#of them to the song I'm not your son you're not my father we're just two grown men saying goodbye...

[hyacinthsdiamonds]

[buccini555]

𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐬: 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐲

★ You found out you were pregnant, but were afraid to tell them, but they ended up finding out

★ H e a d c a n o n s !

★ 𝑭𝒕. Manjiro Sano, Sanzu Haruchiyo, Kakucho Hitto, Rindou Haitani, Ran Haitani, Kokonoi Hajime and Takeomi Akashi

tw: unplanned pregnancy, pregnancy symptoms, bad words, abandonment, a little angst but a lot of fluff

𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐣𝐢𝐫𝐨 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐨

Manjiro began to notice the change in your behavior, having the impression that you were hiding something, he knew, at that point he was almost sure that you were expecting his baby.

"Don't lie to me..." He held you, making you completely vulnerable, tears came down his face, Manjiro was really scaring you.

"M-manjiro, stop, please..." You just closed your eyes, expecting the worst and fearing for your son's life, but, unexpectedly, Manjiro let you go, giving you a hug full of affection, you remained silent, watching him place his hand on your belly.

"A-are you... pregnant?" Your heart beat faster, a feeling of despair took over you, but it was too late. "I'm sorry... I'm sorry but, it's true, I-I'm expecting your baby." Silence took over the room, being broken by Manjiro's inconsolable crying.

"Thanks." He said through tears. "Please take our baby away from me, I don't want to hurt you..." That was the last thing you heard from Manjiro before he told you to leave.

𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐳𝐮 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐲𝐨

You tried to hide all the symptoms so that Haruchiyo wouldn't notice, until the day you were having dinner together and you felt sick, as soon as you got up and went to the bathroom because of nausea, at that moment he already knew that you were pregnant.

"Love? are you ok?" He walked into the bathroom, seeing you sitting on the floor crying.

"Be honest with me... You're pregnant, aren't you?" Haruchiyo said as he helped you get up, your crying only intensified at that moment, confirming Sanzu's question, he remained silent, looking at you and stroking your face, it was definitely not the reaction you expected from him.

"Were you scared to tell me? I-I'm so sorry." Sanzu hugged you, then he walked away and at that moment you expected the worst possible reaction.

"I'm really angry that you're making your mother sick, we have to take care of her together, do you hear your father?" He said hugging and placing a small kiss on your belly, giving a smile of relief from you, later getting up and giving you a long kiss.

𝐊𝐚𝐤𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐨 𝐇𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐨

Kakucho was always very attentive to you, for that reason, it didn't take long for him to suspect that you were pregnant, his doubts were only confirmed the day you ended up in the hospital because of a faint.

As soon as he found out about your hospitalization, he went to visit you, but as soon as he arrived in the room you were in, he saw you doing an ultrasound and listening to your baby's heart, as soon as you noticed his presence, your heart accelerated, Kakucho was standing at that door crying with a smile on his face, he went into denial for a moment, his emotion upon hearing your baby was so great that he couldn't even contain himself.

"Y-you're really pregnant, our baby is so small, so fragile... We're going to have a baby, I can't believe it!" He approached you, holding your hand and telling you through tears, he was shaking and couldn't even look away from the image of the baby.

"That was the best gift you could have given me, thank you darling! Now you're no longer the only love of my life." He kissed your hand, his reaction left you completely in love, you were sure at that moment that despite everything, you chose the right father for your baby.

𝐑𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐮 𝐇𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐢

Rindou and you were in the room listening to some songs together when you started to feel sick, as much as you were trying to hide your pregnancy, Rindou had already noticed at that moment.

"Shit, aren't you going to tell me you got pregnant?" He said in a serious tone, looking directly at you, you looked at him scared, but you would have to tell the truth. "I'm sorry Rin..." You just confirmed his question, Rindou was completely shaken by the news and you could only hope for the worst.

"I'm not going to be a good father..." He said in a low tone, shaking his head in denial and trying to hide how disappointed he was. "I'm sure you'll be a great father, Rin." Everything suddenly became silent, almost as if time had stopped, Rindou hugged you, then placed his hand on your belly and caressed you with a smile on his face.

"I'll do my best for you, you and this little one boy... Or little one girl! Ran will love knowing he's going to be an uncle."

𝐑𝐚𝐧 𝐇𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐢

Ran You definitely won't find out about your pregnancy that easily, but as soon as he saw you feeling sick in front of him, something in his intuition made him realize your pregnancy.

Holding your hair as you finished throwing up, he couldn't help but ask you.

"You are pregnant?" He asked the question with a worried expression, seeing you feeling sick and thinking about the fact that you were carrying that weight alone made him completely sensitive, fearing for Ran's reaction, you just nodded your head.

"You should have told me earlier!" He shouted at you, making you even more scared.

"Forgive me... I didn't mean to yell at you." Ran hugged you, being careful in his embrace, he was already getting used to the presence of your baby, knowing that he would have to change his behavior for you.

"...My angel, my girlfriend and future wife, you made me a complete man!" He said, still hugging you, Ran proposed to you at that same moment and promised himself that regardless of anything, he would be the best father your baby could have. "Rindou is going to spoil this child so much..." Ran said with a smile on his face.

𝐊𝐨𝐤𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐢 𝐇𝐚𝐣𝐢𝐦𝐞

Kokonoi had already made it very clear previously that he did not intend to have children, hiding the pregnancy from him would definitely not be a good idea as it didn't take him long to realize it.

"Do you have something to tell me?" He would ask you, already knowing the answer, Kokonoi didn't want to believe that that had happened.

"N-no." You said, trying to deny the obvious, but he interrupted you.

"You are pregnant." Koko stated, taking a long sigh and shaking his head in denial, you expected the worst possible reaction, but the tallest just burst into tears, soon going to hug you.

"I would never, ever deny our baby, I love you and I will love this baby, in fact, I already love him... or she? I don't know!" He said, or at least tried to say in the midst of so much emotion, he hugged you tightly, you just felt how much he was shaking, Koko was scared and just feared he wouldn't be a good father to your son. "I will take care of you, I will protect you! You are my most precious one, you and our baby."

𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐨𝐦𝐢 𝐀𝐤𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢

Takeomi already knew about your pregnancy, he paid close attention to your behavior and it didn't take long to notice the changes.

"What the fuck is wrong with you? Where were you thinking when you chose to hide your pregnancy from me?" Takeomi said placing you against the wall and holding your face aggressively, at that moment you could only cry, fearing for your baby's life.

"You were just another slut, you should have thought about that before showing up pregnant." He said, releasing you, despite all that violence, Takeomi was honestly moved by the fact that you were expecting his baby.

"... I'm so sorry." Takeomi looked at you, helping you sit down and sitting in front of you.

"I won't be able to move on with my life knowing that I left a child behind, so I will take care of you and these children, but know that I'm not happy at all with this mistake I made." He got up and left.

[petalsprompts]

𝐀 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐌 𝐎𝐅 𝐒𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐒; 𝙽𝙾𝚅𝙴𝙻 𝚀𝚄𝙾𝚃𝙴𝚂 𝙱𝚈 𝙶𝙴𝙾𝚁𝙶𝙴 𝚁.𝚁. 𝙼𝙰𝚁𝚃𝙸𝙽.

change  pronouns,  tenses  and  other  details  as  deemed  necessary. &  please  specify  muse  when  sending  to  a  mumu. slightly edited wording for roleplaying purposes.

My  skin  has  turned  to  porcelain,  to  ivory,  to  steel.

Any  act  can  be  a  prayer,  if  done  as  well  as  we  are  able.

A  man  who  hates  music  can’t  be  trusted,  I  always  say.

Has  my  tale  turned  you  speechless?  Come,  curse  me  or  kiss  me  or  call  me  a  liar.  Something.

A  bag  of  gold  buys  a  man's  silence  for  a  while,  but  a  well-placed  arrow  buys  it  forever.

If  I  am  a  monster,  perhaps  you  should  speak  more  softly  to  me,  then.  Monsters  are  dangerous  beasts,  and  just  now  kings  seem  to  be  dying  like  flies.

Every  man  must  die,  [NAME].  But  first  he  must  live.

You're  mine.  Mine,  as  I'm  yours.

[NAME]  fought  valiantly,  [NAME]  fought  nobly,  [NAME]  fought  honorably.  And  [NAME] died.

Old  stories  are  like  old  friends  You  have  to  visit  them  from  time  to  time.

You  were  made  to  be  kissed,  often  and  well.

Half-truths  are  worth  more  than  outright  lies.

Some  battles  are  won  with  swords  and  spears,  others  with  quills  and  ravens.

Soon  comes  the  cold,  and  the  night  that  never  ends.

Always  keep  your  foes  confused.  If  they  are  never  certain  who  you  are  or  what  you  want,  they  cannot  know  what  you  are  like  to  do  next.

They’ve  never  seen  a  battle,  they’ve  never  seen  a  man  die,  they  know  nothing. 

Madness  and  greatness  are  two  sides  of  the  same  coin. 

Only  lies  offend  me,  never  honest  counsel.

Woman?  Is  that  meant  to  insult  me?  I  would  return  the  slap,  if  I  took  you  for  a  man.

We  look  up  at  the  same  stars  and  see  such  different  things.

I  crossed  a  thousand  leagues  to  come  to  you,  and  lost  the  best  part  of  me  along  the  way.  Don't  tell  me  to  leave.

I've  lost  a  hand,  a  father,  a  son,  a  sister,  and  a  lover,  and  soon  enough  I  will  lose  a  brother.  And  yet  they  keep  telling  me  my  family  won  this  war.

All  these  kings  would  do  a  deal  better  if  they  would  put  down  their  swords  and  listen  to  their  mothers.

I  must  be  strong.  I  must  have  fire  in  my  eyes  when  I  face  them,  not  tears.

Why  ask  for  truth  if  you  close  your  ears  to  it?

There  is  a  savage  beast  in  every  man,  and  when  you  hand  that  man  a  sword  or  spear  and  send  him  forth  to  war,  the  beast  stirs.

Always  keep  your  foes  confused.  If  they  are  never  certain  who  you  are  or  what  you  want,  they  cannot  know  what  you  are  like  to  do  next.

If  you  love  me  all  so  much,  why  are  you  still  dressed?

There's  been  no  one.  Only  you.

Why  do  the  Gods  make  kings  and  queens  if  not  to  protect  the  ones  who  can't  protect  themselves?

Explain  to  me  why  it  is  more  noble  to  kill  ten  thousand  men  in  battle  than  a  dozen  at  dinner.

We're  all  just  songs  in  the  end.  If  we  are  lucky.

All  men  are  fools,  if  truth  be  told,  but  the  ones  in  motley  are  more  amusing  than  ones  with  crowns.

