#realized it was his illegitimate daughter he was never given the chance to see

[gravyhoney]

Wow. Danni’s mom doesn’t even know about that time she died.

[robininthelabyrinth]

anything with jin zixuan marrying into the jiang sect, instead of jiang yanli marrying out?

ao3

It wasn’t that Jin Zixuan didn’t love his mother – he did, he truly did. He loved her, he supported her, he stood by her side in every argument. He would do anything within his power to help her get everything that she wanted.

It was only that he took a very reasonable look at the circumstances and realized he couldn’t. He couldn’t get her the one thing she’d always counted for.

He couldn’t win the right of succession to be Sect Leader Jin.

Maybe if his mother had managed to stop his father from bringing home all his bastards – there were nineteen of them, all together, and those were just the ones that were willing to admit it so who even knew – he might’ve had a better chance, given that he was after all the sole legitimate son. But legitimacy only took you so far: he was neither the oldest of the children, nor the most capable, nor the most cunning. He wasn’t even the best connected, despite his maternal family’s support; that honor went to another one of his siblings, born to an especially well-connected family through unspecified circumstances that might or might not involve rape but which sufficient money had plastered over.

The only thing Jin Zixuan had going for him was his legitimacy, but his father had long ago taught him - however inadvertently - that there wasn’t anything magical about a wedding ceremony that made him better suited to the role of sect leader.

What’s more, in his heart of hearts, Jin Zixuan didn’t even want it.

He wasn’t – he didn’t really like fighting. Or politics, or scheming, or any of it. It just wasn’t his personality. He didn’t like games of influence, he didn’t like backstabbing people that trusted him, he didn’t like gossiping and slandering and not being able to believe in people’s good faith and any of that, and no matter how much his mom pushed him, he didn’t think he’d ever like it. 

But that was what Lanling Jin did, what Jilin Tower was like, and if he wanted to take up the Sect Leader’s seat and reside in the Fragrant Palace, he had to get over himself and accept that that’s what the rest of his life would be like.

Forever.

Until someone murdered him and took his place, anyway. It almost felt inevitable, sometimes. 

Or, because he really truly didn’t want the job, because he really truly didn’t want to die, he could try to think of something else. Some way out.

For example, he could, and did, go to Jin Ziyao and ask him for help.

Jin Ziyao stared at him, eyes narrow and calculating as they so rarely were – he was very good at keeping a bland polite smile on his face, the best at it of all the people Jin Zixuan had ever met, and he’d met a lot. 

“That’s an interesting thing to say, brother,” he said, gently eliding as always the fact that they were the same age, born on the same day to different mothers. “Very interesting indeed. I must ask, though - why are you saying it to me?”

“Because you’d be the best at the job,” Jin Zixuan said honestly. He really thought so: Jin Ziyao was smart and clever, cunning enough to wear a kind face and tricky enough to actually pull off the impression of actually being kind, since people were more willing to forgive kind people, but also ambitious and ruthless enough to survive and maybe even thrive in the political world the way Jin Zixuan wasn’t. “And because you’re smart enough to come up with a way for me to get out of this without dying, if you wanted to.”

“Flattery will get you nowhere. Why would I want to?”

And that was the rub, wasn’t it? Jin Zixuan was the legitimate son, the rightful heir, and his father, their father, was just as likely to name Jin Zixuan as the next sect leader no matter how unfit for the role he was on nothing more than that basis as he was to name anyone else with a much stronger claim. 

It was in everyone else’s best interest to kill him, if they were ambitious.

Maybe not his sisters. They wouldn’t inherit no matter what happened to him.

(Sometimes Jin Zixuan wished he was lucky enough to be born a nobody, little Jin Ziyu, who just wanted to play with make-up and avoid all contact with his maternal Mo family. Nobody cared about Jin Ziyu, and everyone liked it that way.)

“You know my position,” Jin Zixuan explained. He didn’t need to say it out loud; he was bitterly aware that it was basically his only personality trait: legitimate heir of Jin Guangshan, the rich boy everyone thought would be the next sect leader unless someone else got in the way. “My support could be worth something to you.”

“Especially if it’s sincere,” Jin Ziyao murmured, looking thoughtful, contemplative. It wasn’t an outright no, anyway, or at least not yet. “And you would be sincere, wouldn’t you?”

“There’s a reason I said that I’m not fit for the role,” Jin Zixuan replied, his voice dry to hide the fact that his heart was in his throat. Jin Ziyao was the one most likely to succeed in finding a way to get him out of this mess, but he was also the most likely to figure out a way to kill him without being blamed for it, too.  There was a reason he’d come to him, but that reason was the danger - who was to say that Jin Ziyao wouldn’t decide it’d be safer to kill him, and to use this to accomplish it? He could be signing his own death warrant. “And even if you’re smart, competent, good at managing things, well-connected, and well-liked, you can still use my help.”

Jin Ziyao had only a single fault: his mother had been a prostitute. People still judged him for that, something which made no sense to Jin Zixuan whatsoever – it wasn’t Jin Ziyao’s fault what his mother did before he was born – but it meant he lacked legitimacy even more than the others. 

Having the legitimate son backing his claim would be a strong argument in favor of overlooking that.

“You know your mother won’t like it,” Jin Ziyao said. Testing, probing; he hadn’t agreed yet.

“I know,” Jin Zixuan said simply. “But I hope that she’d like me being dead less.”

He wasn’t actually sure about that. His mother loved him, yes, but he had never entirely determined if she loved him for himself or as an extension of herself – a symbol of what she would be fighting towards. A sign that her struggles with her husband had a purpose, that all her humiliation would one day be worth it.

That one day, when he was sect leader, she would become the true power in Lanling through him. 

(Jin Zixuan didn’t know what she imagined would happen to all his illegitimate brothers and sisters in that situation, and he didn’t want to; it put a sick feeling in his gut to think about it – which he supposed meant he did know, after all, what she would want, but was instead choosing to ignore it.)

Jin Ziyao studied him for a long moment, presumably trying to analyze his sincerity and how firm he was on the idea. 

Jin Zixuan didn’t rush him, knowing it was a gamble on his side as well: it would be worse for him to help Jin Zixuan out of the line of succession only for Jin Zixuan to change his mind down the road. It would make him look bad, make him a target for the others, and the backstabbing nature of Lanling politics meant that luring someone in with a request for aid was exactly the sort of trap someone might lay out.

Sometimes, Jin Zixuan was really, really tired of Lanling.

Maybe something of that showed on his face, because just when he was starting to lose hope, Jin Ziyao abruptly nodded – almost to himself – and said, “All right. How about your marriage?”

“What about my marriage?” Jin Zixuan asked, puzzled. 

He’d been engaged to his mother’s best friend’s daughter since before he was born, and amazingly enough the engagement had held despite everything – probably because they had barely met, to be perfectly honest. And also the fact that being surrounded by brothers that hid daggers in their smiles gave Jin Zixuan enough experience to realize that he was being deliberately incited when his so-called friends started telling him that he deserved better than a girl most often described simply as being nice.

After all, he’d already started doubting by that time that he even deserved the accident of his legitimate birth, so forget deserving any girl.

Also, being nice sounded…rather nice, actually. Certainly a relief, assuming she was actually nice rather than just pretending to be the way so many of his sisters were.

(None of them liked her, which suggested she might be.)

“You should get to know your intended better,” Jin Ziyao said. “Visit her more often.”

Jin Zixuan really wasn’t seeing the connection between that and his request for assistance, and Jin Ziyao’s gaze softened a little bit, though Jin Zixuan wasn’t sure if it was with sympathy or merely pity.

“It’ll make it easier for you,” he clarified. “For when you marry in.”

Marry in?

Marry in. The Jiang sect was a Great Sect, with enough power and influence to make unreasonable demands – and his father desperately wanted the alliance with them. If they could be convinced to demand that he marry in rather than having Jiang Yanli marry out, pointing to their smaller numbers or the tragedies that had befallen their sect…

Jiang Cheng would like having his sister around. He was also notoriously standoffish around women, and had viciously rejected any effort to be matched with one of the illegitimate Jin girls; it might even be possible to suggest to his father that allowing Jin Zixuan to marry in would mean that there was a chance that Jiang Cheng would be willing to leave his sect to a nephew surnamed Jiang, winning the Jin sect both an alliance and inheritance all at once.

Best of all, it had to be him. The Jiang sect had only agreed to the engagement because of Madame Yu’s friendship with his mother, not for any political reason; if his father tried to substitute him with someone else, they might break it entirely…

And someone who married out couldn’t be the heir.

“You’re a genius,” Jin Zixuan told his brother, who smiled crookedly in acknowledgement. “What should I do? Do I just – go over there? Send a letter? I can’t write letters…”

“Let me think about it,” Jin Ziyao said. “I’m sure I can come up with something more subtle than you.”

[chaoticpuff17]

When the Chips are Down

part 12

masterlist

Y/N froze, staring at Namjoon like a cornered animal while Namjoon had her pinned down like that sharp, dark gaze that reminded her so much of a predator. 

“What others, Y/N?” he growled, getting impatient with her silence. 

“Namjoon…” 

“What others.” he demanded, slamming a hand down on the table startling both Y/N and Moni, and yet she said nothing simply staring at him with wide, apprehensive eyes while her fingers clutched the arms of her chair, her knuckles turning white. Namjoon took a deep breath, leaning back in his seat and pinching the bridge of his nose as he tried to calm himself down even though his words still came out gruff and annoyed. “What others, Y/N?” 

“Don’t yell at me!” she snapped, standing up from her chair, chest heaving as she stared him down. 

“What others?” he growled, returning her harsh stare. 

“You don’t get to yell at me, not now.” 

He sighed, taking another deep breath. Despite the tension and high emotions, he knew she was right. He had no right to yell at her about things that happened before they met, and he knew that she had been through hell before him. Yelling at her and demanding answers wasn’t going to do either of them any good. It never did. 

“I shouldn’t have shouted.” his voice was softer now, an attempt on his part to be more soothing, especially as she looked like a frightened rabbit. “I need to know what others, jagi.”  he took one of her shaking hands gently in his, treating her like the fragile doll she seemed like in that moment. 

“Were there other pregnancies? Before?” she nodded slowly, eyeing him warily as he carefully steered her back into her chair. “When you were with Marcus, you were pregnant?” she nodded again. “Can you tell me about them, jagi?” 

“There were two.” she admitted staring down at her lap, fiddling with her fingers. “The first didn’t get very far. I was only a few weeks along when I lost it.” 

“And the other?” Namjoon asked, almost scared of the answer he was going to receive.  

“I was five months along.” one of her arms came up to curl protectively around her belly. 

Namjoon could see the way her hands were shaking, the distant almost haunted look in her eye, and it pained him. “What happened, jagi?” 

“I was twenty one weeks. It was a boy” she smiled sadly “but there was so much blood, and I couldn’t get to the  hospital. Marcus wouldn’t…. He left. I shouldn’t have made him angry. I knew- I knew better.” she blinked back tears, and Namjoon had to tamp down his growing rage, not towards her but towards the man who had put her through this. “By the time I got to the hospital it was too late to do anything. There wasn’t much they could have done anyway.”  she shuddered at the memory. “The baby had been in distress for too long, and he came breech.  There was nothing they could do. He was… he was too little, and it was too early. He couldn’t...” 

Namjoon stopped her, pulling her into her arms as she trembled, gently stroking her hair as she began to cry. There was nothing he could say to make this better, nothing he could do no matter how much he wanted to. 

“You gave birth?” he asked, the horrible realization, the full extent of what she must have gone through sweeping over him. She hadn’t just been pregnant. She’d given birth to a child, traumatically, and the child hadn’t survived. From the sound of it, there was nothing she could have done, nor was the loss naturally occurring. Part of him regretted asking her, for making her relive this memory, but he needed to know, and knowing what she had been through, he only loved her more. She was so unbelievably strong.

She laughed tearily, a fond but terribly sad smile passing over her features. “He was alive for about twenty minutes. I held him until he passed.” 

“What was his name?” 

“Noah. His name was Noah. I buried him at the little cemetery just past the bridge.” 

“I’m sorry.” he whispered, gathering her into his arms again. “I’m so sorry, jagi.” 

“I couldn’t… I couldn’t breath after it happened. I couldn’t look at him. That’s when I met Jackson.” she admitted a more rueful smile taking over her features. “He gave me an out, and I made them pay.” 

So many things made sense now. A missing piece of the puzzle had fallen into place, and suddenly it all made sense. He’d known she was in a bad situation with Marcus. He knew she had only entered the relationship to try to provide for herself and her sister, but it never made sense why she toppled a whole criminal organization to escape. Something about it just never seemed to fit with what he knew of her, but losing a child was just the sort of catalyst that would send her down that path. 

His poor sweet Y/N had been through more than he could have ever imagined, more than even he had been through, but that was part of the reason he loved her, part of the reason she was perfect for him. She had seen the same darkness he had been raised in, and yet she was nothing like the women he had known in his youth, nothing like his mother had been. 

Namjoon’s memory of his mother was vague. He was only a child the last time he’d seen her, but he could remember the drugs, the bottles of alcohol. He remembered the dingy half basement they lived in, how it always smelled faintly of mold. He remembered the men- lovers, loan sharks, dealers, and none of them had anything against knocking around a scrawny kid from the bad side of town. His mother had allowed it all. Nothing mattered to her except getting her next fix. Even as a child, Namjoon had known he was meant for more. He was so much smarter than the other children, so much better, and he wanted better for himself. It seemed impossible though. What could a child do to get himself out of the gutter? And then Si-Hyuk came. 

Namjoon had been only eight at the time, but he could remember that day so clearly. Si-Hyuk had come to their home looking for him and his mother. He hadn’t known that he had an uncle before that day. It had always just been him and his mother, but suddenly there was this man claiming to be his mother’s half brother. His mother was out most likely meeting her dealer or one of the loan sharks she owed money too, so it had just been Namjoon and Si-Hyuk in the apartment. 

Si-Hyuk was a wealthy man, a powerful man, but he lacked one thing, an heir. He needed a son to carry on the business, but his wife had failed to provide one before her untimely death. He could have simply adopted a child, but he wanted an heir of his own blood, someone with the blood of his father and his grandfather. It was a family business, and he wanted it to stay in the family, but Si-Hyuk had no siblings, no legitimate ones anyway, but there was one woman. 

His father had had a daughter with one of his mistresses. Both the woman and the child had left soon after. His father had had no use for an illegitimate daughter, but Si-Hyuk had use for her now. It was a long shot, but if there was any chance that his sister had had a son, he had to take it. So he’d gone looking for her, and lo and behold, there was indeed a son. They found the perfect solution for both of their problems within each other. Si-Hyuk wanted a son, and Namjoon wanted out of the gutter, to be away from the mess of a woman he called a mother. There was only one problem, the woman herself. She might not have cared about Namjoonj, but she was a greedy woman by nature, and if she had thought there was anything to be gained from her son, she would cling to him like a leech. Everything would have been fine if Namjoon and his uncle had been able to leave before she returned. She never would have known what had happened to her son nor would she have cared, but she had come stumbling home just as Si-Hyuk and Namjoon were preparing to leave.

Distaste was too mild of a word to describe how both Si-Hyuk and Namjoon had felt about the woman before them. She might have been a beauty once, but a life of bad habits had degraded that beauty until she was nothing but a shell of the woman she had been, rotted from the inside out. She wasn’t willing to let go of her son without ensuring a life of comfort and debauchery for herself, and Bang Si-Hyuk was not a man to be blackmailed, so he’d given young Namjoon a choice: him or his mother. Only one could live, and Namjoon was nothing if not a survivor.

 “Nothing will ever… I  promise nothing will ever happen to our baby. I won’t let anything happen to either of you.” He urged, holding her tight to his chest. 

She was a survivor too, but she didn’t have to be anymore. He was there to take care of her now. If only he’d found her sooner, but that didn’t matter now. All that mattered was that she was here now. She was here in his arms, pregnant with his child, and nothing would happen to either of them. 

“You can’t promise that.” she shook her head, pushing on his chest so she could stare up at him with those fathomless eyes of hers. “You don’t know.” 

But he did know. This was his kingdom, and he made the decisions here.

“I promise you, jagiya, you will never lose another child. I won’t let that happen, not again.” she stared at him, brows furrowed in uncertainty. It was sweet in its own way. Logically, she knew there was no way for him to keep that promise. There was no real surety, but it was nice nonetheless. “As long as I’m beside you, nothing will happen.” he promised again, and she melted into his arms, too tired to fight both emotionally and physically, something Namjoon was quick to notice. 

“Why don’t we go inside, jagi?” he murmured, still holding her close. “You’re tired, and you shouldn’t overdo it.” 

“Okay.” 

Namjoon helped her up from her chair and led her back into the house with Moni trailing at their heels. Miss In stood guard just past the door waiting for the couple to come back inside. 

“We’ll take breakfast in the master bedroom. Y/N is tired and needs to rest. Another day of bed rest wouldn’t hurt.” she had a feeling that the last comment was directed more at her than it was his faithful housekeeper.  

“Of course, sajangnim.” 

Namjoon treated her like glass as he led her back to their room. One arm was wrapped around her waist to steady her while the other held her hand as though she was going to stumble and fall at any moment. She wasn’t, but she was grateful for the extra support. She didn’t talk about her other babies often, and each time it filled her with the same soul numbing sadness. 

Soon enough breakfast was over, and Y/N had been put back to bed with Namjoon beside her, keeping her tucked protectively into his side as he put on a movie for them to watch. Apparently, he had no plans to leave her today. 

As for Namjoon, he had always known that she was meant for him, ever since that first night. Everytime she challenged him, everytime he learned something new about her and her past, it only strengthened that conviction. She was perfect for him in every way. She was smart, beautiful, unbelievably strong, and she was his. They were both survivors, and what’s more, she was everything his mother wasn’t. Y/N would do anything to protect her family. She would fight for them till her last breath, sacrifice anything including herself. His mother had thrown away everything on drugs and liquor in a vain attempt to make her life better. He was happy the day she died. He’d been happy to be the one to shoot her.  The world was better off without her, but the same couldn’t be said for Y/N. 

