cloth to wipe your face with as Anna and Alfonse looked on with worry-stricken faces.

“You were all dead! Nothing, there was nothing!” You cried, burying your face in your knees as Sharena rubbed comforting circles into your back, Anna slowly walking over to sit next to you.

“We’re right here Y/n, what are you talking about?” She asked, as you shook your head wildly and continued to sob.

“None of this was real...Alfonse was-Sharena wasn’t...A-Anna, you-“ you couldn’t finish your sentence, breath hitching in your throat as you looked up to Alfonse. “Am I still dreaming?” Sharena shook her head, stroking your hair gently.

“Shhh, no y/n. You’re home, with us!” She grinned ardently, as you stood up suddenly and approached Alfonse, wrapping your arms around him tightly.

“Summoner-“

“They said you were gone, I-I, they said, oh god, Alfonse, you were gone,” you cried into his shoulder, as he slowly returned the embrace, Anna and Sharena joining in to hug you tightly. “I lost all of you, I was, everything I did, it was nothing-“

“We’re right here, y/n. We’re right here.” There was a moment of silence, the room still as you tried to recover from the trauma you faced in the land of dreams. The thought of even losing one of them was too much, and losing Alfonse? Your heart couldn’t even bear to think of it much longer, your head beginning to hurt, the room spinning.

“I don’t want to lose you,” you whispered, Sharena slowly taking you from Alfonse to bring him to bed.

“You’re not gonna lose any of us, y/n. You need to rest, come along, we’ll stay with you until you fall asleep.” You wiped your bleary eyes, laughing exasperatedly.

“I’m sorry for making such a ruckus tonight.”

“You have nothing to apologize for,” Alfonse reassured. “If...If I dreamed of losing any of you, I could never forgive the giver of dreams.” He chuckled and took a seat at the foot of your bed, Anna ordering a guard to bring you a cup of tea to ease your mind, as you stared at Alfonse with soft eyes.

The mortal you care so much for...Defeated death...Alfaoör decided...Prince Alfonse could no longer live.

What if I’m not Princess Sharena? My-My memories!

The world of steel...Why does it seem so familiar?

“Do you all promise this is real? I’m not...I’m not still dreaming?” Anna set down a cup of tea by your bed, smiling and patting your head.

“We’re here. We’re always here for you.”

[flamboyant-king]

Any plans to continue the Leon and Jorge story? I was following it like a soap opera 👀

Oh shit that was just a gag! (A very...articulate gag) But if you wanna know, I did have plans to continue because I was writing like all these scripts and junk for future ideas and thumbnailing more “fake screenshots.”

But here’s the rundown:

-After where we left off, Takumi and Jeorge make it into the Dining Hall. They sit nearby Leon and Niles and it kinda pisses Leon off. Takumi is exasperated and asks out loud how the heck can an S-support just happen like that. Kravice and the Askr Trio jump into action and Kravice and Sharena perform a little skit explaining S-supports can just suddenly happen in a moment of great stress and bonding.

-Leon and Jeorge just side eye each other while Niles gets up to go lose his shit somewhere else.

-The whole thing with Leon and Jeorge (and Niles of course) is to try and just get Leon to open up to them. They may not be the “perfect guys” but they’re still friends, aren’t they? Jeorge keeps using “dates” to get to know Leon better. And Leon keeps reminding himself to keep distant.

-There’s a side story, but just as important, with Titania and Camus getting in a fight over their A-support. Years of support, but still no S-support. Takumi loses it and tells them “Just Support Divorce Already! This is why Jeorge stays at the Aether Resort!”

-Then there was a gag story to break all the “tension” with Kravice running around to find who his 3 Summoner supports would be.

-Leon confesses that he would absolutely stop hanging out with the archer gang if Valbar were ever summoned. Niles is genuinely offended.

-Titania starts considering who to have her next support with...someone with a horse...maybe Frederick...

-Kravice runs up to Jeorge to offer him one of the Summoner support rings, but considering Jeorge hates Kravice, he declines without a word.

-Takumi is still distraught over Jeorge having an S-support just out of nowhere, when Oboro from a different Askr delivers a message for Kravice. She tells Takumi not to worry about S-supports, they can be romantic or they can just be a strong bond, or just something for taxes. (thanks sue-me-wright)

-Taxumi....

-Jeorge enters the WHAC clubroom with Leon slapping Niles across the face and running past him. Niles sits down and takes a drink and tells Jeorge everything that was said. Jeorge just sighs and says he’ll talk to Leon.

-Kravice is wracking his brain over who would be the ideal people to Summoner support for battle benefits. Telling Alfonse that, with the support, the boost will make it easier for Krav not to do anything. Alfonse just walks away without a word.

-Titania and Camus are called into battle with a team makeup of Horse Emblem, and what a coincidence, it’s Titania surrounded by all the cavalrymen she was eyeing.

