#saints of the new faith au

[theonewhobleats]

they may be on good terms now, but Narinder still isn't used to Ratau's fatherly tendencies.

[the-silver-chronicles]

WIP Wednesday, Couple Picrew, OC Picrew & Christmas Couple Meiker

Tagged by @voidika @raresvtm @josephseedismyfather and @noodlecupcakes

Tagging @imogenkol @socially-awkward-skeleton @inafieldofdaisies @aceghosts @cloudofbutterflies92 @cassietrn @direwombat @adelaidedrubman @derelictheretic @davrinsgriffons @shallow-gravy @strangefable @statichvm @carlosoliveiraa @g0dspeeed @wrathfulrook @starsandskies @ladyoriza @la-grosse-patate @thewanderer-000 @omen-speaker @alypink @shellibisshe @josephslittledeputy @skoll-sun-eater @afarcryfrommymain @strafethesesinners @turbo-virgins @florbelles @minilev @justasmolbard @yokobai @seedsplease and @titiagls + anyone else who'd like to join.

Snippets for three FC5 WIPs, that being The True Sinners, my Vengeful!Silva AU and Harbinger AU (or Elsa lives AU). This Couple picrew for the main/prominent couples of The Silver Chronicles, this OC picrew for one standalone OC and Holiday Meiker (m/f wlw mlm nb) for two of main the Elden Ring couples. You can read below the cut:

First snippet is for The True Sinners, a FC5 WIP where Silva doesn't become a deputy (instead a hermit in her residence in the Whitetail Mountains) but is still the Muse for the Collapse. After a chance encounter with Jacob in the woods, Joseph catches wind and realizes Silva is the Muse they need and Jacob keeps her captive in St Francis as the Seeds try to win her over (in... each of their own way) to mixed results. Since it was Christmas time when I wrote this, I thought I'd show the short "not Christmas" dinner between Silva and her captors:

Entering the lounge, Silva was greeted with two pairs of the other blue (in addition to a pair of an unfairly beautiful green) eyes bringing their attention on to her, their eyes on her turtle-neck sweater, jeans and her combat boots.

As she expected, Joseph definitely expressed mild disappointment at what Silva wore, though unlike Jacob, he decided not to say anything, probably at least satisfied she was wearing something that wasn't provocative.

Out of the brothers, John seemed the least surprised towards her wardrobe choice, though she suspected, and hated to admit, that it's because he's gotten to know her well enough to figure she wouldn't wear that atrocious dress for anyone, especially them.

And lastly, Faith had lightened up upon seeing Silva enter. Her eyes raked over the other woman's form up and down, a delighted smile spread across her lips. There was a familiar glint in her eyes, one that had Silva feeling hot again, just like in the Bliss.

One thing Silva could deduce, despite how her brain began to fry from that one glance alone, was that Faith didn't know about the dress Joseph had recommended for her.

It likely wasn't very useful information, considering how Faith has entrenched herself within the Project and is obviously favored by Joseph, but Silva filed her observations away just in case. It made her feel comfort, at least.

Everyone, with exception to Faith, seemed to be dressed casually, especially for the dinner. She wasn't sure if Jacob had been fucking with her about this gathering not being about "Christmas", but the interior set up sure wasn't convincing her otherwise.

Speaking of whom, Silva heard Jacob walking up from behind her, though Faith was already off the arm of the couch and attached herself on to Silva once more, linking their arms. Ready to whisk her away from Jacob.

Silva found herself relenting to Faith's clinging hold, especially with how fed up she's been with Jacob and his mind games, letting the shorter woman lead her towards the couch.

Though they were stopped by the ginger's voice.

"Ditching me so soon?" Jacob gruff voice is light and sounds amused, though Silva could see glancing back that he's displeased by how possessive Faith is of her.

That alone gratified Silva enough to shift a tad closer to Faith, enough to brush their shoulders together, visibly placing her other hand tenderly on his sister's bicep.

It had her heart pick up a pace, and Faith looked like she was trying hard to hide her triumphant shit-eating grin which probably wouldn't help the amount of displays of affection she'd give Silva (not that she minded), but it was irritating to Jacob, so she considered it an absolute win.

And here's a snippet for the Harbinger AU where Saint Matilda outfreaks Joseph after the helicopter got shot down crashed from natural causes:

Joseph felt himself begin to wake from the darkness of unconsciousness.

His chest ached as it heaved up and down. He tried to lift his lids up, but found it to be a difficult task; the weight of fatigue pushed them back down, leaving him blind to the sight.

He knew he was lying on his back, and had been injured from the crash; a rather violent and erratic affair than he could have expected.

He had trusted that the Lord would not let the locusts take him, and he had been right in that manner; although his children tried to release him from the locusts grasp, even when it appeared they were unsuccessful, God still kept His promise, if unconventionally to what he initially foresaw.

His nose tickled, the sharpness of smoke reaching his nostrils. Something was burning. He could hear the crackles of flames too.

But that wasn't the only thing he could hear.

"From Tuesday, to Wednesday. Wednesday, to Thursday. Thursday, to Friday," he heard the softness of a woman's voice singing close to him. His face twitched when he felt a small and dainty hand, yet rather cold and calloused, caress his cheek, and her other hand running through his undone hair.

His other cheek laid against a silky cloth, with something firm underneath. He assumed his head was laid on someone's lap.

"Friday, to Saturday. Saturday, to Sunday," his unknown angel continued to sing; an odd lullaby from the sounds of it, one he's never heard of before. There was a familiarity to her soft voice though, something he knows he's heard somewhere before.

Once more, Joseph attempted to open his eyes, stirring his head upwards.

"Sunday... Sunday, to Monday. M-Monday, to Tues...day," she began to stutter. Perhaps he had spooked her, but she was still caressing his face, if slowly.

She was stuck on a word. Tuesday. He could hear how she muttered it repeatedly, as if trying to remember what came after it. Whether that be the lyrical sentence or the next day afterwards, he didn't know.

Cracks of light and shadows forced his eyes shut, but Joseph would not be deterred, needing to see who this angel was above him.

She began humming the lullaby, perhaps the rest of it, as he forced his eyes open, squinting to painfully adjust to consciousness once more.

His eyes widened open when he saw exactly who he was laying in the lap of.

Half her features were visible, while the other half was obscured by what he could see was half a porcelain - or perhaps plastic - mask, like a mannequin or doll, that had clearly been broken in half to accommodate the only half of her face that she wanted to hide.

But he couldn't forget that face.

Matilda.

She seemed different now since her exile, like she'd grown; perhaps she was in her late twenties, maybe entering her thirties now. He couldn't tell.

He noted she wore a veiled hood over her head, though strands of straight strawberry blond hair broke through on the unveiled side of her face.

The dress and robes she wore were white, with a black apron that had dark spots splattered in some areas.

Her visible eye glanced down to him, and his breath hitched when he noticed something wrong; last he saw her, her eyes were a greenish hazel.

How did it become amber?

But he was pulled from his musing when Matilda cupped his face, leaning her face closer as she whispered, "Are you alive, Father?"

Joseph opened his mouth to speak, but only vocalized the aching pain he was in.

He wasn't certain what to make of the excited smile that curled across her lips, nor the awestruck fascination that glinted in her eyes.

The couple picrews show the most consistent couples in this series, both main and minor. I'll label whose who and give a little tidbit on them:

BOA LURKING IN THE BLISS (SILVA OMAR x FAITH SEED [FAR CRY 5 & FAR CRY NEW DAWN])

Silva and Faith are pretty much the center of Silva's Hope and all of Silva's stories in general. They go through a rough start (given the whole Resistance vs Eden's Gate and the Reaping situation) but they do eventually move past that (and then straight into the slowest burn I've ever written). Silva and Faith end up healing each other and give one another what the other needs; Faith literally ends up giving Silva faith in herself, in others, in a brighter future that Silva originally didn't believe could be possible for me. Silva does give Faith her trust and kindness (and love), no conditions, no expectations to change for her, just this beautiful appreciation and warm companionship for the person she is; not as Rachel, not as the most recent of Joseph's sister(s) that embodies the ideal faith, or the hundreds of masks Faith dons on to hide, but simply as the person Silva knows her to be, and chooses to reach for in the sea of performances Faith could be.

THE BAPTIST AND THE QUOKKA (JOHN SEED x NADI SINCLAIR [FAR CRY 5, FAR CRY NEW DAWN])

Ah yes... my favorite cringefail loser couple. These pining try-hards don't end up succeeding in doing anything productive during the Reaping... they lose the Revelator on its first day out after all. They can't keep Fall's End for even a week before Silva reclaims it again. They both get their asses handed to them by the same deputy (Silva) in majority of encounters with her. Somehow surprising that they survive against her at all. Majority of the county may hate them but the one thing John and Nadi can always count on is each other. Nothing will make them hate or turn against the other. They're the ride-or-die pairing in Silva's Hope and Old Dusk. They both may suck but at least they're suckers for each other... once they get past the pining phase. Somehow it'll be faster than Silva and Faith's slow burn.

THE FOX AND THE SOLDIER (ALEXANDER KHAOS x JACOB SEED [FAR CRY 5, FAR CRY NEW DAWN])

AKA older guy struggling with showing emotions reluctantly finds himself in a situationship with his second in command whose loyalty is as dubious as his morality, someone send him help. Or where Jacob refuses to admit he's become a cougar. Anyway, I find Jacob and Alexander's relationship to be fascinating. Because it's all really dubious and ambiguous, especially in Silva's Hope. Because they both do have some things in common; they've dehumanized themselves in order to survive (notably cannibalism) and have locked away their emotions behind a mask that only shows to a select few. They also have their contrasts though; Jacob is in charge of training and protecting the family/cult despite only loyally following Joseph because he has faith in his brother, and Alexander is someone who follows the person who aligns with his ideals the strongest in spite of the fact he has very good leadership qualities that he only uses to gather his own loyal following for a coup in the circumstance the person he follows no longer aligns with his ideals (I like to say Alexander's a mix of Jafar from Aladdin and Phillip Graves from COD: MW2 (2019), but really Alexander is just a guy who likes to have influence over his chosen boss while remaining behind the scenes perceived as an underling so if something ever goes wrong, he won't receive the blame). A few other contrasts include Jacob's "strong survive while the weak are culled" whereas Alexander's is more "strength in unity and reworking the weak to become something better" (hence why Hannah McCalkin from Inside Eden's Gate is alive in my Silva's Hope WIP; Alexander personally prepared her for the Trials and passes it, unlike her canon fate where she didn't last long according to a note written by Jacob) as a sort of "nature vs nurture" dynamic though overlapping in some aspects because you can't separate one without the other. They also contrast John and Nadi's relationship; whereas those two are ride or die, Alexander and Jacob would drop one another should either display a weakness that neither can ideologically let pass, either ending with Alexander being culled or Jacob being usurped and replaced by Alexander until he finds someone else ideologically more compatible to influence and take the leadership role instead of himself. Also Jacob co-runs the cult to aid Joseph while Alexander follows Jacob while remaining uninfluenced by the cult's predatory manipulations cause he's been in one before, only this time he's not ignorant enough to blindly follow them, only doing so because "the world's ending" is actually something he believes in.

Overall to end this large quantity of words with a summary: Jacob and Alexander are toxic yaoi worse than the beginning stages of Silva and Faith's yuri.

With the holy trinity of Seedfuckers out the way, let's move on to the star couple of Old Dusk. Last one for this picrew:

MERCY OMAR-SEED x CARMINA RYE (FAR CRY NEW DAWN)

My best attempt to make a picrew for both Carmina and Mercy. Apart of the next generation of both the Ryes and the Seeds (Mercy specifically being the daughter of Silva and Faith), I thought these two deserved a more wholesome experience during the post-apocalyptic world that they were raised in, after everything their parents went through to give them something brighter. Both have been dating in secret for a long while now unbeknownst to their families (with exception to Mercy's older adopted sister Azriel, who knows but hasn't dobbed Mercy in because her younger sister also knows Azriel's been sneaking out to go see Schrödinger and so they've collectively agreed not to tell their moms until they're ready unless either want to engage in mutually guaranteed destruction). These two are best friends with Ethan by the way... he's gained himself a bit of a rebellious streak since interacting with them in Old Dusk (because it's fun to have Joseph's hair grow greyer <3).

