#now that i think about it seeker really suits her well

[savingsallow]

— what got val smiling like that?

[technicallyfriendly]

This is for my friend @godofstory, but I invite everyone to share their ideas and opinions in the comments or rebloggs whichever you prefer!

Hogwarts!AU, let's go! Before I start, however, I want to clarify that most of the adults in my headcanon work at the ministry. Only Daemon, Alys, Laena, and Viserys work at the school.

Daemon is the teacher for defence because i think it'd be really funny, the students are either afraid of him or absolutely in awe of him no in between. Alys is the potions professor who sometimes tries her newest concoctions on Daemon, who seems to have a strangely high immunity to poisons. Laena is the flight instructor and former professional quidditch player because I think it'd be cool, and Viserys is the headmaster who took over after he retired as minister of magic. Rhaenyra is the new minister of magic, obviously, and Otto is forever salty about being her under secretary because I like to see him suffer.

For house placement, I'm going with the idea of what each one valued the most at the time of sorting, similar to Canon Harry Potter and I'll start with the eldest, Aegon.

Aegon is sorted into Slytherin because he didn't want to disappoint anyone. It was kinda Targaryan tradition since Aegon the First himself was sorted into said house. He absolutely does not fit the type, but he tries. He really does. Politics is just so tedious, and there is just so much more fun to be had, like flying, for example. Why should he lead the house like his mother keeps telling him to when he could just become quidditch captain one day instead.

Helaena is sorted into Hufflepuff because she does not care one bit about her mother's expectations. She loves care of magical creatures and possesses all of Scamander's books (original and signed, of course). Sure, she has a gift for divination, but she hates it and rather spends her time in the forbidden forest, despite it being, well, forbidden, and she somehow despite never having witnessed anyone die managed to befriend the Thestrals.

Aemond, like Aegon, ended up in Slytherin, too, of course, which suits him much better than his older brother. He idolises his defence professor, uncle, and former Auror Daemon Targaryan and has a slight crush on Alys Rivers, the potion professor. Though nothing trumps his obsession with his nephew, who, in a bout of accidental magic, took out his eye. Aemond himself was not completely blameless in the incident, having forced his nephew into a corner, but that knowledge does not cool his anger one bit. Though, is it really hatred that motivates his obsession? Or is it an emotion of a much more possessive nature? Whatever it is, Aemond certainly is not ready to explore it further as of now.

Jace and Baela both got sorted into Gryffindor. They and Rhaena started their time at Hogwarts at the same time, and as best friends were over joyed to be in the same house. Both brave and bold, benefiting leaders they would turn out to be some day. Unfortunately, the gossipers of wizard high society took this in Jace's case as another confirmation of his status as a bastard son, but they were silenced over time as Jace rose through the student roster and even became head boy of Hogwarts later on. Baela took after her mother and made her name as the best quidditch captain the house of Gryffindor has ever seen. Though, she did not only have a talent for quidditch but also for duelling, and she often demonstrated that skill to defend her girlfriend Helaena from bullies. Cementing quickly that messing with her would be a certain mistake. Jace himself, much to his own consternation, fell for Slytherin's seeker, who turned out to be quite different from all the mean-spirited rumours spread about him.

Rhaena was sorted, surprising absolutely no one, into Ravenclaw. While quiet and unassuming, she would one day shock everyone and become Head girl of Hogwarts. Eventually graduating with the highest honour starting a career under Unspeakable Jeyne Arryn herself. Despite her not being the troublemaker her siblings and cousins turned out to be, she was quite adept with spell work, and people out to bully her learned their lesson rather quickly.

Daeron, much like Rhaena being an often forgotten child in the mix of the Targaryan and Valeryon children, was also sorted into Ravenclaw. He even rose to the position of Ravenclaw quidditch captain and would have turned out to be the Baela's greatest obstacle in winning the inter-house quidditch cup if it wasn't for Aegon being a surprisingly competent seeker for house Slytherin.

Lucerys valuing loyalty the most gets sorted into Hufflepuff. This just pours more gasoline onto the already burning rumour mill until they witness him first throw down with his uncle Aemond, who is trying to make Lucerys' life at Hogwarts difficult. Their monthly spats become one of Hogwarts' greatest entertainments for the next few years until Aemond graduates. That is until Daemon, of all people, catches them making out in a broom closet. Not that their fights subside, but now they often end in the privacy of the Room of Requirements after Daemon got sick of trying to kill Aemond every time he caught them.

Joffrey, much like his eldest brother, would later get sorted into Gryffindor, while Aegon the Third, Viserys the Second and little Visenya would get sorted into Slytherin to cause havoc long after their elder siblings had graduated.

[drinkyourvillainjuice]

I see you've talked about how the Hounds view the Altruists, but how do the our fellow Altruists view the Hounds? :)

Dion

Vantage - The biggest threat by far. Precognitive abilities are already dangerous, and doubly so in the hands of a competent leader.

Surpass - Feels he has her number psychologically to an extent, but also aware that she's now got a real chip on her shoulder about him. Still, hotheads are hotheads.

Enfilade - Competent and professional, not somebody to underestimate.

Portrait - A lesser priority. Shouldn't be ignored, but he's not a heavy hitter and there's no reason to treat him as such.

Arcade - Similar to Surpass, a hothead. His power is also hard-countered by Dion's so yeah.

Phalanx - A good fighter with a versatile power, and importantly has a good grasp on it too. Dangerous.

Mal

Vantage - Precogs gonna precog. Sometimes you can work around those kinds of powers, but it'd be stupid not to take her seriously.

Surpass - Nothing worse than a meathead with super strength. (Thinks considerably worse of her if she hurt Dime)

Enfilade - Honestly don't get why a person like this leaves the DPR. Soldier mentality isn't for independent heroes.

Portrait - Gotta love a trier.

Arcade - Must suck to be the corporate-mandated prettyboy. Always fun to mess with guys like this.

Phalanx - You're dressed up as a knight, fighting people in spandex: why are you taking yourself so seriously?

Wil

Vantage - Respects the guts of going maskless, wary of her capabilities. Harbours some resentment: she's the leader, so she's the reason that downtown got blown up.

Surpass - Kind of scary. That powerset is no joke.

Enfilade - Weirdly reminds them of some of their older punk friends? Which doesn't even make that much sense but oh well.

Portrait - Fond intuitively of artists, but feels that the guy represents lip service to the Hounds helping the wider community.

Arcade - Ugh. Spandex. Really?

Phalanx - The eye to aesthetics would be great if the whole, suit of armour thing didn't completely nullify their power. Hopes not to run into her in a 1v1.

Kay

Vantage - Reallly not comfortable with the idea that her actions can be predicted. Pretty glad that Dime fought her and she didn't have to deal with that.

Surpass - Tough! Really tough! Kind of incredulous that she can handle her even a little.

Enfilade - Who the heck thought it was a good idea to give a superhero a freaking harpoon gun!?

Portrait - He walks the walk more than the others with heroing that isn't just hitting people.

Arcade - Sort of... fun? Getting to banter makes things feel less serious. Interaction between their powers is kinda cool.

Phalanx - Intimidating.

Teddie

Vantage - Know it all.

Surpass - Talks too much.

Enfilade - Tough fighter.

Portrait - Attention seeker.

Arcade - Twink.

Phalanx - Hits like a truck.

[theluckywizard]

Rumors

This is a self-contained fic about the rumors Garrett Hawke faces about his relationship with Inquisitor Rose Trevelyan upon returning from Crestwood. Leliana confronts him about their relationship. It pairs with Chapter 65 of my long fic In the Shattering of Things! WC: 2189 Rating: T

Excerpt below the cut 👇

“Do you always take people to the wine cellar for job offers?” he asks, reaching up for a bottle on the highest shelf to examine the label while his old friend sets her torch in the sconce.

“There are few places of true discretion in this wreck,” she says evenly. “Sit.”

Hawke raises his brow. He knows he ought to follow her directives— there’s a careful management to her tone that says so— but he’s feeling peevish having seen Rose and having failed to connect. He turns to tower over Leliana.

“I think I’ll stand.”

“Suit yourself,” she says.

“You didn’t see fit to interrogate me before,” he says, calling her game. “Unlike the Seeker.”

“You aren’t that mysterious, I’m afraid,” she chuckles. “Besides, what makes you so sure I didn’t?”

He laughs softly. “I don’t seem to recall answering a litany of questions.”

“There are ways to interrogate without throwing someone into a chair in a dimly lit room, Hawke.”

“Well, I can see that I’ve arrived,” he says, gesturing at the space. “What can I do for you, Nightingale? I used to watch you weave dandelion crowns for the village kids you know. You can’t scare me.”

Leliana sets her mouth and bores into him with unblinking gray eyes. It’s a different kind of intensity than when they were both young in Lothering. She’d buried the danger under fervor and lightness of spirit back then. And now her stare is filled with a thousand horrors and thousand more that have yet to be.

“Really?” he says, feeling the weight of it.

She persists. Hawke squirms.

“Dash it all. What ?”

“I know you’ve been sleeping with the Inquisitor.”

“You’ve been watching her?” he asks, incredulous. Leliana’s brow tilts as if his obtuseness surprises her and he snorts and reaches up to run both hands through his hair. “You’ve been watching me.” He paces while he chews on the implications— what had they seen? What did they think of them?

“Put yourself in my position, Hawke,” she says placidly. “I’m not foolish enough to believe my old friends cannot have hidden motives. Even before you left for Crestwood I could see the potential for influence. None of it mattered until you had her ear.”

“And you don’t trust your prior intelligence? ”

“Our prior source was Varric.”

He puffs his lips and starts organizing bottles again, picking up a label that’s become unglued. “Well I can’t argue with that. Since you seem to think I’m bad news for your boss, do your thing, Spymaster.”

Read the rest here!

DAFF Tag List:

@warpedlegacy | @rakshadow | @rosella-writes | @effelants | @bluewren | @breninarthur | @ar-lath-ma-cully | @dreadfutures | @ir0n-angel | @inquisimer | @crackinglamb | @nirikeehan | @oxygenforthewicked | @mogwaei | @exalted-dawn-drabbles | @melisusthewee | @blarrghe | @agentkatie | @delicatefade | @leggywillow

[carewyncromwell]

Day 1 (Quidditch) for @hphm-ship-week

x~x~x~x

"Can you give me one reason why You'd ever let me down? I won't believe it baby, but I'll try -- The truth's gonna come around...

The sky is the limit now! We can hit it on the nail, And when we do, I'll think about you..."

~"Skies the Limit" by Fleetwood Mac

x~x~x~x

In the Quidditch world, a person who can play more than one position well is a valuable thing. Oftentimes that player would be really good in their primary position while still being capable in that secondary position. Ethan Parkin, for instance, was best as a Beater, but he once took over as his team's Keeper after the first one was knocked out with a Bludger half-way through the game. In fact, all Parkins grew up learning about all four positions, even if they ultimately chose one over all the others.

A true triple- or quadruple-act in Quidditch, though -- someone who could play three or even all four positions well -- was incredibly rare. But hey, there's a reason people call Orion Amari a Quidditch prodigy.

Although on the Slytherin team, Orion played as Chaser (and from fourth year on, served as Captain), he was so adaptable and talented at Quidditch that he managed to master the other three positions as well by the time he was thirteen. This helped him with training new players as well as his more seasoned teammates. His extensive knowledge of flying and the different positions also resulted in him creating several brand-new Quidditch techniques while he was still at school -- Tossing the Torch, where a Beater threw their bat to a teammate to protect themselves from a Bludger; the Wronkski Fake-Out, a variation of the Wronkski Feint where a Seeker leads the enemy Seeker on a wild goose chase thinking they saw the Snitch to distract them and wear down their stamina; and of course his signature move, Inspired Broom-Surfing. A lot of these techniques took center stage when Orion engaged in Quidditch friendlies.

