#she may even heroic sacrifice

[alkaria]

Something something relic of choice thoughts

Something about RWBY being a story of choices. A few people have picked up on Cinder being notable for being the only character who seems to specifically not make her own choices, despite being the Fall Maiden and thus the character associated most with the Relic of Choice.

Perhaps aside from Tyrian, who has the most chaotic and loosest of motivations, every villainous or antagonistic character has had moments of reflection/expression of their philosophy, of why they do what they do, and many have made the choice to actively turn away from it, to choose to do something better, to do what is right, not what is easy. Cordovin, Ilia, the Ace Ops, Hazel, Emerald, Whitley, Willow, the Faunus of Menagerie, Ozma.

Something about Cinder being the metaphorical daugher of Salem, and the inheritor of the powers specifically descended from her real daughters. The direct parallel of Ruby, the character most associated with Knowledge - the only two characters (besides, likely, Oz) to have used both the relics shown so far.

I know some people hate the idea of it, but the build up to Cinder’s potential heel-face turn, the Chekhov’s Gun that the Relic under Beacon was her relic, the Relic of Choice, the first Relic in the grand chess game, and yet the one now the least-discussed.

Ozpin made the Relic of Choice more difficult to find. Because he knows the burden of leadership greater, and the choices it entails? Because it more than any other relic scarred him as the Indecisive King?

Something about how each relic has a cost - knowledge at the cost of time, creativity at the cost of finitude, choice at the cost of paralysis, destruction at - well, that one, we’ve never been told, though I wager it will be destruction at the cost of self - the Grimm being destruction personified, the way the Grimm arm consumes more of Cinder’s body each time it is used, her hesitation, she wants power but is she willing to give everything? What is truly most important to her, and can she admit what that is to herself?

Unless the arc structure changes, we are almost certain to see the Sword before the Crown. Perhaps Cinder gives in to the Sword to claim the Crown, using its power to scatter what remains of Beacon until she digs down to the real Vault. Something about Cinder having the relics and using them, and Salem having them, and not. Salem chose Cinder as her vessel for the Maidens’ power - but irrevocably tied to that, Salem has made Cinder the master of the relics, not herself.

Cinder claiming the Crown, using it to see the truth about Salem just like how Ruby used to the lamp to learn the truth about Oz. The fact that all along, just as Salem has used Cinder, she has tried to use Salem in return (with mixed results). Will the woman who walks out of Beacon with the last Relic be a hero? A villain? A monster? Will she walk out at all, or is Cinder the Indecisive Queen, doomed by the revelation of choice, the ability to at last be more than a pawn?

She is willing to give herself away for power - but is she strong enough to choose the reverse? Will she give away power to again be herself, to choose her own path?

Central to RWBY, but less obviously stated, is the impact of choice. Grief and moving forward are a central tenet of the show, but this is always a choice. We can choose to stay mired in grief, or we can choose to move forward. Choice threads its way through every character arc, every pivotal moment is the choice of a character - to keep hoping, to do something different, to go for what is easy or to go for what is right.

And the Cinder-shaped hole in that narrative that becomes more visible every passing volume is, I think, critical to how the Vacuo arc will go. Eventually, we will see Cinder make a choice *for herself*. To pick not power or relics or maidens or gods or monsters, but to pick Cinder Fall, just like how the central turning point in the narrative of grief and hopelessness was how Ruby realised that she could pick herself in Volume 9.

And that will change everything.

[brionysea]

season 4 hawkins gang not knowing what a decent plan is if it slapped them in the face vs season 3 mike coming up with a prophetic plan comprised of various future events to beat will's campaign in 10 seconds flat

[farosdaughter]

Thinking about how Henry Crawford is the closest thing Mansfield Park has to a hero

[saphiccarma]

Could do a agathaRio Vidal x goddess!reader *angst and death of a character*

R is basically the goddess of creation *her powers are like a counterpart for Rio meaning whenever she collects the souls of people that die, r creates new life and both usually never interfere with each other Job unlesss it absolutely necessary and is dating both. Rio and her are very close to each other because of their powers working together as one so it’s not surprising that Agatha falls for both and working together to create life using magic*

She may not have known about Agatha having a son, she can feel her anguish and pain and hates when both fight and Agatha being angry at both of them

During Rio and Agatha fighting each other, r makes the biggest sacrifice by trading her life to bring back Nicholas *she love them both and would anything to make them happy even giving up her powers for them but there a big penalty of using magic like this and falling in love while making sure she does her job with no distraction. she watches over them in spirit even sending a sign letting them know she ok but also tells Agatha that Billy needs her guidence*

Both Rio and Agatha feeling regret and guilt because of this and makes sure Nicholas never forget r and her heroic deed *r acts like a third mother to nicky*

- And if she grabs for your hand, and drags you along

Relationships: Agatha Harkeness x Rio Vidal x Reader

Summary: Even in Death, you found a way to watch over your family.

Warnings: Character death. Nothing else (lemme know if I missed anything)

A/N: Took me a hot minute, but this was really fun to write. Sorry if it strayed a bit from the original request, but I hope it's still satisfying!

Death and Life were often seen as counterparts, and on a surface level, they were. Death was associated with destruction and decay. Life was often thought of as creation and blossoming flowers. You and Rio were supposed to be exact opposites.

For the most part, you were. Rio was sarcastically playful and sharp, and you were blunt yet soft.

You created life. Whenever Rio stole, you gave. Whenever you breathed life into a new soul, Rio sucked someone clean of their life. It was a delicate balance that had to be maintained  

In the thousands of years (honestly you had lost track) that the two of you had worked together to create balance, you had grown close. A relationship had developed. One that was strictly meant to be had outside of your job. It was not meant to interfere with your duties.

But that promise that deal, became increasingly hard when a certain someone came along. Agatha Harkness.

A witch killer, a woman with chaos magic. At first you were cautious about interacting with her, instead choosing to hang back as Rio teased and flirted with your permission of course. It was amusing to watch Rio fumble slightly at Agatha's snappy remarks. Typically, she was the one on top in your relationship. Most metaphorically and literally. Then as time passed, you found out why Rio had fallen for Agatha.

She was just a young witch trying to survive in a world that was not meant for witches. Most witches would curl their lips at her, she was a coven less witch after all, but all you saw was the best parts about her. Her humor that never failed to make you laugh, the softness of her lips, her hands that trailed down your body gently - savoring every bit of it. What was meant to be something that never developed turned into something more.

Two divine beings, goddesses, had fallen in love with a mere witch. It was straight out of a fairy tale.

And when you mixed Death and Life with a mortal vessel, well, you got something interesting. You were given a child fated to die. At first, you hardly noticed the life brewing in Agatha's stomach. It was masked by a cloud of death. It was a child that was never meant to live.

But as her stomach grew in size and she became even harsher than usual, you realized something was up. Rio had known all along. She could feel the trail of death that followed Agatha around like a lost puppy, hovering over her stomach and waiting for the right moment. You tried not to let it hurt that neither of them told you.

You didn't find out until the child was born.

Sitting in the forest, playing with flowers, you gasped as you felt an anomaly enter the world. A creature that was born of Life and Death. Something that made your powers go wild and spring you into action. You teleported instantly, eyes widening at the sight before you.

Agatha was leaning up against a tree, her breath heavy and blood slowly dripping from between her legs, and her eyes were trained in front of her. Death stood there, dressed in an elegant green dress, and her lips pursed, and brows furrowed. She was apologetic.

You tilted your gaze towards the witch, eyes narrowing in on her. She was giving birth. She was with child.

"You are with child?" Your words were said slowly, offended that you were not told.

Eyes snapping towards you, Agatha exhaled sharply, tears pooling in her eyes, "Clearly," her tone was clipped and tight with pain, "Please, my love, let him live." It was a plea for life, begging Life herself to let Death's child live.

Your fingers twitched as you glanced at Rio, and with one look you knew that you could not save this child. Agatha must have noticed because she let out a near animalistic sound.

"If you do this, I will hate you both forever," she snarled, yet her eyes betrayed her harsh tone. They were filled with tears and desperation. She was pleading for her son to live. Your heart broke at her fragility, and you wanted nothing more than to give her what she wanted.

Rio sighed, "I cannot my love. She is unable to do it." She gestured towards you.

Pressing further into the tree, Agatha shook her head, "I won't let you."

Slowly, Rio tried to take a step forward, but a weak purple glow flickered in Agatha's hands. Your breathing quickened. Rio stopped when she noticed the magic, unwilling to hurt her girlfriend, but she had a job to do.

The gears turned in your head. Rio was only required to collect a soul. An eye for an eye. It didn't matter what soul really, as long as she met her quota for the day then her job would be fulfilled. And before you could stop yourself, you blurted,

"Take me," Both women snapped their heads towards you, "My life should be enough. He can live forever. Take me instead."

You could see Rio considering it, her mind mulling over the possibilities. You knew it was possible; it had to be. Agatha let out a cry of pain. You rushed towards her, steadying her before lowering her to the ground.

She gripped your arm tightly, "I don't- You can't-"

Emotions were at war inside her. On one hand, she didn't want to lose you, she couldn't. But on the other, Agatha wanted this child so much. She wanted to be better than her mother, she wanted to cherish him or her and love and care for her baby forever.

Wrapping your arms around her, savoring in her warmth, you placed a kiss on her forehead. Her fingernails were digging into your skin, hard enough to draw blood, but you hardly cared. Instead, you held her as she bit down on her own teeth.

Rio said nothing, her hands clenched at her sides as she watched the two of you. In that moment, she knew that there was nothing she could do that would stop you. It was better this way anyways. Being a goddess had its perks, so she suspected that you would still be able to visit in ghost form. (And if you weren't then she would take Agatha and the child to visit you.)

Agatha cried out as she pushed the child, clutching onto you tightly, a lifeline as pain flared through her. You held her tightly, willing to be her support and offered Rio a soft smile. Death had never hated her job more. You could feel the life leave the boy the minute he left his mother body, but at the same time, Rio took your soul. You didn't have to die for it to happen, but you felt yourself leaving.

"Can I see him?" You asked faintly, giving Rio a pleading glance. This situation was hitting her the hardest out of all of you, at least emotionally. She didn't want to take your soul. Even though she would still be able to see you, Rio didn't want to cause any more pain to Agatha.

She nodded, barely perceptible, and you offered her a dazzling smile. Your arm was burning Agatha's tight grip, but you hardly cared, instead tears welled in your eyes when Agatha released you and cradled a little boy. He was bloody and crying loudly, but he was perfect. Giving Agatha one last squeeze, you placed a kiss on top of her head, before bending down to press another to the boy's head.

"Goodbye my loves."

Agatha looked like she was going to cry, but instead she just clenched her jaw and held her child tightly. You stood and approached Rio. Death had her eyes shut, lips pursed tightly, and you cupped her face.

"It's alright," you whispered, her eyes fluttered open when you caressed her cheekbones, "I want this."

Rio swallowed thickly, but took a hold of your wrists, and then you were gone.