Below is the picrews for one OC and how I'd imagine she'd likely look like and info on her:

HUNTRESS CAROLINE JÄGER (BLOODBORNE)

So straight up, usually Caroline would have golden glasses rather than these red, due to being a noble scion with wealth from old family name. Anyway, Caroline is one of three of the main protagonists in my Bloodborne WIP, and she's basically doing the side/optional/DLC quests while her brother speedruns through the main plot, though she occasionally helps him along the way, especially when they reunite in Yahar'gul. She... goes through a rough patch, especially with her journeys into all three of the Nightmares (while being haunted by Micolash), Yahar'gul as well as Castle Cainhurst, the Upper Cathedral Ward and the Chalice Dungeons. That's not even going into facing her own brother in the Hunter's Dream.

Lastly we have two couples from Elden Ring for the Holiday Meiker:

CHIWA x SELKE THE ALL-SEEING MAGE (ELDEN RING)

Pretty much the closest I could get to their canon stories. Chiwa's on the left and Selke's on the right. Chiwa is one of Queen Marika's demigod children and she pretty much awoke into existence after a combination ritual that involved the Frenzy Flame and the Rune of Rebirth, as well as a contract with the Formless Mother. She has no idea what she's been pushed into. She has Marika's Grace coursing within her so she can revive from death, which is odd since only the Tarnished are capable of such a thing... speaking of which, Selke is a Tarnished, a former astrologer graduate of the Raya Lucaria Academy and joined the Golden Order along with her mentor, a Tarnished who was a Seer, if an uncanny one. They were exiled along with the rest of the Tarnished and joined the First Elden Lord, Godfrey, where they died in battle. When Grace awoke them, her mentor was with her, and he pointed her towards the Land of Shadows, as based on a vision he had, her destiny lied there instead of the Elden Throne. There she'd have an encounter with Metyr, the Mother of Fingers, who'd defeat the young Tarnished but inadvertently leave Selke blind, not by physical wounds, but by the ability to see the future always and forever when she opened her eyes. Selke knows Chiwa is apart of that future, and seeks out the lost demigod to change the fates of the Lands Between together by not playing Marika's game. Meanwhile Chiwa gains an awakening upon seeing Selke and panics.

LOGAN THE VAGABOND OF NO RENOWN x MELINA (ELDEN RING)

Or who I like to better refer to them as: the doomed straights of Elden Ring. Logan is a vagabond knight who joined up with the Golden Order some time before they (and First Elden Lord Godfrey) were exiled. Marika's Grace revived him once more and brings him back to the Lands Between... only to realize he's one of the first few Tarnished awoken a tad bit early. Melina just wants to accomplish her mother's wishes, and makes due with the only Tarnished awake who's determined to become Elden Lord, even if she finds him unbearable (though her steed Torrent seems to find Logan to be the right guy). Though bond closer along their journey, until time and war in the Lands Between fundamentally change their relationship, pushing them away from each other especially as Logan grows older and stacks up more and more regrets, especially when he steals a bit of the Frenzy Flame for what Melina could only assume to be for the worst reasons. After their departure due to that, she never sees him again, though takes upon herself to guide another, even stranger Tarnished. If only she knew...

[haphazardlyannotated]

Have a little AU that randomly appeared in my head during grocery shopping today.

Gideon has finally escaped from the Ninth. She's enlisting in the Cohort. Her photograph is being taken for her new recruit file!

Except the facial recognition thing alerts on her, and suddenly she's being locked in a cell on suspicion of being Commander Awake Remembrance Of These Valiant Dead.

Gideon is still trying to process the disbelief of going from one cell to another when the door opens and the actual freaking Saint of Duty walks in and tells her she's his daughter, which seems unlikely, but hey, they both have red hair and muscles, and more imortantly, Harrow is going to throw a fit when she hears about this, so nice to meet you, dad!

G1deon immediately takes his assumed child to meet Jod and his fellow Saints, which very quickly results in no more fellow Saints.

A very depressed Jod tries to play house as a family unit of what he calls "Daughter, godfather and god-father". Gideon almost wants to go back to the Ninth.

As Jod is seriously short on Lyctors now, he sends out the recruitment letters. Gideon, who has been traumatised seeing her dad stick hs tongue down the throat of the real life inspirations for her magazines, asks to be allowed to go supervise.

And so the Nine Houses receive letters informing them that their Emperor has a daughter and she's going to guide them all on the path to Lyctorhood!

Harrow, who isn't handling the loss of her codependent rival/crush very well is a devout daughter of her House is ecstatic at the chance to show Griddle that she DOESN'T need her restore her House to glory.

She arrives at Canaan House determined to prove that she doesn't think about Gideon at all the Ninth House is as proud and faithful as ever. Her skull paint is intricate. Her posture is regal. Her whole being is cloaked in an air of mystery. She will make a good impression on the sacred Crown Prince.

Her Divine Highness enters.

It's Gideon fucking Nav.

Only the combined efforts of all other House Heirs narrowly stops the Reverend Daughter of the Ninth House from strangling the Crown Prince.

Pyrrha Dve immediately begins to plan the wedding.

[anonymoususeru]

Beast-Ancient AU Fan Sagas but its all rambles and no Art and just Pas rambling about her OCs

Uhh hi, the AU belongs to @cuppajj and this is just a blurb of thoughts and little writing under the cut. Also contains lore of OCs I haven't revealed yet soooo y e a a h . Keep in mind this isn't super following of CRK Lore but is linked to the AU. Just not super connected.

andapersonalmessagetocuppa,finishyourocanimatictheithacasagaiscomingoutonchristmas- /lhj

IMPORTANT NOTES:

Szechuan Pepper and Rakum Palm holds the full power. Blooming Hortensia, Ripe Pulasan and White Mango holds half of the full power. All five Soul Jams have their Beasts' subconsciousness inside and relied on the magic inside to stay "alive".

My Ancients are older than the Five canon Ancients and around the Beast Cookie's age. It'll explain the comments/thoughts they have of the Neo Beasts lol.

The Wilting Hortensia Saga

The first of the Five Draconic Protectors to fall into Corruption herself. As the Soul Jam of her successor, Flowery Agar, has been destroyed, all Flowery Agar Cookie could do is stick with their successor.

As Flowery Agar Cookie once held the Light of Corruption, they have led their successor down her path. The last thing she expected was for Blooming Hortensia to strike back and return the favour, getting rid of Flowery Agar Cookie's spirit for good.

Blooming Hortensia Cookie, now Wilting Hortensia Cookie, has forcibly taken what was once her home from the Blue Dragon's Rule via violence and force, draining most of the Blue Dragon's power. The Paradise is now wilting, but the cookies there have faith in their leader to bring prosperity like she has done many years ago.

As the Beast of Corruption was the only one who could hold Blooming Hortensia Cookie back, Flowery Agar Cookie being gone means that there is nothing holding Wilting Hortensia Cookie back from dealing with any threats. She has commanded many cookies to rid of any Vanilla Orchids blooming within the paradise, as she does not need a child to play in her domain nor does she appreciate Saint Vanilla Cookie trying to purify her citizens.

The main characters of the Saga are Bellflower, Hydrangea and Ginseng, Lotus Dragon Cookie would come later. If Strawberry Crepe Cookie runs to the paradise, there is no guarantee that Wilting Hortensia Cookie would ever let them leave.

The Szechuan Pepper Saga

The second of the Draconic Protectors to have fallen into Corruption. Szechuan Pepper Cookie refuses to take on a new name, and it was the most surprising outcome, as he was the most stable out of all the Draconic Protectors.

The Light of Ascendancy is not half of the full power. It does not mean that the Beast who held the power did not reside within it. The last thing Commander Fondant Cookie expected was for their forceful successor to use the Light of Ascendancy for its true purpose. Now the forceful leader of the Dragon's Valley, and with Pitaya Dragon Cookie being unavailable, Szechuan Pepper Cookie has united the tribes within the valley.

However, within the eyes of the once follower, Szechuan Pepper Cookie's morals have left him. In private, Szechuan Pepper Cookie is now a paranoid man, afraid of other cookies coming to ruin him. Including the Beast residing in his Soul Jam. Commander Fondant Cookie is likely counting their days down until they meet the same fate as Flowery Agar Cookie.

Should Dragonberry Cookie come to Szechuan Pepper Cookie for answers of how to become a dragon or to take over, it will be a tough battle. No one knows who will come out victorious from it and Szechuan Pepper Cookie does not appreciate a reckless teenager coming into his home and claiming it is hers.

The main characters are tough to tell, but Capsaicin is very much involved in this. It's his favourite professor after all.

The Ripe Pulasan Saga

The third of the Draconic Protectors to fall into Corruption from Paranoia and visions that his Beast has given him, tormenting him for years.

A man who once lived in silence, fearing for the Violet Dragon and the passive threat of Violaceous Icing Cookie, Pulasan Cookie was driven into insanity. Once holding the Light of Tranquility, he is now holding the Light of Division. Ripe Pulasan Cookie realises that how the tribe working together is the reason why the Violet Dragon have tricked him and his friends before.

Violaceous Icing Cookie, while a passive threat, did not hesitate to try to put Ripe Pulasan Cookie back into his place. It is her power that he was using after all. However, it only led to Ripe Pulasan not only destroying Violaceous Icing's Soul Jam for good, but throwing her out of his subconsciousness.

Lychee Dragon Cookie refuses to admit that they see Ripe Pulasan Cookie as a threat and tries to regain their power. Only for Ripe Pulasan Cookie coercing the now separated tribes within the islands to banish the Violet Dragon. As the conflicting ideals within the tribes have led them to focus on themselves, they are more immune to Lychee Dragon Cookie's charms and disguises. That was the end goal of Ripe Pulasan Cookie.

Rambutan Cookie could not accept what has happened, how an old folktale archivist within her tribe made them abandon her, the leader. She is the protagonist of this saga.

The islands are heavily guarded and now have many cookies making sure no outsiders ever enter. They do not appreciate vanilla orchids blooming and tries to rid of them on sight.

Although the division could only work for so long after all.

The Ivory Mango Saga

Fourth of the Draconic Protectors to go corrupt. However the reasons of their corruption seems to be unknown.

White Mango Cookie, once modest and peaceful, have become the very thing to led the Tropical Soda Islands astray. Ananas Dragon Cookie, while they have failed to nip the problem in the bud, have restrained the Beast and getting the cookies, creatures and all on the Pineapple island to evacuate.

But it is only temporary after all, as the place Ivory Mango Cookie have been sealed to was being destroyed slowly. Although there is something peculiar there too. Roux is all around the place, being the liquid to destroy the nature.

One must wonder was this the full corruption of White Mango Cookie or Reticent Roux have gained some control. However, the words Ivory Mango Cookie said seems to lead to the former, just using their Beasts' Power as a scapegoat.

The Snake Sovereign Saga

Rakum Palm Cookie, seeing all their friends becoming corrupt day by day, could not take it anymore. They have lived their life half-alive, half of a soul due to the Ivory Dragon being angered that they were deceived.

Taking their role as the Glaring Snake Sovereign once more, the Evergreen Town has fallen into Peril, as the Sovereign forced all the cookies to get rid of any vanilla orchids on sight, and made sure no cookies would ever come and go. If a cookie manages to get in, interrogate them and made sure they are not a threat. But never let them leave.

As the Evergreen Town is not too far from the Golden City (Near the jelly swamp on the map, which is near the Golden Cheese Kingdom), many cookies from the former Golden Cheese Kingdom would almost consider this a safe haven. It is quite the opposite though.

Tenacious Buttercream have only looked in horror what their successor have become and like their batchmates, tried to put them back into their place. Only for Tenacious Buttercream, the last standing Draconian Confectionery, to have been destroyed by Rakum Palm Cookie.

No one dares to refer to them as their name anymore, addressing them in their title only.

