#sadly no Phoebus here still ;-;

[sins-of-the-sea]

It seems Shylow's cousins have come for a visit!

The shadows all giggle and wiggle as they form a line of children lead by a very large humanoid bat. "Pardon the intrusion, Captain," the bat greets "my class today is learning about different sailing ships and Servac mentioned you wouldn't mind if we dropped in? He said you'd be happy to answer their questions."

The children are all practically scrambling over one another, their hands raised and begging to be called on first. Though that doesn't stop some from just calling out their questions before they can be picked.

"Why're there so many sales?"

"What's that big stick on the front for?"

"How's the wheel connected to the turny thingy under the water?"

"Where do you go to the bathroom?"

"Have you ever met a mermaid?"

"Have you ever punched Poseidon?"

"How do you pronounce anemimey- an- aninimy- amemory-"

@thegcblinfather

Use anon to send some children to ask my muse questions.

Abena couldn't help but tear up as she watches her husband beam joyously as he is being surrounded by so many children.

"Settle down! Settle down! We'll answer your questions! We're more than happy to!" He takes a moment to recompose himself. "We'll answer one at a time. Why don't we start with you, love? Why does a ship have many sails?"

"Oh, sweetie, it's because as much as boats can float, it's still very heavy and at the mercy of the waves! The bigger the boat, the more sails we'll need! Winds can only blow so hard with one sail, and depending on the weight of the vessel and its shape, it may not go very fast either! So a big boat with lots and lots of sails not only can make it go where it needs to go, but it can go really fast too! And you'll need those many sails to go the direction you'll need to go too! Now, Ruixiong, what is the big stick in the front for?"

"Ohhh, I got this! That big stick is called the bowsprit! Not every vessel has one, but when it does, it's intended to support the forestay--the rigging (rope) that supports the forwardmost sail. If it stick out far and strong enough, it can be used to support the figurehead as well--the lady that is carved or stuck onto the front of the ship's hull! It's a dangerous place to go unless you're an experienced sailor who can balance well, so don't try to walk the bowsprit on your own, children--you could fall off and hit the ship's hull along the way! And it'll hurt! As for the wheel connected to the 'turny thingy'… Rashid can do that one better!"

Rashid couldn't help but chuckle at the children's enthusiasm. "The wheel is called the 'helm', and usually the one tasked to handle it is called the 'helmsman'. The turny-thing in the water is called the 'rudder'. The helm is connected to the rudder by a series of beams, spindles, and other wheels within the back of the ship that directs the rudders a certain way when you turn the helm a certain way. It's not as easy as it looks--it's very heavy, the movement will not pick up subtle turns like it would for a car or bicycle, and the results of your movement may feel delayed. You'll also need to take account of the sails' direction to go where you need to go. That's why a ship needs more than just someone at the wheel--it needs a whole Crew. Now why don't you answer the one with the bathroom, Guy?"

"Why me?" The man chuckles nonetheless. "Back in the old days, we just use chamberpots-- ceramic pots where you do your business in them and collect the waste before you dump it overboard at later time. Eventually, though, ships may have a bathroom installed in them simply called the head--because it's located in the front-most part of the ship's hull below deck, just above the waterline. It simply uses gravity to get the gross stuff down, then we wash up with seawater if there is a pump or bucket for that. Our ship thankfully has a head, though if it gets stuffed up we know precisely who to blame."

Rashid glares as the rest of the Crew laugh.

"I'm afraid we have yet to meet a mermaid, children, though sometimes we like to think we do! No, we never punched Poseidon, I'm pretty sure that's rude. And-"

"…..What?"

"I think they mean 'anemone'. As in the sea anemone!"

"Of course! It's tricky in English, but we call it by other names in other languages, heh. Don't touch one if you see it, however! It can sting!"

[tanilealto]

On the parentage of Esmeralda

SO, we know that in the Notre Dame De Paris, Esmeralda isn't the kidnapped daughter of Paquette (La Chantfleurie), since Paquette isn't in the musical and also Esmeralda doesn't have her amulet with the baby shoe on her. Which begs the question; who are her parents supposed to be?

Esmeralda does not look like Clopin's gang, even if Phoebus calles her "mon ange noir" I still see Esmeralda as a white-ish girl (thank you casting committee). With that in mind I suggest that she is in fact NOT a gypsy, but got accepted into the gypsy tribe because they knew her mother. Well then, who was she?

Allow me to present my theory on that. For those who watched the musical Don Juan, they will remember the girl called "Belle Andalouse", the dancer at the tavern, with whom Don Juan spent the night and then left behind, even though she wanted him to stay.

(Proof ^^)

Now then, what does Esmeralda tell Phoebus about her parentage? Only that her mother (!) was a Spaniard (!!) who told her about Andalousia (!!!).

(Proof ^^)

So, here's my theory: after Don Juan seduced La Belle Andalouse, she became pregnant, and lost her job at the tavern, maybe because she had to stop dancing, maybe because they didn't have paid maternity leave, or maybe because they had the same policy as Monsieur Madeleine in his factory. Who knows.

So the Andalusian Fantine loses her job, and, in my theory, meets the gypsies. How, I do not now. Maybe she was seeking shelter and they took her in. Maybe she was kind to them earlier, and they remembered. Anyhow, Clopin decides to take her in, and they bond. Soon after, Baby Esmeralda is born, and Andalousian Fantine goes back to dancing. Gypsies are a tolerant folk, and they happily accept a good dancer. So, Belle Andalouse travels with them, as does Baby Esmeralda.

Somewhere among the road Belle Andalouse, sadly, dies, and so we are left with Esmeralda entrusted to the care of Belle Andalouse's good friend Clopin, as seen in "Esmeralda, tu Sais"

(Proof ^^)

Here again, Clopin confirms that the girl who bore Esmeralda was Andalousian.

Bonus: I think this theory also explains why Esmeralda was irresistible to every man in a 5-mile radius; her father was none other than the most charming Don Juan!! ;)

[x-luscious-lucius-x]

She could feel her resolve faltering as he broke down in front of her, she couldn't imagine what he'd been through in the past few days, but given the state of him, she knew it wasn't anything good. All she wanted was to hold him and tell him it would all be ok. How could it be though? This was bigger than anything she'd ever fixed for him before, this may beyond even her vast talents.

Her heart hurt once more as he spoke of needing this girl, she could only imagine what she'd done to him, the ways she'd forced herself inside of her Grandsons head.

She quirked her eyebrow as he said he'd been looking for her, "Well, I suppose that's something, maybe there are some brains left in there hmm?" She said, ruffling his curls.

Vittoria gasped as he spoke of loving the girl, she was further unconvinced when he spoke of the girl loving him in return,

"What other thing? Where have you been? What's happened? We've spent days looking for you. When they told us you were in the hospital, we thought she'd hurt you, that her father had hurt you, or perhaps." Vittoria said sighing deeply before continuing, "Worse still, that you had hurt yourself." She said sadly, memories of Lucius's pervious attempt flooding her memories.

She shook her head, needing the memories to fade so she could focus on the task at hand, she waved her hand, summoning some soothing tea, "Here, drink this, it will help you to calm down, have you eaten? Well, regardless, you need to eat." She said, more to herself, she waved her hand once more summoning some calming cake on a plate with a fork and handed it to Phoebus. "Eat this, it will let you calm down and think clearly so we can get to the bottom of all this." She said, patting him on the shoulder gently.

The Fallout ....

It had been days since they'd last seen Phoebus, they had been unable to find him, just waiting for news of him for so long. Anything could have happened. What if they couldn't find him? What if they did but they were too late?

Bella and Lucius were all but out of their minds, as was Axe. Her and Bella had wanted to keep Phoebus's disappearing act from Lucius and her husband, but as the hours passed they'd had to tell them what had transpired. Vittoria had done her best to placate them all to tell them all that she was sure he was fine but the more she said it the more she doubted herself.

The hours had turned into days and the days passed with no word from him, slowly they had all had to face the possibility that they may have lost him.

Vittoria's head was swimming with thoughts as she walked through the hospital in search of Phoebus. What if it was now him she found in a hospital bed? What if she found his lifeless body? She couldn't bear this any longer, it was torture.

She'd already checked the hospital when he first went missing but at the time he and the girl were nowhere to be found.

She didn't know what she'd do were she to actually find her reckless grandson. Part of her wanted to throttle him, the other just wanted to hold him tightly. She could only hope he was safe, hiding somewhere, and the Dark Lord hadn't actually set his daughter out to trap her grandson in some awful plot to kill him.

Then another awful thought crossed her mind, what if he had done as his father had done all those years ago? When she and Axe had forbidden him from seeing Bella ever again? He had said she was like family to him, clearly he was besotted, whether that was genuine or because of the girls Vela powers remained to be seen. Vela's could easily drive a man to killing himself - what about a young impressionable man like her Grandson, her Phoebus?

No! A shiver ran down her spine. No, she couldn't think upon it, she couldn't bear it, she shook her head, willing the thoughts to dissipate.

She had asked the hospital to inform her if they heard anything about Phoebus, or the girl.

Finally she had been contacted and informed that the girl was now here after being admitted, no one was to be told and it was being keep very hush hush, but being the owner of the hospital did indeed have some perks.

Just as she'd suspected, Theodore had arranged to bring the girl in. Vittoria was just making her way towards the girls room when she saw a tuft of thick brown curl hair out of the corner of her eye, her heart sunk it couldn't be? She whipped around to see that it was indeed her feckless grandson.

She couldn't deny the relief that washed over her to see him alive, seemingly unhurt. She rushed over, making her way to him, though she couldn't be seen with him, not like this, not here: she was too well known. So she walked behind him silently, making sure not to alert him, she waited until he was completely alone and no one was looking before she grabbed him, turning and apperating them both away with a pop before anyone noticed.

Vittoria took them to one her many apartments, she'd had it long before she married Axe. Her father gave it to her as a present for her seventh birthday, to help her build her property portfolio, she'd always cherished it deeply because it was the first thing she'd properly owned. That being said, she also knew it would be the last place any one else would look for her and for now, she wanted to be alone with Phoebus. Before her wilful Grandson could escape or pop off once more she was around him casting every charm she could muster. Making sure no one could come in - nor out of the property until she decided they could.

She clicked her fingers and summoned her most trusted elf,

"Go and tell Mistress Malfoy that I have Phoebus, tell her he is alive, he is safe and that I will send for her when I am ready, you are not to bring anyone here nor tell anyone where we are. You are not allowed back until I summon you, I forbid it, do you understand?"

"Yes Mistress." The elf squeaked and popped from sight.

Finally, she threw her arms around her Grandson and hugged him, truly so grateful to know that he was alive, "I am so so happy you're ok, well, alive, you certainly don't look ok." she held him tightly for a long while, before pushing him back to arms length and shaking him,

"How could you be so stupid, oh my darling boy what have you done?" She sighed defeatedly, releasing him. "Don't even think of running, you don't know where we are, and you are trapped with me, until I say otherwise. Do I make myself clear Phoebus?" She said to him sternly, raising her eyebrow at him.

[dandelion-turtle]

Hyakinthos

Hyakinthos was a Spartan prince, most prominently known in Amyclae with a decent cult following. there are a couple of different people listed as being his parents, but the most popular is King Amyclus and Diomedes. if Amyclus was his father, that would also make Daphne, another of Apollo’s lovers, Hyakinthos’s sister. it seems like he would be quite simple, he has a relatively small story with one of the earliest written records from Hesiod. in this version there is no love rival, just an accident. written in the 7th century BC, it was merely one, albeit long, sentence.

”. . ((lacuna)) rich-tressed Diomede; and she bare Hyakinthos (Hyacinthus), the blameless one and strong . . ((lacuna)) whom, on a time Phoibos (Phoebus) [Apollon] himself slew unwittingly with a ruthless disk.”

however, the most famous version, and one that most will know, comes from Ovid’s Metamorphosis. written somewhere between the 1st century BC and 1st century AD, this sentence long story grew to be paragraphs long. in which Ovid describes the love Apollo and Hyakinthos have for each other — which was the ultimate demise for the young prince. with parts of it coming from the perspective of a mourning Apollo, Ovid writes how Hyakinthos was turned into a flower with “ai, ai” written on the petals to express Apollo’s sadness. and the version that we all have come to know including betrayal and jealous rage from Zephyros (the West Wind), is hinted at in Pausanias’ “Description of Greece”.

”[In the temple of Apollon at Amyklai (Amyclae) Nikias (Nicias) [painter fl. c. 320 B.C.], son of Nikomedes, has painted him [Hyakinthos (Hyacinthus)] in the very prime of youthful beauty, hinting at the love of Apollon for Hyakinthos of which legend tells . . . As for Zephyros (the West Wind), how Apollon unintentionally killed Hyakinthos, and the story of the flower, we must be content with the legends, although perhaps they are not true history.”

despite this seemingly clear-cut story, there’s a lot more than meets the eye with Hyakinthos. according to many historians the -nth part of his name is pre-Hellenic and comes from the Mycenaean era. another word like that would be Corinth — a pre-Greek polis that was destroyed and rebuilt. this leads many to believe that Hyakinthos was around BEFORE Apollo. he would have been a chthonic vegetation god — almost like the male equivalent to Persephone. this leads to a few different theories, but before I get to that, let me tell you the story of Hyakinthos as told by Ovid and Lucian’s “Dialogues of the Gods��. ═══════════════════════════

⊰ The Myth ⊱

Hyakinthos was a beautiful Spartan prince. he had many lovers, but the one that had eventually won his heart was Apollo. the god taught beautiful long-haired Hyakinthos how to play the lyre, how to use a bow and arrows, a little bit on prophecies, and gave him a swan chariot. the two were incredibly in love, but sadly, there was someone who didn’t like that. Zephyros, the west wind, was jealous for he too loved Hyakinthos. he had tried to woo him but it really was no match for Apollo. he watched the two men play again and again until he had eventually had enough of it. he ultimately created one of the most tragic love stories. like most days, Apollo and Hyakinthos were together, playing around and having mild competitions throwing a discus. Apollo wanted to show off for Hyakinthos so he could see just what a god could do. he threw a discus high into the air, clearing the clouds away and it disappeared into the sky. Hyakinthos wanted to impress his lover as well, so he chased after the discus laughing. Zephyros in a fit of rage at the two men enjoying themselves changed the course of the discus. as it came to land, the force was so strong that it bounced off the ground and smashed into Hyakinthos’s face. Apollo ran to his lover and tried every kind of medicine and healing he could think of. he even placed ambrosia on his lover’s lips but blood flowed freely from the wound. there was no way for him to stop a wound of Fate. in his despair, he turned Hyakinthos into a flower, but seeing that wasn’t good enough, he wrote his grief upon the petals. ═══════════════════════════

⊰ Symbolism From The Myth ⊱

Taking A Temple as mentioned before, it’s very likely that Hyakinthos was an older deity from the pre-hellenic period. something that many Greek writers did, was create a myth of how a deity began their worship in a specific place. we know the temple that Apollo was worshipped at in Amyclae was older than when his worship would have started. one theory behind this myth then, is how Apollo came to be worshipped over Hyakinthos at the temple and area; by killing the previous deity. it sounds sad, but it’s actually happened several times, and even with Apollo specifically. the most famous example I can think of would be at Delphi. originally the temple was in honor of the titan Gaia. Apollo came in valiantly and killed the Python (which is what gives Apollo’s priestesses their name) and inevitably took the temple over with his worship. what this doesn’t account for, is the fact Hyakinthos is still worshipped at the temple heavily, his and Apollo’s worship having mingled and being near inseparable. it is even said that upon his death and burial, Apollo said to give him (Hyakinthos) all offerings first. now, if you know a thing or two about Greek worship, the first portion of the offering was incredibly important, especially considering hero worship was probably closer to chthonic sacrifices in practice; though they were not considered to be ‘dead’. within my research so far, I have yet to find this happening somewhere else, but I will update this if I ever do. now all of this is unusual with the theory that this myth symbolizes one deity taking over. if that were the case, why continue to worship Hyakinthos? Duality some of you may not know this about me, but I am a sucker when it comes to duality, specifically with lovers. this myth may be a symbol for the growing season and harvest of the crops. while it may be a common motif, especially among the Greeks, I think it’s a sweet and somber story giving personification to an important aspect of Greek life. I also believe the duality is less about the exacts of what they rule over, but the way they were worshipped. the closest example I can think of also comes from Delphi with the duality between Apollo and Dionysos (who, shockingly enough, was the only other god historians believe was present during the Hyakinthia festival besides Apollo and Hyakinthos). as a hero, or simply for his chthonic aspect, the ritual and practice would have been far different than that for Apollo. while this isn’t exactly backed by anything I can find specific to duality, I personally feel a reason both Apollo and Hyakinthos were worshipped together in Amyclae is due to that duality between them. Hyakinthos would have been a chthonic deity probably for vegetation or agriculture, whereas Apollo here is a god of light (not the sun) representing life, health, and the ultimate grief. their worship in Amyclae was always together once Apollo was introduced (to some this hinted that they were possibly the same person representing a cycle, but most disagree with this theory). the duality is clearly a theme already for Apollo, and I think what happened at Delphi with Dionysos is the same for Amyclae and Hyakinthos. together they represent loss and mourning but also happiness and life — love. ═══════════════════════════

⊰ Hyakinthos Associations ⊱

okay, now that I have bored you all to death, let’s talk about some less heavy things. due to their worship being completely together, I would say that nearly anything related to Apollo can also be associated with Hyakinthos and vice versa. however, we love individuality in this house, so let’s talk about the things either associated with him through the various, limited texts we have and some UPG. Associations ➳ larkspurs/hyacinths ➳ swans ➳ bow and arrow ➳ summer! ➳ new spring growth ➳ chiton’s (they were offered to him by the women of Sparta) ➳ death ➳ rebirth/cycles ➳ chariot’s ➳ blood ➳ blue/purple/red colors ➳ discus (sorry) ➳ lavender ➳ lyre ➳ lapis lazuli ➳ amethyst ➳ black tourmaline ═══════════════════════════ Devotional Activities ➳ keeping a garden ➳ maybe even an indoor garden ➳ go to parks and feed the swans/birds ➳ archery ➳ sports ➳ making a chiton ➳ writing poems ➳ taking care of those around you ➳ growing larkspurs/hyacinths ➳ get a devotional journal ➳ create a playlist (sad songs for the most part) ➳ fall in love deeply ═══════════════════════════

⊰ Deity Or Divine Hero? ⊱

I don’t know if this question can be answered for a fact honestly. what we do know is that he was at least worshipped as a hero, that much can be said. anything further than that comes at a later time and from the outside perspective. a lot of ancient Greek writers didn’t write down certain things because they saw them as common knowledge. this doesn’t help us looking back now. what we can say, is that some of the offerings given to him were not common with hero worship and would have been reserved for the gods. this is according to Angeliki Petropoulou, a professor in ancient greek studies/religion, and the author of “Hyakinthos and Apollo of Amyklai: Identities and Cults. A Reconsideration of the Written Evidence” pages 153-161. Within this, she makes the argument that Hyakinthos has gone through ‘apotheosis’. this is the action of a mortal, usually a hero, becoming a god. note: ‘βουθυσία’ is a traditional oxen sacrifice.