-Takumi goes to the Aether Resort Inn’s Bar and talks with Astram. Astram tells him about Midia and how they never got an S-support. They don’t need a ring to tell them they’re in love. Astram then says that they still plan to get married, but the rings won’t have a stupid letter on it, but probably a diamond that he’s trying to gather money up for in Askr. He also tells Takumi about Jeorge absolutely being the best man at the wedding.

-Jeorge finds Leon on the hilltop where A-supports sometimes occur, but also where Niles likes vibe. Jeorge and Leon have a heart to heart about past relationships and the risks of taking risks. “Wouldn’t you rather know what it’s like to be with that person and have that momentary bliss than going on with nothing but what ifs?” Jeorge points out that Leon knew exactly where Niles likes to hang out, so he does care. The two sit there until Leon works up the energy to apologize to Niles (and fixes his makeup). Before they leave, Leon tells Jeorge his favorite food, his favorite book, and the exact shade of lipgloss he wears. Jeorge tells him his favorite fruit, his favorite place to relax, and his brand of shampoo.

-We cut into the midst of battle, after Titania rallies all men, they all gallop into the offense. Camus stays near Titania and it dawns on her that he’s only staying by her because the support rings still have the boosts. She tries avoiding him and he notices. They argue while fending off enemy forces. “You’re only by my side because it’s what benefits you!” Turning around to shout at Camus leaves Titania wide open and an enemy takes the opportunity to strike. Camus rushes behind her to intervene and confesses, “Titania! I’ve come to realize something! I am much stronger when I’m with you! Not just in battle, but as a person!” Titania looks at him shocked. She feels the ring on her finger get warm. She looks down at the ring and watches as the “A” burns away and is replaced with an “S.” She feels stronger, so this is what having an S-support feels like. Camus doesn’t see the ring under his fatass Mickey Mouse gloves, but he feels the energy in him grow stronger as Titania approaches his side. They feel in sync like the fire has been rekindled. Let’s get those orbs.

-After running away and avoiding all the “villains” trying to possess Kravice’s summoner support, Kravice hides in his little office where the Askr trio are waiting. “Find anyone yet?” Anna asks already knowing the answer. “All the possible contenders for the support all hate me. I guess I’m just unsupportive or something.” Kravice pouts and goes to his summong chair(tm). Alfonse just comes out and says, “The answer has been in front of you this whole time.” Kravice is quiet looking across at the three of them. When it dawns on him, he puts all three rings in his hands and smiles without a word.

-In the end, Jeorge and Leon cut off the S-support seeing as the don’t need outside forces to tighten their friendship. “I’ll get you to fall for me naturally.” “And the same to you.” Niles then slaps both of their asses (and suddenly the three of them have S-support rings lol). Takumi is relieved to see the “divorce,” but remembers just because an S-support doesn’t need romance, romance doesn’t need an S-support either. So Takumi is going to keep his eye on Leon. Camus and Titania “renewed their vows” and break the news to Jeorge and Takumi. The two archer lads sigh in relief. Jeorge tells Takumi that maybe now he’ll start staying at the ModFam estate more often now that the tension has died down. Kravice and the trio perform another skit describing Summoner supports and the “camera” will fade away when Alfonse can’t improv correctly and they all just laugh. So there you go!

[takurotan]

FEH Book V, Chapter 10: Howling Descent

Part 1: Passion's Madness MID_SCENARIO_OPENING: Fafnir: Go, Gullinbursti! Trample them under your iron hooves. Return the people to the ground they so cherish! Otr: No mercy! Spare no one! My brother demands all tremble before him and perish! Ah-hahahaha!

MID_SCENARIO_MAP_BEGIN: Veronica: What is he doing here? Why attack out of nowhere like this? Bruno: Veronica! Veronica: Brother?! You've...come back? Bruno: I've brought you reinforcements. Alfonse and his companions. Veronica: Oh... Just them? Sharon: Wow! And after we've come to help you and everything! Alfons: What is the situation on the field, Princess Veronica? Veronica: See for yourself... It's not looking good... He has strange soldiers at his command, and we can't compete. And as for Fáfnir himself...he must be some kind of monster. Alfons: It seems he has regained his strength then… For now, all we can do is try to force their withdrawal from Embla!

Part 2: Serene Adherent MID_SCENARIO_OPENING: Otr: Heh... There you are, Summoner. How predictable of you. Now let's not mince words: DIE! This land will be ours! Reghin: Ótr! Listen to me! We've just come back from the Tower of Niðavellir. There's something I must ask you! Otr: ...What? Did you go inside? Reghin: We did. And after what we learned, I've been thinking that...maybe Fáfnir isn't from Niðavellir after all. Or did you know that already, Ótr? Otr: ...Yes, things are just as you say. And now that you know that, all the more reason for me to end your lives here and now! Alfons: Ótr, wait! What were you and Eitri planning?! I need to know! Is there some connection to Fáfnir's true origins? Otr: That is my concern, and mine alone! You lot... Always prying, digging into others' affairs. I'll show you where you belong! Beneath my heel!