Hope you don't mind the long rambles, I have been thinking of this for a while. A lot of this is a huge subject to change so yeah :D

[boobo13cambridge]

🌹 Masterlist 🌹

Kylian Mbappé 🇫🇷

Fics

Cliché? Most definitely. | Kylian Mbappé

Genre:  Strangers to Lovers AU | Romance | Angst | Fluff | Smut

Summary: Once upon a time, there lived a girl who couldn't figure out her life and a boy who had the world at his feet. Neither had time for love, and both were absolutely miserable with their current predicaments. As the saying goes, expect the unexpected. Cliché? Most definitely. Does Lady Faith care? Not one bit. These types of stories have always been her cup of tea. At this point, all there is left to do is send a quick prayer that these two don’t get dragged to hell and back to satisfy an ancient deity’s hunger for drama. Alas, the odds don’t look promising. It’s been a while since Lady Faith personally took an interest in two young mortals' lives. The last time she was so meddlesome was with a certain singer and an athlete. What a disaster that was. Now, Faith looked at her two protagonists, and with a quick smirk, let history write itself. 

Chapitre Un. Rien autour n'a de sens

The Summer We Were Young | Kylian Mbappé

Genre:  Strangers to Lovers AU| Romance | Comedy | Fluff | Of course, it has to be angsty | Smut

Summary: Once upon a time, there lived a young woman named Naaz who couldn’t wait to get the hell out of her parent’s house and jet set to the French Riviera to live out her hot girl summer dreams. Tired, burnout, and angry against the world, she decides to be selfish for once and books a ticket to the beautiful city of Nice.

Unfortunately for her, things never seem to work in her favour. Along the way, she meets the most infuriating man in the world who seems to make it his life goal to make her blood boil and her generationally acquired anger issues to resurface landing her in the most precarious situations. On his behalf, Kylian was just trying to have a good time and forget about the disastrous season he just had. Dealing with loss after loss, the world-famous footballer just wanted to catch a break as he faced great uncertainty regarding his future. Get ready to follow Naaz and Kylian as they prepare to face a summer that will change their lives forever. 

Chapter One. Ridin' in the drop-top with the top down

Requests

Ay, Ay, Captain | Kylian Mbappé

Summary: Y/N watches as Kylian play and lead his team to victory at Stade Bollaert-Delelis, feeling proud and overwhelmed. Five goals in one game? Surely, he served something special for such a feat, non?

Honeymoon | Kylian Mbappé

Summary: After an eventful journey, you and Kylian finally get to relax on your afternoon.

Meilleur buteur | Kylian Mbappé

Summary: Kylian becomes Paris Saint-Germain's all-time top scorer. You couldn't be any prouder of your other half.

Somebody to Lean On | Kylian Mbappé

Summary: After being eliminated from the Champions League, you join Kylian while he channels his frustrations into working out hours after the training session is over. 

Magic Kingdom | Kylian Mbappé

Summary: After spending the day at Disneyland Paris with his niece and nephew, Kylian wants to start a family with you

Hold On, We’re Going Home | Kylian Mbappé

Summary: After attending a charity event with Kylian, who looked dashing in his black suit, you feel particularly needy. Once you arrive home, you realize he hungered for you just as much. 

Unexpectedly Expecting | Kylian Mbappé

Summary: After feeling unusually exhausted and nauseous during your weekly gym dates, you find out some really happy news

O Re Piya | Kylian Mbappé

Summary: It’s the day of your brother’s wedding, and you're running late. The main culprit: your handsy husband who can’t seem to control himself seeing you in a lehenga. 

A Mother's Remedy | Kylian Mbappé

Summary: You fall asleep on Kylian after spending the whole day taking care of the triplets who had the flu.

I’ll take care of you | Kylian Mbappé

Summary: Kylian is feeling stressed as the news that he will not be extending with PSG comes out. He seeks comfort in you. 

Send That Picture Promise I'm A Keep It | Kylian Mbappé

Summary: What’s it like texting when your husband is a really busy athlete? 

Drifting Apart | Kylian Mbappé

Summary: Y/N and Kylian’s relationship is crumbling as they navigate the most difficult moments of their lives. Will they stay or fall apart due to the pressure?

↳ Part I

Sheila Ki Jawani | Kylian Mbappé

Summary: Y/N is late and Kylian decides to teach her a lesson about tardiness.

Kim Namjoon 🇰🇷

Comfort| Kim Namjoon

Summary: After reading an article about your boyfriend Namjoon's personal information being tracked, you feel quite angry and the only thing you can do is comfort him.

Tom Riddle 🐍

The Heir and His Son | Tom Riddle Sr and Tom Riddle Jr

Summary: Tom Riddle Sr raises his son and it makes all the difference.

↳ Chapter One

↳ Chapter Two

[lemonlyman-dotcom]

Hi 🍋

I know you're busy with your rewatch but I was wondering cause I miss your rec lists: do you have a rec list for fics that heavily feature the 126's different religions? Them celebrating different holidays or discussing stuff or such?

Would love to see such a list, I feel like the fandom should have a general list where these fics are featured 💙

Hi anon!! Thank you so much for this lovely ask! Perfect timing, actually, because the fic I’m writing now, which I’ve affectionately been calling Eid Fic, centers around Marjan’s relationship with her faith and her family. It will heavily feature Marjan & TK discussing their own faiths, and sharing memories of holidays, fasting and family. And also how they grow together over the years and form their own found family.

I’m sorry my rec lists have fallen to the side lately! You are not the only person who’s asked me about them, and I promise they’re coming back! I’ve just been feeling a little overwhelmed lately (can you just be whelmed?). But I love any excuse to rec some of the amazing fics in this fandom. And this theme in particular is really exciting to me because we don’t have nearly enough of it! I have scoured by memory and my bookmarks for you, and here’s what I’ve found. Unsurprisingly, it mostly focuses on Carlos and TK’s faiths.

Disclaimer: this is by no means a comprehensive list, it is just what I remembered and what I found. If you know of other fics that feature religion, especially other characters, please reply/reblog with the links!

Carlos - Catholicism

The Line I'd Walk (For You) by TearsThisSideofHeaven Carlos lights a candle and says a prayer to St. Florian, the patron saint of firefighters when TK returns to work after being shot. TK asks him where he goes, so Carlos brings him to church one morning.

What is Sown, What is Grown by @never-blooms Carlos character study, beautiful glimpse into Carlos’s experience growing up Tejano and how his family shaped him.

I Swear I Love You (Te Juro Que Te Amo) by @never-blooms Nochebuena fic!! Beth gives us a really beautiful look at Nochebuena, which is the Christmas Eve holiday in Latinx cultures! This fic is full of everything you would expect from a good Nochebuena party: family, nosy siblings and aunties, chisme, delicious food and so much music.

to build a home by @freneticfloetry Carlos Begins, this fic follows Carlos from childhood through present day. Courtney gives us a lot of beautiful insight into Carlos’s background and culture, and there is some exploration of religious aspects especially in the last chapter.

And if you will allow a couple from me 🤭

I'm Not A Fortress, But I Will Try To Protect You TK & Marjan get together for pie after Marj breaks up with Salim and before TK goes back to Carlos. Marjan voices her fear of disappointing her parents with the news of the breakup, and TK offers to be there for her when she makes the phone call. Marjan also gives TK some perspective on what it was probably like for Carlos growing up in a conservative religious home.

The Greatest Gift I’ve Found, The Sweetest Thing I’ve Known My Nochebuena fic!! It’s got some holiday traditions and a lot of family love.

TK - Judaism

knock-knock-knockin' on heaven's door by rakketyrivertam Five prayers TK sang for other people, and one he sang for himself

a case of cruel to be kind by @maxbegone This is a really lovely AU based on the movie About Time. The plot is that TK discovers he can travel back in time to events in his past, and that he inherited the gift from Gwyn. But at the heart of the story is a really beautiful examination of Gwyn and TK’s relationship. This includes a look at some traditional Jewish funeral and grieving practices, through the eyes of TK after Gwyn’s passing.

The last day of Hanukkah by @ladytessa74 A very sweet little Hanukkah fic set in Tessa’s Elijah verse, in the future where Tarlos has a four-year-old named Elijah. This story gives us a glimpse of Hanukkah in the Strand-Reyes house, the little traditions and the food.

Looking at it now, it all seems so simple by @liminalmemories21 Enzo and Jonah come to town, set between seasons 3 & 4 (though S4 kinda makes it an AU now 😖). Explores TK’s relationship with his faith through Carlos’s eyes, they celebrate Hanukkah and have a Shabbos dinner, and there are a few conversations about what parts of their own cultures and religions they want to bring into the family they’re forming, and how they want to raise any future kids.

Rosa Mundi by fiddlersgreen TK, Carlos and Owen go to New York for Gwyneth's funeral. I must admit it’s been a minute since I read this, but this author gives a really lovely perspective of what Gwyn’s funeral might have been like with the Jewish traditions and customs.

[elyseenmiel]

The Great War

John “Soap” McTavish x F!Reader

Synopsis: During the Battle of Somme in France, a Sister Nurse aids in the war tending to the wounded soldiers, especially a handsome and strong-willed Sergeant MacTavish.

Word count: 1.3k

Tags: One-Shot, Historical AU, World War I, 2nd POV, Reader-Insert, Y/N is not used, Reader uses a patron-saint name, Reader is addressed as Sister Maria once, mentions of death, medical procedures, mentions of death, religious and war backdrop, theme, flirting, forbidden love, light angst

Ignoring the cacophony of machinery, grief, and pained screams, as well as the relentless rain and unforgiving wind, France was beautiful both day and night. You had never been to France, or Somme, before. France had a salty, iron odor that lingered in the air. As you attended to the wounded soldiers lying on the drenched and bloody beds, the nights were longer than the days passing by. Time was dedicated to writing in the small sacrament of penance book, no longer used to confess mistakes but rather to write the name and address of the wounded loved ones to send off a letter on their behalf.

As a Nurse, you were sent to France for the first time, to Somme, to assist on the frontlines, in a hospital close to the battle of English countrymen assisting the French allies against the Germans. Last Spring, the war office had decided to employ VADS in military hospitals in the mainland and abroad during the summer. A summer late in 1919, You were sent overseas by the Red Cross; it was your first time in France working in a hospital. You had only stayed back home, working in the local auxiliary hospitals throughout Britain. You were already thinking about assisting the war effort abroad while working in a small hospital, Princess Christian Hospital, so you worked hard to receive a favorable report as the standard to work overseas. Working in the hospital was your only and very first source of income. Before dedicating myself to the faith, office administration did very little to sustain and survive off the rations they received. You could only hope your father was fine back in England; he was not serving the war effort due to his ailing leg, which prevented him from doing heavy activities. Each break of day and break of dawn, the small shared rooms were filled with whispers of prayer for your father and the men teetering on the collapse in and out of the field.

One of the male orderlies went to Etaples to bring more food. During his break, he made a list of what we needed and asked a few of the wounded what they wanted him to bring back. He addressed you as Sister Maria. "Do you want me to bring you tea?" You nodded and thanked him; he said he'd try to bring back English tea; You only smiled. The wounded walked around the small hospital grounds. The patients lay on the pale grass outside on hospital grounds, some would eat a light snack, while others would beg the nursing sisters to play chess with them to distract them from the heavy artillery sounds that could be heard. A few wounded patients would request that their letters to their families be delivered to the local post office on their behalf. Collecting their letters, putting them in envelopes, and getting them stamped was not the issue. Mailing them in and seeing that they were sent and reached their loved ones was the issue, knowing that some had taken every bit of breath to say their goodbyes and their strength to hand you their letter was the issue.

John MacTavish was the only man who had every strength to write letters and even wildly request to send them himself.

The Scotsman perched over the small desk, crushing the cigarette against the bottom of the ashtray. He turns to look at you, his eyes flickering at the new dressings and clean nightshirt bundled in your arms. The corners of his eyes curved up with a smile adorning his rugged appearance.

“The hour is late,” he remarks already unbuttoning his nightshirt. He moves to the edge of the bed patting the space next to him. “Have ye missed me yet again?”

You settle on the edge of the bed instead much to the man’s persistent pleas of sitting side by side. “Oh, I wouldn't say so Sergeant MacTavish,” You say placing the supplies on your lap and the small makeshift bed cot. You handed him the nightshirt concealing your grin. “Did ye aye?” he chuckles, the corners of his eyes crinkling with amusement. “This must be the millionth time ye come into the night.”