“The βουθυσία for Hyakinthos, which is indicative of his new immortal status, should be placed on the third day too. Oxen are costly victims, the bull being the most “noble” sacrificial animal. After mourning for Hyakinthos’s death and making a propitiatory sacrifice at his tomb, they honoured him with a bull sacrificed as if to a god. Yet the geographical range in which he was regarded as god was rather circumscribed and did not spread beyond the borders of Lakedaimonia. The βουθυσία for Hyakinthos would have been instituted after the construction of the altar on which Apollo received sacrifices; for the only altar excavated, in an area filled with remnants of burnt sacrifices, is attributed to Apollo.”

so there you have it. most places will probably call him a hero, and that wouldn’t be wrong. others may call him a deity, which also isn’t wrong. I’ll tell you what I’m personally going to go with, and everyone can make their own decision based on the information listed through this post and the readings I’ll link at the bottom. no matter your conclusion, the relationship you have will be completely yours, and it’s ok! if anything, I encourage that over taking my word for it. ══════════════════════════ for me, I think I consider him a deity. I know that I heavily romanticize the story, and with Apollo being so near to my heart, him having a terrible love life hurts my soul. while I don’t exactly want to rewrite any myths, I won’t claim that they are married, I will say that I believe them to be happy. their worship in Amyclae was so intertwined and based completely around each other from the history we know, that, for me, it makes sense to also honor them together. I’ll leave you all on one more incredibly sad quote from Lucien’s “Dialogue of the Gods” (that I referenced from earlier).

”Apollon : Well, my loves never prosper; Daphne and Hyakinthos (Hyacinthus) were my great passions; she so detested me that being turned to a tree was more attractive than I; and him I killed with a quoit. Nothing is left me of them but wreaths of their leaves and flowers.”

it’s ok to cry, I do nearly every time I read that.

⊰ For Further Reading ⊱

➳Hyakinthos theoi ➳Apollo theoi ➳Hyakinthos Wiki ➳My Hellenic Research Google Drive this also contains the Sparta book I reference and a few others worth a read.

[hag-rambling-on]

Planetary Sistems and Other Dimensions

I WILL GO INTO MORE DETAILS IN THE FUTURE - EACH SYSTEM IN THEIR RESPECTIVE POST -maybe-

All these Planetary Systems are found in our Milky Way. The standard reference star map used is from the eyes of an observer of Hike (now Magix). Also the "common" language the Hikeinian language, although everyone calls it "common".

They're like ... 21 planets (and not really all are planets) habitables in 7 planetary systems (or 22 and 8, if we count Earth). THIS IS WHAT WAR DOES. This is why the Magic Realm Council has so much freedom and powers.

Like, there is even a rule that said the extent of space travel is limited to the galaxy itself as a precaution. Until all their internal messes become sorted out (never, are still dealing with the aftermath of the Ancestral Witches, per Arcadia!) or foreign civilizations contact first.

If there are two races on the same planet that markedly differ morphologically, it is most likely that one of them - or even both - are refugees from now places unsuitable for living.

Each planet has its own language and each planetary system has another one, so on average a person can know up to 3 languages. Ie: Stella could only talks solarian, hikeinian/common and reticulumian (well, as a coincidence she also speaks callistian). Yes, some races also have their own language, but at this points is considered a cultural treasure and a secret code between them.

Reticulum Solar System

Solaria. In same system are Callisto, Hoggar and Pyros (actually a moon of Hoggar.  It has three suns, Valeria, Lumenia and Atsukia* (That “sun”).

Hercules Solar System

Domino. In same system are Dolona and Oppositus. Their sun is Saulė.

Once a planet called Larisa was here.

Lacerta Solar System

Magix ( in the asteroid belt of the destroyed planet Hike)

As I’ve already said, Magix, it’s where the top schools are located, is an asteroid in a belt, in the remains of Planet Hike, from which it formed. It is a neutral location and home to the Magic Realm Council. Another place considered neutral is Lymphea which is the only other habitable place in that same Solar System after the Intergalactic War.

It has no moon, although the sadly now uninhabitable planet Marigold which Lynphea revolves around is near and looks like a moon if you don't know what you're seeing.

Lake Rocaluce It occupies 1/3 of the place and is where a great meteor was invoked and caused the fracture of the planet (and the end of a war, an interRealm war that Hika hosted, but that was long before even the Ancient Witches, Just after Legendarium times. The schools are placed around him in eternal memory it... Although... most of the people no longer remember...

Magix (the city) was founded by the weary survivors of this war and they too formed the Magic Realms Council, with their sede in the Fortress of Light that hangs above Lake Roccaluce.

Lymphea 

Actually a moon from a planet called Marigold because their yellowlike coloration. Marigold has four others moons. In the whole system, once full of life in all their planet an most of their satelites via terraforming, only Lymphea, which started as a colony, remains prosperous.

Their sun is Arinnitti or Arinna for short.

Phoenix Solar System

Terra (Earth). In Magix, their/our sun is called Phoebus.

Eridanus Solar System

Melody. In same system are Ohm and Espero. Their sun is called Teruama.

Bootes Solar System

Eraklyon. In same system are Romulea, Thordal, Karunda, and Isis (Diaspro’s home and Eraklyon moon). Their suns are called Mitra and Surya.

Monoceros Solar System

Titania and Zenith (two moons) around an uninhabitable planet called Xemia with its sun called Maeva.

Is this a joke to the Comic-Animation contradiction? Yes it is. No shame.

Cassiopeia Solar System

Andros 

At least eight moons! A moons for each royal in Andros or maybe I must add more???? Oh, and there are Androsians colonies on the moons. Especially terraformed for farmlands.

Omega

A planet that who says its dead says its Hungry, where ley lines for some reason absorb magic instead of generating it, perfect for locking magic people up. And cold because it is farthest from the sun in their solar system. And it has hardly any atmosphere, in fact, prisoners are recommended to stay in the tunnels.

In same system is Serenia. They only have one sun, Utu.

OTHER DIMENSIONS

Golden Kingdom AND Relix/Realix are the same, I’ve already talk about it.

Light & Dark Dimensions are cancelled.

The Wishing Star come from the Ethereal Plane of Magic.

Omega is a planet, read above.

Oblivion, Obsidian and Limbo are the same, now called: Boundless Oblivion

It is a fine liminal dimension superimposed on ours full of "nothing", which is used as a prison for the worst criminals. There is no concept of time or space or, well anything in it. Here you go crazy, and you can not use magic, but you are not hungry or thirsty, there is only you and your thoughts.

As it is superimposed on ours, it could theorically also be used to go from one place to another but like move through that dimension without someone pulling you from the outside? Impossible.

You prefer that the Magic Council send you Omega, not mention Rocaluce Fortress.

Infinite Ocean

Where there is black, there is white, where there is nothing, there is something. The Infinite Ocean is the opposite liminal dimension of the Boundless Oblivion one. Full of life in their neutral form, therefore of water, connecting the entire universe in an almost pocket dimension, with the right magic, you can use it as a bridge to go anywhere... or damage anywhere.

It was from here that the Old Witches destroyed Domino and managed to curse the Mermaidix, which was the form Daphne was using when she confronted them because she was still learning how to use the Nymphix that had just been given to her.

You can enter with any aquatic transformation -freshwater or salty-, but people didn't know what transformation was cursed and no one was going to risk themselves to know it.

MiniWorlds and Legendarium as dimensions are cancelled, I’ve already talk about them

Planes or Dimensions of the Ethereals: Plane of Magic, Plane of Death, Plane of Dreams

[notfeelingthyaster]

Imagine (Son of Hades! Percy; Godswapped! Big Three's kids) Son of Neptune AU (2/7) or (7/12)

Hello! Before reading, check the PJO AU and the TLH AU - the links are on the masterpost - because they are essential to this one. Don't forget to check the warnings before reading. Review and make suggestions! And have a good reading :))

TW: This post in special has sexual harassment, racist slurs, and mentions of whipping.

Perseus wakes up in a semi-destroyed building full of wolves with a black ax in one hand and a Warhammer in the other. And that's just the beginning of the worst months of his life - or the only months of his life he can remember.

Then everything hurts - too much, like his skin is melting from his bones and his eyes are being gouged out. His skin feels like it's melting, and he promptly passes out.

He has no idea of who he is - except his name, but he might just know it because the wolf woman told him - and the talking wolves don't know - or can't tell him anything else. Either way, Perseus is getting nowhere.

Oh yes - he is also pretty sure wolves aren't supposed to shapeshift. And rope you into training - which, he must've been a bodybuilder or something because he is pretty good at wrestling.

Shoving the wolves into the ground and destroying the monsters that try and defy Lady Lupa's pack are the highlights of his week.

Lady Lupa is... - Lupa is everything he knows. She is the one who, for some reason, let's him stay. She tells him about the gods and the monsters - about how she found him in her doorstep after her home was sacked by Earthborn.

How he must be the sign of the Olympus that Lady Venus promised her. The one who comes to help.

Perseus doesn't know her - he doesn't know who she is or if she is telling the truth. But he has well-trained powers that he has no idea how to utilize, nowhere to go and no way of searching for his family - no one knows who he is, except for his first name (which sounds wrong).

And he tried to run away once - it didn't end well, because monsters are immortal - and everywhere.

Lupa tells him he had a curse upon him, so he has to train himself all over again now that it's gone. It doesn't sound like the truth, but he prefers Lady Lupa's carefully crafted half-truths than sleeping in the streets.

Lady Lupa teaches him - and tells him to expect the signal of the gods. They will guide him - even if they give him no answers.

Perseus doesn't like the gods much. They've left him here - which is a good place, but not his home, wherever it is - with no idea of who he is or what to do - except train and learn.

Mother Lupa - as most call her in the Wolf House - educates him like one would an unruly puppy. She corrects everything - from the way he addresses the gods at evening prayers to the way he sits - and he obeys.

Because in the midst of all those wolves? Perseus is just another puppy. So he sits and read hours of Vergil, Ovid and Horace in ancient Latin out loud - even if he would prefer not to.

Sadly - he does not have an opinion. Lady Lupa won't hesitate on using her whip on him. Oh yes, she has a whip - a black whip, which she uses to educate them. His back hurts sometimes when he rests upon the cold floor.

He prays to anyone - his godly parent - who is some Underworld God if his hold on shadows and stone means anything - or a friend, someone who's missing him, anyone really, for them to come and gives him answers.

It doesn't happen.

So he trains and he trains. He has no idea how much time has passed - how much time he has been slashing and cutting and killing, how much time he has heard every detail of Julius Caesar crusade through Europe.

It's still cold when the gods send their signal - they send him a maiden. She holds her hand to him like he is an old friend - and he goes.

She makes him only one question - "Do you want peace or answers, Perseus? Choose carefully, for no path will be easy, but the harvest comes for those who plant the seeds" - and when he answers, she climbs to his back and flowers create a path in the ground.

She doesn't talk anymore. He follows the trail and the girl threads her fingers through his hair, humming to herself a melody only she is able to hear.

In the way, there are two gorgons. Lady Lupa taught him about them. It's an easy battle - until he discovers that they just don't die. They keep reforming, like evil pottery.

They attack again and he picks up his ax to continue racking them into bits, but she tightened her fingers in his hair - like one would steer a horse.

So before they reform, he runs. Perseus runs - with a beyond beautiful maiden on his back (which would be really uncomfortable, if he wasn't so pissed with the gods for giving exactly no answers) doing nothing but play with his hair and eat granola bars - and he gets to a military outpost.

At least, it's what it looks like. There's a wall who must be at least 20 feet high. Its not a normal wall - because he can see eyes in its crevices, looking at him.

Perseus is really tired. There are people there - he is seeing them, do they think he is stupid? - and he has a person in his back.

So he kills both gorgons again with his stone spikes - he is pretty sure the guys that aren't opening the doors can deal with them when they eventually reform - and shadow travels inside.

He doesn't do this often - it takes a lot out of him and he might end up stuck in the wall if he is too tired, but he is too angry to care.

Perseus could've destroyed their door. He should've, really. It might have stopped those people from surrounding him with weapons.

These people - the people looming over him now that he crossed the barrier, who are using togas just like him, so different but so familiar - would've let him die for nothing. Perseus growls - a bad habit he picked up living only with wolves for an undetermined amount of time.

He should kill every single one of them. He should open the ground - and let it swallow them, let their bones turn to dust, return their weapons to molten metal.

But the maiden tightens her fingers in his hair, and he obeys - because Perseus has been well trained, and he doesn't bend.

"Who are you?!" A boy with a bow asks harshly, and Perseus wants him to rip him apart - he is so done. Perseus is a Roman - is what Lupa taught him - and Roman wolves don't roll over.

"Lady Lupa sent me." They don't look like they believe him, but they take him to their leader.

He feels like an alien - behind the wall, there's a whole new world - hundreds of people stare at him with a mix of fear, disdain, and curiosity. It feels familiar.

Perseus is reluctant to leave his weapons with a statue - specially while entering the territory of people who won't protect him and might try to kill him, but he is not one for scandals - so he thanks Lord Terminus, and goes on.

They enter the Senate after walking for about an hour - his head held high, even with the extra weight in his back - in the middle of the session. Lady Lupa would find this appalling.

Everyone turns to them - the tall black muscular man, dressed in a dark red toga, with a woman in his back also clad in a toga - they look like normal citizens, and yet, somehow, completely foreign.

Their escorts - a black girl no older than fourteen and the archer, that must be around his age - kneel to the Praetor - but as soon as they start explaining, they are interrupted.

Their promagistrate - a man Perseus will later learn is named Justus - looks at them once and shrieks.

"Lord Pluto!" They call him, and the whole Senatus knee down "Lady Ceres!"

The goddess he didn't recognize comes down of his back, chuckling to herself. All gods are mad - Perseus thinks, but keeps stoic in front of the government of this Rome copycat, else they kill him for disrespect or something.

"Rise!" She starts "You're almost correct, child of Justitia. For I am Ceres, but this is not Lord Pluto."

The promagistrate seems offended with Perseus somehow - like it's his fault the man is an idiot.

"This is his only mortal son and my daughter's champion, Perseus of Styx. He has been under Lady Lupa's tutelage in her command." This was new.

So his father was the king of the dead himself - which was not surprising. But he was apparently Lady Proserpina's champion - a goddess who left him with Lady Lupa, apparently with his father's, Lady Venus' and Lady Ceres' approval.

Perseus (apparently, of Styx) wants to tear Olympus apart. He wants a lot of things - but for now, he shall observe and do what it's told of him.

Ceres leaves him under the "care" of the Romans. Immediately, the Praetor takes him to be interrogated.

He tells her the truth - or at least, what he can bender: He has been with Lady Lupa as long as he remembers. Yes, he is trained. He can control earth, shadows, metal. Sometimes, vines and skeletons. No, he doesn't have a last name. No, he doesn't know Jason Grace.

In return, the woman (a daughter of Bellona with brown skin that he feels he should know) explains where he is.

This is Nova Roma - and they are in Jupiter's Capitol, also known as the First City of Twelve, where is localized their Forum Romanum - which is composed by the Comitium (where the Senatus is localized), the Pluton Denar Domum (their bank) and a temple for all the gods - decorated with gardens and founts mainly used by the politicians in session and augurs.

The other non-military districts are Juno's Urbs, where most families live; Minerva's Scientia et Quaerere Centrum, which contains schools, colleges, libraries, and research centers; Phoebus Apollo's Salutem Receptum, a whole district for health care and who mainly takes care of cleaning the city; and Vesta's Forum Boarium, where the temples reside, including the Hearth of Rome, with their sacred fire.

Then there the indirectly of military nature; Ceres' Agris, fields who produce all food of the city; Mercury's Via, where communication and post are handled - also, the main place for entertainment; Vulcan's Caminus, the forges and armory; and Neptune's Militiarum Equestri, battle horses, pegasi, hellhounds, elephants, wolves and hounds.

There's also the military ones: Venus Victrix's Feminam Lorem ad Bellum, the training camp for girls; Mars Ultor's Masculum Lorem ad Bellum, the training camp for boys; and Diana's Venari, a forest they use to hunt monsters.

Praetor Arellano shows him around. The praetor shouldn't be doing that, but he seems to be important enough - he got here with a goddess in his back after all. His step-grandmother?

"Everyone is involved in the war effort - Everything for Rome. Everyone capable is obliged to join the training as soon as they're eight. When you're ready, you join the Legion, for fifteen years, in any capacity. Some - the ones with specific talents - join the field healers or the forges."

"Most join the legionnaires. Later in life, some go to college - training to farm, teach, own business, plan buildings, weave, research, write, go exclusively into politics, or become doctors - for either animals or people. Some never leave until they absolutely have to - it's an honor to serve Rome."

"You are neither a son or legacy of any construction or any health deity, so you'll go directly to be tested by Mars Ultor's Masculum Lorem ad Bellum - to see if you are qualified to be a soldier or if you need to undergo more training, and how much."

"A fight, Praetor?" He asks, as respectfully as Lupa indoctrinated in him, even if he hated this situation from the start.

"It's part of it, yes. But a fighter is not a soldier - you'll be expected to know rhetoric and show resilience, to be able to think and strategize. Put on a good performance - the Centurions choose which Cohort you go."