^_____________^

Nicholas was turning five today. Your ghostly form drifted towards the house, a soft smile on your face. You may be slightly transparent and could float and drift through things, but you could become physical enough to enter the mortal plane and interact with things. Slowly, you opened the door as quietly as possible and slipped inside. You could feel Rio already inside.

Apparently, you weren’t quiet enough, because footsteps came barreling towards you. A tiny body crashed into yours. Your form flickered slightly, not that Nicky noticed, but you crouched down, wrapping your arms around him.

"Mom!" he cried, burying his face into your shoulder. You laughed softly and placed a kiss to the top of his head.

"Hello, my little love," you cooed, "I brought you something." Nicky pulled away, bouncing on his toes excitedly. Even in death, your powers still worked. With a wiggle of your fingers, a plant appeared, potted already. It was a Venus fly trap, several plant mouths dangling open. "A Venus fly trap," you whispered.

Nicky blinked wide eyes, a smile curling at his lips. He looked so much like Rio. Delicately, as if afraid he would break it, Nicky told ahold of the plant. You laughed as he bolted off, shouting for his mama and mami.

"Bring it down," Agatha chastised gently. Despite her tone there was a soft glimmer of amusement in her eyes, and she placed a hand on Nicky's shoulder. He held the plant up to her face and Agatha pulled back slightly. "Very interesting."

Rio stood behind her, a small smile curling at her lips as she met your eyes, "Of course, you have to outdo me every time."

You raised a brow.

"Mami forgot," he said bluntly, yet you didn't believe that for one second. Rio would never forget. She shrugged cryptically and hid a large smile into Agatha's neck.

Turns out, you found out several hours later that Rio got Nicky a goat. Suffice to say, Agatha was not happy, but Nicholas certainly was - based on his excited screams and overjoyed clapping.

^_______________^

Squirming relentlessly, Nicky screamed as Rio dangled him over the water by his ankles. It was a lake day with the four of you. Agatha and you lounged on the shore, with you curling into her side, and Agatha rolling her eyes at Rio's antics. Your form had been flickering in and out of the mortal plane that day, but you still chose to hang out regardless. Being the girlfriend of death may have allowed you to break some rules, but that didn't mean the laws of nature had to like it. You weren't supposed to be here.

"Should I drop him?" Rio hollered. She stood over a small cliff, just about a yard above the water.

Nicky shook his head, "No!"

She ignored him. You laughed softly, sitting up slightly from your spot next to Agatha. The woman pouted when you extracted yourself from her grip, but sat up with you, her arm wrapping around your shoulders.

"I don't know," You gave a hum of consideration, "He didn't give me a hug when I showed up."

With Nicholas getting older, him now being eleven years, he began acting moodier. Like he didn't care. You knew that he still did, but it still hurt a little. Nicky stared at you, betrayed at your words, and let out a scream as Rio dropped him. Blowing you a kiss, Rio jumped in after him.

You giggled and pressed a kiss onto Agatha's cheek. The two of them emerged seconds later, Nicky propped up on Rio's shoulders and her arms digging into his sides as she tickled her. He was screaming, squirming in her grip, and trying to fight Rio off.

"Mom!" He called for help, "Mama!"

Agatha rolled her eyes, but reluctantly stood, offering you a hand. You took it with a soft smile and waded into the water. Rio and your son were back under, presumably wrestling, and you could see ripples on the surface.

You shrieked as something touched your ankle, sending Agatha a withering glare when she smothered a cackle. Then, you were being yanked under the water, fully submerged. Arms were wrapped around you, and you were grateful you didn't need to breath to survive, because water would have flooded your lungs.

Seconds later, you were dragged up, Agatha's arms hoisting you up. She was cackling relentlessly and her head was thrown back. You gave her a side eye, shoving at her harshly, and she fell into the water.

"Hey!" She spluttered as she emerged, her hair clinging to her face. As she began to come over to you, ready to take revenge, she disappeared beneath the water. You burst out laughing.

Something tickled your ankle again, and you floated above the water, a triumphant smirk on your face. Nicky popped above the water, a pout on his face.

"Not fair!"

While he was busy whining at you, Agatha and Rio had emerged in the distance, their lips connecting the moment they noticed Nicky was distracted. You scoffed, pouting a little, but kept Nicky's attention.

"Fairly fair," you smirked down at him and kicked your foot, water splashing in his face.

He spluttered, wiping his hair out of his eyes, and glaring at you. With one sudden movement, you were yanked back under. Nicky had his arms wrapped around your ankles, before moving up to your waist, and you wrapped your arms around him return. Kicking both of you to the surface, you showered his face in kisses, ignoring his protests.

This was your baby boy, and you would do anything to keep him safe.

^_____________^

Despite being hundreds of years old, Nicholas still acted like a moody teenager. You floated beside him, your form only visible to him and Agatha. A boy stood in front of Agatha, going on a fake tirad about how much he read about her. You rolled your eyes. Leaning down so that you were right next to Nicky's ear and he flinched.

"He's fake," you whispered, tilting your head as you studied him. He walked around with an air of death, much similar to Nicky and Rio, although not as strong. His death was covered up by a sigil and some other powerful magic. "And supposed to be dead."

While you didn't appreciated people being fake to your wife, you still felt a pull towards him. He was special, you knew that much, but there was something else. You couldn't quite place your finger on it. During her many years of being alive, Agatha did many cons, mostly to grow her own power, but you think Westview was one of the unnecessary ones. And as you stared at the kid longer, you realized who he was.

Billy Maximoff. He had a familiar air around him. Yet he was supposed to be dead.

Oh Rio would be so pissed.

You hovered over to Agatha and sat on the arm of her chair. She gave you a side-eye and you could tell she was pissed. After Wanda, you may or may not have let her stay under the spell, but it’s not like you could do much to help her anyways. You didn't have a physical form.

"You need to help him."

Agatha rolled her eyes, not that Billy noticed, but she cut him off.

"I'll help you."

Nicholas raised both of his brows, casting you a confused look, and you shrugged with a small smirk.

Oh Rio was going to be so mad at you.

[baldursgate3tempobsessed]

Astarion Very Happy Ending

So full disclosure, my Tav was a Selunite, and I can't stop thinking well if Bhaal can have a mortal chosen one, why can't Selune?

Also, spoiler warning, stop reading here if you don't want, but like damn girl I freaking turn a Shar priestess away from her god back to you, free a man from his devil's contact, high-key save the world, kill bhaals chocen, convince my vampiric lover to not sacrifice thousands of people, stop an entire goblin army from murdering Tieflings and druids alike, and literally free your daughter. A reward is in order!

This is that reward:

Astarion was slowly getting used to living in the shadows again, as loathe as he was to admit it. It was quite the transition, despite the fact that his time in the sun had amounted to less than a year. But what a lovely year it was. Nearly a perfect one in comparison to the rest of his life. And the promise of more of the same was a suitable balm to being cursed back into the darkness.

It was difficult, but with the love of his life by his side it was more than tolerable. Borderline beautiful in fact, to be able to live his life so freely despite the infuriating complications.

The money also certainly helped.

That was one thing Astarion always had over his brothers and sisters, his fantasies of a better life had always surrounded around Cazador's murder. Not his approval. He may have been completely unaware of the horrifying dungeon beneath their feet, but he did know where the deed to his estate and other properties were kept. And now had enough connections with the higher up's of Baldur's gate for some frankly exquisite forgeries. It had been a particularly satisfying feeling to sell all of his former master's possessions off, even more so when it came to the land. Almost like he was tearing apart his legacy and handing it off to the highest bitter, piece by piece.

Though, being there with you to find and settle in your own little corner of paradise was an even better feeling. Maybe it didn't quite reach his past dreams of grandeur, but it turned out settling in a quaint and poorly lit townhouse in the upper city was more than enough for him to be satisfied.

It was a good charming life, one that Astarion was sure he didn't deserve. But that certainly wasn't going to stop him from enjoying it. Though as much as he adored where he ended up, he'd be lying if he said it was perfect.

No, perfect would have been finding a way for him to ascend without becoming a monster, living in a world where he could be with you fully, completely, out in the sun like the kind of lover you deserved. It made him feel... startlingly inadequate. Everything you did had to be in accordance to his schedule. His lack of capabilities. And just because you always insisted it didn't matter didn't fix the feeling of inadequacy. He hated it, hated the fact that there were so many hours of the day that you couldn't share. He didn't regret his choice, not for a moment, but that didn't mean he was fully satisfied with the consequences.

But in his own defense, he did make up for it in other ways. Mildly frustrating and draining ways, if not a bit rewarding. It had been his own fault, falling so utterly and completely for such a goody two-shoes. A zealot to Selune, as fierce as she was compassionate, always trying to do what was fair and just. Always dragging Astarion on for the ride of her cleric duties.

But he couldn't blame you for all of his new do-gooder ways. Not when he was nearly the leader of a bizarre cult of repentant vampire spawn.

It was just the slightest bit exhausting to so often be playing the part of their heroic leader, fighting all of his murderous instincts to work for a better future for himself and the brethren he had personally damned. Though he'd be lying if he said he didn't get any satisfaction from it. It felt... good to teach them new ways to live. To give them the chance at the beautiful life he had managed to secure for himself.

He wouldn't do it forever, just until he was confident enough to be sure that his departure wouldn't lead to a massacre on either side. Then the two of you would be off to explore the lands, working to do your goddesses work with just a touch of hedonistic activities on the way.

Astarion was looking forward to it. He hadn't done all that work to be selfless forever. No, he was going to be forced to insist on a few years of having you all to himself, with only the occasional bits of volunteer work for the temple as interruption. Then the two of you could go back to galivanting about the lands being local heroes. But he had earned an extended vacation.

One that, luckily, he hadn't had to fight you on too much. That was just one other thing he loved about you, your complete understanding that Astarion would always be a little selfish, especially when it came to you. The one person who had ever really been his, who loved him, who understood him, who believed in him. Could he be blamed for wanting to have you all to himself?

And admittedly, he did have you more often then not. Even if on occasion he did have to share with your beloved goddess.

Astarion sighed as he watched you pray in the moonlight, completely absorbed in your quiet, mystical chants. Despite his distaste for the length of your prayer sessions, Astarion did like seeing your more ritualistic side. Just... maybe not for the morally correct reasons.

He was well aware that being so involved with a vampire was clearly against your religious doctrine. But it didn't matter. You still choose him, despite how the knowledge nearly made you an outcast amongst your own kind. But he mattered more than your reputation, more than the lessons you had been taught your entire life regarding love and evil.

You still had your faith, but you never let it shake the faith you had in him, something that he valued more than he could ever express. It was perhaps a sick thought, but it also made him feel exceedingly powerful, to know the true extent of your feelings. Even more connected. It was almost... like he was defiling you, corrupting a beautiful flower to turn away from the sun to something even brighter. A love that Astarion doubted most could ever hope to feel.

Perhaps that was not the best outlook on your religion, but oh well. He'd keep those thoughts to himself. What you didn't know wouldn't kill you. Besides... if anyone had been corrupted it was him, plagued with a new sense of loyalty and gods, justice. All from the beautifully strange woman kneeling in the moonlight.

Though, you sure were taking awhile tonight. Nearly twice as long as your usual nightly prayer. He hated to interrupt your worship but this was starting to cut into his time a bit here.

