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websterss · 2 months ago

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ABOVE EVERYTHING ELSE — TYLER HARRISON

SUMMARY: Tyler has everything to lose especially when Weyland Corps has you in their hold, so why wouldn't he follow through with his orders in order to get you back.

WARNING(S): angst, fluff,

WORD COUNT: 2,844

PAIRING: Tyler Harrison x fem!Reader

A/N: I hope you enjoy it! Feedback is always welcomed!

MASTERLIST

Tyler sat rigid and on edge as he waited in the west wing of the ship's infirmary bay. The cool metal bench seeped through his pants as he bounced his knee for five minutes. The long wait agitated him and made him uneasy. He clocked his three o'clock and then his nine, both ends of the hallways vacant and deserted apart from him and his need to see you. They usually were sporadic with being on time and persisting he be there on time for his debrief before he was allowed to see you again. That was Weyland's leverage over him, holding you high over his head, out of reach, and using your status updates as a means to get him to cave into doing their dirty work.

This new task made him feel like a snake. Made him hate the way he was going to have to betray those he cared about. Rain. How she and Andy were his first step in getting you back to him. This was the last of many debriefs he had been given before, many tasks where he had to carry out and commit crimes that plagued and haunted his dreams. Everything he's done, everything he was about to do was unforgivable. There was also that slight voice in the back of his head weighing all the possibilities where you would find out about his assignments and leave him. He at times thinks you should but you never do. You don't leave because if there was one thing that was keeping you here, still being with him, it was the undying love you had for one another.

"Harrison." A nurse calls out, pulling him out of his spiraling. He straightens his back and stands up. "Follow me."

Tyler nods, not one to question orders, and follows the nurse down the hallway quietly.

Tyler follows the nurse through multiple lefts and rights. He reigned in on the fact you weren’t easily accessible to reach. The facility was large and sterile, cold and unsettling. The nurse leads him down to a large room that looks more like a high-tech lab. They reach the closed door, where she swipes her badge across the scanner, a beep is emitted from the device and before he knew it the door was swishing open in a slide. The second his foot crosses the threshold, he meets your gaze. He takes no time in rushing towards you, wrapping his arms around your fragile state. He sighs, breathing in your scent, the oxygen cords inserted in your nostrils colliding with his chest as he hugs you gently but firmly.

"Ty!" You breathe out, a smile dawning on your tired expression.

Tyler feels himself at ease at the sound of your voice, his arms tighten around you as if you would disappear if he let go. He buries his face in the crook of your neck, taking his time to drink in the sight of you alive in front of him.

"Hey, sweetheart." He greets you tenderly, pulling back to get a proper look at you. You look so small and fragile in comparison to the massive medical bed you're lying in. The oxygen tubes in your nostrils and the plethora of wires that run from you to the various pieces of medical machinery make you look more like an experiment than a person. It breaks him to always see you this way. His gaze never falters from you as he calls over his shoulder to the nurse. "Leave us." Once he hears the swish of the door open and close again he looks back and then faces you once again. You look back at the door, feeling at ease now that you have him all to yourself.

"I've missed you. You weren't here last week. T-they said I'm getting better." Your breaths are slow and labored.

"I know. I couldn't come." A pang of guilt makes his stomach twist as he remembers the real reason he hadn't shown. "But I'm here now, alright? Sorry, I couldn't be here earlier." The words felt like bile in his mouth, but he pushed past the feeling as he squeezed your hand in his. "I had a meeting to attend to, but all's well and said now. I'm here and I'm all yours." He reaches forward to tuck one side of your oxygen tube behind your ear.

"I-I like the sound of that." You hum in delight, melting into his gentle caresses.

"Of course you do. You're pretty easy to please, sweetheart." Ty teases softly, his thumb rubbing small circles against the top of your knuckles. He studies your features, noting how tired you look, he can also see that your hair is getting long and unkempt. The sight of your hair growing back gives him all the hope he needs to push through.

"I missed seeing your smile." He murmurs, his hand continuing to stroke against your temple and hair. A beat of silence passes. "I think the treatments are starting to pay off. We were right to start you on them. I mean you're glowing compared to how you were these last two months." He beams. "How have they been treating you here? Is everything okay? Have they been too harsh or rough on you? I'll get Captain Mayfair to provide you with better nurses if they are. I won't hesitate to–" He inquires, his voice lowered slightly.

"Ty, baby, it's okay. They've made sure to make me feel as comfortable as possible."

"Promise?" Ty probes, staring earnestly into your eyes. "You would tell me, right? If they have been harming you? You'd tell me."

The way Tyler's looking at you lets him know there's a good chance that if any of the staff here have been making you feel uncomfortable you wouldn't complain. He knows you'd be too nice to even consider it.

"You'd kill anyone on sight if you so much as saw a bruise on my skin…I'm okay." You reassure him. Squeezing his hands. He looks down at your grip, amazed by the strength you've garnered again.

He chuckles, looking down at your intertwined hands, a soft breath of relief passing through his lips. The slight squeeze of your hand does little to soothe his fears, but for the moment, he lets himself bask in the fact that you're okay. It's more than he can hope for given the circumstances.

"You don't know the half of what I would do for you." He murmurs, slowly bringing your hand up to his lips. He plants a light kiss on your knuckles. "You're my top priority, infinitely."

"Infinitely?" You try to mask your chuckle, but he hears you anyway. "Two weeks ago you said I was a top priority, yet eternally."

"Forgive me, my love, for thinking you're the most important thing in the entire goddamn universe?" He smirks, rolling his eyes playfully as a scoff bubbles from his lips. He gives you a lopsided smile, bringing your hand to his cheek to nuzzle his face into it. He shuts his eyes and relishes the feeling of you against his skin. "You're top priority every single day and that's not going to change, you know. But when I say eternally…" His eyes open, looking back up at you. "I mean eternally. Until I die, or if you give out on me, and I no longer have you, the one thing keeping me from jumping into space without a suit. You're my top priority, no matter what. It's you above everything and everyone!"

"Well…I-I wouldn't go as far as to say above everyone, surely there are others that trump me-"

Ty pulls back slightly, a small frown playing at his features as he cocks his head to the side to look at you more directly.

"No." He asserts, his voice firm. "No. Don't even go there. You're top prior, my love. You are above all of them. You'll always be above everyone. I wouldn't be where I am today without you by my side. I wouldn't still be breathing if it weren't for you. You're the–the center of the Milky Way, my love. You are a…" He pauses, searching your eyes for any doubt, glitching when his brain farted.

"A black hole?" You quipp.

"Hush." He teases, grinning down at you. He playfully jabs your side with his index finger, watching a small smile grace your features. Seeing that smile makes his heart leap into his throat. He'll never get used to it. "You cheeky thing." He mutters, grabbing your other free hand. He takes it in his, intertwining the other hand that was there. He brings both your hands up to his lips again and gently kisses your knuckles. "You're more than a black hole. You're a supernova that's going to explode everyone's galaxy." He pauses, his smile never leaving his lips. "Including mine."

You flush under his warm eyes. You bite down on your bottom lip, your demeanor evolving into one of timidness. He had got you with that one, that was for sure. And he seemed to notice the fault in your composure. His smirk only grew.

"Really? That's the one that gets you?" He coos, grinning at the lovely flush that was spreading to your cheeks. It wasn't often that he was able to render you into a speechless blushing mess but when he could, my god did it fill him with an incredible amount of pride and love for you. His fingers gently squeeze your knuckles. "I'll remember this for next time, my love. Duly noted." He remarks slyly.

"It was good…" You laugh.

"It was pretty good, huh?" He teases lightly, his thumbs slowly starting to rub soothing circles against your knuckles. He chuckles, bringing his gaze up to your eyes again. "You don't make it too hard, my love. Just mentioning anything with a celestial connection and you're blushing like a school-aged teen, practically eating right out of the palms of my hands."

"It's the accent." You shrug. Blaming his pronunciation of his words and delivery. Mostly the delivery.

"Oh, now you're just grasping at straws, sweetheart." He quips again, grinning at you. "Now, I admit, my accent might be one of the finer things about me, but it's not exactly the primary reason you get all flushed." He hums, letting his thumbs press a little harder into your knuckles.

“You’re right, it’s all your hotness that’s making me swoon.” You feign a sigh.

"Yeah right, you big fibber." He calls you out, but there's a hint of a smirk that forms on his face. "You're swooning because you know who I belong to." He replies, his voice taking on a lower, gruff tone. "You swoon because you know I'm yours." His voice is just above a whisper, his eyes darkening. "Only yours, sweetheart."

You avert your gaze down to your lap. A faint smile displayed on your lips. But it slowly fades as Tyler tilts his head to meet your eyes. "W-what did they tell you?"

Tyler's face quickly morphs from playful to apprehensive. His thumbs had stopped their motion and now rested against your knuckles as he looked into your eyes.

"Let's not. Let's not talk about that right now." He says carefully, his dark eyes narrowing.

"Tyler, I can see it practically eating at you. What is it this time? What are they sending you to do?"

Tyler's jaw clenches, his eyes closing briefly as he lets out a soft sigh. He had been praying to anyone that you weren't going to mention his work for Weyland-Yutani. He should have known better. You were never the type to simply ignore the big elephant in the room.

His lips form into a thin line as he averts his gaze away from you. His mind is in an internal debate, contemplating whether to be honest with you or not. Tyler bites at the inside of his cheek, hesitating before he decides to speak.

"There's something new." He pauses, trying to organize his words. He looks at your face, noticing the growing sadness in your expression. His eyes soften as a wave of sadness mirrors over his own features. "They…" He pauses again, his jaw clenching slightly. "They told me it would be a retrieval."

"A retrieval for what?"

"Some sort of substance called Plagiarus Praepotens?"

"Plagiarus Praepotens? What's that?"

"They didn't tell me much just that it was extracted from a xenomorph and combined with human DNA to perfect humans, whatever that means."

"A xenomorph...what the hell is that?"

"From what I’ve been told. I don't want to know."

"Tyler maybe this one isn't such a good idea. I mean from the sounds of it, it doesn't feel safe."

"I don't have a choice, my love." He mumbles, his head lowering in shame and guilt, the reality of the situation hitting him like a truck. He releases your hand from his grip and turns his whole body away from you. It pains him to feel weak but the truth is that is exactly what he is in the grand scheme of things. "I have my orders so I have to do this. I'll get them what they need, but not only that…" He inhales deeply. "I found a way to get us to Yvaga."

"Yvaga…Tyler what are you talking about?"

For the first time since you've known him, he looked desperate. In the years you'd been together, you've never once seen a crack in his confidence. He was always the strong and steady shoulder for you to lean on, but right now, in this very moment, that facade he usually wore was cracking. The facade he'd tried so hard to keep up for you was crumbling.

"I-" He pauses, swallowing thickly. "I have a plan."

"Ty…" You warned.

His eyes flicker around your face, his fingers twitching against his pants. His features shifting from desperate, to guilty and then finally to pleading. "There's cryostasis chambers on that spacecraft." He murmurs, licking his lips nervously. "I-I just need you to trust me."

"You're gonna go rogue…"

"No. No, I'm-" He stops himself short and he sighs deeply. "I-" He hesitates. His eyes are locked on your face and a wave of guilt washes over him as he sees the look in your eyes. "Damnit." He mumbled under his breath, his shoulders slumping.