Unlike his teammate and friend Skye Parkin, Orion wasn't particular about who he played with in friendly matches, and thanks to his talent in all four positions, he also wasn't particular about which position he played. One of his favorite people to play with, however, was a person who'd once been on the Slytherin team and Orion dearly hoped would someday return to it -- Hogwarts's infamous "Cursebreaker," Carewyn Cromwell.

When Orion first met Carewyn, he'd assessed that she'd had the body type suited to a Seeker, but she quickly turned out to be a Chaser through and through. She flew in only one official match -- the first in Orion's fourth year, against Hufflepuff -- but she left a lasting impact on the team and on Orion in particular, and even with her departure after a falling out with Skye, Orion left the door open for Carewyn to rejoin his Quidditch "family" whenever she wished. Fortunately, although Carewyn was preoccupied with dealing with the Cursed Vaults and finding her lost brother, she would still try hard to make some time to play in friendlies alongside her Quidditch friends, Gryffindor Seeker Charlie Weasley and Ravenclaw Keeper and Reserve Seeker Andre Egwu. And, as you can expect, this also allowed her to fly again alongside and even sometimes against her team's Captain.

x~x~x~x

The first time Orion and Carewyn flew in a friendly match together, they were on opposing teams.

Carewyn had come with her new friend and fellow fourth year Charlie, so they joined the same friendly team. And as luck would have it, Orion ended up on the other team as their Star Chaser.

Orion's team ended up taking the lead early. Carewyn had been so startled and happy to see Orion that he took advantage of her lack of focus and -- with a broad, delighted smile -- stole the Quaffle out from under her and her fellow Chasers to score twenty points against the Keeper in the span of just five minutes. Carewyn pretty quickly got her head into the game and immediately set about taking Orion head-on. Soon they were chasing each other all around the field. Carewyn would try and fail to disturb Orion's balance, only to predict his move and block his goal before it could fly past her Keeper. Orion would try and fail to block Carewyn, only to silently sneak up beside her and swipe the Quaffle out from under her arm.

The game ended 200-100, thanks to Charlie catching the Snitch.

"Your focus has improved," Orion told Carewyn after the fact.

Carewyn gave an irritable huff. "Hardly! You outscored me by fifty points."

"Success can be proportional, Carewyn Cromwell," said Orion calmly. "It's unsurprising that a formidable Chaser would be less of a threat when playing alongside less experienced teammates."

He smiled.

"You did very well today."

Carewyn, still clearly not happy with herself, nonetheless felt the corner of her lips turning up slightly.

"...Mm, not nearly as good as you. But thank you."

x~x~x~x

The next time Carewyn and Orion collided at a Quidditch friendly that year, they were on the same team. This time, though, all the positions but one had been filled by the time Orion strolled in, so he ended up playing as Beater.

Carewyn honestly wasn't sure how Orion would do in the position. He was such a pacifistic personality, it was kind of hard to imagine him acting aggressively. But to her immense surprise, Orion showed an astounding amount of both strength and control while wielding the Beater bat. Rather than smack the balls at other players indiscriminately to knock them off their brooms, he took a very measured approach. He'd lie in wait like a wild cat and then lash out, hitting a Bludger into another player at just the right angle to hit their arm and make them drop the Quaffle. Other times he'd redirect a Bludger mid-flight and send it careening into the opposing Keeper, forcing them to dodge and in the process let the Quaffle in. The most notable moment of that friendly match came, though, when Carewyn was just about to score and Orion -- appearing seemingly out of nowhere -- flew up in front of her to whack a Bludger right back at the rival Beater who'd initially smacked it toward her. The Bludger hit the opposing Beater squarely in the chest and winded him so badly that he nearly fell off his broom as Carewyn scored.

"Score!" cried McNully from somewhere in the stands. "Ten points!"

Carewyn flew up alongside Orion, exhaling in relief.

"Are you all right?" Orion asked.

His face was calm, but his black eyes grazed her frame quickly.

Carewyn nodded. "Mm-hmm. Thanks to you."

Orion's features softened.

"Anemones sting as part of their nature," he said. "But that doesn't mean they aren't happy to know that their nature can protect the clownfish they call their friend."

Carewyn grinned amusedly. "I think that bloke's going to do a bit more than just sting, after how hard you hit him with that Bludger."

"I shall deliver a proper apology and some Wiggenweld Potion after our victory," Orion said coolly.

x~x~x~x

The seventh time Orion and Carewyn collided during a friendly -- which was also the first time in Carewyn's fifth and Orion's sixth years -- the two ended up on opposing sides again: this time with Carewyn playing support to her boyfriend Andre Egwu as Chaser and Orion opposing them both as Keeper.

Carewyn had always been a perfectionist. It's something she and Andre had in common, and when the two had been dating, this feeling was only magnified in them, as they wanted to do perfectly both for their own sake and so as to look good in front of their partner. This made it so that when Orion effectively blocked every single goal Carewyn threw at him in those first thirty minutes of the friendly match, both she and Andre were absolutely beside themselves.

"I thought," Andre huffed in exasperation after blocking his tenth goal in the span of ten minutes, "that Amari was supposed to be a Chaser!"

"Orion is many things," Carewyn said tiredly.

"Well, right now, what he is is getting on my nerves," Andre fumed.

Orion seemed to have sensed he'd gotten under his opponents' skin. He was standing in mid-air on his broom in front of the hoops, balancing on one foot and crossing his arms as he smiled wryly.

"Don't lose your center of balance, Carewyn Cromwell!" he called over, his voice almost frustratingly casual. "A Snidget can't fly as well without it."

"'Center of balance,' honestly..." Andre muttered sourly, "let me knock you off your broom and we'll see how well you can balance -- "

Carewyn, however, didn't respond -- she was too irritated to speak coherently. Instead she flew right back out onto the pitch, prepared to go up against Orion again. The Slytherin Captain watched her with a calm, nonchalant expression, not moving even as she again swept through all three of the other Chasers. She ducked and weaved, before finally getting up onto her broom herself and surfing on the back of it.

The use of his signature move made Orion beam. It threw off the other Chasers, and Carewyn moved with direct focus, right toward Orion. She feinted left and then shot right --

And Orion caught the Quaffle in one hand.

With a smile, he tossed the Quaffle off to the left, right toward his closest Chaser. Carewyn, expecting this, swerved out in front, using her feet to swing her broom around and smack the Quaffle right back at him.

It soared through the right-most hoop.

"Score!" McNully's voice rang out in the distance.

Somewhere behind them, Andre was cheering.

"YEAH! GO, CURSEBREAKER! SHOW HIM WHO'S BOSS!"

Carewyn, however, could only breathe heavily. Orion looked at the hoop and then over at Carewyn, his smile broadening.

"Well done," he said.

But Carewyn was unable to accept the praise. She glanced back over her shoulder at Andre and then at the scoreboard.

"The match isn't over yet," she said tersely.

And she flew away, leaving Orion with less of a smile than before.

Despite her best efforts, Carewyn didn't manage to score any more goals against Orion that day. The match ended with a score of 190-10, with Carewyn leaving early, unable to face Andre or her friendly teammates with how terrible she felt her performance had been.

The next day Carewyn found a short note hidden inside her schoolbag, written in very messy, loopy handwriting.

I know yesterday was unhappy for you, but please know that you made your team proud. I only wish that the team you made proud had been mine -- perhaps then my pride in you would've been easier to see. You are a brilliant player, Carewyn Cromwell. Do not be discouraged. Orion

x~x~x~x

The last time Carewyn and Orion collided at Hogwarts's Quidditch friendlies that year was right after Carewyn's OWLs. Just about all of the Slytherin team had been there that week. They'd been knocked out of the running very early on due to Orion being knocked off his broom by one of Erika Rath's Bludgers and needing time to recover. Now that they'd finished some soul-searching and team-bonding, the Slytherin team wanted to practice in preparation for the next season. As part of a training exercise for the whole team, Orion assigned his teammates (and himself) to play different positions in the next few friendly matches. The previous day Skye had done admirably playing as a Beater for her friendly team, and this day Orion ended up as Seeker, alongside Carewyn as Chaser and opposing Gryffindor's Star Seeker, Charlie.

Charlie had always been a brilliant Seeker. He'd scored the position back in his second year just as Orion had earned his own position as Slytherin Chaser in his, and thanks to Charlie, Gryffindor had won every match in the last four years excluding their finals against Ravenclaw, where Erika Rath would take Charlie out with her well-aimed Bludgers. Carewyn suspected that this may have been why Orion wanted to go head-to-head against Charlie -- if he and the Slytherin team had any hope of beating Gryffindor and winning the Quidditch Cup, he had to get a good look at Charlie and the way he played. And Orion did do a lot of observation -- not just of the Snitch, but of Charlie. He made very good use of the Wronkski Fake-Out throughout the friendly match, taking note of Charlie's agility and focus. To his credit, Charlie kept up with Orion very well, and ended up sussing out his ruse a few times when he looked around and saw nothing for Orion to be focused on. The Gryffindor even ended up ducking a Bludger Orion had smacked away from him and at Charlie thanks to his Beater "Tossing the Torch" to him with a grin akin to a Cheshire Cat's.

As Charlie and Orion played their silent game of game-worthy wits, though, Carewyn ended up noticing something they didn't. A flare of gold beside the left goal hoop.

Not wanting to alert Charlie, she instead snatched up the Quaffle, flying back toward the goal hoops. Racking her brain for an idea, she settled upon the weird one.

"If you want me, you can find me Left of center, off of the strip!"

Just about everyone was bewildered by Carewyn singing out of nowhere. Both Charlie and Orion looked at her, the first bewildered and the second merely startled.

Carewyn tried not to blink as she flew right past Orion, her eyes flitting back over his shoulder. She was desperate not to look directly at the Snitch herself, for fear of tipping off Charlie.

"In the outskirts and in the fringes -- In the corner -- out of the grip!"

Orion miraculously seemed to catch on. Unfortunately when he glanced over his shoulder, Charlie seemed to regain his focus, and within seconds, he'd spotted the Snitch too. Both of them took off like a shot from opposite sides of the pitch, right for the tiny golden ball fluttering on the far end.

Both Orion and Charlie's teammates tried to run interference. Charlie's Beaters hit Bludgers at Orion, which he dodged; Orion's Chasers, including Carewyn, tried to block Charlie, but he was just too fast. Ultimately the two ended up shoulder to shoulder as they pursued the Snitch -- they dived, ducked, and spiraled, both trying to shake the other off and catch the Snitch first.

Orion pretty soon got up onto the back of his broom and surfed through the air, up and over Charlie to try to overtake him. It seemed to work at first -- but just as Orion was about to snatch the Snitch out of the air, Charlie did something perfectly mad. Keeping the bottom of his broom under his legs so as to avoid a foul, the second-eldest Weasley grabbed onto one of the nearby banners in one hand and swung around the pillar, right in front of Orion. Orion had to quickly course-correct to avoid colliding with Charlie and falling off his broom -- and in that moment he needed to withdraw, Charlie managed to snatch the Golden Snitch himself.

Just about everyone watching swarmed around Charlie afterward to praise him for the amazing catch. Orion was gracious enough to shake Charlie's hand too, though he did exhale heavily through his smile once Charlie rushed over to talk to Andre.

"You were brilliant, Orion," Carewyn murmured. "You deserved to win that time."

Orion gave a shrug.

"Charlie Weasley is a formidable opponent," he said quietly. "He always has been."

Carewyn nodded grimly. Orion glanced at her with a small smile.

"But still, this loss has some benefits."

Carewyn looked at him curiously. "Did you figure out something useful about Charlie's flying?"

Orion's black eyes twinkled wryly. "Indeed. Our opponent has taken a leaf out of my book, in finding creative ways to subvert us. But he can still be distracted from his goal -- your singing was more than enough proof of that. We just need to consider how best to take advantage of this fact."

Carewyn smiled. "If there's anyone creative enough to figure out a way to do it, it's you, Orion."

Orion's lips spread into a smile too. Bringing his broom up and over his head so that he could rest it along his shoulders, he began to stroll off the pitch, Carewyn on his other side.