"My dear," Astarion called out, swinging his legs over your shared bed to stand, "Don't you think that you've been kneeling there for a touch too long?"

But you didn't respond, still muttering under your breath, even faster than before.

Astarion narrowed his eyes as he walked closer towards you, confused by your lack of response, "Darling-Tav?"

Astarion stopped, eyes wide as he got a solid look at your first. Your eyes were wide open, body rim rod straight as your irises glowed a vibrant blue light.

What in the nine hells was happening? Astarion kneeled next to you, his heart in his throat as he shook your shoulders, "Tav, love, can you hear me? What is this?"

You didn't answer, you didn't even acknowledge his presence. But you did start floating in the god damn air. Astarion stared, helpless as he watched you levitate, words that he didn't understand spilling from your lips.

Then just as suddenly as it started, it stopped. You fell unceremoniously to the floor. Astarion scrambled towards you, his heart in his throat as you started to come to. He settled your head in his lap, his hands shaking as he touched your face, lost on what he should be doing.

You blinked your eyes open slowly, that angelic glow still radiating from your irises. But you didn't look frightened, more... excited.

You grinned up at him, your voice slightly cracking when you murmured, "We've been blessed."

Astarion stared at you, brow furrowed. He was happy you were alive and speaking but...

"That's lovely?" Astarion tried, "But severely lacking in terms of an explanation. Are you okay?"

You nodded eagerly, suddenly sitting up with an unexpected amount of energy, "I'll explain later, we don't have much time."

What was it that compelled you religious types to be so cryptic? But you didn't give him anytime to question. Instead you wrapping your arms around his neck and smashing your lips together, kissing him hard enough to take his breath away.

He wrapped strong arms around your back, pulling you in closer, always helpless but to return your affection. But something about this was different. He could feel it, holy magic spreading through him through your lips, down throughout his veins, changing something inside of him. It wasn't unpleasant per say, but it certainly was startling. Startling enough for him to almost push you away, if it wasn't for the fact that he trusted you with everything inside of himself.

Neither of you pulled away until the blue fire in your eyes had died out, and Astarion was left with the intense sensation that something had changed, irrevocably inside of him.

You stared at each other, Astarion in confusion while you looked nothing short of gleeful, "Do you feel it?"

He felt... strange. A warmth still spreading through him that was settling. Astarion raised a brow at you, exceedingly impatient when he asked, "First, how about you explain to me what in the hells that was?"

But you didn't answer. Instead you stood with an adorable hop, lending a hand out to help him up, "Do you trust me?"

Astarion almost rolled his eyes as he took your hand, annoyed that he fell for someone that had just as much of a flair for the dramatic as he did, "You know I do."

You helped him to his feet before you started to mumble again, a startlingly familiar incantation seeping from your lips. It was the spell for daylight, the very same that you had used to help defeat Cazador. The kind that could now kill Astarion in mere moments.

He was too shocked at your audacity to even protest, believing for a split, terrifying second that he was about to die a fiery death. Sunlight suddenly filled the room, bright enough for Astarion to tightly shut his eyes.

Then...nothing. No burning, no pain, nothing but the sounds of you both breathing.

That didn't-how was he-what did you just do?

Astarion stared at you, absolutely flabbergasted with his mouth hanging open, staring at the borrowed daylight like a simpleton, "But how?"

You were still grinning ear to ear, looking happier than Astarion had ever seen you before. You grasped his hands in yours, your smile gentle as you explained, "I told you. We were blessed. Our Lady of Silver gave me one gift, and this is what I choose."

If sunlight wasn't already staring him in the face, Astarion would never believe it. But here he was, alive and standing under it's warmth. A gift from a goddess, spent on him of all creatures.

"It can't fix everything," You clarified with the slightest frown, "But it can fix this."

He could feel the truth in your words. He was still... wrong. A creature born of something awful, doomed to eternity and a life of bloodlust. But part of that wrongness had been culled, curling up and dying from Selune's holy magic, from your enduring love.

It was a dream he never thought possible. One that he had accepted never having. But here he was, here you were, continuing to give him the impossible.

It was enough to bring tears to his eyes. Astarion reached up, cupping your face before confessing the truth he couldn't quell.

"I don't deserve you," He whispered, voice hoarse, "I'll never deserve you. Words can't express my thanks. You have given me everything, while I have nothing but myself to give in return. But it's always yours. Everything inside of me."

He meant every word, he always would. Until his last breath.

You shook your head, gentling cooing at him, "This is a time for celebration my love, not for doubt. You've earned this."

He hadn't. And he doubted you'd ever be able to convince him he had. But he'd still take it. Gladly.

"I love you," Astarion murmured, helpless to say anything else. He pressed his lips against yours, the gravity of his new life just starting to settle in his mind.

He was free, as free as he could ever hope for. You had achieved what Cazador could not, all without a hint of malice or horrifying sacrifice. But through kindness, love, and perseverance. You had already freed him once from his own mental shackles, his last remaining ties to the tyrant that made him.

And now you've done it again, saving him from at least a portion of the taint on his soul.

It was beautiful, wonderful, and Astarion would never waste a moment of it.

[utilitycaster]

I feel like the way I think about Ludinus Da'leth is like...the Anti-Vespin. There's the basic actions they performed - both unleashed something long-sealed, but Vespin Chloras intended to destroy what he perceived to be a sealed danger, and Ludinus is using Predathos as a weapon. However, what strikes me is how the two of them have acted so far towards other mortals rather than the existential threats they've tangled with.

I suspect Ludinus is bringing in Bells Hells not because he expects them to join him, but because he really, really wants someone to validate his plan that is ultimately just a monument to his choice to wallow and make Exandria worse for it. No one likes him. He's not Ruidusborn; he can't commune with the Weave Mind and the Reilora the way others can. Liliana is in pretty deep but she's wavering, Zathuda resents him (and it seems to be mutual) and Otohan's dead. The Assembly is crumbling and the Empire's not doing well either, and the world has to an extent united against him.

Vespin chose, in his brief moment of clarity after he had unleashed the Betrayers and lost himself, to do what he could to improve Zerxus's lot, expressed anguish and remorse for his actions and his legacy, and said that he hoped the Ring of Brass would be given more grace by history. He was willing to accept the title of villain, despite being something much more complicated, because in the end he understood that giving the world a chance to survive was far more important than clearing his own name.

Ludinus, on the other hand, is fighting against historical strawmen. His resentment towards the gods is just that: a burning resentment. He could have left his mark by rebuilding post-Divergence Exandria. Instead, his legacy is one of rot, war, hatred, and corruption, from Molaesmyr to the War of Ash and Late to the Bloody Bridge. He could have been an architect of the modern age for the better. He could have tried to revive Aeorian magic and culture, and, as I've discussed, potentially even the people. He instead focused only on a centuries-long goal of destruction out of sheer spite.

Vespin was willing to shoulder any insult, deserved or not, for the rest of eternity because he understood it was less important than doing whatever he could in the few moments he had to mitigate harm. Ludinus is willing to destroy anything to retaliate for an insult.

Ludinus is livid about being robbed of an age he never got to see by the gods; and quite possibly, with the destruction of Molaesmyr, killed some of its last survivors outside exceptions such as himself. He claims to hate the gods' uneven blessings yet his alliance - and reliance - on Ruidusborn sorcerers has always made it clear that was a lie. And none of this will bring back the world he lost, and indeed, may very well set society back further.

He will tear everything apart out of hurt feelings and a desire to be correct when he could have left a shining legacy. It is the opposite of a heroic sacrifice; a petty, small self-destruction. I think he wants Bells Hells to tell him it was worth it. And I don't think they will.

[anthurak]

So I was thinking more about the potential hints and foreshadowing we’ve gotten about Loona’s backstory, particularly her “this kid probably sets dogs on fire” bit from Murder Family that likely points to Loona having some backstory and/or trauma involving fire. And then I remembered that we’ve actually seen a bit of an association between Loona and fire.

For one, there is her I.M.P. lighter we first saw in Seeing Stars and again in Mastermind which is DEFINITELY meant to symbolize her relationship with Blitzo. For one, we can definitely assume this lighter was almost certainly a gift from Blitzo.

And when we first see it in Seeing Stars, the lighter is clearly meant to represent the messy, dysfunctional but still genuine and earnest love and care Blitzo has towards Loona, and that Loona in turn recognizes. At first Loona can’t get the lighter to work over and over, much like how Blitzo, in her words, “fucks up, all the time”. But the lighter does eventually work for Loona in the end, just like her relationship with Blitzo. As Loona puts it; “He’s trying. That’s more important that you think.”

Which also makes this lighter’s second, and seemingly final, appearance in Mastermind rather interesting. The lighter shows up when Loona is trying to burn the records, and is once again finicky and refusing to work. Only for Blitzo himself to take the lighter and throw it into the booze-soaked paperwork and send it all up in flames. Which, given the symbolism that Seeing Stars attached to this lighter, is rather… interesting.

In the short term, this could be a nod/hint to Blitzo’s attempted big heroic sacrifice moment later in the episode, ie; Blitzo throwing away his life/relationship with Loona in a desperate attempt to keep her/them safe. Though I also have to wonder if this might be hinting at something else further down the line next episode/season.

Obviously, Loona’s and Blitzo’s relationship does not seem in ANY way endangered by the end of this episode, and is even used as a contrast to emphasize how Stolas may very well have DESTROYED his relationship with his own daughter. But you never know what kind of developments we might see next episode, particularly given the likelihood of Sinsmas focusing on a conflict between Octavia and Stolas, and the possibility of Loona becoming heavily involved in it.

But going back to the original point of this post, let’s look at the other notable association Loona has been shown with fire. Which, interestingly enough, not only also happened back in Seeing Stars but was even associated with the I.M.P. lighter.

I am of course talking about Octavia lighting Loona’s cigarette after she can’t get the lighter to work.

Those who have been following me long enough might remember my very first Loona-Octavia post a couple years back where I discussed this very interesting bit of symbolism. If this janky, unreliable lighter Loona struggles to get to work represents her likewise loving and caring yet still messy and dysfunctional relationship with her father, then what does that say about Octavia lighting Loona’s cigarette when she can’t get it to work?

As I said back in that original post, I still think this is very likely hinting to Octavia representing a much more reliable and dependable friend in contrast to the messy, dysfunctional relationship Loona has with her father, which in turn would parallel Loona being the same to Octavia.

And you know, given that we saw Blitzo send that I.M.P. lighter up in flames this last episode, I wonder if next episode might have another moment of intimate cigarette-lighting between Loona and Octavia?

Finally, circling back to the start of this post, I think all this makes Loona’s comment in Murder Family and the potential foreshadowing it holds to her backstory all the more interesting.

Like her father, it seems probable that Loona has some kind of trauma or other general bad experiences with fire in her past. Yet we also see, particularly in the scene in Seeing Stars, Loona having a very positive relationship with fire as well. With fire being tied into symbols of both Loona’s messy yet sincere relationship with her father, AND the start of her new, likely very close friendship with Octavia.

It actually makes me think of what we saw of Fizzarolli’s relationship with fire in both Oops and Mammon’s Midseason Special.