“It’s a good thing I’m not the reaper then,” You say unwrapping the old and marred dressing and pouring saline into a syringe. “I might not have a scythe, but I do have this,” you smirked with a slight wave of the syringe. “Consider yourself lucky.”

The Sergeant whistled, with a nod. “Yer much scarier than the Grim Reaper bonnie.” You felt his baby blue eyes on you, his intense gaze fixed on every move of your hands and head, making all heat rush to the apples of your cheeks. He was searching for your eyes, You knew that. He needed approval. You nodded to him, meeting his piercing eyes, so bright despite the dimly lit room. You gave it to him, just as when you first did.

His hand carefully and slowly trailed on your lap, gently resting his hand on your thigh and caressing it. You carefully flushed the wound, directing the stream of saline to wash away any visible contaminants. MacTavish gritted his teeth against the discomfort but remained still, continuing to rub circles gentler than before. His other arm wrapped around your hips, fingertips dancing on the black fabric of the tunic dress almost as if he was not only soothing himself but myself too. Using a cotton swab, you applied iodine to the wound and the surrounding skin, to prevent infection. His fingers pinched your waist with a grip. “Almost there,” You whisper, leaning closer to him, His strong jawline relaxing. “Keep your eyes open, keep them on me, Johnny.” His baby blue eyes widened slightly as he locked his eyes on your face. You glanced at him, his forehead coated with sweat and his lips parted with every breath he exhaled.

“Bonnie–”

“You’re doing so good.” You carefully applied a sterile dressing to the wound, securing it in place with bandages. He squeezed your thigh not with the feeling of pain, not in that moment. You grabbed the dress shirt as his hands stroked your lower back pulling you closer to him, careful to not rest your hands against his wounded chest. You rest your forehead against his. We let the silence envelop us, tranquility overcomes us for now. You shut all of the noise of the outside world except for his words of praise and lingering touch.

MacTavish will recover. His fingers cupped your chin with his thumb grazing on your lips. You know it. “Em’ not afraid.” He says, with a soft smile. Outside, the rumble of tanks and distant explosions punctuate the night air. your fingers brush lightly against MacTavish's cheek, tracing the rough outline of his jaw. His eyes flutter closed for a moment, a brief respite from the pain. You reach for a glass of water, carefully lifting it to his lips. He drinks eagerly, the cool liquid providing some relief from the throbbing ache in his chest. “The hour is late,” You say, “but it is far from over.”

“We can hold em’ off,” he mummers, “and we’ll be home Bonnie,” Johnny says offering a faint smile. “Together.”

You could feel a lump in your throat. The notion had never crossed your mind, let alone be entertained as a possibility. Dwelling possibilities are dangerous. You couldn’t bear imagining him anywhere else other than the bed cot where he was safe for now. The sea was no longer a comforting sanctuary and instead served as a patron for war. His breathing has become shallow, his eyelids drooping with tiredness. “We’ll go back home together.” You say, “For now, you should rest.” You wrapped the blanket around each other, shifting around for comfort. You sink down onto the makeshift cot beside him, your still entwined with his as we both drift into an uneasy sleep.

[absoluteocellibehavior]

Tag Game for “People I’d Like to Get to Know Better”! Tagged by the lovely, beautiful @bizarreohmart <3

Last song: “Blonde Dynamite” by Caravan Palace. Man, I love me some Electroswing and their new album Gangbusters Melody Club is *chef’s kiss*.

Favorite color: Purple. No question. It’s a good color!! Can you blame me??

Last book: Gosh it’s been so long since I’ve pleasure read but I believe it was “Thirteen Storyes” by Jonathan Sims! I’m also going to make a plug for my absolute favorite book series “The Shadowhunter Chronicles”. I have all the books and OUGH!! Those are good!

Last Movie: “The Boondock Saints”! GOSH, that was good!! Highly recommend!

Last TV Show: Me and the fam are working through season two of Arcane at the moment! I am sobbing! I am not ok! We’re sooooo chillin- *sobs*

Sweet/Savory/Spicy: SPICY!! I think it’s usually sweet for me but we had Cajun for Thanksgiving and I’m in the mood :]

Relationship Status: Taken >:D

Last Thing I Searched: Ah, let’s see… “Jewish prayer times”! Can you tell that Holy Ghosts religion sharing has been on my mind? HA!

Current Obsession: Speaking of which, Malevolent!! Specifically this Malevolent and TMA AU that lives in the realm of me and my friend’s discord chat. That and now a Malevolent/Critical Role crossover. So, Malevolent in general! I’ve pretty much been living in that Discord server and was even featured on the most recent Malevolent Autopsy! Yay!

Looking Forward To: End of the semester! Christmas villages! Seeing long distance friends! Sharing a Blood and Sand with my friend on her 21st! Malevolent gift exchange!

Favorite Drink: DR PEPPER CREAM SODA IS A GUILTY PLEASURE!! OH IT’S GOOD. But a nice Old Fashioned for special occasions <3

Song Playing on Loop in Your Head 24/7: “Experience” by Ludovico Einaudi. That song has inspired countless stories for many years now. It’s beautiful…

Current Favorite Character: Just one?! I’ll give you two. The partners: Charlie Dowd and Roland Cummings! I’m still listening to Malevolent and I’m working my way through Harlan’s first Call of Cthulhu campaign. I’m in denial about both of them. They’re in the Waylay sharing a Moscow Mule and Old Fashioned and you cannot convince me otherwise (this is a fanfic I’m planning on writing too).

Fun Activity You’d Really Like to Get Into: Book binding!! I think it’d be so neat. I’ve got this hand bound journal that I sketch in and it’s one of my favorite things. I’d love to learn leather work and how to make your own paper! This just combines those two in a perfect way.

Last Video Game: Played? Stardew Valley! I will marry Harvey or Sam come hell or high water. Now, watched about eight hours of lore videos over? Faith: The Unholy Trinity. Horrifying game. Delicious lore. SO good. Father Garcia, my beloved <3.

Last Comic/Graphic Novel: Truthfully, it was the garbage, totally inaccurate comic called “Samson: Judge of Israel” for my Old Testament class but I don’t wanna talk about that unless you want me to rant about modern Christians reading Jesus into the Old Testament where He shouldn’t be read into (*rasa frasas in Catholic Religion Major*). I will say that the art was stunning in it though. The last one I read out of choice was Blue Exorcist! I don’t think I’m caught up with it anymore but that is my favorite manga of all time! Father Shiro Fujimoto, my beloved <3

(Did I just “my beloved” two priest characters back to back? That wasn’t purposeful! You know, while we’re at it, Father Oscar Malevolent and Father Edwin Burroughs TMA, my beloved <3)

As for tagging!! My dearests @rightpastnowhere , @vee-lociraptor , and @rosesofenvy !! I’d love to hear from you! No pressure at all though <3

[flutefemme]

WIP Title Game

Rules: Make a new post with the names of all the files in your WIP folder, regardless of how non-descriptive or ridiculous. Let people send you an ask with the title that most intrigues them, and then post a little snippet or tell them something about it! And then tag as many people as you have WIPs

Thanks, @abbyzwrites (and someone else tagged me, can't remember who!) for the tag!

Oof. I have so many nearly completed fics it isn't funny, plus a couple concepts I'm mulling over so I'll list both!

Titles:

1. The Fallback Plan

2. Technically Speaking

3. The Long and Winding Road

4. Saint Link and the Dragon

Concepts:

1. Skyward Sword summer camp AU

2. Shameless Church/faith-based AU that maybe only lifetime bible-belt USA people would want to read or be interested in🤣 very niche lol (but I cannot get it out of my head ahhh)

3. Another music nerd AU

4. A sci-fi AU but there is one currently super popular so will probably wait

5. Rauru/Sonia canon-compliant romance backstory

6. I have too many ideas

@bahbahhh @zellink @mistresslrigtar you all get tagged for this yet?💜

[calekinnieplus]

This looks like a fun idea, so here goes! :

What do you think of this guy🙃?

Oh wow! Good character you chose there ahahaha! Roselle Gustav aka Huang Tao!

First impression

Honestly, I was floating in confusion at the start a bit, considering it was my first Chinese webnovel, so I had a period of readjustment to the writing style (or the translation ig?), so I didn't immediately connect the dots that Roselle was a transmigrator or that he's... kinda "dead" lol

Buuuut, once the dots connected, I did find him quite amusing! Bro's self-confidence gave me second-hand embarrassment, but not That bad. But also, Klein was bashing on him so hard, it was kinda hilarious.

I don't fully remember what impression I had of him, since I was reading pretty slow in the beginning and some ideas were lost, but overall, fun guy lmao

Impression now

Hilarious guy, a meme, a legend.

Yet...

Quite unfortunate that his end was just endless suffering (which will hopefully not be endless haha...). Bro made small mistakes in the beginning when he didn't know Anything, when he was transported to a world he didn't know anything about, forced to adapt and live a new life. I don't know, I find him tragic, just like Klein.

At least he had some good times along the road (especially with a demoness heh). The funny stories were nice to read.

Favorite moment

Basic, but his first talk with Klein. I mean, him meeting a fellow transmigrater and quickly having faith in him was sweet. I really wish to see more of them :>

If we're talking about the diary entries, I'd probably choose when... uhhh the corruption thing. Roselle going to the moon. And when he gazed into the Abyss. I remember how the diary entry abruptly cut off after dumping a lot of info and both Klein and I were Flabbergasted. What did it MEAN-!!

(I have a feeling I'm mixing up the moments, but the feelings remain. The confusion, the anticipation and the wonder from some diary entries were Amazing)

OH, and the last diary entry of course. It was so chill-inducing! It was one of those moments that answered a lot of questions while also bringing even MORE questions. It was just- the atmosphere full of fear and uncertainty, putting into question what that fellow transmigrator went through, wowie~

Idea for a story

Well, let me shuffle in the corner of my brain...

I've always been a fan of Time Travel AUs. So the idea of Klein (at a higher sequence but not Saint Level, maybe? Idk, a lot of possibilities here) travelling to Roselle’s time period and the two of them becoming best buddies (Roselle’s words, not Klein's. Klein's facepalming in the background at Roselle’s shenanigans).

Maybe! It could be a young god Mr Fool using his domain over Space and Time and having a misplaced adventure during Roselle’s time.

(We're pretending the Outer Gods and CW isn't as dauting of a problem as they are in canon, aye?)

Anyway, doesn't matter which version of Klein or during what time he's visiting, it's mandatory that he facepalms at least once :))

Unpopular opinion

Well, I don't know the popular opinions, so I'll guess I'll just go with an opinion.

I mean, he totally could've treated his wife better. I can understand feeling a disconnect with this world and humanity in general, but at least don't bring shame to her name by being a known womanizer, mm? At least divorce or smth, man. You overthrew the government, you could definitely do that.

Unless he actually did divorce her and we just don't know. But otherwise, yeah. Kinda dick move there, Emperor.

Favorite relationship

(Platonic, right?)

Again, basic but. Roselle and Bernadette.

The fact that Bernadette spent so much time searching for a father she was on dubious terms with and how much faith she had that he persevered against all odds.

The fact that Roselle’s one and only tie with this new world was his daughter, his beloved child that he loved with all his might. A child he shared a piece of his old world with. A child he remodeled this entire world's structure for. Absolutely heart-warming.

Favorite headcannon

Hmm let's see...

Huang Tao, as a young individual who surfs the internet, would know a lot of memes or jokes. After becoming Roselle Gustav, those memes aren't easily forgotten.

I mean, is it canon, actually? Maybe he made several Chinese meme references and I missed them lmao. That would be funny

Bonus: imagine Huang Tao and Zhou Mingrui bumped into each other one day, unaware that the next time they'll meet each other, it will be after more than 10 000 years, give or take. ...what's the timeline here?

[theonewhobleats]

When you are immortal you have all the time in the world to learn new skills.

[kiutb]

HI-RISE

Kept you waiting, huh? This is HI-RISE, one of my Rain World AUs inspired quite heavily by the likes of Splatoon and Phighting (play both) and will be one of the primary focuses of my blog.