"If you don't mind, Carewyn Cromwell," he said leisurely, "how does the rest of that song go?"

Carewyn's smile spread into a fuller grin and obliged.

"When they ask me, 'What are you looking at?' I always answer, 'Nothing much -- not much -- ' I think they know that I'm looking at them; I think they think I must be out of touch,

But I'm only in the outskirts and in the fringes, On the edge and off the avenue, And if you want me, you can find me Left of center, wondering about you...

I think that somehow, somewhere inside of us, We must be similar, if not the same, So I continue to be wanting you, Left of center, against the grain...

And if you want me, you can find me Left of center, off of the strip -- In the outskirts and in the fringes -- In the corner, out of the grip..."

Years later, in the midst of the Second Wizarding War, Orion would hear the full song playing on a Muggle radio, and it sparked the first smile his face had known in months.

[one-of-many-journeys]

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

The Embrace

I woke up in what I thought was another lodge house until I saw the rust and the metal. It was a ruin of the Old Ones, and the inside of All-Mother mountain. 

Once I found my gear and the killer’s Focus, I scanned it and found an image of a woman. My mother? She has to be. 

The killers were after me. I thought so. I saw them pointing, motioning their men towards me. The others were just collateral damage. When I first noticed their Focuses, I thought that might be the reason—wanting to keep that power and information for themselves? It's flimsy...

I think it’s because I look like this woman. When Olin saw me, something matched my image to hers.

Teersa explained where I was and took me to the altar of All-Mother. A door. I could see the mechanism with my Focus—a hatch, a metal wall so thick that nothing could get through. But it saw me when I stood atop it—because of my Focus? The door—the goddess, whatever it is—didn’t recognise me, some sort of data corruption. But the image of that woman appeared again, connecting us. 

If she really is my mother, and if she's inside, I’ll have to repair whatever’s broken before I can meet her.

Clearly the door can open. It opened when someone left me outside as an infant. Is it possible that it’s opened at other times, that people have come and gone? The entrance to the mountain is so heavily guarded, I doubt it’s possible. Then was I cast out of my real home as well? Why?

Teersa seems to think it was to fulfil some form of holy purpose. Her belief suits me just fine if it’ll help me find answers.

She didn’t manage to convince Lansra, but Teersa and Jezza made me a Seeker. Now I can go wherever I want without repercussions. Brilliant. The sacred mark they painted on my face is…a little much. Itches under the eyes. There's even an outfit to go with it, apparently. A bit too reminiscent of a Matriarch for my liking, but it's warm and moveable.

Jezza led the Nora in 'the Hymn of Atonement', as if what happened were some punishment doled out by All-Mother. They don't care why it really happened, don't want to search for answers—it's like they'd rather be helpless. No matter what happens, it was willed, and so they do nothing and wait for the world to turn around them.

A machine I’d never seen before—a Corrupter—stormed the gates of Mother’s Watch. It brought with it a herd of crazed Striders, dripping with red grime and oil that burnt away at metal and flesh like acid.

The gate was destroyed, but I took down the machines before they could make it up the hill to the mountain. Did the killers send them to target me?

Once the Corrupter was down, I stripped the corrupting component from its carcass. My Focus analysed it, offering more data than it normally would with machines. It’s like they were compatible…almost recognised each other. 

I strapped the override component to the end of my spear for easy access. According to the data, proximity and activation is all that’s required. Foolproof.

I journeyed back along a route I knew well, now changed. On Teersa’s orders, the tribe buried Rost’s remains and left a carved headstone on the place, laid fresh flowers. Not treatment fit for an outcast, but an honoured Brave. Teersa still won’t tell me why he was cast out to begin with.

I sat with him a while. Talked. I’m not sure why. About as useful as the stone and the flowers, but somehow, taken together, the ritual made a difference. I felt like near to him.

I won’t use the house.

Overrode a Strider! The repaired Corrupter module seemed to sooth the machine rather than enrage it. 

I met with Karst. One touch of normalcy in this place at least. He didn’t treat me any different. I might even miss him. 

I stopped by Mother's Cradle. It was the first time I'd ever walked through the centre of the village without being turned away. Some of the Nora even praised me for my efforts at the Proving massacre. I don't know if I'll ever get used to this. Good thing I'm leaving.

Everyone's scared, passing rumours. Mourning.

I’ll make Olin pay for what he did. To me, or to the Nora? Either way, he’s my only lead. 

Rode to the gates of the Embrace and met a Brave named Varl, Corrupter felled at his feet. He asked me to search for the War Chief. The real War Chief, not Resh. A convenient excuse to get back at him, but more importantly, Sona led a party of Braves after the killers from the Proving. I can find out more about them and why they targeted me.

It was late afternoon when I rode out. Some way from the gates I met an injured Nora man called Cren who told me about a nearby hunting ground. Sounded perfect. I need to work myself back to strength as these injuries settle into new, permanent aches and scars. I met the grounds keeper, a Nora outlaw who travelled to Carja territory. He told me a little of Meridian. 

Ran a couple of trials. Won their highest mark for all three first try. Guess they’ll need to make a higher one. It felt good hunting again just for the thrill, without fear.

Slept by the fire. I’m sick of soft beds. It’s good to be back in the wilds—the true wilds, this time, with no walls to bar them. 

[myrachondria]

The Durmstrang Champion - Chapter 1

(Ominis Gaunt x f!OC, Sebastian Sallow x f!MC)

◇my bookcase!◇

☆Layla's Character Sheet☆

Summary - The Triwizard Tournament is introduced, and our silver trio meets some interesting new characters

Warnings - suggestive comment

Notes - all characters are of legal age and have been for at least 2 years

Word Count - 2.8K

Sebastian, Ominis, Imelda, Anne, and Emily gathered around the Slytherin table in the Great Hall, engrossed in a lively discussion about their final year at Hogwarts. Imelda, feeling the weight of responsibility as the Quidditch captain, fretted over the urgent task of finding a worthy seeker to replace the one who had graduated the previous year.

Sebastian leaned forward and offered a solution, "Imelda, what if I gave the seeker position a shot? I mean, I could really give it my all."

Imelda stared at Sebastian. "Oh, Sallow, you're better suited as a beater. I don't think switching positions would be wise," she replied firmly.

Emily, discreetly stealing a glance at Sebastian, found herself captivated by the transformation he had undergone in the past couple years. The boyish charm he once possessed had matured into an undeniable manliness, evident in his well-built physique that strained against his uniform. A blush crept onto her cheeks, and she caught Sebastian smirking mischievously, fully aware of her silent admiration.

Ominis chimed in, suggesting an alternative, "Imelda, if you're looking for someone smaller, perhaps you should encourage the second and third years to try out. They might surprise you."

Imelda let out a groan, feeling frustrated by the limited options before her.

As the four friends continue to discuss their options, Headmaster Black takes his spot at the podium and goes on and on about the school rules and warnings. Then he says something which makes all four houses’ tables silent and pay attention to him.

“This castle will not only be your home this year but home to some very special guests as well. You see, Hogwarts has been chosen to host a legendary event: The Triwizard Tournament. This momentous occasion brings together three prestigious schools for a series of exhilarating magical contests. From each institution, a single student will be chosen to represent their school in these extraordinary trials. Let me emphasize this: if selected, you will stand alone. And believe me when I say that these challenges are not for the faint-hearted. Rest assured, we will provide further details on the Triwizard Tournament in due course," he proclaimed, his voice carrying a mixture of excitement and caution. "But for now, let us welcome your fellow classmates for the academic year. Allow me to introduce the esteemed students from Beauxbatons," Headmaster Black announced, his hand gracefully gesturing toward the towering double doors at the far end of the Great Hall.

As the grand double doors swung open, a tall, lanky figure emerged, his stern countenance commanding the attention of all present. Leading a procession of students dressed in elegant pale blue uniforms, he strode down the aisle with unwavering determination. All eyes followed his every step, captivated by his presence. Yet, it was the Beauxbatons students trailing behind him who truly stole the show. Gracefully gliding down the aisle, their movements seemed almost ethereal. On the outer edges of their formation, some students released doves from their sleeves, adding an enchanting touch to their entrance.

Sebastian, Anne, and Emily watched in awe, their gazes fixed on the captivating display. Ominis, his wand held aloft, its tip pulsating with a vibrant red light, skillfully tracked the students' elegant procession. Finally, the Headmaster and his entourage reached the front of the Great Hall, taking their seats on the far side, opposite the Slytherin table, with a graceful bow.

"That was quite the entrance, wouldn't you agree?" Ominis grinned, thoroughly entertained by the performance.

"I'll say..." Sebastian mumbled, his voice filled with admiration.

Expressing his gratitude, Headmaster Black addressed the distinguished figure before him, "Thank you for that extraordinary entrance, Headmaster Delacroix."

In response, Headmaster Delacroix nodded respectfully to Headmaster Black, radiating a sense of authority and dignity. His silvered hair and impeccably maintained beard were testament to his unwavering commitment to tradition and the pursuit of magical excellence. Known for his progressive mindset, he skillfully blended centuries-old values with the demands of the modern world, making Beauxbatons one of the most forward-thinking magical institutions.

"And now," Headmaster Black announced, his voice resounding with anticipation, "it is my pleasure to introduce the brilliant students of Durmstrang and their equally brilliant Headmaster!"

The grand double doors swung open once more, revealing a short, elderly woman with an air of sternness about her. Her thin lips were tightly pursed, displaying her disapproval. However, the attention swiftly shifted as the first Durmstrang student emerged behind her. With long, dark hair cascading down her back, the girl exuded confidence, her expression stoic and unreadable. Her striking, dark eyes captivated all who laid eyes upon her, and she donned a striking short red dress that accentuated her presence.

Sebastian couldn't help but gasp, his reaction escaping him involuntarily.

"What? What happened?" Ominis asked, a hint of concern in his voice.

"N-nothing," Emily stammered, her gaze fixated on the Durmstrang girl. "It's just...she's very beautiful. The girl at the front."

Behind the alluring Durmstrang girl, two more students followed, wielding canes that emitted mesmerizing red sparks upon striking the floor. Behind them, the remaining Durmstrang students marched with impassive expressions, displaying an apparent lack of interest unlike their Beauxbatons counterparts. Upon reaching Headmaster Black, the two students wielding canes lifted their wands to their lips and exhaled a fiery breath. From their enchanting exhales, birds composed of dancing flames emerged, elegantly circling the ceiling before vanishing into thin air. The mesmerizing display left the entire Great Hall in awe.

“Ah, Headmaster Petrova,” Headmaster Black greeted the Durmstrang Headmaster. She held her hand out and he kissed it. She then led all of her students to the other side of where the Beauxbaton students were sitting, right next to the Slytherin table.

Amara, Ominis' new girlfriend, dashed over from her table to join him at the Slytherin table, brimming with excitement. "Wow, wasn't that absolutely amazing? We should definitely go say hello!"

Ominis smiledin agreement. "Sure thing."

"Count me in too!" Emily exclaimed, leaping to her feet. "Their table isn't too far from ours, so we can sneak over in no time."

Amara, Ominis, Emily, and Sebastian ventured towards the Durmstrang students' table. As they drew closer to the group of four girls sitting in close proximity, snippets of their conversation reached their ears.

"That was so nerve-wracking. My hands are still shaking and my heart is pounding," the girl seated on the left of the long-haired girl confessed.

"You didn't even do anything. You just walked at the back," the girl who had been wielding the cane retorted, rolling her eyes.

"Yeah, I know. But still, my hands are still shaking and my heart is pounding so fast," the first girl replied. She then took the long-haired girl's hand and placed it on her left breast.

The long-haired girl's eyes widened, and she quickly pulled her hand back. "Sonia, that's not where your heart is," she scolded her.

"Yeah, it is. Feel," the first girl insisted, seizing the long-haired girl's hand and guiding it back.