The former showed us fire representing this great FEAR and trauma for Fizzarolli, reminding him of the explosion that maimed him all those years ago.

Yet the latter showed Fizzarolli not one bit uncomfortable with OZZIE’s fire. He plays with it as part of his performance, and later the fire is even shown PROTECTING Fizz as part of Ozzie’s big transformation. Which of course is made all the more poignant when we remember that Ozzie seems to have been the one most involved in Fizz’s recovery and healing. Essentially to Fizz, fire represents both a terrible event in his life, but also all of the good that came after it.

So I have to wonder if we’ll see something similar with Loona.

[maikingsenseofit]

There’s so much discourse from people who want to misconstrue Zuko and Mai’s relationship (to further their own personal shipping agendas) and how they understand Zuko’s decision to leave Mai in the fire nation.

No, he DIDNT want to leave her behind like he did the rest of the gala and glamor of the fire nation . No she did not make it easier for him to leave because he truly had no attachments to the home that spurned him.

In fact we see in CANON (not your fanfiction, sorry you have to come to this reckoning) that Mai is the one thing that ties Zuko to his old life. His one regret. His heroic sacrifice for the greater good.

The writers (The Ehasz couple mind you) literally go the extra length to include Mai when Sokka and Zuko deepen their friendship in The Boiling Rock. This was a pivotal development for Sokka and Zuko’s characters.

Sokka asks Zuko if he had anything or anyone he cared about left in the fire nation. Zuko says, “I did have a girlfriend Mai.” And when Sokka remembers her in a somewhat positive way, Zuko can’t help but smile the biggest most lovestruck smile he’s ever shown in the show. Clearly this man loved her.

Then Zuko volunteers this next piece of information without provocation, where he says “Everyone in the fire nation thinks I’m a traitor, I couldn’t drag her into it.” CLEARLY the dialogue shows that he had considered involving her but he couldn’t because he knew she would object and he wanted to protect her.

We literally see a poignant scene where he takes off all of his armor, portraying him in the rawest and most vulnerable state, when he writes her a letter (this is after he visits his mom shrine too). He takes his time writing it too. The authors deliberately used this scene to show that this wasn’t an easy decision, but it was the right decision Zuko had to make.

His dialogue “I’m sorry Mai” is a direct parallel to when Aang apologizes to Katara for his own sacrifice.

Compare that to Zuko leaving JIN or Zuko abandoning Katara in the catacombs. These supposed “love interests” are not even spared a second glance, a grimace of regret, or anything showing that Zuko truly cared about them (when they were not directly in front of him). Zuko completely forgot about why Katara was upset at him (you literally betrayed her trust) and doesn’t even remember Jin until he runs into her again in Going Home Again (thank you AE!)

Alas people will continue painting canon as they see fit and then deluding themselves into a circle jerk. But THATS where I come in.

[yandereunsolved]

Hello there I don't know if you take requests or not but what if reader was a yandere instead of the Links

If you do more than one character in one fic or something can I request this with Time, Deity, wild, and four

Obsession Is In The Name - ,, yandere reader w/ (separate) Time, Fierce, Wild, & Four

cw(s): yandere themes, suggestive themes, graphic gore

— Time —

✧ You most likely fell for him after he saved you. You weren't close to him during his journey—well,  not physically close, at least. You had stalked him while he was saving Hyrule. You'd do odd jobs and stock up on supplies to conveniently leave near him. You'd patch him up when he was sleeping and cuddle with him as well. It was like both of you were forbidden lovers because he is the hero and you are his devoted stalker.

✧ You are always there to valiantly defend him. After his toughest journey, you make sure to murder all those who question his ways. You read an awful prophecy on the walls of a temple that both of you visited on his journey. Sure, he wasn't aware you were there with him, but you both still visited together. That thought—the thought of him turning into some strange thing with bulky armor—only made you more protective. You became increasingly paranoid and sloppy in your killings.

✧ Which led you to murder Malon, Time's girlfriend. You carved her heart out of her chest and stabbed it until it was nothing more than unidentifiable chunks of flesh. You dumped her body in some deep, murky lake water. She deserved it! That bitch deserved it. You wanted to dig your eyes out of your skull whenever you saw the two of them together. You just couldn't handle it anymore. She must be the reason he turns into the Hero's Shade. She doesn't give him a worthy offspring to teach. She doesn't help him spread the news of his heroic adventures. She doesn't watch over him and protect him when the nights grow long and the cold nips at his figure. You had to save him from her and himself. He didn't really love her. She was just a substitute for you. After all, if the hero is so busy protecting everyone else, who will protect him?

✧ Ganondorf saw that in you. He saw your obsession as something he could use to corrupt you. This wasn't Time's Ganondorf. This was another version of him. One in a dimension that was trying to take over every other time line. You were initially disgusted when he invaded your dreams. He was clearly trying to manipulate you into joining his side. You were livid at the thought of betraying Time. So you killed him! You crossed dimensions just so when he woke up, you could be above him. There was a look that was so crazed in your eyes that it would rival the one seen in Cia's toward Warriors. 

You didn't feel bad either. He was simply scum. You were helping this different Hyrule. Their Link would surely be grateful for you. Even if this version of Link didn't know it, it was you who mercilessly slaughtered Ganon. Each of his body parts put on spikes of Hyrule Castle, as a reminder, no version of Ganondorf may touch your Link.

✧ You came back after a while. You aren't sure how long. The whole dimension-hopping thing isn't as easy as it looks. You look for Link, and you can't find him. You call out Time, Link, baby, sweetheart, darling, and no one answers. An acidic, bitter feeling rises in your throat. It feels as if someone shoved a bunch of hot Goron coals down your throat.

You don't sleep that night. You can't.

You run around in a crazed manner for the next few weeks. You threaten anyone you can get your hands on. You make sacrifices for whomever will listen. As long as its name isn't Ganon or Ganondorf, you would align. 

You were on your way to some hidden temple to try and sacrifice something to an evil deity when you slipped and fell into a portal. You weren't even able to scream. It was cut short as you ended on top of your Time, your Link, your love until the end of time itself.

✧ You became acquainted with the other versions of him. Awe doesn't even begin to describe how you were feeling or how you continue to feel at this absolute miracle. You found him, and there are other hims. Time was much more concerned than astounded. He was frantically checking over you, worried that a villager he had only spoken to a handful of times got dragged into this mess. So what if he only sees you as a villager right now? He's just pretending. He loves you! He's smothering you in attention and concern. 

He even gets the one Link, Hyrule, to give you a health examination. You weren't exactly thrilled to be separated from him for a short period of time, but it was because your Link cares, so it's okay.

✧ You grow closer to Time, and he even allows you to call him Link in private! You get to see him out of his armor, and you aren't even stalking him! It's a gift from the golden three, for sure. He has such well-defined muscles and an athletic body, even after all the hits and illnesses he has been through. 

He is protective of you. He doesn't allow monsters to kill you. He doesn't allow the other Links to question or offend you. He even threatened Legend once after Legend got aggressive with you because you broke one of those trinkets of his! You did it on purpose, but Time doesn't have to know that.

✧ That is just one of the ways you keep the other versions of Link away from you. You walk the fine line between polite and rude, caring and vicious, towards all of them except for Time and, oddly enough, Twilight. You enjoy his pleasant company. It almost feels as if he is kin to you. You have the same inclinations around him as you do around your Link, except in a more platonic manner.

You like it.

Getting rid of Malon was worth it. There's no way Time is going to turn into that hideous monster. Learning that Twilight is a descendent of Time only affirms your past agrecious behavior. You must have started a family with him! Twilight may literally be kin to you.

✧ You still threaten anyone outside of The Chain. It is an instinct for you. You had to slip up one of these days. You did, and you regret it. Link found you midway into murdering someone who had flirted with him. You didn't feel any remorse for the person, only remorse that Link now felt conflicted. 

It won't stop you from committing these vile acts in the future, even if he asks you to. Sometimes your darling is wrong, and that's okay. That's why you are here—to protect him and save him from when he is wrong.

✧ He chose to confront you about your strange tendencies in private. When he questioned you, you confessed. He recoiled with disgust in his eyes. He thought of you as a child who needed to be guided. You needed to be saved from yourself. Why couldn't you see that?

"I see myself as your guardian. You can't simply throw around the word 'love' to get out of the consequences for your actions."

Throw around the word?

Oh, no, no, no, no.

YOU DIDN'T JUST USE THE WORD! YOU LOVE HIM MORE THAN HE HATES THE MOON. YOU HAVE SEEN HIM AT HIS WORST, AND STILL YOU LOVE HIM. YOU HAVE KILLED AND TORTURED AND DONE UNSPEAKABLE THINGS FOR HIM.

He thinks of you as a child?

If anything, he is the child.

✧ Perhaps Legend could finally be of use after all. You simply stole a few potions, tweaked a few things after learning magical cooking from Wild, and voilà, a love-inducing amnesiac potion was invented. You mixed it in with some Hylian dressing and made sure that he had some on his salad one night. 

Look!

The hearts in his eyes—you can practically see them. He now loves you just as you love him! You'll deal with The Chain, do everything, and then go back to your Hyrule. You'll settle down with him, and everything will be perfect. You have your Link. He's your happy ending. Just you and him, until the end of time.

— Fierce —

☾ Fierce has known you since the beginning. So the first time that spark of obsessive love appeared in your eyes, he knew. You are his devoted follower. You are the only one allowed to live and guard their temple. He was indifferent to your existence at first. He has had many mortals fall to their knees and beg him for his seed within them—womb or not. Yet none have stayed with him through their most vulnerable and weakest moments. His indifference slowly changes into something he isn't familiar with. He knows he should have cast you out the first time he saw you cry, but he didn't. They are a deity of war but also protection. They couldn't just cast their little priest(ess) out.

☾ You slay any entity that enters this place of divinity and worship. You find no difference in one of their followers or one of Ganon's monstrosities. They are all threats in need of elimination. A friend could easily turn foe if you aren't cautious enough. There can only be one mortal residing within the walls of their temple, one priest(ess).

☾ He is pleased by your devotion to him. He rewards you with his mask. The one item that no one possesses but you. To adorn his mask is to become one with him. That is a blessing you can never repay him for. You treat it as if it were made of glass, despite it being stronger than any Hylian or Twili armor. You never wear it within the temple. Being graced with the sense of his presence is enough. You only place the mask on when you need to slay many of Ganon's monstrosities at once. 

That has only happened twice, and you have little memory of it. The one thing you do remember from both of those times is how invigorated you felt. Unstoppable. Perfectly at peace. It was as if every trouble and doubt you had were simply nonexistent.

Your hands often find their way to the mask. You don't wear it; you simply allow your fingers to graze over the surface of it. You gained the permanent markings of the mask after your first time using it. You always touch the marks on your face and trace over them. It could be the material of the mask or your flesh; you were marked by him. It made you feel a sense of completeness you had never known before. It is so incredibly safe within the temple of the Fierce Deity, for you at least.