She was light. She was music. She was everything, and he would tear the world to pieces for her. Anyone who hurt her, anyone who tried to take her from him would pay. Nothing was going to keep Namjoon from having his perfect family. 

part 13

[mcu-fan-fics-blog]

The Helping Hand

This is a Repost from my Ao3 I wanted to bring it to Tumblr. I hope you like it Its currently 5 chapters I will be uploading the rest throughout the rest of the week.

Word count: 1660 approx

Summary: Y/N Krast Illegitimate Daughter of Tony Stark. Product of an unwanted teen pregnancy. What would Howard Stark be capable of doing to assure his sons future? What will happen when Tony meets our Beautiful, young, genius, rich philanthropist.

Tw: Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, Drug use, Drug addiction, Teen Pregnancy. (If there are any I missed please tell me.)

Introduction Ch.1

Ch.2

Back Story 

(AU Howard and Maria Stark were not killed by the Winter Soldier.)

Your name is Y/N Krast First Born Daughter of Tony Stark. Sent away by Howard and Maria Stark. You being the result of an unwanted teen pregnancy. You don't know who your mother or father are. Howard Stark secretly kept in contact with you, until he passed.

Howard gave you a comfortable life and a bountiful trust fund that you gained access to on your 18th Birthday also the year he died. You are a Genius having finished college and high school at the same time with a master’s in Computer Engineering with a minor in Biology. 

After Howards’ death, you were lost… you decided to help others. Thinking that maybe that would help you feel a semblance of happiness. You went to the one place you knew people needed help Sokovia. 

You weren't there for long when you realized that you loved being there. The people and the culture were so welcoming and loving… at least towards you. The people definitely had their reservations, but you didn't mind.

You did as much as you could… you lived a simple life. Gave up the luxury in which you were raised and traded it for a small two-bedroom apartment that you shared with a friend who needed help with the rent. You opened a medical facility it was by no means the best but it could do the job. 

You taught people basic medical procedures, not surgery… but everyday accidents and the occasional riot scene. Stitches and patch-up jobs.

"Hey, y/n what do you want me to do with these boxes here?" You look at him confused when you realize what he is holding. 

"Umm… just leave them there I want to go through them before I leave." David gives you a fond look as he moves to sit next to you. "It's crazy to hear you say that… It seems like just yesterday you were that fresh-faced kid trying to help people."

You clear your throat as you see where the conversation is heading. "Don't go getting all sentimental on me… not now David." You give David a reassuring smile, but to your luck, he doesn't buy it. Now looking at you more seriously he says "Y/N it’s ok. We all understand why you're leaving, no one is mad or angry, just sad you will be missed around here."

You feel your eyes start to water and you quickly turn away from David trying to hide your tears to no avail. "It's just that I’m going to miss this too." He holds your shoulders and turns you to face him. He holds your face, the tears building in his own eyes, and pulls you into a hug. 

"You will always be welcome back, you hear me. Now we are both going to stop crying on the count of 3… and were going to pretend that didn't just happen alright." You nod your head slowly agreeing to the terms you collect yourself. What David and you had is the closest thing either of you had to family. He pulled away slowly but determined. 

"Okay, no more sad stuff alright… the town wants to throw you a going-away party. And you can't say no they just want to say goodbye." You sigh a smile slowly forming on your face and agree. After all, it had been two wonderful years in which you found yourself.

You are interrupted when you hear a knock at the door. It was rather startling but you've grown used to it by now. Shortly after the loud bangs, you called knocks you hear the door open and close. "How are my two favorite people in the world doing?"

Vivian or Viv for short. "Just peachy" you reply, hearing her laugh at your snarky reply. "I'm in my room and David went out to get things situated for the party." 

"Oh well, I just came here to… well you know say goodbye. You are my best friend and I will not forget what you did for me and for my family."

You walk out of your room wearing black jeans and a leather jacket. "You know I would do it again in a heartbeat." Viv hums disapprovingly trying to play it off buy fails. "You see that's exactly what I'm afraid of. You jumped into that building because you didn't care if you did. As heroic as it might seem it was suicidal and we both know it."

You stumble looking for the words " I umm… I was there's no point in lying, but it's not like that anymore." She nods subtlely but you see it in her eyes she's relieved. You take the "out" and change the subject. 

"Come on Viv lighten up it's my last night here and we're missing out on my own party." You nudge her and within seconds you get out of your apartment and into the streets that have seen you grow into the person you now are. 

The party was more than you deserved… There were home-cooked meals and homemade desserts. People that you have grown to be acquainted with saying goodbye and wishing you luck. You can't help but thank them all sincerely. Once the party is over you head back home with David taking in the last of your stay here. 

Once in your apartment you hesitate but end up calling David to your room. "I don't know if you noticed but I never unpacked this box. It was Howard's stuff." David's eyes open showing his surprise. "The Howard… why didn't you open it." 

You sigh not knowing exactly why you didn't "Well we're opening it tonight." You make your way to the box and as if you were a wild animal you ravage the package open not realizing how much you actually wanted to open the box. 

As you analyze the things in the box your eyes begin to water. There are pictures and mementos of your greatest moments stored in a single place. There's a picture of when you first met Howard you were 11. You chuckle lightly causing David to Burst out laughing. "I umm… I'm sorry but you were one ugly kid." You playfully slap his arm. 

"I was, wasn't I. Howard saved me you know in this picture I had just gotten out of the worst foster home I'd ever been in." You'd never said much about your time in the system so David let you talk. "They would hit us, starve us, and some were even sexually assaulted." 

David processes what you had just confessed to him realizing that it's probably not even half of what you've been through. "Howard was my saving grace… I was quite the ugly kid inside and out. I was a kid that had no hope in the world, but Howard changed that."

David collects his thoughts and says "I'd say he did a damn good job you brought hope to everyone here… you know kids here aspire to be like you… you are a great role model." You give him a sincere smile and give him a hug. 

"David, I'm going to miss you, but it's time for me to go. Never doubt calling me for anything no matter how big or small. And I hope that you and Viv continue the work in the practice. Also, you know that Viv likes you, give her a chance. I don't want either of you to be alone… be alone together. Also she could help you with the rent of the place." Your say laughing. "Now go to bed and we'll leave early tomorrow."

David chuckles while leaving your room. When you hear his door close you continue looking through the things in the box.

Flashback 

"Krast come downstairs there's someone here to see you." You jump up startled and cautiously make your way downstairs. You hear part of a conversation but don't invest yourself. You're too frightened when you get to where you heard voices there is a man standing there.

"Ah, you must be the young Y/N Krast. How are you, I'm Howard." You don't reply but rather look at Mr. Evans who nods ever so slightly giving you your cue. "I’m doing well." He's silent for a moment then continues "I hear you're quite the genius." You simply nod. When Mr. Evans decides to cut in rather tactlessly. 

"Well, Mr. Howard is here to take you to a new home." You look at him incredulously then turning to Howard and asking him quite bluntly "Are you adopting me?"

Howard simply says "Not exactly, but you will have a family to care for you." The look in his eyes gives you some reassurance. That same afternoon he took you to "your new home." 

You quickly find out what he meant by "Not exactly" while you were living in a better home, you were being raised by employees. Howard would come around every week a couple of times. You both enjoyed each other's company and quickly you grew fond of him.  

"Y/N hurry up we're going to be late" Howard yelled "Yup im coming, you know if you'd given more than a couple hours heads up id be ready." Howard only chuckles and let that comment slide. You both knew that was a lie.

End Flashback 

The morning went by rather quickly. Now you're on the tarmac waiting for your plane to arrive. David was holding your hand while neither of you mentioned it you could not have been more grateful.

"You go and kill em all. Alright I want to see you in a magazine or something. And don't forget to mention me as the greatest inspiration, your daily motivation, and the drive behind you."

You can only chuckle "Those aren't the words I would use to describe you but you are the best." You jug him and wave him off as you board your plane. You cant help but feel guilty as you're currently lying to everyone you care about, but there's no going back now. 

[chibivesicle]

Golden Kamuy chapter 258 - I’m honestly not shocked by what transpires in this chapter.

As Abashiri 2.0 continues, the chaos continues to separate the various groups.  Ushiyama is able to toss Jack’s body in a wheelbarrow and he informs the rest of their group that the 7th is there.  Hijikata orders an immediate retreat with Toni and the wee babe Kantarou.  Of course Shiraishi runs after them telling them that he lost Sugimoto. And with that we get to the title page.

Ushiyama points out where he last saw them and Kadokura, Sugimoto and Asirpa are trapped in the rapidly burning building.  Kadokura tries to find an exit but, of course it is smokier and does not help. 

Shiraishi is able to yell in and gets their attention.  He tries to guide them to the exit by yelling at them.  All of a sudden Boutarou appears and he smiles that he’ll go search for them.

Shiraishi is concerned and actually tells him that it is too dangerous.  I think Shiraishi is honestly concerned for Boutarou despite being on guard around him.  We get further insight into Boutarou’s mind as he tells him that he must reach out for his own happiness - which alludes back to his desire to have lots of money and be the king of his own domain.  Again, Shiraishi seems worried about him and uses the idea that Sugimoto is immortal so he’ll be okay.  He says this will be one of his heroic tales and he begins to inhale as much air as possible, packing his lungs like he does when diving.

With that Boutarou boldly enters into the inferno and Shiraishi tries to keep in touch with Sugimoto.  This is such a dramatic panel.  It really lets us know that Boutarou is a man on a mission.

Meanwhile the action then shifts to Kikuta wandering around after losing Asirpa.  Noda has made it very clear they are in another building, so it would imply that after Kadokura escaped from Usami when he jumped Ogata, he booked it to the current location where he’s trapped with Sugimoto and Asirpa.

Kikuta stops when he hears a figure approach with a rifle.  He calmly raises his revolver as the figure stops.  Of course it reveals Ogata bruised and bloody but with his glass eye.

However, we are then treated with the two men walking by each other like ships passing in the night.  Ogata move his rifle to a relaxed position in his shoulder as Kikuta walks by, his revolver also down.

For right now, all we know is that both men walked by each other pretending that they did not run into each other.  They do not speak to each other, they do not exchange even a glance.  Now, in the future Noda could reveal that they do have a conversation, but we don’t have that information.  What we can infer right now is that Ogata and Kikuta don’t see the other man as a threat to him at the present.

Now, we know that Kikuta is working for Central.  He’s told Ariko that he is and has already made it a point to relay information with him once he ‘joined’ Hijikata’s group. I’m sure many people will be like “Ogata’s working for Central!”.  Well first off, let’s keep in mind the only person who said that Ogata was working for was Tsukishima back in Edogai’s house when he tried to ambush Ogata.  Tsukishima called Ogata the pet cat of HQ, willing to sell out the 27th.

Now all of this is what Tsukishima thinks of Ogata.  All Ogata does is reply that they are members of a rebel group which is factually true.  Those working under Tsurumi aren’t actually working for Central.  Tsukishima continues to note that Hanazawa lead the 7th and Ogata wants to surpass him and will betray his comrades from the war.  We get Ogata doing his head pat, likely to reassure himself as he finally replies.

All he says is that Tsurumi has a talent for manipulating young men to follow him, which tells us that Ogata doesn’t follow him [anymore].  This is a classic instance in GK where another character is trying to explain who Ogata is and what his goal is, but we don’t actually get confirmation from Ogata that he works for Central.  Just what Tsukishima thinks and I think it is something that Tsurumi told him when he originally rebelled with Nikaido and escaped from Tsurumi’s reach.

Kikuta is waiting for a chance to take advantage of Tsurumi for Central and has to stick close to him.  Ogata working counter to Tsurumi helps Kikuta.  We also know that Kikuta and Ogata have a long working history.  Kikuta was one of the ’Russian’ kidnappers of Koito, and he was the man on the horse while Tsukishima and Ogata were those who kept him hidden.

I find it hard right now to think that Kikuta and Ogata have been working together since before the manga started.  Kikuta was recovering from his more severe injuries while Ogata was involved in the gold hunt before Sugimoto broke his arm and he fell into the stream (where Kiro likely fished him out).  Kikuta is an enlisted man who has made his way up through the ranks.  He also seems like a more patriotic/loyal Japanese character than many other members of the cast as indicated by his collection of revolvers from the Russo-Japanese war.  He isn’t just a man who fought the enemy he looted from them to make it his own in victory.

This tells us that Kikuta has some sort of pride from his service in the army.  This makes sense that he’d be inclined to work for Central to help the Japanese government in Hokkaido.  Plus, he was part of what we now know was Tsurumi’s military intelligence group in Hokkaido which included Tsukishima and Ogata as members who can speak Russian.

In direct contrast, we have never seen any indication of Ogata being the type of character to have a sense of national pride.  We know he’s the illegitimate son of Hanazawa, a Satsuma elite, and his mother was the daughter of a samurai family on the losing side/pro-shogunate.  He may be an excellent sniper, but he didn’t go about collecting military trophies.  The entire manga has not given any indication of Ogata having a nationalist/imperialist mindset and working with Kiro would also indicate his mysterious long game likely doesn’t have to do with the Japanese government.  Sure, Ogata could have been a deep fake, trying to get in with the partisans, but that doesn’t seem like him.

The fact that Kikuta and Ogata ignore each other now explains why he didn’t shoot at Asirpa directly here.

He keeps watching instead, trying to determine what Kikuta’s approach will be.  This shows enough information that Ogata knows how Kikuta operates and he likely knows he’s working in some way with Ariko, since he joined Hijikata’s group.  Interestingly, when he thinks Kikuta has Asirpa convinced, Ogata prepares to do what he definitely doesn’t want to do - snipe Asirpa.

But Ogata is distracted by his brotherly guilty and is distracted enough to realize he has bigger problems - e.g. Vasily.

So, as we return to the chapter, Ogata and Kikuta likely know that neither of them are working for Tsurumi and they let the other man go, likely to not say anything to anyone else.  I predict Kikuta will exit and report back that he didn’t see anyone on a perimeter search.  Ogata, if he regroups with Hijikata will likely refrain from mentioning Kikuta unless he has to relay some sort of message to Ariko (again, something we get a flashback for) but currently have no evidence for.  I really think Kikuta and Ogata both used their brains and decided to de-escalate things and they just go about their business.  Are they on the same ‘side’?  Honestly, I think they aren’t, but their current goals align so they just continue about their business.

The action then returns to Sugimoto, Asirpa and Kadokura.  They are now stuck in a room with the mash tuns for the mash during the brewing process.  Keep in mind that commercial mash tuns are made of steel, which is a alloy of iron and carbon.  And yes, I’m from the rust belt, so I know about steel - I wouldn’t exist if it weren’t the the steel industry and the jobs it generated for my family.

But I digress, our group is trapped in this room.  Boutarou finally finds them and he offers his hand to Asirpa.  But we can’t see where his right hand is going.

And surprise, surprise, he breaks a shovel as he hits Sugimoto in the head before he makes quick work of Kadokura.  He flies back into a mash tun and the skins also touch the steel container, and we know that they have already gotten wet.

I’m going to go out on a limb and guess that some of the skins that Kadokura has are Edogai’s fakes and these will prove to be useless.  Sugimoto fights back as expected with the bayonet on his rifle.  He manages to stab Boutarou though the shoulder area before he pulls back and slices off one of his ears.

Of course, Boutarou is able to easily fight back and his long limbs allow him to kick Sugimoto down.  As soon as I saw the raws, I was like, yep, Peter just cut off the ear of one of the men who came to arrest Jesus working for the high priest.  Of course, Jesus was able to fix the man’s missing right ear, but Asirpa doesn’t have that ability.  But, it is an event that happened before Peter was separated from Jesus.  And guess what?  Now Sugimoto is about to be separated from Asirpa again.  Am I surprised by this at all? Nope.  I was waiting for Boutarou to make his move - he’s been watching Asipa and Sugimoto for long enough to notice her crush on him and Sugimoto’s lack of long term planning.

Sugimoto is crawling on the fall from the hits as well as the smoke as Boutarou calmly collects the skins while holding Asirpa.  Sugimoto reaches up to try to stop him by grabbing Asirpa’s quiver of arrows.  Kadokura’s out cold, but well below the smoke.  We get the desperation of Sugimoto, who really should have realized Boutarou has his own goal.

I really like how smooth Boutarou is in this situation.  He just lifts her quiver strap off and Sugimoto is left holding onto another carved item of Asirpa’s also made by Wilk.

It also means that Asirpa has lost her most powerful weapon, her arrows.  Sugimoto is left to only yell out her name from behind.

Shiraishi continues to call to everyone while Boutarou exits another way.  I wonder if he canvassed the area when he was missing or did his own research to see what the layout was like?

He’s finally able to exhale as Asirpa tries to old onto the door handle stopping him.  Instead of using force, he talks to Asirpa, a smart thing to do.  He has her figured out and tells her to not carry the burden of participating in the gold hunt for the Ainu.  Sugimoto is stumbling down the stairs somewhere.  He makes it clear to her, that he could have killed Sugimoto but he didn’t.  This is important to his plan for her.

He states the obvious, that Sugimoto is lucky and that’s why he’s still alive.  Sure he’s tough, but he’s not the smartest.  Boutarou goes straight for Asirpa’s emotions pointing out that even if they are lucky and they find the gold, will Sugimoto stay with her?  She knows that it would not be the case.  He wants the gold for Umeko.

His idea is that if he makes it so that Sugimoto doesn’t get the gold, then Asirpa can have Sugimoto stay in Hokkaido with her.  Sugimoto with no gold has no reason to return home.

He then brings up what Ogata told her to do back on the ice floe.  To return to her village and live a happy life, but the caveat is with Sugimoto.  Asirpa’s hand trembles as she lets go of the door handle.

