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tanglepelt · 1 year ago

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Run Ghost Run 11

A03 Prev next

Danny wakes up and the immediate problems with that

Everything hurt. Just like he had taken a beating from Skulker again or after when Vlad tried to steal his DNA. Danny’s eyes didn’t want to open, they were so heavy, and he was so tired. Waking up exhausted is never a grand time. He didn’t want to get up. Sleep just sounded better, just five more minutes wouldn’t hurt.

But something wasn’t right. This wasn’t his bed. It wasn’t even tuckers couch. No, it was too small. Too hard. It wasn’t even the floor at school. He had never fallen asleep before.

Stiffening as the memories came flashing back. The war, Jack and Maddie, the scalpel hitting his skin, the cuffs holding him down. Gotham herself and then his latest kidnapping. His breathing was more rapid. He needed to calm down.

What if he was being watched? He needs to be calm. Calm his breaths, do something. He needed to act asleep. If he was lucky no one was around, he didn’t hear anything. That was a good sign. Danny needed to figure out a plan. Come up with something sensible. Unlike the last few days.

Never once had he thought he would end up around a crime lord. That just doesn’t happen, Amity doesn’t have any gangs, that was all stuff in action movies. Did Amity even have legit cops? He’s only ever seen the two. Danny just let himself be taken by a crime lord. Who knows what they could have done to him? They may both are hiding from the government but come on. When Jazz finds out he’s so screwed. There is no way she won’t. Jazz always seems to know everything.

He should have fought more.

So, what if his powers just didn’t cooperate? It’s no excuse. Despite his best effort to get out of reds grip. The man was too strong. All his struggles went unnoticed he hadn’t seemed to even bat an eye. Waiting him out wouldn’t work. Not with his threat. Being found by the vigilantes was one of the worse outcomes. His powers had only managed to make the area colder. No ecto blast, no lasers, no intangibility he couldn’t even shapeshift. The more he pushed the worse he felt. It had become too painful to struggle, the more he tried to use his powers the more it spread.

His human side was still too injured that struggling itself had hurt him. Every attempted twist or turn sent waves of pain through him. Whether physical or magical it was a problem.

He had been stuck.

Take a chance with a crime lord and hopefully make it through the next day or be found by the vigilantes.

The vigilantes were too big a risk. They had worked with the police before. The police and government worked hand in hand, following the laws. They enforced them, batman and crew always turned them in. Getting their rogues arrested. By law, he was a criminal for existing. The ones ordering him to be handed over to the government. Experimentation or extermination. He’d be whisked back to a lab in no time.

After a single escape, he didn’t expect another chance. They get him and he is as good as gone.

Why did he have to pass out? He hadn’t even been trying to duplicate himself. He needed to dip. Get out of whatever basement he’s going to find himself in

He didn’t even want to open his eyes. What if they took his kidney? Tuckers talked about stories like that before. It’s happened in his horror movies.

It felt like all his organs were still there. He had experience now on what they felt like all messed around with. An experience he would like to never experience again.

Out of everywhere he went to why here. This place was a mess.

There are too many vigilantes here. Batman had worked with the government before. He couldn’t trust anyone here. He wouldn’t risk getting caught again. A crime lord already can’t be trusted. Movies made that much clear.

He had let his guard down before the mugging. Lost in the new space, he didn’t pay attention as he tried to find his way around. A mistake he wouldn’t make again. Red would have never found him if had just been more careful. Even if both parties hate the government he couldn’t be trusted. An enemy of your enemy only causes more problems.

Danny could do this. Scope out the hopefully not secret lab. Get his bag, he’d need the ectoplasm. Another boost. Get everything kickstarted all again. Then never come back.

Screw Gotham. Screw Lady Gotham. This was the final nail in the coffin. He wasn’t sticking around to end up in one.

Ignoring the pain. That was so much worse than just a day prior.

He opened his eyes and jolted up. Quickly scanning the room in search of anything to help.

His backpack wasn’t in sight. Looking in every direction it wasn’t in clear sight. That bag had everything he had with him. He wouldn’t leave it behind.

At least this place wasn’t a lab or basement.

It just appeared to be an old apartment. He was situated in a living room. A rundown-looking apartment, run-down couch, and rickety furniture. It looked like everything would creak or moan if he moved. Being sneaky was never his forte. Well unless he was invisible and intangible, he was great at it then. Another look and there were no pictures on the wall. No weapons in sight. While it was old furniture the place looked completely unlived in.

There were no bars on the windows. Or anything indicating locked doors. That doesn’t mean they weren’t locked. Could just be all on the outside of the doors. Vlad’s pulled a trick or two like that before.

Red wasn’t anywhere visible. Which was probably… maybe a good thing. One less problem to think about for now. He couldn’t even see out the window. It was one of those frosted ones, there was light. Either he’d barely been out, or it’d been a whole night. Hopefully the first, losing a whole night meant who knows what happened.

Okay… No way to know unless he figured out what was going on. Where he was and when. Maybe another shot of ectoplasm or two. Try and jumpstart his powers again, he has to do something. It was all getting more real.

Get up, get his bag, and get out.

That’s all he had to do. Super simple and easy. Right?

If only it was that simple. Getting up was a chore. Having to push himself up from the couch, he didn’t have the energy. It was like trying to push a car off him. It took everything just to do a simple activity. Then of course as he stood up something creaked. Maybe the floorboard it doesn’t really matter what. Now all he could do is hope the crime lord didn’t hear it.

This was not going to be easy, but then again when was it ever?

No new bodies appeared, and no one stormed out of the room. No new weapons in his face, so maybe he got lucky. He could do this. If he could seal away Pariah, he could handle this. He just had to put one foot in front of the other and start. That was the key. It was going well until he tripped over his own feet falling to the ground.

Not a fun trip, the floor was not as exciting as the museum.

Maybe he could just melt into the floor. It sounded better than getting up again. The fall must have been enough to draw attention.

When he rolled onto his back. The guy was right in Infront of him, looking down at him.

Great

Jason had a kid passed out on his couch, a town functioning under a hidden martial law, confirmation a government agency was after the kid, and to top it off the kid was a confirmed ecto entity. He knew he had been held in a lab. The same place Steph and Cass had been. The kid was injured.

Trying to keep home in the safe house was not going to be easy. The kid jumped off a roof to get away once. It was purely by chance he came across him. The fact he hadn’t left Gotham yet was a shock. Then the fact he got an acceptance of the situation was concerning.

He didn’t give the kid much of a choice, the kid only got two. Him or the others. The cards had been in his favor, not being involved with the government had its advantages. Red Hood also didn’t star in any searches for vigilantes. If Danny didn’t wake up panicked there would be even more concern.

He choose this safe house for a reason. It’s not a nice one, it lacks anything personal, and it makes noise. His weapons were all stashed in the main bedroom, even the hidden ones. No pictures or anything that could link to Jason Todd. If there was and the kid saw pictures of anything related to his personal life it could go bad. Knowing the identity of a criminal was enough to get people killed.

He knows where to move to not make the floor creak and not let the door squeak.

If Danny used his powers, he couldn’t do much to stop him. Just follow him. There were a few trackers hidden away on him. Just in case.

Jason's running theory the powers were on the fritz was even more apparent based on some blood results. Danny had just left a bloody sweatshirt on a roof. The results showed more than just human DNA. That wasn’t a shock.

Something in his system had matching properties as the Lazarus pits. Not a direct hit, not quite the same but close. Somehow Danny’s DNA seemed to have two sets. A pure human side and the other. That part of the blood apparently was under attack. Even with the blood being dried whatever was going to attack that specific property. Danny was likely to need a proper doctor. One specializing in metas or something.

Couldn’t do much about it now.

Jason has to figure out how to convince the kid he is safe here. Everything else would follow.

Danny just stayed asleep through the night. It was only when the kid first showed signs of waking up, he moved out of the living room. His stiffening up was a sure sign he was realizing his situation. Letting him wake up alone in an open space hopefully will lessen his nerves. Nothing in his sight should be concerning. Nothing was locked up. Danny’s backpack was conveniently in another room.

Hopefully, that was enough of a deterrent to immediately bolt.

Jason would give him enough time to look around and not be crowded. When he heard the thud of a body hitting the floor he did head out. Danny clearly wasn’t ready to move. So out he went to offer his assistance.

The kid was face down on the ground. He had slowly rolled to be laying on his back. The movement seemed taxing and difficult.

Danny was then looking straight at him. Jason held his hand out to offer to help the kid up. Danny just got defensive. Saying he didn’t need anything but his bag from him. Trying to get up and failing. Refusing to take his hand and get up.

That was enough of a sign to back off. Forcing anything wasn’t going to go anywhere. Jason just sat down on the couch and grabbed his phone. There wasn’t anything new. Bruce was likely dealing with the justice league now.

“If you need help just let me know” in a simple disinterested tone.

Danny was stubborn he’d give him that. Seemingly accepting a new life lying down on the floor. About an hour passes and he finally caved. The kid re-situated on the couch he grabbed the bag and just threw it on the other side of the couch. It had a few new additions Danny didn’t need to know that. The kid just grabbed it and put it in his lap.

Now to figure out how to get a better check-up on the kid. Jason was pretty sure Danny did something new or something was acting up. Try as he might Danny wasn’t very good at keeping his breaths calm. It could just be nervous energy but add in the flashes in his eyes and with the fall it's likely both.

“You pull something in the fall.”

A silence that was kind of expected. No new movements just a glare in his direction.

“I’m pretty handy with my first aid if you hadn’t noticed” Danny definitely hadn’t. Only just now looking at his wrist.

“why”

“Rope burns are the worst. Always annoyed me” Keep it simple sweet and to the point. Nothing unnecessary or attempts to draw the conversation out. It had to come from him.

“No, why help me?”

“cause you were hurt. It’s obvious you’re not from around here, kids are off-limits here. No one is supposed to touch them. You’re in my territory now, couldn’t just let you stay on the street. You needed some help. Simple as that” Danny looked confused at that. Another bit of silence before Danny spoke again.

“Then I’ll leave and I won’t be your problem anymore”

Time to take a gamble. No way the kid makes it that far if he can even get off the couch.

“I'll make you a deal, you walk out of here on your own you can go. Walking without falling that is. If you don’t, you let me check properly for injuries and treat them. Then you stay another night”

With how quickly Danny agreed he was almost concerned he was gonna lose. He didn’t even get three steps hitting the ground.

“a deal is a deal. I can help you up and it will just be a quick checkup. Just to see if there is anything that needs to be done. Just need you to ditch the sweatshirt for a second.”

This time the kid did take his hand. He just kind of looked defeated and seemingly accepting his fate. Even actually cooperating by taking his sweatshirt off. He only got pushback once they both saw the red. The kid had to have done something. There was nothing around that could have cut his stomach.

Trying to assist he could handle it himself. That he could restitch it without him. After arguing back and forth for who knows how long he got somewhere.

“You can’t freak out”. There was so much dread and concern in that statement.

After several assurances he wouldn’t freak he finally got somewhere. Whatever he saw he had to keep his cool. The way he was reacting was not good. So, the bandages slowly came off. A y becoming apparent.

That wasn’t a from dissection.

He had clearly been fighting it.

Someone vivisected this kid.

#Danny Phantom #dp x dc #fanf #phan #dc x dp crossover

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pirunika · 10 months ago

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trying to make Eos' Rogue Trader backstory meanwhile... so we have

She's from a Fortress World. So she's likely very disciplined and learned fighting since she could hold a gun. I also think this would make her prone to emotional and rushed decisions, you can die any day every day to be fair it seems this is everywhere in wh40k

there's... Titan. kind of want it bc Eos' origin comes from mythology lol it'd be cool. Apparently, it's a... Inquisition Fortress World / Space Marine Chapter Homeworld / Ice World could she be the daughter of an Inquisitor....? from the top of my head I think of a very protective single mother who had a tryst with someone from a certain dynasty. She's alive bc I'm tired of the dead mother trope... and keep thinking of them interacting

Back to Eos. She is a... Crime Lord. Maybe she began this sort of thing to get out of under her mother's wing. and it got huge. she has special skills in manipulating and convincing people and has experience leading and planning as well as managing and in a way looking after her people.... and crime I guess. (lol) She's very good at gaining people's trust and loyalty.

The feat of Greatness You prevailed in a bloody shadow war against the void pirates of your sector. okay this fits.

Brand of Shame You turned your partners in to the authorities and became known as a traitor. - I think she would also do this, growing up the way she did. Perhaps even she turns them in for her mother. She is especially wary and scared of daemons so despite being a softie when it comes to that she's very cutthroat.

Going with an Iconoclast pt right now. I'd say she walks a line between So many people sacrificed their lives so we can have a semblance of safety (spent her childhood around memorials n such) we NEED order vs I have seen how corrupt the system can be/how worthless mortal lives are so damn it I will try to help. and if we can profit also that's life. I also think she's a very ''a father to his men'' trope despite being rather young.

#warhammer 40k #rogue trader #xx #oc: eos

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nekrotiize · 1 year ago

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pomegranate, imperial and sangria for the ask game!

[For The Shades of Red Ask Game]

Pomegranate: Favorite and least favorite fruits?

Love a good grape or a good strawberry. Do not put grapefruit near me.

Imperial: What film, in your opinion, has the best cinematography and/or special effects?

Oh, god. You can't ask me that question. I've seen so many fucking movies. This isn't going to be one film, it's going to be a list.

The first things that comes to mind as far as live action films go is Candyman (2021). Watch the original Candyman (1992) before you watch that one for context- the 2021 film is a sequel. Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022), NOPE (2022), and Get Out (2017) are incredible, too. Malignant (2021) has some fantastic practical effects, and I'd be a war criminal to not mention the Peter Jackson The Hobbit Trilogy and The Lord of the Rings Trilogy respectively.

Animated films, though? I have to bring up the obvious answers- the Spider-Verse series, and any movie by Satoshi Kon. Perfect Blue (1997) and Paprika (2006) jump out at me, though. Tokyo Godfathers (2003) is also very much so worth the watch. It'd be a crime to not mention AKIRA (1988) and The End of Evangelion (1997). And... Gonna mention my favorite Ghibli movie for fun, here: Grave of the Fireflies (1988).

Sangria: To what extent do you enjoy sour candy?

Not at all my go-to. Sorry to disappoint my fellow American queers, but I'm really not a candy guy, especially not sour candy. My favorite candy is literally fucking Raisinets. I prefer spicy foods over sour foods by a margin of a goddamn lot.

#horrorposting #nekro.sms

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awkwardpariah · 2 years ago

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--Timeline--

Fortress Florida Falls: After a year of blockades, limited air strikes, and supply drops to partisans and loyalist units behind the lines, Federal forces finally launch the combined air, land, and amphibious invasion of Florida. No state had a higher concentration of NDF troops or better equipment. Casualties on both sides were high, and the MAGA government was able to exfiltrate itself from Palm Beach before Federal troops reached the provisional capital of the pretender government.

