#soliders of the royal council

[pyromaniac9]

Cute remi 🥺🖤

[luvether]

۫ ꣑ৎ . HIS ULTRAVIOLENT PROSE. mydei

summary, even with half-bitten pomegranates between tongue, teeth and heart, the prince of Kremnos tries to make amends with you.

mydei x gn!reader. mildly lovers to enemies. tension and arguments. hurt with comfort. mentions of arranged marriage and eloping (love this trope with him) soft and gentle mydei, might be ooc. lore-inclined city-state ceremonies. [2.0k wc]

It’s merely an alliance ceremony.

And yet here you were, being dressed in foreign silks and heavy accessories. Compared to your usual attires the fabrics are lightweight, enough for a cold rush to scrape your skin despite the torch lit by the corner of your room.

Your face must’ve betrayed you, for the maidens that attended to you murmured about it being part of Kremnoan traditions and that you had to endure it, only with such a solid statement do you deflate, settling stiffly and defeatedly on the chair, allowing them to continue their decorations on you, to peel you bare of your sea-state city garments and pool Castrum Kremnos‘ silk clothes, sandals and cape over you.

At this very moment, you looked like a raw and beguiling warrior, a far cry of what you truly were, an ignorant coward.

“You look beautiful.” A more elderly woman speaks from behind, you stare at her through the vanity.

“…I look like a fighter.”

“Are you not?”

You hesitate to answer her, biting your lip to prevent yourself from speaking something you might regret.

Are you still labeled a fighter after losing your city to Castrum Kremnos?

You were anything but triumph, you lost your kingdom, your pride, your people—and only this alliance union can salvage whatever scraps of glory you have left, it's the only thing you could do for your folks since you disappointed them as their leader.

The elder woman’s hand lands softly on your shoulder, despite such a gentle manner you cannot help the flinch from echoing through your bones. Your nails bury into your palms.

“I assure you, young one, that shame is the last thing Castrum Kremnos would dare to offer you and your city-state.”

She pauses.

“Our prince would not dare such a thing from you.”

You wanted to laugh, to cry and scream and ruminate frustrations. But you swallow instead, “I see.”

You did not utter another word after that. The maidens have left long ago and you pondered with your own thoughts, recounting the gradual yesterdays you spent mourning over fallen friends and a broken city. You recounted tidbit memories of the remaining council that pushed you for this alliance—forcing you to succumb and kneel towards the very people that took your everything.

After all, as the last remaining royal blood, that’s the least you can do.

The Kremnos’ heavy bells finally billow, and you inhale sharply.

“It’s time for you to step into the ceremony hall, lord.”

And you stand, your heart heavy with pressure. When you followed a counselor towards your destination, the older man gave you a quick rundown of certain rules and traditions you needed to adhere to, you half-listened to the convoluted rules until the very last statement that catches your attention,

“At the end of the blessings, you are to share a cup of pomegranate juice with the one you are to join alliance with.” he starts,

“In this case, you are to drink from the same cup with the representative of our city, Kremnos’ prince Mydeimos.”

His name is an echo through the shell of your ears, leaving a bitter aftertaste between your teeth. You stopped listening after that, until you both faltered at the end of the corridor.

Your heart is pounding in your chest when the large, looming doors split open, by now, the hall is packed and standing at the very front was the ceremony priest and Mydeimos himself, awaiting your arrival. When you step beside him on the podium, your gaze dare not shift towards the prince.

You let the withered voice of the priest wander you through the prayer, he lifts an iron chalice brimming with liquid as red as blood—you watch quietly as he lifts a smaller glass of honey, letting the golden liquid pool into the red cup before blessing the drink.

The priest turns to you, with a nod he beckons you to mirror the oath spoken. With parted lips, you follow along, pledging allegiance and alliance to Castrum Kremnos, “And with the glory of Strife and blood intertwined in allegiance with Castrum Kremnos, I, the succeeding lord of my city shall share the same devotion of valorous death before glorious return.”

You tilt your chin, lips pressed against the iron. The tangy yet thickly sweet taste of pomegranate rinses through your tastebuds. When the red liquid hits the middle line, you retract, turning towards the direction of the prince.

You look at him, only to find his heavy resin eyes already on you.

Mydeimos’ blank stare traces every bare action you do, and for a split moment you try to hold his weighty stare, trying to dissect his expression—trying to see what he thinks of the whole thing, and yet you find none.

You’ve dropped your gaze then, before extending the chalice in his direction. You slightly stir when you feel his fingertips brush your knuckles, you are quick to let go when he grabs ahold of the cup—too quickly.

How audacious, you cannot help but wonder when the priest speaks the same oath to him, Mydeimos recites it but his eyes never stray from you. Truly, he’s like a prowling lion assessing its prey.

There’s a prickling sensation of self-consciousness with such a look pinned on you.

“And with the glory of Strife and blood intertwined in allegiance with Castrum Kremnos, I, Mydeimos the succeeding prince of my city shall share the same devotion of valorous death before glorious return…” he rasps, then he downs the remainder within the chalice, his golden eyes still on you.

You cannot help yourself but settle your gaze on his exposed collarbones, laddering your way up the column of his neck where you watch the way his adam’s apple bobs at the swallow of the juice, a few clumsy droplets run down his jaw before he retreats and wipes it with the back of his hand.

The bells sound once, then twice at the successful union but your mind is a flurry of thoughts, though all of them stop at one concluding statement, you desperately need to get out of the banquet hall.

So when you’re finally released from your duties, instead of lingering and talking with the folks you spin around towards the exit. Nobody seemed to bat an eyelash at your hasty departure, nor was there anyone in the hallway outside which allowed you to break into a sprint—you don’t know where you’re going, quite frankly the layout of the city is still foreign to you, but you needed to get out of there.

At the fall of your impatient footsteps, you barely hear another set chasing after you.

Only until you feel larger hands gripping your waist do you stop.

“Where do you think you’re running off to?” You don’t need to turn to know who was speaking, the plates of his half-naked front are pressed hard against your back, it acted like a furnace almost.

“Unhand me.” You try to sound casual but it ends up in a bite. “This instant, Mydeimos—“

“And what?” He challenges back. “Let you run around like a headless goose until one of the counselors finds you? Do you wish for trouble that much?”

Instead of answering, you try to pry his hands around your waist. Your attempts are obviously futile however you are wracked with frustrations, fury and confusion. Your actions only fueled the prince’s impatience.

“Quit squirming—“

“Then let me go!” You try to glare at him. “I wish to be anywhere but in your arms right now—“

That must’ve struck a nerve.

Mydeimos’ grip on you only tightened, he pulls you towards an empty corner between the heavy flaps of curtains and presses you against the wall. His hand grips your jaw—but despite such a harsh action his hold on you remains feather-light, gentle.

His face draws close to your own, until you can feel his raspy voice on your cheek. At this distance, you can smell his scent of bonfire, tender smoke and something sweet, like pomegranates, he smelled awfully fruity.

“Says the one that wishes to marry me, isn’t that what you confessed to me months before?”

The jab brings heat to your cheeks, you lift your hand with the intent to slap him but Mydeimos captures your wrist before your palm could collide with his cheek. His thumb runs up from your wrist to your palm, intertwining your fingers together and laying it on the wall beside your head, his bangs brush your forehead, face so, so close that if you tilted your head your lips would be brushing his own,

“You wanted to elope with me.” Mydei tells you. “Have you forgotten? Or do you wish for me to tell you the exact words you told me that day.”

“Don’t be ridiculous, this was before my city was attacked by your warriors!”

The tension hangs gauche, the silence between the two of you almost unbearable. The man before you sighs heavily, “There are a handful of things that are at my disposal, even with the title of prince—the issues of prophecies is something I cannot control.” Mydei soothes a thumb over the pulse in your wrists.

“You of all people are aware of this fact.” he pauses. “Or maybe you weren’t, after all the sea-side states are nonbelievers, you and your people don’t revere the Titans, only the arithmetics and logarithms of the world.”