[saetgvia]

spark | wriothesley

in which you and wriothesley find an unlikely spark.

CHAPTER ONE: A NOT SO MEET-CUTE

prince!wrio x fem!noble!reader, invented country au

✧ genre: fluff, angst...? maybe...? if you squint...?, arranged marriage trope

✧ tw: none, if you see any lmk <3

✧ word count: 1.32K

✧ playlist: spark - taeyeon, radio - lana del rey, deja vu - txt, darl+ing - seventeen, invu - taeyeon, agora hills - doja cat, killin' me good - jihyo, i like you (a happier song) - doja cat & post malone, fever - enhypen, eleven - ive, hype boy - newjeans, hard to love - rose, sour grapes - le sserafim, oh my god - adele, my head & my heart - ava max, nonsense - sabrina carpenter, the feels - twice

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i. a not so meet-cute

'what.' you stare in disbelief at your parents. 'there's no way. NO. WAY.' arranged marriages only happen in books. of course you'd heard of them in your country of azura, some distant cousin being married to some lord or other for alliances or whatever, but you'd always been free to do what you wanted, marry who you chose. your parents never put any restrictions on you, but this out of the blue is so- 'unexpected! what? i thought-' 'circumstances change.' your father replies shortly. 'i- you- you can't do this!' you cry, becoming more and more panicked. you wanted to fall in love, marry someone you chose! and now, you were going to be pawned off to someone you didn't even know. wait...

'can you at least tell me who i'm being given away to?' 'you're not being given away-' 'oh mom, it's fine. i know how this works. so, who is it?'

wriothesley. the prince of emeia. a name that struck fear into your very soul. not because he was a terrible ruler or a womaniser. he was, in fact, the complete opposite. you'd heard tales from all over the kingdom in the form of gossiping ladies giggling behind fans, sipping their tea and gushing to your mother. she, in turn, laughed daintily, and turned to you with a pointed look. how could she even know? his parents kept him hidden away from the world, their precious son too perfect for mere commoners. no, you were afraid because you didn't know him. because he seemed too good to be true. and most of all, because he was about to become your life. you should have seen this coming.

'i won't go.'

your father's eyes narrow, and you can see his neatly trimmed beard bristling in anger. you've never seen him like this before, and over something as silly as an arranged marriage? your mother puts a placating arm on his bicep, and he shoots her a look, both of them communicating through their gaze. finally, he exhales, evidently trying to calm himself, and speaks.

'we... we're in debt. remember that deal with ceria? the cherry liqueur? they've been selling it for exorbitant prices without giving us any of the profits, and we've been depending on that to get us out of last winter's snowstorms. emeia noticed us struggling and have so kindly offered to refill our coffers in exchange for your hand.' there's a hint of annoyance in his tone, and you begin to understand just how much this is weighing on him. but still, how can you throw your life away like that?

'i'll think about it.'

⭑⭑⭑

'but i don't WANT to!' you shriek into your pillow, kicking your feet in true spoiled girl fashion. your maid, or rather, your friend, giselle, winces, and tries to comfort you.

'hey, maybe it won't be so bad! everyone says he's a sweetheart!'

'but everyone ISN'T BEING MARRIED OFF TO HIM!'

'think about your parents, hon! you can always divorce him later, run away, fake your own death-'

she breaks off at your deadpan gaze, and starts to giggle, until you start to giggle, and you're both in your bed cackling uncontrollably. you wipe tears of mirth from your eyes, and look at giselle over the rumpled sheets, her eyes twinkling, and you wish there were more people like her in the world. sitting up, you clasp her hands between yours, and trace the lines on her weathered palm. you exhale, and make up your mind. you have to marry wriothesley.

'giselle... i'll marry wriothesley. but only if you come with me.'

⭑⭑⭑

'woah woah woAH-' you cry as you stumble. your beautiful, floor-length cherry-red dress, so stunning to look at when you were standing in one place, was nothing but a nuisance when you were walking. for comfort, you'd opted for soft velvet flats instead of the heels sent for you; you could see the flaws in this decision now. but instead of breaking your nose, you're met with shoes. shiny leather shoes, buckled with silver, and a pair of strong - warm - arms gripping your own. slowly raising your head, your eyes land on a beautiful face. chiseled jawline, chiseled nose, chiseled forehead, somehow his neck is also chiseled. but his lips, so plump and pink and soft, and his eyes, like chips of blue ice, hold a twinkle of mirth.

'woah there, careful. wouldn't want you to get hurt.'

his voice is honey, smooth and sweet, and it washes over your ears. you can't stop staring, enthralled by his gaze.

'cat got your tongue?'

you snap out of your daze, realising you're still half on the mysterious stranger, and stumble backwards. you brush your hands over your dress, the gold embroidery rough under your fingers.

'sorry. i uh- i have to go.'

you picked up your skirts and hurried back towards the throne room. you didn't think you could get so lost trying to go to the bathroom! stopping before a mirror adorning the wall, you take a quick look at your appearance. the crimson dress fit your figure wonderfully, golden embroidery curling up the sides and front of your dress, forming a pattern of flames that ended just below your neckline. your hair, so lustrous and thick, had managed to escape its tight bindings, so you gasp heavily as you catch your breath and tie your hair up at the same time, the ribbon cherry-red to match your dress. adjusting yourself one final time, you nod to the guards outside to open the door for you, and walk into the throne room.

you're once again taken by surprise at the grandness of it all. absolutely everything inside is scarlet, a stark contrast to the cool blue drapes of azura. you'd always found it funny how blue was your dukedom's colour and yet your primary export was cherries, something so very opposite. the floor, carpeted in lush red and cream formed a pathway up to the raised thrones, all three of them cushioned by velvet and adorned with gold scrollwork and filigree. behind the thrones and all around, rich tapestries decorate the walls, vermilion depictions of the kingdom's greatest victories. you weren't sure if they were there to celebrate or intimidate. maybe both. a big, booming laugh reaches your ears, and your gaze is drawn to the antechamber towards the back of the room. ah, so that's where they've gone to. you scurry towards the chamber, nodding with as much regal-ness as you could muster towards the servants who caught your eye and sank into a deep curtsy or bow. straightening your dress, again, out of habit, you step into the room.

your parents are laughing, your father releasing his great guffaw and your mother tittering behind her gloved hand. the king of emeia, a warm, welcoming person with greying ebony hair and soft blue eyes was telling some kind of story, while his wife, the queen, sat, watching the scene with adoration and satisfaction. the queen noticed you first, her brown eyes crinkling into a sweet smile as she noticed you.

'oh there you are! we were wondering where you'd gone.'

'sorry... i got a little lost.' you take your seat on another velvet sofa, picking up your cup of tea. the servants appeared to have brought more plates of food in, the table once again covered in delicate china piled high with macarons and pastries and little sandwiches cut into perfect triangles. you pick up one of the treats, a golden swirl of pastry with colourful fruit peeking out, and bite into it. it's heavenly, deliciously flaky and sweet on your tongue. you pick it up and munch happily on it again.

'ah, here he is. wrio! here is the girl we wish for you to marry.'

you choke. because when you look up, you see the same chiseled features, the same lips, the same eyes and the same smile.

'THAT'S wriothesley?'

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from saetgvia: i have never started writing a fic so fast oh my god??? very excited for this fic and i hope you are too <3 stay tuned will have part 2 coming out soon!

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please like and reblog my work! tumblr relies on reblogs to function, so help my work be seen by more people <3 my spark taglist and overall is now open, drop an ask if you want to be added! just specify which one.

© saetgvia 2024. do not copy or repost.

[bigbraidenergy]

sentence starters: across the universe

a part i gift to @tragedynoir for the 2024 gift exchange <3

i chose this movie for sentence starters, because i liked the vibes of it based off of your sun anke character, as well as her friend played by ashley moore! i obviously don't know the muses well, and the description was somewhat vague, buuuut... between her struggling with her sense of self, her dog-eat-dog mentality, her being an artist, seeking validation/etc, and the best friend being a bubbly actress, there's just a lot of themes there that reminded me of the movie. i suppose the movie has also been on my mind lately with some themes being on-point for irl issues as well. i hope you enjoy!

I can't have no one screwing up my beauty sleep before 2:00 PM.

What you do defines who you are.

Music's the only thing that makes sense anymore. Play it loud enough, it keeps the demons at bay.

I understand you need to get away.

I can't pretend like it didn't happen.

This was just a crappy wall, and now it's a work of art.

Time is not on our hands. Time is slipping through them.

If nobody's everybody, then someone can be anybody, right?

(about a sketch) Hey, you didn't get my left nipple right.

Well, I was drawing from a distance. I couldn't see it properly.

We're in the middle of a revolution!

What are you doing — doodles, and cartoons?!

You don't think it's worth trying?!

We all wanna change the world.

Don't you know it's gonna be all right?

I've never seen [her/him/them] like that…

Why did you stop writing?

It all seems a bit unreal.

They should be radical. You should be radical. We should all be radical.

Everything's really okay, I promise...

Well... everything below my neck works fine, anyway.

All you need is love.

the rest are under the cut!

I told myself, "When I'm 64, I'll be long gone from this place." But I'm still here.

You're gonna miss this place.

I sometimes feel you're not telling me everything.

I'll be back before you know it.

You need a break from me? Is that what this is?

While I'm away, I'll write home every day and send all my loving to you.

No such professor here. Listen, I've pissed off every professor in Princeton, and they're not one of them.

I believe I'm your [son/daughter/child].

Did [she/he/they] find someone else?

There were a few hopefuls over the years. I think I scared them off.

Look, I didn't come here to derail your life.

Fifteen bucks says you miss this shot. Fifty says your [sibling] still marries me.

You're wanted by the cops, eh? FBI?

You know, it looks to me as though you're the one on the run.

What would they have done if they caught you?

I'm never having children. Think about it, it's pure narcissism. I mean, people putting out little carbon copies of themselves, going: "Oh, doesn't he have his father's eyes? Doesn't he have his mother's lips?" It's… It's disgusting.

Is that fashionable? Your haircut? Or... lack of one.

Goddamn it! Be serious, for once!

What do you actually intend to do with your life? Why is it always about, "What will you do? What will you do? What will he do? Oh, my God, what will he do?" Why isn't the issue here who I am?

What you do defines who you are.

Sorry you had to sit through that.

My education is rarely a topic of conversation.

Turns out [he/she/they're] just a working stiff like myself.

I've spent half my life trying to hate [her/him/them].

I never realized I had it so easy. I mean... we're so... normal.

Goddamn it! It's like this every time I come home!

What the hell do they talk about when I'm not here?

He's a sailor on leave. He needs a bar, a brawl, and a brothel.

If I don't go back to college I'll do what any irresponsible, unmotivated dropout would do: go to New York. Like, tonight.