Winter 2029-2030: Nothing is more deadly than logistics, and during the Winter of 2029-30 more people died from fuel and food shortages than any other cause. In the highly contested Midwest fuel supplies had dried up and overland transportation had evaporated, leaving people behind the lines without food and heat during the Polar Vortex of '29. Those that didn't flee stayed behind thinking they'd live comfortably on generators and canned goods left behind by their panicky neighbors. Power plants died within the first few weeks, and generators ran out of gas not long after. Food supplies in the contested zones lasted only until January, by which point temperatures in Ohio had dropped to as low as -90 degrees F with the windchill. People were burning garbage to stay warm, eating dogs, cats, and rodents to stave off starvation. Most people who died froze to death in the night, others froze trying to flee on foot, and the few that were left were too cold and too sick to last much beyond that. Both sides attempted to keep the region supplied between the Continental Air Lift by the Dems, and rail and truck supplies by the Reps, but after a month of losing troops to frostbite and small skirmishes, the Dems pulled back to the I-80 corridor. The Reps continued probing attacks and roadside bombs along I-80 for much of the winter, but by February most of their troops had withdrawn over the Ohio River into Kentucky. So when the snow melted in Spring 2030, and the 1st Army began its long awaited march into Southern Ohio, all they found miles and miles of abandoned suburbs full of rat gnawed corpses

The War Against Humanity: By spring 2030, US troops from Army Group West began pushing into West Texas, while the 1st Army continued its advance into the South. Everywhere they went, they found evidence of crimes against humanity by the MAGA regime. Slavery, not pre-war prison labor, but the brutal system of the antebellum South had returned. The first to be manacled were existing prisoners, however the hyper punitive laws of the MAGA regime quickly grew the ranks of the incarcerated to virtually anyone who spoke out against their regime. Ethnic minorities were particularly targeted by the NDF and thus made up the bulk of the slave population. An entire market had emerged for the trading of prison labor contracts between agricultural and manufacturing corporations, and while the elites took people as servants and sex slaves. Then there were the death camps. First discovered late in 2029, the extent of the program was now impossible to deny. Dozens of camps had been found, built out of existing prisons. Troops would usually uncover these places by the stench of human remains in uncovered mass graves, their guards having fled to avoid capture. The locals tended to deny outright that they knew about the camps, or in many cases were totally unrepentant about "doing the Lord's work.

Midterm Elections: By Election Day 2030, the war has been dragging on for a year and a half and another winter is approaching with food and fuel rationing, albeit less severe than last year. Needless to say, a lot of voters are well and truly sick of a war that has only brought suffering on a level unseen in American history. The National Union Party exploits this by running a slew of candidates that oppose the Democrats' wartime rationing policies, demanding AOC re-open the oil wells in the Gulf of Mexico and ANWR, and even negotiate with the MAGA regime to bring the war to a peaceful conclusion. Most voters don't buy into this, especially in newly liberated Ohio, Indiana, Florida, Louisiana, North Carolina, and Georgia, and military voters hearts have only hardened against the MAGA regime. But in otherwise well-to-do parts of the country that are unused to the hardships imposed by the war effort, the National Union party's message resonates. Ultimately, the Democrats still hold super majorities in both houses, with the House majority particularly impressive thanks to the repeal of the Permanent Apportionment Act earlier in the year.

Crisis in Canada: 16 million American DPs have turned Ontario into a madhouse. Every resource and essential service was stretched well past its breaking point, and Prime Minister Poilievre's ineffective response resulted in his removal in a vote of no-confidence. Melissa Lantsman fails to form a government, and the Governor General refuses to call for an election with the country in crisis. Despite their pleas for the US to intervene and get their citizens under control so Canada can focus on fighting their own white nationalist insurrection in Alberta, the US can't pull troops from its own front lines. Instead, the US calls on the European members of NATO to intervene, pulling what few US troops are left in Europe to join as a symbolic gesture of solidarity. The International Counteraction Force or ICFOR, more commonly known as Icy Force, deploys to Ontario providing additional security and giving Canada the means to start organizing the deportation of the American refugees to the Eastern Green Zone.

D-Day on the Mississippi: After 2 years of reorganization and rearmament, 2 years of fighting to retake the Midwest and much of the South, Army Group East is finally ready to begin the long awaited Drive Across the Plains. On August 1, 2031 a quarter million troops launch a combined amphibious and air mobile assault on Iowa, Missouri and Arkansas while ground forces in South Texas push north. Canadian troops and Army Group West begin their own advance from British Columbia and West Texas. After a month more than a million troops have landed on the western side of the Mississippi. Casualties are high on both sides, but the NDF's last best troops are simply outnumbered, outmatched, and undersupplied, especially after the Great Fire of 2030 devastated their food supplies. Repairs to bridges will take many more months, but Federal troops can finally begin moving across the Great Plains, eventually uniting the country from Sea to Shining Sea once more.

The End of All Things: As Federal troops move across the plains in armor and with air support the NDF is being chipped away with each passing day. After years of inaction and now repeated defeats, its simply too much for most NDF soldiers, leading to a string of mutinies. Meanwhile MAGA leaders, seeing that defeat is now immanent begin to try to flee or take their own lives in a campaign of uncoordinated mass suicide unseen since the fall of Nazi Germany. As the MAGA government in their new provisional capital of Rapid City tries to determine a course of action, Trump Jr. and the comatose Trump Sr., along with much of their extended family attempt to flee by plane over Canada to a non-extradition country. They're intercepted by NATO F-35s over Nova Scotia and remanded to Federal custody. The capture of Trump and the flight of Trump Jr. demoralizes most of the remaining die hard MAGA supporters, leading to a wave of surrenders. This leaves only the Secessionist factions of the rebel government in Rapid City, and they vote to dissolve the united front and fight their own secessionist campaigns.

<-Part II \ Part III \ Part IV ->

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chloeworships · 2 years ago

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Now I know what really goes on here. Demonic rituals.

Idc how many times these folks want to attack me with their evil spirits, God is coming for these folks who under the guise of Christianity commit the most atrocious and heinous crimes.

⚠️The KKK should be charged under the RICO act.

I just heard the song “Bad Boys”.

Not only are the “good” cops coming for these criminals but some of these KKK members are cops and do participate in intimidation and racketeering.

Waking me up at 3:00 with ya Hocus Pocus foolery trying to play God.

I pray for people like you all. What a miserable and sad bunch of officials. Y’all playing with a Child of God, albeit a Prophet of the LORD’s, yet claim to know the Bible and know God. Well honey pie you will know God like never before when this prophetic word comes to pass.

The LORD has declared war against you and he never takes an L

This is the scripture I was given last night after they tried to attack me with their demons at 3:00 am:

Recall the LORD showed us he was releasing Apollyon The Destroyer AND the Angel with a Trumpet 🎺

👀

Recall, when I was just a child God showed me the Abyss waaaayyyyyyyyyy before I ever knew I would be doing his work.

Last night I was shown another trumpet 🎺 but this trumpet was sparkling and glistening like diamonds and it was HUGE. YES… JUDGEMENT IS COMING.

Unbeknownst to some of you, you too have been spiritually attacked by members of the KKK… Those of you who have platforms and public figures. YES… and I know this will be confirmation for you. High profile people of colour need to be aware of this because some of you are being blocked because of these people and their MASS RITUALS. God is revealing this to us. This is just not about Black people. This is Asian, South Asian, Latino and Arabic… anyone that is NOT European or White.

I shared with you all what they tried to do to Ye and they have been trying to do that to others and many of these individuals practicing these evil rituals are part of secret societies BUT THEY NOT A SECRET TODAY. They showed up on God’s Radar and that is something you don’t want unless it’s about good news.

THEIR IDOLATRY AND DEMON WORSHIP WONT SAVE THEM FROM GOD’S WRATH. Haha!

You can’t serve 2 Masters, both God and mammon (Matthew 6:24-26).

Better start praying to your dark entities and watch how they are no match for Yahweh.

For those of you prosecuting these individuals be mindful of these rituals. But you are HIGHLY PROTECTED BY GOD & ARCHANGEL MICHAEL I’m being shown but stay prayed up at all times.

January 6th wasn’t enough so what are y’all conjuring up now?

PS. This message isn’t just for the Neo-Nazi’s in America 🇺🇸 but worldwide 🌎 This group is a threat to democracy EVERYWHERE.

Whatever is being planned will be discovered.

PPS: God said something about wanting to restore America 🇺🇸 but first, these evil folks gotta go… they have to perish. They are a bloodstain on that nation and they have been trying to shut me up so I (through the Holy Father) wouldn’t expose their darkest secrets. Some of these ppl practice incest as well.

SN: there are scriptures missing from the Bible.

OMGOSH MONDAY WAS MLK DAY AND BLACK HISTORY MONTH IS UPCOMING 👀

My bad babes. I forgot to post about it 😭

#The KKK #Cult #the Devil’s minions #A NETWORK #THEY BIG MAD BUT OH WELL 🤷🏾‍♀️😂😂😂😂

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wolint · 9 months ago

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NOT YOUR BATTLE

2 Samuel 16:5-14

Some of us delight in fighting battles that aren’t ours. Even when we know we shouldn’t be involved, we get into conflicts that we have no business being in. If you are a believer, then know that you don’t need to fight those battles, as the scriptures say, “the battle belongs to the Lord” according to 2 Chronicles 20:15, encouraging us to leave the battles, in God’s hands for Him to fight for us. This is God saying “I’ve got this, I’ve got your back, I’ll fight the enemy on your behalf and defend you in battle.

There are battles we should fight, and there are those we shouldn’t even concern ourselves with as the Lord told Moses in Exodus 14:14. “I will fight for you” why would you go to a battle that someone else, God especially wants to fight for you?

Some people are trigger happy like Abishai, ready to go to battle on a whim. As a man of war, he was always ready for battle and in this instance, ready to act in defence of his king.

How many people, like Abishai, are roaming around looking to go to battle for any cause? Even when it had nothing to do with them.

Child of God! That battle is not yours! The Lord is a man of war, that is His name according to Exodus 15:3 and He takes the responsibility of defending us seriously.

We have both physical and spiritual enemies and Ephesians 6:12 wants us to understand that our battles are not against flesh and blood. Yes, the people are real, and the battles and challenges are real, but they are not the cause or root of the problems.

The world itself is at war against you if you identify with Christ. Conflicts wreck everyone, everywhere, causing injury and death.

The battle between evil and good is as old as time and never-ending and the only successful way to win that battle is to fight from the place of victory in Christ, secure in the amour of God.

Who and what is attacking you? Like Shimei, who is throwing stones at you for what they assume is your crime? Shimei didn’t even have his facts right, his accusations were wrong but that didn’t bother David as he saw it as a spiritual matter.

David as a man of war knew how to pick his battles and he wasn’t going to waste his military skill on an opportunistic local champion like Shimei.

It’s not your battle! David could have allowed Abishai to deal with Shimei, but he didn’t. Instead, his response sounded almost like “this is not your battle, move on Abishai, how is this your business? We honestly can’t fault Abishai’s loyalty, after all, he’s been fighting with and for David for a long time, so why shouldn’t he do what he’s trained to do in this instance?

Some of us are either looking for battles to fight just because we can fight, or we just don’t like oppression.

I say to you, it’s not your fight, it’s not your battle, move on!

When the enemy comes against you, says the Lord in Deuteronomy 20:4, ‘He is your God. He goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.

Stop fighting! You can’t win spiritual battles with natural strength and weapons!

God calls us His battle-axe in Jeremiah 51:20, but He alone knows the strategy for victory and how to defeat the enemy. There are battles you walk away from and live to fight another day as David did with Shimei.

Not your battle! Walk away!

PRAYER: Dear, Lord, help me to learn to depend on you and leave every battle to you for assured victory in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Shalom

WOMEN OF LIGHT INT PRAYER MIN.

#spotify #devotional #christianpost #women's ministry #biblestudy #biblestudy christianpost women's ministry #biblestudy christianpost 'women's ministry #conference #prayer meeting #family

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gch1995 · 3 years ago

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There’s plenty of people who think the Jedi got what they deserved in order 66… and they don’t use as many negative traits to describe them as you do (seriously, “abusive, arrogant, corrupt, cowardly, deceitful, manipulative, hypocritical, negligent, oppressive, selfish, violent” ?? Have you run out of adjectives or is there more you’ve forgot?) .

So yeah, it’s not a strange thought to associate you with those people and to be tired of having those rants show up everywhere on posts or gif sets. How many anti tags are you using? How many snide remarks have you made against the fandom/fans? It’s ALL you talk about. Not difficult to take you for a “hater”. Most people are just having fun here on tumblr and here you all are, pointing fingers and calling out people..

Nonny, you guys are the ones who can’t accept canonical evidence right in your face that Obi Wan and the Jedi before Luke were deeply flawed. Using those adjectives of abusive, arrogant, corrupt, cowardly, morally hypocritical, violent, and vindictive, are not wrong. They lost their way because they became too afraid to take a risk to do the right thing under pressure. They became too arrogant to admit they could be wrong. Granted, so did Anakin after a while, particularly after going dark, but the fandom and the narrative doesn’t try to pretend like it was ever okay whenever he did fucked up stuff, regardless of the shitty circumstances and his “greater good” justifications.

You guys are the ones defending child abuse, child conscription for warfare and politics, cultism, slavery, and war crimes on the part of the Jedi just because they said it was all about “protecting the greater good.”

At least, I’m tagging my posts that are making legitimate canon criticisms as “anti Jedi apologists/apologism,” “Obi Wan critical,” “Yoda critical,” “Jedi order critical,” and “Jedi Council critical” of the Jedi Council, Jedi Order, Obi Wan, Yoda, and Jedi apologists to try to stay out of your lane. You guys don’t tag your posts as “Anti Anakin Skywalker” when you call him “an evil spawn of Satan who was always destined for evil,” blame him for his own grooming by saying he fell for Palpatine, even before learning he was a Sith Lord as a child because he was an “entitled, narcissistic, and ungrateful brat” in regards to Obi Wan, Yoda, and the Jedi Council, who hated them because they told him what to do. Please, they openly treated him like garbage more often than not, let him talk to to Palpatine alone when he was a child under their care, and then blamed Anakin for growing close to him when enabling that relationship was no longer convenient for their own benefits.

Yoda was essentially running the Jedi Order like a cult. He kept insisting his members answer to a Republic that they all knew was a corrupt and hypocritical government, which only protected the upper class elite on the planets in the inner rims of the galaxy under their control, in spite of claiming to “fight for democracy and peace.”

Anakin Skywalker can still be held accountable for his crimes and character flaws as an adult because he still ultimately had enough self-awareness of right vs wrong, in spite of eventually becoming emotionally/mentally unstable, going through a lifetime of abuse, emotional/psychological conditioning for warfare and slavery, and oppression.

However, when I try to hold accountable adults in the Jedi Order for the systematic abuse, crimes, elitism, oppression, manipulation, war, and violence they knowingly enabled and committed because it made it easier for them to hold onto control and fit in for security under pressure when the odds were against them, it’s suddenly “not their fault at all.” Let’s remember that Yoda was the leader of the Jedi Order for over eight centuries, and he had made the decision to follow a corrupt Republic government, so he could pressure them to give his organization the legal rights to more or less abduct force sensitive children from their families for his “greater good” in exchange for protecting them. The adults involved were not innocent victims, especially not the members on the high Council who held the most privilege of authority to change things for the better, but still didn’t.

We got a morally gray tale in which the Jedi before Luke, while well-meaning, had become seriously flawed in his dad’s time, and Yoda and Obi-Wan were even showing signs of that corruption in the OT series, too, but you guys keep willfully overlooking that. It’s “Obi Wan was such a tragic hero, who was too nice to Anakin, and could have saved Anakin if the boy weren’t such an ungrateful brat.”