Does she admit that Boutarou is right?  So then she lets go?  Or is she so emotionally overwhelmed and spent that she realizes fighting him isn’t possible?  Honestly, I’d love to see her crush on Sugimoto destroyed.

What is really important is that unlike many of the other convicts, Boutarou seems to be more moral or honest to an extent.  He paid Ainu for information and he treats most people with respect.  He even flat out approached Shiraishi about why he’s working with Sugimoto and Asirpa.  Boutarou is a smart guy he knows Asirpa is Wilk’s daughter and he knows that Shiraishi is also smarter than he acts.

Sadly, Shiraishi doesn’t know that Asirpa hasn’t told Sugimoto the code, so he thinks he’s still excluded from the group and therefore can only tell Boutarou that they also don’t trust him.  When the loggers fell a bunch of the trees, Asirpa is unable to get what she really wants from Sugimoto, instead he dodges the question after telling her about Umeko.  She doesn’t him to just be her partner . . . that is the crush speaking.  She has a crush and wants him to become her romantic partner.

Deep down, I think she knows that Sugimoto’s number one priority is Umeko, no matter what he tries to tell her.  And this is what Boutarou is taking advantage of.  He’s a convict that makes Sugimoto the most uncomfortable since they are very similar.  The only thing that Sugimoto clings to is that he was a soldier while Boutarou is a convict, but really is there any real difference between them?  Both killed people to survive.

Anyhoo, where do things go from here?

Kikuta will likely regroup with Koito and Tsukishima as they make their way back to Tsurumi.

Team Hijikata will retreat.  Kadokura needs to be rescued - perhaps Kirawus will be able to save him?  We haven’t seen him for some time - or is he working with Boutarou?  Then again, Kadokura and Kirawus seem to be buds.  Maybe Kirawus will be our man of the hour rescuing Kadokura and Sugimoto.

Sugimoto will likely stagger out of the burning building.  Will he be grabbed by team Hijikata?  Likely not, Hijikata hates him.  Maybe Shiraishi will find him if they are lucky, but only to learn that Asirpa was kidnapped.  Or, Sugimoto gets captured by the 27th - again.  Third time is a charm they say.

I think Shiraishi will be okay - perhaps he bumps into Ogata?  The point is we won’t get to see the full outcome of Abashiri 2.0 until all of the groups retreat and regroup showing the current alliances of convenience.  I’m also curious what the hell Vasily is doing.  I’d assume the smoke lead him to make a hasty retreat and Ogata had more immediate concerns like Usami.  Unless he’s taking his time to find a new sniping position?

I really think the are so many possibilities, I’m willing to wait to see how things sort themselves out.  Perhaps Ariko is working with Boutarou and Kikuta?  It would be a situation that plays to Kikuta’s advantage.  I just don’t see Boutarou going it completely alone with only Asirpa.  Noda has made it clear that most characters can’t go solo in this game. Instead, they make and break bonds as things require.  So currently, even with Asirpa, Boutarou’s leverage isn’t all that great and with likely fake skins to boot.  He’s at best setting himself up to negotiate with someone else.

[tragedestined-a]

Headcanons about Nagamasa's Parents !

Nagamasa's mother —– Ono-dono ( 小野殿 ) / Ako ( 阿古 )

She’s originally from the Iguchi family. Her father (Iguchi Keigen) was the retainer and right-hand man of Hisamasa’s father (Azai Sukemasa), so it was natural that Ako and Hisamasa were married, given the friendship between their fathers and to keep the ties between their two clans strong.

Ako married Hisamasa when she was 14-15 years old, and when Hisamasa was 15-16 years old.

She had her first daughter (later known as Kyogoku Maria) a couple years after getting married.

Ako has a good relationship with Hisamasa’s eldest illegitimate daughter / Sukemasa’s adopted daughter Aku ( 阿久 ) / Shoankenkyu ( 昌安見久尼 ). Since they’re only nine years apart in age, Ako views Aku as something akin to a younger sister.

She also has an older brother, two younger sisters, and one younger brother who are related to her by blood?

As a teenager / young adult, Ako had a very positive and somewhat easily excited personality, but she was also very sheltered and naïve about some things.

Ako quickly developed romantic feelings for Hisamasa when she first married him. When she looks back on that time now, she realizes this was mostly just her being excited to be married (and to be the first daughter in her family to be married).

Several years of being a hostage and raising Saruyashamaru (little Nagamasa) all by herself forced her to mature quickly and learn to always be on the lookout for danger. She returns to the Azai as a cautious, wise-beyond-her-years woman, although she still retains some of her optimism.

Ako can’t help but wonder whether she could’ve curbed Maria’s cruel / selfish tendencies if she had been there to guide her when she was growing up.

Ako’s strongest bond is with Nagamasa, and Nagamasa is in turn very close to his mother, since the two of them only had each other to rely on during their time as hostages. Because of this, Ako is probably the only person in the Azai clan who has even a suspicion that Nagamasa’s time as a hostage was traumatic for him. Even though he doesn’t “act traumatized”, she believes that if he hadn’t been a hostage, his personality probably would’ve been very different. She worries about how much his time as a hostage has affected him and wonders whether she could’ve done more to protect him.

Ako currently has mixed feelings towards Hisamasa. Being a hostage for eight years (and, at times, fearing for her life and/or her son’s life) was a traumatic experience for her and she’ll probably never completely forgive Hisamasa for giving her to the Rokkaku as a hostage. In addition, she’s very hurt that he slept around during this time. However, Ako also wonders if Nagamasa’s actions towards Hisamasa (forcing him to retire and exiling him) were too harsh. In the end, though, she’s fine with the status quo of Nagamasa being in charge and Hisamasa being exiled. Ako could end up befriending Hisamasa, but there’s no chance that she’d fall in love with him again.

Ako was initially nervous about Nagamasa getting married, both because she had a feeling that he couldn’t deal with a loveless political marriage like she could, and because she was worried that he’d be too harsh on his future wife and scare her off. But she’s glad to see that a warm, loving relationship is slowly but surely blossoming between Oichi and Nagamasa.

Ako has interacted with Oichi in-person several times since Nagamasa’s marriage. She sees her younger self in Oichi a little bit, and tries to encourage her to be more confident and more open about her emotions with Nagamasa. However, Oichi’s Dark Hands and the “Demon King” side of Oichi’s personality seriously creep Ako out. XD So she mostly interacts with Oichi as a penpal, and the two of them send letters to each other on a regular basis.

Nagamasa built her a place specifically for her to live called 阿古の邸 (Ako’s Residence?), which is where she lives most of the time. It’s a quiet, peaceful place where her servants wait on her and treat her like she’s the owner of the residence, and because of this, she’s really mellowed out and come to peace with a lot of what’s happened to her. Despite only being in her late 30s / early 40s, she kind of lives and acts like a grandma now. XD

Ako ends up meeting a very terrible end. During the same month that Nagamasa dies (but before he dies), Ako gets captured by the Oda army. Over the course of a few days, each of her fingers are cut off, and then she dies.

Nagamasa's father —– Azai Hisamasa ( 浅井久政 )

Eldest son of Azai Sukemasa and the second-generation head of the Azai family.

Hisamasa is supposedly a legitimate child of his father Sukemasa, but there have been rumors ever since he was young that he’s the son of Sukemasa’s concubine. These rumors have followed him into adulthood.

Has four younger half-brothers (if the rumors are to be believed, one is his full brother), three younger sisters (half-sisters?), and two younger half-sisters.

Hisamasa resents his father for multiple reasons, some of which are obvious and others which are less so. One reason is that others often compare him to his father, Sukemasa, and consider him to be cowardly and foolish while they consider his father to be a brave, skilled warrior. He feels that they tend to ignore the talents he does have while putting his father on a pedestal. Another reason is that Sukemasa was tough on Hisamasa, since he was the eldest son and Sukemasa wanted him to be the Azai clan’s next leader. A third reason is that Sukemasa refused to confirm who Hisamasa’s birth mother actually is, even to his own son. The circumstances of Aku’s conception and birth also cause Hisamasa to bear a grudge against his father.

As a young man, Hisamasa seems like a good-natured and friendly young man, if a bit shy. However, on the inside, he’s very stressed and bears grudges against his father and some of his father’s men. 

Sukemasa died when Hisamasa was 16 years old, not long after Hisamasa married Ako. When Sukemasa died, Hisamasa had trouble inheriting the title of clan leader. Sukemasa’s son-in-law, along with the Kyogoku clan, tried to start a rebellion so that Sukemasa’s son-in-law could inherit the position instead. However, Hisamasa and his retainers talked him out of it.

As he grows up (and especially after Sukemasa’s death), Hisamasa loses the shyness and becomes very extroverted. To deal with his stress, he invests himself in culture and the arts —– Noh theater, renga, falconry, etc. He’s interested in trying all sorts of things!

However, no matter how many years pass, Hisamasa has little aptitude for fighting and battle strategy. His true talents lie in domestic policy and diplomacy —– he can be a very smooth talker and somewhat manipulative, especially in his later years. Even while he’s “retired” and exiled on Chikibu Island, he still exerts some influence over the Azai clan.

Sending his wife as a hostage to the Rokkaku clan was not a decision he took lightly, and it pained him deeply to make it. However, he feels that if he hadn’t done it, the leader of the Rokkaku clan would have become upset and crushed the Azai clan.

Although he tries to hide it, Hisamasa is the sort of person who constantly needs positive attention from others so that he can feel okay about himself. During the time Ako was a hostage, with Ako gone and his retainers starting to turn against him, Hisamasa started sleeping around, and that’s how Nagamasa’s younger half-brother Masamoto was born.

Hisamasa tried to rekindle his relationship with Ako when she returned, but she gave him the cold shoulder when she learned about Masamoto’s birth. To this day he’s still hoping he can win her back, and he sends her love letters every few months. She never responds back.

Hisamasa’s relationship with Nagamasa is strained at best. However, while Nagamasa hates him for being a weak leader and forcing Nagamasa and his mother to be hostages, Hisamasa’s only somewhat annoyed with his eldest son for usurping his title of clan leader. Hisamasa doesn’t understand why Nagamasa hates him so much, and he feels that Nagamasa should think more kindly of him since Hisamasa wasn’t anywhere near as hard on Nagamasa as Sukemasa was on him.

In general, Hisamasa cares about his children equally and treats them all quite warmly, showing them physical affection (e.g. hugs, headpats, etc.) and always doing his best to cheer them on at whatever they’re doing and compliment them. 

That having been said, Maria is Hisamasa’s favorite child, and he’s doted on her ever since she was young. XD As Maria has grown up and become more independent (and less reliant on him for basic needs and emotional support), though, their relationship is starting to show signs of strain.

Unfortunately, Hisamasa has never been able to feel any fondness for his eldest daughter, Aku, due to the circumstances of her conception and birth. When she was first born, he could hardly bring himself to be in the same room as her and her mother. However, he’s always felt guilty about feeling so detached from / disgusted by Aku, because he knows those feelings stem from how he feels about her mother and that Aku has done nothing to deserve that from him. After being exiled to Chikubu Island, Hisamasa’s loneliness and guilt caught up with him, and he started reaching out to Aku for the first time via a letter. To his surprise, Aku enthusiastically wrote him back, and the two of them became penpals.

Hisamasa has never actually met Oichi. But back when Nagamasa first married her, Hisamasa sent him a letter simultaneously congratulating him for marrying the most beautiful woman in the land and condemning his decision to ally with the Oda. Nagamasa never replied back.

Hisamasa hates Nobunaga and feels that Nagamasa’s decision to ally with him is one of the worst decisions he’s ever made. Hisamasa regularly corresponds with some of the older Azai retainers he knows who also dislike Nobunaga to try to sabotage Nagamasa’s alliance with the Oda.

Nagamasa grudgingly lets Hisamasa back into Odani Castle so he can have him help fight against Nobunaga. However, during the attack on Odani Castle, once the Azai start losing, Hisamasa sees the writing on the wall and commits seppuku.

[raphidae]

AliHaku for the ship meme! OwO

I’m honestly so stoked that you sent me this ask, I have missed Alihaku and will do my best to do them justice!

Who’s the werewolf and who’s the hunter?

Alibaba is the werewolf, and Hakuryuu is the hunter.

Alibaba lives with a small pack in Balbadd with Kassim, Mariam, Hassan and Zaynab, and as of the beginning of the tale has no idea he’s the prince of Balbadd.

Hakuryuu is the youngest prince of the Kou Empire and has no chance at the throne, so he has unofficially been given the title of royal supernatural hunter and been assigned to investigate and contain (however euphemistically that means depends on the means of containment Hakuryuu is told to utilize) whatever supernatural forces occupy the lands they conquer. 

He resents the job, and the brothers who have assigned it to him, more than he can say.

Kassim, of course, will always have that revolutionary spirit to him, so when Hakuryuu notices the local werewolves begin to whisper of an uprising against the Kou Empire, he is told to contain it with extreme prejudice.

However, the first werewolf he actually speaks to ends up being Alibaba, who saves him from another werewolf from a rival pack, and Alibaba, being the friendly and naive sort, welcomes Hakuryuu into his home while they both nurse their wounds.

Over the weeks it takes for them to recover, they get to know each other and genuinely fall for each other… and then Hakuryuu finds out two things: one, Alibaba’s the leader of the revolutionary forces rather than Kassim, who he initially suspected, and two, Alibaba is the lost prince of Balbadd.

Also, as it turns out, Kassim had turned the young prince Alibaba into a werewolf to save his life after Al-Thamen’s initial attack on Balbadd five years prior to the beginning of this tale (and the werewolf bite had the unfortunate side effect of amnesia).

After calling Kassim out for not telling Alibaba of his true heritage, Hakuryuu learns from Kassim that Al-Thamen is a still a strong presence in Balbadd and would have killed werewolf!Alibaba within the week had Alibaba returned to the palace.

Therefore, Hakuryuu allies himself with the revolutionaries, and they eventually overthrow Al-Thamen and create a far more equitable alliance between the Kou Empire and Balbadd… one bound by a wedding between Alibaba and Hakuryuu.

Who’s the mermaid and who’s the fisherman?

Hakuryuu’s the merman prince, and Alibaba’s the fisherman who stumbled upon this prince in search of revenge.

Hakuryuu has to nurse his wounds after a failed attempt to retake his kingdom from his mother, who’s possessed by an evil spirit within the ocean.

Alibaba nurses him back to health, finding a cavern Hakuryuu could hide in and chatting with him during a pit stop he takes every day. 

They fall deeply in love with each other, but Hakuryuu is told that in order to gain an alliance with the country Alibaba is from, he must marry their royalty.

Alibaba promises to help any way he can, but is taken away by the guards before he can do anything.

The guards drag him to the palace, and Alibaba expects to be executed, only to find a glimmer of happy recognition in the king’s eyes: turns out Alibaba is King Rashid’s illegitimate son.

Alibaba asks his father if he has specified which royal would marry Prince Hakuryuu of the Deep, and Rashid says he hasn’t; Alibaba immediately volunteers for the position, and Rashid sighs in relief; he hadn’t been looking forward to asking either Ahbmad or Sahbmad to part with their lovers for an arranged marriage.

Hakuryuu is resigned to killing either the royal he is assigned to marry or himself rather than gaining the alliance through a loveless marriage, so imagine his shock when the royal he’s to be wed to is the fisherman he had fallen madly in love with.

After a joyous reunion, they are swiftly wed, and Alibaba and Hakuryuu work together to regain Hakuryuu’s kingdom and even save Hakuryuu’s mother from the evil spirit that had been possessing her.

Who’s the witch and who’s the familiar?

Hakuryuu’s the witch, and Alibaba’s the familiar.

Alibaba’s a familiar who can shift into various animals, most often either a cat, a salamander or a golden retriever.

Hakuryuu specializes in life magic, and he uses his powers to create various remedies and prosthetics for people.

Alibaba’s dog form is often used as a therapy dog, and he is beloved by all Hakuryuu’s patients.

Alibaba’s human form, however, is most beloved by Hakuryuu himself.

Who’s the barista and who’s the coffee addict?

Hakuryuu’s the barista, Alibaba’s the coffee addict.

Being a barista is Hakuryuu’s first job after graduating college, and his family has pointedly told him to use it to improve his social skills.

Hakuryuu does come to like his job, especially when he’s allowed to bake some pastries for the shop, and especially whenever one of the regulars shows up.

Alibaba comes to the coffee shop every Monday through Friday at 2:47pm on the dot, near the end of Hakuryuu’s shift.

Much to Hakuryuu’s surprise, it’s the one thing on Alibaba’s schedule that he religiously follows (he’s generally late to everything else on his schedule, but never for Hakuryuu’s coffee and final batch of fresh madeleines for the day).

Turns out Alibaba is an up-and-coming wholesaler for fabrics and other decorative items for clothing, and Hakuryuu is shocked by the world Alibaba speaks of and brings him into afterward.

They eventually find themselves chatting after Hakuryuu’s shifts end (at 3:15pm), and Hakuryuu sees to it that Alibaba better manage his time, while Alibaba helps Hakuryuu loosen up and make friends.

Eventually they recognize their feelings for each other and ask each other out. Eventually.

But wait… there’s more!  Under the cut, of course!

Who’s the professor and who’s the TA?

Alibaba’s the professor, Hakuryuu’s the TA.

Alibaba is a brilliant but scatterbrained international economics professor who regularly goes off tangent with stories of “the absolute best muhammara I have ever tasted in this small restaurant in Syria”, soldiers who could carry a tune better than most opera singers he knew, and of course his many romances with people around the world, all embarrassingly failed.

Hakuryuu is the equally brilliant but extremely disgruntled TA who has to keep Alibaba on track.