☾ They find themself amused by your reverence. It sparks more interest in them. They find themself often teasing you in various ways. He will ghost your body with spiritual touches. He'll leave notes for you around his temple. He'll ask you the most invasive and downright mortifying questions, and you will willingly answer. It only spurs him to be more attentive toward you. They say it a lot. It just does.

Your mortal antics greatly amuse them. They would never willingly admit that you are the priest(ess) he holds most dear to his heart over the several that he has had. It makes them want to move forward in this strange 'relationship' you both are in.

☾ So he leaves you needy. He doesn't pity the way your soul begs for him either. They're purposefully being obtuse. They need you to sink down to your knees once again and pour your heart out. Only then can he give you a fraction of the affection that you desire and then disappear once again.

It is what his entire being craves. They need dominance and control. You cannot protect someone if they have a chance of disobeying you. You have shown that he could kill you and toss you into the deepest depths, and you'd still follow him with a broken mind and body.

☾ As time goes on, he begins to indulge in your mortal needs. He gives you affection and tender love through his blank stare and empty heart. They grace you with their hylian form. They are easily able to manipulate it, but he knows your preferences well by now. He can see your eyes bulge out of your head and your body grow faint.

You worship him in any way you are able when he appears in his hylian form. He is still well over seven feet tall. It's deeply intimidating and slightly arousing if you had to speak the truth.

☾ You are his little pet—wait. That isn't the right term, is it? Non-deities prefer the term partner or spouse. You are his small 'malewife', if he is remembering the definitions correctly. He may be a deity, but he hasn't had the time to keep up with the evolving languages of the other races. Still, you are his, and he is enough of yours.

You are such a submissive thing for him. You're so ready and eager to get your hands on something and slaughter it to get his praise.

☾ He thrives within your bewitched nature. The pure violence that emanates from your soul when something dares question him is arousing, to say the least. You and the deity both grow closer. There is one thing he makes known to you: you can be as impassioned as you'd like, but his word is law. You cannot go against it, as it is an extent of him. Not that you ever would. You love him too much.

— Wild —

ღ Death Moutain, the Hot Springs, where you met your darling Wild. You had come across a side of the mountain covered in malice, with three large, fiery chuchus ambushing you from behind. You had to escape across the malice, and you became drenched in it. Your footsteps were weary and unstable; you fell into the healing springs as your legs gave out.

When breaking the surface of the water after your wall, you were met with a completely nude Wild. Your eyes widened as you sheepishly averted your gaze from his. You would soon learn that his wounds were so extensive that he had to be carried down here by a Goron. Fireblight Ganon was the monster you would soon learn of that he had slayed. He freed Divine Beast Vah Rudania.

This was the hero from those stories? The hero that was asleep for a hundred years. You couldn't take your eyes off of him.

ღ You didn't know much Hylian sign, but you got the essence of what he was saying. You both were lone travelers, so you decided to stick together that day. Wild was naturally overprotective of you, for reasons you could only assume. Your heart slowly inched closer to his, and after waiting for him to free Divine Beast Vah Rutain Zora's Domain, you realized how important he became to you. 

You became even more overprotective of him than he was of you. You would be quick to fury at anyone who made any slight toward him. He couldn't even interact with any townsfolk without you hovering, one hand always firmly placed on your weapon. Your attraction to him was quickly spiraling into something far more dangerous.

ღ Wild knows it's toxic, but he still soaks up every last ounce of affection you bestow upon him. He's been starved of affection and love for the last hundred years. Only half of his memories are back, and even those ones seem to be devoid of any type of love. He had the other champions, but they didn't seem to fill his soul with joy, even though he deeply cared for them in a platonic sense.

He practically purrs when you touch him. His body leans into your embrace. He wants to take in your scent and keep you close to him forever. He is just in need, and you are willing to provide it so readily. His eyes water, and tears threaten to escape when you speak such sweet words to him. 

You promise to never leave him. That's the one thing that makes him sob.

He always signs back something even sweeter than whatever left your mouth. He feels as if he could conquer any enemy when he sees you learning how to communicate with him. No one has done that for him. Zelda knew some, as he remembers, but she still preferred to just speak and not sign to him. You're getting better every time you do so. He just wants to smother you, but he refrains.

ღ After each day, the two of you cuddle. It doesn't matter where you are—on the ground or in a stable bed. He shyed away from your touch in the beginning. You both consented to cuddle, but the monsters within his mind caused him to retreat back to his internal shrine. He feared that you would be disgusted by the many scars that adorn his body. He was more scarred than unmarred flesh.

You didn't flinch or have an expression of contempt on your features when you saw him without his tunic. You have already seen some of his scars before, at the hot spring, and when you needed to patch him up. You weren't aware they were so extensive. Still, you accepted him and his body the way it is. You lovingly traced his scars that first night, and he has been hooked ever since.

It is the thing he cherishes. Whenever you two needed to sleep, it became his favorite time. He just couldn't believe you were so intrigued by them. You always told him that you'd love him and his body, no matter what. You wanted him to eat more so he could regain fat and muscle. You wanted to find a proper healer so that he could get checked up on. You were somewhat of a healer, but not proficient within the means of the title.

He always has nightmares, and you soothe him. He prefers laying on top of you in a defensive manner, so he can soak up your warmth, but if the two of you have to sleep on the ground or another rough surface, he prefers you laying on top or to his side. He wants to save you from the discomfort. You deserve it. 

ღ Not everything with you can be so perfect. You have your flaws, as does he. So he has to do his best to keep you in line. He has to learn how to act like a disappointed parent. That seems to make you rethink any rash decisions you may want to make.

He has a ground rule of 'no killing any non-enemies'. It is the hardest rule for you to follow. It's even harder, considering he's found that you are quite clever about murdering people behind his back. He refuses to give you attention for a little while after you kill someone. He does his best to seem firm in his actions, but he can't deprive himself of you for too long. So it's the blank stare that works the best. You always feel guilty and apologize.

He'll have to find better methods in the future to keep you docile. He just has to stop feeling so honored when you murder someone for him.

ღ When the time comes, you help him through the arduous Hyrule Castle. You let him lead because he somewhat remembers some of the groundwork. You are able to sneak past most of the monsters. They don't seem to pay you any mind. You find Zelda's diary before he does, and you shove it in your bag. You later light it on fire and let it burn. She had some very romantic things to say about Link. You didn't appreciate that.

ღ You weren't allowed to follow him to defeat Calamity Ganon. He expressly forbade you from doing so. So you helped him fight Calamity Ganon anyway. You covered his back and kept Ganon distracted with arrows. Both of you narrowly survived. 

It was just something you had to do for him. You couldn't let him die. If he died, you wanted to die right next to him in the glory of battle. After the entire thing, the both of you cried and clung to each other. 

Of course Zelda had to come in and ruin this sacred moment between you two.

ღ Zelda was now freed. She said that your services were no longer needed. Her and Wild needed to go rebuild Hyrule. Zelda knew what you were. She had been watching over Link during his entire journey. She sensed what you were and what happened to you. She saw you burn her journal and the pure contempt in your soul whenever his name was mentioned within her inky letters.

It was very intense between you two. Only the Master Sword would be able to cut through the thickened tension rising in the air.

Wild did his best to calm the both of you. He defended you and thought Zelda was just acting jealous. He knows you have your quirks, but you didn't abandon him when he needed you. You can continue to travel with him. That's his decision, and it's final in its making.

ღ You reluctantly travel alongside Zelda with him. You constantly threaten Zelda behind his back. You do it most when Link is sleeping. You will make thinly veiled threats under the guise of passiveness. They are so vague that Zelda has no ground to stand on when trying to convince Wild of your corrupted nature. 

Zelda is unable to keep herself safe from your assaults due to her weakened magic. You try to slit her throat, and she cannot put up a barrier to protect herself. She makes it out with a thin cut along her collarbone. You lie, and Wild believes that Zelda got hurt, and it wasn't your doing. 

You do it again with poison, then fire, and you even tried to murder her by pushing her over a cliffside. 

As abruptly as the attacks had started, they stopped. You stop making attempts at her life. Zelda is even more on edge. She is just waiting for you to strike again. She knows what you are. She would never trust something like you.

ღ Zelda gets so paranoid that she allows the two of you to venture on your own. She needs to come up with a plan since Wild won't listen to her. You move into his home in Hateno Village. It's lovely that you both are able to settle in for a while. Your romantic relationship is official! You are able to keep him to yourself most days. You make him stay home more and more. He is content with it. He gets overwhelmed when he has to walk into the village and be bombarded by everyone's questions and praises. Some even try to degrade him for his first failure. That villager or villagers who insulted him always go missing the next day. Wild doesn't mind it so much now. 

ღ He has to begin to take care of you. You come down with a strange illness. It isn't deadly, from what you are able to tell. Your skin becomes more red, with a strange tint to it. Your irises change to so dark a color that people feel as if they are looking at death when met with your eyes. You become easily exhausted, so you only leave the house at night. You become more violent and unhinged. You nearly kill Wild.

ღ You thought you scared him off, but almost instantly he forgave you. He couldn't blame you for something you couldn't control. Purah diagnosed you with gloom disease, an infection created from malice that spreads throughout one's body and turns them into a puppet for evil. It's impossible that you would have a disease like that. Calamity Ganon has been defeated. It must be an aftereffect from your original time being poisoned by the malice.

ღ He pledges to stay by your side and help you regain your health. He doesn't need the villagers, Sidon, or even Zelda. All he needs is you. Your relationship isn't perfect, but you both still try to make it work. How unfortunate that it will leave him in tears as the kingdom falls once again.

— Four —

ꨄ︎ You first met Four by complete accident; you both had an order of the same forging material, but they didn't have enough, so you ended up splitting the amount of materials until the next shipment of them came in. You thank the goddesses every day for that accident. You believe it was fated. It had to be fated. The two of you were meant to be. 

ꨄ︎ After an awkward apology, the two of you began to talk. You connected instantly; well, that's what you tell yourself. You told him about your dreams of becoming a blacksmith. You were just a novice, so Four offered to take you under him as an apprentice. The orders were multiplying by the day, and he did need an extra pair of hands.

ꨄ︎ You became entranced by the way he worked and the complete concentration in his multicolored eyes. His frame may have been small, but it was well built. You have to wipe the drool spilling over your lips multiple times a day. You manage to get so lost in admiring him that you've tuned out the words forming on his chapped lips.

You want to get his lips so wet with your own. So badly. You need to kiss him.

"Ahem—did you get all that?"

You could only nod in embarrassment and end up clumsily executing whatever he had instructed you to do. Four just took this as you being inexperienced. You seemed so focused when he was talking. You must just be a slow learner. That's okay. He can work with that.

ꨄ︎ You always overwork yourself. It is something he has chastised you for before. You still do it over and over and over again just to hear those worried words escape his mouth. You take pride in them. You do it just to see him gently stop you and ask you why you do this to yourself. You could 'you' and go into an extensively in-depth monologue about your never-ending devotion to him, but you just settle for some generic answer. The sore muscles and burnout are always worth it, just because you do it for him and you get rewarded with his attention, which you covet so religiously.