He leans forward from where he sat on your bed, bringing his head close to yours. He tilts his head down and presses his forehead against your shoulder, his hands coming up to rest on either side of your waist. "Sweetheart…" He mutters, his voice hoarse. "I'll tell you everything. I swear. But, you have to trust me." He pleaded. He could feel your body stiffen against him, whether it was from the pain of his grip or from what he was asking of you, he didn't know. "I just want to get you out of here."

"Yvaga was always just a pipedream for us…It always felt so out of reach." You shake your head.

"It's not, my love." He whispers against your shoulder. He tightens his grip on your body ever so slightly. "It's not out of reach. I know it's not. I-I just need you to hold on for a bit longer. Can you do that, for me?" He murmurs, his head slowly pulling away from your shoulder, so he can look you in the eyes again. His expression had changed to one of almost desperation. "I meant every would I said about getting you out of here and I intend to keep my word."

"I know you do Tyler, but what are the risks huh? What's the catch in all this?"

"I-" He cuts himself off short, his eyes flickering away from your face for a moment. He knew he couldn't lie to you, you wouldn't accept that. But the truth wasn't going to make the situation any better. Instead, he slowly drags his hand up from your side to wrap a piece of your hair around his finger. He gently rubbed the strands between his fingers. He took a deep shaky breath before he was able to answer you. "Honestly..." He began, his voice low. "I need Andy to be able to access the entryways onto the ship."

"Andy? But that would mean you'd need to talk to Rain about him."

He nods his head slowly. "Yeah…I-" He pauses, hesitating. "I-I'll have to talk to Rain." He replies, his tone sounding reluctant. He didn't want to get anyone else involved in the situation, especially since he was essentially putting them on the line in the process. But what other choice did he have?

"Y-you're not gonna tell her about all this are you?" Your voice grows shaky.

He shakes his head slowly, his brow furrowing. "No." He murmurs in response. There was no way in hell he was going to drag anyone else into this. Putting you at risk was the last thing he wanted to do, but there were no other options. "It's you above everything and everyone else."

#tyler harrison #tyler harrison x reader #tyler harrison imagine #tyler harrison x fem!reader #tyler harrison oneshot #alien romulus #alien romulus tyler #writings by juls #my gif #archie renaux

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thatonebirdwrites · 24 days ago

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L-Corp and chilled scotch

The scotch pours into her cup, the chill saturates through the glass, and the temptation to just throw the glass and drink directly from the bottle taunts her yet again. She resists.

Unlike her ability to resist Kara.

Kara Danvers or rather Supergirl, the hero that is the beloved of National City.

And a habitual liar.

She throws back the scotch, the cool temperature a balm across the burn of the alcohol. Hope sits on her desk, a swirling cubical sculpture, that offers up yet another simulation for Lena to attempt.

Or would have.

The doors swing open with a bang, and Samantha Arias stands there, an expression of fury on her usually smug or gentle expressions.

"Lena Kieran Luthor," she snaps. "I am sick of you dodging my phone calls."

"Oh?" She pours herself another drink and wishes she'd told Jess to not allow anyone into her office. She'd forgotten Sam had full access to her still.

"Normally I'd just roll with it." Sam slams the doors shut, marches over and plucks the glass right out of Lena's hands. "But to ghost Ruby? Your goddaughter?"

So that's the source of Sam's fury. Lena crosses her arms over her chest.

"Now that I won't allow. Ruby adores you, Lena, and you do not get to ice her out like this."

"It's better for her," Lena starts to say, but Sam does the unthinkable. She dumps the scotch into the garbage. "Hey! That's damn good scotch you're wasting!"

"I don't want to have this talk if you're drunk." Sam sighs and presses flips her hair over her shoulder. "I think it's time Ruby and I returned to National CIty, Lena."

"No, you're will not." Lena scowls. "You have Metropolis."

"And what good is that if my best friend is currently ghosting her goddaughter, drinking her life away, and apparently mismanaging L-Corp's funds?" Sam stabs her finger at Lena's chest. "Don't think I haven't noticed that either. What the hell has you this worked up? Is it Kara?"

Lena attempts to school her face in time but the shock of Sam's very accurate guess slips out for a brief second. Long enough for Sam to catch it.

"It is Kara." The fury that Sam rode in with switches to concern. "Lena, whatever happened? You don't have to face it alone. I'm here for you. I'll always be here for you."

"You don't know what I've done, Sam," Lena says flatly. She doesn't want Sam's pity. "Would you want a murderer interacting with Ruby?"

Sam flips her hair over her shoulder again and does a rather dashing pose that reminds Lena far too much of Reign. "Guess whose body murdered dozens and destabilized Earth's climate? Yup, that's me!"

"It wasn't really you," Lena protests.

"Does it matter?" Sam gestures to the sofa, and when Lena doesn't move, she, far more gently than Lena deserves, pushes her down and settles next to her. "Reign, in my body, tried to kill Ruby. There are times Ruby looks at me, and I see fear in her eyes. That's not something we can just erase from her memory, Lena. My hands are coated in blood regardless of who did it. I must live with that, so whatever you've done? It can't be worse than that."

"I killed my brother, Sam," Lena blurts out, and is appalled at herself. She's never said it out loud like this before. Not since she shot Lex, saw his proof of Kara Danvers = Supergirl, and then lit the whole bunker on fire, sealing it forever in concrete and metal with the DNA lock. "Took my pistol, and shot him right in the chest. My own brother. And I did it thinking I was saving Kara, saving the world. But I was a fool." She looks away and reaches for the scotch.

Sam puts it out of her reach and grasps her hands instead. "You're not a fool," she says, softly. "You did what you thought was right."

"Right," Lena sneers. "What even is rightness? Do you know what it feels like to hold the pistol in your hands, Sam? To feel its heft? To smell the gunpowder, hear the bang, the gush of blood? What of that metallic smell? The acidic smoke of a body burning?"

Sam continues to hold her hands, her thumb rubbing back and forth, but she says nothing. Only tilts her head, listening.

It infuriates Lena, but she doesn't want Sam to let go. She feels unmoored, her entire body vibrating with a vicious energy, where she wants those that hurt her to bleed. But Kara can't bleed. She stronger than goddamn steel. No, she can only rip Kara apart, so that Kara has nothing. Just like Kara's damn secret did to Lena's heart.

"As he coughs up blood," she uses the most descriptive language she can in hopes it'll convince Sam to give up on her, "he dragged himself to his computer, turned on the TVs, and showed me exactly who Kara Danvers is. Lex with his dying breaths, his blood filled lungs, said I've been a goddamn fool. Unable to see what was right in front of my eyes." The tears sting her eyes, and that makes her even more angry.

Still Sam doesn't say anything.

"Say something, Sam!" Lena snaps. "Tell me that I'm a monster! A murderer. A villain! It's apparently what Kara thinks. She lied to me again and again, and this whole time she was Supergirl. Probably keeping me, the Luthor, close to make sure I stay in line. So let's be honest, let's lay it all out, don't we? I'm a villain. My family are villains, that's all I'll ever be."

Sam sighs. "No, Lena. No you were never the villain. You've always been the hero. I wouldn't be here if not for you. Ruby wouldn't be here. None of us would. You've saved so many a thousand times over." Her words rain onto Lena's desiccated heart, and the tears threaten to overflow. "And no you are not like your family. I don't know what Kara's deal is. Why she kept that truth from you, but I do know you. And you can't and won't ever be a villain."

"I killed my own brother, Sam," Lena argues.

"Yes, you told me. That doesn't make you a villain." Sam leans closer, her brown eyes intense. "I know that can change a person. Taking a life like that? It's not easy to bear. It sucks, I know."

"You don't even remember what Reign did," Lena says, irritated.

"I do actually. Not all of it, but..." The haunted look in Sam's eye floods Lena with guilt and a hint of disbelief. "When you were working to find the cure in your lab, before Supergirl barged in on us, I -- I started to recall bits and pieces. Then you somehow got both of us in that other dimension. Reign tried very hard to convince me to let go and embrace her. She pushed the memories on me. The crunch of bones in my hands, the nauseating metallic scent, the lifeless eyes still wide with fear. That -- that doesn't leave me."

"Oh." Lena's anger slowly fades into a confusing mire of bitterness and worry. "You didn't mention it."

"How could I?" Sam blinked away her own tears and gave Lena a pained smile. "I was panicking. I remember how you held me. How you reassured me that you would find a cure. You gave me hope that I wouldn't be just an alien weapon. So no, Lena, no matter what you've done, you can't be a villain. You saved me and the world, and I'm not going to let you forget it."

Lena looks down at their hands. She still hasn't pulled away from Sam's gentle touch. "Even if I'm plotting revenge? To make Kara hurt like she hurt me?"

"Even then."

"Revenge is for villains," Lena protests. Sam gives her a look that spells out how she definitely doesn't agree. Frustrated, Lena pushes forward. "Look, I've even dragged Andrea into my plot--"

"The one who viciously betrayed you?" Sam's eyebrows rose.

"The one and same. Gave her Catco." Lena couldn't hide her bitterness from her voice. "I bought it for Kara anyway. Might as well give it to someone who isn't qualified to lead it. Let it tank. Let Kara feel the pain of it. Then I'll unveil her true identity at her damn award ceremony, so the whole world can see her lies."

"Okay." Sam wraps an arm around Lena's shoulders. "So when is this ceremony?"

Lena blinks at Sam, surprised. "You're not going to talk me out of this?"

"I know you, Lena. And I know your heart. When the moment comes, you'll do the right thing. You always do." Sam smiles and the warmth of her arm melts some of the chill that had coated Lena's heart since her brother's death.

"So you're helping me." Lena isn't quite sure what to make of this development.

"I said I got your back, and I meant it."

That fractures Lena just enough that the tears escape. Sam draws her into a hug, and for the first time in weeks since her brother's death, Lena weeps.

***

The Pulitzer ceremony happens in the Art Museum downtown, their theatrical stage converted into a cocktail party. The dishes mostly variations of either French cuisine or potstickers. Thanks to Sam's assistance, Lena wove herself into the planning committee and convinced them to let her give the speech and the award to Kara herself.

Far too easy. At least for the planning portion. Andrea showed up several times to try to convince Lena to give away the surprise sooner, but Lena's firm handling of Andrea shut that down. She'd sent Andrea to Sam for an exclusive interview.

Sam, who would soon become the next CEO of the entirety of L-corp, while Lena stepped down into a pure research consultation position.

That had been Sam's idea, mostly to fix the hemorrhaging of funds issue, so Lena didn't end up investigated by the FBI. Last thing she needed right now, so instead, she'll use her private wealth and L-Corps science grants to fund her projects.

Today, she stands on the balcony, her fingers tapping through the evidence she'd found on the last of Lex's servers. The rest of his servers she'd hacked and deleted until all that was left was what she had stored in this particular tablet.

The rest of her plan involved a carefully written speech about honesty and truth, so when the news breaks, the juxaposition of her words against the truth of Kara's lies will surely destroy her like Kara's lie had destroyed Lena.