Much to Hakuryuu’s surprise, Alibaba and his classes remain extremely popular even with his ramblings. He initially suspects that it’s because he’s an easy A, but after the first round of graded essays that resulted in only 1 A and 2 A- in a class of 100, Hakuryuu’s mind is changed.

Alibaba helps Hakuryuu with his doctoral thesis from time to time, and Hakuryuu learns why Alibaba consistently rambles in his classes (and why even though he’s only a year older than Hakuryuu he’s already on the brink of getting tenure): he tells the stories to remind the students that yes, we are dealing with international economies, but there are people, real life human people, at the center of them all.

Hakuryuu and Alibaba fall deeply for each other, but they don’t date until after Hakuryuu finishes his doctorate and becomes a fellow professor.

Then they become rival professors… and hilarity ensures.

Who’s the knight and who’s the prince(ss)?

This can honestly go either way with the two of them, especially since they’re both princes in canon, but I think for the sake of this ask, Alibaba’s the knight and Hakuryuu’s the runaway prince.

Hakuryuu and Alibaba ran from their country once Hakuryuu’s father was violently overthrown, and they end up taking care of each other on the road.

They find their way to Alibaba’s home country, where they recover with the help of Prince Kassim and Princess Mariam (they both love Alibaba as a brother).

Hakuryuu initially clashes with Kassim, but eventually they come to an understanding and an alliance, which helps Hakuryuu retake the throne a few years later.

Alibaba is torn between his love for Hakuryuu and his love for his home country at one point, but that ends up being resolved when the terms of the alliance between their countries are laid out: Hakuryuu and Alibaba are to be wed, and if Kassim finds out that Hakuryuu has hurt Alibaba, war will quite literally ensue.

Alibaba then chides Kassim for being an overprotective king.

Who’s the teacher and who’s the single parent?

Alibaba is the teacher, and Hakuryuu’s the single parent.

Hakuryuu and Morgiana were previously married, but after having their daughter Ymir, they came to the realization that their marriage was more lavender in nature than either of them anticipated. 

Therefore, they divorced on the most amicable of terms, and Hakuryuu gained primary custody of Ymir (Morgiana and her girlfriend Myron happily see Ymir on weekends and holidays).

Alibaba is the drama teacher at Ymir’s high school, and the plays he puts on are… extremely ambitious for the funding they get.

Ymir is a very talented albeit very shy actress, and Alibaba is one of the only people who can bring her out of her shell. The friends she makes in her drama class are the only other ones who see her outside her shell.

Hakuryuu initially doesn’t see the point in her taking drama as an after-school elective when mock UN, mock trial, or any sport at all would get her noticed more quickly by better colleges, but Alibaba angrily insists he sit in on one of their rehearsals.

Hakuryuu is pleasantly surprised to watch an expressive, passionately talented, and most of all happy Ymir rehearsing on the stage.

“You notice it too, don’t you? Your daughter is an excellent actress, and I think she could make it big with the right support.”

Ymir and the students also notice something… a possible spark between the drama teacher and Ymir’s dad…? Cue the fan fiction.

The whole class cheers when after Ymir graduates senior year with a full ride to Tisch School of the Arts, Alibaba and Hakuryuu finally get together.

Who’s the writer and who’s the editor?

Alibaba is the writer, and Hakuryuu is the editor.

Alibaba originally got discovered through his excellent Adventures of Sinbad fan fiction, and Hakuryuu is there to “help him transition from fan fiction writing to original writing”.

“You do realize that I know how to write, right?” “I wouldn’t be here otherwise, Alibaba.”

After tense beginnings, they eventually get comfortable with each other, and they also grow fond of each other.

Hakuryuu helps Alibaba with his world-building and time management, and Alibaba helps Hakuryuu with editing his other projects from time to time… Alibaba’s character work is excellent, after all.

Alibaba’s novels are eventually published to rave reviews, and Hakuryuu is saddened at the prospect of having to let him go… at which point Alibaba immediately asks him out on a date and all is well.

[iwhumpyou]

Secrets (Part 3)

Masterlist.  Bastard.

Taglist: @whumps-the-word

Part 2.

~#~#~#~#~#~

It had been three days since the attack and every time Mercia had checked on her, the girl (she had a name) had been asleep.  Given Reina’s sometimes foolhardy inability to quit, the fact that she hadn’t already disappeared to help with the repair work led Mercia to the conclusion that the girl hadn’t woken up yet.

At least, until she saw that the water jug was half-empty.  No one else dared to enter her quarters, not even her children, so she set the jug back on the table and drifted to the bed.

Reina looked peacefully asleep.  The furrow between her eyebrows had smoothened out and the vivid red of her rune tattoos had faded to a more muted color.  The dark circles under her eyes had lessened somewhat and the visible bruises now looked more yellow than green.

“Feigning sleep would probably be more convincing if you didn’t clench your jaw,” Mercia said softly, watching as the girl’s expression tightened a fraction more.  Her breathing continued, slow and deep, as if in wounded pride, but Mercia simply waited.

Finally, brown eyes slowly blinked open, fixing on her as the blankness of her expression stole over more of her face.  Reina made no move to get up, merely tilting her head to look at her better.

“How are you feeling?”

The girl considered the question for a long moment, her eyes not moving from Mercia’s face.  “I’m fine,” she said, which was a blatant lie. The tattoos weren’t black again, which meant they were still painful and raw and her innate healing automatically directed magic along those familiar pathways.  Not to mention, if Mercia had done half of what Reina had done in seventy-two hours, she’d feel like pummeled clay after she woke up.

Mercia hummed, “If I can’t trust you to report your health honestly, I’m afraid I’ll have to be slightly more…direct.”

The girl frowned at her and Mercia busied herself by checking her stores of potions, letting the girl form her own conclusions about what Mercia meant.

“I’m tired,” Reina said, slightly softer.  Mercia made no visible reaction.  “My muscles are sore.”  Mercia waited her out.  “My tattoos hurt,” she said, her voice lower than a whisper.

“Anything else?” Mercia hummed, waiting expectantly.  The girl hadn’t mentioned the wounds yet.

There was a flash of something in the girl’s eyes and her next words were in a tone Mercia had never heard.  “Why do you care?” the girl hissed, part irritation, part spite, part wounded pride.

“You are my ward,” Mercia said, letting the tone slide.

The girl scoffed at that, her opinion clear, before meeting Mercia’s gaze with narrowed dark eyes. “You hate me,” she said.  It was a simple statement of fact.

“I don’t,” Mercia said. The girl herself – no, Mercia had nothing against her.  Reina was surprisingly well-mannered compared to the rest of her children.  What Mercia hated was the way she saw Diana’s face every time she looked at her.  The memory of her sister and her husband and the awful things they’d done to her, to their children, to the country. 

“You promised to torture me if I didn’t give you a list of Sebastian’s wounds,” the girl said, her eyes dark.  Better the vitriol come out then stay in.  “You didn’t care about my health when you told me to guide you through the mountain pass in the middle of the night.”

“I was concerned about my son’s welfare,” Mercia said, even as her cheeks burned, “You could’ve told me that you were unable to make the trip.”

Reina didn’t look like she was listening.  “You told me that my punishment for letting Seb be kidnapped was going to ensure no one ever let such a thing happen again.  Why are you waiting for me to be healed?  So it will hurt more?”

She had said that, hadn’t she.  Mercia felt another pang.  Lyra used to always say that she let her temper get the better of her.

“You look disgusted every time you see me.  You can’t stand to be in my presence.  You insult me every chance you get and now you claim to care?  I am tired of playing this game.  If you want an excuse to get rid of me, just go ahead.”  She turned her head the other side, quite definitely ending her part of the conversation.  She made no move to get out of the bed and Mercia mentally reassessed her opinion of the girl’s injuries.

“I don’t look disgusted every time I see you,” but Mercia could see how it could be mistaken for that. She sighed, warring with herself whether or not to reveal the truth, but it had been spoken once already and it was easier to say it another time.  “You look very much like Diana.  Or what she would’ve looked like.”

“Diana?” Reina was curious enough to turn back, frowning, “Who is Diana?”

Mercia suppressed the part of her that was screaming that the bastard didn’t deserve to say her name, that this girl, whose birth only compounded her pain and her depression, would never hear her story.  “Diana was my youngest child,” she said, and it took everything she had so her voice didn’t waver.  Her expression she couldn’t control, however, and some of the anger in Reina’s face leeched away.  “She died hours after she was born.”  She forced herself to take slow, deep breaths.  “My husband wasn’t there.  He was on the other side of the country, watching his lover give birth to his bastard – an event he clearly thought was more important.”

“Me,” Reina whispered softly and Mercia didn’t know whether it was a question or a realization.

“She died and I was alone,” Mercia said softly, “And then he died and there was nowhere my anger could go. And then you show up, looking like what she would’ve looked like.”  Like what Mercia and Lyra looked like when they were younger, so similar that they could’ve been twins.

Her voice was so soft she could barely hear it, an admission she hadn’t made to her own son.  “I thought you were Diana, the first time I saw you.”  She couldn’t look at the bastard’s face, she couldn’t, because whatever was there would break her.  “I buried her myself but hope is a dangerous thing.”  So, so very dangerous and Mercia had taken the despair and turned it into anger so she wouldn’t slide back into the pit she had spent so many years climbing out of.  “But you weren’t, and that disappointment was…crushing.” 

She lifted her gaze to the bastard girl, who was watching her with something like pity and a part of Mercia burned but the other recognized that she had the right.  “I don’t hate you.  But yes, I’ve said some hateful things.  You are a reminder of the most difficult night I’ve ever had, of the people I trusted betraying me.  I cannot help but remember every time I see your face.  I’m sorry.  I shouldn’t have said those things to hurt you.  You are my ward and it is my job to take care of you as your parents have not. Whatever else you may think of me, I do not want you hurt.” 

The look in the girl’s eyes was hesitant, wary, but a far sight from the coldness Mercia had seen since the first time she’d called the girl bastard.  And then her eyes shuttered again and Mercia frowned at the girl’s glare.

“How did you know what she’d look like?” Reina asked hoarsely.  All of the anger was back and Mercia wasn’t sure why.

“Excuse me?”

“Diana,” Reina said, and something in her expression shifted.  “Your – your daughter,” she said, her voice softer, “You said she’d – that I looked like what she would look like if she…”  Reina swallowed.  “How do you know?”  There was sorrow in her eyes but there was suspicion as well, which was fair, but Mercia wasn’t much inclined to being fair right now.

The girl had hit the heart of the matter in seconds.  Seconds.

Mercia couldn’t think of an explanation that would suffice, but the truth was…the truth was almost too painful to say aloud.

She recognized that she was standing on a precipice.  If she was honest about treating the girl better, if she was honest about being a just ruler to all her subjects…

Well, she wasn’t going to be the girl’s mother.  (No, her mother had abandoned her, just hours old, when Mercia would’ve given anything for another babe to be placed in her hands to cancel out the memory of cold, dead flesh.)

“Diana looked very much like my sister,” Mercia said finally, because if this girl wasn’t owed the truth, then who was?

“Your sister?”

“Lady Lyra, of the mountains of Amare.  North of here.  My childhood home.  She was the eldest after me, and she rules the lands now.”  Reina was looking at her, slightly confused, as though she’d never heard of Lyra before. 

It was cold in a way that felt like paranoia but wasn’t.  Not after Mercia had looked at every piece that had presented itself over the years, looked at them and saw the awful picture they presented.  (She wished she say it was a coincidence that Lyra had stopped her visits after Reina had appeared.)

“When Diana was born, she looked very much like my sister.”  Mercia looked over Reina’s features, the way that it resembled a younger Lyra, only with tattoos spiraling along her limbs.  “You look very much like a younger Lyra.”  She reached out a hand, and aborted the movement when Reina flinched, “My husband’s dark eyes, dark hair, dark skin, the tattoos.  But the cheekbones, the curl of your lips. The way you smile, sometimes.” When the bastard smiled in her presence, which was rare.

Reina looked even more sorrowful, but the suspicion seemed to mutate in front of her.  Mercia watched as a dozen expressions chased over her face as Reina frowned.

“I don’t understand,” she said quietly, “I’m your husband’s illegitimate child.  Why would I look like your sister?”

Mercia didn’t know how to answer that, but it seemed like the expression on her face was answer enough. Reina sucked in a sharp breath, her eyes going wide.

“You said my parents died,” Reina said.

“That seems to be the general consensus,” Mercia said quietly, “It was a war, so no one looked too closely, but a birthing bed flooded with blood, a dead lord, and a missing babe – the pieces were easy enough to put together.”

“And your sister lives in the mountains,” Reina said – some sort of realization seemed to be stealing across her face, and she was getting angrier and sadder by turns.

“She does.”

“Does she ever…come here? To visit you?”  The words were a shade too nonchalant.

“She and her family visit often.”

Reina sucked in another sharp breath.  In a quiet, almost-silent whisper, that Mercia had to strain to hear and wasn’t sure if she was supposed to hear at all, Reina asked, “When is the last time she visited?”  She spoke in a tone that sounded like she wanted nothing more than to hear the answer, but at the same time, she would prefer it if she never got one.

Mercia sighed, “A month before you arrived at my gates.”

“She has a family,” Reina said, and it wasn’t a question.  It was resignation, the same that Mercia had seen in her eyes when she’d pressed the bottle to her lips.  It was a bitter feeling that Mercia knew well, that no one cared about you so why bother caring about yourself?

Mercia had had five children who had needed her.  A land that needed her, fresh from war.  What did a bastard girl have, aside from ties of obligation and duty?

“A consort and three young sons.”

~#~

Part 4.

[langwrites]

answer any question that contains a 1,7,or 5 but only if they contain only one of them once or all three for the 175 questions

I HAVE NO IDEA HOW MANY QUESTIONS I ANSWERED

BUT IT’S DONE

1. Does your character have good aim?

Several characters have very, very good aim. Among them are Naviyd, Mitra, Khalil (but not with an actual ranged weapon; he can throw rocks) and Serran, who is granted but a wee tyke. Middling aim is the threshold of people like Alena and (two of) her cousins, who have training but not a natural inclination or perfect eye.

Oceanus’s is just bad.

5. Can your character cook?

Most of the non-noble characters can. They’re not professional-level unless that’s their specific job, but those who grow up outside of a staffed household need to get by however they can.

7. Do any of your characters have depression?

Several, but the example who comes to mind immediately is Riyaz.

10. Would your character give up the chance to come back to life as a god so that someone else could be saved?

Riyaz, Tirane, Arno, and Serran would.

The rest of the cast is a bit vaguer and more “well, who’s coming back” about it.

12. Would your character marry someone their family didn’t approve of?

Alena most definitely would. Lumina definitely did. So did Naviyd, though that marriage went sour. Ismene would have, but circumstances went pear-shaped before the question was ever popped.

Khalil would probably ask who the hell he was marrying who managed to piss off his dad without annoying him first.

13. Do/Did any of your characters have large ears they had to grow into as a kid?

Arno did, and so does Serran.

14. Are any of your characters nonverbal?

Not that I can think of right now.

15. Did your character ever want to be a cowboy?

Khalil would if he knew what that was, but then would get bored and move on.

16. How does the way your character present themselves in public differ from how they are in private?

Khalil acts way more trollish than he actually is, though he has a fairly sharp sense of humor when he feels like expressing it. He’s also cunning, which someone who only sees the big-spending, brightly-grinning Mishik kid wouldn’t know immediately.

18. Is your character pro or anti union?

They don’t know what a union is, but they do understand guilds! Most of them look favorably on guilds that aren’t out to kill them.

19. Does your character like carrots?

Serran does!

21. Do any of your characters have heterochromia?

In previous editions, Mitra did. Now, she and Khalil are just on opposite ends of the extreme shades of Mishik yellow-green…but he’s managed to wander all the way into turquoise, somehow. They were both born with yellow-green eyes.

Zinnia also had heterochromia, but now her eyes are just wine-red.

25. Does your character experience sexism for the job/title they hold? (ie: she’s a girl, she can’t be x,y,z because only boys can be)

Yes, though the most obvious example was with regard to the Brandt twin sisters. Luxana facced severe opposition before taking her position as Empress, and there were multiple attempts to unseat her in favor of more established candidates due to her age, her “illegitimate” infant daughter, her commoner background, and her gender. She dealt with all comers by setting an awful lot of fires, so anyone who disparaged her directly had a very short life expectancy.

Her sister Lumina, on the other hand, faced similar opposition earlier when she was dragged into the Royal Kaltekan Army as a teenager and ended up busting more than a few heads as a direct result of other people’s pigheadedness.

27. Does your character know how to tie different kinds of knots?

Zahara, Naviyd, Mitra, and Khalil all do, whether because they worked on ships or are accomplished travelers. Oceanus also does, because he grew up in a fishing community.

31. How much does your character care about their appearance?

It depends. The higher the person’s social status is, the more likely they’re forced to care about and expend a lot of time and effort maintaining their appearance. People like Oceanus, who grew up poor in harsh conditions, had to keep themselves alive through whatever means necessary, so any personal grooming had to adapt to circumstances.

Lumina is probably the highest-ranked character who would actively prefer to tromp around in a suit of armor and chase down monsters all afternoon.

35. Naptime, yes or no?

Most of the characters enjoy naps when they can get them. Usually in bright sunbeams or while under about five blankets.

37. Did any of your characters have a fever they almost died from as a child?

Riyaz did.

41. Do other people around your character dictate their life or do they get to choose for themselves?

It depends on the character. The most independent characters are Zahara, Khalil, and Fithrain, who follow their path and damn the consequences. Few people can claim to have a real hold on them unless they allow it.

Tirane is somewhere in the middle, choosing to seize control of her life at a vital moment.

The characters most likely to succumb to pressure from others are Alena, her cousins, and Riyaz.

And Naviyd is a character who went from one extreme to the other, and then to the middle.

45. Would your character kill someone to get what they want?

A lot of them would.