Once again, the long-haired girl swiftly withdrew her hand. "Stop it," she hissed. "Your heart is here, stupid," she pointed to her own heart.

Meanwhile, the girl who had been in possession of the cane watched the exchange, barely suppressing her laughter. "Just ignore her, Sonia has no shame," she stifled a giggle.

Sebastian approached the group of girls with effortless charm, his voice smooth as he greeted them. "Hello there," he said with a friendly smile. "We wanted to extend a warm welcome and introduce ourselves." One by one, Ominis, Amara, Emily, and Sebastian introduced themselves to the four girls.

"My name is Cassie," beamed a short, curly-haired blonde. "It's lovely to meet all of you. Are you all as excited about the tournament as we are?"

"I'm Rani," declared the girl who had been holding the cane, firmly shaking everyone's hand. With her straight black hair and tall stature, she exuded a sense of strength and confidence.

"And I'm Sonia," chimed in the girl who had expressed her nervousness earlier. She rose from her seat and extended her hand towards Sebastian. "It's a pleasure to meet you all," she continued, her gaze fixed solely on Sebastian. Sebastian reciprocated with a warm smile, shaking her hand as their eyes locked momentarily.

"Wow, you have quite the firm handshake. Do you happen to play Quidditch?" Sonia flirtatiously inquired, still holding onto Sebastian's hand.

"Yes, actually. I'm a beater," Sebastian replied, seizing the opportunity to showcase his athleticism.

As Sonia and Sebastian engaged in playful banter, Emily started to get more and more annoyed.

After a few moments, Amara turned to the long-haired girl. Blushing slightly, she complimented, "I'm sorry for staring, but you're very beautiful." The girl smiled warmly in response. "Thank you. You're beautiful too," she replied.

Amara's blush deepened. "No, you're absolutely stunning."

"That's enough before her ego inflates," Rani interjected, rolling her eyes.

In that moment, Emily realized that the long-haired girl had never introduced herself. She had remained observant, silently watching the interactions unfold. "I apologize if I missed it, but I don't believe I caught your name," Emily inquired politely.

"Layla," came the girl's response, her voice soft and melodic. There was a mysterious aura about her.

Just as the conversation unfolded, a familiar face approached them. It was the boy who had walked alongside Rani during the Durmstrang entrance, holding the other cane. He approached the group of eight, his voice carrying a sense of urgency. "Layla, Headmaster Petrova wishes to speak with you."

With a graceful gesture, Layla rose from her seat and made her way toward Headmaster Petrova. Rani seized the opportunity to introduce her twin brother to the Hogwarts students. "Everyone, this is Raj," she said. "Raj, meet Sebastian, Ominis, Amara, and Emily."

As the conversation paused momentarily, all eyes were drawn to Layla's departure. Anticipation filled the air as they wondered what the Headmaster wanted. When Layla returned, Rani's curiosity got the better of her. "What did the Headmaster want?" she inquired eagerly.

Layla's response, delivered in a soft voice, left them intrigued. "We can discuss it later," she murmured, her eyes glancing briefly at Emily, who was very interested to know more as well.

Ominis broke the silence, suggesting they make their way back to their seats in preparation for the feast. "It was truly delightful meeting all of you," he said, flashing a warm smile. With that, Ominis led the way, and Sebastian, Amara, and Emily followed suit.

As Emily was leaving, she heard Sonia whisper, “That boy is very cute. His face is too pretty to not be between my legs.�� Emily turned back around to glare at Sonia’s words, but accidentally made eye contact with Layla. Layla shot her an apologetic look and mouthed, “Sorry.”

As the students delved into the feast, the grandeur of the Great Hall resonated with an air of anticipation. Headmaster Black, conjured a magnificent goblet in the center of the room, capturing everyone's attention. Flames erupted from within, casting a fiery glow that danced against the night.

Gesturing towards the goblet, Headmaster Black unveiled the rules of the prestigious Triwizard Tournament. The ethereal white ring encircling the goblet served as an impenetrable barrier, allowing only seventh-year students to participate in the competition. It was a daunting yet exhilarating prospect.

If any student wished to represent their school and become a Triwizard Champion, they would need to write their name on a piece of paper and drop it into the goblet. If the name was accepted, the fire would momentarily flash blue, before turning to back a bright red. Students interested had two weeks to enter their names into the goblet. The night following the two weeks, the selected champions from each of the three schools would be announced.

Headmaster Black's voice resounded through the hall, his words a solemn reminder of the gravity of the competition. He cautioned the students once more, emphasizing the binding nature of the magical contract once their names entered the goblet's realm. Dropping out was not an option once fate had been sealed. The champions would face their trials alone, save for the guidance of a mentor from their respective schools. It was a formidable test, and Headmaster Black's next words reminded the students of the seriousness of the competition. He reminded everyone that not only the champions, but also some spectators, in the past have lost their lives due to the tournament.

"I don't know who would be foolish enough to enter their name," Ominis said, clearly trying to deter his friend.

Sebastian leaned back, a mischievous glimmer in his eyes. "Oh, come on, Ominis. There are plenty of reasons someone might want to throw their name into the ring," he retorted, a smirk playing on his lips. His gaze shifted toward the Durmstrang table, where Layla sat. Their eyes locked, and a fleeting smile passed between them, sending Sebastian's heart into a flutter.

"Count me in with Ominis on this one. After the chaos we experienced in our fifth year, I've had my fair share of excitement for a lifetime," Emily chimed in.

After the feast, the trio set off toward their common room. Suddenly, a voice called out Emily's name, causing her to turn around. It was Layla, waving her over. "You guys go ahead. I'll catch up with you," Emily said, signaling Sebastian and Ominis to proceed without her. She approached Layla, curiosity gleaming in her eyes.

“Yes?”  Emily asked, unsure of the purpose of this unexpected encounter.

“I just wanted to apologize for Sonia’s behavior. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure she stays away from your boyfriend.” Layla said, a hint of sincerity lacing her words.

Emily's gaze locked with Layla's, searching for any sign of hidden intentions. Moments stretched in silence between them. Finally, Emily spoke. “It’s fine, he’s not my boyfriend anyway. He can do whatever he wants,” trying to hide feelings.

Layla took a couple more steps and closed the distance between them. She held Emily's gaze, her voice barely above a whisper. "Regardless, I'll keep my word," Layla assured, her voice carrying softness.

Emily found herself drawn to Layla's face, her features captivating and magnetic. It was a gaze she didn't want to break, entangled in the enigmatic allure before her.

Layla reached out and twirled a strand of Emily's hair, her touch featherlight. "You have beautiful hair," she complimented, her smile radiating warmth.

Emily felt a blush creeping up her cheeks. "Th-thank you," she stammered.

Moments lingered, time seemingly suspended, until a voice broke the spell. "Layla," Raj, the boy who had wielded the cane, called out from across the hall.

"Such a shame..." Layla whispered under her breath, her gaze lingering on Emily for a fleeting moment. With that, she turned and walked down the corridor, making her way to Raj's side.

Emily was left standing there, her mind awash with unanswered questions.

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

Under the cloak of night, while the rest of the castle slumbered, the goblet stood at the center of the resplendent Great Hall. Its vibrant red flame cast an enchanting glow, illuminating the room with an air of anticipation. Suddenly, the grand double doors swung open, revealing Layla and Rani, accompanied by a trembling Durmstrang girl they had forcefully brought along.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" the girl pleaded, her voice quivering.

Ignoring her pleas, Layla and Rani pulled her into the pristine white circle encircling the goblet. Layla snatched a piece of parchment and thrust it into the girl's trembling grasp. With an iron grip, they hoisted her hand over the blazing fire.

"Please..." the girl choked out, her voice choked with fear and desperation.

Layla, unyielding, pried open the girl's hand, allowing the parchment to slip from her grasp and fall into the searing flames. A momentary blue shimmer danced across the fire, signifying the acceptance of the entry, before fading back to its fiery red hue.

Releasing their grip, Layla and Rani let the girl crumple to the floor, overcome with sobs. Crouching down to her level, Layla's gaze locked with the girl's tear-filled eyes. "Don't ever cross me again," she whispered with a chilling undertone. The girl nodded, her acceptance of Layla's warning evident in her trembling form. With great effort, she rose to her feet, her broken spirit evident as she stumbled out of the Great Hall and made her way back to the Durmstrang Common Room.

As they watched the redheaded girl disappear from sight, Rani turned to Layla. "While we're here, do you want to enter your name?" she inquired.

Layla's eyes remained fixed on the retreating figure, her mind deep in thought. "No," she replied, her voice calm and determined. "Headmaster Petrova made it clear. I'll enter tomorrow, at breakfast."

Chapter 2 here!

[invisibleraven]

'things you interrupted me to say' just has PeterPatterLina vibes to me

"Just had to goad the bad guy didn't you Luke?" Julie grumbled as she flexed her hands in the handcuffs binding them to their chairs.

"He was wrong about later period Impressionism and he had to be taught," Luke replied.

"So not the point," Julie sighed. "Do you happen to have your picks within reach?"

"In my other suit, sorry," Luke replied. "You got a bobby pin hidden in those curls?"

"Unfortunately not."

"Guys?"

"How long do you think it'll be before he comes back to gloat about his plan going off under the FBI's nose?" Luke mused.

"You think he's coming back?" Julie snarked. "I know you're only a consultant, but you know as well as I do the bad guys usually don't come back to monologue."

"Guys!"

"I mean, yeah, but this guys just has that aura you know?" Luke said. "Total attention seeker. Why else would he have a life sized portrat of himself in the lobby?"

"That was a tad gauche wasn't it?" Julie asked, wrinkling her nose.

"GUYS!"

Luke winced as his earpiece almost blew out and then lit up. "Reg!"

"Wait, do you still have your earpiece?" Julie asked. "We could have radioed for help ages ago!"

"Sorry, it lost reception when we went underground and I guess designing it like a hearing aid made them less likely to take it," Luke replied. "Yay for bad guys who aren't ableist dicks."

"Can you two stop your banter for one moment and talk to me please?" Reggie said with a sigh. "I swear this is the last time I take van duty when you guys are on a case."

"Reg says it's our own fault we got caught because we didn't bring him,: Luke said smugly then winced when Reggie sent a blast of feedback down the line.. "So I paraphrased. A bit."

"I mean at least Reggie doesn't backtalk the bad guys unless they insult Star Wars or Dolly," Julie said good naturedly. "Does he have a fix on our location and a plan to get us out of here?"

"Reg?" Luke asked. "You got a plan in that big sexy brain of yours?"

"Of course I do," Reggie replied. "Look, there is a pick sewn into the lining of your shirt, find it and get yourselves free."

"I really need to learn how to do that," Julie said as she rubbed her wrists once Luke snapped the handcuffs off. "What does our genius boyfriend want us to do next?"

"Well he says the door is probably guarded and they took your gun," Luke said. "No windows, and no grates."

"I can hear a boat horn nearby," Julie said. "And gulls, so we're near a pier."

"Concrete is standard, but the paint on it is new," Luke commented.

"I've got agents who are converging on you, so sit tight," Reggie stated. "Good thing I put a tracker in Luke's earpiece."

"You did what now?" Luke questioned.

"I put one in Julie's too, but they smashed hers, so I guess I'll have to make a new one," Reggie replied.

"Did you know he was tracking us?" Luke asked Julie.

She shrugged. "It makes sense. I'm an FBI agent, you are a criminal working with the bureau under probation. We do tend to get into trouble quite a lot, Makes sense to me."

"I am wearing a literal ankle monitor!" Luke protested, waving his foot...which had the bracelet removed. "Well I was!"

"Yeah, but we have to take it off for so many ops and bad guys toss it to avoid getting tacked when we don't, this seemed easier. And easier to replace," Reggie replied.

"Before you ask, no this doesn't mean you can go without the ankle monitor," Julie stated before Luke could even form the question.

Luke pouted, but he knew that this was the deal. He helped solve a bunch of white collar crimes, he avoided prison and worked out his sentence in way that he loved, with the two people who had quickly captured his heart.