Then, she explained the Legion and its Five Cohorts - and the Centurions - before leaving him with one of his escorts from earlier. He doesn't think it matters much - if one of the Praetors is from Third Cohort and their last Praetor, from Fifth, while the Consul himself was from Fourth - what does it matter?

The guard seems uncomfortable in his presence - as if she knows exactly who he is. She introduces herself - Hazel Levesque, daughter of Jupiter. And part of the Fifth Cohort - mainly because of the previous Praetor - the one who's missing.

Her buddy, the archer, - Frank Zhang, unclaimed - is also part of the Fifth Cohort. But it's not him they meet - it's a boy way too familiar to be a coincidence - three times today.

"You know me, don't you? You know where I come from?" He snarls, and the boy denies it.

Shadows start curling at his feet - and he's told later that his eyes darken to black from their usual forest green. Perseus is a second away from killing the little lying gremlin when Praetor Arellano shows - and he immediately reverts to parade rest.

She doesn't ask - and he doesn't volunteer an answer. He leaves the guy trembling - and flustered, for some reason - and goes with the Praetor to his "test".

Hazel is having a very bad year. A very bad life, to be true, but mostly, a bad year.

She died, and she was walking aimlessly for years - until she met a boy. She thought, initially, that was a god - for his beauty was insurmountable.

He talked with her - he was named Perseus Jackson. He was powerful and kind - but still a mortal, so she latched into him. Hazel isn't a good person - her mother always told her that - and she used his kindness to drawn just a little of his powers. Just enough.

When the Doors opened, she was strong enough to escape - even if she left Perseus drained for a week, apparently. Hazel didn't go far - she got caught by Ceres.

Ceres - who was in her greek form - took pity of her and brought her to Hazel's father and stepmother, pleading for her usefulness in the war to come. The dead aren't their domain - but as long as Pluto didn't discover it, they would turn a blind eye.

Her brother - who was the first bridge between the two demigod settlements - took her to Nova Roma. She adapted - she learned about the ending of segregation and the world they now lived - and made friends - Frank and Jason.

But she never forgot the boy who gave her the chance, the chance to be more than the cursed child Marie Levesque told her she was. Her curse is supposed to be washed away by a descendant of Pluto.

Perseus gave her a chance, and now he is probably her salvation from this poisoned existence. He is in Nova Roma, and both Hazel and Nico are too ungrateful, too proud, too involved in the gods' plans to help him.

Her father's curse rang true - for children of Zeus aren't supposed to control unaltered energy through minerals. Metal is not theirs to use - and Hazel is paying the price.

Perseus does well in his test - so well, the First Cohort wants him. He is not generally rude, but the way Octavian - their apparent Centurion and Leader of the Augurs (the priests of Apollo) - calls him "Excellent, for a colored one with a graecus name" makes him mad.

So he rejects Octavian - no one gets to mock his name, the slur for greeks matched with the blatant racism almost makes him clock the guy in the face - and, since no other Centurion wants to go against the white supremacist, he joins the Fifth Cohort.

"Well, there's the place for filth, anyway. What could you expect from a nigger ape, like that one?"

If in the training that followed, he left Octavian unconscious - well, everyone turned a blind eye. Perseus saw the Praetor laughing discreetly from where she was polishing her spear.

He is given a bunk to sleep on, a probatio tablet and a date - it's March 18th, 2012. He remembered that, when he ran away from the House of the Wolf, was still January's first week.

Almost three months for the gods to bother with him, and he has no guesses how much time he is missing. Did his family give up on him? Did he have a family?

Perseus doesn't know. He spends the next weeks following the army's routine - wake up with dawn with the horn, muster, morning prayers, then the morning drills - stretching, an obstacle circuit of three miles with a lake in the middle and running five times around Ceres' Agri.

After the drills - which Perseus and Hazel bond over hating, because there's a lake - they go to breakfast, then classes - for the younger ones. Perseus is old enough (and did well in the school tests), so he has a free slot where he allots his power training - under Praetor Arellano's watchful gaze, as she tries and brings him to his full potential.

Reyna (as he is allowed to call her during free time) also does power training - she has a different kind of charmspeak - the kind that makes people motivated or defeated. She can make armies have a burst of energy, or drop-down with exhaustion - possibly. Nova Roma has very few wars nowadays.

There's lunch, then weaponry training - where he kicks Octavian's (and all of his little friends who look down on Perseus because of his name, his lack of family or his skin color) ass with pleasure every single day - followed by weapon cleaning - which always takes forever because Perseus has both an ax and a giant Warhammer.

On Wednesdays, they have horse and pegasi riding. Both Perseus and Hazel have it slightly different - she mounts a venti, Tempest and he mounts a hellhound, Spot. On Fridays, they have hunting lessons in Diana's Venari - which always end up with some Apollo's child or legacy waving their victory in everybody's face - except for that one time where Frank and Perseus joined forces and won in an hour.

At four p.m. every day, those who did well enough get to have two hours of free time before evening prayers, which can either be followed by dinner or competitions - wrestling and gladiator games are really popular on weekends.

Then, if it's Sunday, they are allowed to go to Mercury's Via to drink, party, dance, go to karaoke - whatever, if they're over fourteen. It seems young - but Perseus has seen younger kids, at the training camps, sneaking in wine.

If it's not Sunday - they are free to do anything if they don't drink and are in bed by 21h30. You are only excused of the routine if you are escalated for border patrol - generally twenty different people every day. Perseus's patrols are on Thursdays - because Reyna loves him. Octavian's are on Sundays - they're just not on Saturdays because he has Augur functions and is excused of everything on Saturday.

Saturdays are days of prayer - there's no training and no feasting. They go to the temples and see the Vestal Virgins - a custom Perseus though would be outdated by now - and do basic chores - like washing their togas and sheets, mending their leathers, or airing the blankets.

When Hazel's brother leaves, he actually bonds with the girl - over being a child of the Big Three, of having big expectations thrust upon them - and consequently, with Frank - who is also his bunkmate. They spend their free time on the small fountain that overlooks the aqueduct, just in front of the Vesta Temple.

It's weird to see the Vestal Virgins - they are six girls between 8 and 24, wearing white stolas and veils, of incredible beauty and vowed to modesty and chastity. They spent their days tending the fire and giving blessings, cleaning the temple, and visiting the Senatus.

They didn't choose to be priestesses of Vesta - Vesta herself chooses them, and they have to leave their families and vow their lives away for thirty years. The other priests are there of free will - they never join the Legion, if they choose to serve a specific god.

Perseus goes to his father's, Lady Proserpina's and Lady Ceres' temples regularly - if only to ask for answers. His father's priests treat him as royalty - which, to them, he probably is. There are not even legacies of Pluto, as far as they know.

Every Sunday, Perseus goes to the Comitium - while people don't generally like him, he is good in rhetoric, and well respected for a probatio - so they hear him. He is good at politics. Reyna looks like he is measuring him, when he rises to debate - like he can be the next Praetor instead of the campaigning Octavian - who the Senatus is divided into loving or hating his guts.

Perseus is happy - or something. He hates not having memories - not knowing who he is, who his mother is, pains him. He has friends - Frank, Hazel, even Reyna and Dakota, his Centurion, who lives half-drunk in wine most of the time - and a life.

It doesn't feel like his life. By the third week of his staying in Nova Roma, he starts having dreams - a blonde boy, doing everything Perseus is doing now. He is afraid of telling anyone. Perseus is already called slurs by Octavian and his hateful friends - he doesn't want to attract attention now that he is settling.

By Reyna's pictures, he finally names the blonde in his dreams. It's Jason Grace.

Jason Grace is, for lack of a better word, graceful. He is loved by everyone - so different from Perseus, who is more feared then liked - and a troublemaker - if the vision of him being whipped in Mars Ultor's training camp is to be believed.

Romans don't hesitate in corporal punishment on children. Nor in adults, either - misdemeanors are punished harshly. Perseus is lucky Octavian has no direct authority over him - the number of times he put him on his ass would get Perseus bleeding on the floor for days.

However, he didn't escape the whip completely. In his fourth week on Nova Roma, Hazel is disrespectful to one of Octavian's friends - he called her a "good piece of monkey meat" and touched her ass, so she kneeled him in the balls. Reyna is out on a mission - and the guy just happens to be Questor Cicero.

Questor Cicero is twenty-eight - and everybody believes him when he tells them Hazel kneeled him without reason - a grave offense because it can affect his descendants. Hazel gets sentenced - by the Consul, in absentia of the Praetor - to a hundred lashes.

Everyone is obliged to watch - and neither Perseus nor Frank can last after she sobs. They rise from the crowd and volunteer to take the rest of her punishment. The executioner of it - a girl named Domitia - is surprised and asks why when they rise up to take Hazel's place - not a lot volunteer, generally older siblings or partners.

Hazel protests, while she is taken by a daughter of Aesculapius, Lavinia - "No, Perseus, no, it's my fault, Frank, I can take it, please!" - But he doesn't care to hear. Hazel is a child, and something stirs inside of his memory - No child shall suffer under his watch. - He wants to stop Frank - the boy is only sixteen - but there's no stopping the guy about his best friend.

"She could take it. I just don't want to see her, or anyone I care about, do it. She is too young. A child - one that shouldn't feel the injustices of life."

"That's my best friend. I won't let her pay for something she didn't do, and I won't let Perseus do this alone."

It's rational enough that no one will see weakness when she starts whipping them. Domitia is a good girl - they become a sort of friends after it, but Perseus can never understand why the daughter of Nemesis would dispense unfair punishments.

Perseus endure the whole thing awake - the forty-five lashes, under the jeers of Octavian and his friends - and they walk out of the stage supporting one another, before collapsing in a pool of their own blood, in the arms of Caelius - the youngest of Apollo's offspring working on the hospital.

They take both of them to the UTI - he doesn't remember a thing. He wakes up three days later - they aren't allowed to use any magic to heal him, or anesthetics to numb his pain. He suffers for a week, while his godly blood slowly heals him.

Hazel sits by their bedside - he and Frank are in the same room - her own back fully healed by now - and tells him stories about how Dakota kicked Octavian's ass in training in their name, or just plays with his hair. Sometimes, when she thinks he is asleep, she cries - it's heartbreaking.

Reyna comes back by the time Frank is out of the hospital - Perseus moved to much and his stitches came out - and is fueled by rage. This kind of punishment is hers to give - and with through interrogation before - and she has been trying to eradicate them for years.

She does insist on an interrogation with Aurum and Argentum - perhaps because she knows what a sweetheart Hazel is. She uncovers the whole story - how Cicero called her names and sexually harassed her - and the guy is stripped off his post and exiled - sexual harassment is a crime punishable by lashing, but together with lying to a court of law and supplanting his direct superior - oh well, he is not coming back for the next five years.

With Hazel's absolving, the doctors are allowed to heal them with magic - but it's too late. They can repair the nerves and muscles, take away all the pain - but the flesh will remain scarred.

Their backs are now a crisscross of scar tissue - it's a reminder of Nova Roma's failings - and he revels on taking his shirt off to drills, even if Frank is ashamed of it, for some reason.

Praetor Arellano thinks "Perseus' loyalty to the Roman Law and his Cohort" is enough to give him an SPQR tattoo instead of his probatio tablet. He didn't cry when they put the mark of his father on his arm - just later, in his bunk, for the eleven-year-old that was tattooed together with him.

After the tattoo, Perseus discovers he has money. Like, really, lots of money in the bank - which is named after his father, who is their patron god - and apparently filled his account with denars. Perseus solves to donate part of it - and part of it he keeps because his wages as a foot soldier are meager.

Hazel, on the other side, is brimming with remorse - and protectiveness. She will do her absolute best to protect Perseus Jackson - this is the second time he saves her. She can't tell him anything - but she can make his life as easy as possible.

Hazel dreams about Frank - Frank, and a terrible price that is a piece of wood - and she thinks she likes him, even if he is older and braver than she'll ever be.

It's June 18th - and Perseus has been in Camp for three months when the war games take an unexpected turn.

Frank is leading the Fifth Cohort - Dakota is hangover somewhere - and their battle formation is impeccable. They also have the two biggest powerhouses - Perseus and Levesque.

Hazel - while a child of Jupiter - is unable to fly - or any air or climate control. Her power lies on energy - publicly, she controls lighting and thunder - and can get bolts to basically incinerate whole canons or dismantle phalanges.

Perseus, however, can raise skeleton soldiers to fight for him - and stone spikes to block his enemies. His vines are of no use - the First Cohort has two sons of Ceres who out-do him any day. He can also use the shadows to confuse their rivals or make the ground tremble - under the cost of their own stability.

Frank is very proud of having such powerful and amazing people as friends. He didn't expect Perseus of Styx, the boy who didn't have to fight to be recognized - the one who came with a goddess at his back and muscles in his arms and a father on his blood - to be friends with Frank.

He is a very okay guy, you see. Frank had - has - three best friends, but no one openly dislikes him. He doesn't have someone - he has no use for quick tumbles under the cloak of darkness, and that is all people like him can ever have.

But he is not like Perseus or Jason. He doesn't defy Octavian. He was too anxious to muster the courage to volunteer to take Hazel's punishment alone - Perseus had to do it first.

He is not like them. He isn't anything like his mother. Frank feels happy, at least, that at those little things like war games he has better strategies than anyone else. It was Perseus who motivated him to take the lead while Dakota is otherwise incapable - under Hazel's cheerful applause.

This time, there are elephants involved - Perseus loves elephants - and they burst through their rival's doors - the 12th consecutive victory for the Fifth Cohort since Perseus arrived.

Gwen - the only openly ficatrix girl that Perseus knows, a Jewish daughter of Venus Genetrix - dies probably by Octavian's hand - and doesn't stay dead.

This evokes Lord Mars Ultor - who claims Frank, gives him a quest to find Letum and ropes Perseus into it - "Your father's domain, your responsibility" - so they choose Hazel as a third member - because who else - and get in a car to go to Alaska.

Before that, for Dakota's negligence, the Fifth Cohort is passed to newly-coined Centurion Frank - with Hazel as his second in command, while Gwen - who is not respected because of her preferences - steps down the second position to go study - apparently, she wants to be a teacher.

They have to be back by June 24th - or die. That gives them six days - it's at least two days going and two days back from San Francisco to Alaska, so they have two extra days to localize and rescue Letum.

Hazel, Frank, and Perseus battle the karpoi in Mendocino - this time, they're easily defeated, because no one leaves Hazel alone. Frank actually kills a lot of them - under the sheer appreciation of both his very supportive friends.

They see Polybotes army - and run away in their car, which crashes in the front of the R.O.F.L.

Perseus IM's Reyna - he thinks it necessary, for she is their Praetor, their leader. Hazel is right by his side - and then goes to call her brother - which he doesn't stick around for, examining the drachmas - the weird graecus' coins that Perseus recognizes

Iris remembers Perseus of someone. He doesn't know who, or why, but that night, for the first time in months, he doesn't dream of Jason Grace. He dreams of red hair spilled into the snow, blond curls around his fingers, a mechanic leg whirring in his ear, a spear coated with blood, shoes with wings and pan pipes - and wakes up crying for a past he doesn't remember.

He hugs the tie-dye bag against his chest - and cries. Perseus doesn't care - his chest literally aches with missing, for someone he doesn't know.

Frank doesn't ask questions when he finds Perseus crying. Frank cried a lot when he first got to Nova Roma.

"Are you missing someone?"

"I'm missing everything" And that's how Frank discovers Perseus doesn't remember anything at all.

Everything spills up - Lady Lupa's house, the dreams about Jason, the way he just dreamed of what could possibly be his friends, and what if he was a graecus like Octavian said - and Frank does not judge him.

He knows what it is to have a gigantic secret pressing upon his shoulders - and he has known Perseus for three months now. He knows Perseus is a trustworthy person.

"We'll discover who you are - but if you don't like it, we won't judge you. It doesn't matter what your past life has been like, it doesn't matter if you're a graecus - you're one of us now."

Because Frank is the absolute best - Perseus can't think of a friendship he deserves less than Frank's.

They trade stories about their rage against the gods - things they would never be able to utter at home. Their lives, their insecurities, their shared hate of Octavian's racist ass - everything they can share.

Frank tells Perseus about the piece of wood - which is very important when Perseus tells Frank that, sometimes, he can conjure a weird green fire of which he has little control over, so is better to keep that wood far away from him.

Some things are kept in secret - Frank is not sure Perseus will be repelled by his preferences, by the way, no woman ever caught his eye - and Perseus is afraid of telling Frank about the way that, sometimes, he wants to see the world burn, skeletons beneath his feet and blood coating his hands.

They travel through Portland - which means half the journey is done - and meet Ella - which Perseus immediately wants to take away from the creepy old dude because that's a child.

Ella is hungry and cold and in pain - and neither Perseus nor his quest mates are having that.

So he does a gamble with Creepy Old Dude and Lady Terra - which he isn't sure is in their side - and kills him. Because he is not dealing with a creepy old man who is trying to capture children, even if those children are monsters.

They take Ella with them - she's such a small, innocent girl-bird. They can't send her to Nova Roma alone - they would either kill her, hunt her or use her as entertainment - and they can't stop the mission, so there's that.

Hazel and Frank are sharing memories - with each other and Perseus. Perseus himself has no private memories to talk about - except for his dreams of Jason, which he already told Frank and now relays to Hazel.

Ella says is because their destinies are connected - says that their curses will be gone by their hands. Frank gives Hazel his piece of wood - "I would give it to both of you, but your fire is weird" - And Hazel tells them about being dead.

Perseus has an inkling of suspicion - that maybe - just maybe - he brought Hazel back. Maybe that's why his memories are gone. Either that - or he has a sibling, and wouldn't that be amazing? Siblings, cousins - a giant family. Just for him.

He doesn't ask though - because Hazel is sad and he is not an insensitive ass.

They head to the Amazon Headquarters - where Perseus has the amazing idea of going in, even if he knows Amazons just have one utility for men - sex.

They get caught - just this time, while Hylla does recognize Perseus, she is grateful. Perseus did kill Circe, yes, but he didn't free any pirates - Hylla and Reyna sailed away and never got any trouble.

Hylla is grateful for Perseus - but she cannot help him or Frank - Amazons are misandry warriors, and they are too young to be lovers, but too old to be reliable to let go. So they lock them up, and Hylla and Hazel make a plan to free them.