I'll post every character's fullbody together when they're all completed. Can you guess the design inspirations?

World summary below

The city home to friendly conflict, battles and the playground of those looking to make a name for themselves. Battle is a way of life for the citizens of this world, where squads of five duke it out in controlled environments for fame and power.

A group of 5 slugcats - the Hunter, the Saint, the Rivulet, the Spearmaster, and the Artificer find themselves crossing paths and forging new bonds - attempting to leave their mark on the world they live in... though underneath the surface, not everyone's intentions are as clearcut as it seems.

This is a story forged by the bonds they have built, and a testament to their faith in one another.

Welcome to Ascent.

[divinecomedyproductions]

RWBY Saints of Remnant Notes: Should the SDC and Jacques be bad guys? Or one of the few Good Guys amongst corruption in Atlas?

DISCLAIMER: This post contains is a radically reimagined Jacques Schnee and SDC in a positive light in a heavily reimagined RWBY AU and has cliche tropes such as "dead mom" which I intend to complement with as "dead dad" of another family, if Canon Jack and SDC has given you a permanent bad taste in your mouth along with Canon Adam Taurus, I understand, this is an AU, just please do not come in with bad faith and ignore me instead.

Said AU is connected to The Emperor-Verse

I'm writing down notes and my gut just wants to make Jacques redeemable, but given how much damaged he has done to others, both his family and an entire people, that seems to heavy of a task without him ending up dead. But that was when I rebooted it by the end of V3.

But making this a hard reboot from the beginning then it hit me, and you do not have to agree with this at all...

What if instead of the SDC and Mr. Schnee being part of Atlasian corruption...

They along with James and the Atlas Military/Academy are the only few good individuals and institutions in Atlas, and both are paying the price for it from their upper class peers?

What if instead of Jacques being this opportunistic conman, he is Nicholas' biological son, and a former huntsmen in his youth who was on the same team as James Ironwood who served as his leader and who Weiss and Winter fondly call “Uncle Jim”, basically to them what Qrow is to Yang and Ruby

Jacques stuck to his father's principles and has managed to uphold The Schnee Dust Company as one of the few ethical businesses in regards to the Faunus, as well as providing support to other ethical businesses in the northern kingdom, mostly forming genuine friendships with their owners, and refused to outsource labor and resources when everyone else in Atlas did.

But as a result, James and Jacques are being ganged up on left and right by the upper class.

The only reason the Atlas establishment has tolerated Jack and his company for so long because the Kingdom was heavily dependent on them along with other companies for Dust and other goods and products, until recently with a growing unethical conglomerate run by Dr. Gray(Watts) with his mega-corporation GigaWatts Incorporated(Think OCP from Robocop and Lexcorp from DC), and plans on getting rid of the SDC and becoming the kingdoms new source of manufactured goods, tech, and labor, including dust mining and GWI is known for unethical use for Faunus labor in both the mines and factories.

Though I might just toss the Faunus Racism thing given how much of a mess it is and rework the WF for something else and have Atlas Upper Class replacing well-paying jobs with robots to keep the lower classes underpaid, or I could try something with both, need input on that.

Buy anyway, The SDC used to be big, but not in a megacorporation way. The SDC was one of the top four successful companies in Remnant back in the day(because 4 is the magic number in RWBY), and as I said before, Jack had made partnerships with other businesses both in his homeland and a few in other kingdoms during trips with his family, but its very few and Jack had made genuine friendships with the owners. He never stripped the human element out of his business.

You could say GWI is a large-scale "Evil Queen" figure

While the SDC is a large-scale "Snow White" figure, in more ways than one, but that's once again another story for another day.

Now GWI is overshadowing them at an accelerated rate with hundreds of Atlasian corporate companies joining it in exchange for Watt’s technology as well as Atlas Military’s higher ups hiring Watts to develop their military technology and last but not least outsourcing Dust Mining to the likes of Vaccou and Jacques and James are the only few who suspect Watts’ whole campaign being a “snake oil” tactic for something insidious as Arthur has all of the upper class eating out of the palm of his hand.

Meanwhile the likes of the White Fang and other kingdoms see Jack, SDC, James and The Atlas Military as just a bunch of rich pricks due to being part of the upper class(millionaires though, not billionaires, and even that’s dwindling now), seeing Jack and Jim as "one of them"

and understandably so mind you, given the rest of Atlas’ actions, but also because the current leader Rina Kumokage is lumping them in deliberately to distract the other members and branches(North, West, and South to be exact) of her own selfish and twisted intentions for the White Fang among other things

Though the White Fang itself seems to be in the hands of corrupt individuals in their neck of the woods. With the likes of Blake and Adam seeking to root it out, Adam being a little too aggressive in his means while Blake seeks outside help, which has strained their brother-sister relationship.

Spoiler alert, the corruption of The White Fang is not from Adam but a new character, Adam isn't the bad guy or a psychopath.

In this AU Adam is more like a cross between Fall of Cybertron Grimlock and Zuko, but he's another post for another day.

But anyway, the persecution of the SDC by the rest of the Atlasian upper class has gotten so bad, radical anti-Faunus militia Kriegsratten Korps aka “The Rats”(they allude to the Rats in The Nutcracker and mixed with Wolfenstein Nazis) and most likely be members of the Atlas Military throughout the ranks supplied with tech from GWI even secretly supported the corrupt council and big business, start attacking the SDC mines killing Schnee family members for being “faunus lickers”, one of them being Jack’s wife Anastasia(both alluding to the Russian Princess, and Snegurochka a Russian fairy tale character) while James struggles to provide the mines and family security while being undermined by higher-ups. 

Yes I know dead mom is cliche but I plan on complementing(is that the right word?) it with Blake losing her own father Ghira and leaving her mother, Noire(aka Kali), widowed. And I have a reason for that later on down the road.

Also Jacques isn't a monster, he just isn't a perfect parent and seems cold on the surface, but its mostly due the burden he bares of being a single parent, and upholding a noble family legacy, giving Faunus descent and honest work, and holding out with other businesses he’s made partnerships with. Their something of a resistance group against GWI.

All with countless of peers trying to sabotage him and James to the point its claimed his family and lover, all of which is straining his relationship with his daughters and his former teammates, James in particular. Plus losing his father at an early age and the board of directors forcing him to become CEO caused him to develop anxiety issues with only his mother and girlfriend and later on wife and children keeping him sane.

James and Jacques together allude to “Atlas” with a great burden weighing down on their shoulders they struggle to hold it up

He's a bit too harsh on Weiss with her huntress training(ie the White Trailer) but in order to defend herself against assassins, and sends her off to Vale in hopes she would be safer there(relatively speaking.) 

But the way he does it comes off to Weiss as her father not caring about her other than making her a trophy for his own reputation and being out of his way otherwise, and HOO-BOY don't get me started with how pissed Winter is with him.

Like I said, if all of this you can't vibe with because its supposed to be Jacques and Canon Jacques along with Canon Adam has put a permanent bad taste in your mouth, thats fine, I feel the same about other characters in other stories. No judgement.

I plan on making a post to dive deeper into Jack, but I will say he's primarily Jack Frost, but his secondary allusion to "The Nutcracker"

I'm also recycling this concept for my own original works, not sure what exactly, but something.

[averagewriter-inthedark]

When It’s Cold, I’d Like To Die 🌨 | TGM Imagine- Apocalypse AU

Set in an alternate world during a zombie apocalypse

TGM masterlist

Characters & Pairings: female!reader x Dagger Squad (platonic), slight Bradley Bradshaw x female!reader (implied romance), sister!oc x female reader (platonic/sisters)

Content Warnings: MAJOR angst & MAJOR character death (read at your own risk). Profanity. Emotional, sad, light fluff at the end (sorta a happy ending), apocalypse!au, light spoilers for TLOU (one scene is loosely inspired by one from Ep.2) | female!reader (she/her) wc: 7.5k

Premise: 2019 was the last year humanity could laugh and have fun without a care in the world. Then in November the world was turned upside down when a deadly virus swept though causing humans to turn into beings they only saw in movies. Seven years after the outbreak, the Top Gun special detachment have remained a team, but in the way they predicted obviously. They’ve survived things no training from the Navy could’ve prepared them for. Now years later, they’ve wondered to Seattle with hopes of returning to California by down….but for a couple of them, it’s their last stop.

Note: I’m sorry. Again. - Bee 🐝

———————————————

Date: 30 November 2026 –7 Years, 0 Months, and 20 Days since the outbreak

It’s been 12 hours. Another 12 and my brain will be consumed by the virus making me one of the things I’ve spent years fighting. No one knows. Everything happened so fast after the ambush that I rushed to get my gloves on before anyone could notice the bite mark just below my thumb. The veins have already started to appear, my muscles aching with light spasms I try to hide when no one is looking. So far they’ve only reached my elbow…but once they reach my neck It’s rapid from there. Then the foam will leave my mouth, my pupils will dilate to the point you can barely make out the white. I guess I should start figuring out what to do before I either lose my mind or end things before it gets worse.

I fear Maverick is onto me, but maybe he fears I’m onto him. His behavior has changed just as mine, becoming drawn away from the rest as we set sights on heading south for the winter. When he thinks I’m not looking I catch him fidgeting with his pant leg. Like he’s trying to make sure it’s covering his skin…..Maybe I wasn’t the only one to be bitten—not sure if I should find comfort at the fact I may not have to go through this alone, or just as hopeless with the fact it’s Mav. Once the others discover our my secret I’m scared they’re gonna lose faith. We’re so close to the rumored safe haven—so so close that we could get there by the end of the week…..but it looks like they're gonna have to continue without me.

We’ve been together as a team for seven years—before the outbreak even happened. I still remember the smell of the ocean and the feel of the felt on the pool table against my fingertips. The taste of draft beer that I once hated almost seems nostalgic since I haven’t had it in years. I can still hear the laughter from Bradley and Javy when Jake tried chatting up a pretty blonde who turned out to be married to an admiral. I wonder what happened to her….did she survive that night? Did she last a week? A year? Is she out there now wondering about the country like us?

With my eyes closed I can still picture the news coverage. The initial confusion filling my veins followed by a rush of anxiety that what I was witnessing was real. Then the panic erupting from everyone in the bar. Some rushed out immediately, likely rushing to get to their families. All of us who stayed did our best to board up the windows and doors with whatever we could find. Those of us with weapons in our cars were all so nervous about using them for the first time. Poor Bob didn’t know how to handle his gun and Mav being the saint he is, helped Bob when chaos was happening around them. Just picturing myself that night…shooting a person that didn’t even look human trying to break through the barrier. The revolver in my hand shook by how horrified I was and when I looked at Nat she mirrored my expression. I forgot what happened to my little revolver…it lasted me a good six months into the outbreak before we snuck on base and stole everything we could.

It’s crazy how everything changed in the blink of an eye. One second we’re all celebrating the success of an impossible mission, the Navy’s best fighter pilots. The next…we’re fighting for our lives in a war we only saw in movies. For the first year as humanity attempted to adapt to the new reality, we all traveled across different areas of the country to find our families. Radio and communications were lost early, with the only relying source was to go to our homes and see if they were there. Unfortunately, we never found most of the team’s loved ones. And those we did were already turned or on the brink of. I’ll never forget Javy’s face having to put his parents out of their misery. Same with Nat to her siblings. The only people we found who were healthy and joined our expedition were Bob’s cousin, Mickey’s brothers, and my sister, Jamie. While there was joy finding them, it came with heartbreak.

We lost Omaha first, then Harvard and Yale in one night. Fritz was shortly after marking one year of the outbreak when we thought a building was clear and turned out a stray was lurking underground. Every now and then I’m surprised Rooster and Hangman haven’t killed each other. In the beginning they were always butting heads on what to do, with a knife being pulled out one time that ended with Mav threatening to send them on their own if they couldn’t get their act together.