Sure…Obi-Wan was such a great guardian/mentor. He never was an abusive, cowardly, deceitful, emotionally negligent, hypocritical, manipulative, self-righteous, low-key vindictive, and petty jerkass, who spent the majority of his life ass-kissing Yoda, even when it came at the cost of

Sure…Obi Wan and Yoda suffered so much living in hiding on Tattooine for 23 years, wallowing in self-pity after inadvertently helping fuck up Anakin and the fall of their own Order with their cowardice and hypocrisy, while their former apprentice helped terrorize and/or murder the galaxy of remaining Jedi survivors, friends, and other innocent citizens as Sidious’s murder servant/attack dog. It totally was not fucked up to deliberately deceive, endanger, and manipulate their former apprentice’s estranged and innocent son to finish him off for them because they were too afraid to face the consequences of the mess they helped create with his father in the first place by repeatedly pushing him away with their extremist system’s methods and practices that they still refuse to fully accept were deeply toxic and hypocritical, regardless of their intentions…🙄🙄🙄

Let’s just ignore the fact that, at least in public as Darth Vader in the suit, Anakin became more like the “ideal” duty bound and stone cold warrior “for the greater good” of enforcing and maintaining order and security in the Empire for himself and his men that Yoda and Jedi Council Obi Wan kept insisting he be more like before he turned to the dark side. Let’s ignore the fact that the abusive, arrogant, controlling, elitist, hypocritical, and oppressive systematic practices and teachings of a corrupt Jedi Order are partially responsible for influencing the birth of monsters, who are able convince themselves they are fighting for the “greater good,” from their own organization, in the first place…🙄🙄🙄

Sure…For his crimes, Anakin deserved to be left to inhumanely burn alive in agony by the “peaceful” Obi-Wan Kenobi on Mustafar, and get trapped with an even worse master from whom viable escape was limited to nonexistent. Obi-Wan totally deserved a father of the year award for cutting off Anakin’s limbs when he got the high ground in their duel, only to rant at him and watch him suffer in agony when he caught on fire, rather than just putting him out of his misery when he got the upper hand on Mustafar instead….🙄🙄🙄

*Sighs*

#star wars anon #anti jedi apologists #nonny I don’t think the Jedi Order were inherently evil monsters who deserved mass murder but the adults had become hypocritical cowards #jedi council critical #yoda critical #obi wan critical #I think you should stop getting so defensive. Jedi critical stuff is sparse on tumblr #at least before luke. obi wan Yoda the Jedi council and Anakin were/became cowards #pt star wars #ot star wars #anakin sywalker #darth vader

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stxleslyds · 3 years ago

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It’s very interesting to see your thoughts on Winnik cause personally while I like that he made jason a bit unhinged and fun in utrh his other characterizations of his were eh at best. Like why would jason not care about the world and why would he take over the drug trade of all things considering his history. I feel like Winnick had a very surface level understanding of Jason. There was a lot of his past to explore but it wasn’t explored that deeply. Plus I absolutely HATED his Bruce and talia characterization. And how he wrote Talia in both utrh and lost days was absolutely disgusting and his explanation for why he did it was that Jason loves Talia and that they were both messed up ppl??? Which is where I can’t forgive him. I feel like he was a one hit wonder because ever since utrh his Jason story started to go downhill. I also feel like it’s because DC doesn’t know how to write a character that’s from a poor background and that’s a huge disservice to Jason. I do hope that Rosenberg or another writer (hopefully female) does a good job on him. He’s been suffering under shitty writing for so long. Sorry for the long ask I really enjoy reading your posts.

Hi Anon, thank you for sending your ask!

Well, this is a great question because I love giving my opinions on Winick’s UtRH and Lost Days. I know those books (or some moments in them) are not everyone’s cup of tea and I had and have some problems with some of them but I have also come to understand them or even accept them as a writer bringing up a morally grey area in his books and doing it well (or at least I saw it that way after re-reading and researching a bit about his thoughts on those matters).

This is going to be a long post (I suppose) because there is a lot to cover and I want to let you know in a clear way why I think that what Winick wrote works beautifully for Jason. I will try to answer this as coherently as I can, so I will talk about the points you made in your ask separately so I make sure I don’t forget anything.

Let’s begin!

“Why would Jason not care about the world?”

I assume with that you meant about what happened in Bludhaven when Chemo was dropped there by the Society? That is valid but that really wasn’t Winick’s fault (I believe), that whole thing was shown in the book because back then the Bat-related books were more interconnected and that was what was happening in Dick’s Nightwing run at the time, which I think was used to explain why Dick suddenly stopped helping Bruce in Gotham.

And then I think Jason and Bruce watching that happen when they were having that conversation on that roof was very well planned out. I think Winick used that opportunity for Jason to be his peak level of little shit and make Bruce feel bad about not arriving in time to save another one of his kids. Even though Jason later revealed that he never blamed Batman for not arriving in time to save him, I believe Jason said that about Dick to make Bruce hurt more. Jason was trying to make Bruce stay in Gotham so either Bruce or him killed the Joker that night. Winick on the other hand had to finish his story, him branching out and having Batman go to Bludhaven would have benefited absolutely no one either, and it just didn’t fit the story that was being told in Under the Red Hood.

That’s why I think that Jason reacted that way to the Bludhaven and Chemo situation. If by caring about the world you meant something else let me know! (He obviously cared about Gotham in UtRH and other people in Lost Days).

“Why would he take over the drug trade of all things considering his history?”

Well, I have to be honest with you Jason wanting to control the drug trade in Gotham makes absolute sense to me, and even more when I think about Jason’s past history.

Jason and Bruce have always been (to me) clear opposites in various angles, and in UtRH, Winick talks about that a little bit too.

Batman was created to eradicate crime from Gotham after Bruce witnessed the death of his parents, that was the tragedy that set him off, and even though it was tragic and awful he had everything outside of his parents, he had a home, a support system, people that cared and gave him love, and money. He never had to be in contact with the cruel reality that was Gotham. We know through various stories that Gotham is deeply rotten and corrupted.

But Jason did know how corrupted, rotten and devoid of hope his city really was, he lived in the streets and in an abandoned apartment alone because he didn’t trust the police or social workers (he didn’t believe the system was helpful). He had seen his mother die at the hands of drugs after his father was sent to jail due to his criminal behaviour. Probably his father was a drug dealer and was the person that got his mother into drugs, (I believe that was later made canon, I might be wrong). But why did he do that? Maybe because he came from a poor and complicated background and nobody wanted to employ him so the real bad people of Gotham, like Black Mask, Cobblepot and many others, saw his vulnerability and his desperation to make money and they gave him a job as a drug dealer.

Considering that Jason was made out to have very deep problems with people selling drugs in schools and all that, I can estimate that maybe one of the big Drug Lords at the time employed Jason’s father when he was barely a teenager, that way he earned money, he stopped going to school and sold drugs to his peers so the bad people could control more people while they were vulnerable.

If all of that is true then Jason wanting to control the drug trade in Gotham, by becoming a Drug Lord himself, makes perfect sense to me. I mean let’s talk about this, what were his other options?

Kill every drug lord?

What if that set off a gang war in Gotham over who got to be the next big Drug Lord? I mean, it would be like real life, if someone dies in that sort of position there would always be someone else to take their place. Drugs are clearly (in Gotham) a great way to get money and power.

Also, if he killed all the drug lords then what happened to the people that were working for them, how could Jason help them get another job?

Explode every warehouse and facility with drugs in them?

And then what? Wait for Black Mask and the others to buy more and put a target on his back? Maybe kill some innocents so they can send a message to Red Hood that if he keeps destroying their drugs or whatever people will pay for it?

Maybe all the drug lords would come together and kill the Red Hood themselves, what could one man do against everyone else? Black Mask and the others had vulnerable people on a payroll, if they stopped working or went against what their boss said they would have been killed and then families would still be vulnerable and desperate to survive in Gotham.

Come forward as Jason Todd, the not so dead son of Bruce Wayne, and start a campaign against drugs?

Jason would have ended up dead in seconds, everywhere you look there are corrupt people. What could have been the point of that? What could have Jason be able to give families like his so they could stop living under the control of drugs and Drug Lords?

Jason being a Drug Lord himself was the best option because Jason KNOWS the reality of Gotham and Gotham’s people. His way of dealing with drugs could control the drug trade in the first 10 years and then eradicate it after that time. His plan was genius!

Jason knew that for people not to suffer as his family did, he had to take the slow and hard path of becoming the thing that he hated the most. He needed to attack the monster from within. So, when he made his first move he controlled the street-level dealers, he told them “I will protect you from both Black Mask and Batman if you stop dealing drugs to kids and in schoolyards if you do that, you are dead”, it is genius! By being clear about not wanting to have kids and high schoolers involved with drugs he set out a new path where those people weren’t forced into drugs and driven away from school. And that’s the way Winick made us see Jason’s not so new morals, he protects Gotham’s kids and he will kill you without hesitation if you endanger them.

From that he built, Winick made it clear, at first Jason would convince the people working for other Drug Lords to work for him if they followed his rules (and he offered them protection!). If Jason worked on the drug trade, he could have controlled who was inserted in the drug life or could have made it exclusive to the rich or club exclusive. In his intention of taking over the drug trade, he could have moved drugs away from Gotham’s most vulnerable.

And if he employed those vulnerable people, he would have made them work for him on other levels, that way those vulnerable people still had jobs and were protected from people like Black Mask. And in due time, fewer young and poor people would be involved with drugs or the drug trade.

Red Hood employs poor people and makes them not sell to other poor people or kids, he pays his employees good money so their families make a better life for themselves and their kids go to school, they are all protected by the Red Hood and his team (Jason could have trained others and make a team or gang that focused entirely on security), those people then get to retire with their families far away from drugs and maybe Gotham too.

I mean, Winick never did those things but I think that was the way he was thinking about it, he really set a golden path for future writers, his story had to finish Jason’s dilemma with Bruce and Joker but then his life as the Red Hood continued. And it could have been good if other writers used the characterization that Winick had given Jason: protector of children, killer of rapists and everyone that endangered women, children and teenagers. All of that was thrown away for a mythical fight with Ra’s al Ghul for people that were as trashy as Ra’s.

“I feel like Winick had a very surface-level understanding of Jason”.

I have to disagree. I think he understood Jason’s character before his death well and then built a grown-up version of him with those morals more developed after he suffered more and then saw how the world and Batman’s ways hadn’t changed after his murder.

We are talking about post-crisis Jason here; he was sweet and he loved being Robin but he also saw the world differently from Bruce and Batman. He lived a very different life than the one that Bruce lived when he was a kid. Jason even said that he “could fend for himself just fine” and that he had “graduated from the streets of crime alley”.

To me Winick understood this completely, he knew that Jason had had close contact with how drugs could affect people and what a criminal record could lead you to, but he also understood that Jason was a survivor of "crime alley" and all its worst people. He probably knew of things that people were doing of he saw them happening. He knew how to protect himself from those things but understood that not everyone could do it. And when Batman took him to Ma Gunn’s school Jason learned that Batman was ignorant of how awful and manipulative Gotham’s people could be. Ma Gunn wasn’t running an orphanage or cool school; she was teaching children how to steal and harm others. He hated it, he was “okay” when he was alone and now, he was locked in with older kids that beat him and Ma Gunn who was exploiting children’s vulnerability.

I assume Winick took that and maybe decided that was the moment when Jason knew that even if Batman was trying to do good, he still didn’t see Gotham (or that side of Gotham) for what it truly was.

When Jason became Robin and worked along with Batman, we could already see that Jason thought very differently about what should be done with rapists, and abusers of all kinds, Jason saw the world differently when he was a kid and a teenager and then after his death, Winick used that to build a Jason Todd that as a young adult still saw Gotham for what it truly was.

“There was a lot of his past to explore but it wasn’t explored that deeply”.

I am really confused by this (and I am very dumb), did you mean that his past before his death wasn’t explored? Because that was not the point of this book, the information was already there with Jason’s previous appearances in comics, and even then, Winick explored through flashbacks in UtRH how he saw Jason and what it was that Jason thought about crime.

If you didn’t mean that and you meant his past before the events of UtRH but after his death then, well, I would say that Winick couldn’t have fit that in UtRH but he did write a story about that time in 2010 when he wrote Red Hood: Lost Days.

“I absolutely hated his Bruce and Talia characterization”

I will only talk about the Bruce part here because you mentioned Talia later in your ask.

To me his Bruce was perfect. I really think that his characterization of him was spot on, but maybe I am biased because I don’t like Bruce at all? I suppose that you are talking about Bruce’s characterization in those last moments in "crime alley" with Jason and Joker? And how he decided that making Jason drop the weapon by throwing a batarang to his throat and saving Joker was a better option than Jason killing the Joker?

If it is that then I would love to see what you think Bruce would have done at that moment because I didn’t really see Bruce using a gun (in any way) as an in-character thing for him, and even though DC has always danced with the idea of Bruce actually killing somebody I know that they wouldn’t have him do it, and even less when it comes to killing the Joker.

I mean, Bruce brought back Joker from the dead when Dick finally killed that piece of shit so, yeah, I don’t know.

I feel like Winick was trying to show just how loyal and squared Bruce is when it comes to his own no killing rule. Jason wasn’t asking for Bruce to go on a killing spree he just wanted Bruce to kill the Joker and he didn’t. Winick even had Bruce say that about him not wanting to kill one person because he felt that if he did that, he wouldn’t be able to stop and I think that’s pretty true. Maybe it is a bit too much but I don’t think it’s a lie.

“How he wrote Talia in both UtRH and Lost Days was absolutely disgusting”

That is absolutely valid, listen, if you didn’t like how he wrote her at all I really can’t say anything against that. My first real and solid contact with Talia’s character was in that book, so when I read UtRH I really liked how he wrote Talia in that, it seemed to have that aspect of Talia’s love for Bruce being so strong that when she saw Jason was alive, she wanted to help him so Bruce could see how much he loved her. It is messed up but I believed it fitted her character, she had good intentions but her reasoning was a little bit wonky.

With Lost Days, I thought that her character was well written, she isn’t a hero and she isn’t a villain, she is just a player in the game that is the League of Assassins and that world. That obviously changed up until we had that scene happen between her and Jason, I was grossed out and I didn’t understand why that had happened which leads me to what you said next in your ask.

“His explanation for why he did it was that Jason loves Talia and that they were both messed up people”.

This is a part of the interview where Judd Winick answered a question about Jason and Talia sleeping together. The interview was done by Sara Lima in ComicVine’s podcast.

“SL: Why did you decide to write the romantic scene between Jason and Talia in Lost Days?

JW: For those playing at home, Jason Todd, at the end of Red Hood: Lost Days, and Talia slept together. I did that because it was really disturbing and to shine a light on the fact that these are not really well people. A lot of people didn’t like that, which was correct. “You weren’t supposed to like that. That was supposed to be, ‘oh God, stop that, what are you doing?’ It really was. As well as, for Talia, her reasons, being that Bruce had wound up inadvertently killing her father and she was ragingly angry with him and went from love to pure hate and still loving him at the same time. And Jason, given the opportunity to have sex with just about the only woman who Bruce has had sex with or really cares about, ‘Yeah, I’ll go there.’