“You're right, I wasn’t.” You snap. “I did not know Castrum Kremnos was prophesied to destroy my home, Mydeimos. If I had known, I wouldn’t have uttered such preposterous words to you, I was made out to be an ignorant fool because of it.”

Mydeimos’ whole demeanor takes a polar shift, you’re unsure why those eyes had melted like butter, was it your shaky voice, the pitiful wallow in your tone? Or did he truly feel an ounce of empathy for your situation?

“You're not an ignorant fool.” He lets go of your wrist but his body remains pressed up against your own, despite the position his body heat grounded you, especially with his follow up of, “to me, you’re the wisest person I know. A leader with a heart of gold, I apologize for causing you so much agony and for being unable to aid you when you need it most.”

He takes your hand, smearing his lips against your knuckles. “I wish to make amends with you but if you hold such vengeance in your heart—” he tugs your wrist, digging your fingers to his chest just above his heart. “You can scratch my heart out and kill me, stab me in the back for as long as you want if it means your desires would be satiated, then so be it.“

“…Mydeimos.” To say you were shocked was an understatement.

He softly bumps his forehead with your own. “Do you hate me, kardia mou?”

This was the very reason why you fell for him, the prince from the city of warriors. Despite the harshness of his textures and tones, when it came to you, he was honest and open. Those universal stone-cold expressions fissure as soon as he sees a glimpse of you in the distance. He spoke in uncharacteristic gentleness and his fleeting skinships sent butterflies within your chest. You cannot be angry with him, much less hate when he acts like this.

You feel him interlace your fingers, weaving his own with yours. Then he leans down once again, pressing his lips against the corner of your mouth, the intent of apology willing to spill from the nonexistent gaps between the two of you. “I’m sorry.”

Your eyes turn glassy. Maybe it was due to Mydeimos’ comfort that every drowning pressure that you’ve bottled up comes cracking at the seams.

A sob spills between your lips.

“I don’t hate you, Mydei.” Your voice trembles when he tips your chin towards him, brushing his thumbs over the tear staining down your cheeks. “Truthfully, it is I that I loathe the most, not you—never you.”

“So please, never say that I find thrill in killing you.”

Mydei’s hand comes tangling through your tendrils, you weep on his collarbones, his woody scent engulfing you in comfort.

“I’m so sorry.” He repeats. “I’ll never speak of such a thing to you, so cease your cryings, my love.”

[xi-vz]

Ok, so an anon asked for Shang Twins x Mobei. And I’ve been thinking about it for DAYS now. Twincest has never been my thing, but that anon got into my head lol.

First answer to this prompt found here.

I can’t believe I’m doing this 😅.

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What was happening? Shang Feiji internally screamed. He felt like he was (internally) screaming while everything was on fire.

When he first transmigrated, Airplane Shooting Towards the Sky did not have being a twin on his bingo card. Especially not to one of his scum villains either.

He also didn’t have said twin marrying a prince.

And said prince wanting him—Airplane—to be his concubine. Like. What? No, really, what?

Truth was that he loved Mobei Jun the most out of everyone in this hell hole of a world that he may or may not have (accidentally) created. (The System never gives straight answers when asked.)

Mobei Jun initially wanted to marry him, Airplane. Because against all odds, they fell in love. The System, bastard that it was, denied this from happening. It was “off plot” and that Shang Feiji never should have existed anyway.

It went something like: “This was a System malfunction. Author known as Airplane Shooting Towards the Sky should have been transmigrated into Shang Qinghua as an infant. Thus, User 01’s current body is that of a Mary-Sue, and unauthorized to peruse major playing characters for risk of deviating completely from the plot. Defiance will lead to termination.”

Yeah…that… that really sucked.

The good thing was that he didn’t have to reject Mobei Jun. No. his sect stepped in and did that for him with a political match between An Ding’s Peak Lord and the Prince of the Northern Desert. Signed off by the Northern Deserts Council, with love.

Airplane had front row seats to that shit show. (He cried a lot everyday leading to the wedding. But was proud that he managed to smile and act happy on the day.) (If anyone knew how Shang Qinghua had rubbed Airplane’s back as he vomited the morning of the wedding…that was no one’s business.)

“I think you broke him,” Shang Qinghua poked his younger twin. “A-Ji, still with us?”

“You…you two can’t be serious.” He managed to stutter.

Shang Qinghua and Mobei Jun exchanged a look. Since when did they have looks?!

“Let’s be honest. You two”— he points between his twin and his husband—“should’ve been married,” Shang Qinghua stated.

“But heirs will be expected!” Shang Feiji countered. “And it will happen. All we need to do is go to Ghost City. Crimson Rain Sought Flower knows is always willing to trade. And, how is—”

“Feiji,” Mobei Jun interrupted with a large hand on Airplane’s mouth. “Calm.”

“We can share Mobei,” Shang Qinghua shrugged. Like it was no big deal.

But, Airplane was selfish and hated sharing.

“It’s not like he doesn’t have two hands,” Shang Qinghua smirked like the asshole he was.

Or I can kill you and my king and I could elope, Airplane thought. Ha, as if The System would let him.

Mobei Jun, however, blushed. Which. Why? Oh god, his king wanted the two of them. At the same time.

What a spoiled little—

“Fine.” Shang Feiji shrugged. “Fine.”

The married pair gave him their version of pleased expressions.

“Good, now, come to bed with us,” Shang Qinghua began to drag him further into the royals chambers.

Mobei Jun a solid wall at his back.

What the hell had Airplane got himself into?

[semisolidmind]

Uh oh someone is beginning to have a lil crush on peaches 👀 _ at least that what I think is happening could be wrong _ ، hope for there sake the monkeys does know but if they did how would they react to the?

(you're not wrong :) and i had a thought about a scenario where this crush becomes noticeable)

perhaps there's a sparring session at flower fruit mountain for all the demon royals in wukong's little circle (excluding reader, for obvious reasons). a normal occurrence; the monkey king needs to be sure of his allies' strength. so, wukong challenges each of his demon generals (and occasionally their guests) to a friendly spar. macaque watches from the shadows, rolling his eyes at his brother's need to prove himself superior.

the current opponent is princess iron fan, and she's throwing deadly gales all over the sizable training area in an attempt to hit her foe. the wind brushes the spectators; reader watches from the sidelines, alongside azure and a few other demon sovereigns. seeing as the lion demon was the only reliably friendly face in the crowd, reader sits next to him while her husband shows off his strength in battle.

they converse quietly. reader enjoys how cordial azure is in comparison to most other demon lords. he talks with her, not at her. he's never mistaken her for a servant and loudly demanded anything of her. he's always friendly, with both her and the civilians of flower fruit mountain. reader has come to see his presence as one of the only highlights of wukong's many war council meetings. unbeknownst to reader...azure feels the same about her, though in a much less platonic way.

as the two continue to chat, the last gale goes off course when princess iron fan is thrown to the gound, defeated. it hits the onlookers like a solid wall and many of the demons, not prepared for the full force of the oncoming wind, are blown backwards. azure and reader are among them, and, in an attempt to save reader from being blown away, azure grabs her and pulls her to his chest.

the two are thrown through the air. they hit the ground some feet away, skidding to a stop beneath a cospe of trees. azure, on his back and slightly dazed, holds reader close, arms around her and her head pressed to his sternum by one huge paw. once the demon has overcome his momentary daze, he finds himself staring at the woman in his grasp. reader, still cowering from the wind, her hair tussled, eyes closed and teary from the dust, the sunlight dappled across her face...