I can't have no one screwing up my beauty sleep before 2:00 PM.

You have a good memory for faces? There's no mirror in your bathroom.

What the hell are you doing, man?

I write my own songs. I got 20 in a notebook... another 10 in my head.

Music's the only thing that makes sense anymore. Play it loud enough, it keeps the demons at bay.

I understand you need to get away.

You don't have to talk about this.

I can't pretend like it didn't happen.

They were the first person I knew to die. I'd never even been to a funeral before.

This was just a crappy wall, and now it's a work of art.

I saw you at the peace march. I was moved by your speech.

You're up before 2 and looking wicked cool. Who's it for?

Time is not on our hands. Time is slipping through them.

No point butting your heads bucking the system.

Never knock the way another cat swings.

"I am me as you are he as you are me and we are all together."

If nobody's everybody, then someone can be anybody, right

(about a sketch) Hey, you didn't get my left nipple right.

Well, I was drawing from a distance. I couldn't see it properly.

Why were you so rude before? It wouldn't kill you to talk to [her/him/them].

We're in the middle of a revolution!

What are you doing — doodles, and cartoons?!

I would lie down in front of a tank if it would stop this war and bring [name] home!

You don't think it's worth trying?!

Maybe when bombs start going off here, people will listen.

We all wanna change the world.

I can't do this right now.

Don't you know it's gonna be all right?

I've never seen [her/him/them] like that...

Get this clown out of here! Now!

What is the matter with you? Why would you do that?

I'm sick and tired of violence.

Why did you stop writing?

It all seems a bit unreal.

Is this real enough for you?

They should be radical. You should be radical. We should all be radical.

This war just keeps going on and on and nobody's listening!

Everything's really okay, I promise...

Well… everything below my neck works fine, anyway.

I don't understand what the problem is.

Get your hands off me!

There's nothing you can do that can't be done.

There's no one to save who can't be saved.

All you need is love.

[miyakuli]

Venba

A cooking game that lacks a little spice

Time to eat! I've concocted a few dishes that I hope you'll enjoy. The recipes? No, I admit, they don't come from me, but from a little game called Venba, in which a Tamil woman immigrant living in Canada with her small family encounters various obstacles linked to her origins. Cooking becomes a means of escape for her and a way of consolidating ties with both her family and her culture. However, while the game whetted my appetite, it didn't really fill me up.

❤ The game is a feast for the eyes. The chara-design is truly charming, the colours are warm and soothing, and the simplistic animation is enough to convey the emotions. You'll also find your stomach growling at the sight of dishes that look really appetizing. ❤ The narration is delicious, as it's mainly done through what we're shown, even if a few lines of dialogue are occasionally used to give us a bit of context. In this way, through a host of small visual details, we can guess at the characters' situation and their state of mind as they go through life. (SPOILERS: e.g. Venba's son holding a spoon to eat, unlike his parents, to emphasize his distance from his Indian culture, an empty half-bed to convey the loss of a husband, the son wearing his father's broken glasses to reconnect with his roots….) ❤ The sound design is very well done, with mouth-watering kitchen sound effects and songs that make us travel as much as the different meals.

+/- The cooking takes the form of little puzzles, during which you have to think about when and how to use each ingredient. So you make mistakes, try again, learn from them, and then really want to reproduce the dish from memory for real. The game even includes its own recipes on the menu (literally), a succulent idea that really shows the developers' desire to share their love of this culinary culture. On the other hand, these gameplay phases are very brief, and some require barely a few mouse movements before the meal is ready, which is slightly frustrating.

✖ The shortness of a game isn't necessarily a negative thing in my eyes, unless, as in this case, it affects the pace and impact of the narrative. The story is certainly touching, but it unfolds at high speed, without really taking the time to establish strong connections with the characters. Although the visual storytelling is effective, after 1h30 in game, I don't really know this family well enough to be moved by it. Also, while the relationship between the mother and son is the most developed, the father is totally neglected and clearly lacks personality. And while the cooking was an interesting idea to united this family, it isn't developed enough and remains a little too superficial for my taste. ✖ Besides, there's no real replayability, as the few selectable dialogues won't make any significant changes. As a result, the price may bite a little. ✖ Although you can finish it in one go, there's no indication that you can save during the game (which always tends to stress me out a bit x'D).

Venba is undoubtedly a game made with the heart, and with the tummy. Food lovers will find it satisfying to discover new flavors, and if you're just a curious gourmet, the game will make you feel a little peckish, but perhaps not completely satiated. For my part, it was an appetizing experience, but I'm still not quite full.

➡ My Steam page

[nefellibatta]

━━━ ❪ Hiro ❫

―Mom, are you done yet?―Hiro asked as he walked around the house while she made the food.

"Yes, my love. Mom is almost done," [name] said, looking at her 13-year-old son, Hiro, the boy with blond hair and highlights [your hair color] walked over and sat down at the table.

[Name] hummed softly as he finished making the food, the delicious smell of golden garlic and onions along with freshly cooked rice was present. [Last name] walked over and quickly placed the hot pan on the wooden stand on the table so as not to damage the glass on the table.

Three pots were placed along with the bowl containing the salad, the mother and son thanked them for the meal and soon began to eat. A simple meal but with the usual homemade taste, Hiro ate quickly while he looked at his mother who ate thoughtfully.

―What happened, mom? You're too thoughtful, more than usual―Hiro said as he took a spoonful of rice and beans

―Nothing much, just anxious―[name] said as she cut the steak and ate it.

―Anxious about what?

―New work with filming, that's all, now that I got one of the roles.....oh, I don't know. It's exciting but confusing at the same time.

Hiro nodded, he knew what it was like to have anxiety churning in his stomach because of new experiences. Moving cities, changing jobs and houses were things that Hiro hated but he knew his mother hated it, it was new things and changes

"I'm going to study at Hiroshi's house today. We're going to review chemistry, and I hate chemistry. Dog's subject," Hiro grumbled as he got up and got more food.

―That's good, you're smart Hiro. It's just a matter of time until you get used to it, once you get the hang of it you'll know how to deal with it―[name] smiled at her son as he looked away embarrassed by his mother praising him

Hiro was cheeky but quiet and paid attention to everything, he knew how to be affectionate and respectful of others thanks to his mother but he also took traits from his father. Dark eyes and a huge natural tactic of manipulation but he was still shy when his mother praised him or showed herself proud of him.

The family of two walked out of the house after they had lunch and got ready, the simple 2016 Daihatsu Mira Es LF car was parked in the garage while the son opened the garage and waited for the mother to take the car out of the garage

―Right! First stop, Hiroshi's house!―[name] said smiling as he held the steering wheel while Hiro just sighed as he saw his mother excited about something silly.

The traffic was light as [name] made his way to Hiroshi's path while Hiro fiddled with his cell phone, thoughtfully, and then he fiddled with his hair, looking at the blonde hair with several strands [your hair color]

"Isn't it beautiful? When I first held you in my arms, I thought the blood stained your hair, but then I realized it was natural," [name] said softly and excitedly while Hiro grimaced.

―Seriously mom? Stained with blood?...I'm going to keep that in my head―Hirou said with an obvious grimace as he snorted, rolling his eyes.

"But it's good! It makes you unique! And in my defense, I was tired after being in labor for almost 18 hours!" [name] got defensive while her son just rolled his eyes.

The car stopped at the red light, [Name] hummed the song on the radio as the dark-eyed boy turned his face away from the window as he watched the car stop next to them at the red light. Hiro looked bored and turned around only to find a blond man inside the other car staring at him, but he seemed to be looking at his mother.

The blond man stared at [Name]'s figure, Hiro quickly leaned over cutting off the man's view of his mother. The blond man smiled and slightly lowered his sunglasses revealing dark blue starry black eyes. 

Their eyes met Hiro's eyes widened as he felt the same dark gaze he carried, the older man in the other car smiled as he blinked slowly teasing Hiro who stared at that man in bewilderment

―Mom....mom, look at this!-

―Ah! You have to turn here!

Hiro tried to call his mother but [name] remembered that Hiroshi had moved house and changed the route, Hiro was silent as he distanced himself from the other car the bicolored haired boy was silent and leaned his back against the seat swallowing hard as he looked at the external rearview mirror, Hiro looked at his eyes as he imagined if he put a black star in his eyes, he would be like that man

"Holy shit....how is that possible? Calm down Hiro. Just because their eyes are similar to yours doesn't stand a chance, your father could also be blond and have blue eyes....you just blended in." Hiro thought and tensed up when he felt the car stop but relaxed when he turned around to see his mother smiling at him.

―Go on! and enjoy it, but don't kill yourself studying so much―[name] smiled and saw his son open a small smile

Hiro left and said goodbye while Hiroshi was next to Hiro, also saying goodbye to [name] but said something earning a punch in the head from Hiro

[rockinlibrarian]

I know this is probably a weird thing to hear from a stranger who you know from weird fish horror fanfic, but: I'm sorry for your loss. It sounds like you and your dad had a really nice relationship. If you'd like to share a story about him here, I'd love to hear it.

Awwww, it's true! I love to share him! I don't think I can top the "eulogy" I wrote at the time (not actually given as a speech, but serving the same function), that focuses on the two aspects of him that most profoundly affect who *I* am (and are things two years and some months later that are still most likely to trigger spontaneous Missing him), Music and his Kindness:

Here on Tumblr I feel like I can always predict the reblogs my brother @dannypageoflight will reblog from me, because it's always the ones that embody the values he --our dad, not Dan-- instilled in us-- about being Kind (not just Nice, but Kind) and Loving and Welcoming. He genuinely was just one of those Good people, the kind you know immediately.

And I feel like-- we're all super nerdy, my family-- my dad maybe the most! And yet I let my own social anxiety and neurodiverse quirks stand between me and being as actively Good as he was, and I wish it wasn't so, I wish I was braver and less self-centered and had generally more energy and could just PUT MYSELF OUT THERE, being for example (like he was) the Band Parent whom all the kids would adopt as their own surrogate parent-- one of the most touching responses I got to the above essay was from an old classmate of mine who said that for kids like her who had bad or absent father figures, my dad really DID become a stand-in Dad for them!

Okay, to add some specific stories that don't just rehash what I've said before, let's focus on the "Nerdy" bit:

When he was a kid, he lived near the base of a TV tower, and birds would always smack into it. So he'd take it upon himself to gather bird corpses from below the tower and deliver them to the natural history museum to study. (In the meantime he would keep them preserved by sticking them in the freezer, which never stopped freaking his sisters out). Once, decades later obviously, we went to the museum and he managed to use this story to wrangle us a tour of some employees-only back rooms that actually HAD some of his bird specimens in storage!