Sure they had to keep their relationship a secret to keep everything above board, but he only had a few months left, after which he could get a legit job, and then the three of them could live a perfectly normal life. Well as normal a life as a throuple made up of two FBI agents and a former conman could.

"I hear gunshots," Julie said.

"Brace for impact," Reggie warned. "I'll see you two on the other side. Stay safe."

"You too Reg," Luke replied.

"We'll see you soon, keep the van running," Julie said.

"Always do," he said.

They made it out in one piece, managed to make a few arrests, and got the paperwork done with some fleetness. Meaning they could go home to Julie's place for a night in-with no interruptions.

[nevis-the-skeleton]

What if TFP Airachnid reminds Autobot Starscream, that he destroyed Cliffjumper + is hiding the truth from Arcee... Airachnid tells Starscream that he’s still no better than Megatron or Airachnid herself (since she destroyed Tailgate, Arcee’s other partner)... Starscream then cries in guilt/shame, because he thinks that Airachnid is right + Airachnid happily drinks Starscream’s tears! :’( 

Oh… angst… :') who's going to cry again? It's me (TvT)… Thanks for your request sweety anon ^^!

~~~

Starscream had pursued Arcee, after the latter went after Airachnid. The motorbike was still impulsive, and the Seeker wondered if it would kill her to call for reinforcements.

The jet had ended up losing sight of them through the trees, and had to continue on foot. He used his energon radar to track them down, and stopped in front of a cave. Of course it had to be a cave!

The flyer lowered his wings, and thought about the fact that he might call for reinforcements. It was then that Starscream detected a large dose of energon in the cavern, and easily recognized Arcee's signal.

The Seeker sent coordinates to Optimus, before heading deeper into the cave, putting aside his claustrophobia. The jet went as fast as he could, before drawing his blasters, ready to take down that damned spider.

The flyer froze when he saw Arcee lying on the ground, with a huge gash on her side. There was no doubt that it was the work of Airachnid. Starscream swore, then knelt beside her, before compressing the wound as best he could.

The motorbike was barely conscious, and couldn't hide a certain surprise when she saw the Seeker. She wanted to say something, but the jet stopped her, saying:

“No, save your energy.

- N- No… stammered the warrior. Behind you…"

The flyer's radar suddenly activated, sounding like an alarm in his head. Starscream grabbed Arcee, and narrowly dodged a blow from one of the Techno-organic's sharp paws.

The Seeker fired a blaster at the spider, which avoided the attack. The two ended up facing each other, and the jet was wings high and defensive. He put the motorbike on the ground, and stood in front of her, in a protective position.

The cave was shrouded in darkness, the only glow being Arcee's energon on the flyer and Airachnid. The Triple-changer was hidden in the dark, but that was no problem for Starscream, who activated his night vision.

He stopped an attack from the spider just in time, and retaliated by kicking her in the plexus, sending her flying into a wall. The Techno-organic soon got to her feet, laughing. She gave the Seeker a slightly disdainful look, as if she had already won, then said:

“Come on, move. My target is Arcee, not you."

The jet scowled, and didn't move, staying in front of the warrior. Airachnid tilted her head, looking curious, before mocking:

"Oh? You protect her? You?

- Go away! Or I'll kick your aft! threatened the flyer.

- Hmm… I'd be surprised, but hey… It's funny, I thought you'd be the type to kill her, now that she's on the ground.

- I'm not like you!"

The Triple Changer shrugged amusedly, then asked:

"Tell me, do you think Arcee and the other Autobots would do the same for you?"

- …?

- Would protect you if you were in danger I mean.

- Much more than the Decepticons…!

- Do you think they would, if they knew what you did?

- …?!

- Hm… Really, I'm curious.

- What are you playing at?!"

Starscream couldn't hide his anger, failing to see where Airachnid was trying to get to, or what were her intentions behind those questions.

"Hey, do you know why Arcee hates me so much?

- …

- No wait! First question! Do you know who Tailgate is?"

Why was she telling him about this robot all of a sudden? He was supposed to know him? He really didn't tell him anything. But hey, really, he didn't care. Let Airachnid waste time with riddles if it suited her, reinforcements were coming soon!

“Given your expression, I would say no. Well, no more guessing, I tell you! It was Arcee's old partner!

- …?!

- You don't see where I'm coming from, do you?

- …

- I've known you more insightful."

Starscream was really tired of this conversation… When were the reinforcements going to decide to come?! Now that would be perfect, really!

"Okay, I'm telling you! Airachnid smiled wickedly. If she hates me so much, it's because I killed Tailgate!"

The Seeker couldn't hide his shock, but he, like the Techno-organic, knew it wasn't the act of killing someone that horrified him so much. It was the fact that...

“So, are you really different from me?!" laughed the spider.

Airachnid took the opportunity to web the jet against one of the cave walls, away from Arcee. The flyer cried out in surprise, and spat in pain, from the impact. Starscream was slightly stunned, and didn't see the spider coming towards him, before she completely invaded his personal space.

"You killed someone dear to her, like me! Oooh, poor Cliffjumper. He must be mad, seeing you befriending the Autobots after what you did to him!

- S- Shut up! cried out the Seeker.

- How do you think Arcee would react, if she learned the truth? Do you think she would still like you? You lie to them shamelessly, as you are so good at doing. I wonder which of us is the worst.

- Shut up!!

- Even if you do everything possible for not being like him, you look a lot like Megatron I think. Say, did you enjoy killing him? When you felt his Spark go out between your claws, did you laugh?

- …”

The view of the jet blurred, without his understanding its origin. Arcee's energon on his hands suddenly became so bright, and the smell was so strong that he wanted to purge.

“You are a monster, like us! No one will say otherwise! Airachnid scoffed. As soon as they find out what you did, they'll get rid of you!"

Starscream couldn't hold back his tears any longer, as the Techno-Organic's words hit him like a dagger, soaked in the poison of truth.

“You'll never have anywhere to go, because there's no place for monsters. Try telling them the truth to see, I'm curious. Who do you think will kill you first? Will they do it at the same time, like the family they are, and you'll never be a part of? Or one by one? If so, I think they'll leave that privilege to Arcee."

Airachnid grabbed the Seeker's chin to look at her, gloating, and hissed:

“The only person who will mourn you is yourself, and no one else. Nobody cries for robots like you, no, they laugh, they dance. When the death you deserve comes for you they will be happy to finally be rid of you!"

The spider released the jet, which lowered his head in shame and grief.

"You killed someone dear to them! A friend, a member of their family! How can you think you deserve to be with them?! You don't deserve anything! Monster!"

The airman made no reply to all this, knowing that he would never be able to deny Airachnid's words. She was right… she was right and it hurt horribly to know… Starscream realized that he had been misguided for too long, enjoying something he didn't deserve, never deserved.

Footsteps were heard in the cave, and the two knew perfectly well that it was the Autobots. The Techno-organic released Starscream from her webs, and gave her an evil smile, before declaring:

"What do you think they'll think when they see you with injured Arcee?

- …!

- They'll think you tried to kill her! Because that's what a monster would do! Look, you already have his energon on your hands, why not have his death on your conscience?!"

The spider began to wander off into the darkness, and scoffed:

"You can't fool them forever!"

Airachnid disappeared from Starscream's vision as he dug a hole in the ground, but the Seeker could still hear her laughter, and her razor-sharp words tearing at his Spark.

The jet froze in fear as he faced the others, who were horrified upon seeing Arcee's condition. Everyone ended up looking at the flyer, who was simply unable to see the concern in their eyes, seeing only hatred and contempt.

"What happened?!" Bulkhead exclaimed, stepping closer as Bumblebee called Ratchet for a ground bridge.

Starscream suddenly stood up, wings high and optics wide in fear, before suddenly fleeing, much to the surprise of the others. The Seeker knew he had nowhere to run, but he couldn't help but try. He didn't want to receive the punishment he deserved.

The jet couldn't suppress a cry of fear when he felt a firm grip on his arm, and struggled as best he could, before seeing that he was being held back by the waist. Even in the dark he recognized Optimus' color scheme, which heightened his panic.

"No! No! I'm sorry!"

The Prime released his grip on the flyer, who fell to the ground, before putting his arms out in front of him for protection. He ventilated erratically, then looked at the Autobots leader, who had his hands raised, indicating no hostility.

“It's alright, Starscream, we're here now. tried to reassure Optimus.

- A- Arcee, she…!

- She'll be fine, don't worry."

He knelt in front of the Seeker, and held out his arms towards him, before hugging him. The jet couldn't hold back his tears, as the Prime's sweet words burned like acid on his wounded Spark. Starscream closed his optics hard, cursing himself for being so weak, and taking advantage of the Autobots' goodness...

"Come on, let's go home.

- …”

The Seeker followed Optimus with lowered wings, knowing full well that where he was going was not at all home. He was doomed to wear a mask until the end of his days, to hide the monster behind… He didn't deserve to live among them… He didn't deserve to live anywhere… In fact, the jet realized that he just didn't deserve to live... Starscream knew Airachnid was right, and it hurt terribly...

[onespacedown]

A couple of my longstanding headcanons for The Host. I'm curious what y'all in the fandom think:

"The Seeker" is the Seeker's actual name. Not sure if this one is already common consensus or not, but Souls seem to usually take names based on their experiences, and this is the Seeker's first world. She doesn't have many of those experiences to reference, and it probably feels awkward to reference those of her mother. She could take the name of her host, but she's terrified of humans and of losing herself to her host. So what does she have? Her whole existence has been Seeking. She is the Seeker. No one else ever uses any other name for her because she has no other name.

The world of the See-Weeds orbits Proxima Centauri. I always felt like this was the intended implication. It's stated to be approximately a decade's round trip. If we're assuming that Soul ships travel at or near the speed of light, that means it's about 5 light years away. (I realize that relativity probably makes this funky, but I don't think that Meyer was considering that when she wrote it, so neither will I. Besides, if superluminal travel is in play, then it's probably assumed that they have a way around that.) Proxima Centauri is a little over four light years away, and the barycenter of the Alpha Centauri system is a bit further. Now, if we're assuming they're traveling at subluminal but extremely hyperrelativistic speeds, then the math just about checks out perfectly. In addition, the planet of the See-Weeds is stated to orbit a trinary stellar system. Now, Proxima Centauri wouldn't be meaningfully visible from a planet orbiting Alpha Centauri A or B, but both stars would be noticeably bright from a planet orbiting Proxima.

And, just for fun, a third headcanon I held for a long time, but now concede doesn't really stand up to scrutiny:

3. The Origin is a gas dwarf, probably a mini-Neptune. We know that the Origin is noted for it's colorful cloud bands, which is a phenomenon iconic to gas giants. The original hosts were capable of flight, which would be a necessity on a gaseous planet. We can also infer from the existence of the cryotanks that the Origin is significantly colder than Earth, though that's less clear -- the point of the cold could be cryogenic cryptobiosis.

Still, this isn't especially likely, for the simple reason that Souls themselves are not flight capable. The pressures that would be required to let them swim through the atmosphere would probably necessitate higher temperatures than they're implied to be suited for, as well. It's still conceivable that this could be true if there were floating masses of vegetation in the atmosphere to serve as something like a surface, but it's far more likely the Origin is a terrestrial world, alas.

[thechroniclesofhriddick]

Imperfections

What is one thing you dislike about yourself that your lover likes?

A'kiva has been pondering on this question for a long while since it was posed to him days before in preparation he assumes for Saint Valentoine's Day the coming moon.

And.. how does one answer that? Is it physical? Is it a skill? Is it a trait?

He supposes it really wouldn't matter as its just one thing as opposed to every little thing, but then the question still stands:

What does Svan like about him that A'kiva doesn't?