SL: He’s like, ‘yeah, cause I hate that guy.’

JW: Yeah! ‘I hate that guy!’ And I think that Jason probably had the hots for Talia. She’s hot, he doesn’t exactly have a lot of relationships going on – It’s not a good thing for either of them. These are two people who murder people, two people who are screwed up, screwed up emotionally. There’s this question that why would he do that and Talia only loves Bruce. She might only love Bruce, but she does have sex with other people because that’s just sex. And we’re all grown-ups here. I think those who shake their fist and get angry at this kind of thing might be some of our older readers. I’m an older reader, but I acknowledge the fact that people aren’t that chaste and grow up: people have sex. That’s why I ended it like that; It was messed up.

Maybe it was in another interview or something but this is the only time that I have seen Winick talk about that and I don’t think he mentioned Jason loving Talia but he did say said that “These are two people who murder people, two people who are screwed up, screwed up emotionally”.

When I looked it up, I found that someone that is described as screwed up is a person that is “emotionally disturbed”. That description is one that I feel is valid for both Jason and Talia at the time, they both had a lot going on and were fighting some demons so maybe it’s not a nice thing to say but I can’t say that the statement isn’t true. Or at least that’s how I see it.

When I came across that interview for the first time, I wasn’t expecting Winick to apologise for writing that interaction but I did want an explanation so after he said, “A lot of people didn’t like that, which was correct. “You weren’t supposed to like that. That was supposed to be, ‘oh God, stop that, what are you doing?’ It really was” and “for Talia, her reasons, being that Bruce had wound up inadvertently killing her father and she was ragingly angry with him and went from love to pure hate and still loving him at the same time. And Jason, given the opportunity to have sex with just about the only woman who Bruce has had sex with or really cares about, ‘Yeah, I’ll go there.’”

I felt like that was enough, granted I didn’t like it and I still don’t like it but I don’t see it as Winick writing something disturbing with evil intentions, I just see it as him writing these two morally grey people doing some very morally grey stuff.

This is not me saying that this is how things have to be taken, I know and understand many people who absolutely don’t like this at all and that’s valid. I am not here to change your mind about that, personally when I read the why he wrote that I felt like that explanation was enough but that is just me.

“I feel like he was a one-hit-wonder because ever since UtRH his Jason story started to go downhill”

I think Winick was only meant to write Jason’s comeback to comics, around the time he was writing Outsiders and Green Arrow. And there was also the “Infinite Crisis” (Winick wasn’t involved with that one) event going on in the middle that explained some stuff like how Jason was resurrected which was explored in Batman Annual #25 in 2006 (like a year after the UtRH book had come out and it was also written by Winick). Then with the popularity of the UtRH book the animated movie was made (written by Judd Winick) and because that was coming out DC allowed Winick to write the six-issue mini of Red Hood: The Lost Days in 2010.

The UtRH story didn’t go downhill, DC simply couldn’t handle that level of mature storytelling at the time, just after that event ended DC was already planning on changing stuff and then the New 52 came years later.

Winick’s Jason even made an appearance in Outsiders #44-46, there Red Hood wanted to help the Outsiders break out a good man (Black Lightning) out of prison because he hadn’t killed anyone (it had actually been Slade). Jason/Red Hood’s characterization and story going downhill wasn't on Winick, it was on DC and their lack of interest in making their characters complex and dual.

“DC doesn’t know how to write a character that’s from a poor background and that’s a huge disservice to Jason”

Absolutely. But in my case, I do think that Winick did work with Jason’s background very well. To me, he set a path and no one could follow it but I might also be horribly wrong.

I also hope that Rosenberg does an amazing job! I absolutely love his work, as I have said before he is super funny and isn’t scared of writing characters who kill. I feel like he will bring back the sarcastic little shit that Jason once was but he will also bring back that sense of seriousness and dedication that Jason has for the work that he is doing. Rosenberg even showed us some of that in that prelude to Task Force Z in Detective Comics, I absolutely recommend them if you haven’t read them, issues #1041 and #1042 were the ones with that backup story.

I can see that we have very different opinions but that’s just a part of the comic world, we all perceive these comics differently and that’s valid! I am glad you enjoy reading my posts and I hope that even though we have those different opinions you were still able to enjoy my answer! If you think that I misunderstood anything that you say please let me know, sometimes my brain just doesn’t click.

Hope you have a fantastic week!

#jason todd #red hood #robin jason todd #utrh #red hood lost days #jasons characterization #dc comcis #asksss

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theoriginalcarnivorousmuffin · 4 years ago

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When I saw 'Romanians' mentioned in your last post I had a wtf moment cause I have only watched the movies and I don't think I've ever noticed their existence. Regardless, I just had to read the wiki page and it is hillarious to me cause coincidence or not they seem to be named after the psychopathic ruler 'Vlad the impaler' and his cousin 'Stefan the great'(he might have murdered more people than his cousin known as the impaler, but you know he is great). Also, what do you think of them? Sorry for the rant...

You have no idea what you’ve unleashed.

I love the Romanians because they are, hands down, the trashiest, weirdest, lamest, loser vampires in Twilight canon.

Just, these two are so hilariously beautiful.

First off, while Meyer undoubtedly named them with Vlad Tepish and Stefan the Great in mind, the Romanians are actually much older. We don’t have exact dates, but we know the Romanians (then presumably the Dacians), held great power over their territory for a thousand years before the Volturi had truly established themselves. After the Volturi took on and won against Amun’s coven in Egypt (and took the grateful Demetri off Amun’s hands making Amun still bitter thousands of years later) they waged war against the Romanians and won. (Vlad and Stefan are still very bitter but give us the silver lining of “oh yeah, well, we’re only partly petrified. SO TAKE THAT STUPID VOLTURI!”)

Vlad, Stefan, and Vlad’s wife were the only survivors. The Romanians, being one of the most evil and trashy covens in Twilight, decided to take on Volterra by amassing an army of 100 vampires. Hilariously, they had poor timing, this is a decade after Aro acquired Jane and Alec. The entire army is defeated in a second, Vlad’s wife is murdered, and by 810 AD, it’s just Vlad and Stefan.

They’ve remained losers the Volturi don’t take seriously ever since. Every decade, Demetri pays them a visit to remind them that yes, the Volturi does remember them and can find them any time they want to. Even more hilariously, Vlad and Stefan take this very seriously, and are constantly on the run from the Volturi, never aware that the Volturi actually don’t care. At all.

Point being, given these guys, first it’s entirely likely their original names are not Vlad and Stefan. We see many of the vampires of the ancient world periodically change their name. We have Chelsea and Demetri, who are canonically acknowledged as having done this. Given when and where they were born, we can assume Marcus and Caius were not originally Marcus and Caius. Similarly, we can assume Aro’s name was originally far longer as well.

None the less, it would be just like these two to name themselves after these Romanian human warlords, one of whom serves and the inspiration for the modern vampire myth in Europe. And then, insist, of course, that the human rulers were actually named after Vlad and Stefan, because the humans still worship them, you know.

They’re going to be back on top any day now, you’ll see.

That’s another thing worth getting into. The Romanians are evil. I’m not exaggerating this, of all the vampires in Twilight, they are the most appalling (and this is including James, Maria and the southern war lords, Joham... well not Joham, he’s a special brand of evil). These guys had a thousand year reign of terror in Dacia. Humans were butchered seemingly by entire villages, they made humans their slaves and demanded worship and sacrifice. When the humans periodically tried to overthrow them, they slaughtered them all, presumably placed their heads on spikes, and used them to taunt those few surviving humans.

When they lost power, they made an army a hundred vampires strong, which given what we see of the newborns in Seattle (who were only around twenty and still far too large to control), probably wiped out several large settlements in eastern Europe. Didn’t matter, just as long as they got rid of the Volturi.

And they miss those glory days dearly.

They actively reminisce about in Breaking Dawn to an oblivious Bella, who is just so happy these very important and impressive Europeans are here to help her beautiful daughter and so impressed they they’ve been fighting the corrupt Volturi for thousands of years (which is another bit of hilarity we’ll get into). You know, when/if the Volturi fall, the Romanians will be the first in line to rape the women and enslave us all. Good times, good times.

But back to them being trash people.

Vlad and Stefan are utterly destitute, their entire coven is destroyed, and yet they still insist they’re a Big Fucking Deal. Not only that, but just their every action is beyond weird. They talk in unison like Fred and George Weasley, they’re these ridiculously tiny men dressed as stereotypical vampires, and they show up out of nowhere on your doorstep saying, “So, hear you’re starting an insurrection against Volterra, Carlisle, we want in” (While Carlisle, I’m sure, just dies a thousand times inside).

They then talk to Bella all about how they fight the corruption of the Volturi. What is the corruption, you ask? Well, the Volturi drove them out of their kingdom and liberated the human slaves. Then they imposed this stupid law where you couldn’t eat humans in broad daylight. Then when the Romanians tried to invade Italy they killed them all.

The Romanians will expose the Volturi’s crimes here and now. They stand for justice, peace, and Renezel--Renpunz--Renesmee. (The Romanians decidedly do not come for Renesmee, they hear about Carlisle’s army through the vampire European rumor mill, which just shows how out of hand it all got because now Carlisle’s amassing an army to protect the immortal child his son made. They show 0 interest in Renesmee.)

They give me serious McPoyle vibes.

More, beautifully, everything they touch becomes tainted.

Laurent, another beautiful loser character, starts life as a French courtier in Versailles. When he’s turned into a vampire, he assumes the vampire world works like Versailles. It works nothing like Versailles.

He seeks out those vampires with the greatest power.

Well, vampires in general are cannibalistic homeless nomads who care nothing for power.

This brings him, beautifully, to the Romanians. They insist to Laurent they’re super cool and powerful, Laurent believes them, but either Laurent eventually clues in or realizes something’s not right here. So, he goes to seek out the real power, the Volturi.

Unfortunately, Laurent is a loser, the Volturi is not court, and Aro has no need for some lackey trying to get in his good graces. Plus, Laurent hung out willingly with Vlad and Stefan. And anyone who does that...

So, Aro goes, “Ew, no, leave.”

Laurent is convinced, even when canon rolls around and he’s sunk so low as to hang out with James and Victoria (also loser vampires), that Aro will call him back any day now.

Aro never does. Laurent is eaten by untrained sixteen-year-old shape shifters.

But yes, point being, I imagine that in this modern era the Romanians would have a Go Fund Me for purchasing the blow torches they’ll use to destroy the Volturi once and for all. They also have a YouTube channel which is unintentionally dungeon porn, in which they cover their heads in bags so as not to be recognized, and talk about the good old days in thick Romanian accents. It’s a very popular YouTube channel, nobody understands why they wear so much body glitter.

Oh, right, Bella.

Bella is so beautiful with these guys. So, in Breaking Dawn, Bella actually takes the Romanians seriously. They’re all I describe above and more, they’re not hiding it, they’re full McPoyle (including the taking over the world built). Jake even tells Bella he finds them weird as hell. Bella thinks they’re great.

No, really, she thinks they’re great.

They tell her how they enslaved all the people in their territory, demanded tithes, and would eagerly do so again as soon as they get the chance and she stares at them with wide eyes and thinks about how cool all these vampires who came for precious Renesmee are. (Which, funnily, they actually all came either for Carlisle, because he has a billion friends everywhere, or else as a power grab like the Romanians, or both in Amun’s case. It’s the weirdest, most beautiful, mixture of people.)

Bella has her moments, but loving the Romanians has got to be a top ten for her. My explanation is that she’s so high on vampirism and Renesmee that this is all just great for her. LIFE IS WONDERFUL!

EDIT: I could no longer abide my spelling mistakes, I also edited a bit for cleanliness.

#ask #anon #twilight

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philliamwrites · 4 years ago

Text

The Dawn Will Come [Chpt.6]

Fandom: Fire Emblem Three Houses

Pairing: Dimitri x Reader, Claude x Reader, Edelgard x Reader, Yuri x Reader, Edelgard x Byleth, lots of minor pairings

Tags: #gn reader, # platonic love byleth & reader, #reader is a tactical unit, #angst, #slow burn, #subplots, #unreliable narrator, #pining, #remporary amnesia, #reluctant herp, #canon divergence, #lost twin au, #many chapters, #original content

Words: 5.1k

Summary: Waking up in a forest without any knowledge of your past and who you are, you join the house leaders of the Officers Academy to search for a way to return your memories. Unfortunately, the church has different plans for you, and Fate places you in the centre of a cruel game with deadly stakes. It certainly doesn’t help to fall in love with a house leader who is doomed to be your demise.

Notes: Chapter 5 | Chapter 7

Chapter 06: From The Beyond

Ah! It is well for the unfortunate to be resigned, but for the guilty there is no peace.

[Mary B. Shelley, Frankenstein]

Thinking back on it later, the events during Garland Moon were probably what set the hare running toward its demise. Not that any of you could have known that. Not the students who joyfully spend their days in cherished halls where daylight passes through coloured glass; not Byleth with her gift to correct past mistakes with a flick of her wrist and change the course of time; not you with your foresight to see what dangers await in the future and prepare a different path for those you care for to walk safely.

Thinking back on it later, everything that followed surely ascribed to and served Fate, and not even Sylvain could charm her with his silver tongue and golden wit, for Fate’s lover is Time and she does not look kindly upon those who enslave him.

Maybe that is why things turned out the way they did for Byleth and you.

But that future is still far away and every single one of you still believes the goddess has Fate tightly leashed to her side, her benevolence endless and spreading to every corner in Fódlan.

That is why you don’t think too much about it when one day, Seteth disturbs your seminar, a deep frown settled in his features as you explain how to turn an ambush to your advantage to the students.

“Apologies for the disturbance, Herald. Lady Rhea asks to see Ashe.”

The boy gives a pitiful squeal but is up on his feet nonetheless. “Me? Why?”

“You will see. Please come.” Seteth holds the classroom’s door open.

You nod, a little worried about the frightened glance Ashe sends your way like he hopes you can actually say no and decline Rhea’s command. An encouraging smile is everything you can give him on his way before the door shuts behind him. Its sound wakes everyone else from their slumber and it takes a few minutes to reclaim order and their attention. It certainly does help that the Blue Lion House isn’t as chaotic as a certain other, not to name any names.

Said house proves again to be more difficult to teach. Or tame. You didn’t have the courage to ask why they thought it was a good idea to see whose shoe would leave the darkest stain on Claude’s bedroom’s ceiling. Even days after their mischief students kept talking about how they have never seen Seteth this furious.

“Herald, please,” Hilda cries, tragically draped over the back of her chair, a maiden in bittersweet agony over her loss of free time. “It was all Claude’s fault.”

“Liars never prosper,” Claude calls from the far back of the room. He’s hunched over his papers, working vigorously on Seteth’s punishment. He ordered them to write hundred times I shall not throw footwear against any ceiling in the monastery. They’ve been at it for about twenty minutes and Claude’s quill hasn’t stopped its furious scratching against parchment at all.

“I won’t mess with Seteth,” you tell them and lean dangerously far back on your chair to place your feet on the teacher’s desk. “And you deserve it. Or do they not teach you proper manners in your noble homes?”

“Well, it’s not like anyone taught us not to do it,” Hilda chirps. You throw a glare her way and she quickly dugs her head and continues writing. Quills scratch on paper for about seven seconds before Hilda stops again.