He was obsessively into geneaology. He wrote a whole book about his great great (?unknown number of greats) grandfather's Civil War brigade. Said ancestor had lived in the town where I've ended up for the past 20-some years, coincidentally, and I used to work at the library where he'd once donated a copy of said book for the historical collection. I never found the book while I was working there, which is some sucky archival work by somebody because I don't know WHY anyone would WEED it. :P

Anyway, that was on his mom's side of the family, which had been in America since -- a lot of them from colonial days, at least. His DAD was a first generation immigrants' son, so when he--my dad-- got the chance to go to Slovakia and try to track down his ancestors on THAT side, he ended up meeting and eventually befriending his second-cousin, who didn't speak any English-- and my dad didn't know any Slovak at the time, though he worked on it!-- they worked things out between my dad's Slovak contact and the cousin's son and daughter-in-law who were fluent enough in English, that they all kept up correspondence and then they invited my parents and brother and aunt-- maybe my sister? I don't know, it was after I was out of the house and had my own job and couldn't go along, but I don't know about her-- to visit properly after, too.

In lieu of traditional "dad jokes," he had random old goofy quotes he'd recite, like "Just because your nose looks like a banana doesn't mean you're one of the bunch!" in a goofy voice. He knew every weird gimmick and novelty song and would also spontaneously sing from them. Okay I guess this may be one way I really do take after him, if you ask my kids.

Speaking of rare songs, this is one thing I didn't QUITE go into in the linked essay, but when he was a teenager he worked as a page at the local radio station (which I think was connected to the above mentioned TV station? Or it may have been for the TV station's homebrewed American-Bandstand-type show?) and got paid in 45s. The records. He basically got a second copy of every record the deejay got for the show. So he had this INSANE collection of the wildest most obscure-- and the top hits too!-- pop music from the late 1960s. I once went through those boxes just listing titles that made me laugh. And I had a few I actually listened to and eventually forced my college friends to listen to, too. ;) (One of my best college friends had a dad who had ALSO had ties to the music scene and therefore a really interesting vinyl collection, and her roommate--my bff-- @heartlandsoul had a stereo with a turntable, so we would bring in the best (or weirdest) obscure stuff from our dads' respective collections to share)

Okay, that's all I've got at the moment.

Thank you!

[gayerthebetter]

First post of the year and I'm right back to my madness, this time with the ship Clex aka Clark kent and Lex luthor, let's jump in!

Tell me this song by erin lecount called silver spoons is not meant for them with lyrics like- "Your mother said I'm always welcome To visit, to take second helpings I said, "No, thanks", I'm so full on resentment That I learned to fend for myself"

Lex wanting the kind of family and friends that clark had instead of the hell he was born into, yet that same hell had made him not fit in with the ones he wished he could and the anger that comes with that.

"You were sweet, I got mean And when we fight, I refuse to eat You're sensible, I'm hating it What a good job that your mother did, oh You were kind, I was cruel In another life maybe I was you And I grew up into something good Somebody who could swallow love, oh"

Ok but like i can't be the only person that thinks that lex was doomed by the narrative in so many ways, everything he did was wrong even when he tried to do the right thing and all anyone could see when they looked at him was his father, someone who with no surprise didn't love or cared for his son nevermind show his son how to do that with others, at the same time Clark is often showed to be sensible or good or right even if he isn't in that moment, very much a doomed to be the hero just as lex is to be a villain. And yet this is all just because of how they were born and who cared for them. Lex life could have been the same as Clark's if he was given the same love.

"I bet you grew up eating at the table Fed love from silver spoons, reasons to be grateful"

Again for me this works so well with Lex want of a normal happy family.

"You ask about kids, I don't know if I'm able I bet you grew up being asked how your day was I bet you grew up grazing your knees But the fall wasn't fatal like it was for me We're the product of love that we do not receive I'll corrupt every branch of this family tree"

If I only knew more about Connor I would talk for hours about this part but sadly I don't, but if you do and you see something like I do plz jump in and tell me and also to everyone that makes edits, plz make one to this song and tag me

[discar]

HZD Terraforming Base-001 Text Communications Network

Chapter 5 | Prev chapter | Next chapter Chapter Index

Aloy: Varl, Erend, you two ready to go?

Varl: Yeah, just shaving goodbye to Zo.

Erend: OH, HEY, I FOUND ANOTHER CLIP!

Erend: [FaroFails.mp9]

Aloy: Erend, are you READY?

Erend: YEAH YEAH, JUST WATCH THE CLIP!

Aloy: …

Aloy: Okay, fine, that's hilarious.

Kotallo: We would likely all find it funnier if we hadn't seen such machines rise from the ground to slaughter our friends and loved ones.

Erend: I DUNNO, I THINK THAT MIGHT MAKE IT BETTER.

Varl: I'm ready.

Aloy: Onward to ELEUTHIA, then.

----

Aloy: Zenith. Stay low, stay quiet.

Varl: Understood.

Erend: GOT IT.

Varl: All-Mother's mercy, Erend, learn how to type without speaking.

Zo: Wait, you ran into Far Zenith already? Get out of there!

Kotallo: They are in the middle of a mission, soldier. It is their duty to judge their next step, not ours.

Zo: Sigh. Fine.

Kotallo: ...there has to be a better way to convey emotions in a text.

----

Erend: SPECTERS COMING DOWN!

Aloy: We see them!

----

Varl: Coming up with an extra passenger!

Erend: WHAT? THERE'S ANOTHER SPECTER UP HERE!

Aloy: I'll deal with it! Varl, just keep her safe!

Zo: Keep who safe?

Kotallo: Did you capture a Zenith?

Erend: WHAT IN THE BROKEN PISSED-IN FORGE IS THAT?

Varl: I'd like to clarify for everyone that Erend is actually yelling now, and if he keeps doing it THIS SPECTER IS GOING TO KILL US.

Erend: SORRY, BUT

Erend: WHAT. I, JUST, WHAT.

Varl: Zo, get ready for medical treatment. She's got a wound in her head, if nothing else.

Zo: Understood. But who?

Varl: You're going to need to see this for yourself.

Aloy: Specter's down.

Varl: We're coming over.

----

Aloy: Zo, Kotallo, we talked it over. Varl and Erend are returning to base with... someone who needs help. I'll follow soon.

Kotallo: Understood, commander.

Zo: Understood. I have everything I need to heal most moderate injuries.

ADMIN [GAIA]: As long as she is not required to perform surgery, there should be no issues.

Zo: By all the songs, please never ask me to perform surgery.

ADMIN [GAIA]: Unfortunately, I cannot perform the task for you. You may have to learn.

Zo: I'll... look into it. But don't expect miracles.

ADMIN [GAIA]: I have records of many miracles my predecessor saw. Do not underestimate yourself.

Varl: Okay, we're riding.

Varl: Uh, GAIA?

ADMIN [GAIA]: Yes, Varl?

Varl: How do you define a miracle? Because I was always taught that a miracle was the direct intervention of the All-Mother. Who either doesn't exist, or is... you.

Aloy: She's not the All-Mother.

Zo: Aloy, I understand your position, but being dismissive of the beliefs of others helps no one.

Aloy: Scoff.

Aloy: We really need a better way to handle emotions in texts.

Kotallo: I am looking into something.

Varl: So, miracles? If you're the Goddess, then everything you do is a miracle. If you're not...

ADMIN [GAIA]: A miracle is an event that seems inexplicable by natural or scientific laws and is accordingly attributed to some supernatural of praeternatural cause. Various religions often attribute a phenomenon characterized as miraculous to the actions of a supernatural being, (especially) a deity, a magician, a miracle worker, a saint, or a religious leader.

Varl: Right. So a miracle is something from a god, or someone like that.

ADMIN [GAIA]: Correct. However, by the nature of the events in question, it is impossible to conclusively prove the existence of the supernatural. If sufficient proof is accrued, then it simply becomes another documented phenomenon of nature. In this way, a miracle is best summarized as an extremely unlikely, advantageous coincidence, one that statistically should not have happened, or at least not in quite such a fashion.

Erend: SO, WHAT, GOOD LUCK?

ADMIN [GAIA]: Several years ago, the second son of the Mad Sun-King, a young man who grew up with empathy and compassion despite the insanity and paranoia of his father, met a young woman with connections among some of the most powerful Oseram. Together, these two toppled a king. Was that good luck?

Erend: I KNOW IT WASN'T YOU. YOU WERE DEAD THEN.

ADMIN [GAIA]: Almost a year ago, a young woman found a door that was designed to open only for her, only for the door to fail to open because it could not identify her. And yet, she found a way to open that door anyway. Was that good luck?

Aloy: That's REALLY skipping a lot of context.

ADMIN [GAIA]: My predecessor trusted in a miracle, Varl of the Nora. There was no reasonable chance for the world to be saved; she could not even follow a chain of causality that would lead to such an event in the most unlikely of scenarios. But she trusted in a miracle anyway. And she was, in the end, correct.

Aloy: ...I'm heading back now. I'll be at the base soon after the boys arrive.

Chapter 5 | Prev chapter | Next chapter Chapter Index

[saltyyuuri]

Skye x GN! Reader

☀️ Ethereal ☀️

Words: 4200

Song; Yosemite iniko (it's the reader's "vibe")

Authors note; Reader will be radiant and young adult.

☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️

"The sanctuary has been in place to home those who are lost, those in need. If it's a new start you seek, you can find it here." Your words resonated in the small room that you were in- a sort of hall in your residence - no bigger than a modern's house living room. The area was lit solely with sunlight, beaming through the multiple windows and colored glass panels.

A woman and her two children stood in front of you, at the entrance of the small hall. The woman seemed a bit weakened - using her eldest child for support. "I came here for my sons... Both are radiant and their father... He doesn't want to care for young radiants." The woman said a bit weakly, gesturing the shy children. She coughed a bit, looking almost ashamed of asking for help.

"That's no problem. We have both humans and radiants here- and we have elders who can teach your children how to control their powers without having to suppress them. We could easily have a home ready for you, as long as you are willing to help around." You explain, stepping forward into the sun that was shining so brightly into the room.

There was markings on your arms and face, golden colored and seeming to imitate a certain motif, one that had notably the sun and some stars. It was intricate and seemed to glow the moment the rays hit the golden makings, giving a warm look. You marched the short distance that separated you from the woman and her children, holding a hand out.

"Of course- I'm willing to do anything for my children." The mother said shakily, another cough coming from her, to which she tried to muffle. "Dear, I'm not asking for you to slave yourself, just to give a hand around. And here, let me help with that cough-" You said, you hand delicately touching the woman's shoulder.

Your eyes shut for a moment, focusing on your power as a wave of warmth went through you, seeming to leave your hand and go through the woman. A new marking appeared on your arm as the woman seemed to regain some color, not looking as pale or pained by her illness so suddenly.