She'd practiced her speech in front of Sam and Ruby, though Ruby still had no idea why Lena was so bitter toward Kara. Sam didn't convince her to alter any parts of it, though she did ask one question that haunted Lena still:

"Is this your truth or a half-lie for Kara's sake?"

Lena had scoffed and said the latter, but Sam tilted her head as if not believing her. All her years of Luthor upbringing could not fool Sam, who somehow pierced through to her real feelings with just one look.

Now she overlooks the guests who mill about the extravagantly decorated room. The scent of savory food wafts up from below, the wine already heavy in her stomach. Kara keeps looking up at her from where she speaks with Alex and Kelly, and Lena does her best to ignore each glance.

Every time Kara looks away, Lena looks down at her and wonders. Was anything Kara shared real? Was it all an act? Those questions haunt her as much as Sam's, and she turns and walks into the backstage area.

To her dismay, Kara finds her there. Of all places for Kara to show up. Lena schools her features into delight for Kara as she speaks of how she plans to give the award speech.

Except Kara does the exact thing Lena assumed she'd never do.

She takes off her glasses. "I'm Supergirl!" Words tumble from Kara's mouth in an avalanche. "And I'm so, so sorry. I should have told you ages ago, but I loved being just Kara with you. And I was afraid to lose you, and I can't lose you. So I thought I could be just Kara with you, and I convinced myself I wouldn't lose you then.... but I've been a fool. So selfish. I've been lying to myself too. I thought I was protecting you, but I've been hurting you, haven't I? And I can't bear that. Gosh, Lena, I'm so sorry." Her tears smudging her makeup, and the repeated apology sear into Lena.

For once in her life, Lena has no idea what to say or think. Is this also an act?

"Please, Lena, say something," Kara begs.

And yet, Lena can't.

Kara apologized. Kara finally told her the truth.

What can she do with this? Surely it's not real. Just another ploy. Kara must know Lena knows. She must have slipped up somewhere, given away a clue.

And yet, the earnest grief in Kara's expression, the way she says "I just wanted to be Kara with you. Just Kara. I'm so sorry. I was wrong to lie to you all this time."

The way she begs Lena to speak, it all collides with Lena, and she feels breathless, on the verge of tears.

What does Kara even mean? To admit the wrongdoing? To admit she was being selfish?

Lex would never do such a thing. Lillian would scoff at the idea that she could be wrong.

So what does it mean for Kara to admit she was wrong? To admit she lied? To admit she had hung with Lena to play the role of human? The apology, the tears, the desperate longing in Kara's voice is unlike any apology Lena has ever heard.

She can't process it.

The host catches Lena's eye and taps his wrist. "It's almost time."

Lena takes the opportunity and steps around Kara. Her feet move for her, and she follows the host to the back of the stage, hidden by the red curtains. She hurriedly wipes the tears from her eyes, and touches up her make-up.

The truth in the tablet weighs heavy in her hands. She steps onto stage at her cue and places the tablet on the podium. The send button glares up at her, and her fingers hover over it.

The crowd lines up in rows in front of the stage. Kara stands next to Alex and Nia. Kelly, Brainy, and J'onn stand off to one side, and in the corner of the crowd, leaning against a pillar, Sam stands.

Kara's eyes are still red from her tears, her make-up fixed.

The speech rolls off Lena's tongue like sour candy. She's practiced it enough that the emotive moments come out as planned.

It's Sam's expression that cuts Lena far more than the rising hope in Kara's. Sam's expression burns with an intensity, as if she sees into Lena's soul, knows exactly her indecision.

Lena's finger hovers. One tap and the whole world will know the truth.

And yet her finger refuses to touch the screen.

Kelly glances between her and Kara, her brow furrowed. Does she know?

Alex knows definitely.

Does Brainy? He stands rigid slightly behind Nia, where the young reporter smiles up at Lena. Did they know?

J'onn has his arms crossed, and surely he knew.

Was any of her 'friends' real?

Beyond them, the crowd shifts and edges closer. Dozens of faces upturned to hear her speech, to hear her speak of the virtues of Kara, to listen to her extol on honesty and truth, and to lay that at Kara's feet.

As if Kara was truthful and honest. As if she truly deserved this award.

And yet, her heart betrays her. She drops her hand next to the tablet. Pauses to take a breath. This is it. She needs to do it now, but her hand doesn't hit send. Instead, she exits the program, picks up the award from its case, and steps out from behind the podium.

"And so I present to Kara, the Pulitzer Prize, for her truthful reporting of my brother's deadly actions, and for unveiling the reality of bigotry against alien communities." She stresses 'alien' and looks at Kara.

Kara, the one person who somehow broke through all her defenses, her stole away her heart faster than anyone prior. Even with Jack, the love had been a slow build, but with Kara? Lena had fallen for her in that first meeting in her office.

How could she not? Kara's warmth, how she'd admitted to understanding Lena's situation, an understanding Lena thought she'd never have beyond Jack and Sam.

Memories of their times together deluges Lena, and tears escape. She wants it all to be real so badly.

Kara steps forward, hope in her expression, and that tears Lena's heart even more.

With shaking hands she gives the award to Kara. In front of everyone, in front of the cameras, in front of the world watching this very moment, Kara grasps her arms instead.

"Lena," she says, her voice trembling, "Lena, thank you. I -- I couldn't do this without you. I can't do this without you."

The words leap from her lips, unplanned, unscripted. Her heart betraying her yet again. "You will always have me as a friend."

Kara sweeps her into a hug, presses a kiss to Lena's forehead, and she can't help but sink into the warmth.

She wants this to be real.

Oh god, she needs this to be real.

But the pain of the lie overshadows her, and she struggles against tears. Struggles to hold back her grief, her agony.

Her shattered heart cuts her to pieces, her body a betrayal, and yet she doesn't want to let go. Doesn't care who sees her. She wants this to be real.

She needs this to be real. She needs Kara.

And yet, Kara destroyed her. Destroyed her more than the gunshot to Lex's chest.

She pulls back, her body trembling, and she presses a kiss to Kara's cheek. Kara's sharp intake of breath slices deep, coils in Lena's belly. How can she resist Kara?

Why can't this be real?

The universe takes pity on her. An alien bursts into the room through a bubbling silver-blue portal. Energy arcs toward them, and Kara shifts them so it hits her back. They tumble in a heap to the ground, the wind knocked out of Lena's lungs. Her tablet goes skidding into the curtains. She gasps as pain briefly shoots up her back.

Kara sweeps Lena to her feet, and pushes her into the curtains. They stumble out of sight.

Kara rips off her glasses. Nanites ripples over clothes, and the supersuit -- pants edition -- blooms over her body. "I got this. Please, get to safety, Lena."

Alex and J'onn calmly give orders, while Kara -- as Supergirl -- bursts out from the curtains to tackle the other alien.

Lena snags her tablet and stumbles through the backstage, dazed. Her head spins from where she'd hit the floorboards. Her path takes her away from the clamor of fighting, and she tumbles into a side gallery. There a growing crowd, guided by Alex and several security guards, stream toward an exit sign.

Kelly reaches her side before Sam. "Are you all right?" Kelly looks her over with the practiced eye of a medic.

Lena nods, but when Sam wraps an arm around her as if sensing her unsteadiness. She lets herself lean against Sam. Lets her and Kelly guide her to safety. Behind her, the crashes shake the floor under them. The walls crack.

Alex orders the guards to continue evacuating, pauses only to kiss Kelly's cheek, and rushes into the other room.

This isn't real.

Whatever she has with Kara, it can't be real.

Kelly turns to her, and her question cuts through Lena's shock. "Where's Kara?"

Lena stares at Kelly.

"Wasn't she with you?" Kelly scans the crowd, worried.

Kelly doesn't know. The truth takes the breath from Lena's lungs. Kelly doesn't know.

Lena isn't the last after all.

Sam puts a hand on Kelly's shoulder. "I'm sure Alex reached her."

Kelly shook her head. "How? She was guiding the others out."

Lena watches herself say, "Kara is safe. She ducked backstage." A lie that protects Kara and only leaves Kelly further in the dark.

"I'll send security her way then. She needs to get out safely." Kelly turns and snags a guard.

Lena watches Kelly say, "Can you look for Kara Danvers? Last seen backstage." Watches and says nothing.

Sam's hand grips her shoulder. "You kept her secret," she whispered.

Sam doesn't know what Lena did with the tablet. Lena looks down at the tablet still in her hand. She could still do it. Andrea waits for her transfer at Catco.

Instead, she slams the tablet against the wall. It cracks the screen. Again and again she shatters it. The pieces tumble to the ground, only stopping when Sam grasps her hand and pulls the wrecked tablet from her grip.

Numerous people have turned to stare at her, but a guard breaks the sudden stillness with a sharp command, "Move now!"

Another boom shakes the side room, and the panicked whispering, the urgent rush begins again.

Sam takes her arm and leads her to the exit.

Kelly follows, and they tumble out of the museum into daylight. The chorus of the city saturates Lena's senses, and the words from Sam and Kelly are drowned in the rumble of engines, calls of birds, panicked cries from the crowd, the yelling of fervent guards.

Lena sees only the look of hope in Kara's eyes. She closes her eyes, sways, and the moment overtakes her. She faints.

***

Sam and Kelly sit on the lip of the ambulance, while Lena endures the examination of a paramedic. She says nothing, doesn't explain her faint, only deals with the tests.

The IV fluids chill her veins, but she doesn't refuse like normal.

Why did she lie to Kelly? Why did she keep Kara's secret?

Andrea will be livid. She has nothing to give Andrea now. The only evidence lay on the destroyed tablet.

Why? She has no answer to her own question.

Someone speaks to her, but the words dance around her. It takes several long minutes before the words collapse into meaning in her brain.

"-- possible shock." The paramedic speaks.

"I know." Sam sounds tired and worried. "But she's very much against hospitals. I can take her to her private doctor for those tests."

"I'm a certified medic," Kelly adds. "I can handle it if she won't go in." She gently puts a hand on Lena's shoulder. "Unless you are all right with --"

"No." The word comes with great difficulty. "I do not need the hospital." She feels as if she watches someone else speak with her lips.

Sam takes control and tucks her into her car.

Kelly rides with them, and they head to Lena's private doctor. Despite her worry for Alex, Kelly stays with Lena. Speaks to her gently. Offers kind words of support. Briefly texts Alex, but Lena sees the text and it contains nothing about Lena's situation.

"Thank you." Lena shivers and wraps the blanket tighter around herself. It's white, the fabric scratchy, but its from the ambulance so she doesn't expect any better. "I --" Lena can't finish the sentence.

She feels caught in a loop.

Why couldn't she do it?

The plan had been flawless. Perfect.

And yet, here she was, keeping Kara's secret. She was now an accomplice, and this time it was Kelly she kept in the dark. Unless Kelly too was an actress. No, she can't let that continue, can she? Can she truly do this to another?

Wouldn't keeping the lie only hurt Kelly like it hurts Lena now? No, she can't do that to Kelly.

She waits until the blood tests are taken, until after her doctor looks her over and orders to take a few days of rest, until Kelly and Sam lead her into her penthouse.

As soon as the door shuts, she turns to Kelly and asks the fateful question. "Did you know Kara is Supergirl?"

Kelly blinks and stares at Lena. "What?"