ꨄ︎ The best part of being his apprentice, coupled with the fact that your brain can't admire and listen to him at the same time, is when he guides your movements and teaches you. Him physically touching you, his back pressed against yours, his calloused hands adjusting your movements. It's enough to make you want to beg for him to touch you more. You can't help it. He's so hot, both in the metaphorical and literal sense. 

ꨄ︎ It leads you to begin following him to his cottage at the end of the workday. You wouldn't call it stalking per se; you are simply people—person watching. You are observing your mentor and learning from him. That's all. It becomes a routine. Four knows something is off, and it causes him stress. He does his best to figure out who is following him home, but you are clever with your use of stealth potions and noise-suppressant clothing. Four becomes so distressed that, after he comes home one day, he splits. 

You were so surprised that you nearly fell off your hiding perch. You leaned in and tried your best to listen to them bickering. You only got bits and pieces of what they were saying. The Red one was mentioning your name a lot. It only seemed to be in a positive way, given the fact that his voice was pitched upward and he was bouncing on the balls of his feet. You may not have known much about this strange split, but you did know that you were going to use it to your advantage.

ꨄ︎ It isn't necessarily a bad thing that you are inflicting anguish on him, right? You are just doing it to learn more about your esteemed mentor. You also just can't stop. It was first when you noticed that his eye colors shifted out of harmony when he was troubled. You soon deduced that each color must correspond with those people that split from him. You did little things to agitate him. You'd make sure he didn't know, of course. It's just that the orders kept arriving late, project plans disappeared, and finished pieces suddenly broke or had chips in them. It was enough to turn his internal, perfected harmony into the dying screeches of an alley cat. 

So he split right in front of you by complete accident.

ꨄ︎ All four of them froze up and just stared at you with wide eyes. Your nose began to bleed. There are four of them. You are in love with four people—well, four parts of one person. It was just too much for you. They are all so gorgeous. You nearly fall, and Vio catches you. While he holds you against his muscular frame, they continue to argue about the problems that have been going on. They say they have to get to the bottom of this. Oh. You'd love it if they got to the bottom of it.

ꨄ︎ A routine forms from it. You help them solve the problems you create. You look like a hero to all of them. You are always so caring and soft with them. You help heal any burns he gets from the forge; you are always attentive; and there is never a moment where a compliment doesn't leave your mouth about him and his smithery.

You are slowly integrated into the more intimate aspects of his life. Anytime they split, which is rarely, you help mediate the arguments. You aren't partial to any of the Colors since you love them all. It is a dangerous toxin for you. You learn so much about him and about them that you begin to feel sick when away from his presence. It's a disease that affects both your heart and mind, threatening to drive you into insanity unless you heal it with his time and touch.

ꨄ︎ You cannot handle any competition. Anything that gets within his vicinity ends up dead the next day. You aren't even able to restrain yourself any longer. You'd stop doing it if he asked, maybe. However, that'd require him to know what you are doing for him. You want him to know, but you don't know how hurt he would be if he did.

ꨄ︎ What solution can you find to that? Enchanted items. You gift him small trinkets that have been enchanted. You play it off as something small. You are merely being as good-natured as always. Some have protection enchantments, others ward off bad energy, and even one that will supposedly attract him more to you. You are incredibly careful about making sure none of the enchantments are too strong. It still has to be your little secret. In your defense, you are only working in his best interest.

ꨄ︎ Four asks the Minish to help him figure out what is happening. They tell him the truth. They have known it was you all along. They were just too terrified to tell him. You look so scary.

What?

It shatters his insides. He splits.

Their reactions to your yandere tendencies are mixed.

Red thinks that it is kind of sweet. You may be slightly insane, but you treat them all so well. You deserve a second chance. All Four needs to do is talk it out with you.

Blue wants to have you locked up for what you have done. It is insanity as Red said. You need to be stopped immediately. Who knows how far you will go? They have already dealt with Vaati. They don't need a copy of that situation all over again.

Green does his best to calm the two down. Red and Blue are getting into a heated argument, and more strife in this situation won't solve anything. A part of him agrees with Red, and the other with Blue. You have been so kind, but your actions are unjust. He just feels betrayed.

Vio is impressed. He wants to know the extent of this infatuation you have with Four. He won't lie and say that he isn't attracted to your possessiveness. Something about it just makes him hotter than the heat in the forge.

ꨄ︎ They stay split for the night as none of them can come to an agreement. Any attempt at communication just ends in a screaming match. It's a blessing that this is one of the few nights where you weren't able to stalk him home due to your schedule of killing the people that got too close to him.

It was that night that not only did they learn of your true nature, but it was also the night in which the plan to truly test you was put in place. It was Shadows doing, as always. Shadow popped up next to Vio and convinced him to truly test your limits. Vio was both surprised and relieved to see him again. He thought he was—that he was gone. Shadow has just been watching all of them in the darkness.

Vio could almost chuckle. How typical of him.

ꨄ︎ So in the morrow hours Vio leaves his counterparts and goes to the forge. He sees you there, but acts as if he doesn't. He heavily flirts with one of the customers. He could see your body language shifting to something more rigid and bitter. Shadow snuck up behind the customer and pushed them onto Vio. They both kissed, and since no one else was there but you, they continued. Vio didn't resist making out with the random buyer. He was disgusted at the fact he had to kiss another, but if it meant seeing you snap, then it was worth it.

ꨄ︎ Snap you did. One of the new swords Four had crafted earlier in the week lopped the head of the patron clean off. You didn't stop there. You grabbed Vio by the collar of his tunic and began to drag him towards Four's cottage. He didn't resist; he was more amused than anything. The rest of the Colors didn't have the same reaction. 

ꨄ︎ You got on your knees and confessed everything to them. Every little thing in your heart and mind, you spoke. You begged them, begged him, to return your affections. Yet they were in disarray. They rejected you. They rejected you? They rejected you!

You left and didn't return for a few weeks. The Colors were on edge and had a few choice words for Vio, but they reformed into Four. Everything was normal until, after a long day of work, you came up behind Four and knocked him out. You chained him to his bed with an absolutely unhinged expression in dilated pupils. 

ꨄ︎ You ignored his panic and resistance. You only cooed and took that kiss you had been so patiently waiting for. You broke. Your sanity was consumed by your devotion to Four. If he denies you his love again, you'll kill him with his Four Sword. It's romantic the more you think about it. You'd be able to keep the Four Sword if you killed him. You could keep his clothes, and he'd always be yours. His body would be yours because you would have taken his life from him. He can love you or die at your hands. It's really his choice. 𖹭𖹭𖹭𖹭

✎ᝰ 𓆉𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 ᝰ.ᐟ

⟿ taglist: @cxndiedvi0lets @fear-is-truth @moonhasmanyanimals @screaming-until-god-hears-me @numberonehere2008 @justscreaminginprivate @505-fierce-deitys-simp-505 @bleper @h4wari @ozzgin @yourlocaltreesimp

✎ᝰ 𓆉𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 ᝰ.ᐟ

[hamliet]

what do you think of Cherri bomb and Sir Pentious as a ship?

I love them. I think their arcs offer a great contrast and that they will likely end up together.

I think the key to Cherri's character is in the pre-canon song "Addict."

Yeah, you fell in love But you fell deeper in this pit While death rains from above So count your blessings 'cause this is it You're not letting it go So what if I misbehave It's what everybody craves You already know So come if you're feeling brave And fancy yourself a mate You want it, I got it, see what you like? We could have it all by the end of the night Your money and power, my sinful delight A hit of that heaven and hell, a hell of a high

Cherri's addiction is more than a physical drug--it's to the idea of love, but it's never actually love. She knows this as well, but she plays the part of the desperate lover to get what she can (money and power), because "this is it"--ie, it's the best that she can get.

The way Cherri acts is very much in line with this persona she has. As much as everyone may gasp and express shock over her antics, that's really what they crave (and the parallel to how the real world treats women they pin as hypersexual and tsk at as "messy" is certainly deliberate). They don't want Cherri; they want her image.

That's why Cherri is so unamused by Pentious at first. He's no different from the rest, right?

Well, wrong.

Pentious seems to really be driven by the idea of money and power, but in a neat juxtaposition to Cherri with love, he doesn't actually seem to want these things so much as he likes the idea of them. What Sir Pentious seems to actually want is love--of any sort. See:

He created the Egg Boiz ostensibly to help him in his quest to take control in turf wars, but he loves them and weeps when he's supposed to send them away. He becomes incredibly loyal to Charlie and everyone at the hotel after she forgives him, not remotely holding a grudge against Vaggie or Angel even--to the point where he dies to save them.

His death also emphasizes what he pretends he wants vs. what he actually wants. He tries to do a big heroic sacrifice, but... it does nothing. He's snuffed out before he can even strike. But, what he did was love in action, and he did it because he knew the hotel staff loved him too. Essentially, reailzing he is loved helps him to show love. He shows love not just with a sacrifice, but with a kiss and a farewell confession to Cherri--the first hit he's actually made on her that went over well.

Sir Pentious's idea of love also contrasts with Cherri's in that it's neither founded on sex nor repulsed by it. He doesn't really seem to understand most of Angel's nonstop innuendos. At the same time, he expresses sexual interest in Cherri. When he first proposes that he and Cherri have sex, he fails because he says exactly what Cherri's used to:

Cherri: I'm sorry, why would we have sex? Sir Pentious: ...because I'm having sex with everyone!

In other words, he says Cherri's just another face, an idea, no one special. But in the end, when he kisses her, he says this:

Miss Cherri Bomb, I love you. Remember me!

Thereby acknowledging both Cherri as a person whom he actually loves, and his own desires--in other words, loving and expressing that love to Cherri helps Sir Pentious become more fully himself. This is then further emphasized by his rebirth as an angel in heaven.

[aingeal98]

More aos rambles but I find it so interesting that Coulson, despite being the one May and Daisy look to as a man with a good heart when they themselves feel like monsters, is the one who would risk everything including other people to save them. Like if Daisy is in danger and the only option to save her is a plan where every other agent has a 95% chance of dying, he's doing it. And he's very openly hypocritical about it to the point that everyone else calls out his double standards. Mace saying "When it comes to May and Daisy you can't be objective." and Lincoln and May pointing out how he'd sacrifice every inhuman but never Daisy. Like he cares very deeply about Fitz and Simmons but he makes decisions that puts them at risks that I just can't see him doing if it was Daisy. And Coulson very rarely feels bad about it, he stands by his hypocrisy and desire to protect his daughter. Even when it comes to Daisy's own wishes, he cares too much to let her sacrifice herself.

Meanwhile May doesn't love Daisy any less, quite possibly even loves her more by the end of the series, but she also is just more... understanding and respectful of Daisy's autonomy and wishes. Like if Daisy were to die or sacrifice herself May would never recover, would be the last to leave the grave side. But at the same time she wouldn't risk every agent to save her, choosing instead to believe in Daisy's ability to beat the impossible like she's done time and time again. And I don't think she would have knocked Daisy out to drag her home when she was scared of ending the world. She would have stayed with her, and that would likely have been what twisted Daisy's arm to get her home. 'If you're going to be stupidly sacrificial and stay then so am I, because we're too alike. I know how you think and I know that's how to checkmate your self destructive impulses.'