Kiva refuses to believe its how he is. For many reasons but ultimately - he wants to improve. He's going to improve and while he has a sort of understanding that Svan liking who he is now doesn't mean he doesn't want A'kiva to improve or that he would hate the miqo'te improving... he feels its best for him to not think too hard on it.

He also quickly dismisses all of his traits because again tied in with improvements that he doesn't want to think about right now.

So physical.

Well he likes his hair. Its the last thing he has of his sire and brothers after all. His eyes aren't his favorite attribute but he doesn't hate them either. Sort of... neutral to them. His pupils are Seeker normal. His ears and tail-

He pauses in thought. His tail... was something he definitely didn't like. At all. It was too short. No one else in his tribe had one as short as his into adulthood. And he was teased endlessly by it, always being called a child.

Svan though... Svan never saw it that way. He pets it at times, marveling at how it moves. Likes when it curls against his hand or against him. In fact, he would claim its Svan's favorite feature of his if he didn't know what actually was: his eyes. And not the colour of them either.

He glances down at his tail as it flicks, almost to say hi to him. He thinks he could learn to like it. Svan already does.

And what is one thing your lover dislikes about them self that you like?

A'kiva... doesn't think there is a shortage of things, but then Svan has mostly accepted the way he is. He doesn't like how cumbersome his prosthetic is, but he doesn't hate having one or having lost his arm...

But... there are things that other people don't like about his mate: the fact he has a tail, has dark hair. He and Svenja take pride in their black hair and Svenja loves the fact her father has a tail (and wishes she too inherited it) but he could see how Svan, a younger Svan, could have hated looking different like he does currently.

He does like Svan's tail. Its cute and fluffy. He's pretty sure he wouldn't care what color hair his mate could have had, but the glossy black with his emerald eyes suits him too well for him to see him any other way.

But if A'kiva had to choose, and strictly going off of other people because he's pretty sure Svan doesn't care what others think about his looks anymore, he would say his mate's nose.

An odd choice, sure, but he loves the fact its slightly hooked. It makes for interesting nuzzles. And the imprint of it against his face is so distinct from any one else's he knows immediately its his mate. He also likes the little dark hairs on it. They're more than visible enough to give what most others would think is an odd discolouration but also soft like his tail and ears that A'kiva just adores.

He stands from his place by the river and heads towards their tent. Thinking about the older male has made him miss his presence. If he isn't there, at least he can smell him until he gets home.

((Originally the questions were going to be:

Name one imperfection about yourself that your lover likes

Name one imperfection about your lover that you like

Buuut the questions I used I think fit A'kiva's mind better.

Happy Saint Valentoine's Event while I'm at work... that I should be asleep for but ain't!))

[hymnofshadows-archive]

@immy-ooc @sins-of-the-sea (Yells at tumblr for not letting me tag your main blog)

'aight so, might as well do all of the Seven because I have So Many Thoughts about this.

Option A:

The Seven are Drowned. They exist solely in service to the Lord of the Whorl, Leviathan. Like any who has been claimed by primals, their loyalty to him is unwavering and knows no end. Their continued existence is only to strengthen their god and to summon him unto the world.

They work closely with the Sahagin and the Reavers - plundering supplies as they can, but naturally prioritizing capturing people to sacrifice to him and crystals with which to summon him.

Option B:

The Seven are just another pirate crew in Limsa Lominsa. On the surface, things seem perfectly legal - they have their privateering license and will gladly assure you that the wares they're trying to sell you was, in fact, stolen from a Garlean ship, thank you very much.

But any pirate crew knows how to manage their reputation, doesn't it? Keep a low profile. Stick to the code when you can so you don't draw the attention of the Rogue's Guild. You can get away with almost anything in a nation like this, can't you?

The Crew:

Captain Josep Frascona Race: Midlander Hyur Nationality: Lominsan Classes: Marauder>Warrior, Rogue>Ninja

Marauder and Rogue are both classes that start in Limsa Lominsa - both with a long history connected to piracy, making them easy choices.

Marauders have long had places on ships, their greataxes useful for both combat and felling the masts of other ships. And, as he is the Sin of Wrath... the Job upgrade into Warrior makes sense. He can have a bit of berserker rage, as a treat.

The Rogues are a covert group who serves to enforce the Pirate Code and police the city-state under cover of darkness. So Josep's canon shadowy stealth skills from his fog form can be translated into him having learned from them. I see the Ninja upgrade as something he picks up during a trip to the Far East - noticing similarities in the fighting styles and adapting it into his own.

Abena Frascona

Race: Seeker of the Sun Miqo'te Nationality: Ul'dahn Classes: Musketeer (non-playable), Machinist, Alchemist

Musketeer was a planned musket-wielding class that never got added (but there's still references to it in game so it exists it just can't be you).

Machinist, added in the Heavensward expansion, however, is a gun wielding Job... and the poor guildmaster will hand out guns like candy trying to convince people they're viable weapons.

Alchemist is a crafting class... that I really don't think I have to explain, let Abena make fucked up little potions to her heart's content.

Rashid al-Qadar

Race: Hellsguard Roegadyn (listen. him big i don't make the rules) Nationality: Thavnairian Classes: Gladiator>Paladin, Arcanist>Summoner

Paladin is your classic sword/shield class. And I know this is absolutely a case of me projecting here but I feel like that suits him somehow.

I choose Arcanist because, well. His ability to summon simulacra in canon I feel translates fairly well to the summoning of carbuncles and egis.

Wang Ruixiong

Race: Raen Au Ra (he's a lizard now sorry i just like the scaley guys) Nationality: Doman Classes: Pugilist>Monk, Lancer>Dragoon

"Adept at martial arts" his bio says. Say no more! I give him the power of punch real good. Open your chakras.

Okay so Lancer is a more strenuous one and I'm putting it on the list because of one glamour item you can get: the Eastern Journey Staff. Become fantasy Sun Wukong.

Guy Duchamp

Race: Woodwight Elezen Nationality: (New) Sharlayan Classes: Thaumaturge/Black Mage, Red Mage, Weaver

GG ez, give the guy with fire powers the class/Job with fire spells. Black Mage is an obvious choice.

Red Mage, as in many Final Fantasy games, is a combination of Black and White Magics... but also they fence. He's got magic. He's got a sword. He'll do a fancy french backflip and you'll like it.

It's hard to give some of these guys crafting/gathering classes but... I dunno, maybe the fashionable man knows how to keep his clothes looking good even after so long at sea.

Phoebus Duchamp

Race: Woodwight Elezen Nationality: (New) Sharlayan Classes: Arcanist>Scholar, Carpenter, Botanist

Okay so, like Rashid, it's a case of "give the guy with summons a summoning class" but Phi goes into Scholar because he's assigned healer of the crew. And tbh I feel like nothing says Sloth quite like summoning a fairy to heal your friends instead of doing it yourself. That MP is better used elsewhere he promises.

Botanist is another easy one. Phi has gardening knowledge? He can grow and harvest plants for Gio and Abi.

Carpenter... I just picked that cause it felt the closest to sculpture to me, I mean wood carving is a thing. Plus having someone who knows how to work with wood on your Pirate crew is useful so like. Bonus points.

Giovanni Vespucci

Race: Midlander Hyur Nationality: Ishgardian Classes: Archer>Bard, Pugilist>Monk, Culinarian

Gio's good with music... so let him use the music. Inspire your allies! Buff your friends! Rain arrows on your opponents!

I've kinda been avoiding duplicate classes where I can but Rui teaching Gio is a sweet enough idea that I'll allow it. He's obviously not as high leveled in it as Rui is though.

Culinarian... listen that's the "cooking" crafting class I literally do not need to justify any further. He would weaponize his frying pan like Julyan Manderville if you commit enough food crimes though.

[ddoxhan]

gray ashes

i'm sorry.

word count : 0.7k words

genre : angst, when you realize love isn't a road full of flowers; fem!reader

tw : profanities, degradation (kids, don't look down on people)

a/n : wrote this while I was really obsessed with 'anti-romantic' and I could relate so much to the lyrics :3 enjoy !!

"do you believe in love at first sight?"

"i do actually, ironically."

"why would you say that?"

"well, i don't believe in love."

"oh, that does sound odd."

"the former was me back then and the latter would be me now."

"i just don't anymore."

it dates back to my high school life. there was this one girl i liked a lot, you could say i actually loved her. but whatever, i don't really know whether i did.

"minjeong-ah, here's some water."

"thanks."

"you're doing great! you were really cool back there!"

"yeah, sure."

and i just stuck around her almost every day in school whenever i could and even after school. she hated me and i thought maybe, i could change her mind one day.

"i like you minjeong!"

"..."

"i'm sorry. i don't want to give you false hope."

"i-it's okay, sunbae! m-maybe you-"

"i won't change my mind."

"give me a chance! you won't know if you don't let me try."

"suit yourself."

but that never happened.

i did everything i could, every day for a whole year. but she never lost her stance. and i lost myself.

i truly believed that i could get her to reciprocate my feelings for her. i really did. the hope-driven me. though she never gave them to me.

when she would finish training, I'd prepare warm water as she hated having cold drinks after, saying it's bad for the body. when she loved strawberry-filled bread and almond milk, i would run to the store to get them because they run out real quick.

can't believe i still remember the details about her. i guess i really did love her then. don't you think she was a little dull to not push me away when she saw how much i liked her? however, it wasn't her fault in the first place.

i bet you're just thinking how foolish it was for me to keep pestering someone who clearly rejected me. well, i guess that's the charm of falling in love. nothing can come in the way of your love. except for the person you love.

i was really selfish. i only saw myself throughout that journey. how i felt, how i thought, how i could be her soulmate. but never once then about how she felt, how she thought, how things were tough for her. because of me.

all i ever wanted was receive a small bit of what she gave her. even if it was just the attention to what i say. even if it was just her eyes on me. even if it was just her.

i knew she just dated her to get me off of her. i was determined, way too hella determined. things went on for some time. she still kept her and i still stuck on her. maybe she grew impatient, perhaps even annoyed, perhaps those feelings turned into hatred. even i would have, thinking back, to be honest.

she bursted. whatever mean things she could think of, she spat all of them at me. attention-seeker, dumb b*tch, leech. how i ruined her high school life, how she hated to come to school because of me, how she attracted such an ugly piece of shit.

i think that was what was needed. both her and i. she was done with me and i lost myself amidst the love. after that day, i stopped. stopped following her, stopped contacting her, stopped anything that had to do with her.

but i know best that it shouldn't have even started. the moment she rejected me, i should have just put these feelings aside and call it a day.

though, i thank her a lot. for letting me know how much of a fool i've been and how love wasn't worth it. and it still isn't. which is why i don't believe in love anymore.

it is pure bliss and cotton candy clouds until you take the wrong path down the lane.

this is something I look back at and just smile. a bittersweet smile yet relieved, that we both weren't suffering anymore and going on with our lives. i wonder how she's doing, and wishing her all the best sincerely. i would like to borrow this time to send her a message.

the same words she last said to me on that day.

"i'm sorry."

[woodsfae]

Babylon 5 s01e15: Grail First Previous

ToC

Never gonna be over how ridiculously soothing it is to see these dated graphics.

MINBARI AND DELENN HOORAY. Who is this human they venerate so highly?

Jinxo! What a great name. Deuce, suits this blackmailing dick.

Deuce has a Centauri Murder Accomplice? Or is the trauma literally being touched by their Tummy Sex Tentacles?

Wtf, Kosh ALSO has tummy tentacles that look exactly like Centauri Tummy Tentacles and helps lowlifes keep their thumb on their blackmailees? That’s a … choice.

🫠

lmao I love this beleaguered judge trying to rule on century-old alien abductions on earthlings.