...azure only barely manages to stop the rumbling purr fighting its way out of his chest. she's so small, so soft pressed up against him. he can feel his face warming under his fur at their proximity.

once reader has realized where she is (atop her dear friend, practically straddling him, oh gods she hopes for both their sakes that wukong and macaque aren't looking), she apologizes profusely, hastily removing herself from his person and (laughably, because he's twice her size) attempts to help him up. he holds onto her proffered hand a bit longer than necessary (it's so small, his hand entirely encompasses hers) as she asks if he's alright. still a bit stunned, he breathlessly laughs. he should be asking her that, he breathes. she smiles at him in return.

the moment ends when macaque rushes up to them, quickly pulling reader from azure's grip to check her for injuries and fuss over her. the six-eared demon leads his wife away towards the water curtain cave, holding her hand and continuing to press her about any supposed harm. while reader waves away his concerns, azure catches the stormy look the dark-furred monkey throws back in his direction.

the lion demon feels a chill down his spine when the monkey king's voice rings out across the field—somehow both friendly terrifying— and asks him to spar next.

[satoshi-mochida]

Revue Starlight: El Dorado launches August 8

Gematsu Source

(Possible spoilers for Revue Starlight below)

Visual novel Revue Starlight: El Dorado will launch for Switch and PC via Steam on August 8, publisher Bushiroad Games and developer Frontwing announced. It will support English, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese language options.

In Japan, it will be priced at 3,980 yen for the physical standard edition, 14,980 yen for the Starlight Edition, and 39,800 yen for the Super Starlight Edition. The digital standard edition will cost 3,300 yen on Switch, with the PC price still to be determined.

The contents of each edition are as follows:

Standard Edition

A copy of the game

Weiβ Schwarz PR card

Raffle ticket for the stage to be performed in November 2024

Starlight Edition

A copy of the game

Blu-ray disc of Revue Starlight Re LIVE Reading Theatre Part 4 El Dorado – Includes performances of the reading stage performed on December 16 and 17

Weiβ Schwarz PR card

Raffle ticket for the stage to be performed in November 2024

Super Starlight Edition (limited to 999 copies, sold via Bushiroad Online Store raffles)

A copy of the game

Copy of original drawings with serial numbers

Blu-ray disc of Revue Starlight Re LIVE Reading Theatre Part 4 El Dorado – Includes performances of the reading stage performed on December 16 and 17

Weiβ Schwarz PR card

Raffle ticket for the stage to be performed in November 2024

And here is an overview of the game, via its official website:

About

The vast ocean sings to me. I must go and conquer it! Our last summer at Seisho Music Academy… With the 101st Seisho Festival “Starlight” coming up, we the students of the 99th class take up the challenge to perform “El Dorado,” an oceanic epic that Japan is proud of, for our summer performance. The exiled admiral, Salvatore Guglie. The heir to a royal Spanish family, Alejandro Javier Cavallero Cruz. Who will “we” choose… between the “two protagonists” of this story?

Characters

Karen Aijo – “No matter what waters I have to cross, I will… definitely reach you!” A Stage Girl who traded fates with her childhood friend Hikari to “stand on that stage together someday,” after being entranced by the stage play “Starlight” she watched as a child. She gave her all in performing “Starlight” with Hikari, and now begins to walk towards the ��next stage” by herself.

Hikari Kagura – “I don’t need destiny or oaths anymore!” A Stage Girl who has loved stage plays since she was a child, and was led into the world of stage plays after watching “Starlight” with Karen. After performing the “fated stage play” with Karen, she has currently returned to studying at London’s Royal Institute of Dramatic Arts. She is striving towards becoming a stage actress while dreaming of the day she reunites with Karen on the stage.

Maya Tendo – “May my revenge shine beautifully as my fuel.” She is the top student at Seisho Music Academy. A thoroughbred, with both parents being prominent figures in the world of theater. Despite overflowing talent in acting, singing, and dancing, she is a proudly independent Stage Girl who has never become conceited and continues to aim to be the best. Aiming to join the New National First Theater Troupe, she imposes strict lessons on herself even today. Maya-sama continues to be Maya-sama even in her third year.

Junna Hoshimi – “I myself emit glimmering lights… A lighthouse star on the Evening Star!” A Stage Girl who keeps taking on stage plays with her vast amount of reading and solid knowledge, she is the most talented girl since the inception of Seisho Music Academy. She was once desperate to catch up with the frontrunners of the scene, but now aims to be a “dazzling protagonist” and sets her eyes far ahead in her own future. She is the former 99th Student Council President of Seisho Music Academy.

Mahiru Tsuyuzaki – “I will decide my own drama… burning myself like the Sun!” Karen and Hikari’s roommate. She is a cheerful Stage Girl with a vast range of expressiveness, and is looked up to by her juniors, but can get extraordinarily scary when angered. She gave Hikari a push of motivation and sent her on her way to share the fated stage play with Karen. She aims to join the New National First Theater Troupe, in order to become a Star who brings smiles to everyone.

Nana Daiba – “I’ll… go slicing for a bit.” She is Junna’s roommate, and at the same time, a Stage Girl with extraordinary talent in both performing and stage creation. She often has the chance to bake together with Mahiru, and she is affectionately nicknamed “Banana.” She loves everyone who helps to create the stage together, and that is the reason why she sometimes shows a ruthless side.

Claudine Saijo – “Thanks to you and my unjustified resentment!” She is a former child actress who has starred in numerous stage plays and movies from a young age. A pure-hearted and highly experienced Stage Girl who knows the ropes of a stage play. Although she honed her skills against Maya as her greatest rival, she returned to her roots in France after graduation and is slated to join a revue in Paris.

Futaba Isurugi – “I don’t want to see a version of you who’s good-mannered and runs neatly!” Unmatched when it comes to sword fights and action. She is a Stage Girl with great expressive power hidden in her small frame. She and Kaoruko have been stuck together since young. They both enrolled in the same school, and she drives them both to and from school on her motorbike. However, she has decided to walk her own path by accepting the challenge of the New National First Theater Troupe, and has entrusted her beloved bike to Kaoruko.

Kaoruko Hanayagi – “A competitive performance between the top stars of the Senka-ryu School and New National… I’d like such a stage play, someday.” The granddaughter of the head of the family that runs the Senka-ryu School of Japanese Dance. After graduation, she returned to Kyoto. She is a Stage Girl who lives a life of history and traditions, and will succeed the name of the 12th Head of Family, “Suisen Hanayagi.” After a huge quarrel, she accepts Futaba’s chosen path and sends her on her way. She is currently considering what to do with the motorbike that Futaba left behind with her, while grumbling that it is “a bother.”

Kiriko Masai and Shion Amemiya – “We are from the Stage Play Creation Program, in 99th Class Group B!” “In order to create an even stronger, even better Position Zero, become even greedier!” From the 99th Class Group B Stage Play Creation Program. Amemiya writes scripts with all her body and soul, while Masai flutters around controlling the stage. The two are also roommates. They stand at the forefront of Group B, having worked on many of the 99th Class’s stage plays, taking on hardships even while clashing and arguing. Before their final summer in the exchange program, they challenge making a stage play with a certain resolve in their hearts.

Judy Knightley – “If you seek a new universe… tear apart your wailing, and overcome the sea of blood!” A Stage Girl who boasts having top grades at London’s Royal Institute of Dramatic Arts, a school that is renowned for being the hardest in the world to get into. With outstanding acting skills and expressiveness that has been lauded even in the British theater world, she is a professional stage actress with a promising future. She has arrived at Seisho Music Academy for an exchange program, and stands in the way of the students in the 99th Class with her overwhelming brilliance.

[Update: Added the opening movie.]

[elegantsplendour]

Fire and Storm

Summary: As the Seven Kingdoms hesitated between the Blacks and the Greens, Aemond stood ready to flip the script.

Dance of the Empire inspired one shot.