47. Has your character ever stolen anything?

Khalil ought to have been arrested many, many times for pickpocketing, carnie chicanery, and other little schemes.

Naviyd stole enemy intelligence, which officially makes him a spy and not a thief.

52. Would your character prefer to have history know the truth or have many different versions of their life?

Khalil wants as many wildly differing accounts as possible. He finds the idea hilarious.

Contrast, say, Luxana, who wants her rule correctly documented.

53. What if the furthest your character has ever walked in a given stretch of time?

Khalil has walked the width of the continent before!

54. Would your character prefer to visit a new city or stay at home?

Khalil wants to run around and visit the big city.

Naviyd would rather stay in Gabilan and retire there.

56. Do any of your characters have step-family?

Alena definitely does, though mainly in the form of her half-sister and her stepmother (and her children. She’s not met the latter.  

58. Does your character prefer the ocean or the mountains?

Everyone from Gabilan: Mountains.

Everyone not from Gabilan: Oceans.

With the exception of Riyaz, who would rather burrow into the mountains and not come out.

61. Have any of your characters struggled with addiction?

Not that I can recall offhand.

65. Is your characters energetic?

Of the main characters, Khalil and Tirane win this hands-down.

67. Would your character be willing to do something they consider morally wrong in order to achieve their goals?

Mitra would. She’s employed as a government assassin/enforcer/spy, so she kind of has to be willing to get her hands dirty.

And Luxana is a champ at this kind of behavior.

70.  Does your character have any guarded/secret guild knowledge or family recipe?

Naviyd knows a lot of Mishik-specific sciences as a result of growing up with one foot in his father’s scholarly world and the other in his mother’s nomadic one. He also knows all the Order signs from his days serving the Sky Mother’s Tears, which helps him keep track of potential assassination plots when and where they spring up.

After all, he was one.

Oceanus knows his mother’s cooking recipes, even if he has a hard time finding the correct ingredients in places without permafrost.

72. Would your character care for someone who needed it if it meant being ostracized from their society?

Lumina has, did, and got left to die for that exact choice.

73. Has your character been to/ ever explored any ruins?

Naviyd has. He was not impressed by the dust of ages.

So has Zahara, after which point she sneezed and stole every scrap of the burial goods that looked sellable.

Khalil almost fell off a giant statue once. It was awesome.

74.  Are any of your characters associated with flowers?

Zinnia! (Because I have been told that is a flower. In my defense, her name was originally Zina.)

76: Would your character like to live on a farm and raise sheep?

Riyaz would, right up until he realized that sheep swarm.

78. Have any of your characters been exiled from their society?

Lumina was, and didn’t regret her decision to follow her own path. She promptly clambered her way back in later.

Zahara was never formally exiled, but even government-sanctioned piracy is frowned upon, generally speaking.

81. Does your character look like what others think they should from their reputation?

Nobody has any idea that Naviyd likes wearing riding outfits if they know him first as Lumina’s spymaster. There’s an in-universe concept of a spymaster as a noble in a creepy hoods.

85. Has your character ever been led down the wrong path because of their anger?

Luxana and Lumina have, but before them Sinrajin was the sterling, shining example right before he got fully possessed and started turning everything into an epic winter wonderland nightmare.

87. What are your character’s nails like?

Oceanus’s are rough and a little warped, due to malnutrition and lack of care.

91. Does your character engage in gossip?

Naviyd has to. He’s so into listening in on other people’s business that his summon contract in another world is for messenger pigeons.

95. If given total rule over a country, would your character step aside to turn it into a democracy?

Luxana: No.

Lumina: Needs to be introduced to the concept.

Naviyd: Fucking abdicates to not be in the spotlight and runs.

97. Do any of your characters have a tendency to dislocate joints?

Not really.

100. Are any of your characters queer?

Baaaaasically everyone except Sinrajin, Stratus, and Luxana.

102. Are any of your characters d/Deaf or HoH?

Not that I know of. Tells me several someones ought to be.

102. What is your character’s greatest source of guilt?

Khalil left Oceanus alone during his manic phase in the hopes of keeping him out of the blast radius, and then things went horribly for him.

Luxana failed to protect her family from the outcomes of her imperial ambitions.

Oceanus ran when his mother told him to, leaving her alone during the raid on his village.

Lumina couldn’t stop the Scourge of the South from possessing one of her fellow soldiers and wiping out most life too close to the nightmare zone.

Naviyd couldn’t keep his marriage from falling apart or his children together.

103. How well does your character deal with their anger?

Khalil starts messing with other people in small ways. Once, some of Lumina’s noble guests started making racist remarks toward his father, and he dumped the entire contents of her cosmetics drawers on them.

He was banned from using powders and the like afterwards.

Oceanus tends to sit and fume until he has more control.

Lumina beats up training dummies and occasionally sets them on fire.

104. Do any of your characters have pottery as a hobby?

Not that I can remember.

106. Do any of your characters have noticeable acne?

Not that I’ve mentioned.

108. Are any of your characters dogs?

Ash and his siblings! Sort of. They’re called bladewolves. Also, Hyung is a jindo dog and great at hunting foxes. He also hunts alongside a human partner who can understand him.

109. Would your character blackmail a god?

Most of them would if they had a chance! It’s kind of hard to pull that off, though.

120. Do any of your characters have PTSD?

Several! Among them, there’s Oceanus, Ismene, and Riyaz.

122. What is your character’s greatest secret?

123. Did any of you characters have nannies or governesses growing up?

Alena did.

124. Does your character workout?

Most of the characters with warrior training do so in their spare time. The noble children also practice, under the careful eyes of tutors.

126. Are any of your characters on good terms/still friends with an ex?

None of them besides Khalil.

128. Has your character’s home ever been destroyed?

Characters with flattened hometowns: Oceanus, Ismene, Sinrajin, Lumina, Luxana, and Tirane.

129. Has your character ever had to compromise on what they thought was right in order to maintain peace?

The noble-born characters often have.

Lumina’s most terrible one was letting Sirsha live past the end of the war.

130. Do you have any characters who are retired?

Some! Lumina is technically retired from soldiery, but she can still take up her weaponry again. Similarly, Naviyd is a retired assassin.

As for people who are just enjoying life after work, not so much.

132. Who is the precious cinnamon roll?

Alena! Also Serran, her cousin.

Khalil is a sinnamon roll.

133. Have any of your characters ever been caught in a fire or explosion?

Lumina! The fact that it didn’t burn her was a surprise for everyone.

Also, Khalil was banned from experimenting with flour at the age of twelve.

134. Has your character ever been alone in a hostile environment and been forced to travel a long way to reach a safety that wasn’t for sure?

Well, there was this one time that Khalil found Oceanus after a no-good very bad week and had a sudden feeling that Oltose Was Not Safe. So they trekked across the entire country to find Gabilan in the hopes that neither of them would die on the way.

Khalil’s main concern regarding Gabilan, though, was that his dad would assume he was dead.

136. Has your character ever been forced to deal with the ‘I want to speak to your manager” kind of person?

Lumina. A lot.

Being the Empress’s sister can suck sometimes.

138. How good is your character with money and accounting?

Lumina does her own finances and is teaching her kids and nieces how to do them too.

139. Has your character ever survived a fatal wound?

Naviyd has, through the power of Arno’s tremendous healing magic.

140. Can your character play an instruments?

Most of the nobles can.

142. Do any of your characters use wheelchairs, transportation devices, or mobility aids?

Nimbus actually has a prosthetic leg.

143. Has your character ever had some part of their culture made illegal?

It turns out that hunting without a royal decree in pre-Empire Kaltekas is illegal. Puts a real cramp in Naviyd’s trained hunter-gatherer style.

144. Are any of your characters adventurers by trade?

Khalil would raise his hand if asked. At least when left to his own devices and wandering the continent.

146. Were any of your characters disowned or abandoned by their parents?

Riyaz, Tirane, and Mitra were.

Oceanus was more like…lost.  

148. Do any of your characters have an eating disorder or food contamination phobia?

Not that I can recall.

149: How good is your character at lying?

Khalil and most of his family are highly talented liars, which can come down to unreadability or confidence on a case by case basis.

160: Do any of your characters have asthma?

Nimbus and Zinnia.

162: Has your character ever thrown a tantrum over things not going their way?

Oceanus, Alistair, Oriana, Nuri, Brigid, Sirsha, and a number of other characters have. Some are deadly.

163: Are any of your characters autistic? (If so, do they have special interests and what are they?)

Probably Alena and Serran.

Serran’s special interest is archery, followed by magic once he’s old enough that his reading lessons sink in and the theory starts to make more sense. Or he can just forge his own path—his empathic powers are different from the showy magic his family uses, so he may have to.  

Alena, meanwhile, is kind of like a tiny blonde Belle from Beauty and the Beast. She has a ravenous need to learn about any skill she sees others use to help people, from sewing to healing and agriculture. She exists in a particular hell where her social status is up in the air, which makes it very hard to tell what rules she ought to follow.

164: Are any of your characters tinkerers or inventors?

Copernicus and Gabilan’s blacksmiths and jewelers are.

166: Are any of your characters blind or visually impaired?

Riyaz and Oceanus both need sight-correcting lenses, though they’ve not been diagnosed for a decent chunk of time. I also can’t remember which one is far-sighted and which one is nearsighted.

Nimbus also wears spectacles,

168: Is your characters easily embarrassed?

Alena, Oceanus, and Mitra are.

Riyaz is oblivious or uncaring about most things that embarrass normal people, Tirane has precious little shame, and Khalil has none at all.

169: Are any of your characters married to the sea?

Nope.

175: Are any of your characters badass (lesbian) pirate queens?

Zahara!

[howaminotinthestrokesyet]

He Never Wished To Stay: The Sunrise and Sunset of Oasis

Sunrise

In 1991, Noel Gallagher returned from a tour with Inspiral Carpets to learn from his mother that his brother Liam had been performing in a local band called The Rain. He saw the band play at the Boardwalk, but did not come away from the show thinking the group was all that good. For his part, Liam asked his brother to manage them, but he immediately turned down the offer. Noel eventually agreed to join the group on the condition that he be given complete creative control over the music. He is rumored to have said the rest of the group. “Let me write your songs and I'll take you to superstardom, or else you'll rot here in Manchester.” His early artistic authority over Oasis led to his nickname the Chief. In May 1993, the band got wind that someone from Creation Records would be at King Tut’s in Glasgow, Scotland. They were really not supposed to be on the bill because they were friends with the official band opener. The venue was not going to let them play until that group said if Oasis does not play, we do not play. Coincidentally, a member of that group had dated Creation Records head, Alan McGee. Due to sheer luck, he was in the crowd that night, which led him to signing Oasis a week later hearing their four song set. Noel has claimed that he “bullshitted” his way to a contract because he had only written six songs. McGee does not believe him to this day strongly believing that Noel had at least fifty songs written when he met him. Richard Ashcroft became so enamored with the band that he quickly asked the group to open for his group The Verve on tour. As with everything else Oasis, the name came from both Liam and Noel. The former had suggested it after seeing a poster for Inspiral Carpets his brother had put up in their childhood bedroom. The group had played a show at the Oasis Leisure Centre in Swindon, England.

Sunset

The average fan knows that Oasis broke up after a fight between the brothers, but many probably do not know or realize that Noel had quit several times before. The animosity between the two siblings even had a bootleg single released in 1995 that was simply audio of the two arguing called Wibbling Rivalry. During the group’s first tour, Liam made a point to sing the lyrics to Noel’s songs incorrectly just to anger his sibling. This led to Noel quitting the group and escaping to San Francisco to stay with a girl he had met recently. During the recording of (What’s the Story) Morning Glory, Noel attacked his brother with a cricket bat after he invited everyone from the local pub to the studio. In 1996, Liam claimed he would not be able to sing for an MTV Unplugged performance due to a sore throat, but then proceeded to heckle his brother from the balcony. Noel got even more angry watching his brother smoke cigarettes and drink beer through the course of the night. One night after drinking heavily in 2000, Liam made a disparaging remark about Noel’s wife and claimed his daughter was illegitimate. The Chief went and head butted his brother, then quit overseas touring. The guitarist would return for the shows scheduled for Ireland and the UK. The two shook hands after the playing of “Acquiesce” at Noel’s first show since returning to band fold. During that final tour in 2009, the two brothers only spoke to each other while on stage. In August, their show in Paris would be cancelled at the last minute due to another fight between the brothers Gallagher. The fight probably would not have been any different than any other time, but this became permanent because Noel felt the other band members and management wholeheartedly took Liam’s side over the dust up. Noel was asked about the chances for a reunion in 2012.

“I last texted Liam at Christmas after the City match. I don't think it's gonna happen. It would be great for everyone else except me. It'd be mega for the millions and millions and for everybody else it would be brilliant, but I wouldn't be very happy about it. I guess you don't know what you're gonna feel like in 20-odd years but right now, I mean I was in Oasis for nearly 20 years. I've been doing what I'm doing now for one year and I'd like to see what it's like to do it for longer. I don't think anyone is pushing for a reunion either. Nobody ever brings it up in any seriousness; I mean Liam does publicly but he says a lot of things publicly. I wouldn't take anything he says seriously."

Since that time, the two have argued with each other publicly through social media and interviews. In 2016, Noel referred to Beady Eye as Manchester’s best Oasis tribute band. Liam continues to this day pleading almost for Noel to participate in an Oasis reunion, but the guitarist is quite content to play music with his High Flying Birds. Liam has even told untruths trying to get Noel to agree to a reunion saying in 2017 that he and his brother had decided upon a truce. The singer would later admit that there had never been one. In 2019, Liam told people that Noel’s wife was holding back any chance for a reunion, but his brother quickly denied any truth to this false rumor.

[aegor-bamfsteel]

Yo man, I hear that the Blackfyres and their supporters were Conservative, sexist, brutish usurpers who couldn't stand to see a feminist king on the throne but here you are, an honest to God bra burning, women's lit thumping feminist unironically supporting the Black Dragon. In this entire fandom you're the only person I've found openly supporting them. If you don't mind me asking, why do you like them so much?

Hey dude, you’re asking me to talk about sexism, fandom hypocrisy, and my Blackfyre love in an inflammatory way that could result in getting me in trouble with the fandom? I probably shouldn’t be answering this, but ok. This has been sitting in my inbox for a week, and let no one say that I leave any ask unanswered. Wankery found under the cut:

Eyy dude, what if I told you that the perception of Blackfyres as sexist, brutish usurpers in fandom is largely due to some prominent people’s intellectual elitism and projection of neoliberal political views? Aspects of GRRM’s writing like the unreliable narrator, villains-are-heroes-from-another-side, and history is written by the “victors” are given no credibility in favor of condemning the Blackfyre supporters as racist, sexist, and ableist (?) in fandom. I’m extremely annoyed that no one seems to be asking the sort of questions or making the sort of connections that I have due to this blanket ban on Blackfyre sympathy. I’ve answered your broader question on why I supported the Blackfyres in an earlier ask (they were more honorable, less absolutist and cruel than the Targaryens, even demonstrated some meritocracy, and most died horrifically) so I will try to answer based on the sexism angle: How come I like the Blackfyres so much and support woman’s liberation at the same time?

First of all, you come into my askbox and tell me that Daeron II was a feminist king? Nah bro. A real male feminist ally in a position of power would’ve passed laws to ensure his father’s predatory behavior would be banned. He would’ve been trying to apologize for the way he and his father treated the Bracken sisters and actively sought to make amends instead of making the situation worse. He could’ve given widows a pension or granted certain protections to mothers with illegitimate children. He could’ve opened up exit shelters for prostituted women wanting to learn a trade, as Empress Theodora did back in sixth century AD Byzantium. Why does fandom think he is so Feminist™ when he did so little for women? Are they referring to him having Princess Elaena as an unofficial advisor while her husband Ronnel Penrose was Master of Coin, a man who could barely string two numbers together? (Which really undermines the claim that Daeron was a reformer who chose wise men as councilors, since he selected an incompetent based on his own family status) Might I remind everyone that Daeron arranged Elaena’s second marriage in the first place, a woman 3 years his elder who had been locked in prison for 11 years by her brother, bore illegitimate twins by her cousin, forced to wed an old man by her uncle/Aegon, and may have been forced into sleeping with the horrific Aegon IV? You’d think after enduring so much at the hands of her male relatives, the Kind™ Daeron would’ve backed off, but she has to pay for his son Aerys’ failed marriage by sacrificing her hard-won independence. How feminist. But I guess it’s OK, because after Ronnel died Daeron generously gave his blessing when she wed someone she truly loved! I can’t imagine she felt much affection for this entitled shit. But maybe the Great Fandom Minds™ are referring to how Daeron treated his wife Myriah, who is a blank slate in terms of personality and political actions? I can’t even think of any other names of women Daeron might’ve canonically “empowered”, so how exactly is he a feminist? And why does thinking he was a self-serving politician who treated all of his family members except his sons like expendable trash make me sexist? Do tell, Fandom Minds who know so much more than I.

By contrast, how does liking Daemon Blackfyre and thinking he’d be a better king than Daeron make one sexist? Eustace Osgrey said that he hung out with warriors rather than septons and women, but GRRM himself said that Daemon did have female followers (some we know even participated in the Second Blackfyre Rebellion, like Ladies Vyrwell and Smallwood. Not to mention the cause owes its continued strength after Redgrass to Queen Rohanne) who were “drawn to him.” There’s the rumors that Daemon thought that he could marry Princess Daenerys and Rohanne of Tyrosh, but even the biased Maester Yandel said that claim only developed long after the wedding from a few Blackfyre supporters, which is a few steps removed from the original source. I believe that version of the story was an attempt by the Westerosi Blackfyre supporters to acknowledge Rohanne of Tyrosh’s invaluable contributions to the cause of the exiles while still maintaining the romanticism of a Daemon/Daenerys forbidden romance. It absolutely blows my mind that Daemon gets more flak for what he might have said at fourteen than Daeron does for helping a teenaged girl and her two-week-old son get banished for something her father said. Because Daeron is called “the Good” and thus incapable of doing wrong, obviously.