“Herald,” she says. “What do you think about Lady Catherine’s Thunderbrand?”

You look up from your book titled Noticeable War Generals. Smile gone from her face, Hilda looks up at you with sharp curiosity. It’s eerily silent now, and a quick glance towards Claude shows he is listening as well.

Catherine’s Thunderbrand. Its sight is still burned into the back of your closed eyes: Golden ivory forged into a grotesque sword, a blood red Crest Stone in its middle that seemed to pulsate—as if it breathed. As if it was a living thing with a heart. You had simply stared at it in awe and thought What a mesmerising weapon.

“It’s … fascinating,” you manage. “A Hero’s Relic. There are more than just Thunderbrand, right?”

“Ten exist,” Claude calls from the back. “Bestowed by the goddess upon ten heroes, they are passed down to their descendants. House Riegan and House Goneril have one in their possession as well.”

“Then why don’t you use it?” You certainly wouldn’t miss a chance to own and wield a mighty weapon like that.

“Wield that?”Hilda shudders in disgust. “No thank you. It looks so weird, pulsating and moving like an insect.”

“And we’re way too inexperienced to use it in a real battle.” Claude puts his quill between his nose and upper lip and tries to hold it there. “They’re locked away anyway and hidden from those who might misuse their power.”

Claude has a point. Nonetheless, you’d gladly take a look at them. Maybe even hold one … Did the Herald own one as well? A special weapon only forged for the Herald. A slight shudder runs down your spine at the thought of using it in battle.

Ten minutes later, Claude jumps to his feet. He hurries towards you, slams his parchments on the table and leaves just as fast. “Bye Herald!”

“No way!” Hilda pales. “How is he so fast?”

You wonder as well and take a look at his papers. Instead of writing what Seteth has told them, Claude simply left poor drawings of their crime and promised with one sentence he wouldn’t do it again.

And we of House Riegan never break our promises, reads the last line.

You groan. Now it’s your turn to think about a good explanation to Seteth’s questions why you haven’t paid more attention.

Month three passed within the blink of an eye. Garland Moon brought the sweet smell of white roses to Garreg Mach, a tradition much anticipated by the students. Everywhere you went, garlands and gifts made of white roses were given to each other as a sign of friendship or budding love. Some found their way to your desk, though your admirers preferred to stay anonymous whereas Byleth was busy to stow them somewhere—not a day passed without her receiving something or a group of giggling students following her around.

“I really don’t know what to do with all those flowers,” she told you one day during a tea session, a deep frown on her face. “They wilt. Then I throw them away. It’s a waste.”

“Your students love it,” you replied but were glad not to be in her place.

Another good deed Garland Moon brought with it is longer days and shorter nights. Students lounged outside in their summer uniforms after class, enjoying those last warm days before raining season arrived with fierce gusts and heavy pouring, forcing them back inside where they spent their free time inside the library or the dining hall, playing little games to kill time.

For a change of pace, Byleth and Jeralt decided they’d hold a grilled fish dinner on every last day of each week and most of the invited either didn’t have the heart or the courage to tell them once every week was once every week too much.

Everything happened too fast after that. Rhea informed the teacher’s faculty and her Knights of Lord Lonato Gaspard’s planned rebellion against the church. With that, the mystery of why Seteth had demanded to speak with Ashe was solved; it also explained why he spent so much time inside the chapel, praying and wondering himself about his adoptive father’s reasoning.

“There is no question about it,” Rhea says in her cool, demanding voice once every teacher and Knight of Seiros gathered inside the War Room to discuss the matter. “We will send a troop to meet them halfway in Kingdom Territory. They will pay for mocking our goddess.”

“Allow me to lead the Knights, Lady Rhea,” Catherine says. Even now, you can’t take your eyes off Thunderbrand strapped on her back. “I know Gaspard and what he’s capable of.”

“We did not forget what you’ve done back when—” Seteth starts. Catherine silences him with one look, leaving no doubt she doesn’t wish to speak of it.

“And that is exactly why I have to go.”

Rhea nodded. “So be it. I know I leave this mission in your capable hands.”

“But why is he leading this rebellion?” you wonder. “I thought the Kingdom is strongly devoted to Seiros’ teachings.”

“Every flock has its black sheep,” Rhea says, sounding sad. “We will get our answers once we defeat and capture them.”

“What about the surrounding villages and those who support Gaspard’s rebellion but don’t fight?” Byleth asked. Until now, you haven’t really thought of those not directly involved in it, but she does make a good point.

Rhea squared her shoulders. “What about them?”

“They’re not directly involved but might try to get in our way.” Byleth glanced at the strategic map laid out before her. There is a way through the forest for your units to approach Lonato’s stronghold. Surrounding villages are marked with a red pin. They surround the forest in a loose circle, making an intrusion possible, though sending Knights of Seiros out to watch them and stop them could be quite easy—

“Everyone who supports this foolish rebellion should receive the rightful punishment,” Rhea says, her voice so cold it freezes your thoughts of how to make the villagers stay out of this. Your head snaps up as you stare at her. Byleth raises an eyebrow but remains silent just like everyone else. Something about that makes you shudder.

“But they’re civilians, right? If we can avoid having them interfere—”

“By joining Lonato Gaspard’s rebellion they pledge guilty to his cause.” Rhea looks up at you, scorn flashing briefly in her eyes. “I will not have them simply go if it opens the possibility for revenge one day.”

If you squinted really hard, there was reason behind her words. Still, your stomach turned at the thought of endangering civilians even though it could be prevented. Without any protests, that was the plan for the operation.

You sat this one out. There was much to prepare for the upcoming Rite of Rebirth, a ceremony when the Church of Seiros and its believers unite to pray for the return of the goddess. Even though you wouldn’t call yourself a believer—many find it strange that you remember the way of war but not the way of the Church as if you lived somewhere without Seiros’ teachings—your presence was of outmost importance as well. Though after you heard how the mission went, you really wished you had joined the Blue Lions fighting against Gaspard instead of sitting around and deciding which ceremonial robes fit better.

Loud voices drift through the closed door of a classroom, voices you immediately recognise belonging to Dimitri and Byleth.

“Are you insane?” You flinch back even though a heavy wooden door separates you from what is undoubtedly Dimitri’s wrath. “Those were civilians.”

A reply is lost, too quiet for you to hear, but whatever Byleth said, it wasn’t the right thing. A second later, Dimitri storms through the doors. The distress in his features stops you from asking what is wrong, a flash of betrayal lurking in his eyes seals your mouth shut. You look after him until he disappears around the corner, only slowly turning towards Byleth. She is propping herself up on the table, learning on her strong arms and staring at the opposite wall, her mouth a grim line—solid rock that stands against the raging waves summoned by Dimitri, her grip on the edge of the table hard enough to turn her knuckles white.

“Everything okay?” An unnecessary question answered by a simple shake of her head. You lean your hips against the table. “Do you want to talk about it?”

Byleth is silent. Only slowly, like a tight knot finally coming lose, the tension in her shoulders dissipates and she takes a long, deep breath.

“Dimitri told me about their mission. How they dealt with Lord Lonato’s revolt.” She finally steps away from the table and kneads the muscles in her shoulders. You imagine they’re hard like a rock. “They faced simple peasants who defended their Lord. Peasants who didn’t even know how to wield a sword without cutting their own thumbs off.”

“And Rhea made quite clear how to deal with them,” you finish, summoning unwanted imaginations about a gruesome butchery in your mind. Byleth nods.

“Dimitri asked for my advice,” she continues, her gaze drifting towards the door as if said young man might return like a bad haunting if his name is simply muttered. “If there was anything they could have done different. I told him there wasn’t.” She tears her eyes away from the door and fixes them on you. “I told him that is the way of war.”

She is right, a part of you insists. Such facts cannot be changed and claiming anything different is foolish, naive. Yet, something stirs, a tiny tiny voice, a feeling, that challenges that thought. A feeling you didn’t expect to be part of you.

“I don’t know about the details,” you say, shuffling from left to right, “but maybe it was avoidable. Lord Lonato must have known how his subjects felt about it. He didn’t need to involve them.”

“I think they joined on their own. The students gave them a chance to lay down their weapons.”

“Still—”

“Still they decided to follow their foolish Lord,” a voice from the door joins, cold and imperious, chilling you to the bone. Rhea enters the War Room, her expression void of any warmth or kindness. “There is no place for doubt. We must punish any sinner who may inflict harm upon believers, even if those sinners are civilians.”

“And you think to have the students punish them is right?” Byleth asks, earning a sharp glare from Rhea. She quickly, but somewhat begrudgingly adds, “Your Grace.”

“I have heard that some students struggled with completing the task,” Rhea acknowledges, doing her best to show how unaffected she is by Byleth’s criticism. “I pray they learnt a valuable lesson about the fate that awaits all who are foolish enough to point their blades towards the heavens.”

An icy shudder crawls up your spine, cold fingers tighten around your throat to keep you silent—a leash forged of obedience and intimidation, the mistress standing before you. It would be wise to keep your mouth shut, not draw unnecessary attention; keep your head low and nothing can slice it from your shoulders. But the words, burning hot on your tongue, demand freedom.

“Fearing the Church isn’t the same as respecting it.”

Something sharp flashes in Rhea’s eyes. “If fear is the only way to control them, then so be it. They are traitors to the holy teachings.”

“They are people. People with families.”

“People who would be wise to remember it was the progenitor god who gave them these lands and their life,” Rhea answers, growing impatient. She notices something in the way you look at her, for she takes a moment to collect herself by taking a deep breath. “I do not enjoy seeing those who wronged our holy teachings punished, Herald,” she continues, now much calmer. “But punish them we must before they hurt those who are dear to us.” Upon her last words, her eyes dart to Byleth, looking at her with so much fondness and care, a sting of jealousy in your chest forces you to avert your gaze to the ground. It isn’t the first time you notice Rhea’s palpable interest in Byleth’s wellbeing though no answer comes to mind why it is like that. If Byleth noticed the same, she doesn’t show it.

After that, the incident is quickly forgotten, making room for the new incident occupying everyone’s mind: an assassination plot on Rhea on the day of the Rite of Rebirth found in Lonato’s possession. You aren’t the only one wondering why he’d carry something like that around where it’s easy to find. Multiple theories go around, one more farfetched than the other. One particular makes sense, its source none other than sharp witted Claude who thinks this plot is a simple distraction for something much bigger.

“If security is focused on the Rite of Rebirth inside the Goddess’ Tower, pretty much anyone can simply stroll around the monastery and do who knows what,” he told you on the day Byleth and her class set out to discover what important places might become a target. Garreg Mach hides many secrets and treasures. Some of them even you are not allowed to see like relics passed down from archbishop to archbishop, guarded by the elite of the Knights of Seiros, tall and bulky men and women with grim mouths and determined eyes rooting them in place day and night in front of locked doors only Rhea knows what they hide.

With every passing day, tension hangs in the air like a thick blanket waiting to smother you all. But it isn’t simply the anticipation for whatever the Western Church has planned. It is also the holy ceremony of the Rite of Rebirth, one you’ve practised under the stern eyes of Seteth who doesn’t settle for anything less than perfect. Every word, every step is engraved in your mind.

On the day of the Rite of Rebirth the sun relentlessly blazes down at the monastery. Your ceremonial robes are heavy and woven from thick jacquard fabric lined with fine golden patterns that depict the Herald’s Crest on the back. You’ve barely finished preparing everything inside the round chamber inside the Goddess’ Tower but perspiration glues your hair to your forehead.

A whole feast is prepared; food offerings and gifts from the townsfolk and priests served on golden and silver plates on long tables covered with white table clothes. In the middle Seteth prepared a small platform for Rhea to stand and speak in honour of the goddess that she may return to Fódlan and show its people her infinite grace. In short, you’d do anything to join the students who are securing the locations lacking in defence right now instead of standing around and waving at pilgrims. The only joy lies in Flayn’s bright presence and her never ending optimism. She’s a sweet girl and has been looking forward to the ceremony since the beginning of Blue Sea Moon. Looking upon her, it is hard not to catch her excitement and joy when the ceremony finally begins.

Because of certain circumstances you couldn’t quite follow, the holy relic used for the ceremony, the Chalice of Beginnings, has been missing for a long time. Because of that, a mock chalice was prepared by the cardinals, a handful of high authority men and women who make it no secret they can’t quite decide if they like or dislike you and your position.

“You must excuse them,” one of the cardinals says after a group of them simply shook their heads at you happily scooping tons of food on a plate. His dark hair falls to his shoulders and unlike the other cardinals, his brown eyes are filled with kindness. “They simply think in old patterns and value their old traditions. You are quite young, Herald. They don’t know how to handle that.”

“But you do?” you wonder and notice too late how unfriendly that sounds. But he simply laughs.

“I do frequent with young folk, yes,” he says. “They are my flock and I will do anything to protect them.”

“That again, Aelfric?” Catherine joins you and slaps his shoulder just when he was about to drink from his cup. You pretend the pastries on your plate are far more interesting than watching him choke on wine. “You’re way too good for them, you know?”

“Who is ‘them?’” you ask but Catherine just sways her hand as if he wants to get rid of a nasty fly.

“Unimportant. You did a good job carrying the chalice to the podium.”

“I did almost trip over these.” You pluck at the heavy robes, already looking forward to getting out of them.

Catherine laughs but it is short lived. Out of nowhere, a knight hurriedly approaches and leans over to her, muttering, “They are after the tomb of Saint Seiros.”

Glass shatters as her grip tightens around the fragile stem but without so much as noticing it she storms towards Rhea, fury blazing in her eyes. Something happened. Something far more exciting than playing a believer in front of everyone, so you follow her to listen in more.

“Those dastards from the Western Church infiltrated the Holy Mausoleum,” she says. Rhea pales. “I will take some knights and go there at once.”

“Go and be swift, Catherine.” Rhea’s words are barely a puff of breath, those news shaking her but she remains stoic in front of everyone to prevent panic. Her voice drops dangerously low. “Punish those heathens.”

Catherine’s head dips in a slight bow. “I will, Your Grace.”

“I want to help too.”

Both turn around at your voice. Catherine narrows her eyes to sharp slits, but it is Rhea who says, “No. I need you here for the ceremony, Herald.”

“Please, let me,” you beg. Something inside you demands to follow, demands to see what is inside the Holy Mausoleum that causes so much bloodshed. “I can’t explain, but I need to be there.”

Rhea presses her lips into a thin line. Before she reopens her mouth to decline your wish, you whirl around and leave the ceremony room, Catherine in hot pursuit. You manage halfway down the hallway before she reaches you and grabs your arm hard.

“Even though you are the Herald, I won’t allow you to show this disrespect towards Her Grace,” she snarls. “If she tells you to stay, you listen.”

“I don’t expect you to understand,” you say, trying to free your arm from her bone breaking grip. “But something calls me to this place and I need to follow it.”

Catherine isn’t pleased but she knows better than do you any real harm. With a crude nod, she allows you to follow. Several knights wait for you and together you make your way through the warm evening air towards the Holy Mausoleum that lies behind the chapel.