"You're a radiant too?" She said in surprise - her two children staring in awe at the scene. "Yes, as I mentioned earlier, there's quite a few radiants here. The sanctuary is on a radianite source, which makes it a lot easier to work our powers. You'll be in good hands here." You said with a warm smile.

"Thank you-" the woman said, bowing her head down in respect. "No need for such formalities. One of the men here can give you a visit and assign you a new home, I do currently have duties." You said, offering a warm smile once again, seeming to glow in the sunlight.

The new inhabitants of the sanctuary and were quickly dismissed and escorted out to visit around the grounds, visit the small village and it's inhabitants. The sanctuary was small, but not tiny either; it had nearly 300 habitants for now, surrounded by agricultural lands, woods and a river- everything more than enough to make the place self sufficient.

This place had a well set system-anyone who came to live here simply had to pull their weight to help around, either help around with agriculture, hunting, tending to animals- or they could also work on their craft, creating beautiful things that could be sold to help get any missing supplies. There was a bit of everything - and the main rule here was to live and let live with respect for your neighbors.

The beauty of it all was especially with the radiants; most that came in we're often rejected from society- their powers often villainized. Anytime a new radiant would come in, after they would settle down, usually they found a new purpose for their powers- something you came to appreciate seeing. You yourself had been through the experience - finding purpose in this place.

Your own powers played especially on life; you could heal wounds and sickness - and with the energy flowing from the radianite source just under these lands, your were even able to use your powers to help boost any life form around the sanctuary - plants, animals and the people that lived there. You were a sort of source of health and energy for them.

Of course, you also could do the opposite; unleashing every wound and sickness you've taken from the people is something you could do- and is notably know as your ultimate; Karma. When you healed someone - it didn't just make it the wound or sickness suddenly disappear- you kind of store them on yourself- and whenever you decide to unleash them, they will be at least three times worse; just like Karma.

Any evil you took from one was marked onto you, reminding you of the balance you inevitably needed to work with. The more markings you had, the worse it could be when you released them. It didn't pain you or weigh you down, it was simply a reminder.

Now that your meeting with the new arrivals was over, you did have business to go tend to- the business being your daily meditation. You walked back to the back of the hall, heading to the staircase to go upstairs. The second floor of this Hall was where you lived- it was set like a studio apartment with many windows once more. There was a glass of sliding door that led to the back balcony, and the balcony gave on the top of the hill.

The hilltop gave you a good view of the small village that was forming, greeting more and more people through time. You walked outside the building through the sliding glass doors, walking on the wooden balcony before finally setting foot on the grass, the soft greenery feeling quite pleasant under your bare feet.

You sat cross legged on the grass, slowly starting to control your breathing as the sun shone brightly- warming the clearing the sanctuary was in. You could feel the flow of energy in your every breath, feel it go through your body and into the world around you, like waves in an ocean going back and forth, crashing around. It was that flow of energy that allowed the sanctuary to live so healthily and fruitfully.

☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️

Just as every radianite site though, Kingdom corporation eventually found the sanctuary and its source of energy- and just like every other source of radianite; they wanted it for themselves. You already knew that having your sanctuary base on a radianite site could possibly attract some trouble in the future- just not expecting such a big corporation to get involved.

And you especially didn't expect it to immediately jump to weapons- when Kingdom corporation decided they wanted your radianite source; they had sent dozens of armed men, fully armed and ready to kill.

You were first alerted of the small army coming through very early in the morning- the birds weren't even singing yet when you were shaken awake in a panic by some one of the sanctuary's radiants- they usually were the night guard, their own powers working best in darkness. They usually kept watch for any suspicious activity or in case any visitors came by through the night-

And the visitors that were coming now were definitely not friendly. You quickly got out of bed, barely sliding on a proper shirt to not simply be half nude while confronting Kingdom corporation. Adrenaline was rushing through your veins, every second feeling stretched while you ran, making your way to the entrance of the sanctuary as fast as you could.

The sun was barely starting to peek at the horizon, and you could already see the dozens of men sent by Kingdom corporations, already having their guns drawn. They weren't here to come to an agreement, they were here to come and take what they wanted.

"We will give you 1 hour to evacuate; this place is ours now." One of the armed men said, words firm and menacing, gun pointed directly at your head as they spoke. "No. This is my home, and I will not allow you to just take it. This is my warning to you- leave, or your bodies will fertilize the soil." You replied in the same menacing tone, standing tall and ready.

Your declaration earned mocking laughter from their part, the man who had spoken looking at you in amusement. "Right, you and what army?" He said sarcastically, his gun lowering slightly. "Army? I don't need an army." You replied simply.

The sun was starting to peek through the trees, the goldens rays warming your skin and slowly making the markings on your arm glow up once more- their golden color contrasting with your skin. There was multiple markings, some smaller and some larger, all littering your arms nearly entirely.

"So you're planning to take us all down, all 50 of us, alone?" The man said mockingly, his gun still slightly lowered as he spoke. "If I were you I would just tell the residents to evacuate." He said, snickering as he spoke.

"You've been warned." You said, arms raising almost as if you were welcoming the small army that kingdom corporation had sent to your doorstep - then exhaled- arms moving forward in a shoving manner. "Karma will have you." You said, the markings on your arms becoming undone, flowing through the air rapidly and finding their victims within seconds. Over half the markings on your arms came off, each finding a new host to give back three times more.

And one by one, men feel- succumbing to sicknesses or two major injuries that suddenly appeared- some having to deal with much slower deaths as pain took over, falling to their knees wailing out cries of pain.

That morning was definitely not peaceful- but no one in the sanctuary was harmed. And as promised, their bodies would be used to fertilize the soil- at least giving them purpose for their visit.

☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️

After the kingdom corporation attack, the sanctuary was much more weary of any new visitor- especially since you needed time to rest. The magnitude of the energy you needed to let out this many markings took a good toll on your, mostly stuck on bed rest for some days. It was only by the end of the week that you were starting to get back into a more normal rhythm- still a bit weakened, but functional.

You didn't know if it was just horrid timing of a bad joke played on you- the day you finally had enough energy to go meditate, you were once more disturbed due to a sudden visitor. You of course had to go check on who was trying to come in- after the last week's incident, you didn't want anyone walking in uninvited.

You made your way to the entrance of the sanctuary, standing tall and masking any fatigue, keeping a neutral expression. You made your way down the dirt path, finally reaching the metal gate that separated the sanctuary from the woods and the road that led up to here.

There was a single woman standing at the gate- a read head that seemed strong and confident. She looked serious as she spoke to the person holding watch at the gate- but the radiant there not flinching. You finally made your presence known, giving a gentle tab on the shoulder to the radiant standing guard so he can move.

"Hello, excuse me if I made you wait." You started off politely, offering a warm smile to the red head. "No worries mate- though your guard ain't the most talkative, eh?" The Australian accent took you off guard for a moment, then shook your head slightly, chuckling. "Ah- well, apologies on his behalf; we had ... A situation recently. We are trying a new procedure when it comes to visitors- now I greet them at the entrance." You said, weary not to give out too many details.

The woman's expression changed, going from neutral to a bit somber, looking away for a brief instant. "Kingdom corporation got to ya, didn't they?" She said, looking back at you with a sympathetic look. "...Yes, they did. How do you know?" You asked, arms crossing above your chest as suspicious rose.

"Oh- I probably should have introduced myself, it would make more sense-" The woman laughed sheepishly, a small smile forming on her lips. "The name's Skye, I'm an agent for VALORANT protocol." Skye said politely, though the Australian accent made her introduction sound very casual. You hummed- you were aware of what VALORANT Protocol did when it came to radianite business - they're main goal being too protect.

"I see. I take it that our site has been peaking interested?" You asked with a hint of curiosity, wondering exactly what their intentions were. "Yeah, we've noticed that there was an augmentation in radianite energy here - and we wanted to offer protection in case kingdom corporation came by- but I see they were a step ahead." Skye said, her tone remaining serious.

You hummed, nodding slightly. "Well, no need to worry about them now. They have been dealt with for the moment." You said firmly before pausing. "... Would you like to discuss this over lunch, perhaps? It would probably be more comfortable than just standing at the gate." You continued with a small smile. The Aussie agreed- so you led her inside the sanctuary.

Skye was impressed to say the least- seeing just how self-sufficient the place is all well staying small and humble was definitely not what she was expecting. Considering how small the territory is and it's remote location- she was expecting a camp type of place, not a small village with a system. It was impressive, to say the least.

"Woah, I didn't expect to find a whole village in here!" She exclaimed, looking around as you let her down dirt path that walked through the village. "Not many expect it either, but we worked hard on building it. Everyone does their part." You said proudly, heading in direction of your own home- the towns hall.

You had welcome to her inside your own home, setting up a small lunch to discuss exactly what the plans with valorant was. Skye ended up staying the entire day, the discussions taking longer than planned- often ending up off track by accident. You finally came to an agreement with her, agreeing to take up the offer for Valorant's protection of the sanctuary as long as they could access the radianite.

Of course there was some more legal aspects to it all, specifics and precisions that all had to be written down on paper, specifically altered so that both parties would be satisfied with the agreement. By the end of it all-the sun had said and it was already night time. It had been night time for an hour or so already; having to turn on the lights earlier that evening when the sun started setting.

"It's late, and I wouldn't want to send you back in the dark. I know these woods- and I know just how dangerous they can be at night. Would you be interested in spending the night?" You asked Skye, finally standing from the table and stretching. One of the windows was slightly cracked open and you could hear the crickets outside creating their beautiful night tune.

"Well, I know my way around the wilderness pretty well-... But I wouldn't say no to sleeping in a comfortable bed for the night." Skye said, standing up moments after you to stretch out, a yawn escaping her. "And I would be lying if I said I wasn't exhausted already from the trip here-" she said a sheepishly.

So, you let her sleep over in your home for the night, letting her use your bed. Skye was too exhausted to argue using your bed- the moment her head hit the pillow, she was out like a light. You decided to sit outside for some time, enjoying the nights breeze, the light provided by the moon and stars.

You had ended up falling asleep outdoors by accident, waking up from birds chants, feeling the morning dew on your skin, warming with the rays of Sun. You stretched, wiping off any excess water droplets, deciding to just get a start on your day now.

You walked bare foot down the grass hill, the remaining golden marking on your arms glowing softly in the morning sun. You walked down to the crops, picking fresh fruits to use to make breakfast. By the time you were down and back to the hilltop, the sun had risen a bit higher in the sky, some of the residents starting their day and leaving their homes to get a step on their day.