Aldous Gajic is the personage Lennier and Delenn are so honored to meet. And he knows he’s a bit of a personage, too. Seeking the Holy Grail! There is so much mysticism in Babylon 5 and it always sideswipes me a bit when it crops up without notice. What else is real? The shroud of christ? Is the tree that Buddha gained enlightenment underneath in some alien’s arboretum? edit: I am now re-aware of the fact that the Bodhi tree Siddhartha sat beneath is still alive! The exact same tree, or at least one that's old enough and in the right spot to be the exact tree. Trees be ANCIENT!

“How sad. He is a holy man. A true seeker. Among my people, a true seeker is treated with the utmost reverence and respect. It doesn’t matter that his Grail may or may not exist. What matters is that he strives for the perfection of his soul and the salvation of his race. And that he has never wavered or lost faith.”

This reminds me very much of the Creepy Murderous Shak Tot speech from s01e02:

“Not all. Only the special ones. Leaders, thinkers, poets, dreamers, blessed lunatics. [...] We enshrine them, we worship them, talk to them, listen to them. We learn.”

No wonder the Shak Tot are drawn to the Minbari. They cultivate and celebrate dreamers, blessed lunatics, etc.

Interesting exchange between Delenn and Sinclair. Again. All their exchanges are so laden with double meaning and hidden meaning and intrigue that I suspect Delenn is on the show so relatively little compared to Londo/G’Kar to preserve the impact she always has.

Sinclair: “I wish [Aldous Gajic] luck. He’s probably the only true seeker we have.” Delenn: “Then perhaps you do not know yourself as well as you think.”

The fondness in their eyes when they look at each other is unbearable! If I didn’t suspect from seeing gifsets that Delenn ends up with someone not-yet-on-the-show (John Sheridan, I believe. Been waiting for him to appear) I’d be frothing at the mouth at their clear, deep affection for each other.

Nothing says I can’t froth over it regardless, but it does put a damper on parts of my foaming.

Ah, Mirriam Runningdear (a fantastic name) is only mindwiped, not dead. Kosh has mindwiping abilities. Yikes. And the Vorlon are freaked out about telepaths? What in the fuck.

Perhaps Talia could reprogram Mirriam with basic knowledge and human functions instead of going the long way ‘round by painstakingly teaching her absolutely everything starting with muscle control?!

Michael Garibaldi. Why do you have to keep being such a damn cop? Violently cleaning out the slums isn’t in any way conducive to solving poverty, crime, or ending the human drive to migrate in search of a better life.

Probably safer for Jinxo’s (Thomas Jordan) health and safety to leave, but he’s frantic to stay, for unknown reasons. He’s a highly skilled space station builder and worked on all 5 Babylons. What does he know? What safety function is he providing or think that he’s providing? (he has lovely green eyes)

Desmond Muzychenko. Much better name than Deuce, really.

Jinxo firmly believes that if leaves Babylon 5, it’ll be destroyed like all the other Babylons.

“I don’t have the curse, I am the curse.”

dun dun dunn!!! I typo’ed ‘fun’ four times trying to write ‘dun,’ and I think it deserves to be written if it tried so hard to be immortalized. Fun!

Babylon 1 was destroyed by sabotage right after he took a leave. Same for Babylon 2. B3 blew up after he took leave, hence the nickname Jinxo. B4, he didn’t take leave. Left once it was done, and he watched the station wrinkle “twisted like putty, then just disappeared. The minute I left.”

Aldous: “I’d say that you have the wrong nickname. They should have called you “Lucky.” […] To have escaped the worst each time - that’s a blessing. You’re a very lucky man. Perhaps each time you were exactly where you were meant to be.” Jinxo: “I never thought of it like that.” Aldous: “We never do.”

He seems to be a very kind man.

Na’ka’leen feeder is a critter the Centauri discovered during their colonization empire stage that can mindwipe people. Is Kosh (or a mystery Vorlon, I guess) running around with a highly illegal Crime Pet? What does this mean for Centauri Tummy Tentacles?

Londo seems seriously and genuinely disturbed about one perhaps being on Babylon 5.

The Minbari are so intense about helping a Seeker. Well, the religious half of them. When the warriors agree with the religious “it is a terrible thing, a terrible power, as recent events have shown us. Let us hope it never again happens in our lifetime.”

Well that’s unnerving. And now I expect it to happen again at least once a season.

Written words cannot express how freaky the non-Kosh voice coming out of this Vorlon-esque encounter suit is. I’m guessing it is a na’ka’leen and they’re highly predatory, and unfortunately sentient.

Where did Deuce get a Vorlon encounter suit??

Why WHY are there so many tentacles lately. Did tentacle porn spike in popularity in 1994? Don’t answer that.

Third pronunciation of Gajic so far. I have a lot of sympathy for this guy. I get about the same rate of novel pronunciations per introduction ratio for my name.

Vir is one-upping the Minbari is what he’s doing. Londo would care more if he was one-upping G’Kar, of course.

Panaceas and mystical methods of healing are a big theme in this season so far. Going to be interesting to see if/when they have a breakthrough that sticks.

Aldous is a fantastic staff fighter. And so earnest about cultivating Thomas “Jinxo” Jordan as a Seeker and blessed lunatic the Shak Tot would risk their lives to collect.

That didn’t really sound like Kosh. Feeder?

Tazer to the back > staff skillz

It really must be terrifying, thinking there’s a rogue Vorlon doing the bidding of the rising Boss Thug of the underworld.

Aldous is probably the most mystical thing to happen in the show so far. Ordering a bizarre, brain sucking Dalek-alike around successfully!

Aaaand it’s escaping. Bad news for sentients everywhere. idk if it’s going to eat Aldous, or die in his arms but I’d bet on one of the two.

hm, neither. But a Holy Mission being passed on to Thomas Jordan as Aldous dies is both fitting and spooky.

“[Aldous] found what he was looking for. What we’re all looking for: a reason. […] [a reason for] Everything, Commander. Everything.”

I do hope Garibaldi loses some sleep over the Curse, though.

[Thomas’ ship jumps away] Garibaldi: “No boom?” Sinclair: “No boom.” Ivanova: “No boom today, boom tomorrow. There’s always a boom tomorrow…what? Look, someone’s got to have some damn perspective around here! Boom. Sooner or later,”

Please can I have some Talia/Susan content. Just a touch. Even a glance! I'm dying, I'm starving!

Onwards!

[silkling]

Of Lessons and Losses

Of Moments of Life AU

———————————————————————————————————

Arguing drew Dreadwing’s attention away from the datapad he was reading–which contained an uncomfortable degree of Autobot propaganda and censoring about the start of the War–and to the doorway of the lounge area, where Blades and Dani were entering from the smaller room that contained the elevators.

“We’ve done that maneuver a hundred times, Blades! You shouldn’t still be messing it up! It’s easy !” Dani scolded the rotary, her tone frustrated and stiff.

“No it’s not !” Blades argued, the faintest note of hysteria underlying his voice that Dreadwing doubted human ears were able to pick up on. “I know you think it is, Dani, and that’s you’ve done it with Earth copters before, but you’re not the one doing the actual flying!”

“So what? You’re even better than an Earth copter, it should be a cakewalk for you!”

“I’m not a sparked flyer!” The mechling all but wailed. “There’s so much sensory data to take in when you’re that high up, especially above the ocean, and it’s hard to process it all and pull of complicated maneuvers at the same time!”

“Blades, I don’t know what that means, and I don’t know what it has to do with-“

Dreadwing moved in, cutting off the argument before it could devolve. “That’s enough.” he stated.

Dani snapped her head over to him, blinking rapidly. “Dreadwing! What do you mean?”

“It does no good to berate Blades for something he cannot help. He is right, regardless. Flyers have a much more advanced sensor-net. For one who was not sparked for the skies, the learning curve to understand such data would be immense.”

Dani just blinked, looking more confused. He sighed. “Go ask Boulder about a Cybertronian sensor suite, and ask him to explain the difference between the sensors of a grounder and those of a flyer. Once you understand, perhaps it will be easier for you to comprehend Blades’s difficulties in the air.” he paused. “Also, be sure to ask Boulder about grounders and sky-terror.” When he didn’t elaborate, the human sighed and nodded, trudging off and grumbling to herself.

The seeker turned to the young rotary, humming. Blades was looking at him, and shifted on his pedes. “…sky-terror?” He asked.

The larger bot nodded. “Yes. It is very common for ground frames to have an innate fear of the sky. It is in their very coding, and difficult to ignore. Grounders are meant to be on the ground, after all. They are not meant to be in the air, and thus it makes them more nervous when they cannot put wheels or pedes to the floor.”

“So…it’s not weird that I’m scared of flying?”

“Not at all. Your frame and processor remember that only a short time ago, you possessed wheels rather than rotors. Even with the fear coding no longer present in your systems, your processor still is not yet used to flight. Give it time. You are doing remarkably well, little one.” he soothed.

Blades looked up from where he was twisting his digits together, servos pressed tight to his canopy. “…really?”

“Really.” He assured. “You will overcome the instinctive fear in time. Until then, you must work on the technical aspects of flight. Improve upon your foundations, and when the time comes that you no longer fear the open skies you can begin more complicated maneuvers.”

Blades sighed. “That’s just it, Dreadwing. I don’t know the foundations. Dani does, but she doesn’t really explain. She learned them ages ago, and I think she expects me to already know them cause I’m well…I’m a flyer.” he said helplessly.

Ah. Now he understood the problem. The young rotary needed to learn the most basic principles of flight, but his partner was an experienced pilot and assumed the young bot already knew them when he in fact did not. She was not cruel in her actions then, but it seemed she simply did not understand the full scope of the young mech’s unique position.

“In that case,” he tilted his helm, gaze sharp. “Perhaps you would like some lessons? I am not a rotary , but I have known many. And even if I did not, many of the basic principles are the same. I can at the very least help in that regard.”

Blades looked up, grinning. “Really?” he said eagerly.

“Indeed. Let us go to the nearby island, then, so we will not be seen by locals.”

“Wayward Island?” Blades blinked, then shrugged. “Okay. Sure.” he agreed, though he looked nervous.

“Is…there a problem, youngling?”

“Well, no. It’s just. Weird stuff happens on that island.” He explained.

Dreadwing hummed. “Would you prefer to practice elsewhere?” He did not care where, as long as it was out of sight.

“No, Wayward Island is fine.” Blades said hurriedly. “It’s the best place, really.” There was a pause, and he looked down at his pedes. “Even if it is terrifying.” He mumbled under his breath.

Dreadwing nodded, deciding not to comment on the last statement. Blades would learn, and he would adjust. The Seeker would not let anything happen to him besides. He strode to the platform lift that would take them to the room. “Then let us be on our way.” he heard the soft scuff of smaller pedes following him, and when they were both on the lift he activated it to bring them up.

Blades transformed and took off first, and then Dreadwing followed suit, and soon they were on their way. They stayed low enough to not get caught in the bigger drafts of wind, and it wasn’t long before they arrived on the shore. As Blades went to land, Dreadwing swooped under him to cut him off.

“Stay in the air, youngling. These are flying lessons.” he reminded.

The young helo whined a complaint, but didn’t try to land again. “So…what’s lesson one?” he asked, seemingly nervous.

Dreadwing hummed. “Gaining altitude. I want you to fly as high as you can, straight up. Concentrate on how the air changes around your frame as you climb higher.” he instructed.

“What good does that do?” Blades squeaked, clearly nervous.

“Spatial awareness. You focus too much on your nerves and fear when you fly. If you wish to improve, you must start understanding how the air and wind moves around you when you are in the sky.” Dreadwing explained patiently. His voice softened marginally for his next words. “Worry not, young one. I will be right below you. If you fall, I am more than capable of catching you.”

Blades gulped audibly, and after a moment he nodded and started to climb higher.

“Talk to me.” Dreadwing instructed. “Tell me what you’re feeling, and what your sensors are telling you.” He said, following the youngling up.

Blades hummed, sounding nervous. “Um….pressure is decreasing as I get higher. Temperature too.” He came to a sudden stop as he broke the cloud layer, a nervous sound leaving him. “I…don’t think I should go higher.”

“Explain.” Dreadwing said patiently. He knew why, but he wanted the youngling to grasp the answer on his own.

“I have a bad feeling. It’s pretty cold up here, and I’m not sure my rotors can take it if I go too high. They’re already starting to feel numb at the tips.”

“Good.” Dreadwing said, prompting a noise of surprise from the youngling. “You’re in tune enough with your new frame and coding to understand its limits. You are correct. If a rotary such as yourself flies too high, you risk causing your rotors to freeze and you will drop from the sky.” he said bluntly. His words made Blades squeak and drop a few feet before he caught himself.