You enter right before chaos erupts. At the end of the hall, its ceiling so high up it’s barely visible in the dark, Byleth stands tall and rises a sword that flashes in a bright red light. A throb goes through your body and brings you to your knees. It feels like an arrow drove into your chest, the stinging pain unlike anything you’ve felt before—no, it’s a pain you haven’t felt since the Crest appeared on your eye for the first time. And then that thrumming energy within you exploded, a sharp crimson that drenched every corner of your right vision, rushing through your veins.

“Kill them!” an enemy mage commands, fury fuelling him to a last desperate attack. With his remaining companions, they summon a giant fire spell you’ve only read about in books, a combination of spells into a group flame that covers a large area—the pre-stage to a much more fatal blaze that can scorch the land. Blaze or no, the effect watching the giant fire ball curling and sparking until it grows large enough to wipe out anything in its way is the same. Fear paralyses your body. Move, your mind screams, but you can’t. Your muscles have locked up; a high whine of terror fills your head and fizzes in your blood like poison, yet you do not understand where this fear of fire comes from.

“Take cover!” Catherine roars but it is too late. The blast hits the ground right before you, dispersing your small group of reinforcements like wind scattering leaves in all directions. A loud crack beneath you makes your heart skip a beat, a rumble shakes the hall and before you can fully comprehend what is happening, the ground gives way.

The last thing you hear is Byleth shouting, not Herald, but your name before you plunge into darkness.

Wake up.

You have to wake up.

This darkness is terrifying, so utterly black and choking, curling around you like a tight fist. Like someone is holding you in their dirty, tainted clutches, smelling of death and horror. Wake up, you tell yourself, more urgent now, your mind struggling to escape from claws digging into your consciousness, their goal unknown but you don’t want to stay here to find out what they are after. What they want to take from you.

Wake up, this time another voice, the voice, echoing like a sweet bell’s chime, the flicker of light in a darkness so black it hums. You have to wake up.

Your eyes snap open, the sudden white ceiling hurting like a sudden flash of light. Once you’re used to the brightness, you realise this isn’t a room, this is … this is your consciousness—no walls, no windows. It’s just a space, and yet you can clearly determine borders. Somewhere is an exit you’re free to use, nothing holds you captive. It’s your safe place. Your haven. Which doesn’t explain how you’ve gotten here.

All you know is it feels safe. It feels like a warm embrace, the feeling of hope, watching a budding flower embraced by soft, fragile hands—asteritrope, your mind provides out of nowhere, the flower always turning its head towards the Blue Star.

It is like breaking a spell. First, everything is simply white, empty, a second later, you stand in a vast field of asteritropes, an ocean of purple, gently swaying flowers at your feet. Everything smells of sweet innocence, of honey dipped fingers and bittersweet regret. It is a familiar scent, one your body remembers and reacts to with a shudder so strong it rattles deep in your bones; a chill so cold it freezes you on the spot, the slightest movement threatening to shatter you entirely.

What is this grief, this sadness? Is it your own or have you fallen into a sea of tears wept by someone else? Your chest is heavy with a burden, a pulling towards the unknown that is yet so familiar. It is homesickness towards a place you have never been but long to visit.

The flowers shaped like little stars stretch beyond what you think are the edges of this place. If this is a dream, you don’t want to wake up anytime soon, relishing in this peace and quiet.

A peace and quiet that lasts only a moment until you notice it. Not it, him. In the middle of the field, a boy sits, bent over something that demands his complete attention. Dark curls fall against pale skin, his brows pulled tightly together as his fingers work something in his lap. He is wearing a simple white robe, though it is unlike any of the religious wear you've seen on the priests and nuns; it seem ... too old for that. Only after you approach, you see he is folding purple flowers and green steams into a crown.

“Hello?” you say, only now entertaining the idea you might have died and this is the afterlife, the first point before returning to the goddess’ side. It is a strangely tranquil thought. “Can you hear me?”

The boy’s head snaps up, his eyes wide as he momentarily forgets his work, and you take a step back, struck by how bright his steel grey eyes are. They roam over you, up and down, back up again, as he slowly raises to his feet.

“You’re here,” he says, awestruck. “You’re finally here. It is so nice to meet you after all this time.”

His voice is like a punch to your gut. You recognise it immediately, the voice who pulled you back from the darkness.

“You—” Nothing makes sense. “Who are you? What are you?”

“There is nothing to fear,” he says, offering you his hand. The tips of his fingers are purple from handling delicate petals. The crown lies at his bare feet, forgotten. He looks strangely vulnerable.

You take another step back, worry a steady, hard pulse against your neck. The air catches in your lungs. You feel like the ground is opening beneath your feet. “Are you … the goddess? A god?”

The boy blinks, then throws his head back and bursts out laughing, the sound like sweet bells chiming in the wind. “You people love to call everything you do not understand god.”

“Then what are you?” It comes out as a breath, and for a brief second you think it’s fear that seizes your body, but no. You should be afraid and yet instead of frenzy panic there is a calm spreading inside you as if you belong here. You can’t say if it’s the boy’s presence or the familiar scent of wildflowers.

The boy leans his head to the side, his smile as vibrant as early sunlight casting away leftover shadows from a dark night. “Hmmm … the End, perhaps? Or why not just … a friend?”

“The end? My end?”

“No, the end is never simply the end,” he says, shaking his head.

“Is that supposed to reassure me?”

“It may be a rebirth,” he continues. “Or the passing into a new era. Into a new dawn.”

“A new dawn,” you mumble. The realisation makes your knees weak. “Don’t tell me—” You suck in a sharp breath, unable to belief where your thoughts are hurling towards in lightning speed. You kneel onto the soft flowerbed, careful not to crush any flowers. “Why are we here … do you know me by chance?”

“I … cannot say for sure,” he starts slowly, uncertainty turning his features even younger. “I have been watching you since you awoke four moons ago. On that day, I as well awoke from a deep slumber. But I do not know why it is you that I am bound to.”

“Bound to?” Your head spins. “What do you mean?”

“You must have felt it by now, have you not? I am here because of this,” he says, and lifts his hand to point at your right eye. You flinch back as if he smacked you right across your face.

“So you are him,” you whisper, a shudder ripping through your body. “You’re the first Herald. You are Seiros’ Champion.”

The boy smiles.

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zechleton · 3 years ago

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Ranting and Raving About Magic in 2022

I haven’t written about Magic in ages, so what better way could there be to get back into the habit that a stream of consciousness spiel about the 2022 announcement?

Strap in, folks, because this is going to be long and poorly edited.

Actually, it’s not that long, about 1500 words. It might feel longer, though.

Neo-Tokyo or something idk

As one of the five people on r/magictcg that didn’t want to return to Kamigawa in standard set, I have to admit this one looks surprisingly awesome. The couple of pieces of art Wizard shared looked fantastic, as usual, and I’m a sucker for that blue/pink colour scheme. I’m not a huge fan of time travel as a story telling device but since the Magic story has always served the card game, using tropes I don’t enjoy is far from a deal-breaker. Yeah – I’m cautiously optimistic about this one.

Someone Made Elspeth an Offer she Couldn’t Refuse

Obviously, we know much less about this set. Still, it sounds right up my alley. I’m curious how Wizards is going to make Magic meets The Godfather work, but the good kind of curious. On top of that, I’d really like to have some more shard-based commanders on Arena for Brawl, and I assume we’re the “three-colour demon crime families” isn’t referring to clans (triome?) again after leaving Ikoria behind. Also, come on, how can you not love the sound of demon crime families?

Glory, Glory, Dom United!

There is a part of me that gets nervous about nebulous concepts like design space whenever we go back to an old plane again. All these crossovers (more on those later) take on a different appearance when viewed through an “are they running out of ideas” lens. Still, Dominaria was fantastic, by far the best “return to” set – though I’m hoping Innistrad claims that throne in a few weeks. With that in mind, I’m expecting Wizards to knock it out of the park with DU, just like they did with Dominaria.

The Nostalgia Wars

I might scoff somewhat at Magic’s storyline sometimes, but I’ve read the stuff that people think is good. I own both collections of the Artifacts Cycle. They all pale in comparison to good fantasy, but they’re not bad, and they hold a special place in my heart from when I was more invested in stuff like lore and story. The point of that ramble? 2022, more than ever, is Wizards’ mining the seemingly neverending mineral that is nerd nostalgia. It further adds to my “are they running out of ideas” worry, but I can’t say the nostalgia hit/psychological manipulation isn’t working on me. Hell, Return to Return to Innistrad has me more excited than any set for a couple of years now so I guess I’m part of the problem.

Uncaring

The phrase “not for you” is thrown around distrubingly often in Magic circles nowadays. Unfinity, however, is decidedly not for me. And that’s fine.

Dungeons And Dragons Battle for Baldur’s Gate Commander Legends I Think That’s The Whole Title But Maybe I Missed a bit I’m not Sure

Yikes, what a mouthful. I hate the title, both its length and unwieldiness. I don’t really have much interest in the set either. Commander Legends was a neat idea with a lot of flaws. Adding crossover flavour from another IP I have little-to-no interest in isn’t helping matters, though I appreciate that Adventures in the Forgotten Realms was super popular. For me, AFR was pretty much just a core set without any of the usual references to sets I do know and care about. Another “not for me” release.

Double Trouble

Hmm. I’m torn here. As a primarily limited-focused player, Masters sets have been some of my favourites ever. Original Modern Masters is still one of my in my top five sets of all time, and I have fond memories of almost all of the others, too.

Original Double Masters, though, was a victim of apathy brought on by the never-ending deluge of Magic product being released nowadays. I have never even seen a booster of this product, much less opened one. Without looking it up, I can’t even tell you if it was hurt by the pandemic or not, because there’s just way too much fucking stuff nowadays. I don’t know what else to say.

Oh, hang on. Was this the set with a $100 VIP Booster? Hahaha, fuck off.

Jump Around

The original Jumpstart was surprisingly enjoyable on Arena. I never wanted to play it more than a few times, and sometimes you got packs that relied entirely on your opponent getting mana screwed, but those few times I played it were pretty fun. I think putting stuff like obvious eternal format staples like Alosaurus Shepherd in a set like this is some extremely anti-consumer bullshit, but as a play experience it was an interesting mesh of draft and sealed. Not as much fun as either of those, but close enough that the novelty carried it into the “pretty fun, actually” camp. I expect more of the same – I’ll probably do a few runs if I have gems or gold spare.

Universes Beyond: Warhammer 40K Commander et al

Really, this is the bit about all the crossover stuff.

Another vomit inducing title and one that has left me with some introspection to do. Like many people, I find a lot of this crossover stuff distasteful, but I can’t really say why. The fact that the Street Fighter one – an IP I have some amount of investment in – seems less egregious than Warhammer of D&D makes me think that I don’t necessarily object to crossovers on principal. Does my dislike come from the fact that, so far, all of the other crossovers don’t involve properties I care about? Maybe. Even the mechanically unique line of text that pissed off so many people when the Walking Dead set came out doesn’t bother me that much, because Commander is a format I can take or leave.

The Fortnite one rubs me a different wrong way, though. Partly, it’s the sheer fucking inevitability of it all. Of course a popular part of the nerd sphere will have a crossover with Fortnite because that’s just the world in which we live. Partly it makes me feel old, uncool, and excluded, like all the other crossovers I don’t care about, sure. But there’s something more visceral about Fortnite. It’s fucking everywhere and I resent feeling like I have to have an opinion about it. Still, I don’t really have strong opinions about most of the other crossovers, so why this one? I really don’t know. Maybe this is one “this isn’t for you” too many from a game that has been part of my life for over 20 years.

I haven’t bought a single Secret Lair, but I’m generally willing to accept that they’re a bonus product that isn’t needed by anyone but is wanted by some. Hell, if they put out Secret Lair: Snapcaster Mage with good art (at last), I could probably te tempted into picking one up. It would be against my better judgement, though. Something about all these “not necessary but also don’t miss out, aren’t they cool, spend more money please” products rubs me the wrong way. Playing Magic and hating capitalism are difficult interests to reconcile. That’s it. That’s the tagline for this article.

Oh, right, it’s just a blog. Never mind.

Oh, God. The Fornite Secret Lair is going to be the Snapcaster Mage one, isn’t it?

Then there’s Lord of The Rings. My pal Kristen will be thrilled about this, was my first thought. I’m less enthusiastic (shocker, right?), but at least LOTR makes sense as a thing to crossover with. I mean, apart from the obvious business sense. It doesn’t have any guns and it isn’t an obnoxiously ubiquitous battle royale FPS, so that already puts it ahead of two of the other three crossovers. Indeed, without LOTR, you can make a reasonable case that MTG would never exist in the first place. Personally, I view LOTR in the same way I view The Beatles – they were important, and worthy of respect, but have been surpassed in every way since.

And the movies are better than the books. There I said it.

Regardless, this one is fine, actually. I still don’t particularly care for crossovers in general, especially as the setting for a standard set, but at least it makes sense this time.

Shut up Already

Alright, I hear you. I know a lot of that was negative towards the end, but I want to reiterate that a lot of the stuff happening in standard sets next year is really exciting, if a little unoriginal. The crossover/sellout stuff and the interminable deluge of FOMO-driven products is worrying and disappointing, but I guess we just have to try and ignore the ever-increasing number of “not for you” products and focus on the stuff we do like. Seriously, Neon Destiny looks amazing, and I don’t even like anime.

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willowbleedsonpaper · 4 years ago

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Ghost Of You (Part 3)

Draco Malfoy x Muggle!Reader

W.C. : 2600

Summary: The war with Voldemort was over. Draco Malfoy was forced to flee for his life ending up in Muggle London where he met you, the muggle whose house he broke in looking for a place to hide. You agreed to let him hide in your house if he promised to let you live your life normally. How will your relationship work as time passes and you both realize you’re no longer just partners in crime?

A/N: Hellooooo! It’s me again. Part three and more to come, so get yourself some snacks. I am loving writing this so thank you for reading and leaving comments, they make my day better. Also thank you to all the new followers, I really hope you like the content. Anyway, sorry for putting so much dialogue, I can’t help myself sometimes. Okay, that’s it. Happy reading!

Shoot me an ask or something if you wanna be tagged in Ghost Of You or my other work :)

Warnings: None

*Not mi GIF. Credits to th creator*

Draco watched as you got out of the car, your head low for more than just looking for the keys in your bag. You had been avoiding his gaze since he was question all about you in your class. He found interesting that your students were so curious about you, then again, he didn’t really know.

You opened the door and got inside instantly, putting your bag down in the table by the door and going straight upstairs, shutting your door without even looking back at him.

He closed the front door, finding himself lost and confused. He wanted to feel bad for using you in that way. When he broke into your house he never thought he’ll find himself in this situation, he just needed a place to hide and take care of his wound, you arriving home was something he didn’t count on but it proved it had both a use for his benefit as well as a dowside.

He would have never thought you would offer him your house to hide in, making him doubt if you were actually a muggle and not someone pretending, your rage towards him and the Imperius curse being a good start in him thinking you were actually who you claimed to be: a clueless muggle with a sharp tongue. He took your offer right away, if the Death Eaters found him there he could run and leave you to your fate. Did he wanted another life ending on his account? No, but he’ll do it if it meant he lived.

He walked to the room you showed him as his, the bag he enchanted to have endless space hidden under the pillow, containing the little belongings he took from his home before he ran. It had been a couple rough years after the so called Battle of Hogwarts. Harry Potter had won, he had killed Voldemort and become the hero they all knew he was.