You walked back into the home, careful not to make too much noise in case Skye was still sleeping. You didn't check, heading to the small kitchenette to quietly work on making breakfast. It was simple, just a cereal, yogurt and fruit bowl, using the fresh fruits picked that morning. You made a second one, setting it gently onto the table; the moment you looked up, you saw the sleepy red head walking up to the table, looking freshly awoken.

"Good morning, sleep well?" You asked softly, not wanting to talk too loud since she was still waking up. "Yeah, I needed that- thanks." Skye said, yawning before seating herself at the table, looking at the breakfast placed in front of her. You set down your own bowl, turning back to the kitchenette to boil some water- making tea for the two of you. It was herbal tea, accompanied with some freshly squeezed lemon, setting a mug down once more for her and for you.

"You didn't have to do all this-" Skye started, taking small bites at the food. "No worries, I enjoy being hospitable for visitors." You said with a small smile, eating your own breakfast slowly, sipping on the tea. The sun was bright, shining into the kitchen brightly.

"I noticed that your markings glow with the sun; are your powers based on the sun?" Skye suddenly asked out of curiosity, head tilted as she spoke. She was already done eating, now sipping on the tea. "No, I assume it's simply a reaction to it. My powers do hold a balance with life's flow- I can bring health and prosperity to this place- but I do accumulate the evils I take from the people and lands. Those are what the markings on my arms are; reminders of what I have taken."

The explanation felt enigmatic to Skye, even if it did explain partially how your own powers worked, it made her curious to know more. Her eyes drifted to your arms, still bearing multiple markings, all of different sizes, patterns and designs. "So... Just making sure I understood, you can heal, right?" Skye asked, grossly simplifying a part of your power.

"Yes- that's a simple way to say it." You chuckled out. "But, how it works exactly, I take the wrong away. It could be an injury, a sickness or parasite - I simply take it. It then lies to rest and a new marking will appear to remind me that it lies dormant. I can unleash these wrongs - and like karma, it'll be worsened by three." You explained to Skye, smiling as you spoke and calmly explained.

"So in a way, you're a support system for the sanctuary." Skye said, amazement in her voice. "I guess you could say so- a support system that doesn't need to be constant or consistent." You hummed out, taking a slow sip at your tea.

Skye paused for a moment, another question starting to form. "Wait- I'm thinking of it right now but... How exactly did you guys feign off Kingdom corporation? If anything those guys are usually ruthless-" Skye asked, leaning in as she spoke, curious to know exactly what happened. All that she knew so far is that they had come- and nothing seemed to have changed from it.

"They suffered the sicknesses and injuries of the people who came seeking refuge here." You said simply, a small smile on your lips. Skye's eyes widened in bewilderment, "You... You took down an entire Kingdom corporation Army ... Just like that?" Skye repeated in awe. There was a pause of silence, to which Skye was taking a moment to register the information she had just received, her eyes glues to the markings on your arms, glowing lightly under the sun.

"You're impressive... I never met a radiant like you; and you're damn intriguing - you and the sanctuary." Skye said, then taking a moment to finish her tea. "You're more than welcome to come visit as often as you please- along with the other agents." You hummed out, tone warm and welcoming as you spoke.

☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️

Valorant agents had visited the sanctuary multiple times in the year, Skye coming by as often as she could to visit. Something about this place made her feel at home, she couldn't tell if it was the general energy of the sanctuary or if it was you- but she loved being here in her free time, giving a hand to some of the sanctuary residents as she could.

Some of the children especially liked Skye, her power to make animal totems come to life amused them a lot, and they especially loved seeing the birds she could make. You would often watch from the hilltop, seated on the grass, enjoying the Sun as you smiled at the scene.

Skye was once again entertaining the village children- this time she brought some new totems, various animals coming to life in the village, some that no one had ever seen in person. It was a wholesome scene; seeing some curious little ones approaching the exotic animals that took life, notably a lion, that walked proudly along the village path, it's mane swaying slightly at every step.

When the totem's energy ran out, it disappeared in a 'poof', dissipating with a green light aura, a few leaves and twigs falling to the ground. Skye panted a bit; it still took some energy from her to bring those totems to life; even if it wasn't as demanding in the sanctuary with the constant flow of radiant energy.

You finally got up and made your way down the hill, joining her in the towns center, smiling warmly. Some kids were starting to goof off together, one imitating the lion while others played along, running off to play further away when their parents shooed them off. You chuckled, a hand placing itself gently on Skye's back.

"Hey there-" Skye said, looking down at you with a wide grin. "Hello, seems you once more entertained the children - I swear, you're becoming their favorite person." You chuckle out softly, watching as the small crowd dissipated a bit, people slowly getting back to their daily tasks, chattering as the did so.

"Well, it's fun to see them so excited to see different critters. Better than in a Zoo or a picture book, that's for sure." Skye said with a small hum, raising an arm to rest around your shoulders firmly. "That's true. The colors are a bit off though-" you teased lightly, grinning as you spoke. Her totems would always take form with the colors of Earth- which meant they weren't looking exactly like the real animal.

"Har Har. Very funny." Skye said sarcastically as she rolled her eyes in amusement, a small smile on her lips. You two walked back up the grassy hill, heading to your home's balcony to rest. The afternoon sun was starting to set, a beautiful array of colors starting to shine through the sky and down onto the sanctuary, a variety of golden colors, fiery red and orange shining down on the place.

"This place is always so beautiful. I don't think I will ever get tired of it." Skye said, relaxing on one of the seats on the balcony. You hummed, enjoying the scene as well, listening to the words chant slowly get replaced with the crickets and frogs. "And you. You're ethereal - just like this place." Skye said a bit more softly, her eyes drifting back to you as she spoke, once more looking over the Golden markings littering your arms.

"A force to be reckoned with, a life source... You're almost like a god, and you definitely have the looks of one." Skye continued with a sheepish chuckle, her cheeks dusting in pink as she spoke honestly. You looked back at her, a small smirk forming on your face.

"Skye, is this your way to try and court me?" You asked her in amusement, leaning in a bit towards her. The blunt statement seem to catch her a bit off guard, her cheeks turning a bit more pink than earlier-but she could honestly play it off as a trick of the light- the sunset had quite the warm glow to it.

"Maybe-... Is it working?" Skye said sheepishly, scratching the back of her neck a bit. You giggled, leaning in to place a gentle kiss on her cheek, a hand going to rest on her back once more. "Maybe~" you replied, mimicking her own answer with amusement.

"You tease too much." She mumbled out, but there was no real annoyance to her statement, instead looking quite happy with the outcome. She scooted her chair closer to yours, enjoying the remaining rays of sun with your warm touch; her own arm wrapped around your waist.

[adainesjacket]

Happy Friday!! For DADWC, I come bearing song lyrics as a prompt, maybe for your Trevelyan twins :)

We come alive just as we're flaming out / And we wish ourselves whole / And we hope ourselves pure / And we will ourselves different / And we pray ourselves upright

From "Sparklers" by my beloved Carbon Leaf <3

thanks! i blinked and this became a daemon!au? i'm just so interested in the way that rules and taboos about daemons would play out in the dragon age universe. @dadrunkwriting

pre-inquisition trevelyan!inquisitor, daemon au, 875 words

°˖➴〰️〰️〰️‏જ⁀➴〰️〰️〰️°˖➴

When Viola Trevelyan and her twin brother were first sat down for 'the talk', her parents made sure to emphasise one rule. "You can't settle as a bird," their father told them.

Viola was young and frequently unsure of herself, but she was a curious little thing and had read several books on daemons already. "But we can't choose what they settle as," she said, her little brow wrinkling in confusion. Her daemon Amadeus, currently draped over her shoulders as a white ermine, nodded in agreement.

Their mother smiled sadly. "I know, ma cherie, but the two of you must try very hard to avoid it."

"What about me?" Her brother Seong demanded. "Iseult loves flying."

Their father looked at him and Viola realised what he was about to say a second before the words left his lips. It was the only thing that divided her and her twin, the thing that kept her indoors with a 'weak constitution' while her brother ran scapegrace over the fields of Ostwick.

"You're not a mage, son," he said. "Not everyone with a bird daemon is a mage," he explained, "but every mage - almost every mage - has a bird for a daemon. It's one of the first things that Templars look for."

"I could be a mage," Seong replied, surly, folding his arms. "I'm only ten. It could still happen."

Iseult shifted from a blackbird to a sleek pine marten. "I won't fly if Amadeus can't," she said.

"Don't be silly," Amadeus replied in his soft little voice. "There's no reason for you to miss out too."

He said that a lot. They both did, him and Viola, for what was the alternative? To hoard bitterness, to throw jealous curses at the brother who came home with scraped knees for her to heal and stories of adventures to brighten her dreary days and fists full of wildflowers just to make her smile? She could no more be angry with Seong and Iseult for being theirselves than she could will her magic away. She loved them, entirely, and Amadeus did too.

"But I want us to be the same," Seong argued, his bottom lip starting to tremble.

Viola reached for his hand and squeezed it. "We're twins, silly," she said in the comforting, practical voice she'd learned from their mother. "We'll always be the same."

Not being angry didn't mean it didn't hurt when she watched Iseult fly in daring corkscrews through the sky while Seong cheered and did handstands in the grass below her. Didn't mean she was happy to be stuck inside, even if it was at her favourite window seat in the library, the one decorated with plush velvet cushions her mother had picked out just for her in her favourite shades of blue and purple.

Amadeus, a kitten on her lap, arched his back and stretched before following her gaze out the window. He hadn't been a bird in three years.

"I think they'll settle like that," he said, as casually as if they were discussing the weather. "We'll be almost thirteen soon. Could be any day now."

Viola frowned a little as she stroked his head. "I thought we'd settle at the same time," she said. "But I don't feel grown-up enough at all." A rebellious thought came to her as she watched her brother play with Iseult, who had favoured being a merlin for weeks now. "Deya, what do you want to be? If you could choose to be anything, even a bird?"

Amadeus pushed his head up against her hand in an affectionate butt. "Something big," he said finally. "Something that can protect us when the Templars come."

She stilled her fingers in his fur. "You shouldn't say things like that. Papa won't let them take us to the Circle, he promised."

He nipped her hand as a gentle reprimand. "He won't have a choice. You're grown-up enough to know that."

"Shut up," she muttered. They both knew he was right.

---

Ostwick Circle personnel records

Viola Trevelyan, Junior Enchanter (School of Creation)

The Trevelyan family witheld Viola from Circle tutelage until she was discovered by Templars at seventeen years old. While an untrained apostate of her age would usually have been a candidate for the Rite of Tranquility, Viola's considerable talent in spirit healing earned her the chance to undergo the Harrowing, which she passed with flying colours. Viola is a productive and well-liked member of the Ostwick Circle and is particularly good with young apprentices. I would consider her for a senior position in a few years time.