Otrera is dangerous - because the Amazons will follow anyone, they aren't connected to any goddess. So, when Perseus shadow travels from his cage with Frank, Hylla helps Perseus - who is way too tired - to mount Tempest - Hazel's venti - so that they can reach Letum - or, how Hylla calls him, Mors.

They go North - then further North - to the house of Frank's Grandma.

Everything goes the same - Frank's Grandma is cryptic, Mars appears, the house catches fire, they flee. A bird is seeing flying out of the window - but if it's her or no, they don't know.

Frank and Perseus discover they are related - by a lot of generations, but does it matter really? They are shield brothers - and fight in the same Cohort, for the same Rome.

Hazel feels lucky - both her best friends are related to Pluto. Both can be the one to save her - and she really hopes is not Perseus, for she can't own him any more debts.

Frank tries to control his abilities - and between Perseus' own training and Hazel's unwavering belief on him, they get him to shapeshift. Some. He is not good at it at all - but he'll get there.

They don't fear Hazel - not even when gold slips between her fingertips. Perseus calls her sister, for their connection shall be forged on metal and fire.

They fly to Alaska - this time, Perseus entrusts Ella to a General skeleton and tells him to take her somewhere safe.

During the travel, they cuddle together - all three of them - to share body warmth. Hazel is flushed - for she never had such close contact with a boy, least a boy she really likes, like Frank.

Frank, on the other side, has never been so close to a boy as he is to Perseus now. Perseus is just a brother to him - but he can't help but blush like a virgin maiden.

Perseus observes the situation with confusion - for he doesn't understand Hazel's flustered expression - which makes her look a lot like her brother any time Perseus even glances at the guy - nor Frank's blushing cheeks - which must be because of the cold.

Perseus almost drowns on Earth - the single thing he fears the most, in his own element. It pains him, and he wants to destroy Lady Terra for her trickery and mockery.

They stay in a little motel, just out of the way. No way that Frank nor Perseus would make Hazel go back to where she was abused and mistreated.

They shared basically everything in the past few days - they know almost everything about each other. Hazel tells Perseus she knows him - but is under oath to not tell anything.

Perseus is frustrated - but that is Hazel. Soft, trustworthy Hazel. She isn't doing this to hurt him. Her brother, on the other hand, can go to hell. He obviously knows Perseus - but lies to him. Explicitly. Nico Di Angelo is as bad as the gods are in Perseus' eyes.

He can't sleep - he keeps dreaming of the Earth swallowing him like it did many of his enemies - and Frank hugs him as Hazel inches closer to their shared embrace - it feels, for the first time since he woke up, like family.

They fight against Alcyoneus. Frank frees Letum - waisting part of his life on it, literally - Hazel takes on Alcyoneus - vengeance for herself - and Perseus raises an army to fight against the Undead Roman one - it's easy to defeat them, and then turn them against the giant once he has the Twelfth Legion Eagle.

Perseus - and his army that is getting harder and harder to maintain - helps Frank (who has finally managed to shapeshift) and Hazel to drive away Alcyoneus - and finally kill him, once he is out of Alaska.

They head back to Nova Roma - Hazel on her venti, Tempest, with Frank as an eagle and Perseus mounting Spot - the hellhound he was able to call from Nova Roma - pushing a chariot of Imperial Gold weapons - something rare and essential.

They meet Mrs. O'Leary - another hellhound - Blackjack - a hellhound that can speak with Perseus - Ella - who apparently found safety - and Nico Di Angelo with the cyclops Tyson - which immediately spark Perseus memories, even if he has no time to think about it.

Perseus leads the Romans - they look at him, and see the boy that has spent three months with them and three months with Lady Lupa, the boy who has been invaluable for Nova Roma's safety - their own Julius Caesar, their Augustus.

He fights against Polybotes one on one. Polybotes may be the bane of Neptune - but Perseus is also an earthshaker. He makes the Earth - Lady Terra's earth, who they are oh so proud of, the earth that swallowed him - fight against her own son.

With help from Terminus - and lots of backup from the army, his army - Polybotes is gone. The monsters - defeated.

There are thirteen dismemberments and fifty-three gravely injured. These are rushed to the hospital, while the other 184 soldiers rest and prepare for the burials.

Thirty-eight dead - men and women alike - plus nine that succumbed to their injuries. They do the procession - followed by cremation and the burial of the ashes in the temple of Pluto.

What follows is the eulogy - and the laurels. The families who have dead members are given money and prestige - it bothers Perseus. Is not enough - it won't fullfill their childrens, siblings and friends places.

Then come the laurels of the living. Frank, Hazel, Di Angelo, and Reyna are awarded Civic Crowns - the second biggest award any commander can win for battle. Everyone else is rewarded Golden Crowns - the fourth-highest decoration of battle, for their bravery.

Perseus himself is the most celebrated - he not only wins a Grass Crown (Corona Obsidionalis) for being credited for saving the whole Legion - he charms the Senatus with his acts of heroism - enough that they give him the Praetor Peregrinus title - for he also has a reputation of a good politician, as he often spoke on the Forum - while Reyna holds to the Praetor Urbanus one.

Frank himself also gains a promotion - he is now Legatus Legionis - the overall Legion commander - a title that was vacant since Jason Grace rose to Praetor, but with him missing for six months - it is time to fulfill both positions. Hazel raises to be Centurion of the Fifth Cohort.

The Consul holds the ceremony for both of their awards - where they vowed to serve Nova Roma with their lives, to put Nova Roma above their personal lives and interests - and later, they feast.

Perseus is happy with his new position - While Reyna is in charge of all judicial matters - the matters of the law - he is in charge of all defense, war and foreign matters.

That's why - when Lady Juno gives back his memories - he is infuriated. Not only he has a whole life waiting for him - one that conflicts directly with his new life - he has now a giant pile of paperwork.

The first thing he does - still in his toga praetexta, the worst garment to ever be done, even if he pities Reyna for having to use a stola on most occasions - is to punch Nico di Angelo in the face.

Then he hugs him. The boy apologizes - stuttering through words - promise to make up for it - and promptly leaves to not be seen again.

Perseus goes to the Senatus, and tell the truth: Lady Juno has sent him a vision - and in the war to come, they have to fight alongside the greeks.

Octavian wants to discredit Perseus for being a graecus. It doesn't work - for the Romans love their new Praetor - and Octavian wasn't even in the battle.

That night, Perseus doesn't even remember Jason Grace - he is just a shadow of some dreams he had for two weeks, more nightmarish than not. He dreams of Nico di Angelo - who is walking around ruins - and fears for the life of the boy who betrayed him.

He doesn't think much about it.

Perseus shadow travels to his mother - not yet to Camp, he is not ready to see them yet, and Hera/Juno told him they are coming, so it would be a waste of his energy - and hugs her for about four hours before his duties call him back.

She is happy to see him alive and well - even if she doesn't like he is fighting in yet another war for the gods. He doesn't like it either - after this, he is retiring and making them promise to never bother him again.

Perseus spends the next days preparing - for his friends, for his two lives to collide - and working his very difficult political job - Nova Roma is a homophobic and racist place, and he won't stand for other people like Gwen to be killed for it - he isn't tolerating "ficatrix" instead of lesbians or the clearly prejudiced priests anymore.

He has a long way to go. But it's fine - he and his friends are the government. Talking about his friends...

"Call me Percy"

[johaerys-writes]

Fandom: The Song of Achilles Pairing: Achilles/Patroclus

Chapter 12: Still Waters of High-Flying Birds is up! This the second of the chapters that follow Achilles during his time in Skyros. Some light angst and pining, and Achilles getting to know Deidameia and the other girls a little bit better.

Read here or on AO3 | Read from the beginning

The unwrought wool was coarse and rough as Achilles rubbed it between forefinger and thumb. Deidameia had shown him how to spin it, thread it, coil it in loose skeins. He had been at this all morning, and now they were amassing in neat rows by his side.

Pagona, one of the maidens, was sitting beside him, working on her embroidery. She liked to sing as she worked, and sometimes the other girls joined her, but the hall was mostly quiet now. It was a lazy afternoon, and most of the girls had gone to rest, while Deidameia and her closest companions had stayed in the dancers’ hall. 

The princess had swiftly taken a liking to him, keeping him close by her side wherever she went. Why that was, he could not tell, but he had soon found out that being on her good side was preferable. She was a noisy, demanding thing; her temper tantrums were known and feared the palace over, and not a few girls had received the sharp edge of her tongue in the short while Achilles had been there. Yet, with those in her favour, she was witty and affectionate, and surprisingly generous with her gifts and praise. Of Achilles she was particularly fond; she would often sit beside him and watch him work, or ask to braid his hair, or listen with avid interest when he played the lyre. Achilles quite liked her, actually, most of the time.

Achilles lifted his eyes from his work to gaze outside the lone window of the hall. The sun was hanging in the middle of the sky now, golden rays that made the sand and the sea far below glow iridescent in the light. If he listened carefully, he could hear the waves that rolled rhythmically against the shore, the wind that stirred the branches of the short pine trees close to the beach. Sea birds were flying high, gliding smoothly over water and land alike.

He sighed, the balls of wool forgotten in his lap. He longed to leave the stuffy room, to run down to the beach and dive under the waves. He wanted to stretch his muscles, to race and swim, to practice his spears. No matter how many hours he danced with the maidens, his limbs still felt heavy and stiff, and however long he spent spinning wool and plaiting flowers in garlands and wreaths his mind would just keep drifting from his tasks. Back in Phthia, he could walk to any corner of the palace and the lands beyond completely undisturbed. Here, in this windowless place, where guards stood at every entrance, he could only gaze outside the window, and dream. Almost he wished for another celebration or banquet, just so he could escape this confinement and walk out into the world.

How very dull, a woman’s life was.

“What is the matter, Pyrrha?” Pagona asked him, stirring him out of his thoughts. She had left her embroidery aside, and was now peering at him with tilted hazel eyes. She was from the north, from the mountains west of Vergina, and her accent was thick, her vowels flat and drawn out. “You are very quiet today.”

“I am well,” he told her with his woman’s voice. He suppressed another sigh as he tore his gaze away from the window and went back to spinning his wool.

Pagona watched him as he worked. “You often get this look in your eyes,” she said softly.

“What look?”

“One moment we’re all dancing and laughing, and then you’ll look away and sigh. As if the weight of the world is on your shoulders.”

“I do?”

“Yes,” she smiled. “It’s almost as if you’re in love. Are you?” Her eyes flashed with interest as she moved closer to him, lowering her voice so the other girls wouldn’t hear. “Did you have a... suitor, back in Phthia?”

Achilles frowned. “A suitor?”

“Yes. Or a special friend, if you will.”

Achilles swallowed thickly as Patroclus’ countenance flashed before his eyes. It had almost been two weeks since Achilles had seen him last. At times, he could feel his absence as sharply as an open wound; others it was a dull and ghost-like throb, like a missing limb. The ache was always there, even when he slept, even when he was busy with work or deep in thought. It still seemed impossible to him, right then, that they had spent so long apart. He felt dazed, as if the past several days, ever since he’d woken up on Skyros’ beach, were nothing but a dream. As if his eyes were closed, and when he opened them again he would see Patroclus there, smiling at him.

His throat constricted painfully. He pressed his lips together tightly and looked away.

“There it is again.” There was sympathy in Pagona’s features when she said, “You must really love him.”

“Who?”

Deidameia’s silvery voice pierced the relative quiet of the room. She had been practicing her dancing while one of the girls, Phrasikleia, was playing the flute for her. The music stopped abruptly as both girls stood still now, staring at them.

A mischievous smile widened Deidameia’s lips as she abandoned her dancing form and hopped to his side. “Well? Who is it?”

“Who’s who?”

“Oh, now you’re acting coy! I just heard you say you have a lover ,” she said in a lowered voice, her eyes flashing with enthusiasm. She folded her arms atop his shoulder and batted her eyelashes at him, waiting expectantly for his answer.

“Pagona said that, not I,” Achilles corrected her matter-of-factly, but Deidameia would have none of it.

“I know what I heard. And you, my dear Pyrrha, are blushing. So.” She brought her face even closer to his, until he could smell the faint scent of cloves on her breath when she spoke. “Who is this mysterious friend of yours? I want to know everything about him. Every little thing.”

“I…” Achilles started slowly, but Phrasikleia, who had also drifted closer, spoke up before he could.

“I bet he’s tall like a fir tree and strong like an ox,” she grinned, sitting on a plush cushion on the floor before him, her tight dark ringlets bouncing as she moved. “I bet he has a mighty beard like Ares, and a hairy chest like Heracles, and eats a whole roast pig everyday, all by himself. I bet he tosses you over his shoulder and carries you off to his hall whenever he pleases!”

“Oh, no, I don’t think he’s like that at all,” Pagona said with a chuckle, while Achilles stared at Phrasikleia in utter horror. “I think he’s fair like Phoebus Apollo, with delicate hands and a beautiful smile. I bet he’s very gentle and kind, to have won our sweet Pyrrha’s heart.”

“Nonsense!” Deidameia cut them both off with a dismissive wave. “Neither of you know what you’re talking about. I think Pyrrha has taken a satyr for a lover, short and stubby and ugly like a toad. That’s why she does not tell us of him.”

“What?” Achilles gaped at her. “He is not like that at all!”

She grinned wickedly, holding her tongue behind her teeth. “Ha! So there really is someone,” she said triumphantly. “I knew it!”

Achilles opened his mouth to speak, then closed it once more. The girls were all looking at him with gleeful smiles and bright eyes. Deidameia had laid out her trap, and he had walked right into it. He let out a soft sigh.

“Alright. There is someone,” he finally admitted. The girls leaned closer still, so they wouldn’t miss a word.

“Well?” Deidameia asked. “What does he look like?”

Achilles licked his lips and took a breath. “He… he is not too tall. Same height as me… perhaps a little shorter. His hair is dark, thick with curls. It quite never stays where it’s supposed to. And it’s always so tangled when he wakes, falling over his eyes, standing up in peaks… he tosses and turns in his sleep. I always tease him about it.”

Phrasikleia tilted her head to the side. “He is handsome, then?”

“He is.” He smiled sadly, “He doesn’t believe me when I tell him. He thinks himself quite plain. Yet he is anything but. He is unlike anyone I’ve ever seen.”

His lips quirked in a fond smile, just as his throat tightened once more. He hadn’t spoken about Patroclus to anyone for so long, and now he could do nothing to stop the words that tumbled out of him in waves. It was as if by speaking of him, he could summon his image in his mind, crystal clear. He could almost see his curls bouncing as he ran ahead of him, ducking under the low hanging branches of the maple trees in Pelion, the warm chestnut highlights in his hair catching the light of the early morning sun. His smile, now bright, then soft, then slipping sideways in that way Achilles knew so well. His eyes, watching him with warmth and adoration, with that tenderness that was reserved just for him. It made his heart ache with longing.

“Is he kind?” Pagona asked softly, urging him on. “Is he gentle with you?”

Achilles started to speak, but it was then that he realised that his eyes were stinging with tears. Gods, how he’d missed him. He hadn’t even realised how devastatingly hollow his days had been without him, until Achilles had found himself talking about him. It was too much to bear.

He swallowed thickly and nodded, looking away. He was sure that even if he tried to speak, he wouldn’t have been able to get the words out.

“Oh, dear. Please don’t start weeping, it would be quite the sight,” Deidameia said, but her tone wasn’t quite as abrasive as it usually was. She sighed as she leaned against him, stroking his hair. “I bet you’re pretty even when you cry, anyway.”

The other girls were quiet now, and Achilles could sense the sympathy in their silence. Pagona took his hand in hers, and her large, round eyes were filled with earnest compassion. “You’ll see him again one day,” she said in her soothing voice. “I know you will.”

“Yes, she probably will,” Phrasikleia said, gathering her legs up to her chest and perching her chin on her knees, “but her parents probably don’t want her to marry him. Why else would they send her here?”

Deidameia perked up, her lips widening in that mischievous smile of hers. “Then she’ll have to elope with him! Won’t you, Pyrrha?”

“Oh, stop it, Deidameia,” Pagona laughed. “She won’t elope with anyone. That will only bring shame upon her family.”

“There’s more shame in leaving the poor fellow pining after her! What if she leaves him for good, and he dies of a broken heart?” The princess swooned theatrically, falling into Achilles’ lap. “You couldn’t do that to him, could you, Pyrrha? It would be positively cruel.”

Achilles held her securely before she toppled on the marble floor at his feet. The other girls were chuckling with Deidameia’s antics, but he was as serious as ever. “I will never leave him,” he said solemnly, looking into Deidameia’s dark brown eyes. “I’ve given him my word. This is only temporary. Soon, we will be together again.”

She blinked up at him, taken aback by his earnestness. Her surprise lasted only for a moment before it melted away into a cunning smile. She reached up, tugging a lock of hair free from his scarf, as she often did, and curling it around her finger. “Our beautiful Pyrrha is quite the romantic, it seems,” she said softly, and in her eyes Achilles could see a flicker of understanding before it disappeared under the guise of a jest once more. “Who would have thought, hm?”

~

The moon was hanging high over the Aegean sea, casting its silver glow on its dark, glassy waters. It had been a long day and Achilles wanted nothing more but to retreat to his room, in his solitude, and finally take that dress off him and let his hair fall free around his shoulders. When his candle was out, and if he tried hard enough, he could almost forget that he was in a dark, windowless room. He could almost pretend that Patroclus was there, talking in hushed whispers with him until they both fell asleep.

He let out a soft sigh, untying the scarf from his hair, when the door of his room swung open. He spun around in surprise, more so because he hadn’t heard the approaching footsteps. Either his senses had grown dull, or…

His mother stood at the doorway, tall and imposing, her dark eyes flecked with gold glowing in the half dark. She was one of the few people whose footsteps he couldn’t hear, unless she wanted him to. Her presence now filled the room, absorbing the feeble, trembling glow of the candle. Behind her stood Deidameia. She was quiet and reserved, like a mouse, nothing like her usual talkative self. Achilles didn’t bother to hide the surprise and confusion that must have been plain on his features.

“Mother,” he said in his girl’s voice.