Pairing: Aemond Targaryen x Lannister! reader, mentioned Aegon II Targaryen x Lannister! reader

Note: Hi my dearies, I’m so sorry I haven’t been active in the last month. Transitioning from Montreal to Toronto has been a lot to handle. But the good news is that I got elected as student council vp in my new school🤪. Here is a one shot inspired by my first fic Dance of the Empire (a bit spoiler). I will be back writing all the three fics and will try to update weekly. Thank you all for sticking with me❤️❤️❤️

Warnings: major character death

Tagging my friends :) @qyburnsghost @lovelykhaleesiii @boundlessfantasy @vhagarswar @purple-writer8 @valeska-fics @lexi-anastasia @f4ll-for-you

Within the chilling walls of the seat of House Baratheon, the hearth held a flame that danced rebelliously, threatening to bite those misfortunate enough to find themselves in proximity. Torrential water poured mercilessly from the sky while the wind howled ruthlessly. Sealed by the solid bricks of the castle, the flames, fragile compared to the frightful storm yet unpredictable and dangerous in nature, continued to consume silently.

The silver haired prince sat calmly by the scorching heat, his long fingers brushing against each other. It had been two days since the Lord of Storm’s End pledged allegiance to the prince’s elder brother, called by some the Usurper, in return for a marriage pact between the prince and one of the lord’s daughters. Amidst the looming threat of a deadly civil war, every second counted, but his delay was calculated. Aemond had been waiting silently and patiently for his nephew's arrival, much like a flame waiting to devour its fuel.

A servant knocked by the door, bowed and announced the news. Without a word, he arose from the chair and paced through the solemn hall of the castle with stately ease. The effortless regality exuded from his presence was as if he was on his way of being coronated. A sharp curl appeared on the corner of his thin lips as he recalled his drunken and debauched brother , expecting the Conqueror’s Crown on his head like an infant. With each step Aemond took, he felt himself drawing nearer to his desires: power and her.

Aemond Targaryen wanted everything and was ready to steal, scheme and slaughter.

Unlike his half sister Rhaenyra, the named heir of the late King Viserys, or his brother Aegon, born with the title of the first born son, Aemond Targaryen's life was a battle, a relentless one against a seemingly inescapable destiny of becoming another insignificant Targaryen royal, riding an ordinary dragon, holding a hollow position in court, accompanied by a mediocre noble woman, doomed to be forgotten in history.

However, when his mother suggested betrothing him to the eldest daughter of Tyland Lannister, he was taken aback. Could he, the overlooked second son, really be promised the "Beauty of Casterly Rock" and an alliance with the house guarding mountains of gold? Promises were a strange to the One-Eyed Prince, as he had always been a taker, much like he had claimed the largest dragon in the world. The fleeting memories of the golden lady of emerald eyes all appeared to him a cruel jest. The tender moments of her smiles were overshadowed by her anguished cries upon learning that she had been bartered off to Aemond’s elder brother Aegon, who would rather bury himself between the legs of harlots of the Flea Bottom.

Contained fury blazed in his chest as Aemond watched the young Lucerys Velaryon, his bastard nephew, who had taken his eye eight years ago.

Lucerys conveyed with a trembling voice Rhaenyra’s message to the Lord of Storm’s End. Aemond paid no attention to the words coming out of his mouth. His one violet eye burnt a hole in the quivering messenger. His throat throbbed with thirst for retribution as the flashes of scarlet and black that had blinded his eye when Lucerys’ blade had cut through his flesh.

This rage was tainted with despair, for what he truly desired was taken by his own kin and given to his brother. He soon realized he had nothing left to lose.

With that, as the Lord of Storm’s End dismissed the Velaryon impatiently, the prince’s shadowy figure also disappeared in the hall as he watched Lucerys mounting his pathetic and minuscule dragon Arrax while the storm still raged on.

Soon, the monstrous Vhagar hovered over the young dragon. The lightning tearing through the black sky and roaring of thunder were music to Aemond Targaryen’s ears, as if the gods were in awe of this spectacle of terror. In the face of raw power commanded by the largest dragon of the world, neither Lucerys, Rhaenyra, Aegon, nor even the games of thrones stood a chance. Aemond was the second son who inherits nothing he doesn’t seize for himself. Addicted to the intoxicating scent of the lioness of Casterly Rock and the adrenaline rushing in his veins from being on top of the world, Aemond whispered to the green beast, “Ipradagon.”

Eat

Scarlet blurs flashed before him, followed by a haunting dragon squeal echoed before him with no one but him to bear witness to the gruesome bloodshed. While others might see flesh and dragon bones plummeting from the sky, Aemond saw a vision of the Conqueror’s Crown landing on his head. While his mother, the Dowager Queen, sought to suppress the war, Aemond stroked the anger bubbling in Rhaenyra. And what better way than slaying her favourite son?

War were precisely what he craved; for war breeds to fear, fear spawns to chaos, and chaos is a ladder.

As the Seven Kingdoms hesitated between the Blacks and the Greens, Aemond stood ready to flip the script.

All his life, he had been but a sword wielded at another’s will. At that moment, Aemond Targaryen became the master of his own terror, and the realm would watch a second son rise to rule the continent.

[roseride01-blog]

"We Know One Thing for Certain"

The dignitaries seated around the conference table looked uncomfortable, shifting in their seats. They didn’t expect the Avatar to defend the new Fire Lord with such intensity, and it had honestly startled them. 

Zuko had come to Ba Sing Se with the Avatar to discuss the reparations that the Fire Nation was going to pay to the Earth Kingdom. The two had already been discussing the prospect of de- commissioning half of the Fire Nation’s navy and giving it to the Earth Kingdom, Toph’s new metal bending making it an even more valuable resource. 

The two had brought it up at the conference, intending for it to begin the negotiations (Zuko didn’t feel right with only that— there was more he knew he could do, he just had to know what). However, some of the Earth Kingdom officials had demanded Zuko step down completely, and to allow the Earth Kingdom to occupy the Fire Nation under King Kuei’s rule (the Earth Kingdom monarch had said nothing at the head of the table opposite Zuko, and looked increasingly uncomfortable, eyes darting around as if he was looking for Bosco). Aang, who sat at Zuko’s right, seemed bewildered at the notion. 

“No. That's out of the question. To do so would upset the balance of the world even mores than the fire nation had,” he huffed, exasperated, 

“Sozin’s bloodline is full of monsters.” 

Aang’s head whipped up to find who said the words. it had been Councilman Di, a middle-aged man with graying hair and a beard that came to a sharp point. He had been a solider before a politician, and his aggressiveness reminded Aang of a fire bender much more than an earth bender. 

“What was that?” Aang’s tone seethed with venom, but he was going to give the man a chance to retract his statement.

But the man didn’t back down; “Fire Lord Zuko should step down. And not be replaced by General Iroh or Princess Azula. A new monarchy must be established in the wake of the royal family having wreaked havoc on the other nations for well over a century.” The man’s eyes narrowed at Zuko, “Sozin, Azulon, Ozai…all his forefathers. He was taught, born to war— it’s in his blood. So, if we want peace, he simply cannot be allowed to rule.” 

Silence hung over the room, but only for so long.

While those who didn’t know them would have expected Zuko to jump up to defend his family’s honor, those who did know him knew that his reckless fire had calmed much in the past few months. In the end, it was the Avatar who glowered in fury. 

“I can't believe this.” Aang said, a look of angered disbelief. “I mean, to occupy the Fire Nation? To do exactly what it is we’re trying to undo? To upset the balance even more than it already has been?” Aang’s eyes narrowed at the council, causing some to narrow their eyes back, but most to look guilty. 

“And you want Zuko, the first Fire Lord who actually wants peace, actually fought for it, to step down?” 

“You want to displace the actual heir to the throne, the person who actively fought against the Fire Nation, the fire bending master to the Avatar, and for what? A show of bravado? Just because you think you can? That’ll he’ll roll over and let you walk all over him as if he isn’t here to discuss what is best for all the nations?”

Aang was silent for a moment. 

“I am the last air bender. I am the sole voice for an entire nation, the nation that was absolutely obliterated by Fire Lord Sozin, and yet, I sit here and tell you that, without a doubt, the war would not have been ended without Zuko’s help. That’s it. Full stop.” 