MID_SCENARIO_MAP_BEGIN: Marianne: Please, Goddess... Lend me the courage I need…

MID_SCENARIO_MAP_END: Otr: ...Damn it! I have to retreat. I'll pull back and regroup with Fáfnir. ...Where have you gotten to, Brother?

Part 3: Pledged Restorer MID_SCENARIO_MAP_BEGIN: Eirik: I learned how to wield a spear from my brother.

Part 4: Nothing to Report MID_SCENARIO_MAP_BEGIN: Gatekeeper: No matter where I'm stationed, my only concern is protecting the gate.

MID_SCENARIO_ENDING: Fafnir: ... Loki: Welcome back, King Fáfnir. Fafnir: This is it, then? This is what you were after? Loki: Yes, it is indeed... To think they were hiding it here all along. I am unable to enter this temple, so you've done me a great service. Fafnir: If you have what you want, I'll be leaving. Loki: Now, now, don't be so impatient. You don't want to leave just yet. ...Do you know what exactly it was that you laid claim to in the Emblian blood temple? Fafnir: I don't care. Wait—no... This design is familiar… It looks like the tool Askr's summoner carries... Loki: Yes, that's right. This is the summoner's divine weapon Breidablik...or a fake, anyway. There is only one of those in this world and it is held by Askr. This, however, is a mere trinket pieced together by a pathetic sage lusting after the power of the gods. Fafnir: A...sage, did you say? Loki: I caught wind of the little scheme of Eitri's and went to take the weapon for myself. Unfortunately, I was found out too… And that's when it was hidden away in a temple warded against my entry, you see, and… … ...Ah-hem?! Are you even listening to what I'm saying? Fafnir: The sage...created a copy of the summoner's divine weapon? No... It can't be... But if that's true, then...then... That man from my memory! From when I arrived! Tell me who he is, Loki! Loki: To be perfectly honestly, I haven't the faintest idea what you're talking about... Some man? Fafnir: Don't play innocent with me! Loki: Even after all that, I still have no answers for you. I simply do not know what you're talking about. Isn't there someone else you could ask—someone who might actually have the answers you seek? I wonder… Fafnir: Rrr... Otr: Brother! There you are! ...And who is this? Fafnir: Never mind. We're leaving. Otr: B-but, Brother, what about Embla?! Fafnir: It doesn't matter. I have business with Eitri! She will tell me what I want to know. They always do...eventually. Otr: But...why Eirtri? Wait, Brother! What happened?! Loki: Heh... Things seem to be going according to plan. *sigh* I suppose since this fake is no longer of any use to anyone, I ought to destroy it. Oh, Niðavellir, with your seiðjárn… You tried to fly a little too high. You sought to imitate Askr, to add their power to your own. But such power would be too much for any one realm. That is not part of Alfaðör's design...

Part 5: Prince of Light MID_SCENARIO_MAP_BEGIN: Marth: Anri won his battle all alone. I, on the other hand, rely on the strength of my friends.

MID_SCENARIO_MAP_END: Alfons: Niðavellir's troops are withdrawing… Did something happen? Sharon: Whew... They are incredibly strong. Bruno: We made it through thanks in part to your help. For that, I thank you. Reghin: He's gone? No! I still have so many questions! Sharon: It's no use, Princess Reginn! We can't follow them. Reghin: B-Broth...er... Alfons: Princes Reginn? ...Are you all right?! Anna: She's burning up. The shock of what's happened must be setting in. Sharon: Is there a place we can take her where she can rest, Princess Veronica? Veronica: You may bring her along… Just this once. As a token of my appreciation. Alfons: Thank you, Princess Veronica. Fall back, everyone! We need only hold out a little longer!