“Achilles.” His mother’s gaze was intent, piercing him to the bone. “Son of my womb. Blood of my blood.”

Achilles’ breath caught. He stood perfectly still, not moving a single muscle. He glanced instinctively at Deidameia, whose eyes had gone wide as saucers, her face as pale as the moon. Her gaze flicked from his mother to him and back, but Thetis didn’t deign to spare her a single glance as she spoke on.

“This,” she told the girl, her words sharp and steady like a freshly whetted blade, “is the prince Achilles. You are to tell no one that it is him. Do you understand?”

Deidameia’s expression was one of shock and confusion. She simply stared, dumb and stricken, until Thetis turned her head slowly to look at her.

“Answer, girl.”

The princess sucked in a breath and nodded quickly. “I- Yes. I do. My lady.”

“You are to be married to him. He is to be your husband.”

“What?” Achilles stepped forward. Surely, he must have misheard. “Mother, what is the meaning of this?”

Thetis’ features were hard when she turned to him. She let the silence stretch between them before she said, “You and Deidameia are to be married. Tonight.”

Each word was like a stone, pelting him mercilessly. “Married?” he breathed. For a brief moment the world spun around him, closing in on him. “You can’t mean it.”

“I do.”

“But—” He started, then stopped. His mother’s expression hadn’t shifted, nor had it softened. She truly meant what she was saying. Every single word.

His temper rose like riptide, rushing past his numbing disbelief. He straightened his spine, meeting his mother’s gaze levelly. “I will not do it,” he said, voice steady and firm. “This goes too far.”

“You must.”

“No.” His hands were balled into fists at his sides, his jaw clenched. Deidameia was staring at him now, the flickering light of the candle reflecting in her eyes. Whatever she saw in his face had her taking a step back, cowering in the shadows that clung to the corner of the room. No matter. She didn’t matter, no one did. There was a flame inside him, one that turned hotter and wilder with every second that passed. His mother could not do this to him. He would not let her.

“I am not marrying this woman,” he told her, tilting his chin up in defiance. “I am not marrying any woman. I already have a husband, and he is waiting for me in Phthia.”

Thetis’ eyes widened in what Achilles could only understand as genuine shock, and her nostrils flared. “No.”

“Patroclus is my husband,” he insisted, taking a step forward, “and I wish to go back to him, right now. You cannot keep me here any longer.”

In a blink of an eye, Thetis was standing before him, blocking his path. She was light and nimble despite her height, faster than he was. Achilles craned his neck to look up at her, but the blaze in her eyes did not stir any fear within him. “Mother, this is enough. Take me back.”

“If you go back to Phthia, you will both go to war. He might get injured, you might lose him, you might lose yourself.”

“Better to go to war with him, than stay in this place without him,” he spat, unable to keep his temper in check any longer. Anger was roiling within him, hot like molten steel, eating away the last of his control. Better far that they should go to war. It would be dangerous, but Achilles would keep Patroclus safe, no matter what it took, and they would be together. He and Patroclus were sworn to each other. He could not break that sacred bond. He would not. If going to war was what it took, spilling his blood and others’, then he would do it without hesitation.

For several long moments they simply glared at each other, neither saying a word. His mother's countenance was cold and expressionless, not a ripple disturbing the still waters. Deidameia was quiet as a shadow by the door, watching the entire scene with hungry, morbid curiosity.

Thetis let the silence linger between them. When she spoke again, her voice was low and controlled, but he thought he could hear a tone of regret in it. “I cannot let you go to this war, Achilles. You have to stay here, whether you like it or not. Marry Deidameia,” she said, speaking each word slowly and deliberately, “and I will tell Patroclus where you are. He will come here, and you will stay in Skyros until the war passes. You will be safe, both of you. But if you don’t…” She paused meaningfully.

“If I don’t?”

“He will never hear of you again. I’ll make sure of it.”

No.

The raging fires of his anger stilled, went silent. There was not a sound to be heard, no wind blowing outside the walls, no voice. The flame of the candle had ceased its endless flickering, as if it, too, was holding its breath. The world was caught in a stand still; a frozen, empty wasteland it seemed to him right then. A world where Patroclus was not there for him. For a moment, a brief, fleeting moment, he tried to picture his life without him: never touching him, never holding him, never gazing upon his face again. Never waking up next to him again, never hearing the sound of laugh again, never breathing the same air, ever again. A long life, steeped in misery without him.

His shoulders sagged, the breath he had been holding leaving him, the fight bleeding out of him. His mother knew him well enough to know that this was all the agreement she would get from him. She took Deidameia by the hand, somewhat forcefully, as if she was afraid he would change his mind, and bid her stand beside him. She placed Deidameia’s hand upon Achilles’ upturned palm. The words she spoke to bind them were not hurried, but spoken with low and quiet determination into the half dark of his chamber.

Deidameia glanced at him, and in her eyes he could see numbness and shock that must have mirrored his own. When his mother let their hands fall, it felt like he had just jumped off a high cliff, only to crash against the sharp stones far below.

And so was Achilles married to Deidameia.

[ordulotusspa]

The priestess looked around the empty temple. The stories they had told her as a child about the beauty of its walls, about the color of the sun peeking through its portals, and the delicate smell of sacred laurel; they were all ghosts now. But still she could be found there, Pythia, waiting, getting old, remaining. And she was doing her duty. In fear, but bravely.

A man entered through the portals. A little old, the priestess realized. She raised her head to see him cross the hall. The sound of his footsteps echoed in the emptiness of the room, the petrified statues, his walk was the only music that was heard. By the attires she knew he wasn't from town, and by his serenity something told her he was a healer. How suitable to send me a man like him, my golden God.

On the tripod, looking down, Pythia spoke.

“What is it you have come to inquire?” She said coldly.

The man bowed his head. His silence was more than piety, it was grief.

“The name is Oribasius.” His voice was lukewarm, honest, even a bit optimistic. “I have come at the order of the Emperor. He seeks to rebuild the temple of Phoebus to its past glory, and offers his services at your disposal.”

The woman’s bones trembled. She remembered the cold feeling of the dagger’s blade on her throat, pricking, tempting to commit a crime. They had been doing that for many years, and when she decided to take her vow, she knew it was dangerous. Now she payed the price of serving a God in a land that didn't belong to him anymore.

She swallowed hard and inhaled heavily.

“Tell the emperor that the Daidalic temple has fallen,” she began to elaborate. The sound of her lips vibrated, holding back tears. “No longer does Phoebus has his home here, nor his mantic laurel, nor his prophetic spring; the speaking waters have been silenced.”

The man looked up. Cold shadows reflected under his eyes, in his wrinkles; split lips, open in a surprised expression, a mix of disappointment and sadness.

Pythia went silent, with the impact of a stone falling to the ground. She raised her chin. It was her last word, she could not say anything else. Please, please...

Seeing her unwillingness to speak, the messenger of the last true Emperor turned and left the temple. Pythia let a tear roll down her pale, hurting cheek, in the shadows where no one could see her clearly.

I’m sorry.

“Tell me, Apollo, have I done any good?” she whispered to herself. More tears fell down, recklessly.

In her head, as a subtle echo, the god spoke like the slowly, wise waters of his silver spring.

“You have done well. Your life is in danger.” The priestess holded her breath, she wouldn't let the god see her in such a state of impotence. “It's not a goodbye, my child. I will always be here, after you and your children, after each century; I will remain, invisible. They will remember you.”

The sun touched the west.

The temple felt empty, after her there was no one to succeed her. The house of her lord got buried, its garden got stepped on, his name and image got cursed at, and those of his lovers, and parents, brothers, and sisters.

Until, one day, someone, when every priest had died, when no hearts of his were left; someone lit a candle, chanting his hymn, lovely. And the god finally rejoiced. He had been waiting for long.

____

Not sure this is well written but I found it on my drafts and remembered the idea came to me when I was reading a paper on the last statement of the Pythia being, actually, a christian one. During emperor's Julian reign, he sent a messenger, a healer, to the temple of delphian Apollo intending to offer his help on rebuilding its ancient glory. Sadly, the Pythia said no. The consensus about the last words of the Pythia is that it wasn't the Pythia herself who said it, but a christian woman disguised; or otherwise, that the Pythia was threatened to turn down the emperor's offer. There are two main reasons why we think this: first, the words of the Pythia are not characteristic of her own. Pythia spoke in abstractions, in riddles, and this words are clear. Second, if the Pythia said herself that Apollo had left the temple, many people would take that as a sign, and be more willing to convert to christianity. So while reading a paper on this topic, this scene came to mind.

[autumn-foxfire]

(1/2) Mina-Anon here! Actually, my dream was like the characters from both Bnha and Hunchback interacting with eachother, while kinda following the hunchbacks plot... I told you it was weird (most of my dreams are, one time I dreamt about French Revolution in Star Wars style XD). But with all the weirdness, it was still a fascinating dream. Didn't see much of the League, which was surprising, with the current manga arc. I only saw them during the humiliation scene (tossing things at Quasi) and

(2/2) when Frollo fell to his death, they were falling too (even though I don't remember them siding with him). Don't ask me what that means, dreams are often not very logical. Mostly, I saw students (as a student stan, I was happy about that) and they sided with Quasi, Esmeralda and Phoebus. Also, I might remember seeing Hawks and Best Jeanist, but I can't remember all details, saddenly. Weird crossover and dream, but I'm glad that I had it. A great addition to my dream diary. Your Mina-Anon

Mina anon <3 <3 Twice in one day, such a treat <3 (...I should have answered it when I got it and this would make more sense T-T)

Your dreams sound so fun!! I wish I could remember some of my better dreams, all I know is that they were entertaining enough that I originally want to fall back asleep into dream world but other then that, I tend to forget most of my dreams sadly.

Also!!! How dare the League join in on that T-T I guess they are villains but damn! You’d think they would understand better then anyone what it’s like to be an outcast XD But oof, that ending isn’t the nicest.

At least the Students sided with the right side! They have good hearts on their shoulders and would adopt Quasi as one of their own!

And you keep a dream diary? Oh, maybe that would be a good way to remember my dreams T-T

[pixie-skull]

AU Disney Heroines # 2: A causal Day with your Cutie (no worries dates will happen)

Before I go, yes I am going to attempt to make this open to anyone, but this creator wants more LGBTQ+ AUs, so this one just if you and x character went and the character’s thoughts. Please share your thoughts if this good or not in my ask box? :D Here are the rules too.

P.s. Like mentioned in the first AU on Disney Heroines, I can not promise all featured like in the first one, but I try to list the ones that are fan favorites and please feel free to give kindly worded feedback. Lastly, I do edits with (non)Disney hand-drawn characters, so feel free to request. :D I kinda did the “what family thinks of you” here too. XD So two in one. I am aware some of these are borderline dates, but I do hope for date AU just list the character’s respected dream date.

Snow White (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs): 

*When hanging out, Snowy likes to learn how to cook a few things together. She not a perfectionist, but if you do tease her and try flavors without asking, she would be nervous. (kinda like Jenna Marbles with her cutie, I swear them cooking together is so cute).

*If not cooking then (very inspired 500 Days of Summer, down below) run around a houseware store and act like a married couple already, even though she acts bashful about it at first.

*At first a Grumpy (it is not you, it is him), Sneezy (you accidentally brought flowers once to Snow, that he was allergic too), and Sleepy (he felt you hanging out once with her, that laughing too much woke him) were not sure of you, but luckily Dopey, Doc, Happy, Bashful all liked you.

Cinderella (Cinderella):

*Cinderella favorite thing to hear your favorite little pins, designs, etc on various sites and saves up to make you something and even teach how to do a few sown tips. You act like you do not care, but you secretly make tiny projects.

*You give her letters that her animal friends (like her dog Bruno fetches it and gives to her) to the other and explaining how much you look forward to meeting “the secret admirer” who wrote this. Her (step*)sisters kinda like you, but her (step)mother does not, but you still happy to see your strawberry^^ blonde cutie.

Aurora (Sleeping Beauty):

*Aurora favorite thing to dance together, like walking down the street she hears a nearby song and dance a bit to it, but be she shy about it.

* She loves to go in tiny shops on healing stones and thinks of her aunts.

* Aurora enjoys the evening or sunset walks, the only downside she gets sleepy.

*Her aunts and parents all like you, especially when being aware she gets tired easily and take her home instead drag on the hangout.

Jessica Rabbit (Who Framed Roger Rabbit):

*Jessica likes to dance like a dork, nothing sexy because she feels so comfortable with you. 

*Just get away the public eye and be just with you, so you both wear outrageous outfits. Her favorite when you wore a pair of rabbit ears and a colorful bowtie combo.

Ariel (The Little Mermaid):

*Swimming or even (yes an ex I had was like this, the first point here) run in sprinklers, while you stand watching and smile. The downside is holding her hand it is so wet and the respect side of your gets a bit wet too, and you try to not feel concerned about her catching a cold.

* Ariel loves more than anything to hold her breath in and see how it feels when inhaling.

* On clear days after rain, she loves to comment how clear it feels in the air.

*Her sisters' all different feelings of you, but secretly they all notice a trait about you that is complimentary. Attina felt you have a “good crown” or brain for how witty you are. Alama tries to socialize, yet a bit shy yet does say how romantic Ariel acts around you makes her happy. Aquata tries to make up for Alama and interact with you and encourages everyone to talk to you, while oddly enough by accident embarrasses everyone. Arista likes how much you think of Ariel and even her family, for when Ariel taking forever or late to an event (sadly common) she shows off her music skills. Adelle feels so touched you include, even not make mean (sibling teasing) on her weight. Andrina clearly being close to youngest goes through a lot of questioning and even has a girlfriend, she not ready to introduce to the family, but you overhear Ariel give words of comfort. **

*Ariel’s dad seems a bit standoff, like say little to nothing.

Belle (Beauty and the Beast): 

*Belle likes to find books on your passions and if not that, then a book she feels like you would enjoy. This, of course, includes comics, graphic novels, and more.

*She may not be a huge talker, but if you talk about what she loves or her recent book, she is happy to fill your time in her enthusiasm on either.

*Sometimes you ride her horse, Philippe and whoever in front, likes to hold the other closely. You have a soft spot when she in front, for how much she reads her horse’s mini responses so well.

*Her dad likes to be playful with you, but if drunk, be ready for him to list of all facts he knows relating to a machine and try to arm wrestle you while laughing a lot.

Jasmine (Aladdin):

*Jasmine is outgoing, yet she is an ambivert, so after a nice walk around the market, she wants to relax in her home.

*Her cat loves you, but will play off as if hates you, but if you rub the right spot, this huge kitty is purring for you.

*Jasmine’s dad wants to get to know your family and traditions too.

Pocahontas (Pocahontas):

*Besides walks and talking (what can I say her love language is quality time and words of affirmation) she likes to go to dog parks and see all the different animals.

* She looks up what flowers are in the season and always plays with the idea of creating a garden or not.

* Her best friend Nakoma sometimes hangs out with you two, because of thanks to Nakoma you met Pocahontas and of Pocahontas’ exes (John Smith and John Rolfe, and even her semi-ex Kocoum), Nakoma thinks you are the most wonderful. 

*Pocahontas’ dad appreciates your consideration and respect to his child.

Esmeralda (The Hunchback of Notre Dame): 

*Esmeralda’s friends and you all hang out together and you quickly get along with Quasimodo and you joke one of his three dogs, Hugo, (the gargoyles) are cute with her dog, Djali (her goat^* and yes I am aware in the first AU I misspelled XD) and are couple and older happy men (I am sorry, not clear in the first AU). You even jokingly make a wedding for the two, while Victor the best man and Laverne the maid-of-honor.

*With her, Phoebus, and you all play sword fighting, while Quasi’s cheer on whoever currently loosing, typically you sorry to say, but hey underdog you do make Esmeralda play easier when just you two because how much Esmeralda’s find you cute.

*Sometimes you go to Church events with Esmeralda and not she pushes you to convert to her faith. However, if you are Christian, she respects that she likes you for so much more then just that. 

Megara (Hercules): 

*She may not have the most friends, but the ones she cares about, she is loyal to, as much she denies she cares about anything. So when hanging out she may at first seem distant, but gradually she opens up.

*A tip you get from friends is complimenting her and she does like to be a flirty tease, but this fun game of seeing who can out cute the other. Once you both jokingly teased of how each of you can name 97 cute things of each other to see who would win but got so each other face, you almost ended up kissing, Phil though put you on blast of you two to stop.

*She though likes showing up to your place of work or something and make you flustered as she gives you “the look”. Oh yes, that is your Achilles’ heel. 

Mulan (Mulan):

*She likes to just relax, her family can have plans back to back, so do not feel her literal eyebrows be pulled it nice just hang out, drink tea and catch up.

*Sometimes her friends give you a hard time, especially when asking you do you like Mulan when more feminine, natural, or masculine. You do not know till later inside joke how one of Mulan’s friends was a former significant other, but luckily both are on good terms.

*Funny enough for a such a friend group of guys, all enjoy a good tear-jerking movie, while Mulan offers them all hugs.

*Mulan and you enjoy walking her dog, Little Brother and you jokingly call him all types of words like Dude, Kind Sir, etc.

*Her family, at first find you bit odd, but seeing you like Mulan, they warm up to you, especially her grandmother who loves to embarrass you both.

Jane Porter (Tarzan):

*You and her love to find little cute spots, like a turtle pond, and she draws away.

*When extra flirty and alone, you joke and pose and she too gigglingly to focus.

*Sometimes she brings a book full of haikus and it shocks you how such simple words strung together make such beautiful writing, that or you love hearing her British accented voice speak.

*Jane does get busy sometimes, so you have to visit her when she waits for her. Her father a professor, so when she waits for him you chat a bit.

Kida (Atlantis: The Lost Empire):

*You both hangout often at this cute little good well store, where she finds all types of goodies. Her favorite finding something and giving a fake history to it.

*Kida may act immature, but she seems so beyond her and your age.

*She loves to teach you self defense, even though sometimes she overpowers you even.

*If you have (sun)glasses she likes to take them and wear them to show off.

*She oddly can find any animal cute, even spiders she jokes are beautiful for their ability to make tapestries.

Audrey (Atlantis: The Lost Empire): 

*Audrey may joke her dad wanted sons for boxing and wrestling, but she knows a fair share of both; her recent passion is rollaring derby.