Aang felt the agreement of Roku, of Kyoshi, of Kuruk, and of Yangchen. His past lives, representatives of each nation, all agree— Zuko was meant to be the Fire Lord. 

“The Earth Kingdom will be receiving a fourth of the Fire Nation’s navy to do with as they please, and that’s it. We will discuss the colonies at the later date, with more respectable representatives!”

At Aang’s last sentence, the windows of the room all shattered. 

It would be the talk of the entire world for the next few days, how the Avatar had so vehemently defended the young monarch. How he had yelled at the Earth Kingdom council. How he shattered the windows, the call of his past lives voicing their thoughts. 

A young dignitary, who was re-invited to the peace talks the next day, walked out of the chamber with another ambassador from the North who had been seated next to her.

“Well, we know one thing for certain,” she said, almost jokingly, “the Avatar is scarier than the fire lord when he’s mad.” 

[return-to-twisted-wonderland]

When the Kingdom was ready, The Royal Council and Falena would be shocked to see a platoon of Lion Beastman soldiers dressed in unknown crests leading the Hyenas out of the Slums and into large trucks with comfy seats.

The Moment Falena goes to down investigate, one of the soldiers would shave a piece of paper in his face.

Solider: By the Order of the King, Chieftan, and Delegate of the Everflow Kingdom, any hyena who does not wish to be here shall be relocated. If you have an issue, please call the Cheiftan or Delegate at these numbers.

After every hyena is packed in a seat, they leave. Falena looks at the paper and his eyes get wide and his jaw drops.

Delegate Signature: Braxus Kingscholarof Everflow(Leona's Little Brother) Cheiftan Signature: Ruggie Bucchi of Everflow King Signature: King Leona Kingscholar of Everflow

🔥🦁-Anon

The council is stunned, Kifaji is stunned, Farena is stunned. How did all this get planned without their knowledge? A new country was being built right under their noses. While everyone tries to figure that out, the country of Everflow is good. Due to Leona, Ruggie, and now Braxus' time in NRC, they've gotten support from some of the students there. Kalim, in case they need to open any trade routes, Azul, for any business ideas (that he has to get triple approved and not pull any fast ones), and Malleus, much to Leona's chagrin, but the prince is more than happy to help.

[roolsilver]

I was thinking today about how one of the major themes in Iruma is Teamwork.

The Cannonball Execution Exam was basically a vehicle to show the baseline teamwork of demons. Az is so obsessed with Iruma that he ignores everyone else, and the rest are too busy being chaotic idiots to even play the game. Half of them are disqualified on technicalities before they even touch a ball. 1/10 teamwork at best. The first time the Misfit class even has a common goal is Royal One, and all the planning on that falls to Iruma, the rest just go along with it as he uses their strengths. Teamwork 3/10.

Cut to Season 2 and we have Walter Park. For the first time, Iruma isn't the one who brings everyone together. Not only do two of the groups not have Iruma at all, in Iruma's group he really isn't in charge, especially once the attack starts. You have Kalego telling his group to work together or die, and they DO IT. They fail, but their plan is sound and they all play their parts well instead of going off on their own. Surprisingly good teamwork for a team with no Iruma. Amarie is used to leading the Student Council and Opera is Opera, but Clara takes it upon herself to help them and Keroli uses her concert to benefit others. Iruma isn't really directing any of the others, but even Sabnok and Az work together. Even Ronove makes the often forgotten decision to sacrifice himself to save everyone else in the park. Top it off with the ridiculous teamwork of the Adult Trio and it shows them all how far they have left to go. Teamwork 5/10 for the kids, 8/10 for the adults.(it was 90% just a ploy to harass Kalego)

Season 3 is the Harvest Festival and for the first time the teamwork is a deliberate choice from the beginning. The pairs do well together, and everyone comes together to support eachother when there's a common threat again, but this is the first time they're all working towards the benefit of a few. Some of then are disqualified, some of them have no chance of winning, some of them get disqualified on purpose, some of them give away their chances for the sake of others. They're small units all working for the benefit of Iruma by the end, just out of camaraderie. Teamwork 8/10.

Manga Spoilers below

Jump ahead to Season 4 and the Music Festival and the class has a common goal that benefits them all again. It's very demon to jealousy guard what is yours, and they all embrace that. Choosing the right leader, Keroli, and overcoming the common weakness of demons to synchronize, and highlighting the ones in the group who need it the most. They even bring Purson into the fold, and critically they DON'T expect him to be up to speed. They DON'T assume he can do the same things they can. They tailor his role to him, not to them. And they blow everyone away. Teamwork 11/10, they have reached a level of teamwork impossible for both humans and demons.

Going further, during the Deviculum Iruma totally assumes that Az will act as he does. They're in sync, they're a unit.

During the Heartbreaker, Jazz trusts Allocer to keep his kohais from the beginning, and Az passes his off even to Caim, who DOES adequately protect them. They aren't instructed specifically to work together, it's assumed by this point that they will. They trust eachother implicitly as a unit. Teamwork 10/10, but a SOLID 10/10. They're keeping it at this level. They're comfortable with it.

And when they get back to the Battler Party, Agares is offended that they even THOUGHT he would need convincing. Of COURSE he's going to help, they're Misfits.

[yoonavii]

𝐌𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐈𝐀

Gladiator Prince! Eustass x Warrior princess! Reader

Story description: Y/n, a skilled ice warrior from the frigid kingdom of Nosta, and Prince Eustass, a ruthless gladiator prince hailing from the enemy nation, the Modora Empire. Their two nations have a long history of conflict and animosity. However, when a dire situation calls for a political marriage to secure peace, Y/n and Eustass find themselves bound together in a union neither desires. As they navigate the treacherous path of diplomacy, they must confront their own prejudices and the weight of their peoples’ expectations. Through adversity and danger, the icy walls between them slowly begin to melt, and they discover unexpected connections and feelings, transforming their initial enmity into a deep and passionate love of the ages.

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐄

The morning sun broke through the frosty windows, casting a gentle glow across your chamber. As you stirred from slumber, the maids moved with an air of urgency, bustling about to prepare you for your journey to the Modora Empire. With gentle and swift movements, they greeted you and began the process of transforming you for the day ahead. The first ritual was the snow bath, a tradition deeply rooted in the culture of the Nosta Kingdom. Stepping into the snow was a stark contrast to the warmth of your chamber, and the icy sensation against your bare skin was more biting than usual. But you bore it stoically, understanding its significance as a symbol of purification and readiness.

Emerging from the snow bath, your skin felt invigorated, and you were led to your attire. The dress they chose for you was a masterpiece, meticulously crafted to showcase your heritage and your figure. It bore intricate patterns that told the story of your people, and its design emphasized your strength and grace. With precise strokes, they applied kohl around your eyes, enhancing their allure. The face paint, reminiscent of warrior markings, was an embodiment of your resilience and the strength of your kingdom.

More maids arrived, their nimble fingers weaving through your hair. The elaborate braid they crafted was a work of art, adorned with intricate accessories that held both aesthetic and cultural significance. It was a reflection of your status and the history you carried with you. As the morning's preparations continued, you couldn't help but feel the weight of the moment. Each detail, from the attire to the makeup and the hair adornments, held profound meaning. They were not just ornaments; they were symbols of your identity, your heritage, and the legacy you embodied as the ice princess of Nosta.

Now as you were then brought by the head maid to a dimly lit chamber, two crowns rested upon velvet cushions, each a testament to the authority and power they represented. Your eyes, filled with determination, immediately landed on your late father’s crown. It was a formidable piece, crafted from solid steel and shaped like tall, imposing spikes. Choosing this crown was not just a matter of aesthetics; it was a deliberate declaration. You wanted the Modora Empire to understand that the blood of the former king of the Nosta Kingdom flowed through your veins, and you were not a mere pawn in a political game. You were a ruler with the strength and resolve to defend your people.