But outrageously, the fandom has to headcanon abusive behavior on Daemon to make him look like a villain. Seriously, I’ve heard people claim he was an abusive father to Daemon II, cheated on or never loved Rohanne, would have killed his nephews, and tried to rape Princess Daenerys based on no canonical evidence (in fact, the evidence goes against the honorable father of at least nine presented in canon). Even a Daemon-hater like Yandel had to concede that Daemon’s love was for the mother of his children to whom he was married for 12 years. Daemon died protecting his son Aegon from the Raven’s Teeth arrows; he’d never hurt his children. As for the children of others, his faction during the First Blackfyre did not kill children (in fact, Quentyn Ball spared Lady Penrose’s youngest son, some say on Daemon’s orders), especially not those too young to fight. The fandom’s portrayal of Daemon as a vicious monster really serves to emphasize how little evidence they have that Daeron II was a truly good person; the man with grudges against two of his father’s underaged rape victims isn’t a hero, so they have to make his rival an even bigger villain despite it being complete nonsense in canon? Can I have at least a balanced depiction of a Daemon who loved his wife and kids, even if they do think he was an ambitious reactionary?

An especially infuriating piece of fandom hypocrisy is that to make Daemon sexist, they have to demonize or erase all of the female influence in his life. Example one is that for his first 12 years, he was raised as the son of Daena the Defiant, who GRRM said in an SSM raised him alone in the Red Keep. Some people in fandom claim she was an ambitious woman who wanted a son so she could be Aegon’s Queen over Naerys, which is a claim so insulting in its wrongness (Daena could’ve been Queen in her own right, having an illegitimate son actually hurt her chances of queenship and a stable future, she referred to Daemon as hers alone so she never wanted to acknowledge his father, she never agreed to wed a man after Baelor, etc) I’m shocked the people who make it can call themselves feminists with a straight face. Others are kinder toward the Daena-Daemon relationship, saying that Daena must’ve died before Daemon was four so she couldn’t pass on her ideals of honor and self-sacrifice for one’s children; this completely ignores what GRRM said about Daena “raising” Daemon alone, meaning he knew her well enough to remember her. Both these ideas about Daena either demonize one of the most beautiful mother-son pairs in Targaryen history (she loved that kid so much she put him ahead of her own reputation and chance at being Queen. I cry.) or they take away her influence in order to claim that Daemon had no female role models growing up. A mother like Daena, strong-willed, independent, a sportswoman, would’ve doubtless have shaped Daemon’s opinions on women, and especially on mothers of bastards. He may have grown up knowing a woman didn’t necessarily need a husband to be happy, that she could shoot and ride as well as a man, and that a princess could with smallfolk and minor nobles on her own. She was far away from a submissive woman and was Daemon’s sole parent until he was 12, and you mean to tell me her son was a raging misogynist? Nope, I don’t buy it.

Fandom also erases Daemon’s other important female figure: Rohanne of Tyrosh. Elite Tyroshi women are most similar to elite Dornishwomen out of all the ladies of Westeros; I say this because the Archon’s daughter was to serve as a cupbearer for Prince Doran without having been betrothed to Quentyn, indicating that they are valued as political actors for their families outside of marriage alliances. Tyrosh is a mercantile society where the elites don’t like to fight, which traditionally equalizes roles between the sexes. Rohanne was the reason the Blackfyre cause survived for so long; she didn’t need help from Bittersteel escaping to her own fucking country, rather the landless Blackfyre supporters needed her protection after they lost everything at Redgrass. Without her giving them a stable base of operations (and certainly using her dowry to pay for their accommodations), they wouldn’t have been cohesive enough for Aegor to create the Golden Company. I realize that Rohanne has very little canonical characterization, but neither do Princess Daenerys and Myriah Martell, and that doesn’t stop Fandom from writing fanfics and meta on these two while ignoring Rohanne. On a similar note, prominent meta writers claim that the Blackfyre cause is obviously based on the Jacobites (no, Daemon Blackfyre was based in part on James Scott the Duke of Monmouth, who was staunchly anti-Jacobite. Just because these writers don’t know about British history in depth doesn’t mean that they can make spurious claims), and use this comparison to make headcanons for how the Blackfyre court in exile operated. For some Unfathomable reason, these headcanons never include the invaluable contributions that the female Stuarts made to the cause; Queen Mary and Princess Louisa were much more popular than the charmless James II and the drunken womanizer Charles III, having great relations with the French court and funding the education of the daughters of Jacobite exiles (it was said that even Queen Anne wept when Princess Louisa died, for she had hoped to wed her son to him). For a fandom who loves to make headcanons about minor female asoiaf characters, and loves to show off its (rather one-dimensional) knowledge of history, I see no such fics and metas for the female Blackfyres. I guess Feminism™ can’t be wasted on the wives and daughters of “traitors.” Just ask Sansa Stark.

To conclude, Daeron II was not a feminist king who raised the status of women in Westeros; in fact, he used his power as prince and king to banish Barba Bracken and wed Princess Elaena off to an ally. Daemon Blackfyre was raised by a strong single mother and was successfully married to an older foreign woman, and enjoyed female support for his cause, so calling him a misogynist seems like a leap to me. I’d make the argument that it’s Fandom with the misogyny problem, as they ignore the suffering, contributions, and characterization of female characters they don’t like in order to prop up a “sexism” narrative that contradicts canon. Just because other people bleat about how sexist, racist, and ableist Blackfyre supporters like me are, it doesn’t mean it’s true.

[ofspartax]

— ✧ HUNTER PARRISH?, NO, THAT’S JUST KEVIN PRYDE! THEY’RE THE TWENTY-EIGHT YEAR OLD SON OF J'SON OF SPARTAX ( ADOPTED SON OF KITTY PRYDE ). THEY ARE ALSO AN ASSISTANT TEACHER FOR ASTROPHYSICS & ASTROCHEMISTRY AT PARAGON. I HEAR THEY’RE DETERMINED & INTELLIGENT BUT TEND TO BE LIGHTHEARTED & WISHFUL. HIS FILE SAYS THAT HIS POWER IS SPARTOI PHYSIOLOGY.

YA FAVE ALIEN PRINCE IS BACK :^) also this is so fuckin long but it’s... necessary kcjfdka

he is 100% spartoi, born on spartax & raised there until age 16 when he came to earth

j’son of spartax ( aka peter’s dad ) is also his dad

which makes him the crown prince of the spartoi empire, as peter has repetitively rejected it, etc & victoria ( their half sister ) isn’t of full royal blood... amongst other awful things we won’t mention bc j’son suxx, isn’t eligible for the throne ( however she IS the captain & commander of the royal guard, so. )

kevin’s biological mother is a noblewoman named x’nthe ( obv made up but like, presumably... for the purpose of everything, let’s say she/j’son courted each other at some point & kevin was a result of that union skjdfhjd. )

however x’nthe, after a certain point in toddler kevin’s life, ended up fucking off to star harbor, the military school of spartax, to be an instructor. of course j’son took care of the kid then ---- one son hates him, and his daughter is illegitimate, so naturally he’s going to take care of kevin the goddamn best he can in hopes of raising him up to be the future emperor

that being said, kevin received a formal schooling in his spartoi politics and military/combat, alongside being educated on other galaxies/planets and those respective empires

kevin was SPOILED ROTTEN, okay?? like, if we know anything about the spartoi, it’s that the royal fam can be extra as fuck ( as are a lot of royal families, truthfully ); even in victoria’s captain outfit, we see she wears ( what can be presumed as ) real gold. the most common color scheme of spartax is gold & maroon so we can make a p decent guess that the royal fam ( and maybe even the royal guard, tbh ) uses actual gold so ,,,

NOW, BECAUSE J’SON HAD KEVIN TREATED LIKE THE LITTLE PRINCE HE IS, KEVIN LOVED HIS DAD!!!! A LOT!!! although he wasn’t exactly aware j’son was his dad --- there was, apparently, never real reason to reiterate they clearly shared a familial bond as everyone understood it was there

except ... that’s where a mistake!!! comes in

now ... since nobody outside of spartax knew what exactly the deal was with kevin’s parentage, it was very easy to assume peter was his father... and that’s exactly what people ended up doing

SO CLEARLY THE SECOND THIS CATCHES PETER’S EARS HE’S LIKE, WHAT THE FUCK, AND INSTANTLY GOES TO SPARTAX LIKE?? HE HAS TO SEE THIS SHIT FOR HIMSELF, SINCE HE WOULDN’T PUT IT PAST J’SON TO START SOME FUCKED UP RUMOR LIKE THAT

well what do you know, there’s a 16 year old boy decked out in clothes that v much associate him to being part of the royal fam! a 16 year old boy, who looks strangely identical to peter when peter was that age

then, you know, shit happened and peter was like “yeah no fuck this, i’m taking my kid back wtf??” which… naturally, j’son wasn’t thrilled about and hONESTLY NEITHER WAS KEVIN LIKE WHAT No

WAS EXTREMELY AGAINST THE IDEA OF LEAVING SPARTAX & GOING TO TERRA ( EARTH ) W/ PETER like, peter is a stranger claiming to be his FATHER, of all things

just... kevin didn’t like it at all, but he knew it wouldn’t do any good arguing over it

ESPECIALLY SINCE in an moment of this all, j’son realized it was a chance for kevin to be safe from the danger of lurking enemies to the royal fam?? like?? damn j’son made A LOT of enemies thanks to being a horrible person and literal intergalactic warlord ok and to target his heir is a BIG THING so what better way to hide the poor kid is to ship him off to another planet in another solar system riiight

but!!! in the midst of kevin’s literal teen angst and missing spartax/j’son/etc, kitty was SO KIND TO HIM & GENUINELY LOVED HIM AS IF HE WAS HER OWN & It got him fuckin SHOOK like he never had a proper mother figure so it def solidified this relationship 10/10 like ... wow someone actually wants him :^) cuz peter was off a lot w/ the guardians a lot anyhow & although kev def tagged along at times, it was the worst bc all kevin wanted to do was go back to spartax which obv in peter’s eyes ( and the others ) was a huge no

when kevin turned 17, kitty legally adopted him as her son

KITTY DID HER FUCKIN BEST TO HELP KEVIN CATCH UP W/ SCHOOL!!! AND HE’S A QUICK/EASY LEARNER & V DETERMINED TO MAKE SOMETHING OF HIMSELF SO HE CAUGHT ON FAST & just ... it was another pure bonding moment between them that made kevin realize like, hey maybe it isn’t so awful down here...

when then kevin turned 18, kitty threw him a late bar mitzvah since after trying half-and-half so to speak of christmas / hanukkah, kevin found he identifies more with being jewish & that’s how he was then-on raised

also, peter was the one who told kevin about all the godawful things j’son has done and it did nothing but make kevin more angry at peter because how dare he rUIN THE MEMORY ?? like sure j’son is awful!! ok!! but kevin was p innocent/naive when it came to THAT bit since why ... would j’son want his only chance at a proper heir to end up hating him right haha :/

tl;dr --- kevin took a long time to stop glaring at peter whenever they were in the same room, and kevin instantly fuckin loved kitty ok

DEF DID HIS BEST TO BE A GOOD BIG BROTHER FOR DINAH, TOO!! also definitely would have babysat her often when both kitty & peter were busy i bet given the age difference

when he was 23, kitty and peter officially divorced. naturally ... he felt a lot more inclined to “take kitty’s side”, as although by this point kevin grew to love earth, peter is still responsible for totally flipping kevin’s life upside down without even asking how he felt about it all

kevin’s the teachers assistant for astrophysics and astrochemistry, and is currently working towards dual phds in both subjects ( he has ab 5, almost 4 years left )

he is... a #gaylien and proud of it ( poly/pan ); he’s currently in a relationship w/ noah dane-summers, fabian todd, and jasper harkness

his last name was changed to pryde very recently, as only a short while ago, kevin found out the truth of his parentage. j’son is his father and explained everything in a letter sent by two royal guards, as well as confirmation via some alien technology that allowed them to communicate ( u kno what i mean, like video conference type stuff idkidk lmao )

since kevin always preferred kitty to peter, even when they believed peter was his dad, it only made sense for kevin to change it legally. he had no real connection/reason to keep the quill name, in his opinion

altho he was/is still rly mad at j’son for just letting this happen and the whole “”plan”” like fuck ur plan u just lost out on nearly 13 years of raising me!!!!!!! why did u let me get taken!!!!! i thOUGHT U LOVED ME---

but, uh ,, OVERALL KEVIN IS V INTELLIGENT AND LOVING AND JUST WANTS THE FUCKIN BEST FOR THOSE WHO HE CARES AB!!! WILL FIGHT IF HE NEEDS TO, BUT HONESTLY PREFERS TO NOT LMao 

+++ when he figured out what memes were, he mcfreakin lost it he still loves memes ya boi :^)

[ramajmedia]

The Worst Thing Each Main Character From Outlander Has Done

No character is without fault. And if by any chance you stumble upon a fictional character who is absolutely perfect, chances are the narrative won't be too compelling. What makes for amazing entertainment are complex characters who, before being heroes or villains, are human beings. As we all know, people are never perfect because, as the saying goes, "You can be the ripest, juiciest peach in the world, and there's still going to be somebody who hates peaches".

But we're not here to talk inspirational quotes. On this list, we're breaking down the worst things each main character in Outlander has done. And yes, that includes the most beloved characters on the show. In spite of what their main personality traits, they all had their bad moments - some more than others, of course. Let's begin the countdown!

10 Prince Charles: Dooming Scotland

There's been quite a bit of hit thrown at Outlander because of its portrayal of Bonie Prince Charles. Those unfamiliar with Scottish history will have a pretty bad impression. Indeed, the man we see is a completely delusional idiot.

RELATED: Outlander: 10 Rules Members Of The Fraser Family Have To Follow

Though no one truly believed Claire and Jamie could change the future, not even in a universe like that of Outlander, one could only hope. At the end of the day, Charles' blind ambition and utter idiocy cost thousands of Scotsmen their lives, despite their choice to fight for him. Had they known him, they would most likely put the weapons down.

9 Lord John Grey: Telling Claire About Jamie's Offer

We hear you - Lord John Grey is one of a handful of characters that could be considered a saint. He is brave, loyal, loving, and if it weren't for his incessant help, the Fraser family would probably be six feet under by now. However, no character is without fault - not even John Grey.

There was a beautiful instance when he returned to the show and ended up being treated by Claire. In his feverous state, Grey told Claire about the time Jamie offered to have sex with him in exchange for protection for his family. A little bit of a mean move, but we'll let him have it because he is just so pure in general.

8 Roger Wakefield: Leaving A Pregnant Brianna

Oh, Roger, Roger. This character has had more than one instance when he made everyone seriously doubt whether or not he loved Brianna. His clear wish to have a picture-perfect family life led him to undertake some questionable actions and say questionable things. Put mildly, he's a bit of a controlling misogynist.

RELATED: Outlander: 10 Hidden Details About Jamie's Costumes You Never Noticed

While we have to remember he wasn't born in the 21st century, that doesn't clear him of all charges. And especially not when it came down to leaving a pregnant Brianna when he realized there was a chance the baby wasn't his. Did he care about the child at all? Minus 100 points to you, Roger.

7 Brianna Fraser: Temper Tantrums

Only Dougal McKenzie beats Brianna when it comes to being the most polarizing Outlander character. On one hand, she's Claire and Jamie Fraser's child, the best star-crossed lovers to ever exist (move aside Romeo and Juliet). On the other hand, she's not easy to love or even like.

We get that she got her temper from her mother. However, it seems like the DNA took it up quite a few notches. While Brianna hasn't done anything horrible to date, her temper tantrums are enough to make us roll our eyes out of orbit and switch channels. Please grow up, girl.

6 Dougal McKenzie: Using Jamie's Trauma To His Advantage

On the topic of polarizing characters, let us introduce you to the one and only Dougal Mckenzie. This man is probably the epitome of a Scotsman, with his deep voice, intimidating posture, and strong political beliefs. There were many instances when we hated his guts, but there were also moments when we saw his heart.

RELATED: Outlander: 10 Hilarious Lord John Grey Memes That Are Too Funny

Let's leave the good stuff for another day, though. Arguably the worst thing Dougal has ever done was using Jamie's scars as a vehicle to raise money for a Jacobite army. Going to the extent of putting on display what was a hugely traumatic and painful time for Jamie in order to make coin? Wrong, wrong, wrong. Just plain wrong.

5 Jack Randall: Raping And Torturing Jamie

We could honestly write a list of all the horrible things Black Jack Randall has done ever since he first stepped into the screen, and it wouldn't be enough to cover everything. Randall might just be one of the most violent, sadistic, selfish people ever created as a character. And in a world where Hannibal Lecter exists, that's saying something.

Of course, no one who's ever watched the show will forget Jack raping and torturing Jamie. The way the show handled it was absolutely phenomenal, and all hats down to the showrunners for that. Very few scenes were as disturbing and heart-wrenching as these, putting Jack Randall at the top of the Outlander villain list.

4 Frank Randall: Cheating On Claire

Book readers are probably not huge fans of Claire's first husband, Frank. And we can't blame them for that, considering just how horrible of a man he was in every aspect. But when it comes to the show version of Frank, the character was very much softened and given traits that would be foreign to the book counterpart.

RELATED: Outlander: 10 Hidden Details About Claire's Costumes You Never Noticed

While book Frank had some unnamed mistresses, show Frank Randall has only one affair. One affair alone is enough to account for the worst thing he's ever done - even though we can almost forgive him, considering the circumstances. Almost.

3 Murtagh Fraser: Siding Opposite To Jamie

Murtagh can be put in the same boat with Lord John Grey and his godson Jamie. Every time he's on-screen we just want to hug him, thank him, and bake him some cookies. His loyalty to Jamie and Claire is something most of us could only dream of having from our friends and family. Plus, he's both funny and poetic. A true catch!