*Every once in a while when looking around her home town, you are shocked how much she can recognize about cars by just looking at certain types. She even offers to help with any car related trouble you have or friends and/or family.

Helga (Atlantis: The Lost Empire):

*Helga takes you back when you realize this femme fatal loves to go fashion.

*She is oddly though careful with her purchases to not waste money all at once.

*However when a good deal, she buys beautiful dresses, that either compliment her shoulders and slender neck, that sexy leg slit, or both. She also has a huge collection of racerback tank tops and a few designs too.

Nani (Lilo and Stich):

*Outside of being busy with work, Lilo, and even the once in a while Stich, you two go to the beach. She tries to teach you how to surf, but not much luck, but oddly body surfing you grow to love. The feeling of being pushed gently over a wave to shore is fun.

*If she does have Lilo with her, plus their dog Stich, you all enjoy hanging out at a dog park and have a picnic.

*You love hearing the stories of Stich, for you joke he is more Alien then dog.

Tiana (The Princess and the Frog): 

*When hanging out she excited make you try her new meals and even you learn a thing or two and she gives you feedback.

*Her few pets are frogs and she thanks you actually because you feel like a pet would be a cute surprise for her when hanging out by a pond.

*Her mother finds you so respectful and even already jokes how much hear the wedding bells.

Charlotte or Lottie (The Princess and the Frog): 

*Lottie first favorite thing to go shopping and does not mind spoiling herself and loved ones.

*Her favorite place to go outside shopping malls, is seeing puppies and kittens. She would tell you about her “Big Daddy” give her pets.

*Speaking of “Big Daddy” you try to not laugh at his nickname from her, luckily he takes it well, and already happy someone makes Lottie so that is his approval.

Rapunzel (Tangled):

*Rapunzel favorite hang out just hang out in your place or hers, yet she sometimes does like to go out. Bonus if a good clear and cool she draws with chalk, yet if not then paint inside to the rain.

*She can be hesitant at first if a fun new drive, yet after a bit of encouragement she has so much fun.

*Her parents she was unsure how they react meeting you, yes her parents were missing her for 18 years and clearly show a type of love that kept their bond intact for so long, but she still understandable not too sure. However, her mother was excited to meet you, while the father was distant yet in an “I have respect for you and over time like you” view.

Merida (Brave): 

*If the hangout has a competition or competitive element Merida is happy.

*Her own brothers, help her win and sometimes shock you in how they help you. However, you enjoy letting the triplets winning and do a dog or should I say, bear pile on you. They are still young kids, so not too heavy.

*Her mother took time to give her approval for you but seeing how much a positive effect you on Merida helped her warm up to you. The father was so happy to someone who takes his jabs and sure awkward smiles ensue, Merida secretly appreciates you go with it.

Anna (Frozen):

*If it involves new foods, especially sweets, Anna so excited.

*She also appreciates you asking her on if tiny things are alright like it can hold her hand, hug, and more. You are aware you could just do it, but her various smiles are so adorable you can not help but ask, it is like each tiny thing is a tiny gift for her. She also asks you too and the most adorable one is when there one piece of food left and she asks in a tiny voice if can have, you typically say yes.

*Actually anything new and bonus can do with Elsa sometimes just as to the two alone, she is more excited. Or in other words, likes you find events or ideas for the two siblings to bond over.

*Speaking of Elsa, she actually did not like you at first. She worries Anna see too much good in people and not enough bad to be realistic. However the fact you would check on things that could be so simple, she wished someone did for her, but to see you care for Anna like this, makes Elsa happy.

*She loves the daytime for walks, seems more energetic by it.

Elsa (Frozen): 

*Very distant, she mistook your awkwardness as bad and luckily Anna helped her see good in you.

*You two just do tiny night walks (for some reason Elsa feels her powers more and therefore can show off).

*However she did struggle to open that side of herself to you, but when noticing things, she asked Anna to actually makeshift break up with you. Luckily when confused Anna said “it is not you, it is her” and accidentally implied too much. However luckily seeing you did not react poorly, with tiny steps to Elsa she opened up.

*Even though these hangouts are not quite dates, she does like how much you stayed by her side, even though she knows she can be hard to work with. No worries keyword above, makeshift, she does want to date you but gives it some time.

Moana (Moana):

*Swimming, dancing, singing, are her top three hangout ideas.

*However she loves adventure, so if you can suggest something new, she almost every time says yes.

*So much her family, minus grandmother, were getting worried but saw you always had each other back and were safe.

*Her grandmother actually loved how much you two would plan something impulsively, well Moana would do a tiny bit of research, but enough she understood what to pack.

*Your favorite aspect of Moana how much she loved her pets, yes simple, but she has such respect for the pig and rooster, you smile as they walk to you excited each time you visit.

*Her friend, Māui, he bit in competition to “prove yourself”, yet after a simple “quest” of certain rocks, leaves, and more to give him, he gives his approval. His quest was a leaf with you writing on why you like Moana, which after blushing, he liked what you wrote.

*=I have older step-siblings and I do not like how stepfamily is seen as evil, I may be lucky, but I love them as siblings. ^_^

^^=Yes, in the animated movie Cinderella, had strawberry blonde hair.

**= Heavily inspired by these two artists and please look at their amazing work. :D 

(^ an idea of Snow White and you cooking)

[sins-of-the-sea]

“Very well. I will go.  But not because I’m afraid of your master.  Because I am respecting your requessst.” 

-

It would become apparent in time that “Kwasan” has vanished.

[never-took-a-lesson]

@never-took-a-lesson

"T-Thank you for respecting my request, Maestro...." And he leaves it at that. Though he feels the Maestro should be afraid of the Master. The Master's cruelty knows no bounds. And as powerful as the Maestro is... he doesn't want to test his power with the one whose soul Guy sold to.

Sadly, as Guy searches the ship for Kwasan, he sighs.

"He's probably hiding somewhere in the floorboards. Snakes are slippery like that. I hope someone doesn't accidentally step on him and we get another dead body or then the person is still rotting when resurrected. As long as Phoebus isn't here... death stops being cheap."

[sportylikeatuna-blog]

Tasked: Ask Meme for BDRP

Sentence Starter Style

“Sadly I’m 15″ “Ah! Phoneee” “oh my god you’re a fucking princess!” “I don’t blame you, but I really think you’re blowing the paperwork out of proportion.” “Would you be open to an alternate route of learning?” “I’ll have to call you back” “You’re no use to anyone sleep deprived” “We have reasonable grounds to enter without a warrant” “Would you be willing to answer a few questions?” “Uhm….s-..sorry.”  “Is that...okay?” “I think there would be cause for concern if you had been” “I think your check book will be thankful that neither of them make onesies. Even if it is a real travesty.” “It’s never too early!” “You ‘ave this natural tone that can come off as…cross.” “You - You gave up on us.” “You look lost” “Well, I can’t exactly say hello to something I can neither see nor hear” “A ghost, of course how silly of me” “We can reschedule this murder for tomorrow maybe” “When you cast a spell your magic lingers” “If you are afraid to hurt her, should that not tell you enough?” “Good. See you on the other side then.” “If you ever send me a text that vague again, I don’t care if it says ‘Help, oh help, I’m dying’, I’m leaving you on read and dyeing your eyebrows pink while you sleep.” “It’s not fucking there!” “We call on the ghost that haunts Phoebus de Martin” “How do you know that?” “You seem young, like, the same age as my TA I dated when I was in uni.” “Your sister is a bad bitch” “When are you leaving anyway?” “Oi, we ready?” “Nah, it wasn’t that bad” “How old is this place anyway?” “I’ve cried like every day for the past three months” “Feel like I have to at least make one a lion” “Joke’s on you, because I don’t know how to play that one” “I’m really bad at cleaning.” “I feel so disconnected.” “That’s not funny.” “I apologize on behalf of the table in the corner.” “I’ve been holding down the fort.” “I can give you – well, anything but my sight, really.” “Unless my sense of smell is going as well” “The traditional ‘Eat a Dick, Shuriki’ Day treat” “I let her dress me as a tree!” “I’m still tragically sober.” “Almost busted your head there...you alright?” “Still doubting me love?” “I’ll be your best bartender in a matter of moments.” “Oh hi, yeah no harm no foul.” “I can only cite temporary insanity.” “Could use a break” “What’d I miss while I was gone?” “I have had quite enough of listening to those men” “You must be mistaken.” “What’re ya doin’ gettin’ dressed and all. Maybe I wasn’ done with you.” “Look…I really didn’ mean t’…” “I’m not the sort to run my mouth.” “Sure it’s real, and I’m rich.” “The hair does match.” “I am more of a home body” “I actually do have a safe room in my basement” “I only 60 percent fake-laughed at this one.” “Wasn’t it halloween yesterday?” “You look like you sleep less than I do.” “Voila. How to survive as a landlocked mer 101!” “Shit’s fucked right now, to say the absolute least.” “I’m sick of secrets.” “Me? Pfft, I’m fine. Pfft. Me? Totally. Why wouldn’t I be fine? I’m definitely fine.” “So sorta yes, sorta no.” “Went for the reeses, came home with a sedimentary rock and a piece of concrete.” “Nothing like two shots of tequila and a few beers to make you feel 100% better about the zombie apocalypse!” “This town keeps you well on your toes.” “oh trust me, none of you want me working here.” “You know you have such a unique aura” “They may not appreciate our boldness” “Is it news that isn’t going to be in the paper?” “Shit, I didn’t grab plates.” “I’m not a fan of that.” “What toppings did you get?” “What ever are you looking for, by the way?” “You remember the um, last unfortunate event?” “Maybe we’ll run into a french bulldog here and I can point them out.” “I want a bag of the gingersnaps, aye?” “Here I thought you were just coming onto me at the gym” “Sometimes cookies can be...more than just cookies” “So which is it: did you want to sell him drugs or did you want to flirt with him?” “It didn’t hurt at all! Just a sting!” “How… sturdy, by chance, do you think they are?” “Which one are you?! What are your favorite colors?! Movies, food, drinks, hobbies, books, BLOOD TYPES?!” “Food rained from the sky?” “You keep telling yourself that, yeah?” “I’m gay, we’re all cynics” “I don’t know what I’ll do with all the space” “Then go…? Back to class…?” “I know I’m pretty amazing. It would be awfully sad to be me-less.” “Are you a protagonist? You look like one.” “Irrelevant.” “I know how to keep ghosts out of the bedroom, thanks” “Just because YOU can't go to rhinebeck doesn't mean rhinebeck cant come to you” “But lovely witches were ten a penny.” “It’s...it’s all for me” “On that note, how do you feel about pumpkin spice cookies?” “They tend to be narrow-minded in their rose-colored perception of our world.” “It’s all kind of shitty, ain’t it?” “I think an army of walking snowmen would be easier to deal with than an army of zombies.” “Don’t tell me about it. I like plausible deniability.” “That is, I never had a reason to cuddle. Until now.” “It’s not- it’s not just guilt” “Fucking hell mate, talk about an entrance.” “Do you think you could talk me up?” “Ye didnae have tae do that” “Maybe not any book” “I’ll take a fun fact instead if you’re so inclined” “Do people still read comics now that there are movies?” “I don’t have to th’ay anything” “Wanna take some deep breaths?” “I think meeting your parents once was enough. I’ve no interest in continuing the charade.” “So, how do you think I should proceed?” “Well I hope I don’t disappoint you then” “I’ve never really figured out how to do it though.” “What’s your favorite superhero movie?” “___ found out didn’t they?” “Well you don’t have to insult your way to the washroom, just so you know” “I have ways of dealing with my mistakes” “Stretch your legs out, stay a while, I get a long day.” "I just straight up have no idea what I wanna study” “I thought the same darn thing!” “So we’re agreein’ to disagree.” “We’ve got that ‘people pleasers’ look, yeah?” “Does it hurt too much?” “Honestly? I don’t know why people put that much effort into decorating so early.” “it’s working great. Thank you.” “Fuck–sorry, sorry. Not focusing.” “The worst people never look scary” “No bruise no foul?” “Sounds like bullshit t’ me” “Better…better to b-be early th-then late“ “But life’s shitty enough as it is.” “Do you do those things for you?” “Hopefully you’re free. If not - then cancel your plans.” “And we can’t let all these special snowflakes dictate what we do, hm?” “I love a rich, full-bodied taste.” “And would you be willing to teach me?” “Yup, just fine. Thank you. Nothing to see here.”  “He’s not around, so it doesn’t matter.” “So is there a theme to this whole shindig?”  “So I guess I’m not basic.” “I see how it is.” “Curious is a word for it, yeah.” “So you’ll speak lies? Or avoid the truth? Sounds like a cop out to me.” [text] Well I’m glad my text went to someone with such good taste! “The aftermath has been...awkward.”

[writer-picks-the-music]

Hunger (Part 1)

This fic is for @i-dont-know-how-to-write‘s cutie challenge and I chose The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Specifically when Esmerelda meets Phoebus. [Actual lines from the movie will be bolded. Lines that are sorta from the movie but reworked to fit the scene will be bolded and italicized].

Song Inspiration: “Hunger” by Of Monsters and Men (Mostly within Part 2)

Summary: Dean and Sam are working a case, but someone else might be on the hunt as well.

Word Count: 2600-ish

Warnings: I don’t think there’s anything...

A/N: This will be a two parter.    Let me know what you think!

“And you’re sure that this is the place?”

Sam sighed, tossing the pile of notes he had been looking through onto the dash. He didn’t like this anymore than Dean. Staring into the dark for the past two hours hadn’t been part of the plan, but they had a job to do and if waiting around was what it took to catch this guy they’d just have to suck it up. 

“No. I’m not sure, Dean. But this is the only place in town that fits the bill.” 

“It looks pretty abandoned to me.”

Sam shot a glare Dean’s way, his brother’s lack of patience starting to cause a strain on his own.  “That’s the point.”

Dean simply continued staring out the front window, knowing exactly the type of look he was getting without having to see it. 

“All I’m saying is that the guy should have been here by now. Maybe we picked the wrong spot.”

Sam sat up straighter, pulling a map of the area off the dash and turning to face Dean completely. Fully prepared to defend his choice in location. 

“Where else would he go, Dean. There’s nothing else in town that’s this secluded...” 

“Shhh.”

“... I mean the barn hasn’t even been used in-”

“Stop talking.”

Sam looked up from the map, following his brother’s gaze in time to see a shadow slip through the barn doors and disappear inside. A smug smirk took over his face as he put down the map and went to work loading his gun.

“Still think this is the wrong place?”

Dean rolled his eyes, opening the door. “Shut up.”

Sam was quick to follow him as they got out, quietly shutting the doors behind them and heading towards the barn.

“I’ll go in. Why don’t you do a sweep of the woods and make sure the rest of its pack isn’t lurking around anywhere.”

Sam nodded, branching off and heading towards the tree line as Dean continued on to the entrance.

---Y/N Point of View---

You hid in the shadows, crouching among a few scattered bales of hay off to the side of the doors and watched as the first man entered the barn. He was tall. Fairly well built. Definitely packing heat. 

You could take him.

He made it fully into the room, looking around as he passed you and walked further inside but you stayed put. You hadn’t heard much of their conversation but you were certain you had heard two voices. But when no one else walked in after a few seconds you figured he had gone off to keep watch.

Deeming that the coast was clear you stood up, stepping out of your hiding spot and silently beginning to close the distance between you and the oblivious man in front of you.

In a few short strides you were close enough to reach a hand out and touch him, but to your surprise, as you reached for his shoulder he spun around, gun expertly pointed at your heart. 

Maybe he wasn’t so oblivious after all.

Either way, it didn’t matter. His gun was on you for less than a second before you had him disarmed, placing a sturdy kick to his chest and sending him tumbling into the dirt. The barrel of his gun staring him in the face as he sat up.

As his pissed, yet alarmed green eyes met yours you let out a huff, recognizing him immediately. “You.”

“Easy, easy. I don’t know who you think I am, sweetheart, but it ain’t me.”

“You’re exactly who I think you are, hunter.” You growled, finger flexing on the trigger of his gun as you contemplated whether or not to shoot him after all their kind hand done to yours. But you knew you couldn’t. That would make you no better than them.

“Okay, okay, so maybe you do know me,” he countered, raising his hands up in defense. “You’ll have to forgive me, sweetheart. I usually remember a pretty face like yours. Were you working this case too?”

“Are you always this charming or am I just lucky?” You quipped, simultaneously snapping the gun in half and tossing it to the side as you advanced on his retreating form. Golden eyes staring him down.

“Okay, definitely not working the case.” He squeaked, stopping as his back ran into one of the barn posts. He looked around before his eyes flickered back up to yours. “Listen, just... just give me a chance to apologize.” 

You paused, letting the gold fade back to y/e/c as you stared down at him. “For what?”

As your feet were swiped out from under you with his own you wanted to kick yourself. You were such an idiot. Such an idiot.

“That, for example,” he smirked, rising to his feet and dusting off his hands.

You glared up at him, noticing two things in that moment: the smug look on his face and the narrow metal rod you could feel resting beneath your hand under a thin layer of dirt and hay. As your hand curled around it, a small smirk found its way to your own lips as you pulled it free from where it had long been forgotten and took a swing at the hunter. Sadly, he had enough time to jump out of the shovel’s way and by the time you were on your feet he had a pitchfork in hand. 

You let out a frustrated shout and took another sing, which he met with his own and soon you were in the middle of a full blown sword fight: Farmer’s Edition. The humor of the situation must not have been lost on the hunter either because he was soon laughing to himself, muttering nonsense about how he loved his job.

A few more clashes of metal and he was directing his comments at you. 

“You fight pretty good for a-”

“For a what?” You interrupted. “A girl? Funny, I didn’t take you for one of those douche bags,” You snapped, enunciating your last words with a more forceful swing.

“For a wolf.”

You met his gaze and couldn’t help but laugh, taking another, less heated, swing at his head. “What? Did you think I’d come at you all teeth and nails?”

“Something like that.”

The smile he sent you almost made you forget you were in the middle of a fight, but you could tell he was thinking the same way and as you saw his guard lower you took your shot. Taking a swipe at his feet and knocking him back to the ground while you stood over him, planting your shovel in the dirt and leaning against the handle.