The head maid’s lips curved into a knowing smile as she lifted your father’s crown and carefully placed it upon your head. It settled with a weight that served as a constant reminder of the responsibilities that now rested upon your shoulders. You wore it proudly, for it was more than just a piece of metal; it was a symbol of your heritage and your commitment to your kingdom. Outside the castle, the royal council members, their fur cloaks providing a stark contrast to the white landscape, formed two rows to create a path for your departure. Each council member, in their own way, extended a hand to touch you as you passed, their silent farewells a testament to the unity and strength of the Nosta Kingdom. Their touch carried the weight of history, a promise of support as you embarked on this extraordinary journey, ready to face the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.

As you turned back for one last look at the castle, a pang of bittersweet emotion welled up within you. It was your home, the place where you had grown up, and now you were leaving it behind for a distant land. The sight of your little brother running toward you, his nanny trailing behind, tugged at your heartstrings. He threw his small arms around you, tears streaming down his cheeks as he clung to you. "Big sister," he sobbed, "I'll miss you so much. I don't want you to go." You knelt down, hugging him tightly, and whispered comforting words in his ear. "Shh, don't cry," you said softly, brushing away his tears. "I promise I'll visit as soon as things settle in the empire. And until then, you have to be strong, okay? Train your body and mind, and one day, you'll become a great and formidable king, just like our father." He nodded earnestly, wiping away his tears, and replied, "I'll try, big sister. I'll make you proud."

With a warm smile, you kissed his forehead and watched as he returned to his nanny's side. It was a difficult farewell, but you knew it was a necessary step on your journey. As you turned to leave, you spotted Trafalgar Law with his sword and a bag of the weapons you had hoped to bring. His presence and his support were a source of comfort, and you couldn't help but smile at him before stepping into the carriage. With a heavy heart but a resolute spirit, you embarked on this journey, leaving behind your home and family, and venturing into the unknown world of the Modora Empire.

——

Prince Eustass stood stoically in his expansive room within the Modora Empire, surrounded by a team of maids tasked with removing his armor. The air was filled with an air of formality as the maidens carefully worked to disentangle the intricate pieces from his body. In the midst of this meticulous process, an unintended mishap occurred. The sharp edges of the armor proved unforgiving, resulting in one maid inadvertently cutting her finger. A hushed silence fell over the room as the others quickly suppressed any expression of pain from their wounded companion.

Eustass, seemingly indifferent to the incident, moved away once the armor removal was complete. His room, grand and imposing, rivaled even the size of the emperor’s quarters, befitting his status as the crown prince. The Roman-themed decor, a testament to the Empire’s opulence, had been meticulously designed by the finest architects and decorators at the Empire’s disposal. From his vantage point, Eustass could survey the lands beyond the palace, territories conquered by his father, offering a commanding view of the empire’s dominion.

Suddenly, a torrent of haunting memories flooded Prince Eustass’s mind, a sudden rush of images and screams that transported him to a different time. The vivid recollections of a young boy and his mother in terror overwhelmed his senses, causing him to stumble and eliciting a pained wince. Desperately, he clutched his ears, trying to block out the haunting echoes of the past.

In the room, the maids and servants, bewildered by this unexpected episode, froze in place. Eustass, his voice laced with a mixture of anguish and frustration, barked at them, “GET OUT!” They wasted no time, swiftly evacuating the room, leaving the prince to grapple with the haunting memories that plagued him.

Ever since his time at war, these relentless flashbacks had become a recurring torment, and Eustass found himself grappling with the unsettling question of why these memories continued to haunt him. Alone in his grand chamber, he faced a battle within himself, wrestling with the ghosts of the past that seemed determined to resurface at the most unexpected moments. Frustration boiling over, Prince Eustass seized a nearby amphora vase and hurled it with unrestrained force, the vessel shattering against the wall in a burst of shards. Unbeknownst to him, his father, the emperor, had silently entered the room, observing the display of unbridled emotion.

Furious, thinking a servant had disobeyed his order to stay away, Eustass turned abruptly, ready to reprimand. However, upon realizing it was his father, he swiftly dropped his expression of anger, immediately assuming a posture of deep respect, lowering himself to one knee. Despite the familiarity of their relationship, the emperor demanded the deference owed to his position. Eustass quickly apologized, explaining the misunderstanding and expressing regret for his unintended display of frustration. His father, dismissing the incident with a wave of his hand, chose to sit on Eustass's finely adorned bed, dressed in the richest shades of red fabric. The opulence of the room and the subtle tension between father and son lingered in the air, as the emperor considered his son's tumultuous state.

The Emperor settled on the finely adorned bed, his eyes meeting those of his son with a gravity that bespoke the weight of the forthcoming conversation. Cutting through the air with a directness characteristic of a ruler, he initiated the discussion about the arranged marriage, wasting no time in revealing the underlying reasons. "I won't be around much longer, Eustass," the emperor declared, a stark admission that hung in the room. "The Goddess of Dragons has cast her judgment upon me, a punishment for the relentless attacks and unnecessary bloodshed that marked our past. Our people are suffering, and it's time to make amends."

He continued, the lines etched on his face reflecting the toll of years of rule. "The people of the Nosta Kingdom possess skills that we lack. Their archers are formidable, but it's their expertise in herbalism that holds the key. Their medicines surpass ours in both efficacy and advancement. I've ended the century-long war between us, forging an alliance and establishing trade. Medicine in exchange for peace." The emperor's gaze bore into his son's, a silent plea for understanding and cooperation. "To strengthen this alliance, a marriage between our royal heirs has been arranged. It is a necessary step, Eustass, for the well-being of our people and the future of the empire."

Eustass listened with a mix of shock and composure as his father revealed the true reason behind the arranged marriage. Despite the gravity of the situation, he kept his emotions in check, maintaining a composed front in the presence of the emperor. The emperor, aware of the challenges this union might pose, expressed his concerns about the differences in cultures and traditions between the two kingdoms. However, he affirmed that, for the sake of the alliance and the greater good, the wedding must proceed.

Attempting to lighten the mood, the emperor jestingly warned Eustass to keep his guard up in front of the Nosta princess, playfully suggesting that she might charm him to literal death. Eustass chuckled at the playful admonition, countering with the belief that the princess was probably unappealing. The emperor swiftly corrected him, a mischievous glint in his eye. “Rumors say otherwise, my son. She’s rumored to possess near-extreme beauty, alongside her strength and warrior skills.”

Eustass, caught off guard by this revelation, flustered at the thought, eliciting hearty laughter from his father. The emperor playfully patted him on the shoulder, acknowledging the humorous twist of fate that awaited the crown prince. 

“I guess…we’ll see”

©𝐘𝐎𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐈— Any sign/evidence of plagiarism made from outside this name will be dealt with by whatever means necessary. Legal action may occur if non fanfiction works are plagiarized.

[legobiwan]

do you have any thoughts on powerups/how the bros use them?

You have no idea what you have just unleashed, anon. :D I am super into world-building and lore when it comes to Mario stuff, so here's a random list of ideas that may or may not bear fruit for anyone who reads this. (Also, part of this is me sketching out concepts for solus creatura, so I thank my followers in advance for their patience here).

The vegetable/fruit/foliage powerups are naturally occurring. The Mushroom Kingdom has the most fertile conditions for these plants to grow, although other kingdoms have done a decent enough job of genetically engineering their own powerup plants.

This makes the powerups an integral part of the Mushroom Kingdom economy, and one of the reasons they're able to survive so long without any real standing army or defense system outside of Mario and Luigi. It's also one of the reasons they get invaded so often.

The Darklands, centuries before Bowser's reign, used to also cultivate powerups. They were overfarmed by a corrupt agricultural council, however, and in combination with a once-in-a-lifetime drought, the vast majority of their land and crop was ruined.