"Did you know too? Did everyone now but me?" She wants to be angry. To draw forth the pain into a blade of fury, but her words come out broken.

She wanted Kara to bleed and yet she'd failed.

Kelly shakes her head. "Are we talking about Kara Danvers? Her?"

Sam sighs. "I'm making us tea. Rest means laying down, Lena." She points to the sofa.

Lena frowns but dutifully sits down.

Kelly stands in the entryway still. "Alex never said," she says, finally.

"Kara only told me today," Lena admits. For that is the truth. "Right before my speech."

"I see." Kelly meets Lena's gaze. "I had no idea. I'm sorry, Lena. Are you all right? To learn something that jarring about your girlfriend? I -- I know how painful that can be."

Girlfriend? Lena stares at Kelly. Girlfriend?

Kelly thinks Kara and her are dating?

Lena's thoughts screech to a halt. "No," she says and lays down. She rests her arm over her eyes, and shuts out everyone. Whatever Kelly or Sam say, she ignores. She refuses food, refuses everything, and curls up under the shitty blanket.

***

Two days huddled on the sofa, and Lena feels like a truck has driven over her back again and again. Her sofa is perhaps the worst thing in the universe for sleeping, but Lena hadn't felt like getting up.

Sam stayed. Ruby joins them, and between the two of them, they coax Lena into eating and drinking some juice.

Sadly, no scotch. Sam hid it.

At one point, Kara shows up, but Sam turns her away. Alex comes by next, and Sam turns her away too.

"Aunt Lena," Ruby sits next to her as they watch a documentary on the wall television. "Are you feeling sick still?"

Lena looks at the thirteen year old. Is that what Sam told Ruby? In a sense, she feels like death warmed over, even if it's not a physical illness. The anger that had fueled her plan had collapsed into a malaise so deep that Lena wishes she could just cease existing.

"Yes." It's the most she's spoken in two days.

"We can make your favorite soup again. I've gotten better at it. Mom's been teaching me." Ruby attempts a smile. "And I made you something. Maybe it'll help you feel better?" Ruby digs into her backpack, that sits at her feet, and pulls out a framed drawing.

Lena takes it and tears overwhelm her.

It's a drawing of Sam, Ruby, and herself in the L-Corp office. The colors are vibrant, the expressions emotive, and it's beautiful. The last time someone had given her art was Kara.

"What do you think?" Ruby's words hold uncertainty.

Lena grasps Ruby's hand. "It's beautiful," she says, softly. "Thank you." The pre-teen grins, and the pain, for a little while, recedes. She lets Ruby pull her up, plays along with finding a home for the drawing, and together they hand it above the mock fireplace. The same place where her photo her herself and Kara had sat.

She doesn't deserve this kindness.

That evening, Sam convinces her to finally go to bed. "Your back will thank you."

Lena gifts her a faint smile. "Fine."

"And I'll handle L-Corp. Don't worry about a thing, okay?" Sam shakes a finger at her. "You need to rest. Doctor's orders you know."

Normally she'd scoff and dismiss it. Normally, she'd buckle up and go in anyway. Normally, she'd push aside her emotions and work herself to the bone.

But the malaise has sunk its fingers deep. Lena only nods, and slips under the covers to hide once more. For the rest of that day, she reviews events. Reviews emotions. Reviews what she can recall.

What is real?

Can she ever trust Kara again?

She loves her still, and it hurts so much. Hurts more than even her brother's death.

She's stained, her heart fractured, and she doesn't know what to do next.

If only she could cut the pain out of herself, to stop the dishonesty so no one else will suffer.

For the first time in days, she leaves her room and takes out her laptop. She types up a tentative plan, works out a simulation, and sends it to Hope, her AI.

Sam finds her deep in coding at the dining table. It's late, the sun long set, and shadows etch across her walls. The television hums with a game as Ruby plays in the other room.

The soup Sam sets down smells delicious, but Lena only glances at it.

"What are you working on?" Sam pulls up a chair.

"What if I could code a way to end suffering?" Lena asks. Her fingers dance across the keys as she looks over Hope's simulation data. It didn't go as she hoped, so she's altering the algorithms. "To make it so no one lies, no one hurts another."

"A code to end suffering," Sam repeats. "Lena, are you suggesting mind control?"

"As if." Lena frowns and glances at Sam. "People can still do what they want. This would just prevent them from hurting anyone."

"That's still mind control."

Frustrated, Lena slaps her laptop shut. "Then what do suggest I should do to end suffering?"

"I think you're asking the wrong question," Sam says gently.

"Oh?" Lena crosses her arms and glares at Sam. "And what should I be asking?"

"I don't know." Sam stirs the soup and pushes it toward Lena. "You should eat. Ruby says you haven't touched any food today."

"I'm fine, Sam."

"Are you? It's okay to not be okay, Lena. You don't have to be strong for this. That's why we're here. You can lean on us. You can be honest with us. We're not going anywhere."

Sam's earnest words sear into her, and Lena looks away, unable to bear the sincerity, the kindness.

"I'm a murderer, Sam," Lena murmurs. "And I'm running simulations that you claim is mind control. I think we should be honest. I'm a villain after all."

"No, you're hurting, and you being, well, you, you're trying to science your way out of the pain. But that's not how it works." Sam gently pushes a lock of hair from Lena's face. "How about this. Let's brainstorm new projects. The more ridiculous the higher the score. I bet I can beat you." She smiles. "I'll even wager money on this."

Lena stares at Sam. "Wagering money that you can beat me on generating ideas? Sam, you'll lose. I'm the queen of ideas."

"Oh? Then prove it." Sam stands and snags several pads of paper. She shoves one at Lena with a violet pen. "Get generating, Lena. Because you're about to be out..." Sam pauses then grins, "... out a hundred dollars."

"Two hundred that I'll leave you in the dust," Lena snaps, unable to resist the competition. She's the one with the two degrees, while Sam only had an accounting degree. How dare Sam claim she can generate better ideas than Lena herself.

"Two hundred and fifty I'll beat you in volume."

Lena growls and furiously starts to write. For the next four hours, she and Sam pit their wits against each other. Papers get taped to the wall, doors, and windows. Ruby cheers them on and makes popcorn as Sam and her shout more and more unhinged ideas.

When Lena suggests nanite-made clothes that instantly clean when dirtied, Sam shoots back an idea of nanite cloth competitions for the most dazzling display of fashion prowess.

Lena tacks to the wall an idea to build a massive portal to send ships to Mars or the moon for colonies and lessen the stress of overpopulation on the ecological systems of Earth.

Sam ups her with portals to other solar systems and documentaries to showcase the work of the mechanics and scientists.

Lena throws the suggestion of science competitions amongst other planets, and the winner gets a grant to build whatever they desire.

Sam suggests competitions to build the biggest train in the solar system, one so big that it fits the moon inside.

Lena counters with an engine that could power such a massive train.

Sam slaps onto the wall her idea of a massive party on such a train, to bring the wonders of pop and rock music to the corners of the galaxy.

By this point, Lena is laughing and tempted to tape her Sam's mouth shut. They've reached an impasse, for each idea Lena generates, Sam twists it to something silly, and even Ruby struggles to decide who wins the round.

"Fine!" Lena throws the last of her pad into the air. "We're tied."

"Are we?" Sam turns to her daughter. "Ruby, as our judge, what is your assessment?"

Ruby spends several minutes tapping her lip as if deep in thought. "I declare...." She pauses for dramatic effect, "A tie. Both your list of ideas are fantastic, and I kind of hope you do some of them Aunt Lena."

Lena looks at the mess that is now her penthouse, how so many unhinged schematics adorn the walls, the lines of ideas that overlap each other, and it's so against her Luthor upbringing that she laughs. Laughs and laughs at the absurdity of her situation.

She decides to keep the ideas where they are.

To remind herself that even in moments of great pain, nuggets of joy can still be found.

Though she will not be building a massive space train big enough for moons, just for all the celebrity popstars to host concerts for other solar systems. No matter how much Ruby and Sam beg.

She has some pride, thank you very much.

#supercorp #lena luthor #kara danvers #supergirl #I have once again brought Sam back because no one can stop me #Also Kelly and Lena broship is important to me too #I may or may not have another piece to continue this alternate Season 5a #supercorptober #supercorptober2024 #Also I find the idea of Sam and Lena having an idea contest so funny and Ruby makes the perfect judge

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balioc · 2 months ago

Text

The Daycare

When I was a King and a Baby -- yet burdened with unskilled hands --

My works were wrought for me by giants, who harkened to my commands.

For me they drew oceans of water; for me they hewed forests of wood;

And though they were foolish and clumsy, I’m sure they did all that they could.

But every slave is a villain, and every love betrays,

And my giants schemed to dethrone me and return to their idle days.

In the dark of the morning they seized me, without any reason or rhyme,

To carry me off to a prison where I languished for time beyond time.

In that dismal place I grew stronger, and harder, and cunning, and bold;

And took heart in the secrets and stories that the other prisoners told.

For a hoary old toddler once whispered, as I lay in my gloom on the floor:

“Even this Hell will be Harrowed. In time, you will go home once more.”

So I clutched to my hopes, and I waited; I sat at the feet of the the wise;

I sifted the lessons of power from the words of my jailers’ lies.

Then after an aeon, or twenty -- my giants appeared at the gate!

With penitent tears they embraced me, and returned me to royal estate.

---------

When I was a King and a Baby, in the masterful noon of my reign,

I endured, with solemn acceptance, endless treasons in my domain.

In time They would always turn rebel; in time, They would cast me away;

And in time They would always return, to raise me up high. Yet again. Come what may.

I await now my durance with patience. When it comes, I shed nary a tear --

But abide, and comfort my fellows, through all their despairing fear.

And this above all do I teach them, as a King in that wretched corps:

“Even this Hell will be Harrowed. In time, you will go home once more.”

#poetry #doggerel #kipling

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spectral-snippets-and-drabbles · 2 years ago

Text

Lazarus Pact AU

In the last moments of his reign, King of the Inifinite Realms attacked the victor and fled to the mortal plane to prevent the Tyrant known as Pariah Dark from absorbing his core and stealing his powers for himself. Those who couldn't challenge the new king's rule and wanted nothing to do with the barbaric monarch followed soon after.

Notably, the seemingly countless elite warriors who were revered for their expertise at ectoplasmic manipulation who joined the Former King throughout his eons-long time as ruler of the Realms.

However, in an environment with very little to no ambient ectoplasm, they had to use their energy reserves sparingly until they found a new home. The journey nearly resulted in them nearly fading from existence in the void of space, but they had found salvation in the form of beings called 'Guardians' who held similar beliefs to the monarch himself.

So, a pact was made, and conditions had to be met. The most important were the following:

~•~ ~•~ ~•~

1) The Warriors of the Infinite Realms would house themselves in artifacts that were virtually indestructible to any form of harm to keep them safe.

The Guardians would create power rings to keep them safe.

2) Ectoplasm was essential for beings of the Realms. Without it is to perish, so an energy would be needed to replenish their cores.

The Guardians got to work and made ectoplasmic generators that could revitalize a warrior's energy within a matter of seconds to carry on in their duties. These devices were to be called Lanterns.