“You need not worry about that. You are a strong flyer for such a new one. You have good instincts.”

That seemed to surprise the youngling. “I….do? But I can’t ever seem to fly right.”

The Seeker hummed with amusement. “Allow me to rephrase. You have good instincts, when you use them. ” he said, a hint of a tease in his tone.

It was enough to make Blades laugh softly, as the youngling seemingly began to calm. “Thanks, I think.”

“You are welcome.” Dreadwing said dryly. “But keep talking. Tell me what you are feeling and sensing.”

“Oh.” Blades hummed. “Um…the air is chilly on my rotors here. And the pressure difference is weird, but not uncomfortable. I feel the wind moving the most over my tail…” he trailed off, making a soft noise.

“Youngling?” Dreadwing prompted.

“It changed. The wind, I mean. It’s flowing differently. What does that mean?”

“It could mean many things. Let us go below the clouds.” he said, moving down and hearing the copter follow. “Wind changes are common in the air. If you wish to master flight, you must always be aware of the changes. Sometimes, the changes occur for no reason. Other times, because it signifies an oncoming change in weather. Cast out with your sensors. What are they telling you?”

Blades hummed and then made a surprised noise. “Oh. There’s something on the edge of my sensors. It feels…like a charge of some sort?”

Oh?

Dreading cast out with his own sensors, picking up on what Blades was talking about. He huffed through his vents. ��What do you think that is?” He asked.

The youngling hummed again, obviously in thought. “Well…it feels…like a strong static charge. It’s chilly, but like… wet chilly. So….a storm?” He guessed.

“You’d be correct.” Dreadwing stated. “And it is coming fast. Come. I saw a cave on the island. The storm is approaching quicker, being pushed by a headwind. We will not have time to return to Griffin Rock, and you are not ready for a flying lesson on storm flight.”

Blades squeaked with fear, and hurried to follow as the Seeker let the way to the cave he’d seen in the cliff face. They landed just as the first rain drops started to fall, and the youngling darted to the back of the cave at the first clap of thunder. Dreadwing followed more sedately, setting next to the Rescue Bot where he was tucked into the back corner of the cave.

They sat in silence, staring towards the entrance of the cave as the storm began to pick up. After a moment, Dreadwing heard Blades reset his vocalizer.

“…Dreadwing?”

“Hm?” He looked to the smaller mech out of the corner of his optic.

“Does it ever stop hurting?” he said softly.

“Pardon?” He suspected he knew what the mechling was talking about, but he didn’t want to assume.

His suspicion was proven correct when Blades pressed a servo to his chest, over the Rescue Bot emblem where his spark pulsed beneath the metal. “The bond.” he whispered. “Does…does it ever get better?”

And Primus, but the pained, aching hope in the youngling’s voice made Dreadwing’s own spark ache with something sharp and visceral. “…no.” He admitted, and made no protest when Blades released a wounded noise and abruptly threw himself self into the Seeker’s lap.

Instead, he wrapped his arms around him, extending his EM field to blanket the shaking frame and try to soothe the raw pain in the immature field meeting his own. His optics went dim and distant, remembering the agony and grief he’d experienced in the wake of Skyquake’s death. The pain that had very nearly dragged him after his brother to the Well. Some days, even now, he wished it had.

“The pain never fades, Blades. It will remain sharp and clear and agonizing, every day for the rest of your existence. It gets easier to manage in time, it’s weight easier to bear, but it never fades.” A wounded keen was released against his cockpit, and Dreadwing sighed heavily, tightening his grip around the youngling in his arms.

“But you must not give up hope.” he said gently, moving one of his servos to instead tip Blades’s face up to his. “Your brothers may yet still live. I know the bond aches, I know your spark reaches desperately for connections that are faded, for other sparks that it cannot find. I know it is painful, that sometimes it hurts enough to make getting out of the berth in the morning feel as daunting as facing a Predacon. I know how it feels like a burn in your spark, sharp enough to send you to your knees at its worst. I know there is a part of you, buried somewhere deep and dark, that wants to give in, that wishes the pain would overwhelm you so you can join the Well and be reunited with the sparks that sing the same song as your own.” There was an aching tone to his voice, his armor shaking faintly with grief and longing and pain.

His words made Blades sob, pulling back enough to free his face before he shoved back against his cockpit. Dreadwing could feel the cool, wet tears of coolant that spilled from Blades’s optics, an attempt by his frame to cool him in addition to heaving vents as the grief and stress made him run the risk of overheating. He didn’t tell him to stop, or try to get the young rotary to calm down. There were no words he could say, no assurances he could give that would soothe the pain and the fear. Instead, he raised a servo and gently cupped the back of his helm, one large thumb rubbing a twitching audial fin. His action had Blades freezing for a moment, and then the youngling was sobbing harder, his grip growing tighter as he pressed desperately in the warmth and comfort his newly acquired caretaker was giving.

It made Dreadwing’s spark ache anew, but he let Blades weep into his chest. Outside, the storm raged on, the winds howling and thunder crashing, but even that wasn’t enough to drown out the sound of the mechling’s grief. Lightning lit up the mouth of the cave in one brief flash, but then they were cast back into semi-darkness.

Dreadwing did not speak for several minutes, not until the sound of Blades’s sobs died down, though the shaking of his frame never ceased. When he was more sure he’d be heard, he spoke again. “I know you are scared.” he murmured. “But you have hope, little one.” At that, Blades’s helm tilted just enough to bare one dim, watery optic. “Your brothers are separated from you, but they may very well still live. I know the uncertainty is an entirely different form of frightening to you, but in that uncertainty there is also hope. You must not give up that hope, Blades. As bleak as it may seem, you may one day see them again. If you lose hope, then you lose everything.” he said somberly. “As long as you still have hope, your spark will burn strong for long enough to learn the fates of your brothers. I cannot promise that news will be good, but if Primus is watching over you, then you will see them again.”

“And is He?”

“Hm?”

He looked down, two ruby optics needing a dull emerald one.

“Is He watching over me? Over us?”

Dreadwing sighed. “Maybe.” he said softly. “His reach is far lessened, so far from His frame. His influence was already weak before the war, when all His children called Cybertron home. Now, with our planet in ruins and our people scattered to the stars, He has even less influence. But He loves us, for all I believe He may loathe our conflict. I do not think He ever stopped watching, even if He cannot influence our paths how He once could.” The Seeker rumbled.

Blades swallowed. “Do you….do you think He’ll guide my brothers to me? Or me to them?”

“I think He will try, little one. I think He will try his very hardest to see you reunited with those your spark longs for. Whether He succeeds, we can leave up only to time.”

“So…we can only hope.” Blades rasped softly, frame shaking as he continued to cry even now.

“We can only hope.” Dreadwing agreed somberly.

Blades released a massive, shuddering ex-vent of air. His optics dimmed further, and he turned his face back into Dreadwing’s chest. The Seeker sighed, his thumb still rubbing a twitching finial, and his over servo pressing the youngling further into his chest and rubbing his back between his rotor blades.

“Rest, little one. You’ve had a stressful day. You’re young yet, and this much excitement will exhaust you. I will stay here. When the storm breaks, I will wake you and we will return to the firehouse.” he rumbled.

He heard an assenting mumble from his chest, and soon enough the whirring of Blades’s systems quieted as he slipped into recharge. Dreadwing sighed heavily, and looked back out at the storm.

Thunder crashed, and the youngling in his hold shifted, but a gentle stroke down his back settled and stilled him once more. The sky had grown dim and overcast with the storm by now, and the lack of light meant that the rain stood stark against the black clouds that cast shadows and darkness on the earth below. In the distance, his sensitive audials picked up the sound of the ocean, the waves crashing into the shore of the island as the winds screamed above the surface of the roiling water.

His processor wandered, optics unseeing as he stared at the mouth of the cave let himself think about his brother for the first time since he’d learned of Skyquake’s true fate.

Dreadwing knew that Primus did indeed love all His creations, but the Seeker could not help but think that fate, perhaps, was cruel. Their Creator would not have allowed such a sacred bond to be severed so horribly, had He the power to influence the matter. He was sure of that. So he could only determine that He had not had the power to do anything about it. It made him wonder if He had to power to return Blades’s brothers to him, if the other younglings were indeed even still alive.

His gaze slid down to the recharging flier in his lap, his face wet with drying tears, and for the first time since before Vos fell Dreadwing found himself praying to a Creator he was not even sure could still hear him.

And for the first time since the bond in his spark snapped and shattered like the finest filigree, coolant slid down his own faceplates as he wept and allowed himself to grieve over a loss he had not yet had the chance the mourn.

———————————————————————————————————

So that was that! How’d you all like it? Let me know what you thought. This piece was pretty personal too, so it’d really mean a lot to hear your thoughts on it and the rest of the series.

But the good news! Next time it’s time for Blades to start on the path towards proper closure. What that means precisely, I will not say.

Anyway, I’m out for now!

Until next time, folks!

[mothbait]

How would you rate each episode of HB that’s currently out?

Sorry this took so long, I rewatched episodes to remember them better! Also I really like your username

This was originally done like an essay but that was long and boring to read and write, so you get highlights and low points for each episode and an overall score!

Pilot - 3/10

Favorite part: Oh Millie, it’s the only Helluva song I remember the lyrics for

Least favorite part: Using the R word. The jokes about them hurting kids is a close second

Murder Family - 5/10

Favorite part: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre-esq family was fun

Least favorite part: This one’s just a personal thing but the brief shot of sex in the “you’re a hero” thing. It’s far from the worst part of the episode but actually showing sex in shows and movies always squicks me out

Loo Loo Land - 6/10

Favorite part: Octavia! She’s probably my favorite character thus far and is for sure the one I can relate to the most.

Least favorite part: Stolas going on a father daughter day and then spending a majority of it being horny over Blitz

Spring Broken - 6/10 (take away my least favorite part and it’s a 7)

Favorite part: The incubus with the Slenderman symbol on his shirt (Ace I think), the design of the whole crew is good though. The trans guy in the concert crowd was also nice when they remembered to add the top scars lol

Least favorite part: The joke about Verosika and co. assaulting Moxxie 😐

CHERUB - 1/10

Favorite part: I gotta be honest with you I’ve been struggling with a favorite part on this one. I guess Mox and Mil in the cat suits??

Least favorite part: The jokes in this one felt a lot crueler than they usually do, normally at their worst I wince but I felt the need to skip over a couple sections

The Harvest Moon Festival- 5/10

Favorite part: Millie’s family. I’m a little iffy on the trans rep but honestly we’ve gotten so little for the girls in this show I’ll take what development I can get

Least favorite part: The way they frame Striker knocking out Moxxie. Another part I feel uncomfortable watching.

Truth Seekers - 6/10

Favorite part: The fight with Millie and Loona against the agents or Stolas showing up near the end

Least favorite part: IDK how to word this but, just the whole plot. The most frustrating part to me is the agents gave Blitz and Mox truth serum then didn’t ask questions. Did they know truth serum was gonna act like drugs? What was the point of it?

Ozzie’s - 8/10 (the character designs were fun enough that I’m overlooking most of my problems with it)

Favorite part: Background character designs. It’s my favorite part a lot of the time but those goat girls? I love their colors 100/10

Least favorite part: This is the first time (that stands out to me at least) where they tried to give Stolas and Blitz more depth and try to make you sympathize with them, they’ve both been assholes for almost the entire show and now we should feel bad for them??

The Circus- 3/10

Favorite part: Bird demon designs, the shadowy forms Paimon takes are cool as well

Least favorite part: They did Stella so so dirty. I know they did in the rest of the show too but they really could’ve written her so much better here. Also Stolas and Blitz’s relationship in this episode is gross