MID_SCENARIO_ENDING: Otr: Brother! Wait! Fáfnir! Fafnir: Show yourself, Eitri! I'll level this whole "sanctum" of yours with you in it if I have to! Eitri: Ah, King Fáfnir. What lovely timing. I have some matters I'd like to address with you as well. Fafnir: Your affairs don't matter to me. Tell me what you know! Eitri: "What I know"? You'll have to be more specific... Fafnir: Don't play the fool! The false divine weapon you made! The imitation summoning tool! Who used it?! He...he summoned me here, to this world, didn't he?! Otr: Brother! Wh-what are you sayi— Where is this coming from?! Eitri: I'll admit I'm surprised you were able to get that far by yourself. Rather impressive, actually. Fafnir: ...Eitri, if you— Eitri: Of those summoned here before you, you have been the only one to maintain any semblance of sanity. Again, truly impressive. I would go so far as to say praiseworthy, even. Alas, you did lose your memories, so, ultimately...just another in a string of failures. Fafnir: I won't be your puppet any longer! I will strangle you with whatever strings you've bound me with! Where did I come from?! Answer me! Send me back... Send me back where I belong... Otr: Brother, no! Don't say that! Fafnir: I understand now...what I've been searching for all this time. It was on the other side of that summoning gate in Askr... That's why I— I only wanted to go back...all this time... All this time! I wanted to go home! Eitri: Oh, do you really mean that? You're likely to hurt Ótr's feelings. He's your brother, after all… And after he's made so many sacrifices to keep you here! He even helped create a weapon to destroy gates all to make sure you can never return. Fafnir: ...What?! Ótr, you— Ngyahh! Otr: You can't leave, Brother. Without you, what am I? What will I become? Fafnir: What is... Is that Gramr?! Eitri: It had to end at some point, Fáfnir… Perhaps the time has come. Oh! And I will answer your question before I erase you. The answer is something you will find...compelling. That man, the one who summoned you.... It was me. Fafnir: What?! How do... Explain yourself! Who are you?! Eitri: Someone who loves Niðavellir. More than you can imagine. The zeal that beat in the heart of the realm died with the royal bloodline... And yet… It seems our god has not yet abandoned us. *sigh* Now, Fáfnir...you will become an offering on the altar of Niðavellir's next king. Fafnir: Gyaaahhh! The crown... What is it about this crown?! What dvergr curse is— No! Stop! I...don't want to fight anymore! I don't want to kill! Hrrgg... Nyaargghhh! Uwaaghh!

[moe-broey]

LIKE..

[hulloitsdani]

Gather round children it’s time for a Ted Talk about FEH and how I go about drawing these characters.

When making art for this game, I have found immense satisfaction in attempting to meet FEH on its level and remain fairly loyal to the Intelligence System’s approved content we have. This is remarkably challenging. For me, at least. I find this game’s design sensibilities run very counter to my own. That’s not a critique of any in game art of the characters (although I do think they improve greatly over time) as they fulfill their purpose really well. They are meant to be drawn 4 times max which means they can go pretty crazy on the details. But hahahaha I’m not doing that. Clearly. I’m drawing these guys by hand at different angles and posses fairly consistently, which is just not what they were built for. Don’t think when someone designed Kiran they thought of the person who’d be drawing them chilling ontop of a fridge with a bottle of mustard in their hand, you know?

So naturally I got to do some translating! And that’s the really fun part >:]

There are many things I had to find creative answers for, like Kiran’s face and Alfonse’s stupid haircut. But the one rotating rapidly in my brain atm is the Askr quartet in combat. I wanted lean hard into the fact that these four are, well, very human in comparison to every other combatant that enters Askr. They aren’t exactly helpless nor unskilled. If any of the trio raised their blade at Kiran, they’d start digging their own grave themselves. But the group are regular soldiers fighting against straight up warriors of legend. As individuals, Anna, Sharena, Alfonse, and Kiran are not that strong in comparison. No merges for these bitches they gotta work with what they got. However, they all know that. So they make up for their weaknesses through terrifyingly effective teamwork. Through the power of trauma bonding- I MEAN FRIENDSHIP they become a fucking terrifying force of nature. It’s like pissing off an ant hill or a wasps nest. A lancer goes for Alfonse and suddenly theres a swarm of five level 1 heroes making such a distraction that they don’t see Anna’s axe sweep through their Achilles heels or Sharena’s follow up shield bash.

So this means I get to convey their team composition through their body shapes and give them clear strengths and weakness for the others to cover. Which is just so god damn FUN. Like we all know Kiran is the squishiest of the squishy, so it’s really fun to show just HOW squishy they are through the immediate comparison Alfonse and Sharena. I gave those two sturdier square shapes, and thus making them shorter yet stocky. This makes it look like they could fucking launch Kiran’s bony ass to the moon and back. However, that’s on the condition that either of them could catch Kiran, as their tall slim build implies the lightweight speed they move with. Which is so!!!! Fun!!!! Aughhh big love. Kiran could literal use Sharena as cover to snipe enemies from. Meanwhile Anna and Alfonse are a bit ahead using reposition to let Anna provide swift dps without getting too beat up herself. And by reposition, I mean Alfonse using his shield as a jump pad to launch Anna at the enemy with. You know. Just bro things. Anna’s triangle shapes make her both just hearty and lean enough to pull it off, might as well go for it. Just make sure she’s properly supported and safe by the time the enemy phase rolls around you know?

And I swear, the combos just write themselves too. Like between Sharena and Alfonse, a poor soul gets caught in the worst version of ping pong as Alfonse captain America’s his shield between the two of them. Kiran could then use that same shield like Link does and surf out of enemy range, shooting at the enemy the whole way. It’s fun! These guys have the potential to really sync up during combat and be emblematic of their bonds with one another.