Classified notes: Viola's twin brother (a non-mage) has attempted to infiltrate the Ostwick Circle twice since she joined us. Their father's influence has so far kept him out of a jail cell, but it has been suggested that they relocate the boy before a third infraction can occur. Viola remains a dutiful mage despite her brother's radical leanings, which thankfully she has learned little of. It is recommended that she remain in Ostwick with minimal contact from remaining family members.

Amadeus, daemon (Viola Trevelyan)

Unusually for a mage's daemon, Amadeus takes the form of a grey wolf. He has twice declined to be the subject of a research paper on this phenomenon.

[tellmegoodbye]

-> Music Monday

It's Monday, so you know what that means...more songs!!

I made this post the other day going over the details of how this tag works, as well as linking the playlists and docs! Don't worry if a song you wanted to submit is already there, because adding your own thoughts and interpretations is a completely valid way to contribute!

Today, I have four soundtrack songs, as well as one Tarlos song and one Jace song.

How Did You Love - Shinedown

This song is very important to me, being one of my favorite songs by one of my favorite bands. Lone Star and OG both have incredible music taste, what can I say? It's a very Owen coded song to me.

"What is the legacy that you're going to leave behind? It's a song that is a lot about reflection and understanding that it's better to give love than to spread hate." - Shinedown

In the video that I linked above the band explains that the meaning of this song is about accepting that one day, your time will be up, and that it's important to focus on what we leave behind when we're gone. That is Owen to me. He is someone who is learning to accept his mortality and put all of his efforts into being a good father, and a good captain. In 1x02, the episode this song is from, he is still coming to terms with his cancer and what that is going to mean for him going forward. He has to learn to accept the things he can't control, and focus on the things that matter most.

"No one gets out alive. Every day is do or die. The one thing you leave behind is how did you love? How did you love?"

Simple Man - Lynyrd Skynyrd

Another god tier song from 1x02. This song reminds me a lot of Owen, Gwyn and TK. It's an anthem for the way they love him. The lyrics “don't forget son, there is someone up above” make me think of how Gwyn is watching over him even after she's gone.

Also, Shinedown did a cover of this song that blows the original out of the water. Just so you know.

Breathe - Fleurie

The lyrics “when will we finally breathe” are on my blog title for a reason. This song reminds me of Push, and One Day (the episode the song is from) which is my second favorite episode in the whole show!

There's a feeling I get when listening to this song that is similar to the way I feel when I watch these episodes, like something is building up until suddenly all of the emotion comes pouring out and there's nothing you can do to stop it.

Amen - Amber Run

Such a good song for 3x08! It's the perfect song for TK and Gwyn and the lyrics definitely speak to his struggles with addiction, as well as the way he's feeling after she dies.

"Oh, is there a heaven? You'd know now you've been"

"Are those real stars that hang in the sky? Or are they man-made, a trick of the light?"

"Cause the devil is raging inside my mind And is there a moment when it all makes sense? When saying goodbye doesn't feel like the end?"

"Sometimes I'd rather be dead, at least then I'm with you, amen"

Now that I've gotten the soundtrack songs out of the way, I'm going to share my other two songs!

If It Keeps You Up At Night - The Swoons

I've seen the world on top of your shoulders You lift me up 'cause you know I'm smaller When this life's a concert I can't see When I'm black and blue you paint me brighter And raise me up just like a lighter Even through the darkest symphony

And if it keeps you up at night I'll stay up and learn the words to all the songs that you like So if your eyes are open wide I can sing you something sweeter than that devil in your mind And if it still keeps you up at night I won't hold it against you I'll just hold, hold you tight

This song is perfect for Tarlos. It's about them loving each other even through the hard times. The lyrics in the chorus specifically are what I think they are feeling when they watch each other struggle with grief, addiction, and everything else. The first scene it reminds me of is the dining table scene in 3x13, but it could apply to many other scenes too.

Are You Still Waiting For Me? - Vian Izak

Traveling this road alone Made my heart heavy like a stone But when I think of you, I feel hope Are you still waiting for me, love?

I fall so many times, oh no But standing up makes me strong I need you in my life, you're the one Are you still waiting for me, love?

This is the song that reminds me of early Jace. When Judd finally sees Grace again when Tommy is in labor and he's uncertain of whether or not she still wants to be with him. He's wondering if she's still waiting for him.

No pressure tagging: @strandnreyes @nancys-braids @carlos-in-glasses @goodways @lemonlyman-dotcom

@carlos-tk @literateowl @eclectic-sassycoweyes @herefortarlos @thisbuildinghasfeelings

@freneticfloetry @bonheur-cafe @captain-gillian @heartstringsduet @welcometololaland

[ca-ca13]

Au where LSZ find out more about his past and who his mother is

so LSZ and JL and the rest of the Juniors go on a night hunt and someone come and try to kill LSZ but failed because JL manage to block the attack so they go back to gusu and tell WWX and LWJ and ofc WWX is very pissed off by this and say who did this should die in miserable hell but the next day there is a new student a son of a new clan sect leader LSZ felt uncomfortable with him for some reason so later on the new student make fun of JL for having no mother and father because he heard if you make fun of the sect leader Jin he will act like a angry mistress so JL so reply with a yeah what about it of course LSZ hear about it and said what did Young sect leader Jin say to you for you to say such rude things about his childhood so the new student just looked at LSZ and smile and said nothing cutie I was just curious about the rumor about angry mistress of the Jin clan he lift LSZ chin up and said hey what a cute boy like you doing with this angry mistress anyway immediately JL come in the way and said it none of your business JL hold LSZ waste when he said that LSZ was surprise of JL behavior it was unlike him act like this meanwhile LY and OYZN are just eating and minding their own damn business the new student said leave the cute boy a alone sect leader Jin and JL just say he mine got your own cute boy so the new student just say fine and leave very angry LSZ was processing what just happened and LY and OYZN just say WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU'RE LJ turn red in a embarrassment just realized what he just said and LSZ ask sect leader Jin can you let go of my waste if you please JL turn more red just after just also realize he was holding LSZ waste immediately let go and run LSZ was also a little bit embarrassed and LJ hug LSZ say shiuzi-ge did the nasty young Mistress make you in uncomfortable LSZ know that LJ and JL are a bit too much when it comes to him LSZ just said don't worry about it but a few days later WWX and LWJ and the juniors go on a night hunt by accident they meet LXC and JC and JL it turns out there were also on the night hunt JL and LSZ fondant ancient type of weird symbol on a Stone WWX take a look at it then suddenly they get teleported to a mysterious cave all of them were separated they were shown the love one they used to know that are now dead LSZ we're separated like the rest of the group and saw a woman singing a beautiful song to her baby and saying my baby is the most cuter in the world I am the luckiest mother in the world LSZ find it weird feeling connection to this woman for some reason then suddenly he's sew the same woman except she was laying down on the floor blood surrounding her saying her last words to her baby my little bunny I'm sorry for leaving you this early I will give you a gift before I die a ring and my golden core and my mother fan I was planning to give it to you when you turn 14 or 13 I guess I will give you now but when you turn 18 you will unlock it's but I am a afraid if you can't handle my dark golden core but good bye my little a yuan hug her baby before she turned into nothing but beautiful flowers LSZ was shocked understanding now that woman is his mother after dead suddenly he got teleported to the place where the others were WWX and LWJ was worries LSZ because he was the last to arrive LSZ having tears in his eyes ask WWX if he knows who his mother is

[twoidiotwriters1]

The Curse of Oenone (Leo Valdez xFem!Oc)

A/N: I feel much better now! Women prevail -Danny Words: 1,905 Series' Masterlist Previous Chapter // Next Chapter Listen to: 'House Song' -by Searows

LIV: Wasting Away to Be Useful All the Time Ain't Paying Off, Methinks

The dream changes, now Nico and Ara are on the fire escape of her parent's apartment.

"I'll go back to a witch trial," the girl leans her head on both arms and groans. "Iris messages aren't working! How am I supposed to tell them to hold on until August first?!"

"I already told Clovis I'm on my way."

"Like that's gonna fix it..." Ara stands upright, staring at the urban scenery with a troubled expression. "I never noticed how pretty this place was at sunrise..."

Nico doesn't seem as enchanted. "How is your crew holding up?"

"Jason got hurt but he's coming around," Ara lies, not wanting to worry Nico. "We caught Nike and she's helping us figure out a way to, you know, safely euthanize Leo. How's yours?"

"Steady and in great condition," Nico replies, and he's probably lying too, for the exact same reason. "How are you?"

The girl stares at her fingers, squeezing the railing and drinking in these seconds at home. "I'm trying not to think much, obviously, because... how do I even process all of it?"

"That you're soulmate's fated to die?" Nico snorts with a tone of sarcasm. "But it's so easy..."

"Not a soulmate," she mutters grumpily.

"I think it's sort of impossible," Nico pauses and glares at her. "Don't take that as a challenge."

She smiles a bit. "I don't know what to do. Do I hype myself up to get over Leo, or tell him we'll be together forever? What did Helen do that I shouldn't?" Ara squints and rubs her brow. "It's so unclear if she loved Paris or not..."

Nico shrugs, fidgeting with his ring. "Even if you figure it out, it won't make things easier. The two armies under your command are about to kill each other and you have a bunch of mentally ill gods giving out crazy orders, then there's the curse. How do you choose which one to tackle first? You just deal with them as they come."

"It's not working," Ara scowls. "Had it coming, though. All of this feels right."

Nico raises a brow. "What do you mean?"

Ara thinks of her next words carefully. "I just accepted that this is the weight I'll carry forever. At least I've gotten stronger."

Nico frowns. "You've also aged, though."

"I was going to, anyway. The only thing that I've been unable to outgrow is feelings. Leo chose his path and I must be okay with it... I love him, so I either go along or get in his way and make it worse—and since I can't offer a better alternative..." Ara sighs heavily, giving in. "I suppose I'll follow Eros's advice."

Nico's expression sombers. "So Leo will die?"

"The difference is that maybe this time it might not be permanent, and he might save another soul if he succeeds," Ara faces her friend. "Nike told us about the Physician's Cure—"

"Oh, my dad hates that," Nico pipes in.

"You know what that is?"

"The cure for death? Yeah," the boy scratches his nose casually. "One of Apollo's sons created it, but my dad forbade him from doing it again... so good luck getting it."

"Thanks," Ara says sarcastically. "You always make me feel so much better about the bad stuff in my life."

"We're talking about the last resource of last resources," he raises a brow. "You might as well go to my father and ask for Leo back."

"If I only wanted him to come back, I would drag him out of the Underworld Orpheus-style minus the looking," she rolls her eyes. "But big dumb-dumb made an oath to go back to Ogygia and get Calypso—so not only does he need to die, he has to be blasted out so he can go back to her island or he'll die regardless of the antidote he gets from the gods."