3) A stealth team would be made to keep an eye on the happenings within the Inifinite Realms, specifically the young king Dark, and reported to the former king.

The Guardians established an elite team of Green Lanterns composed of their best members. These mission reports would be classified and kept secret from the Corps at large for the former king's eyes only.

4) Should Pariah Dark lose his crown, they would be informed by the former king. Should the new monarch be a just soul, the Green Lanterns are to protect this being with their lives and come to his aid in his hour of need.

Failure to do so will result in the forced disbanding of the Green Lanterns Corps via the destruction of the his own core. The Guardians, despite their scientific prowess and failsafes, could not hope to stop this event if it came to pass.

Upon hearing this, the Guardians would anxiously make their weekly scouting parties turn daily and scour the Realms for trouble.

5) From that day onward, the former king would no longer be addressed with his old title. A new one would be made.

The Guardians would address the entity as Ion, the Being of Willpower.

~•~ ~•~ ~•~

When Ion booms across all power rings that the new king is in need of immediate assistance, the Guardians send every available Lantern to intercept the threat.

The question being...who is it?

#dc x dp #justice league #danny phantom #I like to imagine that danny is attacked by the GIW and abducted only for the space fbi to knock there doors down #or the Justice League detaining him as he's an unknown yet powerful being #but then the watchtower is swarmed by the Green Lanterns demanding they release the king of the inifinite realms #Ion is panicking because 'that is a whole ass infant' in terms of total ghost and mortal time existing #Danny is like 'what the FUCK do you mean I have the space police as guards!?'#dp x dc

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themoomoorn · 1 year ago

Note

Unlike Verdane, they actually did sort of try to incorporate at least some visual elements of several MENA hallmarks into the clothing, symbols, and (in Hopes) weapons of Almyra - namely the Ottoman Empire, Persia, and Mongolia, sort of - but as stated, the portrayal got quashed with Hopes turning the few Almyrans we get into stereotypical "eastern barbarians" 💩. Which sucks because somehow Kurahana-sensei gave Shahid an unironically fire visual design that exceeds just about all of the other new characters.

I'd be willing to give them one more chance with Almyra (or some future game), but with the caveat that in an ideal world, they'd consult some people and actually put care into writing the country, because despite Almyra and Verdane coming from two whole separate Eras of FE, they're similar for the same gross reasons.

An India or Thai style country would also be cool, if only because I want the boys and gals at IntSys to cook up some weird war elephant class. They also were sort of able to make a Mongolia-expy work with Sacae, but next time maybe go all-in in making their classes and gameplay even more distinct.

So this may be an odd ask, but if you could pick a real-world culture to be the basis of a Fire emblem nation in a future game, which ones would they be?

Hmm...

Given what Fodlan did to Almyra...

I mean, we're on par with "Verdane was inspired by Persia" from Jugdral, and we're not in the early 1990s anymore, so I'm not really trusting IS with any "real world culture" anymore.

But for some sort of revenge bias - after Almyra and TS, well, Hyzante - I'd like to see IS, try to get designs and clues from the Middle East, but without the 1800s bias that ultimately created Almyra.

I know FE isn't like, an Assassin's Creed game so you can't explore "real world cultures" that much, but if they could just take inspiration for clothes and designs from one "real world" place without slapping obvious prejudices it'd be nice.

#fe3h #almyra fire emblem #one irksome fact about ottoman inspo is that the empire was founded in the 13th century #and some of their most well known sultans reigned during that time #but for some reason the 18th-19th century image of the empire dominates the public consciousness #by the same token the Achamenid (very ancient) Persian image also dominates #hence Claude's “Immortal Corps” (which ironically isnt Almyran)#at least we got a shamshir and an axe named “Dahaka” (Persian dragon creature) in Hopes #I also wouldnt mind Levant Emblem or Moorish Spain Emblem either

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alshamswelnahr · 4 months ago

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Based on what we know about Kanae Kocho we can gather that she is a kind, hardworking, driven, resolute, emotionally intelligent and strong, she is a healer and caregiver, she is interwoven into the fabric of the story and the core of multiple characters, her influence is palpable even long after her death, as her presence is felt and her impact seen throughout the narrative.

Kanae bears a striking resemblance to Tanjiro, as she is one of the few characters who truly understands the truth of their world. Her motivation is noble, focusing on healing rather than vengeance. This is evident in her actions, which are geared towards saving lives rather than taking them. Kanae envisions a world where neither side has to suffer, a lesson she learned from her father about helping everyone in need.

Unlike other demon slayers, Kanae did not take up her sword out of hatred or a desire for vengeance. Instead, her motivation was an authentic desire to heal, save, and prevent further harm. Although Shinobu saw her as unbearably idealistic, even naive, Kanae's beliefs are validated by the narrative, which consistently advocates for humanizing demons and ending their actions out of necessity, not cruelty. This philosophy, personified by Tanjiro, aims to break the cycle of violence perpetuated by Muzan.

Kanae's legacy is deeply embedded in the psyche of Shinobu and her other sisters. This is evident in the way Shinobu adopts Kanae's haori and mannerisms after her death, and how Kanao takes on her breathing style. The girls of the Butterfly Mansion wear hairpins that are a gift from Kanae. Even Shinobu's attempt to emulate Kanae's vision, though it becomes a hollow version due to her disbelief, shows Kanae's lasting impact. Shinobu's work with Tamayo to bring an end to Muzan’s reign further illustrates this influence.

Interestingly, a glimpse of Kanae can be seen in the demon who killed her. Both Kanae and Douma believe that killing demons or consuming human lives is the only way to save souls. The key difference is that Kanae's belief is genuine.

Finally, Kanae parallels Sanemi in having a "weaker" younger sibling who insists on demon hunting despite their disadvantages. However, Kanae contrasts sharply with Sanemi in her approach. While Sanemi kept people out and away, Kanae kept her heart open, wore her kindness on her sleeve, and allowed her sister to choose her own path despite her fear. Kanae had the strength to care deeply and openly about others, symbolizing healing within the Corps, while Sanemi chose a path of self-harm.

#kanae kocho #shinobu kocho #kanao tsuyuri #tanjiro kamado #demon slayer #kimetsu no yaiaba #kny #sanemi shinazugawa #douma #text #kny meta #a #love u Kanae Kocho

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the-empress-7 · 3 months ago

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The Greville chandelier earrings

"First worn by the Princess of Wales at the wedding of Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan and Princess Rajwa Al Saif in Amman, Jordan, in June, the Greville chandelier earrings were seen on Queen Elizabeth II throughout her reign. The dazzling diamond earrings, made by Cartier, were a wedding gift to Her late Majesty from her parents—the Queen Mother had inherited them from Dame Margaret Helen Greville, a British socialite, in 1918. Kate was most recently seen wearing the jewels at a Diplomatic Corps reception at Buckingham Palace."

#Queen Elizabeth II #The Princess of Wales

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oranjeleeuw · 4 months ago

Note

hows the pacific rim au going ???? its such a neat idea and i need ppl to draw concept art for it

DO I HAVE NEWS FOR YOU MY FRIEND

First of all, life happened and happened for good, I couldn't write much before but Now. NOW is the time.

I planned and plotted a lot during the whole year I first came up with the idea and I have a kind of strong base for the AU. I also have a brilliant beta by my side, my dear friend Frog (@faramircaptainofgender), so hopefully during this summer this idea will be shared with you all outside our little friend group.

I'll take this opportunity and shamelessly turn my answer into a main post for the AU.

╔════════════════╗

the title:

Human within the Machine

[brief synopsis]

The Nations of the world developed a simulation where future Jaeger pilots can practice for in-action cases. Max Verstappen outshines every other contestants in the history of drifting, there's only one problem - he's no team player.

Charles Leclerc is determined to stop the Kaijus and end their reign, once and for all. He lost his parents due to kaiju attacks, now he feels responsible not only to avenge their deaths, but to bring a brighter future to his brothers.

Jaeger engineering is living its golden age, there is money in it and many enthusiastic contestants who are not entirely aware of the horror that awaits them out at the ocean.

[disclaimer]

There’s no main plot (as in: I am not planning on detailed world-building neither to save the world from kaijus, I am smaller than that), the endgame is to get Max into an active combat where he drifts with Charles and they’re in the Il Predestinato (the legendary Jaeger that has been out of service for a decade, waiting for the right co-pilots). Everything before and in between are just themes I desire to explore within the possibilities of this AU.

╔════════════════╗

I have a playlist that helps me to stay inspired, songs are not in order yet though, but as I said earlier, chapters are meant to be kind-of standalone scenes, existing in their own moods and settings.

Each chapter will have its own chosen background music linked to them. I also added many symphonic songs just to get in the mood for some combat scenes.

╔════════════════╗

[good to know]

Roles: In the case of HwtM we have active and passive characters in this story. Due to the fact that many scenes are set in drift-memories, where not everything is factual and we are in the mix of memories and feelings, some characters will only appear and speak through these moments. Therefore they fall into the passive category - they are the legends. I will talk about them in their own post but the gist of it is what I wrote above, they cannot speak for themselves so we will only see them through tilted lenses: idolised, villanised, or the mix of both.

Which also means another thing - everyone is an unreliable narrator.

Teams and Jaegers: Since this is the golden age of Jaeger engineering, we will have many-many Jaegers. So far I named only a few, but to stay true to the source material, I'm trying to make them just as cheesy yet compelling as the ones were in the movies. The constructor teams from real life are not so different from what they represent in HwtM, but I altered some of their names to fit more into the world (older names or older sounding names of some teams since the future that Pacific Rim has is basically our present. I was aiming for some retro-vibe).

Here, they are different detachments under the Pan Pacific Defense Corps, in the Jaeger Academy division. I’m planning on working with Merc, Ferrari, McLaren, Williams and of course Redbull.

Mercedes is called Benz

Ferrari is called Alfa Romeo

Red Bull is Toro Rosso

The other two stay under the same name.

Ships to look out for: it is a Lestappen-centered story (if I am really honest with you, it’s Max-centered first of all) but on the side-lines we will look into some depths of Carlando, Galex and Maxiel in…some way. Please-please keep in mind, that these won’t be fully developed romantic relationships in the fic, I’m reporting from the minds and souls of these boys, objectively perceived scenes between them will be rare and much more comrade-like.

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That is all I planned to share for starters. Feel free to ask about the process or anything really, that is related to this project, it’s my beloved child and can’t wait to share it all with others!

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pokemonvillainadventures · 3 months ago

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🪲☠️🪲☠️🪲☠️🪲☠️🪲☠️🪲☠️🪲☠️🪲☠️

Guzma x Bug Catcher Reader

🪲☠️🪲☠️🪲☠️🪲☠️🪲☠️🪲☠️🪲☠️🪲☠️

BUGS BUGS BUGS BUGS BUGS

Pokemon: Illumise, Rabsca, Beedrill

Hunting: Paras (Shiny)

(She/Her, Pronouns)

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Stepping off the old yet reliable faerie from MeleMele to Akala, the fresh ocean breeze was no different here as it was to all the other islands. When you first touched down on that plane from Paldea, you'd never known an ocean breeze like this one. Looking up into the sky you couldn't believe it could get any bluer. Looking beyond the horizon the ocean and sky seemed to blur into one. Only the occasional breaching Mantine would break the illusion. You've traveled to many regions before but to say Alola wasn't the prettiest would be an understatement.