Example, Alfonse. Alfonse could TECHNICALLY be a stronger solo fighter if he ditched the shield. He has the constitution and skill to not actually need the extra protection, and if he decided to two hand his weapon (haha there’s a joke there) the damage he could do would be devastating. However, the shield isn’t for his protection, but to be better help to his closest friends. The shield isn’t taking as many hits for him as it is for Kiran and Anna, who can’t afford to carry shields without compromising their own effectiveness. Plus through creative (and probably not intentional) uses it helps better position them on the battlefield. It’s for THEM. The only time he’s going to stop using the shield is when they aren’t there fighting along side him.

Enter Líf.

He hasn’t had a shield for a long time now.

[emotionaldepravity]

May I request an S/O who is turned into a soldier/tactician of Hel (skeleton and all) who begs Alfonse to kill them? Bonus points if all they leave behind is their coat

Late because book 3 has already ended, but eh better late than never. 

     He failed. Alfonse failed. Blood pooled around the arrow wound painting the white of your shirt crimson. A sniper’s arrow, certainly meant for him, would have met his own chest if you had not have shielded him from it. No healer was close to either of you from your vantage point over the battle below. He yelled out for one despite this, holding you in his arms. You whispered that you loved him one last time before closing your eyes for the last time. As tears fell from his eyes, he could feel your warm body grow colder. The fight raged on below, and despite the day being a victory for the order, Alfonse knew the loss of you outweighed any win they could have hoped for. 

       Watching you die while he stood helpless was the worst day of his life. The thought of him being so weak that he couldn’t even protect the one he loved gnawed at his heart and mind. With your death, he knew that your soul would be stuck in Zenith’s Hel for eternity. You would no longer return to the home you talked so dearly about, and eventually, they would even forget you completely. The only thing that kept him going was the thought that you would want him to piece back together what was left of the Order of Heroes and Askr. As time had passed, he learned to grieve. Every moment he learned to be a better king for his people, he let himself cry. He knew that, like Zacharias, he had to let you go if he ever wanted to move forward. You would never return to him, but one day, when he had become a great king that the scrolls deemed worth of recounting his tale, he would meet his end and come find you. Until the day you returned.

    Many years after your death, the scouts warned him of an ever approaching undead army. He knew that Askr was a world in never ending war, and it seemed like this was simply just another battle. Though he had not expected Hel herself to rise up and try to steal the living for her own army. Even worse, he would have never imagined what he saw at her side, you. At first he didn’t recognize you, with your bone barely hidden by the transparent golden gelatin protecting them, but the coat draped over your shoulders was exactly as he had remembered. Despite the tatters and the cream of the fabric faded with age, the look in your eyes was the same as the day you had fallen. Though his eyes saw his heart and mind ached. Was that really you? And if so, did you remember him? Did you hate him for not being able to save you? He had so many things he wanted to say, but first he had to make it to you.

     As if he was meant to charge forward with only himself, he easily cut through droves of worthless soldiers each new body lining a path straight to you. His eyes lingered on you for a moment before he turned his attention to Death herself. A taunt was all he received from the Goddess as she gestured to you, and you walked forward those eyes filled with a grief he had only seen the day you died. He lowered his sword until you unsheathed your own. He wondered if you could see the betrayal he felt. Hardly a few steps away from him, you looked him dead in the eyes.

“Kill me,” you whispered to your former love as you readied a sword in hand. You didn’t give him the chance to speak before continuing your speech with a slash of your rusted sword. 

“Hel can’t revive me a second time, its the only way, Alfonse. I’m sorry that I have to hurt you again, but I can’t even control my own body.”

        The skilled slashes that accompanied the tearful expression on your face proved to him that your words were true. With one quick thrust, he ripped the gold gelatin of your body apart. You didn’t cry out at his attack even as you fell to the ground. Once more, he found himself holding your dying body in his arms with no way to save you. As you whispered good bye, your body turned to ash. Only the coat that you had worn for as long as he had known you with stayed behind. Alfonse slipped it into his pocket as he aimed Fólkvanger at Hel.

[summoner-stones]

Perchance to Dream in Askr

Original Idea/Prompt by @skullman2033

Thank you for donating! Here’s the drabble as promised!

Rating: General

Words: 1505

Summary: As the Askr Trio is dealing with the Dökkálfar, Kiran remains missing. Trapped in a nightmare dream, Kiran finds himself blending between reality and a nightmare. What awaits him in this fantasy?

A sweet fragrance. A gentle wave of sleep. And the promise of an inviting dream. 

The first thing he feels is the soft bed underneath him. It’s warm and tempting, a coax to envelope him completely. It takes him several times for him to try and open his eyes, but his eyes are still blurry, and he can’t seem to grasp where he is. In a brave attempt he tries and gets up in one go, but his legs fail from underneath him and he tumbles onto the floor. The thud is loud, but he’s surprisingly...not hurt. While laying on the ground, he tries to remember what happened. He remembers a village, his friends, his own role as Summoner. 