Nico frowns. "Your boyfriend is the stupidest man alive."

"He's a genius that likes to overcomplicate things, but yeah, love made him stupid," Ara mumbles, looking more sad than angry. "And I'm just like him."

"Minus the genius part."

"Whatever, man."

Nico gives her a look when she doesn't react to his teasing, and he makes an attempt to cheer her up. "Listen, sometimes the fates do things that feel unjust, but in the long run, they're for the better. Leo's choice was hard to make no doubt, he would rather cut his leg than leave you, and still, he's willing to risk his life not just for you but also for Calypso and the rest of the world... that's brave."

"I don't want him to come back to me if it means it's always going to hurt him," Ara confesses worryingly. "I'd be happier looking at him from afar."

"No, you wouldn't," Nico replies in a strange voice. "You really wouldn't."

"I mean it." Her voice trembles. "I haven't been the best version of myself since I decided to become a child of Olympus... Leo is good in a way I can no longer be, and that's why he's dying. Because he's kind and selfless, and I won't give him up because I'm stubborn and selfish, so they're taking him away by force."

She looks away for a moment. Nico squeezes her shoulder tighter than he's ever touched her in the last three years. "Ara, listen... all the bad stuff I've said to you, they aren't true. You can't be perfect, that's it."

"Exactly. I should've stayed away," she presses. "Life kept telling me that romance was off-limits, that I wouldn't be able to handle it, and yet I took Leo as soon as I had the chance, and he says he doesn't mind dying but—"

"You've experienced this too many times, just in this lifetime," Nico finishes knowingly. "His reassurance feels empty, I get it."

"He could've been loved and cared for on Calypso's island, and he didn't stay because of me," she says bitterly. "I should've been the one to jump into Tartarus. But now I've got people under my care, so I can't let myself die now..."

"I don't think this is about wrong choices or bad timing," her friend retorts. "I doubt you were more deserving of the curse in your past lives than you are now—hell, I even doubt Helen was deserving of the shit show everyone made around her."

Ara rubs her forehead and groans. "I know, I know... maybe this isn't my mess to clean... but I'm right in the middle of it, so not doing anything stresses me out all the same."

"Yeah well, you've never been good at staying out of things, we know that."

"None of us is."

"That's why we get curses all the time," he shrugs. "See? Things tend to happen when it comes to demigods."

Ara shakes her head. "Sometimes I think my stupid father should've suffocated me with a pillow when he had the chance."

Nico laughs. "Same."

"I feel like I should've gone with them."

"It's FOMO," Annabeth replies, lying on Ara's bed with a cherry facemask on.

"They're searching for that poison to help Leo—"

Nike's hollering cuts through her speech. "AN A- IS A FAILING GRADE—"

"These are literally Frank's relatives," Percy reasons, his back against the wall and a peel-off mask covering his face. "You would've made them nervous. Most people think that children of Olympus attract bad luck."

"And they're right," Ara's hanging upside down with her legs propped up next to Percy, a green tea facemask on her face.

It's spa day. Once Ara realized she could buy all kinds of beauty products in New York—as long as she had the budget—she became obsessed. The first time Percy agreed to join her many years ago, he claimed to be humoring his little sister, but he loves to lie around and eat snacks while Ara puts fresh-scented stuff on his face.

Ara agreed to have a spa day today solely because her brother and Annabeth had recently come out of Tartarus, so if there was someone who deserved to use her stash of fancy facemasks, it was them. She also knows they're doing this to help her clear her mind after her dream last night, and she'd missed being pampered by her older siblings anyway.

"There is a sea serpent watching us," Percy says out of nowhere, vaguely pointing ahead. "Been there for the past ten minutes."

Ara lifts herself on her elbows. "And why aren't we doing anything about it?"

Percy shrugs. "It's trying to figure out if we're food, Festus confuses it."

"Nice," Ara lies back down. "Good headmast."

"So Leo is trying to rebuild your dragon inside the ship? How does that even work?" Annabeth asks, rummaging in a bag of chips.

A flash goes out and then Leo's voice responds. "It doesn't—yet. You guys having a fun time?"

The three teenagers look back at the door completely unbothered. "Did you get my good side?" Percy asks.

"You know, water boy, blackfacing isn't cool anymore—it never was."

"Call me water boy again and I'm freeing Nike inside your cabin," the older boy threatens. "And this is a peel-off mask, it saves me so much money on acne products I don't even care if it looks stupid."

"You want one?" Ara lifts a thin package.

"No, I came to tell y'all Piper and Frank are back," Leo's too amused by the sight that he can't move past it. "I'm sorry, what exactly is happening in here?"

"Spa day," Annabeth explains. "Never had one of those?"

Leo snorts. "Hephaestus isn't the cleanest guy around..."

"She means with Ara," Percy shows him a shit-eating grin, though it looks creepy with the peel-off still on his face. "Haven't been invited to one yet?"

Leo's smile disappears. "I didn't know it was a thing."

"I didn't think it'd be up your alley," Ara pulls her legs down and sits upright. "The only Cabin Nine campers that ever humored me were Beckendorf and Nyssa, but I had to bribe them first."

"I wanna have a spa day," Leo pouts, looking at the Polaroid he just took. "I feel discriminated."

Ara gets up and moves to her vanity, pulling off her mask. "You're invited to the next one."

"Piper and Frank are back then—that means they got the poison?" Annabeth fans her face while Percy takes off his mask.

"Yup, so we should hold a meeting," Leo approaches Ara and kisses her hair, leaving the Polaroid on her nightstand. "You don't need skincare, there's a reason why I call you Doll."

Ara chuckles. "My skincare is the reason you think I don't need it."

"Holy 'Dite, I can't do this!" Percy moans, falling back on the bed with the mask still on. "Birdy, help me..."

The girl laughs and glances at Leo before going to her brother. "We'll meet you on deck in five, alright?"

Leo looks at the trio with an uncomfortable feeling in his chest, but he manages to show a smile when he nods, although he stays consciously away from Ara so she can't feel his emotions. "Good luck putting your face back on, Nemo!"

"You're not allowed to call me that!"

Leo exits the cabin grinning, but as he walks out, his expression turns into a frown. He can't put a finger on what is bothering him, but it feels as if he were watching Ara's life slowly slip back into its old place, erasing him from the plot.

He has this dark thought that maybe those six months with him at camp were only an intermission, and now Leo is waiting for the fates to pluck him out and toss him away as they did with Michael Yew. "Well, that was a fun season! Send the next cute boy in!" 

Each day he inches closer to his certain death, and Ara's future does nothing but shine brighter.

Next Chapter –>

Taglist.

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[21stcenturyschizoidcat]

Fall Out Boy lyrics I really like

Thriller

The only thing I haven't done yet is die

And it's me and my plus one at the afterlife

Crowds are won and lost and won again

But our hearts bleed for the die hards

So long live the car crash hearts

Cry on the couch, all the poets come to life

Fix me in forty-five

Disloyal Order Of Water Buffaloes

I'm a loose bolt in a complete machine

What a match, I'm half doomed and you're semi-sweet

So boycott love, detox just to retox

And I'd promise you anything for another shot at life

Perfect boys with their perfect lives

Nobody wants to hear you sing about tragedy

Hum Hallelujah

Hum "Hallelujah" just off the key of reason

I thought I loved you but it's just how you looked in the light

A teenaged vow in a parking lot

"'Til tonight do us part"

I sing the blues, and I swallow them too

G.I.N.A.S.F.S.

I've already given up on myself twice

Third time is the charm, third time is the charm

Threw caution out the window but I've got a lousy arm

And I've traced your shadows on the wall, now I kiss them

Whenever I'm down, whenever I'm down

Figured I'm not figuring myself out

It's not the same anymore

Some nights, it gets so bad

I almost pick up the phone

Trade baby-blues for wide-eyed browns

I sleep in your old shirts

I walk through this house in your shoes

I know it's strange, it's a strange way of saying

"I know I'm supposed to love you"

West Coast Smoker

Wishes bounce me weightless

The infrared scope of pointlessness

The bulls are sedated, and this fight's fixed

Don't feel bad for the suicidal cats

Gotta kill themselves nine times before they get it right

The P.A. system keeps my heartbeat beating tonight... yeah

"Oh hell yes!" I'm a nervous wreck

"Oh hell yes!" The drugs just make me reset

Knock once for the Father, twice for the Son, three times for the Holy Ghost

Come on in the water's warm, come on like a sugar cube

But with a kick in the head, like putting wings on lead

Your eyes are blocking my starlight

I'm the last of my kind (That's all that should matter to you)

Get Busy Living or Get Busy Dying (Do your part to save the scene and stop going to shows)

I know this hurts, it was meant to

Your secret's out and the best part is it isn't even a good one

And it's mind over you don't matter

This has been said so many times that I'm not sure if it matters

27

Milligrams in my head, burning tobacco in the wind

Chasing the direction, chasing the direction you went

You're a bottled star, the Planets align

You're just like Mars, you shine in the sky, you shine in the sky

It's kind of funny, the way we're wearing anchors on our shirts

When being anchored aboard just feels like a curse

My mind is a safe, and if I keep it in we'll all get rich

My body is an orphanage, we take everyone in

Doing lines of dust and sweat off last night's stage just to feel like you

The (Shipped) Gold Standard

The time my dad caught me a horseshoe crab

And I asked him if throwin' it back into the sea would bring our luck back

I wanna scream "I love you" from the top of my lungs

But I'm afraid that someone else will hear me

You can only blame your problems on the world for so long

Before it all becomes the same old song

What a Catch, Donnie

They say the captain goes down with the ship

So when the world ends, will God go down with it?

Miss Flack said "I still want you back"

I've got troubled thoughts and the self-esteem to match

What a catch, what a catch

Alpha Dog

Tell Rock and Roll I'm alone again

I wanna call the Midwest home again

Your time has passed, they say never means never

Solar flares won't last, but never means forever

Alpha dog and Omegalomaniac

Welcome to the new deja vu

I can almost see the Wizard through the curtains

20 Dollar Nose Bleed

Have you ever wanted to dissappear?

Or join a monetary, go out and preach on Manic Street

Where will I be when I wake up next to a stranger

On a passenger plane?

Permanent jet lag, please take me back

I'm a stray dog sick, please let me in

The mad key's tripping

Singing vows while we exchange smoke rings

Give me a pen, call me "Mr Benzadrine"

Don't let the doctor in, I wanna blow off steam

Pros and Cons of Breathing

I hate the way you say my name, like it's something secret

My pen is the barrel of a gun, remind me which side you should be on

Oh, I want to hate you half as much as I hate myself

But know that I could crush you with my voice

I wish I was as invisible as you make me feel