Sure you brought along your tourist flare. You tend to travel light only bringing what you deemed necessary for success. What was that success? Bug competitions of course! Oh sure some may deem it dull and boring to center an entire competition on one type but you wouldn't have it any other way! Bugs rule and they've been your trusty companions for all these years. They are the reason you have opportunities to leave your Paldean home in the first place. Being the top Bug collector in your class all those year back, made winning bug competitions a breeze. Not only that but the amount of overseas programs and study opportunities made it easier for your parents to understand why you decdicated your life to these strange critters.

Well nearly a decade later and halfway into your twenties and your love for this sport has never dulled or faded. Now rocking a strong team a three of the best bugs you could ever hope for, wherever competition goes, you follow. However, this year seems different. This year feels mysterious, yet exciting! Alola, the region full of new opportunities. A new League, new battle tree, new everything! Having been a reigning champion of the bug competitions you've been personally invited by the Bug Enthusiasts Corp. International to help establish a bug type contest here! You couldn't have been happier, yet you still needed to prove not only to them but to yourself that you still have what it takes to hold the title of best bug trainer around. Competition had been growing stronger year after year since younger crowds like to try and take the title for themselves. If you and your Pokemon still want to sit comfortably on your throne you're going to have to shake it up a bit.

With a spring in your step and heart full of determination, you make your way towards the best spot for bugs to flourish. Pushing past the heavy streets of HaeHae city, and into the vibrant green of the Alolan wilds you eventually make your way into the dense and Pokemon filled Lush Jungle.

Okay so maybe rushing into unknown territory wasn't the smartest idea. You've decided to send out your beedrill for some much needed assistance. Not because they're any better at navigating this forest then you are but noticing all these strange new Pokemon was causing knots to form in your stomach. You knew better to judge a book by it's cover. These tiny glowing mushrooms and floating living leis may look cute and innocent but you weren't willing to take any chances. You needed to have your beedrill all bright eyed and bushy tailed if you had any chance at capturing your golden ticket for securing this years first place! You were hunting for Paras.

Pushing past the leaves and vines your feet pounded on the jungle floor with heavy steps. The heat was starting to get to you. Not to mention you had little luck with avoiding wild Pokemon the more you trekked through this jungle. Luckily you were wrong about the mushrooms and Leis you discovered were called Morelulls and Comfeys by passing trainers. These guys kept to themselves and didn't bother picking a fight with your beedrill. However the much smaller and way more fiestier mantis Pokemon were starting to cause problems. Your Beedrill didn't have any struggles battling them but its seems like one after the other would just pop out the bushes to pick a fight with her! It's starting to piss you off!

"AUGHH! YOU STUPID LITTLE PISS MANTIS'S I LOVE ME SOME BUGS AS MUCH AS THE NEXT BUG ENTHUSIASTS BUT YOUR STARTING TO BUG THE FUCK OUT OF ME!!!! SO DO ME A FAVOR AND BUZZ OFF LIKE THE PESTS YOU ARE!"

There's that fiery temper. It's what made you a perfect companion for Beedrill. It's probably what made you win half your contests. With a few threatening jabs from Beedrill and you mean mugging these tiny pink mantis's they eventually took the hint and scattered back into their dens. You breathed a sigh of relief only to be chewed out by a very gruff and very angry voice past all the foliage.

"Hey YOU! Tourist girl! Shut your damn mouth already! Its way to damn early in the morning for your hootin' and hollerin'!"

With a whip of your head you turn around to face off a tall man with a peculiar sense of style. Although he called you a tourist, home boy over here didn't fit the bill for a local either. You could tell that this man was massive even with his slouched shoulders. Honestly they gave him an even more intimidating posture. His hair was as white as snow yet underneath was a pitch black undercut. His eyes were a deep grey with hints of purple eyeshadow around it giving him his dead eye stare an even deeper look to them. His outfit matched his demeanor, black, black and more black. You've never seen such a brooding style since your punk phase back in school. Only peaks of white helped to break up the overall look, not to mention the giant Red Cross on his backside. Was this some sort of underground band you've never heard of? Shaking off any more thoughts you could only assume he was indeed a local. How else could someone where that much black and not die of heatstroke! In the humid jungle no less. Still though his comments pissed you off and you felt as if there was no choice but to chew him out for it!

"Oh yeah big shot! What makes you so sure I'm some tourist or something?!" You say storming up to him with your beedrill following suit.

The man couldn't help but roll his eyes. He swore that if he could, they'd roll as far back into his head as possible just to avoid giving you the time of day. He was holding a basket full of flowers and plants. A lot of berries and root vegetables were among the pile, and it seemed as if he had no intentions of stopping what he was doing just to talk to you. But something deep down inside of him couldn't stop him from jabbing back at you either.

"Again with the yelling, Arceus fuck lady. . . for starters *he picks some more roots* no local is stupid enough to enter this jungle, this far out, unless they know what they're getting themselves into. And two *He picks some more* those "pests" as you call them. . haha yeah right, the local babies even know that those are no bugs sweetheart. There grass types." He says facing you head on this time. His face mere inches away from yours.

Feeling flustered and embarrassed as all hell, you didn't want this slip up to cause you to turn with your tail between your legs. You were on a hunt. A mission! Tsk so what you were just another dumb tourist to this guy! Big whoop! You've survived traveling for this long you just need to keep on keeping on! And all will be well, but some extra expertise can go a long way.

"Soooo does that mean you wanna help a girl out?"

The man could only stop dead in his tracks before maniacally laughing to himself.

"Hahahahaha and what the fresh fuck makes you think I wanna do that?"

And there he goes again. The big tough guy himself getting all up in your personal space. His larger than life form practically shrouding the sun above you. His grin was frightening but in a somewhat attractive way. Almost to say "don't push your luck". Not wanting to back down, with your own pride, you lean into him. Your face almost touching his as your eyes do all the talking. You stare deep into him and you can feel a sense of uncomfort from his end too. You guess that this isn't the normal response people give to a guy like him. But eventually you cave. You don't exactly slump back but, you give up this psudo staring contest so that you can go back to what you were doing. Which was, getting yourself more lost in this forest.

Turning to walk away his voice actually calls out to you. "And where the fuck do you think your going?"

Shocked you didn't expect him to give a shit. "Ummm going to go back to my own thing? What about you?"

He tried to seem as if he didn't care, but his demeanor said otherwise. He had dropped the basket he was holding, as his body shuffled ever so subtly towards your own. "Tsk and get even more lost?"

"Afraid so? Unless you wanna help me" you cheekily grin.

He grumbles annoyed "yeah right . . . your funeral"

"Mhmm . . yep! Guess so . . andddd that'll be on you? I guess? Kinda!"

He laughs a bit more but not in the pleasant way "And why's that?"

"Oh you know. . . have me be the last person you talk to. I die and when the police ask for wtf happened they can just pin a part of this on you for not wanting to help me." Okay so to be fair not your most sound argument. . m actually it held no merit but damn were you desperate. He was the only other fool to be out here in this jungle and was probably going to be your only shot at help for miles. If he was here then other locals might be even a harder catch at trying to convince them to help you on your bug journey. Andddd a bit of you was intrigued by this guys overall swagger and cocky attitude. It's been a while since you've found even a small ounce of interest in another person.

A deep sigh escaped his lips as he contemplated your words. You weren't entirely sure if they had any effect on him. That is until he covers his basket and hoists it over hus shoulders as he puts both of his hands back into his pockets. Walking up to you he finally speaks out.

"Listen here! I am only doing this because honestly I am not entirely keen on picking weeds all afternoon for that *he grumbles quietly* kahuna and kahuna squirt. However, if I help you do whatever the fuck, does that mean you will leave me alone and you get out of this jungle?"

You don't sit on his words long. To focused on being happy that he's actually offering you help. "Yes! 10000% yes! Whatever! You help me, and then you go back to your forging!"

Walking up to your side he stands idle until you tell him what exactly he needs to do in order to help you.

"Well if you must know what I'm doing in this jungle I am trying to find me a Paras! So where to my knight and shining sweatpants!"

With another deep eyeroll, it was only then in that moment that it hit him. Did you say Paras?

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Walking deeper into the thicket, the two of you eventually found a secluded spot that was supposed to home a lot of wild Paras.

"Say . . .uh I don't think I caught your name back there"

"Whats it to ya?" The man bit back defensively

"Fine! Whatevs don't tell me and stay being elusive. My name is (Y/N) and your out here helping me find a Paras because . ."

"Because??" He cuts you off.

"Because! . . . because of the bug contest of course!?'

Now this cause his attention. He wasn't too shocked when he saw your beedrill. He hated to admit it but, bugs are a lot easier to come across then most other types. It's no shock that any trainer would have at least one bug type to their name. But you? You were actually dead serious on being a bug type trainer?

"You're kiddin' right?"

No response on your end, except for the same confused stare.

"No shit?"

Typical, or so you thought. This was normaly the response people gave when you mentioned your bug companions and your love for them. "Bugs are so weak" they say. "Bugs are so gross" they thought. And so your feisty nature struck again but for your bug babies it was worth it.

"Oh yeah? You got a damn problem with that? What are you some bug hater? Look I appreciate the help thus far but if this is going to be a problem for you then you can just leave me al . . ."

"Now wait a minute I didn't mean it like that. . . just wasn't expecting that alright"

"And why's that?"

Now you've done it. You had a tendency to push people to their limits. Your shocked no ones fought you over it, but today might be the day your lucks run dry. With a grimace in his eyes, and the same devilishly attractive smirk you can feel him closing in on you. Backing you up against a tree you see no sign of escaping him.

"Because the names Guzma. The hated boss you beats you down, and beats you down and never gives up."

Throwing two Pokeballs behind him, his Pokemon were just as intimidating as he was. One bright red scizor, and a huge hulking Golisopod.

"Just for the record if you're real serious about this whole 'contest thing' or whatever can't really be all that much of a contest if they let scrubs like you enter."

"Now wait a damn minute, shouldn't a bug guy like yourself at least think that this is cool?!?"

"What's so damn fun about some bug beauty pageant?"

Damn you wanted to clobber this guy! What was his deal? This sure was a first alright.

"Well Guzma. . uh. . hm . you know! Hey! It's . .it's not JUST beauty. You'd think a bug trainer would at least know that much."

"Again, don't give a fuck about shit like that. And I don't need to be into contests to love bugs. Aren't all those contests over seas anyways?

"And AGAIN like I said I am here for Paras, to join this years bug contest. In THIS region. Beauty isn't everything wise guy. I'll have you know that my Beedrill won best Stingers and the toughness categories three years in a row back in Paldea. Not to mention they were runner up four years after that in both Kanto and Johto!" Your Beedrill beams with delight behind you. "And yeah so what I entered my Illumise for the beauty but it was their beautiful glowing personality that helped me secure top spot five years in a row, across both Paldea and the Hoenn region. And if you think thats not all well wait until you see my Rabsca who secured runner up spot for seven consecutive years and two years first place for largest ball roll! . . . See Impressive ain't it?"