I’m still mad about losing Hondo, Halo, Penny, and Amelia—It wasn’t even one of the bastards who got them, the damn war between the army and these militia groups has taken more lives nowadays than the virus. The large cities are where most of it happens—and unfortunately we happened to be passing Vegas during turmoil. The conflict arose in the months after the outbreak. It’s understandable really—everyone was pissed that the government failed to prepare after it was revealed they had knowledge that a possible deadly virus would be on the loose. But it’s gotten out of hand. Too out of hand.

I know Mav hasn’t been the same since Penny died. Maybe that’s why he’s not looking too panicked at the idea he could be reuniting with her by the end of the day.

Nothing good came out of that night besides stealing military armored vehicles. That’s made traveling from coast to coast easier with the new jobs we’ve taken up. Fightertown, the once home of Top Gun, is now our base of operations. We’re currently in Seattle with the plan to leave for California tonight, but I won’t be making that drive. Not when I’m already feeling the changes in my psychological well being shift. Jaime is now 16 and I want nothing more than for her to survive this damn apocalypse—to go on and actually live the life she deserves. Not waking up every morning with the fear it would be her last. She’s been traumatized enough with everything she’s seen and I know it’s going to be difficult for her without me. But she’s the strongest girl I’ve ever met. She can survive this all. And I know the squad will take care of her. They’ll keep her safe until their final breath.

That last mission I’ll keep close to me even after I’m gone. They’re my family—my only family I’ve known for the last seven years. We’ve survived so much together. And I pray that whoever stands above all will keep them safe from here on out. Maybe one day they’ll see the world how it once was. That’s my last wish for them.

To find peace.

6 Hours later

Twirling the match box in her hand, Lt. Y/n ‘Pepper’ L/n, relished in watching the sun make its descent on her final day of life. The colors were beautiful, painting the sky an array of pinks and oranges. Sunsets in the Pacific Northwest were always beautiful. She was glad she got to witness another one last time.

She was sitting on the steps of a courthouse, the others inside behind her going over plans or packing the vehicles. Jaime was tossing a ball she found with Mickey’s brothers, giggling when it accidentally hit one of them in the head. Trying to remain composed, she closed her eyes and breathed in the air. It almost felt fresh and clean. Not the polluted with lingering decomposition of human flesh scent she was accustomed to.

No. Tonight it was nice. Actually comforting with the cool breeze of the wind.

“Twenty minutes we’re out,” Jake called from the doorway. “Pep, we need ya in her’.”

“Alright,” she signed, pulling herself up and putting the match box in her jacket pocket. Making sure the clothing was zipped all the way, Pepper cranked her neck to make it look like she was stretching, all while fighting the urge to twitch. Adjusting her gloves next she grabbed the canteen of water off the step and moved inside where the team were holding up. The teenagers behind her raced in after, only to receive some looks when they made a lot of noise.

When scouting the area for refuge the squad checked the surrounding proximity for any undead. Big cities were hives for them, and one loud noise such as an explosion or a simple blast of a shotgun could trigger a mob. Since they started their cargo transport ‘business’ they’ve mastered avoiding the undead when traveling to populated cities.

A moment passes, everyone glancing around for the sounds of disturbance. When nothing happened they visibly relaxed and signaled it was okay to talk.

“Sorry,” Ray, the oldest of Mickey’s two brothers, mumbled.

“It’s okay, buddy,” he told him, “Just remember to be careful next time. Okay?” The teen nodded, moving to sit next to Sammy, and Bob’s cousin Allison.

“What’s it looking like?” Nat was the first to ask, Bob coming to stand in front of the table with the large map displayed.

“The gas we have in the trucks will last us till the Oregon-California border. Portland is four hours from here, and then it’ll likely be another four or so to the border if we don’t run into any trouble. We’re gonna have to stop to refill the takes and then we can either decide to haul it to Sacramento— where I’ve already notified the base camp there we’re planning to stop so they’re getting stuff ready for us—or we can try to find a place at the border to rest.”

“I say we go to the base,” Javy said, rummaging through his pack for a snack. “I wouldn’t trust the border—could be scavengers hiding out for passerbyers.”

“Yeah, but Sacramento��s being hit with conflict,” Payback pointed out with a tired sigh.

“But if we haul for the long run tonight then it should die down by morning. You know how it is…It’s at night these things usually happen.”

“Both of you are right,” Rooster steps in, frowning down at the map with his arms crossed. “We stop at the border we could be ambushed, but if we go to Sacramento we’ll walk right into a war.”

None noticed how quiet Y/n was, fidgeting with her thumbs as they discussed. There was no need for her to give input. Not when she was gonna be likely dead within the hour.

“Well we need to decide,” Nat says sternly, the exhaustion evident in her tone. “I want us to be out of here in fifteen minutes—so either we vote, you two rock, paper, scissors it or we flip a coin.” Rooster almost considers it but then turns to the oldest member of their squadron.

“What do you think, Mav?”

The former pilot blinked several times, not realizing his name had been said and quickly recovered. Pepper’s anxiety rose…he was showing signs. “I-I yeah..I think you-we, we should go to Sacramento.”

‘Fuck,’ Y/n dropped her head in silent thought.

The others didn’t seem to notice the slip up and continued on. “Well that settles it,” Jake clapped his hands, “Let’s finish packin’ up and get the hell outta her’.” There was distress expressed by those who were worried about what lay ahead in Sacramento. For Y/n, her heart was racing by what she needed to do next.

“Jaime,” she called her sister over softly, the teen coming to stop in front of her. “How are you doing tonight?”

“Fine,” she drawled with a shrug. “Not looking forward to being cooped up in a van for the next eight plus hours…but I plan to sleep the entire time.”

“Good,” Y/n brushed some hair behind Jaime’s ear, letting her gloved hand softly liner against her cheek. It was shaking lightly, but Y/n managed to not let her sister notice. “Me too. That sounds like a good plan. I uh—,” she reached into her pants pocket, removing a small booklet. “I’ve been hanging onto this for a while and I thought you should have it. Maybe you can keep it safe since I almost lost it when we were in Denver.”

Jaime took the booklet, examining it. “What is it?”

“Open it and find out.”

Doing so, Jaime felt tears spring in her eyes when the booklet revealed Polaroid photos of not just the team from the past years, but ones of her and Y/n’s family. “W-where did you get this?”

“When we found you back at the house and after I….I won’t say,” she was referring to having to shoot their parents and brother who had turned. Jaime was hiding in the attic when they found her, malnourished and living off of rice cakes and water. “But I went through the house to find things that were sentimental. And well, I made sure to grab photos so we could always remember what they looked like.” Y/n felt a bile of emotion in her throat, swallowing it down. “It’s yours now. Take care of it.”

Jaime closes the book and wraps the thread around it to keep it together. Then her arms go around Y/n’s waist, causing her to stumble a bit, but hold her sister nonetheless. “Thank you,” she said. “I’ll keep it safe. I promise.”

The booklet was the last piece Y/n had of their family. All it contained were the photographs. Keeping their memory alive as a happy one rather than the painful last image of having to execute them to put them out of their misery. Only a few times a year Y/n would flip through the photos, and read over the handwritten notes of her mother and father she found. Now it was time to pass them to Jaime. So she could have them and also remember Y/n.

Pulling away from the hug, Y/n places her hands on Jaime’s shoulders and looks deep into her eyes. “Promise me something, kiddo.” The teen gave a short nod and Y/n took a sharp breath. “Promise me that whatever happens to me, you’ll always fight. You’ll move forward and continue to survive. Promise that you won’t give up no matter what happens okay?” Jaime appeared taken aback by the request, not liking the idea she may have to one day continue without her sister. “Promise, kiddo. I need to hear you say it.”

“Why are you asking me this now, Y/n?”

“Because It would bring me peace knowing you are going to be okay,” Y/n offers a small smile. “I want reassurance you would never give up just because I’m not there. You’re stronger than that. And I need you to promise me you will be.”

Eyes still watery, Jaime sniffs and gives her sister a nod, “I promise I’ll try.”

“That’s all I can, kiddo. For you to try,” she brings her into another hug, feeling eyes on her and looks up to see Maverick with a sympathetic expression.

He knows.

“It’s you and me against the world, right?” Y/n holds her close, resting her head on top of Jaime’s, who then repeats, “You and me against the world.”

“Go wait in the van with the others while we finish up here,” before sending her off, Y/n places a comforting kiss on Jaime's head with the soft whisper of ‘I love you.’ The teenager wanted to question her sister’s behavior, but followed the order anyway despite the feeling in her gut starting to form.

Once Jaime, Sammy, Ray, and Allison were outside, leaving just the squad, Y/n’s voice echoed against the silence, “I can’t go with you.” Everyone stopped what they were doing, Maverick off to the side with his hands on his hips and all of them waiting for the former pilot to say she was joking. Holding her hands together, she keeps her gaze on the floor.

Jake scoffed, “Now’s not the time to joke, Pep. We’re leaving in five—.”

“I’m not going,” she snaps, “I can’t go.” Her arm twitches, catching the attention of Rooster, who unconsciously takes a step forward causing her to move back. “Don’t get close to me, please,” she falls to a whisper, letting her eyes drift up to find the mixed reactions from her friends. Some were ashen—already understanding what she was trying to say while a couple appeared confused, not yet catching on.

“Y/n…” Nat’s tone becomes strained. Not wanting to accept the possibility.

“I’m sorry,” she looks at each of them, but Jake just shakes his head and demands, “Show us.” Removing the gloves first, Y/n’s hand trembles as she reaches up to unzip her jacket, shrugging it off her body to reveal the veins taking up the entire right side of her body. Her tank top showed where it was heading. They crept just halfway up her neck, meaning she was far into the infection that she only had a few hours before she fully succumbed.

“Fucking hell,” Jake turned away as Mickey and Bob immediately went distraught. Rooster and Nat simply remained frozen.

“When did this happen, Pepper?” Payback gently asked, trying to contain his reaction. All of them were already feeling the impending loss, and were all thinking the same thing: Who’s gonna be the one to do it?

“Eighteen hours ago…”

“During that ambush at the Hospital?” Javy was next to question her.

“Yeah,” she sadly replied, moving her hand a bit to show the bite. “Fucker that tackled me from the side got me as I was knifing him.”

“And you kept it from us?” Jake shouted, anger in his eyes. Y/n remained calm, knowing his reaction was justified. “This whole time you knew you were infected. And you didn’t say a word until now. Why?”

She tilted her head like it was obvious, “what the hell was I supposed to do, Jake? What would have you done? Shoot me right there?” She saw him still, making her scoff, “Forgive me for wanting a few more hours of peace with you guys and my sister before I end things.” Now that had everyone, minus Mav, eyes to go wide. Again she scoffed, “You really think I was gonna let it consume me? Or put one of y’all in the position to kill me? No,” she shakes her head, “no, I wanted you guys to be off to California before that happened. Honestly I would’ve just left hours ago with no word to spare you all, but…you probably would’ve searched for me.”

Some had to look away at that. She was right, they would have come looking for her. Even if they feared she had turned they’d at least want closure instead of wondering what happened.

“Seven years though,” she tried to laugh. “Not bad when you think about it. Would’ve hoped to make it to ten but life surprises you in mysterious ways. Now I’ll just have to root for Y’all on the side lines. I’ll kinda be pissed though if they somehow find a cure within the next month.”

No one knew how to respond. Quite frankly they didn’t want to. They were all dealing with having to adjust without Y/n going forward. Some didn’t want to accept it.

“Pep, we can try to figure something out—,” Nat tries to say, but Y/n spins to face her.

“What? figure out what, Nat?” She gestures to her arm. “I’m too far gone, okay? I have less than six hours at most—I won’t make it to Sacramento. And even if I were to….they’ll shoot me the second they see me. I’m not letting Jaime see that.” Y/n faces Rooster with a desperate look, tears threatening her eyes. “She doesn’t know,” she could see the heartbreak in his gaze.

Over the years Rooster and Pepper had grown close. At first it was just solely due to the connection they formed in the Navy which grew more at Top Gun. But when the end of the world is happening and there’s not many people in your life….things tend to happen.

They never put a label on it. At no point referring to the other as their ‘partner/significant other,’ but at night they’d bunk together. Rode in the same trucks. Had each other’s six. Sometimes they’d get involved in more intimate scenarios….. Maybe one can call it love, but they had a deep respect and admiration for each other.