But Murtagh's perfection took a little bit of a turn when his political views put him at opposite ends of the spectrum to Jamie. As leader of the Regulator Movement, Murtagh was now in direct opposition to Jamie, who swore fealty to Governor Tyron. This put the vows he had made to his godson's mother in jeopardy. Uncool, Murtagh.

2 Jamie Fraser: Abandoning His Child

Jamie Fraser, the number one heartbreaker born and raised in Scottland. What would Outlander be without him? Probably nothing, really. But as much as we all want to perceive him as a perfect angel, which he is most of the time, he's also has his questionable moments.

RELATED: Outlander: 10 Hilarious Season 1 Memes Only A Sassenach Would Get

Hitting Claire was a pretty bad move, and marrying Laoghaire was... a choice. However, out of all the things he's done, nothing will be quite as bad as abandoning his illegitimate child. No matter how much we understand the circumstances, being a dead beat dad isn't a good look on anyone. Not even someone as beautiful as Jamie.

1 Claire Fraser: When She Broke Hearts

Claire can be quite insufferable at times, a trait which she clearly passed on to her daughter. But at heart, Claire is a good, honest person who takes pleasure in helping people. She even tried to change the course of history to keep thousands of people from dying. That's pretty neat!

However, not all of her actions are  pure. Remember that time when she wanted to ensure Frank's existence, so she broke Alex's heart? And let Mary wed Black Jack Randall, even though she knew he was a sadistic, dangerous man? Even though things turned out right in the end, what she did was still absolutely selfish and wrong.

NEXT: Outlander: The 10 Most Heartbreaking Deaths, Ranked

source https://screenrant.com/worst-things-outlander-characters-did/

[mcu-fan-fics-blog]

The Helping Hand

This is a Repost from my Ao3 I wanted to bring it to Tumblr. I hope you like it Its currently 5 chapters I will be uploading the rest throughout the rest of the week.

Word Count: 3300 approx

Summary: Y/N Krast Illegitimate Daughter of Tony Stark. Product of an unwanted teen pregnancy. What would Howard Stark be capable of doing to assure his sons future? What will happen when Tony meets our Beautiful, young, genius, rich philanthropist.

Tw: Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, Drug use, Drug addiction, Teen Pregnancy. (If there are any I missed please tell me.)

Ch.4

Chapter 5: Age of Ultron pt.2

Ch.6

"Y/N you can't keep coming in and not talking." Your therapist tells you quite frustrated. "I'm paying you aren't I, I'll do what I please with the time I pay for." You say finally making eye contact with her. She only sighs. "Y/N I find that often people ask for help in the most obvious yet concealed manner."

You turn away, she continues. "You said it yourself you're paying me… If you don't want me to ask these questions, walk out and stop paying me." You look back "I can't… because I feel like I might just explode at any point." She nods encouraging you to continue. 

"Recently I went through something that combined with all the other shit i've gone through… I can't cope. I don't know how." You wipe your eyes and continue. "I've never been stable, but i've always been okay with that. I've never lost anyone in a traumatic way." Your therapist lifts their head. "Who have you lost?"

"I never knew my parents so I didn't really lose them. I knew that Howard was going to pass and I got closure." She jumps in when she realizes you stopped talking. "And what makes this loss different?" You look at her with a tear rolling down your cheek. "The fact that it was my fault."

Three Weeks Ago 

Wanda speaks first "I read your mind and all I saw was destruction." He promptly asked her to check again. He then goes on to have some sort of existential crisis not knowing what he actually is. I didn't really start to listen until Clint mentioned where Nat was… Sokovia. You immediately got pale once you heard what Ultron was planning to do with Sokovia. "I need to make a call" you say mostly to yourself but Pietro heard you. 

No one noticed you stepped out of the room but him. "Who do you think you're calling?" You jump as he sped in front of you. "I need to warn my family they need to get out." Pietro only laughs "Forgive me but you don't seem like one to have family much less in Sokovia of all places. Why don't you just tell me the truth"

"Im aware you might not know me but I'm Y/N Krast… I run the practice I need to warn my friends.  They'll spread the word and start an evac." He sighs. "You need to tell the rest of the guys. It might not be the best move." You nod and walk back into the room there all in. Tony notices you and walks straight to you fearing the Maximoff kid did something to you. 

"Did he do anything kiddo because if he did I swear to…" you cut him off. "Im fine but I need to ask you something." He nods telling you to proceed. "Can I warn my friends back in Sokovia? They can help get the people out of there." Tony looks at you and nods. "I guess it can't hurt to take some precautions. Do it." You smile and walk out the room Dialing David immediately. 

"Y/N are you okay, it's like three in the morning." You're relieved to hear his voice. "Listen to me David, you need to get as many people as you can out of Sokovia. The people are in danger." Davud sighs "Are you having another melt down remember breathe. In and out…" 

"David this is not a game, you have to get as many people as you can out now… Tell Viv too she needs to get her family out. Do as I say David please the people will listen to you." David starts talking again, the panic rising in his voice. "Y/N what do you know… more importantly how do you know?" You raise your voice. "FOR ONCE IN YOUR LIFE DON'T QUESTION ME! Just do it." 

David, shocked by your reaction shifts his tone. "I'll do my best. I need to go." He hangs up not even giving you a chance to say goodbye. (This is what you'll end up regretting later.) 

"You truly care for these people… your family or friends." You look up and see the last person you expected. The witch is standing there in the doorway. "Yes, I do care, Wanda because believe it or not we're not all bad people." The comment came out more spiteful than you expected wincing at your own words. You're about to apologize when she beats you to it. "I'm sorry about earlier." She looks down picking at her hands. 

You sit down on the steps facing a window and signal for her to sit as well. She joins you reluctantly. "I'm not going to bite." You say. Drawing out a small laugh that made your heart flutter. "Did you see inside my head?" You ask. Her head tilts at your question, but ultimately she shakes her head. "Yeah it happens sometimes I can't control it." You nod. "For the record I dont think youre a bitch. Well I did in the moment…" she cuts you off laughing. "I believe the words you used were 'Crazy Bitch'." You chuckle. 

"We should get going…" You stand, helping her up and go to the team. “I contacted my friend David, and I texted my… other friend Viv. They’ve started evacuating people as we speak.” Tony nods and gives you an understanding look. “Now what's our plan to save Nat.” Steve goes on to explain his plan which consists of getting as many people as we could out then fighting Ultron. Once you arrived in Sokovia the streets were desolate. Not a soul in sight.

Pietro gazes in astonishment. “Your friends are good.” You nod relieved seeing that David and Viv did what you asked. “Well check if there are any people left behind…” Wanda cuts in. You weren't given the time to check for any last bystanders when she city starts shaking, and there are bots everywhere. You realize that Sokovia is flying. Tony then informs you of Ultrons plans. You all split up fighting the bots and Bruce made his way to Nat. Not long after Hulk and Natasha had made their way to the now floating Sokovia. Long story short the bad guy was defeated, and all was right in the world again.

Present 

“Alright Doc, have you been following this I know first hand it can be a little complicated.” She nods as you continue. “Well my friends, not the Avengers. Umm… their names were David, and Vivian.” She notices your struggle to continue but you power through the tears building in your eyes. “You see, saving the world came at a price, a price that I was willing to pay, but not like this. I got to the compound, and dialled David and what did I find?” She tells you to continue. “Five… Five missed calls from David telling me that he was going to stay behind in the Practice with Viv.” Tears are now streaming down your cheeks. “Now I imagine that you know what happened to Sokovia ‘Boom’.” You signal with our hands telling her that it was all gone.

Suddenly a timer goes off and your walls are up again. “Y/N you can continue if you want to, I don't…” You interrupt her standing up and heading to the door. “Actually I think that, that was enough for today.” You say walking out. It was confirmed both David and Viv dead… and it was all because of you. After this you distanced yourself. Declining Maria Hills offer to become an Avenger, and also walking away from the Stark Industries collaboration. Unfortunately falling down a deeper hole than you'd ever been in with our addiction. When walking out of the office building your shrink is in when you bump into someone.... 

“Long time no see Y/N!” You recognize the voice immediately. “I saw you following me last week, as a matter of fact i've spotted you multiple times Natasha.” She laughs, and you roll your eyes. “Now why are you mad Y/N what did you think would happen? You ghosted everyone after Sokovia, why are you angry?” You sigh and start walking away but she stops you. “Because you were right Natasha there was a cost to this and it's taking quite the toll.” Natasha lets go of your arm confused “What are you talking about everything came out great.” you laugh bitterly “For almost everyone else oh and feel free to tell Pepper than I'm not taking her calls no matter how hard she insists.”

“Does this have anything to do with the drugs Y/N because if it does I know some people that can help you.” The way she says it almost makes you believe that she cares, but at the end of the day you know she had orders. You look at her incredulously walking away again, this time she doesnt stop you.  

Natashas POV

“Well if you're not going to tell me guess i'm going to have to find out the hard way.” You walk into the building Y/N just came out of and make your way to the Shrink's office. You not so nicely asked for Y/N’s file. As youre reading the file you remember her words bitter and angry “For almost everyone…” Now it makes sense her friends died and no one was there for her. Fuck. You pick up the phone and dial Pepper. “I know what's going on. Call a meeting in the compound and I'll get there in thirty minutes.”  

You meet up with everyone at the compound. You share the files with the team and everyone is shocked talking with each other until you notice Wanda. She doesn't look surprised. You pull her aside. "Why are you being quiet? What do you know about Y/N." She sighs "It was an accident alright when we came back I looked into her head. She looked so happy I was curious… When I looked she was grieving, tearing herself apart." 

You look at her. "And you said nothing you let us believe that she just didn't care." She laughs. "She doesn't! She doesn't want your help, she made that quite clear already. The one person she thought that she could count on was some guy named Logan." You querk your head, was she jealous, are you jealous. You shake your head. "What else did you see?" Your ask casually. Testing the waters you didn't want to expose Y/N but you have to know what she knew. 

"Was there something else I was supposed to see?" You shake your head no, and make your way back to the team. There's fighting over who should talk to her. "I think Tony should go…" Steve says like it's nothing. You almost laugh. Tony gives you a dirty look. "I think pepper should go." You say matter of factly. She asks you to elaborate. "She cares for you the most, but she is angry not at you in general." She nods and everyone else agrees for lack of a better idea. 

Peppers Pov 

You walk out of the compound with Tony by your side. "You can come if you want to." Your say to break the silence. He shakes his head. "When are you going to tell her that you're her father." He only sighs "I can't tell her… I can't ruin Howard for her because she loved him." You quickly counter "It's going to be worse the longer you wait." You continue "The only reason I didn't push before was because you weren't sure but now you are Tony she's your daughter." 

"That's exactly why I can't tell her now she's dealing with a lot. It's not a good time." You nod "Fine." Is all you can say. You walk into Krast industries expecting to be greeted by a busy work floor but are surprised when you see the exact opposite. You do see a familiar face though commandeering the floor. Logan. "Hey logan how are you? I'm hoping I could talk to Y/N." Logan stops in his tracks. 

"What do you mean if i've seen her? I thought she was with you guys." He says the panic growing in his voice. "Umm… no she's not been with us for a couple of weeks now. Are you sure you haven't seen her and what's going on here." 

Logans Pov 

Of course you knew where she was, but you weren't about to tell them. "Yeah no I've talked to her on the phone I just figured she was with your guys." Pepper is still confused about what is happening. "She asked me to get ready for major remodel… all our employees will work from home for the time being." She nods. "Do you know where I could find her? I really need to talk to her." Well that's not going to happen now. Seen as she's currently passed out on your couch. 

"She might be at home… She does this sometimes. She runs, but i'll give you her address if you really want to talk to her."

Your Pov 

After running into Natasha you went to a bar. A complete rookie move. You knew better, but at the same time you didn't care you've been loading up taking a larger doses and mixing with alcohol. You called Logan to come pick you up and he was there like always. "I can't lose you Logan, I wouldn't survive it. Why does everyone I love die?" He holds his tongue you can tell. "Tell me what you're thinking it's not good to hold your emotions in…" He laughs bitterly. "You think I'd survive losing you Y/N this feeling goes both ways. You're blind to my pain Y/N seeing you like this hurts me it shakes me to my core."

"I'm not blind to your pain… I know you better than I know myself. I'm going to therapy, and before you say it i'm actually talking this time. I'm getting help." He nods "Every step of the way that includes relapsing. Y/N just don't make me lose you." You nod tears building in your eyes. "I won't." 

When you wake up you're in Logan's apartment it's nice. Your head is pounding. You decide to go home… in hindsight that was a horrible idea. You have no idea where you are and also have no idea where you're going.  "Fuck… taxi, TAXI." 

They dont fucking stop you dont blame them you look like trash, hell you feel like it too. You make it to a coffee shop and just sit there. Waiting for what you don't know at least not until the owner comes around. "I don't want to have to kick you out but it's nearing closing time, want me go call a cab." 

You laugh "See id say yes and please but I don't remember where I live." He nods feeling bad for you. "Having a bad day, want to talk about it?" You sigh “I would, but sadly my opening up to complete strangers quota is full for the day.” They laugh handing you some coffee. “It 'll help you sober up, So what is it? Alcohol, meth, let me guess pills.” You widen your eyes. “Don't worry, I'm not judging I meet people of all walks of life.” You nod. “Do you mind if I make a call my friend is probably worried sick.” He hands you his phone and you dial Logan (the only number you know by heart.) “Y/N where are you ive been worried sick. Why did you leave?” 

“I went out for coffee you know to sober up faster I needed air.” He sighs “Can you make your way back or do you want me to pick you up?” You turn from the barista person in front of you. “Um I want to go home but I can't for the life of me remember my address.”  David gives you your address and calls you a cab. You thank him and end the call. “So it looks like I'm heading home in a minute the taxi won't take long.” He smiles reaching his hand out to take their phone back. “I’ll see you around probably…” You nod "probably not.” You say hesitantly, and he laughs. You Are interrupted by the taxi honking its horn. “I hope to see you around by the way. I'm Zack Gordon.” your smile drops immediately. 

You compose yourself before he notices your change in attitude. You plaster on a fake smile and make your way out turning one last time. “We’ll see each other around Zack.” He smiles. The whole cab ride was silent, you're contemplating fate. What are the fucking odds of all the cafe’s you could have walked into you walked into his. When you least expect it you’re in front of your house. You walk in and immediately notice something off. You walk into your living room only to see someone sitting in the dark. You know who it is immediately. “Always with the theatrics, it's starting to get old. Would you like something to drink.” She sighs “Y/N I want to talk.”  You sit clapping your hands causing the lights in the house to turn on.

“Right Pepper talk, i'm listening” Her eyes widen, showing her confusion. “Look, I'm not angry with our team or you, but I just have some crap to deal with… Alone.” Pepper looks down. “You don't have to go through this alone, you have us now.” Your eyes bolt to hers. “And how exactly do you know what i'm going through… You know what I don't need to know because it doesn't matter.” you sigh “I’ve gone through life alone. I dealt with the punches life has thrown my way by myself. This won't be the exception.” You see Peppers complexion turn red, she's angry. “Why can't you stop making yourself a martyr, talk about dealing with children? You and Tony are the only ones who can make me this irritated.”

“Because I'm broken Pepper and before Natasha or Wanda decide to tell you I'm an addict. Everything is wrong right now so I need to take a step away, I need to get clean.” Peppers eyes soften moving to sit next to you. “You know i'm not leaving your side right?” Your eyes begin to water. “I relapsed… it's bad Pepper. I've never fallen this hard and I'm scared.” She hugs you. “I’ve never had this… people who really care it was just Logan and I.  As of recently it was David, Viv, and I. Now I lost them and I can't. I can't sleep, I can't breathe, and I'm so tired Pepper I don't know how much more of this I can take.” 

“Okay come on Y/N let's get you to your room.” You and Pepper stand on your way up the stairs and you start to stumble. “I’m sorry you have to see me like this. I am very sorry I drank coffee to sober up but it didn't work.” She nods “It’s okay we’ll talk about it tomorrow.” You both finally make it to your room and as soon as your head hits the pillow you fall asleep.

When you wake up you are surprised by your surroundings you didn't quite remember how you got here. You sit up and hear chattering downstairs. You go down stairs, the memories of last night making their way to you now. THE AVENGERS HAVING BREAKFAST IN YOUR KITCHEN. You watch as thor brakes your plates making you flinch. “As much as I appreciate your enthusiasm I dont think Y/N would appreciate us breaking her plates.” you clear your throat and as you do everyone goes quiet. “Good Morning everyone.”

[abowriterstaiwannwhereelse]

Blue Eyes

By C.J. Anderson-Wu

As she enters her mid-forties, her hair is starting to turn gray, and her vision depends more often on the aid of reading glasses.  She feels herself fitting into Taiwan better now that her American look is fading, and her Taiwanese look is gradually taking over.

One morning on her way to work, she is standing at the subway platform when a woman about her age calls out to her, “Evelyn?”  She stops with a gesture of affirmation, but she doesn’t really recognize the woman.

“I am Yu-Jin, Cheng Yu-Jin. We went to the same elementary school.”

“Oh, yeah. Cheng Yu-Jin. Why are you here?  Do you often take this subway at this time?  Why haven’t we ever met before?”  They quickly exchange information and realize that their offices are quite close to each other, so they decide they should have lunch together sometime.

Evelyn works for a literature publishing house.  Her job is to read fiction written in English and write reports about each book she has read, expressing her opinion as to whether or not they should acquire the copyright and publish its Chinese version in Taiwan. In recent years, as the readership in China has quickly expanded, their copyright negotiations with foreign publishers often include the simplified Chinese version for readers in China. Sometimes they work with publishing houses in China, most of them state owned, and other times they compete against them for getting copyright authorization. Evelyn’s judgement of marketable literary works is quite sharp.  Usually the books she picks have satisfying sales, even those works that have been overlooked in the authors’ own societies. That’s probably because Evelyn made up stories, too. Evelyn wishes her company could publish more literary works with controversial issues, but the decision-makers don’t want to take their chance in the market.