Luckily for the Darklands, their native species is capable of fire and they still retain a strong tradition of magical culture through the Magikoopas (although this was briefly wiped out during Bowser's father's reign, as he thought the Magikoopas were planning a coup. They, in fact, were, but for good reasons).

Now, the Mushroom Kingdom is wary of magic, due their own history and complicated relationship with the Darklands (this may be in part linked to an old civil war that caused the split between the Mushroom Kingdom and the Darklands). Their species is also just not that magically adept (something having to do with Toad physiognomy?) The powerups are a decent compromise - they afford magic-like abilities without rendering their user permanently superpowered.

There was some contention in the royal court when Mario and Luigi first arrived in terms of allowing them access to the powerups. Ultimately, it was decided the safety of the kingdom would supersede any worries about abuse of power. (This being said, Peach had to argue long and hard for this).

Mario and Luigi receive a monthly allotment of powerups and if they find any "in the wild," they're supposed to record each instance. Neither brother bothers with this and every month they get a nasty letter from Porcina in accounting, which has led to a years-long feud between her and Mario. Luigi has learned the better way to circumvent the system is bribery by brownie. It usually, although not always, works.

The non-vegetative powerups are created in Mushroom Kingdom labs. Because the Mushroom Kingdom is like a Times Square Station for warp-pipe travel, the dimensional crossroads makes it easier to cross-pollinate powerups with characteristics of other species and lands (cats, penguins, etc.)

Back in the day, E. Gadd was involved with a lot of this research, but ultimately left to pursue his own interests in the paranormal. It's also rumored that he and the governing scientific committee at the time had a spat about the limits of experimental ethics.

When Mario and Luigi are first introduced to the powerups, they think this is the coolest thing in the world. They have powers, which was an impossibility back in New York.

It takes them a while to get the hang of using the powerups. Mario set fire to a Mushroom Kingdom stable one time. Luigi crash landed into someone's wedding as a kitsune. The citizens, by and large, were relatively forgiving of these incidents, although it did make for a wild few days in the press.

At first, Mario and Luigi both love the fireball ability. That is, until the events of Super Paper Mario, after which they go a solid few months without coming NEAR a fireflower. Mario can't help flashback to that terrible moment in Merlon's house while Luigi experiences the oddest phantom pains if he as much holds a fireflower, although he can't say why exactly. (Mario, of course, has no idea Luigi was boxed and bombed twice by Dimentio).

Luigi loves flying and may steal a few extra Tanooki leaves to go out and experiment with aeronautics/aviation concepts in the dead of the night. This, subconsciously, directly influences his Brobot designs in his time as Mr. L.

Mario's favorite powerup is the classic mushroom. Finally, he gets to be as tall or taller than his younger brother.

They both think the Invincibility Star is incredible until they're faced with a situation in which the invincibility wears off at a dangerous moment, which almost turned fatal for Mario. It's a sobering moment, and brothers learn the lesson that no one is invincible forever.

The Mushroom Kingdom allows Mario and Luigi to use the powerups under the assumption that the "magic," as it were, never lasts. What they don't know, however, is that Luigi has a strange penchant for magic, which is why on more than one occasion, the effects of the powerups take longer to wear off on him. (One day, Luigi shows up to meet his brother looking a little...furrier than usual. "You look hairy, bro," Mario says, furrowing his brow. "I'm Italian." Mario rolls his eyes at his brother's quip. "Not that Italian. What, did you forget to shave again?" Luigi just shrugs, not wanting to admit this isn't the first time he's woken up with more hair than he's used to).

They tease each other mercilessly when they are introduced to some of the animalistic powerups. Luigi puts a litter box in his brother's room and buys him a collar with the name tag, "Fluffy." Mario cooks Luigi fish for five days straight after the penguin incident. He also starts singing the "Walk Like a Penguin" jingle every time his brother comes into the room.

[creatorbiaze]

The Council's Aid

Soliel sighed in relief, perched on one of the wooden supports of the wood-and-rope bridge suspended high above the ground, as he sees the six Council Members plus Exeveru step out of the portal, Ceriex at the head. The calm and collected Xerivelm Ruler already looked to be planning strategies and what to say, their eyes narrowed in thought and their irises staying one solid color for one of the first times since Soliel had met the Origin.

"It's always great to see your face, Vurxe Ceriex, and thank you for heeding the call. My forces are doing what they can right now, but we all know we can't fight Xalqikenxes on our own," The Phoenix King says, standing up fully. For once he wasn't smiling, instead frowning in concern. The Avian Overlords were focused on holding the Xalqikenxes back as best they can, and it wasn't safe to spare any fighters to get civilians away for now.

He could still hear the battles below them, and Conrad and the other Overlords issuing orders and commands.

Ceriex just nods, "Of course, King Soliel. It's our job, and it's always a pleasure to serve."

They turn to the Council, voice ringing out clearly, "Amy, Amber, you three focus on getting civilians away and out of here. If I remember correctly, there should be safe points above the treetops. Vulpes, you focus on helping clear the path for them. Most healthy Avians should be able to fly out on their own and help their family, but you three get any injured, young, and elderly out. Protect as many of them as you three can; I trust you, and it'll get safer the higher up you get. Start at the lower levels of the city, obviously."

They then turn to Dominus, Exeveru, and Sidera as the other three nod and run off to fulfill the order, "Dominus, Exeveru, you two help the Overlords and push back the Xalqikenxes. Dominus, you have enough control over your flames to use them to create bright light without burning the forest down. Exeveru, you use light manipulation. The Overlords only have torches and skill, and though they're strong, they aren't a match for whatever the hell Xalqikenxes are. You two spread out and help whoever's struggling the most."

Both Origins nod, jumping over the side of the bridge to quickly get down to the conflicts. Ceriex looks at Sidera, "You, somewhere in-between. Guard the bridges and passageways, let Avians get through and out, and keep the Xalqikenxes from advancing further up." Ceriex doesn't check that Sidera's obeying as they draw their bow, notching an arrow as they perch on the wood support near Soliel.

Sidera sighs in exasperation, rolling their eyes to further portray their boredom, "I'm not sure why you want me here... I mean, if anything I might just help the Xalqikenxes... it's been a while since Saliirvelm has had a major tragedy"

Ceriex whips around to glare at Sidera, their coal-black eyes smoldering as they growl, "I do not care what you wish to do, Parasite. You will obey today. Am I understood, Finem?"

Sidera takes a step back, ears flicking flat against their head as they chuckle nervously, ".. Understood, C-Ceri... I was just joking, of course.."

"It was not a funny joke. If I find out any Avians die because of you or under your watch today... Let's just say, the Sorcerers will have a lifetime supply of Royal Origin blood for their spells," Ceriex says coldly, voice still commanding. It was clear they were fed up with Sidera's antics by now, and Soliel had to wonder how they stayed calm so long.

Sidera nods, glancing down at the wooden planks below them, ears still flat against their head, almost blending into its hair, "fine, fine..." 

Sidera sighs, jumping off the bridge to get lower in the city.

"I still wonder how you control them so well," Soliel murmurs, drawing his bow as Ceriex had, "the current Council is probably the most disorganized assortment of beings, yet you keep them in check for important things quite well."

"Practice, my friend, just practice," Ceriex chuckles softly, aiming before she fires an arrow, quickly notching another and shooting it as well, further away, and repeating the process again. After several seconds, there's a bright flash of light down below from the substance that tipped Ceriex's arrows combusting on impact. The light flash is soon followed by two more, further and further away from the bridge they were perched on. 

Soliel winces slightly at the shrieking of the Xalqikenxes, audible even from their high perch, as they burn in the bright light. Ceriex doesn't even show any reaction, continuing to aim and shoot, skillfully– or even just luckily – avoiding shooting any Avians or allies, just bare ground and the weird, shadowy monsters. They don't even bat an eye as Avians retreat past them, fleeing up to the treetops, presumably from the Council's aid allowing them.