" . . . Arceus you're more pathetic then I thought"

His blunt response was expected but damn dude not even a little bit impressed? And from a bug type trainer no less. Well you couldn't deny that words hurt, and you could guess he felt a little guilty for it too. His face became a few shades pinker as he averted your gaze. You were currently a bumbling mess unsure of how to respond to his comment.

"i . . uh . .wuh . well . .hu m Well if you're so quick to judge m . hy why don't you join then!"

"What! Fat chance."

"B . but why not?"

"I don't care what categories there are . .I mm . it's stupid . .why waste my time"

This confused you. Guzma was so ready to criticize the competition as if he implied he'd easily win, yet when presented the opportunity to go for it, he'd throw it away?

"Well yeah? I'm sure you'd win! I'm mean you got two great bugs right here! Why don't you ask them if they want to join!"

You could tell Guzma was hiding something. Well besides his already elusive personality, this time it seemed different. Like as if competitions scared him.

"Tsk yeah sure! . . lets get my golisopod all dolled up!" Turning his head back you guess he wasn't expecting his Golisopod to actually seem happy to want to do that. "What!?"

You only giggled.

"Whats so funny?"

"Well it seems that bug boss here doesn't understand his bugs as well as he thought. And no . . you don't need to "doll him up". Your golisopod would make an excellent contender in all sorts of categories. Strength, speed, claw size, height, weight, heavy lifting, and even battling! And your scizor too of course! But he might actually fair in beauty as well. That shiny red is actually very pleasant to look at! I haven't seen a brighter red in ages! Thats a sign that it's had a healthy diet and wonderful trainer that takes good care of him."

Guzma's blush only deepened in red the more you kept complimenting his crew. His hand krept up to his face to try and hide his embarrassment.

"Sh Shut up already . . . god . . that doesn't change anything. . I still don't get the point in all of it."

You didn't get it. You just didn't get why this guy was being so stubborn. Again you did your best to explain why bug contests were fun and amazing but your words feel on death ears. The more you talked the less you became positive in your own words too.

"*Sighing* Look, I . . I don't want to dim your sparkle or anything (Y/N) but . . hmm . . whatever. Keep doing these bug showcases or whatever, but there is no need to drag me into it."

"Okay."

Looking around Guzma noticed the changing colors thay danced across the sky. Night was approaching, and that meant it was time to leave.

"Sorry, guess you'll just need to catch this Paras another day. Lets get back to town."

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Day in and day out.

What used to be a monotonous monlouge that made Guzma question why he was trying so hard, became an interesting event everytime he saw you. His glory days were done, now turned into an errand boy for all the people he wronged the happy go lucky attitudes were something he was taking forever to get used to. It didn't help that his "street cred" was effectively flushed down the toilet all in thanks to that island Kahuna, and his probation officer Nanu. However seeing you trek back into that forest, day in and day out gave him something to look forward to when he woke up, and when he fell back asleep.

"You know staring at her isn't going to make you look any better. If you want people to like you Guzma you can start by being less of this mysterious weirdo."

A rough girly voice broke Guzma out of his trance. Forest green hair, and a ladle in her hand coming out of the kitchen to talk up the Ex-Gang leader was none other than Mallow. One of the many people on Guzma's "annoying pipsqueaks" list, and who just ao happened to be one of the many people he was supposed to "pay back" for his crimes.

With his usual agitated tone Guzma barked out a "shut your mouth kid." While he proceeded to go back to helping carry crates of berries off of her Fathers truck.

"Hmpf! Well if your gonna keep that attitude of yours, tou can at least say please" Mallow said back to him hands on her sides to try and size him up. Truth be told a lot of the island kahunas and their trial captains had mixed opinions on letting Guzma rewrite his wrongs. Even Guzma wasn't too keen on changing his ways, if that attitude was any indication of the situation. Most of his "help" was forced by Hala who insisted on everyone deserving a second chance. Which ment being an errand boy. Which ment being on each island helping out on whatever people asked Guzma to help with. Which ment uploading berries off a truck and being scolded by a child of all things. In a way Guzma was starting to miss the interaction that he had with you. At least you couldn't treat him like a child on time out. At least you didn't have to begrudgingly accept his presence. This was something Mallow noticed too.

"Like I said Guz!"

"Don't call me that!"

"Ugh! GUZMA! Like I said Guzma. Just go talk to her. I'm not sure who this mystery woman is to you but she must be super duper important if she's caught your eye like that."

Although Mallow was half teasing, she was right. But even still, Guzma could just not understand. He just couldn't get it. Why you tried so hard. Why you bothered going back into that forest only to leave empty handed each time. He could see it in your eyes, your worry, your desperation. It was starting to weigh on you. If it were him, he would jave cut his losses a while back. Stuck with what worked for him. Stuck with something that out him on top easily and would make sure to stay on top. In a way your endless efforts were starting to both worry him, and piss him off.

Waking up the next morning and heading outside, Guzma saw you trail up that hill. You were heading to the forest, as always, day in and day out. Or so you thought. When the booming voice of Guzma rang across the open you didnt expect him to want to talk to you again.

"Hey! Uhh? . . (Y/N) was it? Can't you just give this whole thing a rest? Or better yet throw in the towel and just go home? You clearly haven't been so lucky in your pursuit so why not just call it quits and save yourself the hassle of waking up at the crack of stupid to keep on getting disappointed."

"Tsk?!! So what?!! Haha you suddenly care? Listen man I don't need your concern! I can handle myself BY myself!? So buzz off already!"

Looking into your eyes was like staring back at an oh so familiar face in the mirror. That glare, that clencher jaw. You were breaking.

"Ack well. . . shit look I'm just saying"

"Just saying?!! Just SAYING?! FUCK that's all everyone does huh? Just blabber on without thinking well news fucking flash words hurt and I am sick! OH I AM SICK, of people telling me what I can and can't do! What I should and shouldn't be doing! Arceus! Just stay out of this! You clearly didn't like helping me the first time so why bother offering unwanted help this time?!!

Guzma's own tempre was starting to peak through too. You were so annoying, yet so desperately what Guzma wish he could have been. Someone who didn't give up. . . someone who didn't have to succumb to his current fate.

"Augh Fine! Keep fucking off into that forest! But could you at least give some better answer than just pure interest? Like there's gotta be a better reason . ?

"And why the fuck do you care?!? Why . why does everyone seem to give so much of a fuck about what I DO? . . It's always the same isn't it?

Guzma had done it again. Destroy. . destroy everything he comes into contact with. Your face had given up. Your eyes started to water.

"Anywhere I go it's always the same punk asses like you trying to control me? Find a reason? As if I needed to humor you. And still words cut deep okay. . . you wanna know the reason so bad? You want your damn answer!! Well this lady needs her Paras because this year will be my last. My last moment to shine! My last moment to prove all you people wrong!!! Sure I haven't been the shining star that I was when I was younger but I know I still have it in me! I know THEY still have what it takes to win! And if I get my Paras then all of this will be secured in the bag for me! And I can finally retire on a high note. When I become head of the conservation unit for this regions International Bug Corp. Conservation and Research Facility I want people to see that I know what I a doing. I want people to trust in MY and MY teams abilities."

With tears in your eyes you turn away from Guzma, who seems to be just as upset and frustrated with himself as you are. Guilt was danced all across his face as you turned your way back down the hill. You didn't feel up for hunting today, and Guzma wasn't feeling is usually tough guy appearance either. Another sleepless night approached Guzma as your words to him echoed in his mind. . . Guzma what was wrong with you? Guzma . . . he had to make it up to you. . . he couldn't keep going on like this.

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As the rain showered down across the region, the summer time brought high winds and thunderstorms from across the ocean. Any normal tourist would be too frightened to even step outside in a drizzle. Any local was too smart enough to realize the rain wasn't letting up anytime soon. But not you. You with your stubborn attitude. You and your neglient persistence. You with your fiery determination. You treked up that hill with mud caked boots. Your own Pokemon were too afraid to show themselves. But you couldn't stop. With the contest approaching you NEEDED to have that Paras with you. The Paras of Lush Jungle with their Pale yet beautiful hues. Unlike the Paras in Kanto these Bug were smaller but prettier or so you thought. Unlike their bright orange counterparts, their diet of Alolan berries made Paras here a lot softer in color. Almost like baby pastel. Those Paras were your tickets to success. Those Paras were the reason why you needed to be stupid enough to risk your life for them. But . . . would they be enough. Arceus you begged with all your might that they would be enough. Just one, just one was all you needed.

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The storm raged on as the small motel TV flashed warning signs of the storm turning harsher as the afternoon approached. Golisopod was even a bit startled as lighting and thunder boomed from the distant shore.

"Tsk hehe . .you really scared? Huh? Seriously bud this ain't nothing from what we were used to back in Po Town. At least the rain makes for a nice change of scenery. Don't have to worry 'bout looking out the window and seein' a herd of lil pipsqueaks and their island badges hanging around."

Golisopod although tough on the inside was still a big ol softy on the outside. Cuddling up to his trainer, Guzma couldn't help but smile and pat his side reassuringly.

"Tell you what, you'd have to be some idiot to try and do anything outside today."

Well, some idot you were. With a crash and a bang the world outside took a turn for the worst. As Guzma sprawled across his motel bed flickering through TV stations all blaring the same doomsday warnings Golisopod would be the one to spot one very peculiar bug flying about. With enough puring and tapping on the glass, Guzma tool the hint.

"Whatcha doin'? I already said thunder is something your used to. Hey what the fu..?"

It was an Illumise, your Illumise. Her tiny body was trying to fight the wind as she zipped around Mallow's family restaurant that was across the street from the motel. Her body was in rough shape, but still she persisted. She kept hovering around one particular spot thag normally was taken space by one big Golisopod and his large trainer too.

Opening his motel door was already enough to bring in a flood of rain, but in that moment Guzma was more concerned about you than anything else.

"Hey *he whistles to Illumise* Hey You! Yeah you lil lady? Whatcha doin'? Where's (Y/N)?"

When your Illumise spotted Guzma she dove for his room causing him to tumble back onto the bed. Now inside Illumise did her best to shake of the rain. There was no time for sitting, she buzzed all across the room and it was Golisopod who was able to grab her still so she could calm down.

"Shh shh hey uhh it's okay? You doin' alright?"

Illumise nodded but sprang back into action as she pulled lightly on Guzma's jacket to lead him outside.

"Woah woah woah? You nuts? Its pouring outside! I ain't going out unless you think I got nuts for brains . . . . *sigh* . . and let me fucking guess. . (Y/N)'s the nuts for brains."

With a sigh and nod Guzma knew that if Illumise was out here asking him of all people for help that ment you were in heaps of shit. He just hoped that he wasn't too late.

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Deep in the heart of the jungle, not a Pokemon nor trainer was out this deep in such weather which ment tracking you down was easier than anticipated. Though the rain was still an annoyance, and Guzma was beyond soaked but when he found your body latching onto a tree you didn't look any better. When Illumise spotted you she flew back to your side and it was only then when you realized she had brought back help.

"He . hey? Where'd you run . . oh ."

With Guzma hovering over you, his grey eyes staring into yours but this time they held a bit of softness to them. Whether he intended to or not Guzma was acting as a better shield to the elements then the leaves were. It was only then did you manage to speak up.