The ministry had forgiven the Malfoy’s for their part in the war, claiming they had no other choice with the Dark Lord himself living in his house and his loyal followers at every turn. He’ll never wished that to anyone, the fear of not knowing if the day he woke up was the day he would be tortured to insanity or even death. He was glad he got out of that house.

But the ministry didn’t ensure his safety beyond that, death eaters roamed the wizarding world still and they had a burning thirst for blood, his blood. After all he was the one who threw his wand at Potter, he was the one who runned to the other side when the Chosen One came back from the dead. He was the traitor.

He knew you were afraid of him, you didn’t seem this morning but something at the school changed and he was faced with completely different person. You were being careful of every move your body made, of every word you said, of every step you took. You reminded him of first years at Hogwarts, every new generation heard of the mean Slytherin Prince and the fearful glances and avoidant looks were always there, he grew used to it in no time.

Yet, he didn’t want you to be scared of him. If he was to stay there he wanted it to be somewhat peaceful, if not pleasant. He didn’t want Hogwarts to repeat itself, he wanted to feel some kind of comfort. He wasn’t sure why but he knew he could find that there with you.

********************************************************************

Eleven o’clock. It just had turned eleven and you hadn’t left your room at all. Draco sat patiently at the table in the kitchen, a hot cup of tea in his hands as he stared deep into the collection of mugs proudly displayed in the counter. He wondered why you had so many mugs if you lived by yourself, surely you didn’t have twenty people over to use them all.

He thought countless times in going up to your room to see if you were alright, fighting with himself between that and you being a grown woman and perfectly capable of taking care of yourself. But then he remembered he was essentially the reason why you had locked yourself in your room. You were avoiding him.

He stood up form the chair, taking a glass of water with him so you would have something to drink. He started to feel nervous for some reason, his hand sweaty as he knocked on the door. Receiving no answer, he went to reach the knob twisting it softly revealing your dark room.

The lights were off and the curtains left little to no light shine through them. He turn to your bed, a bundle of blankets and pillows where, he assumed, you were buried.

“Y/N” he called softly, one of the pillows falling to the ground with the movement of your body.

“Go away” you muttered from underneath a giant blanket, turning your back at him.

He stepped inside your room and against your previous words going around the bed watching you roll on your side, he let out a defeated sigh, placing the glass of water in your nightstand and going to the door again. He took a last glance at you, before closing the door and going to his room for the night.

********************************************************************

The previous day had brought you down like you’ve never experienced, the mere thought of putting one of your students in danger just do defy your partner was one that made you feel like the worst person in the world. You didn’t know what he was capable of, and you couldn’t go back to the school until he was gone from your life.

But how long until he left?

You knew you were being reckless, he would use his magic word and tell you to shut up and sit. You were ready for it, you were going to annoy him until he left, you were determined to make him leave.

You made your way downstairs, finding the place empty. You walked around, checking the living room and the kitchen, you doubted he was in the washing room but still you checked. The only place left being his room and the bathroom, you were practically running around the house when you crashed against something hard in one of your turns.

You felt on your back with a loud thud, yours hands barely making it up to the back of your head. Your eyes were scrunched close and you stayed like that for longer than necessary.

“What are you doing?” you heard him ask you in annoyance, not bothering to give you a hand he just stared at you from his stance. A disapproving look in his face when he walked over you. But then he took a second glance at you, you wore sweatpants and a plain t-shirt, your hair was still up in a bun and you had no shoes on. You had just woken up “You’re going to be late for work.” he told you, never taking his eyes off of you.

You had clumsily stood, your body aching everywhere “I’m not going,” you said “I called in sick.”

“You’re not sick” he said matter of factly. His grey eyes were burning holes in you, having to physically shield yourself crossing your arms over your chest and looking everywhere but his way “Y/N…”

“I know I’m not sick,” you said talking over him “But you’re right. Is risky to go out if they’re looking for you, it could slip out of me” you lied, getting a bowl and some cereal.

He squinted his eyes at you, following your movement through the kitchen in silence. You finished preparing your breakfast and had to meet his face if you didn’t want to make the situation any more awkward, which ended up like that anyway “You’re not doing it for me” he said.

It wasn’t a question.

You sighed loudly, falling in one of the empty chairs “It doesn’t matter why I’m doing it.” you said in defeat “You’re hiding, I told you could stay here. Fine! Just don’t use that one on me again” your eyes falling to his sleeve where you knew he hid his wand.

“I won’t use it on you” he said lowly, a hurt look settling in his face.

“Or anyone” you added, quickly regretting it at the snap of his head at you. He looked offended “You took it with you to the school and, look, I don’t want to know how you do it,” you explained, not knowing if you made things worse “I’m willing to let you stay here, but there are things that I don’t want to know for my own sanity, like why you carry a wand or who is after you because I know if you tell me there is not going back from that.”

He looked to your face intently, your brow knitted like you already knew something was wrong and dangerous with him there. Still, you were helping him. He believed muggles would jump at any witch or wizard at the first sign of something magical, but you didn’t want to know. He never thought a muggle would be so interesting and considerate, that he would be so amazed by you.

“If that’s what you want” he said with a nod of his head.

“It is.” you assured him “And as long as you are here I won’t go to work, so you don’t have to go with me.” you said, head low as you played with the now soggy cereal.

“Why?” he whispered, finding your kindness towards him awfully misplaced.

You didn’t know what to say, only an hour ago you were determined to make him leave. What could you say to him, you remind me of me when I was in college? Alone and to no one to turn to for help. If I was you in your place I would want someone to the same for me?.

“I don’t know.” you mumbled, pushing your plate away. “I want to help you, but I can’t risk my students or the people at my job. They’re all I have.”

********************************************************************

The day was spent in uncomfortable silence, you tried to use your free day cleaning your house and doing all kind of chores you didn’t have the time to do on school days. You even managed to cook which was a once every full moon occurrence.

Draco had stayed with you after that, not interacting with you in anyway, just watching you.

“Do you have anything you would like me to wash?” you asked him, poking your head from the washing room with a basket full of your laundry. You didn’t even know why you offered that but it was something you didn’t mind at all, you were going to do it anyway.

He retrieved a couple shirts from his room, giving them hesitantly to you. You kept on making quick work there, feeling his eyes on you from the door. “Do you have friends?” he asked you, taking you by surprise with his question,

“Uh, the other teachers at school are nice,” you said with a small smile “We hang out sometimes after classes, but not really. My life is more dedicated to myself and my work.”

“What about your family?” He said, reaching something from the top shelf you were struggling to get.

You muttered a Thank you, placing the clothes in the washing machine and closing it. You turned him a nervous smile “They don’t talk to me” you admitted pursing your lips “I wanted to be a teacher, they didn’t agree and made me choose and here I am.”

“You turned against your family?” he asked you with a breathy voice, his posture completely straight. You chuckled a little at his reaction, like a little kid who meets and older much more cooler kid. He looked at you in awe.

“Is not that uncommon, but they were a little harsh.” you shared “Told me I couldn’t go back home if I didn’t have a law degree. I don’t, so I won’t go back”

He hummed, nodding his head softly turning his body to follow your movement to the kitchen “So you’ve been alone…”

“Since I was 18.” you said with a smile in his way. You didn’t mind the questions, you could see he was trying to make you more comfortable around him and even if you appreciated that, you couldn’t help but be scared of him. You needed more time. “Although alone is a little dramatic. I had a boyfriend, you know?” he rose an eyebrow at you and you laughed “Believe it or not, I did.”

“Oh, I don’t doubt it, I figured from the oversized t-shirt”” he told you, a blush rising in your cheeks, looking down to your clothes. You usually tied a knot on the front to make it more stylish but it still swimmed in your body “I just assumed you still were together.” he said.

“Thankfully we’re not, otherwise you being here would raise hell on earth.” the sound that left his lips make you turn with a surprised look in your eyes, he had chuckled. You beamed, the sound the most melodic you’ve heard in a long time.

“Hadn’t thought of that.” he admitted and you relaxed a little, maybe you could trust him with time.

“What about you?” you asked, his eyes lifting to you with an eyebrow raised “Is there a girlfriend? Boyfriend?” you wiggled your eyebrows and this time he laughed, a smile in his face. You had it in you to make him smile.

“I thought you didn’t want to know things about me?” he asked you with a grin.

“Are they the one you’re hiding from?” you asked with a laugh “Then please keep it to yourself.” you paused looking up a him with, wrinkling your nose “Thinking about it, if you don’t say anything I’ll know they are after you, maybe you shouldn’t answer.” you shook your head, squinting your eyes in thought.

He stared deeply at you, watching as you thoughtlessly chopped some fruit, lost inside your head. “My girlfriend is not after me,” he said specifically to see your reaction, not wavering for a second he scolded himself for the disappointing feeling that had set deep in his head “That would require having one in the first place”

You scoffed, turning to him and handing him a plate “Funny.” you said sarcastically “So no one waiting home for your return?”

He thought about it. Who would be waiting for him back home? No one really, his parents were the ones that had helped him escape, telling him to never return unless they specifically said so. The Death Eaters becoming a common visit at the Manor.

“No, no one” he answered bitterly.

You could pinpoint the exact moment his mood change, feeling bad that you had asked. “Well,” you started, grabbing two mugs from your counter and filling them with coffee “to no one waiting for us back home.” you said giving him a mug and raising yours in the air.

He looked at you, tilting his head with the mug close to his chest “That’s a depressing toast.” he said. You gave him an annoyed look, letting your hand fall from where he had left you hanging.

“Do you have a better idea?” you said with a roll of your eyes.

“Actually, I do.” he beamed, raising his own mug “To partners in crime.”

You smiled, the mugs clinking as you toasted “To partners in crime.”

TAGS: @fanficflaneuse @accio-rogers @gloriousrebelrunaway @slytherinprincess03 @coldlilheart @aasthapiplani @nebulablakemurphy @strawberriesonsummer @l1teralegend

#Draco Malfoy #draco x reader #draco malfoy fanfiction #draco malfoy x reader #draco lucius malfoy #draco x muggle!reader #draco malfoy x muggle!reader #muggle!reader #harry potter fanfiction #hp fanfic #hp fanfiction #Harry Potter

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one-leaf-grimoire · 4 years ago

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“Nobody Does it Better”

I’ve had this idea stirring in my head so I decided to plunge down into indulgent hell and actually write it. I usually write this kind of thing in 1st person so being in 3rd is a little strange for me. Anyway, Enjoy!!! Also the title is a song I’ve been listening to that has violent JuLisa vibes.

Pairing: Julius x Lisa (my OC fuck you)

Warnings: None. Just them being cute as hell as usual.

“This is going to be a disaster.”

“No it’s not!”

“A nightmare...”

“Lisa-”

“A war crime-”

“Lisa!”

Lisa was one of those people who tried her best to not be bothered by little things. As someone who stood in the top levels of power in the Kingdom, she needed to be that way. But sometimes, something would get in her head, like a raspberry seed in your teeth, and it would just stew there until she couldn’t take it any more. Lisa was good at hiding it, but not from Julius. So, when he inevitably realized something was wrong and asked, she nearly exploded.

“Julius, I should definitely stay home from this party. You know all those nobles make me nervous!” The short woman paced the floor, agitated, her shoes clicking rhythmically with each step. The two were taking a break from work (one of many so far today), and Julius watched with concern from his desk as the worries continued to mount.

“You’ve lived here for four months, you know!” Julius reminded her in an attempt to quell her fear. “They’re all used to you by now... I think-” He gulped nervously. “But! Even if they’re not, it’s not like they’re going to do anything about it. I’ll be there too, remember?”

That’s right. Lisa nodded slowly, but his words only stirred more bitterness. Of course she would be okay if Julius was there... he was always the one who took the blame for her actions, who swooped in to deescalate problems she cause. Maybe Julius was perfectly fine with being a human shield, but for Lisa, it was a little humiliating. “Right...” She paused her pacing, her gaze turning slightly sad. “I’m sorry... I’m probably going to make you look like a fool-”

“No way!” Lisa looked up to see that Julius was already on his feet, walking over to her with that usual reassuring smile. “Lisa, you could never embarrass me. On the other hand, I think I’m the one who will embarrass you!” To his relief, Lisa’s worry instantly melted from her face and she let out a little giggle. “I mean it... you’re going to be fine.”

And somehow, Lisa believed it. At least, until later that night when the party actually started.

These opulent gatherings of royalty and nobility were quite commonplace in the castle. And since Julius was popular among them as well as the general population, he was usually expected to show up for a while. And he didn’t want to go anywhere without Lisa. However, this was by far the fanciest event Lisa had ever been to. She grew up in the common realm, in a town out in the middle of the woods, working in a tavern of all places, so this type of civilized crowd was far from her comfort zone. On top of that, there was bad blood still fresh between her and the nobility; just four months ago, the King himself worked to expel her from the Magic Knights and even attempted to execute her. No mercy came from the nobles, and Julius had to step in to save her life. It was an unjust, frustrating experience, one Lisa was now fated to carry forever, but tonight was like salt in the wound.

But Julius is right. I need to get used to this. I’m an advisor now, this is my new world, so I have to get along with nobles.

Easier said than done.

Julius went on ahead, so Lisa was alone when she finally poked her head into the crowded banquet hall. Very important looking people were everywhere, laughing, chatting, drinking, gossiping, all of it. Everyone was... glittering, almost, their outfits and appearances polished as much as possible, just another way to show how they shined in this matte world. And now, Lisa was feeling very, very matte.

Hmm, maybe this isn’t a good idea- Her eyes darted around as she silently closed the door behind her, already feeling gazes pierce her skin. Not one of these people was someone she recognized, and Julius himself was nowhere to be seen. If he was ditching the event to look for magic, Lisa wished he took her with him. I can’t do this- Maybe I’ll tell him I had a stomach ache- or a fever- She shook her head. No, that’ll never work, I don’t get sick... Despite that fact, Lisa was getting close to feeling queasy. She couldn’t do anything but stand there awkwardly in the corner, in a dress much too fancy for her body, and wilt under the increasing glares from multiplying sources.

“... look.”

“It’s her.”

And now they were whispering, loud enough for Lisa to hear.

“Wasn’t she exiled?”

“No, just kicked out of the Magic Knights. What a disgrace.”

“For assaulting the king, correct?”

“And don’t forget, that affair with Lord Julius.”

“That affair is still going, that’s the only reason she’s here.”

“Disgusting.”

“Skank.”

“How unsightly...”

“That dress, too, who told her it was appropriate to show so much skin?”

“Whore.”

Lisa was used to being strong, but each word hit her like an arrow. She stood there and took each one, in rapid succession, and the only response was the slow but sure tightening of her fist. The memories of that day, her greatest humiliation, the day she was treated as something less than human, crashed down and started to drown her.

She was helpless.

I can’t do this... but I can’t run either...

“LISAAAAA!”

That voice cut through her thoughts, as gentle as a melody yet the strongest thing in this world. The whispers immediately ceased, and Lisa looked up to see why. Julius was basically sprinting over, a bug, dumb smile plastered on his face, along with the lingering shock of seeing her here, out of her element, and yet...

“My god-”

He finally skid to a stop, his eyes sweeping over her easily twelve times, taking in every inch of her skin and dress as he could, drinking it up like a man who hadn’t eaten in weeks even though he saw her just an hour ago. Finally, his lavender eyes met hers again, and Lisa felt her heart skip more beats than it had in a while.