Friends! He springs up. “Alfonse, Sharena, Anna?!” he frantically looks around the familiar room. It’s familiar and it scares him. He shouldn’t be back to his world, he should be in Askr, his mind races with answers. 

He quickly ran to the bathroom for a moment to calm down and think, tripping on his feet along the way. He shakily turns on the faucet and lets the water fill up to the brim. His legs threatened to buckle from underneath him, and only the sound of the running water seems to be calming his thoughts. In an attempt to calm himself, he cups his hands and splashes his face with water. Water that has no feeling.

He wavers for a second like he’s on the verge of realization and the thought disappears just like that. The mirror when he looks up shows his reflection...but it’s not quite right. It feels like he’s getting pulled in different directions, between here and…? And? Between where again?

In another episode of weakness, he stumbles backward and he slumps against the bathroom wall. He feels himself slipping from consciousness again, but the sudden opening of his bathroom door startles him and he doesn’t know how he should feel when he sees three familiar faces in front of him.

Alfonse, Sharena, and Anna.

“Kiran?” Alfonse looks down at him in shock.

“Kiran! Oh my gosh, are you alright?” Sharena bends down and grabs his hand. “Did you get hurt? Did you faint or something?” 

“We should get some help, maybe take him to the infirmary? He doesn’t look okay.” Anna suggests. 

Kiran shuffles away and quickly gets up as the three watch him with concern. “I-I’m fine, really. I just...,” he wavers, “I’m just a little confused.”

“Are you sure you’re okay, Kiran? You sound scared,” Sharena says.

He rubs his eyes and blinks back at them repeatedly like he’s waiting for them to disappear out of thin air. But they’re still here.

“W-Where are we exactly?” Kiran asks.

Alfonse can’t help but frown. “We’re in your dorm, Kiran. You know...our college dorm.”

Kiran doesn’t respond, his eyes looking around for answers. He nods, “Right...our college dorm, how could I forget,” he quietly says. 

“You sure you didn’t drink last night Kiran, I swear you’re acting so strange,” Anna questions.

“No no I’ll be fine, I promise,” the trio make room for him as Kiran scoots out of the bathroom. Sharena and Anna hesitate but eventually follow him back into his room. Alfonse frowns at them. His gaze cold, and his expression unamused. 

“Maybe you just need some food in you, Kiran, that might pick you up!” Sharena says cheerily.

Kiran wavers on feet, “Yeah maybe, but right now?”

“Yes, you need to get better, right now!” Sharena pulls on Kiran’s arm roughly and starts dragging him outside.

“Ow, ow!” Kiran tries to protest, but Sharena’s grip only gets stronger. He finally manages to pull away from her grasp, holding his arm close to himself. “W-What the hell, Sharena?” he looks at her, his eyes looking for an answer.

And for a split second, just a second, he sees a twisted expression on her face. A face he never thought Sharena could ever make. But just like that, it disappears and is replaced with a sickly, sweet smile. 

Sharena laughs awkwardly and scratches the back of her head, “Sorry, Kiran. I’m just really worried about you that’s all,” her voice drops to a low, monotone voice, “I promise it won’t happen again.”

Kiran swallows his fear and he justs nods and walks in front of the trio, keeping his arms close and wrapped around himself. Even as he walked in front of them, he could feel their eyes digging daggers on his back. This uneasiness...this fear...something wasn’t right. As he kept walking down the twisting hallways, his arm kept throbbing, a bruise threatening to form. This was...the first time he’s felt pain since he woke up. Sharena’s vice grip had left a mark on him and on his mind. There was no sense of familiarity for him in this place, except the comforting warmth of his hoodie.

After what seems like forever in his mind, they finally arrive at the mess hall. He’s greeted with a sight that almost sets his heart at ease. 

The mess hall is lively and packed full of familiar faces. It’s the heroes. His friends. All right here like nothing was wrong. For a second, it feels like everything is alright like this was normal. But even then his body refused to move forward because he was afraid to lose himself...to whatever this was. 

“Come on, let’s get something to eat,” Alfonse coaxed him forward. He mindlessly walks by their side as the four of them start ordering food. As the others get their lunch, Kiran takes a peek at the people sitting in the tables nearby. 

It really is them. The heroes he’s known and grown to care for, all acting like nothing was wrong. It was strange to seem them so carefree, so happy. Their biggest worries were probably about their classes and upcoming tests, not ruling kingdoms or fighting in wars. A happier life. Was this for the best?

Somehow between getting food and his own daydreaming, he’s already sitting down with Alfonse and the others in their own small table. He looked down at his food and frowned, he really didn’t have an appetite right now. But they talked and bickered with one another like nothing was wrong.