“Take care of her for me,” she tells him. “Promise me you will.”

Rooster doesn’t hesitate, “I will.” Y/n swallows, nodding with thanks before adding, “She may fight you when she realizes you’re leaving without me. Sedate if you have to. Keep her from trying to come back.”

They had just gone to an abandoned hospital to retrieve supplies. It was where Y/n, and possibly Mav, got bit. In their search they got plenty of medical equipment including sedatives.

“I’ll do it,” Nat says, bringing a hand up to wipe her eyes. There were tears already escaping. The woman goes over to one of the backpacks and pulls out a bottle with a syringe to prepare it just in case she had to use it. Her hands were shaking, and before she knew it Mav was crouching beside her to take the syringe and do it himself.

“Here,” he hands it back to her, now full of the liquid. She thanks him softly before placing it in her jacket pocket.

At that moment an ugly screech fills the space, many reaching for their weapons in time to light up the undead that wandered in. Another one followed, and lastly a third, all dropping to the ground with bullets filling them. The rapid fire of the sound had Ray come rushing in to which Mickey yelled, “get back to the truck now!” They could hear faint noise in the distance, coming from the direction the three had run in from.

“There’s gonna be more. They must’ve snuck in from the sewers and came through the back,” Payback said in a rush, scanning for any more that could be lurking. “We gotta go.”

“But—,” Bob raised a hand to Y/n, who cut him off by saying, “I can hold them off. Buy you some time,” she paused a bit, looking at her shotgun and then said, “Leave the diesel.” She was referring to the large containers of diesel gasoline that had been on the streets. They didn’t know what to do with them since none of their vehicles took that type of gas. Y/n saw them and instantly thought of a plan.

“What the fuck are you on about?” Jake asked when she started to cut into the containers to let the liquid leak onto the floor.

“I’m gonna drown them in diesel,” she says sarcastically, making him glare. “I’m gonna fucking blow the place up, Jake. Do you want to sit and watch or are you gonna get your ass in that truck and make it tomorrow?”

He doesn’t answer, instead he marches up to her and pulls her into a near bone breaking hug. “I’m gonna miss you, Pep. You’re the best fucking wingman I could’ve asked for.”

Y/n’s lip quivered, hugging him back. “Don’t get sentimental on me now, Seresin,” she attempted to joke. “We both know you’ve been wanting to get rid of me for a while.” She feels him shake his head, though he chuckles.

“Never. You’ve been the glue of this team. I don’t know how we’ll get through this hell without ya, but we’ll try.”

“Thank you,” she pulls away, seeing a stray tear fall from his eyes. “Take care of each other.” He squeezes her shoulder that’s not covered in veins, patting it before stepping away.

“Let’s get a move on.” Everyone takes turns saying goodbye to Y/n and gathering their packs. There’s not a dry eye in the room, Nat holding onto her tightly and not wanting to let go.

“C’mon, Phee,” Y/n’s tone is soft, “you rise from the ashes. You’ve been doing it since I’ve known ya. You’ll get through this. I know you will.”

Nat whimpers, wiping her face as she says, “You better save me a drink up there. Because we’ll have a lot to discuss when I join you.”

“That’ll be years from now,” she assures her, pulling away from the hug, “But I’ll have your favorite ready to go when that happens.”

It was hard with each goodbye. Reuben and Javy understandably made theirs quick. Mickey said how he was gonna miss sharing the excitement with Y/n when he would find an old comic book. Sweet Bob’s face was bright red as the tears ran down his face unapologetically. “I’ll never forget you, Y/n.” She choked back a sob as she replied, “I would hope not, Bobby Boy.”

Rooster’s hug lasted longer than the others, kissing the side of her head lovely as he whispered into her ear, “Thank you for everything. I promise I won’t let anything happen to Jaime. You can count on it. And Y/n…I-I just want you to know that I lo—.”

“I know,” she cups his face, staring into the beautiful hazel eyes she adored. “I know, Roo. I’ve known for a while. And I feel the same, always have.” He wanted to kiss her one last time, but the infection had a chance of transferring through saliva and they couldn’t risk him getting it. It pained him that he couldn’t offer one last kiss to her.

Movement in the corner of his eye caught his attention, making them narrow in confusion. “Mav, what are you doing?” The question came at the sight of the older man cutting into the containers and bringing the gas further out to the hall where they could hear the approaching noise increase. They had maybe less than two minutes before they had company.

Mav threw his bag down as he pushed away the empty canister. “I’m staying.” The reaction was immediate.

“The hell you—!”

“I’m infected too,” at the gasp from Nat and stunned looks from everyone, besides Y/n, Pete bent down to pull up his pant leg. When he did the same ugly veins coated his skin. Then he lifted the end of his t-shirt, revealing more. “I don't have much time either.”

The reaction from Bradley could best be described with one word: agony.

“No,” he rubbed his face before his hands went to his hair. “No. This can’t be happening.” He wouldn’t accept it. Losing Y/n was one thing, but also losing Mav—his second father, in the same night? His entire soul was being ripped apart.

“Bradley—.”

“This can’t fucking be real!” Rooster shouted, not caring the tears were falling from his eyes. “Not you too!” The sounds from the distant hallways were getting louder, Payback and Jake rushing to close the doors of the room they were in to block them off before pushing desks and tables in front of them. It wouldn’t last much, but it’d at least buy them some seconds.

“Guys we really need to go,” Jake rushed out, pushing Coyote to the door. “Now! We can’t stay here!” It was a scene of distraught. They were now faced with the reality of losing both Y/n and their team leader. Fear of the incoming undead is what made them not break down right then and there. Nat knew once she got in the van she’d would lose it.

Rooster was already starting to break down. His face was red and riddled with tears, breathing heavily as he tried to fight back against Payback and Bob’s grip. “Don’t do this to me, Mav! N-no! Fucking dammit-I’m not leaving them! Mav! Please!”

“I’m sorry, kid,” Pete removes his dog tags and tosses them to Bradley to catch. He doesn’t know how he caught them, but the action hurts him even more. “You’re gonna be okay. I’ll see you again one day.”

“Don’t fucking tell me that! I don’t want that, Mav. C’mon—we were supposed to survive this together!”

“I know,” Mav sighs, green eyes red from crying. “I’m sorry, Bradley. But you’re gonna have to do it without me.” The former pilot releases a heartbreaking sound, making Y/n put her hand to her mouth to cover her sobs.

“Rooster, we have to go!” Reuben tells him sadly, practically shoving his friend backward. “I’m sorry, man, but it’s over.”

“Don’t make us have to sedate you, Bradshaw,” Jake threatens with an unreadable tone. He hated doing so, but if they didn’t leave in the next ten seconds they were about to be sitting ducks for a mob of undead.

“Mav!” Bradley screams as they finally get him out the door and out from their sights. Y/n is having to catch her breath from how hard she was crying. Seeing the man she loved in such a state did absolute destruction to her heart.

“Give these to Jaime,” she removes her own dog tags that were around her neck. She passes them to Natasha, who was the last in the building and fighting back the urge to collapse. “I love you guys so much.”

“We love you too,” Nat sobs, glancing between Pepper and Mav. “Both of you. I-I’m so sorry. This shouldn’t—this shouldn't have happened.”

Y/n just sighs, trying to smile at her friend, “It was an honor serving with you, Nat.” She sees the woman let out a shaky breath, nodding before turning on her heel and racing out of the building. When the trucks started she felt some relief, feeling more of it when the sound of them driving off could be heard.

Now it was just her and Pete.

“When did you figure it out?” She hesitated to ask, finally looking up from the ground she had been staring at for a good five seconds.

“When I noticed you were quieter than usual,” he replied, then asked, “What about you?”

“When you kept messing with your pants and checking if someone noticed.”

“Yeah,” he cracked his neck, then said, “I take it you got something to light this place up?” Instead of answering, Y/n removes the match box from her pocket.

Together they pull two chairs into the middle of the floor, facing the doors the undead were currently running for. A loud bang indicated they breached whatever obstacle in their path. It would be maybe thirty seconds before they arrived. Sitting down, Y/n opened the match box to find two cigatters hidden with only one match.

“How fucking ironic,” she chuckled, removing one to place between her lips before offering one to Maverick. Though he didn’t smoke, the occasion called for it so he took the tobacco and allowed her to light it with the last match before doing the same to hers.

Leaning forward in her chair, Y/n inhaled deeply before releasing the smoke, “What do you think we’ll find?”

“Hopefully…peace,” he breathes out, smoke filling the air. “But I hope to find my parents, maybe Ice and Goose. Hondo. Penny and Amelia,” his voice turns softer at the last couple names. “But mostly I hope to find peace. You?”

“The same,” she gives a small smile, leaning back in the chair as the noise gets louder. Fifteen seconds. “I sorta hope to find The Hard Deck. Maybe that’s where everyone is waiting for us.”

“That would be nice,” Mav agrees. Ten seconds.

Y/n gulps, “Mav?” The growls and moans were closing in.

“Yeah,” he says calmly. Five seconds.

“It’s been an honor serving with you.” He takes her hand in his. Three.

“The honor is mine, Pepper.” Two.

The cigarette bud flicked from her hand at the same moment the doors busted open. One.

Nothing could describe the flooding of anxiety that filled Jaime L/n when she heard the commotion from inside the courthouse, followed by the guys practically dragging Rooster out. Javy, Jake, and Mickey hopped into the armored van in front of the one she was in where Mickey’s brothers were. Meanwhile Bob, Payback and Nat were coming to the one she and Allison were in, hauling Rooster who was in evident distraught.

“What’s happening?” She said aloud, receiving no answer as Bob and Payback threw Bradley into the back seat, with Nat hopping in after them. Payback immediately got into the driver's seat with Bob in the passenger. Turning around to the courthouse, Jaime awaited Y/n to run out with Maverick. But neither came and she realized Payback was starting up the vehicle. “Where’s Y/n? And Maverick?” When none answered, only hearing the light cries from the former pilots.

This time with her blood running cold, she asked in a more demanding tone, “Where’s my sister? Wha—what are you doing!” She shouted when the van started to move, following behind Jake and the others. “Wait!” She turned in her seat, still no sight of the two. “No! What are you doing!? Stop—my sister’s still in there!” When Jaime turned back to scream at Payback to stop the van, she was met with the heartbreaking eyes of Natasha, who simply extended her hand over the seat to hand over something. Snatching it, Jaime felt her entire world collapsed seeing it was Y/n’s dog tags.

“N-no,” she croaked, lifting her gaze to Nat to find she was shaking her head. “No…”

“I’m sorry, Jaime. She was bit—.”

“NO!!” Jaime screamed, turning to look at the courthouse in hopes it was a joke and Y/n would run after the van. “You’re lying! She would’ve said something.”

“Honey, she didn’t want you to know—s-she was gonna have to leave us eventually.”

The teenager wailed at the news. Not wanting to believe her sister would send her off without saying. Not without a goodbye. Now it made sense why she was asking her to promise her all those. It was because she knew it would be the last time they saw each other. Jaime cried at the realization.

She slapped the seat, “Go back! Go back now! I won’t fucking leave her there! Ple-ease!” She hiccuped, beginning to crawl over the seats so she could get to the doors. Immediately Rooster was taking a hold of her, causing her to thrash. “No-fuck you! Let me go! That’s m-my sister! Please, Rooster—we have to go-oo back!”

“I’m sorry, kiddo,” he shot Nat a look when she removed the syringe, mouthing, ‘not yet.’

“No-no-no-no-no-nooo,” she cried, fighting against him but to no avail. “Please! Don’t leave her—go back!

They were some distance away, but still in sight of the courthouse when an explosion rattled the ground. Jaime got enough away from Rooster’s grip to look up and see the building was on fire. “NOOO!!!!” She broke down in despair, falling against the man who just held onto her as his own tears rolled down. Everyone in the van was in the same state, Payback was gripping the steering wheel so tight and Bob had his head in his hands.

Jaime just kept screaming and crying, occasionally fighting against Rooster and at one point her panic attack became too much that Nat had to sedate her when she actually threw a punch at him. He wasn’t angry or upset of course. He understood exactly what she was going through.