You stared at each other, both taking the few moments of quiet to catch your breath and gather your thoughts. 

He was the first to break the silence

“I’m Dean.” You quirked an eyebrow at him, amused by the way he was seemingly choosing to forget the last few minutes. When you didn’t respond fast enough he continued, hoping to goad you into it himself. “And you are...?”

“Is this an interrogation,” you teased. “Because from where I’m standing I think I should be the one asking the questions.”

He laughed, reaching a hand up to you. “It’s called an introduction.”

The small gesture brought the reality of the situation crashing back down on you and you stared at his hand hesitantly, your grip tightening on the shovel. “Aren’t you going to kill me?”

He tilted his head to the side, asking you a question of his own as his hand remained outstretched between the two of you. “Are you the one that’s been killing people?”

You shook your head. “I’m trying to stop it.”

“So are we.”

You didn’t know what it was, but there was just something about the hunter that you knew you could trust. That if he said he wasn’t going to kill you, he wouldn't. 

“You’re not at all like the other hunters,” you said, taking his hand and helping him to his feet.

“Thanks,” he chuckled. Clearly having his own internal debate on whether or not that was a good thing. It was, but you would let him figure that one out for himself.

“So, Dean, if you’re not going to kill me what do you want?”

“I’d settle for your name.”

You smiled up at him, noticing the genuine curiosity on his face.

“Y/N.”

He opened his mouth to respond but something behind you caught his eye and he suddenly stepped around you, putting his hands up.

“Woah, woah, woah! Put the gun down. Put the gun down.”

“Who the hell is that?” You recognized the second voice from earlier and turned around, taking in the even taller hunter now standing just inside the doors pointing a gun at you. You probably should have been more alarmed than you were but Dean was already in front of the man, forcing him to lower the gun.

“She’s a friend.”

“You have friends?” The amused tone of his voice told you he was only teasing and you were glad the situation had been so easily defused. They must have been close for the new hunter to not need some sort of explanation.

“Yeah, shocker, I know. She’s helping us with the case, come on.”

They both walked back over to you and you soon learned that the second hunter’s name was Sam. Sam Winchester to be exact. Meaning that your Dean was none other than Dean Winchester. Two hunters that you and literally every other supernatural being you knew prayed to never cross paths with. Yet here you were. 

Your pack would never believe you. After all, no one was supposed to meet the Winchesters and survive to tell the tale. But... these Winchesters were nothing like the tales you’d heard anyways. 

So you took your chances and helped them track down Al. 

You loved Al, you did. He'd been your friend for years and he had never had a problem with pack rules. Granted, the animal only diet your pack ran on was harder for him than those of you born into the life but he toughed it out. It wasn’t until he met a girl from a smaller roaming pack that he flipped, and once he had that first taste there was no going back. 

Your pack had taken out the other three just fine, but Al had managed to avoid all your attempts and had been causing problems for everybody for over a week now. Everyone had known it was a matter of time before hunters showed up, but you had still hoped you could take care of it before that time arrived. You hadn't even known the Winchesters were in town until the night before when you happened to over hear them asking the town sheriff some questions. 

You had instantly hated them because they were hunters, and hunters never seemed to give anyone a chance. Even a clean pack like yours. You were pure-bloods. You could control your changes and you lived off animal hearts. You weren’t a threat, and the pack dealt with any who became one. 

Like Al. 

It wasn’t hard to find him after you teamed up with the brothers. He’d been moving from town to town, doing the same thing every time so it was just a matter of figuring out what building he chose for the kill. 

You and Sam had both been close with your guesses. You were on the right property. He had simply chosen a smaller cabin-like building a couple hundred yards off from the barn. 

You waited outside while the brothers took care of it, occupying yourself with the beauty of the place. It was a simple stone structure but the way the moss and foliage had grown on and around it over the years made it strangely beautiful. What was happening inside was not so beautiful.

But soon enough the brothers were walking back out, offering to help you bury Al of all things. It didn't take too long, and the three of you spent most of the time talking about your vastly different lives. You knew it was their way of trying to keep your mind off the morbid task at hand, but you enjoyed their stories nonetheless. Once it was finished, Dean made his way closer to the cabin, packing up his bag while Sam said his goodbyes to you, pulling you into a hug and telling you that he was ‘sorry about your friend.’ 

The words shocked you. He was a hunter. All Al should have been to him was a monster that needed to be put down, and you agreed. But yet, he still managed to acknowledge the fact that he was also your friend, and for that you found yourself not wanting to let go of the youngest Winchester. He was too good for this world, but the world needed him and you let him go. Watching as he shared a silent exchange with his brother before heading in the direction of the barn and their car.

Once Sam was out of sight you turned your gaze back to where the older Winchester stood, leaning up against one of the crumbling walls of the cabin, packed bag lying at his feet and green eyes already on you. You flashed him a smile, walking over and stopping just in front of him. 

“So...” You both said in unison, causing a blush to rise on your cheeks and both of you to look away with nervous laughs.

You recovered first, going in for a quick hug which he returned before pulling away.

“Thank you, Dean.”

“For what? Killing your friend.”

“I would’ve had to do it anyways,” you offered, hoping that he didn’t actually feel guilty about it. “But no, for... for not being the guy all the stories paint you as. You and Sam.”

“That bad, huh?”

You laughed, nodding your head sheepishly.

“Let’s just say that if I would’ve realized you were a Winchester while I had that gun to your head, I probably would’ve pulled the trigger.”

He placed a hand over his heart in mock hurt.

“I know, I know. But if it helps it’s only because the Winchesters in the stories are such badasses and would have totally kicked my ass.”

Now it was his turn to laugh. “So what? I’m not a badass in real life?”

You grinned, nudging your foot against his. “Oh absolutely not. Real you is a total teddy bear. I’d be the one kicking your fluffy ass.”

He let out a small laugh, letting you know that he knew you were joking, but you could tell that there was something bothering him. 

“You okay?”

He sighed, looking out at the trees as he responded. 

“Yeah, it’s just-”

“You have to go?”

He nodded, turning back to you but still not meeting your gaze. Instead training his eyes on the dirt at your feet. 

“Sam found another job for us a few states over.”

“Then go.” You reached down, picking up his duffle and handing it to him with a reassuring smile. “Go save some people, Dean. It’s what you do. There’s nothing left for you here.”

He looked up at you, wanting to argue with you but ultimately keeping his mouth shut. You leaned forward, pressing a kiss to his cheek and pulling him in to a hug.

“If you’re ever back in town, don’t be afraid to say hi, okay?”

He nodded as you reluctantly pulled away, giving you a small smile. “I’ll pick you up. We’ll get dinner.”

“I’d like that,” you smiled, but you knew that day would never come and it was better that way. You were a werewolf. He was a hunter. You were from two different worlds and it was better for everybody if it stayed that way. Whether it felt like it right now or not.

“I’ll see you around, Dean.”

“I’ll see you.”

Forever Tags: @maximoffangel-girl @anotherotter @mariahoedt @goodnightwife @napping-ghost @heycassbutt-67 @hennessy0274-blog @bananyaaa

[mysteryfanfictheatre3000]

Back to the Frollo, Chapter 19

Warning: Esmeralda gets assaulted. Yup. And more absolutely appalling racism.

Darling, please try to eat something", Claude Frollo gently persuaded as I picked over my breakfast. My eyes were bloodshot from lack of sleep; I felt wiped out. Claude was naturally worried about me, for I hadn't eaten nor slept since Jules' death three days ago. My mind focused on Renee, who, with the exception of Phoebus, truly had no family.

But… Phoebus is still around. She has family.

Pushing my plate aside, I finally said to Claude, "What if I took Renée home? I mean, I think she could adjust to the 20th Century. I should've taken both of them - that summer." Claude kissed my hands and replied, "My love, I remember when you asked me that same question: 'Come to the 20th Century with me'." He allowed himself to chuckle a bit from the memory of our parting that summer. Then Claude continued, "Nisha, please realize that Renee would never adjust to your 20th Century. She'd be so overwhelmed, so utterly lost -- Just as I'm still somewhat lost whenever I visit your time."

Actually, she is a child and thus has better neuroplasticity. So she would adjust much better. There is literally no reason for the author to not bring this child to the 20th century other than the fact that she wouldn’t be immune to our diseases or used to our food, which is a moot point because the author’s ignored this thus far.

I thought over what he said; and, yes, Claude still has a tough time coping with 20th Century life. I very well couldn't ask a 15th Century pre-teen to come live with me. It would only confuse Renee at a time when she needed all the love and support from familiar faces. "Where is Renee? Still at the Chateau d'Arcy?" Claude walked over to the little table and poured two cups of coffee. He replied, "No, my dearest. She is at Notre Dame, visiting Quasimodo." Claude sighed as he added, "Phoebus is with her." I looked at Claude in slight puzzlement as he handed me a coffee cup. "I take it Phoebus has yet to find Esmeralda." Claude only nodded as I continued. "She's the key to all this, you know. She's the one who can finger Malus' accomplice." Claude suspected a particular person however, he needed proof, and Esmeralda was the only one who could positively identify him.

No, leave Esmeralda alone! Don’t bring her into this nonsense even more than she has to be!

Claude Frollo grew strangely silent, then, finally said angrily, "I should've had Esmeralda dragged from the cathedral. Damn Phoebus! 'Falling in love' with her - You see what has happened since!" I nodded, as my thoughts turned to Phoebus. Poor guy. Although I've known him a few days, I felt a little empathy towards him, now that he'd suffered a broken marriage and the loss of a relative.

”Though we set out for lands unknown, they’re lands we’ll share.” -Esmeralda to Phoebus, hugging him

“No!” Esmeralda, jumping in front of Phoebus and sacrificing her own safety to stop him from being arrested 

But they’re totally not in love! Esmeralda’s a witch!

I sat silently as Claude continued to berate Esmeralda. I paid no particular attention to what he was saying, as images of the past few years swirled in my mind. How odd, that certain decisions and actions could affect so many lives.I couldn't hold in my emotions any longer; I felt a tear fall from my eye, the first tears shed in three days. Claude, still pacing the room and damning Esmeralda, suddenly changed his mood as I began to speak in a stammering voice.

Actually, pacing around yelling at Esmeralda for something she is in no way responsible for is pretty in character for him. This won’t last long, I bet.

"It's all so crazy...Oh Claude!...those poor kids...Everything's happening so fast..." That said, I broke down in uncontrollable sobs. Claude Frollo rushed to my side; I welcomed his warm embrace and loving words. "My love, Danisha, my sweet love", he began reassuredly. "Everything will be all right, my dear -- There, there, Nisha -- Let it all out, love." He carried me back to the bed and cradled me as I cried.

Ugh, just let her cry. No one likes her.

Somehow, through the depths of my grief, I felt a slight twinge of resentment towards Esmeralda. After all, she's as much to blame for all this mess. Why won't she come clean? Why won't she identify Malus' accomplice?

Because she doesn’t know him and has nothing to do with this stupid thing?

I pushed those thoughts from my mind as Claude continued to hold and kiss me. He's so sweet to me...I really think things will be all right. He was just as warm and comforting on that last day -- that summer...

************ [long sappy passage about them leaving each other, cut for time because it was awful and stupid] "Pardon the intrusion on this tender moment, but I do believe we're ready to go", said Fern. I guess this is it... Claude walked with us to the car. I squeezed his hand tightly as Fern unlocked the doors. "Oh Claude! How I wish you were coming with me!", I said, my voice quavering. I then invited him to the 20th Century, "just for a day. We can go the State Fair. There's so much I want to show you." Claude just kissed me again, saying, "My love, we've had this conversation before. You know I would never fit in your time, just as you would never fully be happy here. I love you so dearly; I'd never deprive you of your happiness."

Well, he wouldn’t know, seeing as he’s never been to her time! Ugh, the angst.

I understood completely. A few days ago, Claude had asked me to be his wife, but knowing his weakness for women, and there were many, I politely refused. Besides, as he said, I would never fully adjust to life in the 15th Century.

Is he not a member of the clergy? How would he marry her?

I watched Claude Frollo as Fern started the motor. He sadly smiled as I waved good-bye. I could read his lips as he silently said, "I love you." My eyes were locked on Claude as Fern steered the car onto the main road. Just before Fern floored the accelerator and depressed that button, I looked back one more time. All I could see was a blurry figure astride a black stallion; then, I was engulfed by a bright, white light...

Thank God that’s over… right? Right? Dear God, let me be right.

************ I was already dressed when Claude returned to his chambers. I was beginning to feel somewhat happy again, although my mind was still on the recent tragic events. ...perhaps it was all for the best... Claude kissed my lips, then said, "Ready to go, my love?" We were going to Notre Dame to visit Quasimodo. He too, was stung by the news of Phoebus' failed marriage to Esmeralda. "And I trusted her!", Quasi said to me the day after Jules' death. Poor Quasi - duped!He really needed our support.

This constant berating of Esmeralda is beyond annoying to read. Leave her alone, she didn’t ask for this! Why must you do this to her?

"Darling, you look stunning!" Claude was referring to my attire of a smart, floor-length purple dress and that black mink cloak he gave me last Christmas.

No one cares.

Come to think of it, I was wearing this cloak on that day after the Feast of Fools, when I encountered that sham Claude Frollo... We heard raised voices coming from the Place de Notre-Dame. "Whatever is going on?", Claude asked a nearby guard. "Your Grace", began the sergeant, "it's Captain Phoebus! He's found his wife -- la Esmeralda." Claude Frollo's expression was - well - I don't think I've ever seen an expression quite like it. "Arrest the gypsy witch!", demanded Claude, then he turned to me and said, "Finally, I'll make that conspiring vixen pay for her crimes."

NO. “Conspiring vixen?!” She was a Romani person in a time when they were hated by most (even more than the racism against them now!) who danced to make money, because shocking enough, people have to eat. 

I watched Phoebus and Esmeralda argue; her rough-edged voice grated on my nerves like a file on steel bars. I then said to Claude, "Wait a minute, baby. Let me take care of something."

Yeah, not like she has many musical numbers and makes money by singing and  dancing for people... but sure, Esmeralda’s voice is SO grating!

Claude looked puzzled. "My dear, I've waited all this time. Surely you understand that..." I interrupted him, "Oh no, sugarbritches." I kissed him, adding, "I know you want this gal, but I have some unfinished business of my own." I left Claude's side and walked over to Phoebus and Esmeralda. Poor Phoebus appeared bewildered and weary from Esmeralda's griping.

Griping?! This woman has been hunted, groped, assaulted and almost murdered. She’s nearly died multiple times at Frollo’s hands. If that happened to me, I’d gripe too! Esmeralda should be doing a lot more than griping. Like stabbing someone. I’d support that.

She carried on how she "was never in love" with Phoebus, and that she just used Quasi to "finally let Frollo get what was coming to him; then that New World gal had to spoil everything!" I tapped Esmeralda on the shoulder; she wheeled around to face me. "Do I know you?", she coldly asked. My gaze was as cool and level as hers. "I believe we've met a couple of years ago. But as the Minister of Justice says...No matter." Her eyes widened in sheer astonishment when she realized just who was standing before her.

Astonishment that she’s met the worst human being to ever exist on this cruel, cruel Earth?

"You! I've should've known..." That said, she hauled off and tried to land a perfect right jab, but I was quicker. My hand blocked hers; then I gave her the 'sistah' treatment, much to the amusement of the crowd, especially for Claude Frollo. "Look here, babee," I said in a raised, full-o'-sass voice, "I don't know WHAT kind of scam you pullin', but it ain't cool. Know what I'm sayin', sugah?"

And here we go with the stupid, racist yammering again with the annoying fake accent. Oh, shut up. Just let Esmeralda deck her already!

Esmeralda looked at me with big green eyes; the poor girl didn't know what hit her! She stood motionless as I continued to give her what I called "The Big Payback".

Poor girl is right. I want to hug Esme :(

"And just where do you get off usin' good folks like my buddy, Quasimodo. That was lowdown and low-class. Messin' with a sweet kid like Quas. That boy's like my family. And you don't wanna mess with my family!" Esmeralda's eyes were full of fire as she began to speak.

You know what’s low class? Treating a 20-something man like a stupid child. Going on screaming, racist rants against Roma randomly with no reason to. Treating a genocidal maniac like a defenseless baby and treating the victim of several violent crimes like she asked for it. That’s low class.

"Are you quite finished?", she said through clenched teeth. I shot back the "I'm-gonna-knock-you-out" look as I kept assaulting the gypsy with my words. NOTICE FROM THE AUTHOR: The remainder of FrolloFreak's vocal chastisement of Esme can't be printed, because it's UNPRINTABLE! The rest is cool, though. :-)

I don’t even want to know what she was going to put here. The bits she did actually include are horrible in every way, so the fact that she wrote something so racist and terrible she didn’t want to include it worries me. 

Esmeralda was livid! She trembled with rage, so totally outdone that this postmodern American 'sistah' had verbally tore her apart. "You filthy-mouthed..." , Esmeralda said, as she tried to sock me. Blocking her blow, I then said to her, "Honey, I'm not a violent person. I prefer to take you out with words. But..."

i swear to god, if she-

I removed my cloak and hat, handed them to a nearby woman, then hauled off and knocked Esmeralda to the ground. I think I broke a tooth because she was holding her jaw, and I believe I saw a tear. Esmeralda knew she had been bested.

What the fuck? Did she just punch an innocent woman in the face and knock her down for absolutely no reason? What the fuck?!

I put on my cloak and hat as Claude summoned the guards to take Esmeralda away to the Palace of Justice. As the soldiers put her in shackles, I walked up to her, squared my shoulders proudly, and in a firm, clear voice, said, "Baby, let me give you some advice. The next time you give a man an almost lap-dance, get him all hot and sweaty, and don't follow through...Honey, don't expect him to be too accommodating the second time." That said, the soldiers dragged the gypsy dancer away.

Yes, it’s all Esme’s fault here! Obviously she was asking for it all! And why is she being arrested and put in shackles for being punched by a crazy lady?! What does the universe have against Esmeralda here!? 

“Why me, of all people?”- Esmeralda, as Frollo grabs her in her cell and TRIES TO FUCKING RAPE HER 

Claude Frollo, who stood nearby during the entire episode, endeavored to keep his utter amusement in check. He walked up next to me, and laughingly said in my ear, "My love, that was...I can't describe it!"