“You should eat your food, Kiran. It’ll get cold,” Anna nudged him with her elbow. “Oh, right, did you pay for it?” Kiran scratched the back of his head. “I can pay you back. I guess I wasn’t paying attention at the counter.” 

She waved him away as she kept eating her food, “It’s okay, I don’t need it. That’s not important right now.”

Suddenly the food became nauseating to look at. Anna not caring about money? The second wave of nausea hit him as it felt like the curtain hiding away the truth was reeled back. Anna’s number one love in the world was money, it always has been. It will never change, so whoever the person that was sitting next to her was, it certainly wasn’t Anna.

He stood abruptly, scooting his cafeteria chair back all the way, grabbing the attention of those around him. “Kiran, you alright?” someone asked. Everything felt too quiet, everything felt too blurry, too quick. He felt like he was about to die. But the one thing that he could feel was the piercing eyes of everyone around him like a million eyes waiting for his response, and he was terrified of the consequences he would face if he angered them.

He gulped and nodded. “Y-Yeah, I’m good. I just need to use the bathroom real quick, that’s all.” 

As he started to walk away, a hand stopped him. Alfonse had grabbed his wrist, almost twisting it, gentle, but firm. “Just know you’re here with us, Kiran. Don’t forget...we’ll always be with you.” 

Had this been his actual friends, the statement would have saved him, but coming from them, he felt his life almost collapsing. “Of course,” Kiran smiled weakly and slipped from Alfonse’s grip. 

In a flurry of steps, he somehow ended up finding his dorm, even in the distressed state of mind he was in. He barely stepped inside when he started crying. The tears kept flowing as he finally realized how bad his situation was. He was in some sort of world with fake doppelgangers of his friends who kept him in line with seemingly no way to return back. 

What could he do? He had no magic, no way to defend himself (not like could), and no ally in sight. He was just a human. Just him.

He remembered what that Alfonse had told him. ‘Don’t forget, we’ll always be with you.’ And even though it wasn’t truly his friends who said that to him, in his mind he truly wanted to believe that. For if he didn’t have that tiny sliver of hope, he’d be afraid to lose him.

‘Please find me. I know you will.’

And so Kiran kept dreaming, for now.

[crystalelemental]

With Book 4 in FEH out of the way, I guess it’s time to talk about the stories so far.  Book 2 is still the best, in my opinion.

I don’t think I’ve really talked about this, so let me explain.  Book 1 sucks.  It’s nothing, it doesn’t even try.  The only hint of events occurring is that Veronica’s possessed by some evil dragon god of Embla, but that never got resolved in any way, and has really never been brought up again.  We’re so far outside of that plotline that Veronica’s basically a dedicated ally now.  Nothing about that book had a plan.

Book 2 had a plan, and a structure, and it worked.  It wasn’t flashy or interesting, and I can respect anyone whose stance is that Book 3 or 4 had a more interesting concept.  I personally liked the cast overall for Book 2, even though some got limited screen time and Surtr’s about as boring a villain as you can have.  But Book 2 wins because Books 3 and 4 flopped.

Book 3 flopped because they backed out.  The idea of the realm of the dead is cool, and facing off against the god of death is cool.  But the god of death is about as stock standard evil as you can get, with no actual plan beyond “swell the ranks of the dead.”  Why massacre these worlds?  Why does she need to kill Eir a million times to create more of the dead, shouldn’t you have plenty?  Like it doesn’t add up.  And Eir starting out as the concept of Merciful Death was amazing, that was the best setup possible.  And then it turns out no, she’s not even associated with death, she’s with the life dragon in opposition, none of that was real.  Oh okay. Way to undermine your entire theme for nothing I guess.  Also I hate to be like this, but I actually dislike the Veronica and Alfonse as Thrasir and Lif thing.  I thought it was substantially more interesting when they were presented as the ancient rulers of their kingdoms.  But then no, it’s just Veronica and Alfonse, and while Thrasir continues to get nothing except being omnicidal for funsies, Lif gets all the heavy drama and dialogue and focus, because god forbid this story stop riding Alfonse’s dick for five seconds.  Book 3 had interesting concepts that just didn’t pan out, and the characters all wound up being less interesting than they initially started out.  Also, let’s be real.  For a fucking DEATH GOD, they sure had no problem working around her ability to inflict absolute death in the most standard way possible.  Which kind of immediately nerfed Hel’s threat level for me, not gonna lie.

Book 4 started out interesting, immediately tanked harder than I’ve seen anything in this game tank, had a redemption arc, and then decided it had enough of success and ended in a pathetic squelching fart noise.  Fairies and dreams?  Awesome.  Aesthetic approved.  But it takes them like two chapters to introduce Plumeria as the fucking wet dreams fairy, and immediately all sense of this being serious is dead.  They even had the audacity to outright explain that no no, she may be the lewd fairy, but she doesn’t actually like that job!