“You’re easily the most lovely thing I’ve ever seen in my entire life.”

...

Lisa wasn’t exactly sure what to say and Julius reached out and took her hand in his, the gesture as strong and sure as anything else the Wizard King did.

...how can you say that...

“Thank you...” Lisa finally responded, trying to swallow the swell of doubt that was threatening to come leaking out of her. This is what I get for being protected so much... I forget how much it hurts for people to talk to me like this. The best she could do was distract herself and try to ignore the dirty glances. Julius was here now, after all, so maybe it would be alright. “You’re looking pretty hot yourself.”

“Hot?” Julius repeated, a light blush appearing on his cheeks as he laughed off the praise. Despite dishing out compliments at every opportunity, receiving them always made him feel a bit sheepish. “That’s high praise, coming from you.”

Lisa couldn’t help but let out a little giggle, eagerly slipping her arm around his to get closer. Despite the two of them being together for more than a year at this point, being this close to him, feeling the rub of his sleeve against her skin, the way he moved under her hand...

It’s like there’s magic inside him.

“Is something wrong?”

Lisa blinked, and realized that once again she had been unresponsive. “Oh! Yeah, I’m fine.” She gave Julius a bright smile to quell his worries. “But I think your praise is a bit higher than mine-”

“Oh? Why should it be?”

“I don’t know, maybe because you’re the Wizard King?”

“Oh, right... I suppose my word is law. Well, it should be law! I decree that Lisa Petalon is the most beautiful woman in this room-”

“Julius-”

“-hell, the whole kingdom!”

“JULIUS!”

Julius snickered mischievously as Lisa turned more and more red with each embarrassing word that left his lips. “Well-” she cleared her throat once she composed herself. More people were still staring at the pair out of the corner of their eyes, but didn’t dare say anything now that Julius was here. “Too bad I have to go back to my old outfit tomorrow.” She glanced down at her temporary finery. To be honest, she did look quite good in the dress, even though it was something she would never wear again. But if her normal clothes seemed dull in comparison-

“Nonsense. You’ll look even more beautiful tomorrow, I’m sure.”

Of course, Julius would never let her think that.

“That’s crazy,” Lisa chuckled, smiling and nodding at people who walked by. Julius waved and smiled as well, but his attention was entirely focused on the woman on his arm. “If my beauty is peaking tonight, I’ll have to come off of that peak tomorrow, right?”

“No, no, that’s not how that works,” Julius objected, as if he were the lead authority on beauty mathematics, “It doesn’t ever go down... it just gets compounded, you know? Each time I see you is the sum of all the moments before, plus more-”

“Julius, please-”

“Just saying!” Julius’s other hand came to rest on the one on his arm, that gentle, kind smile shining down on Lisa like the sun itself.

... I still don’t get it sometimes.

Julius could see it, the doubts that had been stirred tonight. But his mission, as always, was to make things right. “It’s all true. There’s no one else in this world I want by my side tonight.”

Despite the fact that everyone was watching, and would definitely have something to say, Julius leaned down, his lips pressing against Lisa’s forehead for just a moment, right beside the ancient magical mark burned into her skin. The feeling of his lips against it sent a barely-noticeable shiver down her body, a memory of something they shared together not so long ago.

... how can you smile at me like that.

The worry was faint, just a breath, a memory of a whisper. But it was quickly buried beneath the warmth that radiated from the man beside her.

And so, the night went on as smoothly as it could. Thankfully, Augustus didn’t show up, which was the worst case scenario Lisa had dared to entertain. Eventually Julius was forced to split his attention between Lisa and the others that wanted to talk to him. He was a popular guy, after all, but he never once let go of her hand as he chatted and made idle conversation with the people around him. It was like a silent challenge, despite the lack of a malicious gleam in his sparkling eyes. A decree, if you will. This woman deserves to be here. As much as any of you.

Unfortunately, Lisa couldn’t just smile, nod, and look pretty the entire time.

“Hey, let’s dance!”

...d-dance?!

By the time Lisa understood what he meant, it was too late; Julius was dragging her over to the floor, where many other couples were already moving gracefully. “Ah! Wait, Julius, you know I don’t know anything about dancing! Er- at least, this type of dancing!” Sure, Lisa could dance just fine in a crowded tavern or inn, or gallop around the room arm-in-arm with her drunk comrades from the Crimson Lions. Ballroom dancing was an entirely different beast.

“Nonsense! I’ll teach you, it’s not hard.”

“Teach?! Julius, the time to teach is before you have to do it for real!” Lisa objected, her voice a hushed, severe whisper. Julius didn’t listen, just pulled her closer, one hand in hers and the other holding her waist. “I-I don’t want to embarrass you-”

“Lisa.”

The sound of her name on his lips was enough to make her fall silent.

“I told you... that’s my job. I’m not letting you steal my job!”

And just like that, everything was okay. Lisa laughed along with him, a little louder that a proper lady should, but she was nervous. “And anyway-” Julius closed his eyes as he continued to smile down at her. “We can ‘cheat’ a little.”

Lisa raised an eyebrow. “Cheat?”

“Yeah... you know...” Julius pointed to his own forehead, to the empty spot next to his Swallowtail mark. “I was taught how to dance when I was a kid... I could probably teach you real quick.”

“...oh...”

Lisa couldn’t help but smile at the thought, her heatbeat picking up in anticipation. The ancient magic within her gave her the power to share magic with Julius, but that link, the dyad, was much more than that. For a brief moment, the two of them ceased to exist, their minds and souls united as overwhelming power was passed between the two of them. They understood each other completely... and even though Lisa couldn’t help but doubt, Julius never did. Not once.

Together... that’s all we’re meant to be.

No other words needed to be spoken. Lisa leaned up, and Julius leaned down. But before she could press her forehead against his, to take the memory he wished to share with her, Julius dodged, and their lips met instead.

... you big sap. Fine.

Each kiss was like magic, each one more potent than the other. Maybe it worked the way Julius described earlier... each kiss the sum of every one before it, plus a little more. Or, in this case, a lot more. Because it was potent enough to melt away the rest of the room, to shield them from the disapproving eyes, the disapproving world.

For a brief moment, nothing mattered except the two of them. Nobody. Nothing.

Finally, with a shallow breath, Julius released her lips, his eyes flickering open at the same time as hers. “So... what was that for?” Lisa whispered, trying to hide how absolutely thrilling that kiss was. Sure, it was quick, shallow, and chaste... but still...

“Do I need a reason to kiss you?” Julius countered, his little smirk equal parts infuriating and charming.

“...no.”

“Good.”

His forehead pressed against hers, for just a second, and Lisa’s eyes widened. It was like a small spark of electricity, yet as powerful as a supernova. All at once, Lisa felt it... she felt like she had known how to dance her entire life.

Maybe it was dangerous to take in more of him, because maybe she would end up forgetting who she was. But that wasn’t so bad. Lisa wanted to be like Julius, after all.

“Got it?”

“Yeah...” The giddy feelings bubbled up like champagne. “I’m ready.”

The two of them danced off into the night, as graceful as can be, almost like they were extensions of each other’s bodies. As the others watched, even the most disgruntled critics had to admit...

“I suppose they look pretty good together after all.”

#sfjdskljfklsad #sorry I'm in self indulgent hell rn #lots of dyad references so sorry #julius novachrono #julius novachrono x reader #julius novachrono x oc #bc oc #oc: lisa #black clover #one shot

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dfroza · 4 years ago

Text

Today’s reading from the ancient book of Proverbs and book of Psalms

for may 24 of 2021 with Proverbs 24 and Psalm 24, accompanied by Psalm 66 for the 66th day of Spring and Psalm 144 for day 144 of the year

[Proverbs 24]

[Wisdom’s Warning]

Don’t envy the wealth of the wicked or crave their company.

For they’re obsessed with causing trouble

and their conversations are corrupt.

Wise people are builders—

they build families, businesses, communities.

And through intelligence and insight

their enterprises are established and endure.

Because of their skilled leadership,

the hearts of people are filled with the treasures of wisdom

and the pleasures of spiritual wealth.

Wisdom can make anyone into a mighty warrior,

and revelation-knowledge increases strength.

Wise strategy is necessary to wage war,

and with many astute advisers

you’ll see the path to victory more clearly.

Wisdom is a treasure too lofty for a quarreling fool—

he’ll have nothing to say when leaders gather together.

There is one who makes plans to do evil—

Master Schemer is his name.

If you plan to do evil, it’s as wrong as doing it.

And everyone detests a troublemaker.

If you faint when under pressure,

you have need of courage.

Go and rescue the perishing! Be their savior!

Why would you stand back and watch them stagger to their death?

And why would you say, “But it’s none of my business”?

The one who knows you completely and judges your every motive

is also the keeper of souls—and not just yours!

He sees through your excuses and holds you responsible

for failing to help those whose lives are threatened.

Revelation-knowledge is a delicacy,

sweet like flowing honey that melts in your mouth.

Eat as much of it as you can, my friend!

For then you will perceive what is true wisdom,

your future will be bright,

and this hope living within you will never disappoint you.

Listen up, you wicked, irreverent ones—

don’t harass the lovers of God

and don’t invade their resting place.

For the lovers of God may suffer adversity

and stumble seven times,

but they will continue to rise over and over again.

But the unrighteous are brought down by just one calamity

and will never be able to rise again.

Never gloat when your enemy meets disaster,

and don’t be quick to rejoice if he falls.

For the Lord, who sees your heart,

will be displeased with you and will pity your foe.

Don’t be angrily offended over evildoers or be agitated by them.

For the wicked have no life and no future—

their light of life will die out.

My child, stand in awe of Yahweh!

Give counsel to others,

but don’t mingle with those who are rebellious.

For sudden destruction will fall upon them

and their lives will be ruined in a moment.

And who knows what retribution they will face!

[Revelation from the Wise]

Those enlightened with wisdom have spoken these proverbs:

Judgment must be impartial,

for it is always wrong to be swayed by a person’s status.

If you say to the guilty, “You are innocent,”

the nation will curse you and the people will revile you.

But when you convict the guilty,

the people will thank you and reward you with favor.

Speaking honestly is a sign of true friendship.

Go ahead, build your career and give yourself to your work.

But if you put me first, you’ll see your family built up!

Why would you be a false accuser and slander with your words?

Don’t ever spitefully say, “I’ll get even with him!

I’ll do to him what he did to me!”

One day I passed by the field of a lazy man,

and I noticed the vineyards of a slacker.

I observed nothing but thorns, weeds, and broken-down walls.

So I considered their lack of wisdom,

and I pondered the lessons I could learn from this:

Professional work habits prevent poverty from becoming

your permanent business partner. And:

If you put off until tomorrow the work you could do today,

tomorrow never seems to come.

The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 24 (The Passion Translation)

[Psalm 24]

A song of David.

The earth and all that’s upon it belong to the Eternal.

The world is His, with every living creature on it.

With seas as foundations and rivers as boundaries,

He shaped the continents, fashioned the earth.

Who can possibly ascend the mountain of the Eternal?

Who can stand before Him in sacred spaces?

Only those whose hands have been washed and hearts made pure,

men and women who are not given to lies or deception.

The Eternal will stand close to them with blessing and mercy at hand,

and the God who redeems will right what has been wrong.

These are the people who chase after Him;

[like Jacob, they look for the face of God].

[pause]

City gates—open wide!

Ancient doors—stand back!

For the glorious King shall soon pass your way.

Who is the glorious King?

The Eternal who is powerful

and mightily equipped for battle.

City gates—open wide!

Ancient doors—stand back!

For the glorious King shall soon pass your way.

Who is the glorious King?

The Eternal, Commander of heaven’s army,

He is the glorious King.

[pause]

The Book of Psalms, Poem 24 (The Voice)

[Psalm 66]

Thank You, Lord

For the Pure and Shining One

A song of awakening

Everyone everywhere, lift up your joyful shout to God!

Sing your songs tuned to his glory!

Tell the world how wonderful he is.

For he’s the awe-inspiring God, great and glorious in power!

We’ve never seen anything like him!

Mighty in miracles, you cause your enemies to tremble.

No wonder they all surrender and bow before you!

All the earth will bow down to worship;

all the earth will sing your glories forever!

Pause in his presence

Everyone will say, “Come and see the incredible things God has done;

it will take your breath away!

He multiplies miracles for his people!”

He made a highway going right through the Red Sea

as the Hebrews passed through on dry ground,

exploding with joyous excitement over the miracles of God.

In his great and mighty power he rules forever,

watching over every movement of every nation.

So beware, rebel lands; he knows how to humble you!

Pause in his presence

Praise God, all you peoples.

Praise him everywhere and let everyone know you love him!

There’s no doubt about it: God holds our lives safely in his hands.

He’s the one who keeps us faithfully following him.

O Lord, we have passed through your fire;

like precious metal made pure,

you’ve proved us, perfected us, and made us holy.

You’ve captured us, ensnared us in your net.

Then, like prisoners, you placed chains around our necks.

You’ve allowed our enemies to prevail against us.

We’ve passed through fire and flood,

yet in the end you always bring us out better than we were before,

saturated with your goodness.

I come before your presence with my sacrifice.

I’ll give you all that I’ve promised, everything I have.

When I was overcome in my anguish,

I promised to give you my sacrifice.

Here it is! All that I said I would offer you is yours.

I’ll throw it all—the best I have to bring—into the fire

as the fragrance of my sacrifice ascends unto you.

Pause in his presence

All you lovers of God who want to please him,

come and listen, and I’ll tell you what he did for me.

I cried aloud to him with all my heart, and he answered me!

Now my mouth overflows with the highest praise.

Yet if I had closed my eyes to my sin,

the Lord God would have closed his ears to my prayer.

But praises rise to God,

for he paid attention to my prayer and answered my cry to him!

I will forever praise this God who didn’t close his heart when I prayed

and never said no when I asked him for help.

He never once refused to show me his tender love.

The Book of Psalms, Poem 66 (The Passion Translation)

[Psalm 144]

Blessed be God, my mountain,

who trains me to fight fair and well.

He’s the bedrock on which I stand,

the castle in which I live,

my rescuing knight,

The high crag where I run for dear life,

while he lays my enemies low.

I wonder why you care, God—

why do you bother with us at all?

All we are is a puff of air;

we’re like shadows in a campfire.

Step down out of heaven, God;

ignite volcanoes in the hearts of the mountains.

Hurl your lightnings in every direction;

shoot your arrows this way and that.

Reach all the way from sky to sea:

pull me out of the ocean of hate,

out of the grip of those barbarians

Who lie through their teeth,

who shake your hand

then knife you in the back.

O God, let me sing a new song to you,

let me play it on a twelve-string guitar—

A song to the God who saved the king,

the God who rescued David, his servant.

Rescue me from the enemy sword,

release me from the grip of those barbarians

Who lie through their teeth,

who shake your hand

then knife you in the back.

Make our sons in their prime

like sturdy oak trees,

Our daughters as shapely and bright

as fields of wildflowers.

Fill our barns with great harvest,

fill our fields with huge flocks;

Protect us from invasion and exile—

eliminate the crime in our streets.

How blessed the people who have all this!

How blessed the people who have God for God!

The Book of Psalms, Poem 144 (The Message)

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