Both of them just lost the only family they had.

It would be an image that would haunt them forever. The ablazed courthouse where their friends layed. They didn’t want to picture what they looked like, instead focusing on their final days. Where Y/n was dancing with Mickey to an old song that came on the radio. Where Maverick was showing the teenagers how to change a tire in case the vans were to break down. The nights by the fires reminiscing on what it was like before the outbreak. Shooting pool and darts at the Hard Deck, before it became a graveyard to the undead.

Those things are what they would remember. The feeling of warmth and nostalgia from reliving those memories would help them in their grief. They were in denial at first, then angry, followed by bargaining as they asked, “it should’ve been me.” The depression lasted a long time. Mostly for Rooster and Jaime who had trouble adjusting to life without their loved ones. The nightmares were horrible, keeping them from getting sleep. Jaime went from an optimistic, bright, teenager to cold and detached. It took some time before she reached the final stage of grief: acceptance.

It was roughly two years after Y/n died that she understood why her sister didn’t tell her during that final conversation. Why she made sure she was out in the van before she realized Y/n was staying behind. It was so Jaime could remember her in a healthy, happy, light. So she wasn’t faced with the devastation of seeing her become undead.

Everyday she wore her dog tags, fiddling with them whenever she became anxious. The days she felt lonely and depressed she’d glance through the booklet with all the photographs Y/n had gifted her. Shortly after the incident Jaime discovered Y/n’s notebook with all her entries starting from the day after the outbreak, to the most recent being the one six hours before she died. Jaime felt her heart break and repair each time she read an entry. She cried a lot at the one detailing the day the squad found her, where Y/n spoke of how she had to execute their infected parents and brother. There were entries that made her laugh, some made her angry—especially one talking about the night they lost Halo, Hondo, Penny, and Amelia. It was so unfair how it happened. The team was just trying to get through Vegas and bombs were going off due to the conflict between the army and rebelled militia groups.

The last entry, Jaime trailed her fingertips over Y/n’s handwriting, hoping she would feel closer to her sister. Feel her warmth again, hear her laugh, see her smile. She wasn’t the only one. Every now and then Jaime would catch Rooster looking at his own Polaroids with Y/n and Mav.

Years passed. Summers turned to fall and then winter and spring. The tenth anniversary of the outbreak came and went, with their group losing Javy, Ray, Bob, and Allison along the way. Jake died around the fifteenth, with Mickey not too far behind due to an injury to his leg. They finally decided to stop their ‘transport’ business when that happened, no longer able to do the work they once were able to as Bradley, Nat, and Rueben were all approaching their fifties. Jaime was now in her thirties and had met a nice man on their travels, falling in love when she never thought it was possible.

She wasn’t the only one to find love. Nat married, so did Payback though neither had children. Rooster was the only one to not do so. Even when it was obvious men and women they met in their travels expressed attraction to him, Bradley denied their advances. When asked he simply said, “I had my love. There wasn’t anyone like her and my heart won’t belong to someone else. She took it with her when she left.”

Rumors started to spread around the twentieth year that the new generation of children being born were immune to the virus. Pregnant, Jaime felt a mix of fear and hope at the thought her baby was immune. Hope that maybe a cure could be discovered, but fear at what the government planned to do with the children. Surely they were ripping them from their families to be taken to testing locations. Immediately Jaimie, her husband and the remaining squad members with their loved ones they found and created all went into hiding in Fightertown.

Humanity began to rebuild in the 25th year. An announcement was made just shortly after the outbreak anniversary that countries working together were able to create an effective vaccine. It was to be distributed immediately, with no human being denied the access to be cured. Jaime had just had her second child when they got it. Within six months every remaining human had received the vaccination.

Finally, after 25 years. They could breathe a sigh of relief.

The team remained in contact despite going their separate ways. Rooster traveled back to Virginia where his parents rested, sending a vintage postcard to Jaime when he arrived. Nat and her husband remained in San Diego, Reuben and his wife traveled to Colorado. Jaime, having seen every inch of the country, ended up landing in Washington state. She didn’t go to Seattle, it was still too painful, but she went close to the Canadian border.

The reason: the sunsets.

“Look at how the sky just lights up. So many colors—a beautiful array of orange and pinks,” she heard Y/n’s voice when she closed her eyes the first time she sat on the porch steps of her new home, the sun descending on the horizon. “I’ve seen many sunsets in my days, kiddo. But nothing compares to the ones on the PNW. They by far are the most mesmerizing to look at.”

Breathing in the fresh air, the most refreshing she’d ever inhaled now that she was away from most of civilization as the cities were being rebuilt, Jaime felt the weight finally lift from her shoulders. “You and me against the world, right kiddo?”

“You and me against the world.”

Acceptance. It was finally here. Jaime thought she had accepted her sister’s death ages ago, but really she had pushed it to the back burner to focus on other things. Never did she truly accept Y/n’s death, she just adapted to it like everything else.

Being able to come back to Washington, the place she lost her sister, and watching the sunsets she knew Y/n loved is what really brought Jaime peace.

She finally reached the final stage of grief.

40 years later

The bright welcomed Jaime with warmth spreading throughout her body. Gasping, she opened her eyes and glanced down to find she was no longer sleeping in her bed with her children holding onto her hands. Instead she was wearing an old flannel she remembered she loved as a teenager, with light wash jeans and converse. Her hands were no longer wrinkled and rail, she felt like she was back in the body of her young self.

Ocean waves filled her ears, and when she turned around she found the sea ahead with a familiar building she only knew by the memories her sister would tell her.

The Hard Deck.

All around was a hue she couldn’t explain. It was bright, almost luminescent with the sun’s rays beating down. Something in the building was calling to her.

“Go,” a voice said. She didn’t recognize it, but it was telling her to go inside. “They’re waiting for you.”

Her feet carried her across the parking lot. No cars were there which made it unusual for a bar that read ‘open’ on its glowing sign. Still Jaime approached the door, hearing the faint sounds of conversation and music. When she pushed the door open, the music stopped and she was frozen at the sight before her.

The whole Dagger Squad were dressed in their service khakis looking the same as they did the night of the outbreak. Penny and Amelia were behind the bar, where Mav was seated with Hondo, Warlock, and Cyclone. Ray, Sammy, and Allison were by the jukebox, beaming at Jaime and her heart picked up at the sight of her husband of nearly 50 years beside them. The Dagger Squad were smiling. Especially Rooster who looked young and handsome again, throwing Jaime a wink as if to say, ‘about time you showed up. We’ve been waiting ages.’

Heart beating, she felt the emotion surge in her causing tears to prick in eyes. Jaime’s eyes drifted over, bringing a hand to her mouth when they landed on her parents and brother seated in a booth, her father standing from his seat.

She wanted to rush over to them but something was stopping her. Almost like she needed to see one last person before she could.

And there was only one missing.

Before the name could leave her lips, Jaime heard her voice. After years of wondering if she had found peace, the answer came with a simple greeting of, “Hey, kiddo.”

……………………….

TGM Tag List: @avaleineandafryingpan, @caitsymichelle13, @poppyalice2001, @cutelittlepotatofry, @luckyladycreator2, @americaarse, @elenavampire21, @back-tooo-black

[thisisallthehattersfault]

The Silt Verses AU where Jun Wu is an old, old, old god -- a god who's worshippers once counted in the millions until industrialization and modernization came and chased away old war gods, old gods of blood and thunder, old gods who watched your borders and slayed your enemies and turned your best soldiers into Saints. Pale things with twice-too-many faces that laugh and cry and it all sounds like screaming once you get close enough don't get close enough they burn they burn they'll burn you they'll burn everyone they'll burn your enemies to ash they'll burn your fields into ash they'll burn your kingdom into ash and isn't that what you wanted?

Didn't you pray for fire? Didn't you strike the match? Who are you, believer, to feel betrayed? Who are you to call this unfair? Don't you want this? Don't you still want this?

War is more... sterile, now, than it used to be. Militaries have new war gods. Smaller, softer, more civilized war gods. Gods the forget to be afraid of. That's why there are so many wars now, you know. Because the war gods are small and soft and civilized, and their worshippers chain them to their tanks and their aircraft carriers, and they forget that brutality is brutality. Do you think you're the first to believe your war was righteous?

Jun Wu is small and weak and starving, now, but he isn't dead. Not quite yet. His believers have spent so long working in the shadows, carefully preparing for his return. It's almost time. He shall come. He shall remind the world what war looks like.

Xie Lian, too, is small and weak and starving now. He has only one believer left. One follower who crawled out of the ruins of Xianle with his faith in his god clutched to his chest. They have no hope of defeating a god like Jun Wu.

But, oh, they have to try.

[usagirln12003]

Jellal Fernandes: Hogwarts AU

Jellal Fernandes is a Pureblood wizard that was born on the 25th of June 1971 and started attending Hogwarts on the 1st of September 1982, being sorted into Ravenclaw House.

He has a Willow wand with a Phoenix Feather core.

His Patronus is Non-Corporeal.

His favorite subject is Ancient Runes and his least favorite subject is Defense Against the Dark Arts.

He was one of the Ravenclaw Prefects of his year.

When he was young, Jellal was a kind, compassionate boy, and cared deeply for his friends. He was always cheerful and optimistic, despite his disposition as a slave. After a failed escape attempt, he readily accepted punishment in Erza's stead, and never once lost his faith in the thought of being free.

Later, as he was manipulated by what he thought to be Zeref's ghost, he drastically changed: Jellal became obsessed with the idea of building a new ministry and treated the slaves much better — to the extent that they didn't even think they were still slaves. But through this method of treatment, they did more work, which was Jellal's ultimate reason for treating them as such in the first place. He sees his actions as a "game," even if said "game" results in the loss of lives, his very own included.

After he was revived by Wendy Marvell, he suffered from amnesia and seemed to be somewhat afraid of the world. Though not remembering his own identity, he remembered the names of Erza and Natsu Dragneel, respectively. As he learned of his sins, Jellal wished to die, as he believed it to be his only form of atonement, but Erza convinced that through living, he can find a way to make up for his past horrid deeds. Following these instances, even when arrested by Hit-Wizards from the Ministry and knowing he would be given the Dementor's Kiss, Jellal remained calm and even happy, just as he did when he was a child. Mavis Vermillion even commented that Jellal possesses the same "heart" as those in Hufflepuff, in spite of the fact that he wasn't actually sorted into that house.

Seven years later, after regaining his memories and having returned to his original personality, Jellal is now a calm, mature, intelligent, and kind individual. He has shown a cheerful side, as he often smiles when pleased, or when his friends are happy. While as "Mystogan", he makes sure he acts quiet and aloof, so as to not arouse suspicion to the fact that Fairy Tail Orphanage is housing an escaped convict. However, Jellal's regret towards his past deeds have caused him to feel the need to atone for his sins, which he did by creating Crime Sorcière: an independent organisation dedicated to the destruction of Dark Magic. Despite this, he still feels he deserves punishment, as he told Ultear and Meredy that "punishment" is the theme of their organisation. It is this guilt that keeps Jellal from expressing his love for Erza, which she reciprocates, as he believes he doesn't deserve her.

Jellal also seems to be quite protective of those he cares about, or in some cases, those he's wronged. Some examples are when he saved Kagura from Neinhart's attack despite her grudge against him for killing her brother, or when he desperately attempted to push Acnologia into the Veil of Death to protect Erza, although he himself openly admitted that he has no chance of victory against the dark wizard. Although no longer wishing to die, Jellal has shown himself to be willing to risk his life if it guarantees his comrades' safety.

Jellal views his other persona; Siegrain as the source of his guilt and carries his sins, as well as the failed ideal version he once wished to be.

Despite his rather serious nature, Jellal does have a comedic side, as in his duel with Jura Neekis, where (as a direct result of Ultear and Meredy sabotaging his fight with the Wizard Saint) he has fits of hysterical laughter, as well as reacting strongly to the sensation of peppers he had in his mouth. Later, when he walked back to his teammates, Jellal felt ashamed, and stated that he had no words to describe his feelings of shame and embarrassment.

Jellal is a very honest person, as stated by Erza, who points out that Jellal has had difficulty lying since childhood.