I'm not saying one is morally better than the other, they're both just parents who love their kid and want to protect her. But Coulson, who's viewed by most people as essentially just some suit with a good heart, would order every man he commands to fight a suicide battle if it was the only way to keep Daisy alive. Meanwhile May would be first in line to fight that battle, and she would win! But she would never drag anyone else down. She's as practical and ruthless as Coulson, even more so sometimes. But having been the one to train Daisy, her protection comes in the form of unshakeable belief in the good Daisy is capable of, and a gentle but solid place to rest whenever things don't go as planned. If she thinks Daisy's making a mistake she'll say it to her face, but she's more... open, than Coulson is, to letting Daisy fumble around and find her own way. She'll still be there to beat up anyone that threatens her kid and offer wisdom in the aftermath, but it's less impulsive than Coulson.

Coulson idolizes Captain America as a hero for the same heroic traits he sees in May and Daisy. He believes that they are Special people, and they must go on even if he doesn't. But those very same traits that makes them so special in his eyes are what makes them feel like they have to be the one to jump on the grenade and protect their team, all while Coulson is trying to keep them as far away from the grenade as possible. And they both see a goodness in him and in each other that they don't believe they posses themselves. They're all somewhat correct and also all a little blinded by how much they love each other, but that's just how families are.

[prettypinkeel]

there's no way this is real because GODZILLA and MHA??? together?? [WARNING: A NERD RAMBLING ABOUT PARALLELS BETWEEN CHARS ↓↓↓]

I'm surprised they used King Ghidorah for Bakugo, I'd honestly pick Rodan for him. Both friends with main character, both act kinda like jerks but also nice too (not to mention Rodan is associated with fire and volcanoes, similar to Bakugo's explosive nature).

Also love some parallelism between MHA and Godzilla characters.

Mothra is that character that resembles hope, kindness and protection. Despite being merciful monster, she puts all her might during her fights in order to protect the innocents. She may be weaker than other kaijus like Godzilla or King Ghidorah, but she stays on par with them, not afraid to fight against significantly stronger opponents.

(for example, Mothra fights with Ghidorah in GKOTM ((and Leo with prehistoric Ghidorah in Heisei)), both Ochaco and Bakugo associated with the two kaijus in this merch!)

Mothra is often portrayed like an angelic being, she appears in the air to save the day when you need it the most. She is selfless when it comes to saving others, just like Ochaco. Both these characters are heroic in a very clear way.

I also find it interesting how both characters were introduced. Mothra wasn't all innocent and kind moth kaiju in her first film. She was angry and full in her protective mode when people kidnapped her fairies, someone considered so dear for her. Later in the franchise, Mothra appears to be the protector of the Earth and humanity. Ochaco also appears with a pretty realistic motivation when we first see her. She wants to be a hero to protect people, but she also wants to make sure her own family has enough money. Both want the best for their loved ones.

Another interesting fact, despite having a long complicated history in Japanese Godzilla movies, Mothra and Godzilla are actually very nice to each other in Monsterverse. Godzilla and Mothra share symbiotic relationship, and in the novelizations, it was even said they have strong bond "like a family". Both Godzilla and Mothra have their titles as " King of the monsters" and "Queen of the monsters" respectfully.

(even though I prefer muuuuch more Horikoshi's older pieces where he used Izuku as Mothra and Bakugo as Godzilla. It's just makes sense since Izuku&Mothra are often portrayed like the kind one, meanwhile Godzilla&Bakugo as impulsive and destructive).

Both Biollante and Toga are very tragic characters if you look into it. Everything starts from their family. The main tragedy of Biollante is that she's partly human, she has DNA of the dead daughter of the scientist, combined with Godzilla's DNA and a rose.

What is also interesting is the symbolism in roses. They're very much similar to Himiko's role. In many variations, roses as a flower can represent a strong love, sacrifice and even blood. Sounds kinda familiar, isn't it?

More to add about similarities between Toga and Biollante is that they both has the ability to transform. In "Godzilla vs Biollante" she appears in a flower like form, until she gains more reptilian features. Toga's quirk also allows her to "transform", she is also takes the form of someone she sees as 'close' to her, like Izuku.

Another interesting thing, Mothra and Biollante team up in the comics. Even though Biollante is often portrayed like a destructive monster and a villain, she has the same motivation with Mothra in the comics - protect the nature.

I guess this merch is a win-win for for Togachako and Izuocha shippers lol. I kinda want this acrylic stands now 🥲🥲🥲

[waffleweirdo]

Every time I watch Rebellion I become even more convinced that Homura did nothing wrong.

The fact that she spent countless lifetimes desperately trying to protect Madoka, yet failing every time. Steadily making her relationship with not just Madoka, but everyone else worse.

And she failed every single time.

Then, on her death bed, while overwhelmed with curses and the despair of being a witch. She creates a labyrinth that makes everyone happy.

For the first time. Amidst all her suffering and only when she is truly doomed that she is able to, even just for a fleeting moment, protect everyone.

Then of course it gets ripped away. The incubators have used to trap Madoka and the Law of Cycles. The final decision by her most precious person is about to be undone and it will be *her* fault.

And so once again her cycle of torment repeats. Despite all her efforts she is only adding fuel to the fire. Again. So she tries to sacrifice herself and with even the last ounce of her life she tries to save Madoka. She fails.

Yet the incubators have still seen the Law of Cycles. They won’t ever stop trying to reverse everything Madoka has done. And Homura has once again seen Madoka, and learned of the pain she had to face.

Madoka may have made an ultimate heroic sacrifice, and might now no longer be human, but how could Homura ever forget the part of her that is human?

The girl she loves so much.

But it’s all useless. She’s about to die having failed every single time, never being able to help anyone.

If she could find the power to change that… and she does find the power. Born out of her love.

The world that Homura creates isn’t inherently insidious. It is a world where the Law of Cycles still exists, just separate from Madoka.

Where all of the quintet can live happy lives.

Theoretically it is a solution where everyone wins.

But to do it Homura had no choice, but to trample on Madoka’s altruistic wish. To hurt Madoka, whom Homura loves above the world could only be sin.

Even if she truly believes it was the only way to save Madoka, Homura must view herself as nothing other than a wretched demon.

I think the moment that struck me the most on this re-watch was that Homura goes immediately from essentially feeling unimaginable pain, self hatred, and despair into recreating the universe.

It genuinely feels as if it’s a dire, desperate attempt to change her miserable fate. I don’t think she really intended to be evil or cause harm, but in her current head space and amount of self loathing that’s all she could picture any self-motivated action as being.

I mean she found out she was a witch - essentially her most hated existence - like 30 minutes ago. She is not having a good time.

Anyways Homura you are wonderful and have never done anything wrong. Ever. (Obviously an exaggeration, but yeah)

[bestworstcase]

there is something i find really interesting with regard to the general consensus on salem that seems to have emerged in the year+ since v9 wrapped—namely that salem must be defeated somehow first, and then if she’s still alive in any meaningful sense she may be persuaded to stand with the heroes against the gods and/or heroically sacrifice herself in some way to save the world. it’s a strange amalgamation of entrenched fanon about her (salem disdains modern humans and only wants to die and is a spoiled evil bitch throwing a tantrum) with the now overtly textual point that the god of light is not any kind of cosmic authority, which sits uncomfortably next to the notion that questioning his rules constitutes unforgivable entitlement. eyeroll.

but theories in this vein always leave unanswered the questions of how? why?—akin to the widespread fanon presumption that summer and/or raven asked the lamp’s first question (how did they learn her name? why did they stop at one? why didn’t raven tell yang how to use the lamp, if she knew how? i still have yet to see anyone who takes this theory seriously even attempt to close these gaps). how is salem to be defeated, and why does this lead to her joining the heroes? why do they accept her help at all?

these are not impossible questions to come up with an answer for, but it strikes me as very strange to speculate about what will happen without first considering the how and why. the unspoken presupposition regarding salem’s defeat is perhaps purgation via silver eyes, which is its own can of worms and one that i don’t think holds up to close scrutiny.

overcoming impossible odds is a mainstay of fantasy for a reason, but i don’t think it’s an accident that v9 underscores the “how are we supposed to stop salem?” quandary in the way it does before ending the volume with the blacksmith gently suggesting that kindness, compassion, and patience are the only way to restore balance. it’s a mistake to turn their backs on the cat out of spite rather than reach out in empathy; likewise saving neo and letting her go is the right thing to do.

so the question of how to defeat salem is twofold; first the practical consideration of whether it is even meaningfully possible to force her to stop (all signs suggest ‘no’) and second the even more salient factor of what salem herself wants and what she will do to get it. raze kingdoms and torture a child, certainly, but is she beyond reason?

the thing is

well, consider it from the perspective of the kids once they return from the ever after. so long as she is not in vacuo, ‘defeating salem’ remains an abstract goal—something they can figure out later, once she’s here, once they’ve dealt with the more immediate problem of the crown, once they have a moment to catch their breath and prepare a counteroffensive… it’s, in a sense, imaginary. but what happens when salem either arrives in vacuo with half a million grimm, or they take that fuckoff huge battleship of theirs to vale for a defiant heroic stand only to watch her, you know, rip it apart like tissue paper?

(remember how important amity the communications satellite was in v7-8? how crucial it was to try to restore the world’s ability to talk to each other? ripping that satellite apart to repurpose it into a really big gun is not going to end well for them. that is, to be blunt, an ironwood move.)

what then?

realistically: you cannot ‘stand united’ your way out of an inexhaustible siege against an enemy who is empowered by your fear and fatigue. defenders win sieges when the besieging force can no longer sustain itself—a besieging force with infinite reinforcements that doesn’t have logistical considerations will win. period. game over. (this is one reason i think they’re likely to try a counteroffensive; they have to defeat salem before she attacks vacuo because even if they repel an open assault, all she has to do is encircle the city to starve them into submission.)

and if the counteroffensive fails—which it will; remember what cinder did to amity with a single fireball?—then their fallback measures are 1. the sword of destruction (which they know won’t destroy her, otherwise jinn would have answered ozma’s third question differently) or 2. silver eyes (untested and hitherto unreliable). to use the sword they have to risk taking it out of the vault, and salem is probably counting on them to take that risk; all of them are operating under the assumption that if ruby blasts salem with her eyes and fails, salem will capture and warp her into a monster, which would have a devastating impact on morale.

turning her inner circle against her worked, but 1. it only bought them a little more than an hour of reprieve before she reconstituted and 2. her inner circle has been winnowed of everyone open to persuasion (cinder might stab salem in the back for her own reasons, but she sure as hell is not going to become less of a problem for the heroes if she does and she’s not going to listen to a word they have to say because, as far as she’s concerned, huntsmen and huntresses are just slave-catchers with a superiority complex). so that’s out, as a strategic approach.

what’s… left? realistically?

rwby is first and foremost a hopeful story, and the plain reality of this conflict is that the heroes have no hope of winning, short of a literal deus ex machina; the best ending they can achieve is to force a stalemate, driving salem back into exile or trapping her somewhere—and that’s fucking bleak. "we saved the charred husk of the old status quo by kicking the can down the road hooray" is not by any means a happy ending, and the only way to get rid of salem after doing so is to invite the gods back to be tyrants again.