Listen guys.  I get it.  You know the sexy outfits and character designs sell, but you also know that people are insane, and they somehow expect the slutty fairy to present this concept of being exclusively available to them so you can sell that fap bait.  I really get it.  But oh my god you could not have handled this any worse, because now that just feels like rape fetish.  “No no, her job is to be a prostitute, but she’s not a slut because she hates it!” is not the save you think it is, friend.  You’d have been better off either giving her a sadistic streak with this and enjoying toying with people who can never truly have her, or just making her slutty.  That would’ve been so much less uncomfortable.

So until the halfway point, we’re kinda just dealing with the fact this incredibly uncomfortable character just exists around here.  And then Freyja drops.  And initially it’s like oh, I just appreciate there’s an evil fairy whose costume design isn’t a fucking disaster, she actually looks good.  And then they have her motivation being assuming complete control over dreams by taking her brother’s power, and ensuring that the dream world can’t die like it almost had.  And they introduce this really cool concept of her taking in abandoned children and giving them a new life as the fairies, and...well...

Plumeria.  Again.  Okay, so it wasn’t quite enough that we had a fairy who’s apparently forced into being the wet dreams fairy despite hating it, now she’s also a child who was abandoned by her mother and is desperately seeking to be loved.  This is...this is next level of discomfort.  Plumeria’s character bothers me.  Like sure, fine, I get that this isn’t a badly developed character or anything, but it’s never really addressed how absolutely fucked up this is, and it’s especially disquieting considering this is IS’ sexy character for the book.  This is their sex appeal pandering character, and this is the direction they wanted to go.  Just...ew.  Come on, guys.  Have at least a bit of class, will you?

But the rest of the book at least continues to amp things up.  Are Peony and Sharena actually swapped around?  Freyr is dead, and Freyja is now literally unstoppable within the dream.  Oh shit, Alfonse is fucking dead.  There’s all this cool stuff happening, and then the final chapter happens.

Are Peony and Sharena actually swapped around?  Who cares!  Game’s not gonna tell you, because “it doesn’t matter.”  Well good, glad that was a huge mystery that didn’t need solving so nobody bothered.  Why even bring it up?  The message of “It doesn’t matter” only works if there’s a crisis of identity and you’re getting the support of your long-time friends.  Instead it’s just a mystery thrown in for nothing with no value, and the “it doesn’t matter, you’re my friend” comes from someone Sharena has no actual memories of and has only been around for like...a couple of hours or however long these events take place.  It’s a completely meanningless subplot that goes nowhere and does nothing.

Freyja went from the villain tormenting the protagonists to suddenly having empathy toward everyone at the drop of a hat.  They set up the frustration of not understanding why we’d fight so hard to return to reality when dreams are more comforting, but that doesn’t really establish much about Freyja herself.  We get exactly one moment, where she calls for Triandra and Plumeria only to realize they’ve died, and feels sad about it.  So when she gives up and everyone returns to reality, everyone’s back.  Triandra and Plumeria are fine.  Peony and presumably Mirabilis are fine.  Alfonse isn’t actually dead so what was the point of bringing it up?  Oh, but Freyja’s dead.  How?  Don’t...don’t worry about it.  She just is, okay?  Also if both masters of dream are dead, and the dream world was already dying before...how are the fairies still there?  Wasn’t the point that all the old ones were dying because people from the real world (don’t even get me started on that bullshit) gave up on dreaming, and thus they needed to make humans into fairies to keep the dream world going?  How are you all here as fairies?  Explain??  Game?!?

And then they just...loop back to the start.  Like nothing happened.  Because nothing did happen.  For all the interesting setup, all the interesting concept behind the new characters, and especially behind Freyja as an antagonist...it goes nowhere.  The ultimate defining feature of this book was “Pointlessness.”  Nothing mattered.  No one did or accomplished anything.  Except I guess killing the god of another realm, good job guys.  I just...I don’t get it.  What was the point of any of this?  Maybe Book 5 is going to focus on Triandra and Plumeria wanting to join up and have you help get Freyja back, so there’s continuity, I don’t fucking know.

I honestly don’t know where I’d rank Book 4.  I want to put it above Book 3 based on concepts and the fact that Freyja was actually interesting, just rushed to her development in the last book so it felt forced.  But on the flip side, Book 4 was incredibly pointless.  At least stuff happened in Book 3.  Sure it undermined its entire theme and purpose, but stuff happened!  You can’t say stuff didn’t happen!  But I can definitely say that Book 2 is the only one I think turned out well.  Because it was self-contained and made sense.  Yes it was simple, but using simple tools to tell an effective story will always be better than trying to reach for complexity and falling flat on your ass.  And yes, IS, I’m telling you maybe you should stop trying.  Between two consecutive failed books and some of the Forging Bonds events of the last year just...completely doing nothing or even hurting the characters presented...maybe just...don’t try to be complicated.  Because you’re not doing a good job.