I have no words either, because that’s just messed up!

He then led me through the cathedral doors; Quasimodo was standing at the foot of the bell tower steps. Quasi embraced me, saying, "I guessed Esmeralda had it coming to her. Gee", Quasi glanced over at Phoebus who had just walked in the cathedral with Renee. "Poor Phoebus. And I was mad at him for nothing."

NO. SHE DID NOT. Poor Esmeralda! I don’t even want to know what’s going to happen to her now… I almost wish she’d just die and ascend to heaven already. She’d be in a better place. Seriously, if all these characters died in a bloodbath I’d be happy, because the nice ones would go to heaven and Danisha and Frollo would go to the “fiery pit.”

And I actually am sort of sympathetic for Phoebus! He just saw his wife get assaulted and then dragged away by soldiers!

Claude then said to his young charge, "Dear boy, why don't you show Renee the cathedral." He turned to me, adding, "Malus never saw fit to bring his siblings to church; Renee hasn't set foot inside since her parents' death." Claude, sensing that his bleak words may have a negative affect on Renee, then said to Quasi, "Besides, I would like to be alone with this charming lady." A broad smile spread across Claude Frollo's face. He took my hand into his, saying to Quasi, "Run along, boy. Then you can bring little Renee to the belltower", his voice lowered to a whisper as he told Quasi, "But not now!"

Wait, not only did she hit a woman in the face and knock her down and then have her arrested, she did this in front of an eleven-year-old? What the fuck?!

Claude gave me a quick wink; Quasi even returned the wink as Quasimodo met Renee and Phoebus at the far end of Notre Dame. I then turned to Claude and asked, "What was that all about?"

You’re a sick, twisted person, that’s what it’s about!

Claude held my hand tightly, then leaned over and said, his words punctuated with deep chuckles, "I have something to say to you. A compliment, no less..." I knew he was referring to that little altercation outside. Now even I couldn't keep from giggling as Claude and I ascended the belltower steps.

Actually, the more I read this, the more I think Frollo and Danisha are actually made for each other. Both are screwed up, incredibly racist sociopaths who hate Esmeralda. 

[transmogrified-benmaxwell]

Why did you choose those specific zodiacs for the characters?:O

Sorry this took so long to respond to, but exams and finals have really been beating the literal shit out of me! I’m still glad you asked anon because I have lots of thoughts on this! Here’s the post anon is referring to in case anyone wants to see who is who.

Dallas: I don’t have too much to say since he’s already a Taurus, naturally I do see him more as a Pisces. Pisces tend to be the more gentle and compassionate of the signs and also tend to be more fearful in general as they are sensitive. They have a self sacrificing nature so that others will love them and not leave them and sometimes they become overly emotional when unable to cope with certain situations (i.e. Dallas being mad about Malek leaving to go to college even though he knows its irrational, but then not bringing it up because he’s self sacrificing his feelings to not make Malek upset).

Malek: If Malek isn’t a Gemini I don’t know who is. Like, this boy is a social butterfly which most Gemini’s naturally are and people are drawn to him. More often than not, people are attracted to his duality of a personality which enables him to be both intellectual (bitch wants to major in Bio-Chem and something else like double majoring and in such INTENSE fields???? He’s a fucking GENIUS) and creative/artistic (uhm??? he can sing and play three fucking instruments and even draws a little like??) which tends to be a trait of the twins. He’s well-spoken (boi speaks 3 languages and knows ASL come on now) and is funny/witty which is another trait people tend to like him for and is what makes Gemini’s more sociable. However, a downfall to the Gemini’s vast thinking is the persons indecisiveness. Malek can’t even decide at first if he really likes Dallas or is just pitying him and then when the feelings get stronger he can’t decide to tell him or how to act and it creates lots of conflict and doubt. Gemini’s don’t always have the easiest relationships because of their indecisiveness which leads to nervousness and I think is reflected a lot in Malek’s feelings for Dallas.

 Poppy: I know a lot of people kind of associate bad feelings with Scorpio’s, I actually think Poppy represents a lot of the good qualities neglected by other people that Scorpios have! Poppy is loyal to death and is very secretive in all the right ways (she literally is seeing both of her very close friends pinning over one another but shes too loyal to disclose the others secret even if something good could come out of it). She’s a strong and powerful force to be reckoned with which is why I think a majority of the baseball team respects her. However, sometimes her overwhelming passion and power are what can cause her to get confrontational (I know Poppy and Dallas have had a few hashing outs that were ugly and this makes sense for the two signs as Poppy can get jealous and resentful while Dallas can be sensitive and overemotional which can make the signs clash occasionally). At the end of the day though, Poppy really just has an overly protective and passionate heart and like most Scorpios, just really freaking wants some love. 

Parker: I thought Parker might be a Taurus, but after reading about all the signs I really found him to be a Libra. Libra’s are naturally the peace keepers of the group and have an affinity for beauty and harmony. Maybe Parker doesn’t actually go out of his way to make peace, but his common neutrality towards situations (literally one post I remember is he’s just like “I love both cats and dogs can we all get along” when discussing who was a cat or dog person I think? it really solidified this idea) and choosing to recognize both sides helps everyone feel balanced and maybe even wanna get along even if it’s just for his sake (not that they all fight or anything that frequently?). Parker’s absolute adoration for nature and hiking and the outside makes sense with the Libra sign as they have a thing for peace and beauty which can both be seen in nature through Parker’s eyes. Also, his general charming sweet nature can totally be seen by everyone (uhm let us not forget how Shook Tyler was when Parker gave him the honey lemony thing with ease bc Parker is a sweetheart and even though he’s shy, he can lowkey be a charmer without knowing it). His downfalls are seen in the Libra sign as he’s prone to being able to see both sides to any situation, but this can leave him feeling voiceless as sometimes people have a black and white way of thinking. He often retreats and gives up when conflict arises and lets others voice over him, rather than actually giving his peacemaking opinions. I believe he’s also got a strong empathetic nature which can be a downfall when it leads him to being manipulated or guilted into believing things very easily. 

Ben: Hmm Ben was harder as I don’t have too much information on my boi yet, but I found him to be like a Sagittarius because of his good humor and natural friendliness. Everyone likes him and everyones his friend because we’re all attracted to his humorous nature and positive outlook on most situations, however, I think maybe this is what can cause him to repress lots of his feelings. His willingness to be positive for others and neglect his personal needs can cause him to ignore his own feelings to make sure he isn’t bringing anyone down? I’m not sure, I’d have to know more and so this is my guess, but if this is it then he’s likely a Sagittarius as they often forget to tend to their own needs when trying to be sunshine for everyone else and never wanting to lose the positivity their friends/family bring them.

Blake: Aside from Malek’s, I think Blake’s was the easiest sign to critically evaluate and put out there because he’s so OBVIOUSLY a freaking Cancer. Those under the Cancer sign are absolute softies and are so freaking lovable, but sadly, you can only see this side of the sign if you get close enough to break through their hard, grumpy outer layer. More often than not, Cancer’s have a hard time expressing their real emotions and this can partially explain Blake’s “I hate everyone” personality because it’s so much easier to pretend he hates everyone else when really he just can’t talk about how much he hates himself. This can also help explain Blake having negative feelings towards Dallas because Dallas is more sensitive and isn’t quite on the same level of hiding emotions as Blake is and how Blake might see it as is, here is this kid who’s open (somewhat) about his feelings which is pathetic and is loved more than he is meanwhile Blake’s putting all his emotions and feelings in the closet to not burden those around him and he’s regarded as an asshole. Another downfall of the Cancer sign that Blake has is his clinginess because afterall, once he finds someone he can actually open up to, it’s hard for him to ever want to let go of the one person that brings that out of him. This can really make him look like a needy, grumpy jerk, but honestly this boi just wants some love and relief my guys. Just some more little things, Cancer signs are so imaginative and loving/protective and this can be seen in his love for theater and literature, and his way of treating those he’s especially close close to.

Tyler: Lmao lowkey made Tyler a Taurus because it’s got a very nice compatibility with the Cancer sign and I’m Gay™, but also not the only reason. The Taurus sign is a stubborn one, much like the Bull that represents it. This can be both good and bad as he’s stubborn when it comes to arguing and fighting, but this can be great when the person of the sign is on your side of things as they are fiercely loyal and willing to be patient with those willing to try and he’s very reliable. This is kinda shown in Tyler’s friendship (hhMMMM 👀) with Blake as he stubbornly cares about Blake despite his negative tendencies and stays loyally by his side. This somewhat leads to Tyler enabling Blake as once said in a post, but Tyler can’t help it under the Taurus sign because once he’s become attached he’ll do whatever he can to make his partner happy (even if it’s not always by the best means). This can lead to some self sacrificing which the Taurus sign will happily do (only if they want to though, never by force they are too stubborn for that) and kinda explains why Tyler enables Blake despite his better opinion and sacrifices being batter so that Blake can. Much like the Taurus sign he craves stability and some kind of routine, but also too much can be boring.

Phoebus: Okay don’t judge me for this but essentially, my first reasoning for making Phoebus an Aries was because I saw this pun about Aries signs that always “ram” through their problems LOL and it led me to just think this is how Phoebus battled through his osteosarcoma. Literally just slammed his head at test results in doctors offices until they changed to healthier ones. Aside from that idiotic note, Phoebus is witty and confident much like the Aries sign which is what causes him to clash with Malek when he acts all foolhardy and shit. If Malek and him could stop being so competitive, you’d actually find they’d be pretty compatible friends (or lovers???). He’s energetic and full of an adventurous attitude which will likely lead our poor mans in trouble. RIP

Dev: I don’t really know, in a lot of ways Dev just kinda reminds me of Malek and this leads me to connect them as Gemini bros. Dev is charismatic and a social butterfly and those are some high characteristics of the Gemini sign since they’re supposed to be the best communicators. 

Noah: I solely made Noah a Leo because Leo’s tend to have an almost pretentious nature around them as they tend to think highly of themselves (not all Leo’s, lmao not here to offend anyone!) and having the upbringing Noah does it only makes sense. He’s not afraid to speak his mind which is both beneficial (he helped our eggman the greg man when he stood up to his father) and negative (I wouldn’t say he probably hasn’t offended a ton of people in his time). A positive though is he’s clearly “creative” much like the Leo sign with his making movies and stuff.

Paulina: We really know nothing about Paulina yet, all we know is she is absolutely stunning and has the purest smile. I really just want her to be a sensitive Pisces because they can be the most caring and endearing sign of all and if I get to see that smile forever because she is constantly being a sweetheart than I will die accepting her as a Pisces taking it to the grave.

Charlie: We also don’t know a lot about Charlie, but since she is the team manager I put her as a Sagittarius under the assumption that she can at least be somewhat disciplined and is really good at organizing and being productive. I assume she is ambitious and maybe in my minds eye I like to imagine her as a sweet ol’ grouchy pants so pessimism is her Thing™

Sara: I’m all for loud and proud shameless lesbians so I was reading up on Virgo’s and the word comes from the word Virgin which by original definition meant ‘beholden to no man’ so my gay ass starts kicking and I am like, yes yes Sara is a Virgo die hard lesbian who will never bow down to the cis white man! But aside from that nonsense, Virgo’s tend to be independent creatures and this is a vibe I get from my girl Sara, she probably keeps lots of things unsaid about herself whether from shyness or past drama or both. However, she’s not so independent that she is uncaring or unloving and she likely tends to fret over the others wellbeing when they act foolish or put themselves at risk (i.e. my girl Sara will take a baseball to the face for Poppy 2k17 its time to ride or die bitch theres no going back)

Ari: Maybe I’m just biased towards Capricorns but I just see them as the grouchy “i love you now shut the fuck up” types and this is what I get from Ari. Much like other Capricorns, it’s difficult for Ari to express their feelings ESPECIALLY ones of affection (Ari “I’m allergic to loving expression pls don’t ever smile that fondly at me again I might vomit” Florenosos). Instead, due to the hiccup in miscommunication, they tend to relay their feelings using other likely troubling means (i.e. Ari bullying Phoebus to show affection lmao same). 

Wendy: Honestly Wendy’s feminist ride or die attitude is what led me to Aquarius because this sign tends to be the humanitarian of the signs and strive for equality in all aspects of life. She freaking defaced school property to prove a point my guys she’s a freaking Aquarius like only the Aquarius sign goes that hard and to such lengths to make sure their voice is heard.

Greg: Gregman the Eggman is a Virgo because he’s hella shy and independent. Boy can’t speak for himself for shit but often makes sure to look out for others (i.e. making sure Noah doesn’t do dumb shit and protecting the five foot weasel even though he can’t communicate the problematic things said weasel does). He’s practical and analytical and this often is what leads others to dismiss him as boring because he’s too shy to show any other side of himself or his interests. All in all, the eggman needs better friends and to erupt from his yolk filled shell.

Welp that’s pretty much all I got. I could literally be on the ball or so far from the truth that Bell is literally laughing their ass off at my poor attempt at analyzing these characters. NEVERTHELESS, I tried and here you go. Go read eerie crests here and thank/support the precious author and artist @littlestpersimmon for the content we get

[bellatrixmalfoy]

Damage Control

Bellatrix took a deep breath. “Oh, Phoebus...” she looked up at her son from her seat at her desk, suddenly more tired than she’d realized earlier.

“No--it’ll be fine!” Phe spoke quickly, trying to stop a train that was already at full-speed “don’t even worry--”

She let out a humorless laugh as she buried her face in her hands “Your father must already be on his way to murder you” 

Phe was already halfway to the door, his step lacking a rhythm as he rushed away. “He wont! It’ll be okay! forget I said anything Mum I’ll fix it!”

Bella leaned back in her chair and stared at the ceiling, silently asking the universe why her children wanted their father to kill them so badly. 

if it wasn’t her Esmeralda cutting off all her hair and getting caught in less-than-appropriate situations with female classmates, it was Phoebus breaking something usually in the company of his not-girlfriend-because-we-forbade it... Her son must really think they’re oblivious, Bellatrix felt the girl’s presence the moment he flooed her into her home. The girl was a good Occlumens, but Bella is who taught her everything she knows on the subject. It did baffle her how Phe thought he could successfully sneak in the one person he was forbidden to sneak anywhere with right under her nose...

Truly, how her children were still alive was a testament to how much Lucius loved her.

Bella got up with another heavy sigh. turning on the spot with her wand pointed to her temple. She opened her eyes to see the inside of Lucius’ office in the ministry, folding her arms under her chest. 

It was a few minutes before Lucius entered and froze at the door frame at the sight of his wife. He raised his eyebrows, a smirk growing as he spoke. “To what do i owe this lovely surprise?” he had his arms around her by the end of the sentence, already peppering kisses on her neck as she struggled to remember anything at all.

“Well--do I need a reason?” was her response, the thought that she may be able to actually stall him suddenly possible--

Until he grabbed her shoulders and pulled her back to arms-length “Could it be that your son broke the Pensieve and you’re trying to buy time?”

She mirrored his stern expression as she retorted “it’s not the only Pensieve we own, not that your son knows that--”

“Well we can’t risk that one considering that he’s fucked this one” he let go of her and continued to walk towards the parchment scrolls he’d originally entered his office to retrieve.

She turned around to keep him in her line of sight, her arms back to their previous folded position, her head tilted as she watched him “That and that’s where you keep all the memories of us--”

“Well that’s a whole other massive reason!” he replied with a breathy laugh “He’s lucky they’re making me stay later than I thought, but he’s dead when I get home, who even let him into--”

“Well, I’m sure he had help” she finally said, watching her husband stop to press the palms of his hands on his desk and hang his head.

Lucius took a deep breath, licking his lips to prevent himself from yelling at his wife for something she had no part in.

That girl--that child born of the Dark Lord... bent on killing their son for being an idiot and thinking he’s in love with her. Bella knew Lucius wasn’t stupid--not as stupid as his son anyway--he had to know he could forbid it as much as he liked, he could threaten and scare Phoebus to the ends of the earth. But he had to know that for as long as Damia wanted their son, their son would remain under her spell.

“Why was she in the house? Wasn’t her father supposed to take her with him to Germany?” his voice was too even, too low--it would’ve been way more arousing if it were any other situation. “I thought we’d be rid of her chaos at least for a few weeks...”

Bella scoffed softly, moving to sit on his chair so he’d meet her eye again. “Please, how many times did you kidnap me from trips, vacations--my own house,” she smiled for a moment, remembering, ”when we were apart too long?”

“Your father wasn’t Satan!” he spoke without a hint of humor.

“Mm” she nodded in slight agreement, “but they’re clever--well no, your son’s an idiot, she’s clever” she crossed her legs, leaning back on the chair with another nod.

“Your son should know better by now--they’re not children anymore...” he retorted, his eyes scanning his desk as if the answer to get him away from that girl was hidden among the scrolls of parchment and broken quills; before settling to meet his wife’s beautiful, tired, green stare.

“that’s just it” Bella smiled sadly, Their children were not children anymore--Phe and Esme were growing into their own people and for all the lessons and warnings and rules, they couldn’t stop them from doing what they wanted. And Lucius could yell and Bella could cry but it wouldn’t matter...

It didn’t matter to them when their parents, and in Bella’s case her sister, did the same things. Bellatrix supposed this was what they deserved.

They seemed to share the same thought, both of their expressions softening as they just took each other in for a moment

“If I don’t kill him, someone else will; It’s merciful that I kill him, really” he deadpanned, his words made Bella stand and roll her eyes.

“It’d be merciful if we got children who weren’t trying to get themselves murdered at all” she mused as she circled the desk.

“So you’re not letting me kill him then” he turned around to lean against the edge of his desk, his arms opened to welcome Bellatrix who was already on her way to his embrace. 

“If we could live with ourselves after, we’d have done it already” she mumbled into his chest, relaxing for a small moment. “You should head back” Bellatrix said as she fetched the scrolls he’d dropped earlier and handed them to him, “you’ve spent too long in here already”

“We’re not done talking about this, I will need to at least maim him..” he reminded her, kissing her for a lingering moment before she stepped out of his way to the door 

“I know” she responded, turning on the spot with her wand pointed to her temple, ready to give Phoebus round one of telling off now that he’s had enough time to deposit Damia back to where he’d rescued her from...