hopeful story. hopeless unwinnable conflict. what’s the answer? how do you ignite real, incandescent hope in such overwhelming darkness?

you… circle around from a new direction. immovable obstacle -> change course. a river flows around a boulder. you can’t stop salem by force, you can’t destroy her, but can you reach her? persuade her? help her? has anyone ever tried? if you can’t beat 'em—

what do they have to lose, at this point? two kingdoms gone. strictly speaking, the heroes destroyed atlas, not salem, even though she and ironwood together forced their hand: i think this is an important thing to keep in mind, because it creates an opening for understanding. salem is not alone in feeling kingdom-razing levels of desperation. nothing else they’ve tried has worked. why not ask her why she’s doing this? why not at least try?

v9 promises an inflection point toward a happy ending, not that everything will magically start to go their way now. remember that the original plan for this volume was to have this searingly hopeful departure from the ever after slam into the harsh unexpected blow of “and while they were gone, salem utterly destroyed vale.” it’s always darkest before the dawn. you pick yourself up from rock bottom and you’re still standing in a deep hole. v10 is going to feel crushingly bleak because it’s going to be ABOUT rising up again from that brutally crushing blow of how bad things are in vacuo.

v9 is the looking glass; v8 and v10 are reflections. “that’s actually a risk we haven’t considered” is the turning point in v8 and i think it will be the turning point in v10 as well… in v8 it’s opening the vault and using the relic to get everyone to safety, but v8 also made a point of putting another risk on the table that everyone flatly rejected: penny suggests taking salem at her word that she’ll leave in peace if they bring her the staff. that happens at the beginning of v8; i think it will happen again at the end of v10, most likely in the form of either 1. salem revealing she has thousands of people alive but trapped in mountain glenn and promising their release in exchange for the sword, or 2. salem arriving in vacuo with a million grimm and offering the same terms as before.

they can’t just hand over the relic, obviously. but meeting her halfway—risking negotiation, instead of dismissing the possibility out of hand—is the paradigm-shattering hopeful answer they need.

and i think it’s a much stronger narrative choice, because it challenges expectations and services the core themes of the story as opposed to, at best, implying that what the woman who is being actively tortured by genocidal gods really needs is to be curbstomped and taught a lesson. lol

[autumn0689]

Lester Papadopoulos is a comfort character to me. I’ve been a huge Percy Jackson fan for years now, and I’ve loved many characters (Grover, Nico, Leo, Percy, etc) and when I first read TOA I loved it, but after rereading it…

I fell in love with Lester, this caring and complex character who had many layers to him, that came off as selfish, and yet just so happened to be one of the most selfless characters in the book.

He’s caring, he’s a former god, he’s selfless, he pees himself regularly, he loves his children, he drowned his ex that one time, he is a god of many things, he has had many lovers. He has so many aspects to him that makes him so interesting.

He has a redemption arc as he realizes that he has made mistakes, but also realizes that he has been abused by Zeus, that it most likely influenced how he view things, and how he may have picked up toxic behaviors from Zeus. He learns to be more human, which is such a beautiful arc to see him go through.

He cares SO MUCH about others. He grieves for Jason and Crest and Heloise and so many other people. He tried to sacrifice himself many times and has many heroic qualities, but he is an unreliable narrator and sometimes what he says doesn’t reflect what he does.

His and Meg’s relationship is one of my favorite friendships in the books. It feels like it’s the two of them against the world at times. Meg cares so much for him while also calling him out on his bad actions (like when they were on Sutro Tower) and Lester cares so much for her as he realizes that she has been abused, that she needs help, and that he wants to help her separate from Nero’s influence, that he is so proud of her for standing up to Nero. They both form such a strong bond with each other and I just- I love them!

He is also absolutely hilarious. I find myself laughing as he is just- so snarky sometimes? He also sometimes know random things? (Like the Goddess of Sewers Cloacina) He is also funny when he has no knowledge on how human things work (like not knowing the price of Tater Tot’s)

He also gets anxious and freaks out and cries and he just feels. He gets happy and laughs and gets sad and laments. He gets flashbacks and clearly has trauma but doesn’t let that excuse his bad actions as he feels guilt for his actions. He can also be quite harsh on himself, blaming himself often and sometimes projecting that onto others (like him saying that Piper is blaming him for Crest’s death??) He is such an emotional character and I love him for that.

I love whenever he gets his godly strength as it starts with small things and then it gets to the point that he can create fire with his hands just by simply mentioning cauterizing a wound and breaking Nero’s fasces and having enough strength to drag Python into the Underworld and is strong enough to hold on just enough to save himself from falling into Tartarus. He is such a strong person who has an incredible pain tolerance.

There are many other things that I love about Lester Papadopoulos/Apollo. I think I can positively say that he is my favorite PJO character. I often reread TOA more than the other books. I love the story and how dark it can get while also exploring the themes of how abuse affects you.

I just- I love Meg and Apollo. I need for fanfic of them!! I need more content of them! Their friendship is so underrated, so when I see people make fanfic of them I get so happy!

I also love the community. The fan-artists and the fanfic makers and anyone who just writes long posts, like me, are so talented and is honestly the best fandom I’ve been in.

I hope the PJO show becomes popular so that more people can read these amazing series. I hope there will be a day that TOA gets adapted, and even if it doesn’t, I still have the audiobooks to go back to.

Thanks TOA fandom, for still going strong, even years after the books ended and new books have come out and are still making fanfic about them. It feels like the books have never ended, like the TOA books are still going on and are still making posts.

I’m so happy to be part of such a passionate fanbase.

Anyways if anyone is willing to offer any good fanfics then let me know!

[couldtransitionsaveher]

Archetype Exploration: Perfect Soldiers

(Hey, please look at this blog's pinned post before reading this post; it gives a lot of context for the lens I'm looking at these characters through, k thx. also, shoutout to @finalgirl-nihilbliss for guessing the archetype)

CW: Abuse, Projection, Surface-Level Media Analysis

If your comfort character exhibits any of the following symptoms:

constant brooding

face frozen in a perpetual scowl

possession of a "dark past" they don't like to talk about

frequent blank stares into the middle distance

constantly trains for something uncertain

You may have just found yourself in the presence of a Perfect Soldier.

Perfect soldiers are characters who were groomed, often from birth, for the sole purpose of inflicting harm on their fellow man. These characters are efficient, tactically-minded, and above all else, violent. Perfect soldiers will often excel at combat and strategy, but struggle with emotional sensitivity.

Note that just because these characters are violent and closed off now doesn't mean that this is their natural temperament. Often, perfect soldiers have some kind of natural compassion that was stomped out through years of abuse training. This can come in the form of a sole loved one who tragically died, but more often than not, it simply manifests as a soft side sanded away.

If the Perfect Soldier doesn't start that way, who is to blame for their transformation? In sci-fi and fantasy, this transformation is usually caused by a morally corrupt institution built to churn out perfect soldiers (the Jedi Academy, the Galalunan Military Academy, the Space Marine Legions, etc.). Other times, perfect soldiers are groomed raised by a cruel and abusive father figure (Endeavor, Bro Strider, Belos, etc.). Some settings even blend the two by having an institution with a twisted general (think Shadow Weaver from She-Ra).

Typically, if a perfect soldier has a character arc, it's usually one of healing and letting go of their anger. This almost always contains at least two of these three steps in the order of your choosing:

The perfect soldier leaves the institution of their torment, either by circumstance or by excommunication. Once on the outside, they'll typically find that their raw might is irrelevant to their survival, and they'll instead need to rely on their lacking social skills. This exit from the comfort zone will prompt the soldier to learn a lot of people skills, typically leading to a "softening up" of sorts. Note that this doesn't have to be a literal escape from a physical place. Rather, it could just be a character being outside their guardian's zone of influence.

The perfect soldier discovers some imperfection with their guardian/institution. Perhaps there's some kind of inconsistency in its moral values. Other times, the soldier finds a secret the guardian/institution has been covering up. Whatever it is, this will prompt the soldier to question their leaders' infallibility.

The perfect soldier meets a person who shows concern for them in spite of the soldier's outward hostility. This outside party will likely witness or hear about the perfect soldier's tumultuous upbringing and take pity on them. This will likely prompt an attempt to reach out to the soldier, something which may or may not be rejected. Whatever the case, this act compassion will likely stick with the soldier, and prompt them to think about their own worth.

An arc like this usually resolves with a direct confrontation with the abusive mentor(s) who turned them into a weapon of war. If the soldier is a member of the supporting cast, this may come in the form of some heroic self-sacrifice, usually to protect the aforementioned outside party. Alternatively, if the soldier is a protagonist, their confrontation will likely be much more active, and may even be a proper fight. The soldier tends to win this fight either with the power of friendship or compassion but this isn't a strict requirement. If the writers really want to get spicy with it, they might even spare their tormentor, really leaning into the idea of abandoning violence (note that this runs the risk of coming off as a "forgive your abusers" narrative).

Alternatively, the lack of a grand confrontation can be a form of narrative resolution in and of itself. Living well is the best revenge, after all, and showing that our former perfect soldier has moved on to a happier, more peaceful life can be a far stronger statement of growth than a glitzy fight to the death.

(This is the part where I tie this whole thing back into the gimmick of the account. If you just wanted a Trope Talk style summary of the archetype, you've seen all there is to see. Thanks for reading, and don't forget to do your daily clicks.)

Why do you keep submitting this?

So, out of all the characters that I've seen submitted, this is easily the most prolific character archetype. At the time of writing, somewhere between 40-50 characters that have been posted roughly fit this archetype, and that's not including any of the characters I haven't posted yet.

Why do submitters connect this particular trope with trans women so damn much?

Firstly, it's important to consider that in most western fiction, the soldier is an inherently masculine archetype. From the classical epics of the Odyssey and the Iliad, to the superheroes and action stars of modern-day blockbusters, there's a very real conflation between a character's manhood and a character's capacity to do violence. A lot of mainstream military propaganda does the same, suggesting that men who enlist are more "authentically masculine" than those who don't. This archetype serves as a critique of that idea; it shows us that this masculine ideal can be, and often is, a soul-crushing experience. In a sense, the idea of transitioning serves as an escape from this image.

Furthermore, it's important to consider what this character arc is actually about: a miserable character discovering that a better life is possible, and making steps to achieve personal peace. Often, these characters are fiercely loyal to the institutions that take advantage of them. These characters are often fine with it because they can't conceive of a better world. Once that's presented to them, that's when they start to leave. Frankly, given that a lot of people still don't end up knowing about trans folks until they're adults, I'm surprised more trans people don't connect to characters like this.

Finally, this arc gets back to the core question at the center of this blog: could transition have saved her? The archetype, in its construction necessitates a level of misery, ergo it implies that the character needs saving. It's no wonder these characters tend to garner a lot of Hurt/Comfort fanfic (Anakin Skywalker alone has more Hurt/Comfort fic than some of my favorite fandoms period). There's an inherent desire for these characters have better lives, and maybe some estrogen could do it.

This is my best guess, anyway. If you have thoughts, feel free to share them.