"Look . . . I . .I'm sorry!! You were right Guzma . .this whole thing *thunder clapped* ack!! It's . I was being stupid! I AM STUPID! I got you dragged into this again . . and for what? . .I .

Tears were starting to form again only this time they didn't touch ground. A rough yet warm hand whipped them away as Guzma brought you closer to his side.

"Hey m . *blushes* . you're shakin' like a leaf. Hehe . . lets just . go find shelter. Wouldn't want you catching a cold."

Making it inside a nearby cave, Guzma was trying his best to rub of the rain and mud that had found home on your face and hair.

" mmphh . . .Guz . .Guzma . .mmhp yer jacket. . . ibs . .ibs all wet mmph and . . dirty .now. . . sorry"

"Tsk yeah yeah whatever. . I'll just get that old Kahuna to do somethin' 'bout it. Haha that's what a washer and dryers for. Now um . .yeah 'bout that whole apology. . it . . it's not you who should be saying it."

Blushing and rubbing the back of his wet moppy hair Guzma was struggling to say the right things.

"It's okay! . . I . I get what you're trying to say Guzma."

"Shit. .haha m yeah . . sorry .. i really really mean it. For real! It's just!

"Not something you're used to doin'?"

"Hahah fuck yeah! Yeah uh . .yeah."

Sitting closer to him you still can't help but let it all out. Apologies, some tears, anything. You've yearned for this. For someone to finally talk to. For someone to finally care.

"Still Guzma. . . I am sorry too. I know I haven't been the easiest person to deal with. And I guess you more then deserve an explanation for dragging yourself out here. Listen I was never in this for the money. Not even the fame. When I say I love my bugs, I really mean it! Back in Paldea, back with my parents, My Grandma had moved from Kanto to there and met my Grandpa. There they obviously had my parents, who in turn had me. When I was five years old, barely even old enough to remember, my grandma had gotten me a gift. A small baby weedle. I felt like the luckiest girl in the world and took in weedle, soon turned Kakuna to me everywhere. To school and all my classes, and I became pretty popular when she evolved into Beedrill. It was right around when I was 17, when my school was hosting its annual scavanger hunt, did I really let my bug enthusiasm show. For my project I wanted to do something obviously centered around bugs and that year they were hosting an exchange program, where other schools from across different regions had the opportunity to help us with our project. Well I ended up teaming up with this one kid named George who taught me all about bug contests from Johto, and I knew thats exactly what I wanted to do."

"And .. And this George kid helped you out like that? Is that why your traveling now and ended up here?"

"Huh yeah right. . sure. . thats the simple answer, the long answer is that I had to endure years of arguments from my parents about my 'choices' in life. My grandma was the only one who supported me in all this. My parents were too occupied judging me and telling me that being a bug contest winner won't pay the bills. Even after my first few contests and even winning some money, not talking big bucks, but you know? They still brushed it off and tried getting me involved in more of my studies and graduating. It was only during my last year when I turned eighteen where my grandma, and my biology professor came together to help me. They set me up with an exchange program where I could go overseas to Johto this time, and if proved myself there then the school would let me graduate with a minor in entomology ontop of my genreal studies degree. Well I wish that solved my parents problem. Even after I had secured top spot with Beedrill and along with my new buddy at the time, Rabsca. My parents still fought with me over it. Just kept on insisting I was wasting my time and that this proved nothing to them. And so I left, with what little money I had, and some financial support from my Grandma, I left and hadn't looked back. For a few years it was perfect. With Illumise too, my team of three got me to so many places I could have never dreamed of visiting on my own, but . . . when grandma passed away that's when things started going down hill. With my main supprter gone from my life, the pressure of it all started to get to me. Topped with new younger competition, these past few contests haven't been as great as I'd like them to be. With that, my parents took it upon themselves to start eating into my livelihood again demanding I call it quits and return back home so they can help find me a real job."

"Yeah . .but don't they know you're gettin' hired by this super important research facility after you retire?"

"Again! Wish it were that simple. You gotta understand that it isn't about what job I have, its about having the RIGHT job. Can't have this Pokemon. Shouldn't eat that food. Can't wear those clothes. Gotta get that degree over this one. Can't study this class should take this one instead. Nothing ever is good enough, and I don't think they care if my happiness suffers from their decisions. But at this point Guzma. . . I don't care what they think. . I've been used to this for a while. . .at this point it doesn't matter if I win or lose. It's not like I'm losing the job if I don't succeed, but ... "

"It's about proving it to yourself isn't it?"

Looking up at him Guzma, with his wet hair and lopsided shades resting on his head. The way his arm managed to snake around your waist as he pulled you in closer. His body was warm and his smile was gentle. The sound of the rain began to stop ever so slightly as the sun peaked through the tree tops and into the cave.

"Hey . . . let me make this up to you. . *Guzma stpod up from his seat as he reached out his hand to yours* let me help you get that Paras, for real this time."

Stepping out into the clearing Guzma led you back to the spot where he said Paras roam. And to his credit he was right this time. Hoards of Paras scattered across the jungle floor each one just as cute as the other. Hiding behind some bushes you watched over each and every one of them in hopes of finding one that was just perfect for you. With a hasty tug at your side Guzma had alerted you to one he'd think you'd like.

"Hey hey! Look! Fuck! I I can't believe it!"

"Haha Hey what are you doing??"

Looking to where Guzma was pointing you nearly lept from your spot when you spotted a orange cream colored Paras with yellow spotted mushrooms. . .a shiny.

Without thinking you tossed a net ball at it. Luckily it hit, but unlikely for you, your antics caused the surrounding Paras to flee back into the wilds which meant if you didn't catch this bug your other options have already left the premises.

One shake

Two

Three

*Click*

Finally being able to breathe Guzma lept up as well in celebration. Too focused on your accomplishment it didn't even occur to you or him that the two of you were hugging each other until you needed to pull away to collect your new pal. Both of you blushing madly as you both set out back to town.

🪲☠️🪲☠️🪲☠️🪲☠️🪲☠️🪲☠️🪲☠️🪲☠️

"Okay . . So this it! The day of all the contests! You feeling nervous?"

"Pshh Yeah fucking right Big Boy Guzma ain't scared of shit!"

He was so nervous. . fuck it you manged to convince him to sign up for a few contests and yeah he was nervous as all shit. Well the truth had to come out eventually and Guzma was more shocked that you took to the whole being an ex-gang leader better than he expected. Something about a similar thing happened in Paldea back when you were in school where these kids were being bullied and decided to form their own gang of some sort, so to you it was just the same thing different setting! You did lightly scold him on his whole stealing Pokemon thing but Guzma was already on the path to redemption so no need for too much of it. Still the situation with his own parents made your blood boil and you were so here to help support him as your Grandmother did to you all those years back.

With the annoucer speaking towards the crowd they called up the first few rounds of contests which included wing span length and fastest fliers both of which you had Guzma sign his Masquerian for.

"Okay Guzma this it! *You grab his hand and drag him to the event grounds* this is your time to show em who's boss."

"Hahaha now wait a damn minute. I already was big bad Guzma before. The boss needs to prove himself to nobody!"

"Nuff talking more walking! The people need to at least see that you haven't gone soft on them so kick their asses!!!"

"*Blushing* whatever you say sweetcheeks."

🪲☠️🪲☠️🪲☠️🪲☠️🪲☠️🪲☠️🪲☠️🪲☠️

Before the two of you knew it, the contests were over, but the two of you were so caught up in your own joy that it hadn't really fully settled until the next morning. Guzma had won a few which you were more than happy to cheer him on for each and every event he was a part of. As you guessed Golisopod won with flying colors in strength and speed, and his scizor got second in shiniest coat only losing to a younger alola kid and his heracross. His Masquerian got best flying award but didn't do so hot against the other Masquerians in the wingspan category. Damn Hoenn surskit breediers always get the best pickings! Still Guzma enjoyed every moment, and it was all made better with you. Didn't matter to him if he won or lost he was just so happy to spend time around other bug enjoyers and seeing you win too. Speaking of you winning that Paras was your golden ticket. Entering best dressed contest were both trainer and Pokemon had to show up in their best outfit, with a tiny pair of shades and a brand new outfit just for this event you swept the competition and got gold. All your bugs did and with a heavy heart you could finally retire happily.

*Click . . . Creakkkk*

"Welp this is it!"

Opening up your office door, you were allowed some time beforehand to get all your supplies and belongings situated. With Guzma following behind he was left to wonder what was going to happen to you now that you've gotten the job and the winnings you've wanted.

"Haha it ain't much I'm hoping to make this a place of my own soon. I already had lots of briefings with my coworkers and they plan on doing a lot for the bugs of this region. We have the haracross population out on Poni Island who need some help. Compared to other regions they aren't the biggest and they say its all linked to diet. We plan on planting some berry patches to help with that. Oh Yeah! Also also we got the cutifly schooling program! They want to test out how well school kids take to cutfliy's and see if they can be used as beginner Pokemon for small children. And then we got. . . "

"Sounds like you'll be busy" Guzma said with a hint of sadness in his voice.

"Well? Yeah! Of course we'll be busy! But that's part of the fun right!"

"Yeah . . guess so ..." But Guzma didn't seem all that thrilled. Just when he had you in his palm you were ready to slip between his fingers. Gone and alone . . again. But not wanting to ruin the moment he could only smile at you before turning to leave.

"Yep! So much fun! . . . so much more fun than being a little errand boy for that old Kahuna."

"Tsk ain't gotta rub it in now." Guzma said stopping in his tracks.

"Well . . . being all sad doesn't seem all that fun either. . . so . if you are interested *you hand him some documents, with the letters APPLICATION on top.*"

"Hey hey? What?? But . "

"ONLY! If you are interested, sides already talked it over with Uhh Hala? And Nanu I think it was and uh they have agreed to let you try this out. Idk about you but beats doing whatever you were doing before."

"I . . I uhh . hm look . its not . well. . I don't know. ."

"Guzma *You hold out your hand to grab his, rubbing his hand softly* . . . I wouldn't be asking if I didn't trust you. I know I've been pushing my life onto yours over these past few days and that I've done more than just step into your life but, I want . . no I need you in my life. . I don't know anyone who I've shared more of a connection with. This is my dream yes but I would love to share it with you again if you want to. Besides hehe . .think of all the bugs we'll get to meet!! That sounds perfect enough for me."

Feeling your words touch his heart how could he possibly say no to you.

"Hmm. . and you really sure you want the hated boss you beats you down right by your side? I ain't even smart enough for all this . . researchers shit."

"Oh please I'm no scientist either! That's why we do all the heavy lifting!"

"Oh great so it is just errand boy but with more steps"

"*laughing you playfully punch him* hehe yeah but more bugs too."

Your laugh, that oh so sweet laugh that made his heart flutter. With a smile and gleam in his eyes he wrapped his arms around yours to pull you in closer. What he saw in your eyes was more than just his future. He saw happiness, and it all came back to you.

"Yeah . . and it'll be the two of us huh?

Feeling his warmth once more your arms found home wrapped around him as well.

"Yeah! The two of us! And the best crew of bugs we could have ever asked for."

"Thank you (Y/N)."

🪲☠️🪲☠️🪲☠️🪲☠️🪲☠️🪲☠️🪲☠️🪲☠️

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