She gets a call from Cheng Yu-Jin less than a week later, so they meet in a restaurant that provides  lunch with a free cup of coffee. Yu-Jin asks after Evelyn’s mom.

“She is doing really well, totally independent and she knows how to have fun in life.”

Evelyn’s mother has just turned seventy, and she is still running a small general store back in their hometown, Tainan. Friends stop by to chat or to buy things, making the old-fashioned store a community hub as well as a gossip center.  Actually, Evelyn doesn’t think Chen Yu-Jin ever met her mother; however, because of Evelyn’s unusual look and her father’s mysterious identity, she knows her mother must have been a topic of conversation in their school.

Yu-Jin pursues the subject further, “So you still have contact with your dad’s family in the US?”

For a second Evelyn is speechless, but she recovers quickly enough, “Not much. Young generations hardly care about families nowadays.” At the same time she tries hard to recall which version of her story she had made up for Yu-Jin more than  thirty-five years ago.

Yu-Jin looks straight at her eyes, saying in an excited tone, “My daughter is marrying a British man. I can’t help thinking that, in a few years they might have babies with beautiful blue eyes similar to yours.”

Evelyn feels dizzy. Yu-Jin thought her eyes were beautiful? She has no problem with the fact that her daughter is marrying a foreigner?

Evelyn’s father was an American soldier who was stationed in the Tainan Air Force Base during the late 1960s to early 1970s, but she never wanted to admit that she was one of the illegitimate children left behind by the debauchery of white men. When she was young she had imagined her father as a different person, a journalist killed in the Middle East, a photographer lost in a South American jungle, or a priest who had succumbed to illness in Southeast Asia.

The situations in the Middle East or South America were too complicated for her to decipher at her young age, so most of the time she stuck with her story of a priest. One time she was given a bible, and thereafter she claimed it was her father’s, saying that it had been brought back from Southeast Asia by her father’s fellow priests after his funeral. She also found herself a cross and told her classmates that her father had worn it to his last days.  Being the daughter of a priest, she had to have been religious, so Evelyn studied the bilingual bible diligently and learned many stories from it.

But there was one thing that did not match her story, and that was her mother. Evelyn’s mom had been the proprietress of the small general store near the market of their township for as long as Evelyn could remember, it was inherited from her grandparents. Everyday she was engaged in making up orders, taking delivered goods, putting them away or displaying them on shelves. She calculated money, negotiated prices with wholesalers, and persuaded customers to buy more than they needed. She shouted at delivery men making mistakes, passed on gossip to entertain customers, and confronted those trying to take advantage of her. Everything she did was absolutely normal, but none of it was like the wife of a priest.

Thus Evelyn never introduced her mother to her classmates.  In fact, she avoided talking about her at all.  Nor did she ever ask her mother about her father.  Everything she knew about him she had overheard from their neighbors, her teachers, and the parents of her classmates.  But there wasn’t much information anyway.

Evelyn had been so afraid to talk about her family, it made each day at school a challenge. When other kids talked about their daddy, mommy, brothers and sisters, she had to apply her wildest imagination to make up what she had, because she had nothing. No father, no sibling, only a mother who she would mention as little as possible, she had to make up some relatives on her father’s side in the US at some point. As young as she was, she knew a person must have a consistent personality, and he or she must not be one hundred percent nice or one hundred percent bad.  There has to be some contradictory nature in a person. From storybooks she found in the school library, she borrowed some characters to be her remote family members.

Evelyn left home as early as she could. She was admitted to a quite prestigious senior high school in Taipei.  Her mother’s neighbors who were also her customers at the general store raised a scholarship for Evelyn to study in Taipei, because she was the first one in their neighborhood to go to such a  top-notch school. In Taipei her foreign look seemed to be more accepted.  Sometimes she was even asked to play a certain role in the school plays. She was glad to realize that among her fellow students, she was not the only one raised by a single parent.

Evelyn majored in English literature in college.  With her look and her major, it was easy for her to work as an English tutor in cram schools, so she was able to support herself throughout her college career. She had several serious relationships, but none of them brought her close to marriage. After college, she worked as a translator or editor for publishing houses.  She began getting involved in the copyright trade when Taiwan’s publishing industry boomed in the 1990s, thanks to the abolishment of Martial Law and  the lifting of censorship.

These days Evelyn goes back to Tainan during holidays.  It’s the city of Taiwanese literature, although she knows American literature better. When she is not in her mother’s store, she hangs around the second-hand bookstores. Old neighbors know her well; they were her education sponsors.  New customers find it odd to see a western face in such out-of-date stores. Tainan people have a particular nostalgia for old things; had her mother’s store been established in another county, it would have been replaced by a 7-Eleven a long time ago.

Evelyn’s meeting with Yu-Jin bothers her. She feels there is something she left behind since her childhood, but she is not clear what it is. She never had intimate conversations with her mother, like talks about her boyfriends or her career planning. But that is totally normal; Taiwanese young people do not necessarily share these things with their parents. But her mother is the only one she has in this world, and vice versa.

In April she goes back to Tainan for spring break. Her first morning home, she goes down to the store from their tiny living quarters on the second floor,  and she stays to see if her mom needs any help. There is not much to do. The store sells cigarettes, beer, cooking wine, ramen, sundries and canned food.  It hardly makes any profit, but it’s a good place for old people to gather and exchange words.

Evelyn’s mom has put on some weight in her later years, but she is still in good shape and handles everything on her own. Looking at her, Evelyn realizes she is actually a very beautiful woman, although as a little girl she thought her mom was vulgar compared to her teachers and the parents of her classmates. But watching her now, Evelyn thinks, what a glamorous old lady she is! Her Chiraya tribal blood gives her a radiant face, and her outfit, the decades-old dark green corduroy dress, is still in fashion today.  She must be good at selecting her clothes and creating her own style. Why hadn’t I ever noticed it before?

When her mom has finished her tasks of opening the store and moving several things to the arcade, she sits down in the chair under the arcade in the sunlight. Evelyn sits down next to her.

“Mom, you never talked about my father.” Evelyn speaks in Taiwanese, a dialect she seldom uses.

Her mother looks at her, surprised, “Why do you ask about him now? You are not trying to track him down, are you?  That only happens on TV shows.”

Evelyn laughs out loud, “No, ha ha, it never occurred to me. I just wonder, what happened?” She explains to her mother that she had run into her childhood friend near her work and her blue eyes were the subject of a compliment.   

“He was a beautiful man.”

“How did you meet?”

“In this store. He came to buy ice cream.”

“What’s his name?”

“Julian.”

Evelyn bursts into laughter, and her mother squints her eyes at her, in doubt.

“He must be a blond, right?”

“How do you know?” Mom’s body twitches slightly.  She is not very used to being questioned about this man who had faded from her life long time ago.

Evelyn does not answer; she has an amused mood now. They had a pet kitty called Julian when she was in elementary school. Julian had very light-colored hair.  At certain times of the day, it really looked golden.

Julian was not exactly their pet: he was just hanging with them, and sometimes taking food they offered.  He was a cat that was so aloof that she sometimes considered him almost knightly.

In some ways, Julian really was her knight. When the parents of Evelyn’s classmates came to collect their children after school, she was often accompanied by Julian only. It was impossible for her mom to leave the store around that time since parents tended to shop for things on their way home with their children. So Evelyn and Julian would walk together and play.  Unlike other cats that chase rats or bugs, Julian never distracted himself with such loathful things. Their relaxed promenade would proceed, like two aristocrats patrolling their territory with pride.  The less-than-ten-minute walk often extended into more than twenty minutes. Neither of them cared, nor did her mom.

When Evelyn left Tainan for senior high school in Taipei, Julian took his departure, according to Mom, without leaving any clue. Julian was someone loving and caring in their life for a significant period of time.  He brought them warm memories, and that was all.

“Julian is a good name. What was his last name?”

“It sounds like Livensten, but I don’t remember how to spell it. You are not going to search him online, are you?”

“Of course not! I just wonder if this guy really existed.”

Her mom pinches her thigh, “Who do you think your flesh and blood are from?”

Evelyn is kind of surprised that her mom doesn’t feel uncomfortable talking about this man.  “I have been fatherless all my life.”

“A lot of kids do well without a father. Actually, I believe a lot of kids do better if they don’t have their father.”

“True.”  But if Mom was so confident with their situation, why didn’t they ever talk more about it before?

“It was an unlucky affair at two levels. First, he had to move back to America when the American military withdrew most of their troops from Taiwan.  This all happened during the time when America decided to recognize China in the United Nations. Second, because Taiwan felt betrayed, there were quite a few anti-US protests everywhere when you were a little girl. You and I were naturally thought to be one of the consequences of American betrayal.”

Evelyn’s mother told her that a church provided her a lot of assistance during that time, and she did need their support because as American troops left, their store business dropped significantly. “Especially the ice cream and ice bars.”

Her mom explained that the economy of the township was badly shaken for it had relied on the activities of those American soldiers. “I could have got more support from the church.  As a branch of the American Baptist Church in Taiwan, they felt obliged to take care of me. But in order to be one of them, I had to admit that what I had done was sinful, because in their minds a woman should never conduct premarital sex and have a child without the sacred vow of marriage.”

Evelyn turns to look at her mother, who continues, “You were an annoying baby, a rebellious young girl, and you became a mystery when you entered adulthood. But you were never a mistake.  

Evelyn feels she is on the verge of tears, but she refrains from crying.  She wants to be as cool as her mother is.

“You were in love with this… Julian?”

“Looking back, I am not sure if we were in love or not. We hung out together a lot, but there were so many differences between us that needed to be resolved before we could work out our relationship.  However, we were wonderful partners in dancing. He taught me modern dance, and I taught him our tribal dance. Julian wanted to be a dancer, but he couldn’t afford to go to art school. He joined the military to save money for his plan to be a professional dancer. Julian was fascinated by Taiwanese indigenous dance.  He even began to study their elements for choreography.“

Her mother went on to explain that dancing together with all that physical contact brought them an overwhelming experience of intimacy, and they became lovers. “If I were an American girl, I would be praised as an independent, free thinker. But as a Taiwanese girl, I had to have been either a slut or a victim. Of course under the increasing resentment toward America throughout Taiwan, it was much easier to play the victim.  When the American president went to China to shake hands with the communist leaders, the withdrawal of the American military victimized our whole town because business declined so badly.  I still regret my victim role, not so much for myself but for the society I lived in, with its blind beliefs in certain virtues. “

Evelyn is so surprised and proud to hear that. She now feels ashamed of herself.  She had been hiding her mother from her teachers and classmates. She had believed that this woman was not elegant enough to be her imagined father’s wife. Pride and shame, the twain of Evelyn’s life.

“But how did you feel when you found out you were pregnant? Didn’t you panic?”

“No. I tell you, daughter, despite the morning sickness, swelling limbs and mental storms caused by hormone changes, the pregnancy was the greatest blessing of my life. Becoming a mother is fun, great fun. It’s not unlike dancing; a lot of things happen at the same time at different speeds.  By no means can you practice or rehearse it, but that’s the power of life, the power of giving life.  Chiraya girls are taken care of by our ancestral spirits; one doesn’t have to be afraid.  Too bad that you were never interested.”

Evelyn is stunned. For all her life she had been so careful not to conceive because she hadn’t wanted to repeat her mother’s mistake. It was true that looking through the eyes of others, she had understood her mother’s having her as a misfortune.  But her mother, this independent, free-thinking and regret-free dancer never considered a father to be a necessary condition for a woman to be a mother.   Evelyn protests, “Now you are telling me it’s fun.  I am almost forty-five!”

“How could I know what was going on with you? Other girls figure it out in their twenties or thirties.  I had no idea what was wrong with you.”

“Were you ever in a relationship again?”

Her Mom shook her head, “Under the kind of anti-American climate that existed in Taiwan, we were the perfect evidence of American evils and were better left untouched. We received sympathy, and kindness was heaped on us, but our status was never to be changed.”

Evelyn remembers that when she was in elementary school, the school had a movement “No American Products,” where every school kid’s household was supposed to stop buying anything from America. Protests were everywhere; people gathered in front of American institutions and smashed the car windows of American negotiators and representatives.  Evelyn was not affected by the boycott at all since her mother could barely afford any American products anyway. Many years later when she and her classmates talked about it in college, she realized how useless the boycott was. The public restrained their desire to buy American food, American cigarettes, American sporting goods, and American appliances, but the entire island still heavily relied on the large machines imported from America for the manufacturing industry and construction. Most of the cars in Taiwan at that time were made in the US; even locally produced vehicles required American parts. Not to mention the chemicals and medicines that Taiwanese industries still were unable to produce. Nevertheless, the collective anger of a frustrated society became a blockage in her mother’s life.

“We are the victims of nothing but false victimhood.” Evelyn says.

“Huh?”

“Never mind.”

They remain seated in front of the store; the sun is getting too warm now. A young man on a motorcycle stops in front of them, inquiring, “Do you have any Marlboros?”

“No!” The mother and the daughter answer in unison. The young man rides away.

First published by the Anthology of the 14th Conference of Short Stories in English: West and East, Confluence and Influence, July 2016

[villedesmorterpg]

"You have to admit, I`m getting better at this."

↠ Birthdate: June 4th, 1473 (18/543) ↠ Gender: Female ↠ Sexuality: Up to Player ↠ Occupation: Up to Player ↠ Faceclaim: Nina Dobrev

Katerina Petrova was born into a wealthy Bulgarian family on June 5, 1473. In 1490, a very young Katerina became pregnant by her lover, who was killed after it was discovered Katerina had conceived out of wedlock. Katerina’s father took the child away, saying it would be better for both of them to never see one another and her family disowned her for the shameful birth of an illegitimate daughter. In 1492, she met Elijah Mikaelson, and he introduced her to his younger brother, Niklaus, who intended to use her as a sacrifice to break the Hybrid Curse placed on himself. She escaped with the help of Trevor, who led her pursuers astray, and sent her to his friend Rose. It wasn’t hard for Katerina to trick the two of them into turning her into a vampire, only to abandon them soon after. When she returned to Bulgaria a few months later, she found her entire family slaughtered by Klaus.

In 1864, Katerina arrived in Mystic Falls, taking on the persona of Katherine Pierce to avoid being found by Klaus. After she saved Emily Bennett’s life, Emily forged her a special piece of jewelry with the stone Lapis Lazuli which allowed her to walk in the sun without being burned. She was taken in by one of the town’s founders, Giuseppe Salvatore, having spun a story about being orphaned by a fire that killed her family. Katherine met and fell in love with his son Stefan Salvatore, though she quickly began a relationship with Stefan’s older brother, Damon, as well. Soon Giuseppe discovered what she was and trapped her, murdering his own sons when they tried to rescue her from her ‘death’, only to leave the two believing that she’d died.

Once it was revealed that Katherine was never in the tomb, she returned to Mystic Falls to torment Stefan and Damon, along with Elena, while her ulterior motive was simply to stay hidden from Klaus. When both Damon and Stefan tried to get rid of her, she murdered Caroline and turned her into a vampire, using her to get information and to do her bidding until all three teamed up to trap her and give her an ultimatum: behave, or die. Katherine Pierce refused to die, and agreed to be on her best behavior. At least until she could figure out a way to kill all three of them without setting an entire town after her, along with Klaus.

But before long, Katherine realized that having the Salvatore’s, and even Elena on her side (at least somewhat) was better than doing it on her own. Klaus was no longer looking for her, having already performed the ceremony to become a hybrid, and forgiving Katherine’s transgressions once he had what he wanted. Still subject to her old ways, she still went after Jeremy, and Bonnie when it was convenient for her, each time sending her on the run until she came crawling back, begging for forgiveness all over again.

When Elena offered an exchange to Klaus, it came with the condition (unbeknownst to Katherine) that Katherine be given a clean slate, in all aspects. They needed a safe place outside of Mystic Falls, and where better to go than a city filled with ancient magic and a blood feud looming? Katherine, always up to her never-ending antics, already wanted to make friends on every side. Survival was the only thing she was good at, so why stop in a different city? After all, everyone needed an ally. Katherine just has a few dozen.

Although she did develop genuine affection for both Damon and Stefan, and even love for Stefan, she is also calculating and selfish, selling out the other vampires in Mystic Falls in order to fake her own death. Her actions both in 1492 and 1864 prove she has an extremely well-developed sense of self-preservation, almost always at the expense of any human compassion or remorse. Katherine's extremely heightened sense of self-preservation has helped her develop a knack for creating elaborate plans and deceptions. Even when she takes a risk, which must be well worth it, she proceeds with caution and a means of escape in place. Thus, despite whatever feelings she has for Stefan, Damon, and even Elijah at one point, it isn’t certain whether she would save their lives over her own, though the evidence so far suggests Katherine could not help but choose her own survival above all else.

Stefan Salvatore  ↠ Katherine has always maintained that Stefan held her heart, even though she has always claimed to love anyone that can do something for her. Even if he hates her, he knows that deep down, there was real love there at one point, even if that’s been twisted over the past 160 years.

Damon Salvatore  ↠ Even though she says she never loved Damon, it’s obvious that she held some kind of affections for him. Though not as much as Stefan, she’s willingly helped Damon on several occasions, for no reason other than to help him. That doesn’t mean she wouldn’t sacrifice him for herself though.

Klaus Mikaelson ↠ Katherine spent centuries running from Klaus, so when she was offered the chance at a clean slate, she jumped at the chance. She knew that the first chance given, he would kill her without a second thought, so knowing that she could co-exist with all those she had hurt without repercussions was the easiest choice she’d made so far.

This character is OPEN.