A couple hours later, Ceriex was out of arrows, but the City was safe, the Xalqikenxes driven back and out with the help of the seven Origins. The seven stand in the center of the city, healers tending to the injured around them. Ceriex and Amy help dress wounds as Soliel watches everyone with a weary smile. No one was completely uninjured, other than the three Royal Origins, who's regeneration helped them stay in perfect health even in this battle. Sidera was still pouting from the missed chance to destroy another city, though.

"Thank you again, old friend," Soliel smiles to Ceriex, "we wouldn't have won without your help."

Ceriex smiles back as they look up, their eyes once again slowly shifting between colors now that they were more relaxed, "it's no problem, really. It's our job, and as I'd said; I'm glad to help. Call upon us at any time, and we'll answer."

[boombambaby]

Fictober 2024! - "I know you better!"

"I know you better!" - BoomBamBaby010 - Emperor's New Groove (2000) [Archive of Our Own]

Organized chaos is the best way to explain what happens once the pink vapor cloud of the potion finally begins to dissipate.

Within moments the royal guards have taken over, rushing towards the window Kronk had just appeared from to drag him and a still dazed, but highly agitated kitty Yzma away, and to figure out how to bring Kuzco and Pacha back inside safely. Kuzco blinks his eyes open to glance first across the platform at Pacha, who is staring back at him in what he assumes to be relieved shock and then down at his very human, very NAKED body.

“We did it! Hah! Look, Pach! I’m ME again! Yay for me!”

Hands scrabble to press against his chest, feeling his skin to make sure there isn’t any fur, and laughing a little as he makes sure everything is still in working order. Modest isn’t a word one could ever use to describe Kuzco, having grown up in a palace surrounded by servants who dress, massage and bathe you for special ceremonies (or for whenever he feels like it, honestly), so his current state of undress doesn’t even register until Pacha clears his throat to speak.

“Kuzco.”

Broken out of his thoughts at the sound of Pacha’s strained voice, Kuzco glances up only to find a poncho hovering in front of his face and blocking his line of sight. He blinks, confused and leans around the side of it to stare at Pacha, only to find the llama herder using his unoccupied hand to shield his eyes from the view.

“What are you, five?” He quips, amused.

“Kuzco, take the poncho. You can’t address your public and announce that you aren’t dead like that.” Pacha grits out, and the Emperor snickers as he takes the familiar clothing item and slips it over his head. This is the second time Pacha has offered it to him, the first time being when he was shivering and curled up on the ground in the jungle, and for reasons he doesn’t quite understand he can feel himself almost tearing up from the sentimentality of it.

Someone clears their throat above them, and they both look up to find the Royal Record Keepers head poking out of the window, staring down at them and gesturing wildly.

“Are you both okay? Oh! I can’t believe you’re alive, Kuzco! Thank Inti! We were so worried! Oh we have to—“

RRK quickly disappears, presumably to start barking orders at servants and the scribe to summon the council and schedule an audience and Kuzco sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose. “Sure didn’t miss all of that.” He mutters, just loud enough for Pacha to hear him over the wind.

Relief is a tangible thing in that moment, unseen but heavily felt in the air between them and they share a quiet look of amused understanding that only two people who have shared a figurative fox hole are capable of.

Sometime later, after he and Pacha are hoisted through the window and back onto solid ground, and Kuzco has been checked out by the Royal Healers to ensure there aren’t any injuries or side effects from the spell, the two of them are briefly separated while Kuzco speaks with his advisors and makes plans to announce his good health. It’s taxing, and all he wants to do is take the longest bath of his life, have a massage and curl up in bed for a solid week– responsibilities be damned. But it’s a necessary evil, and once he’s crossed all his t’s and dotted his i’s, the council and most of the guards finally leave him alone.

“What would you like done with them?”

The question catches him off guard, and Kuzco spins around to ask the guard who he’s talking about when he finally notices Kitty Yzma thrashing against the bars of a makeshift cat carrier sitting on the floor. Kronk is sitting beside her, unusually stoic and he wonders not for the first time how someone like him could get caught up with someone like the living crypt keeper.

“Well, I’m sure not taking them to dinner, chuckles.” It’s directed at the guard, but Kuzco is watching Kronk when he makes the comment and notices the visible flinch he gives at the mention of a ‘dinner’.

If he had to bet, he’d guess the big buffoon didn’t even realize what he was doing and was more interested in impressing him with that dinner than actively trying to hurt him. What a shame. “Take them to the dungeon. Let them rot down there for a while we figure out what to do with them. But first– I’d like a word with kitty kitty.”

Yzma hisses at the nickname, and that alone makes this inevitable conversation all the more worth it. Kuzco smirks as he heads over to the carrier, bending down so he’s not exactly face to face with the feline, but more than close enough to catch her eyes.

“Hey, look at the bright side! At least you have hair now!” Kuzco teases, grinning when he’s met with a nose twitching scowl.

“Kuzco, listen; this has all been one huge misunderstanding—“ Yzma starts, but she’s quickly interrupted by Kuzco lifting a hand. “Ah ah ah! That’s EMPEROR Kuzco to you. Now that I’m large and in charge again.”

Another scowl, and an irritated flick of her tail. “My apologies, Emperor Kuzco. As I was saying—“

“Yeah, yeah. I heard you. A ‘misunderstanding’.” He repeats, air quotes emphasizing the comment. “But you see, the funny thing is? I heard you back in that Jungle, Yzma. Telling Kronk all about tracking that llama down and killing him. It’s a little hard to misinterpret that, wouldn’t you say?”

For a moment there’s no reaction, Yzma’s furry little face distorted in shock at being caught red pawed, and Kuzco revels in his amusement at catching her off guard. Later, when he’s alone and he has time to reflect on the fact that Yzma, the closest thing to a parent he’s ever had, tried to kill him he’ll have a proper breakdown—but for now? He’s satisfied with putting on a mask and pretending all is right with the world.

“Please Kuzco, you must understand; I was merely trying to do what I thought was best for the Empire! That’s my only concern here.” She pleads, adopting as sweet a tone as she can muster. “If you just give me another chance- ”

“Give YOU another chance? Oh, you’re kidding right? How stupid do you think I am?” He pauses to lean in even closer, all traces of amusement wiped from his expression. “I know you better than that, Yzma. There’s not, and there never WILL be a ‘second chance’ for you.”

Yzma has the decency to look chagrined, and Kuzco stands and brushes his borrowed poncho off, giving her once final glance before turning his back on the pair; literally. “Your Highness? Rudy the janitor is here to see you.”

“Great—tell him to hang on a sec, I’m gonna need about five baths before I can put my robes back on and talk to anyone.” He turns to leave, waving over his shoulder in Yzma and Kronk’s direction as he does do. “As for Yzma? I’m done with her. You can take her away.”

Lifelong trauma, and a laundry list of making up for his past transgressions aside, and Kuzco is more than ready to get on with his life.

But first?

That much needed bath.

[backjustforberena]

Hi! I've been enjoying reading your insights regarding the Velaryons, especially Rhaenys. I don't know if this has been asked already but if it hasn't been yet, please do rant about 'the juxtaposition of Corlys and Rhaenys at their daughter's wake and how it perfectly represents and underlines the divergence they are having in respect to legacy which leads onto their opposing positions in regards to succession.'

Hello! I assume you mean from this gifset? I would love to talk about it. And thank you for your compliments on my "insights", I really like having a ramble about these characters. It's fun, and escapism, and they occupy far too much of my headspace.

So, yes, the wake. I've done a bit of a meta, HERE, about it, and then a more in-depth look at specifically Rhaenys's movements during both the funeral and the wake HERE.

And I think my thoughts, just generally, about them as a couple during this whole entire episode, is that they are diverging and that ebbs and flows throughout and then you get the break of that relationship being the most visceral and violent event at the end, with Laenor's death and Rhaenys screaming and Corlys yelling. And that's what leads us into this six-year gap. They are ripped apart by this. It's the only thing that could have done so because the love and the marriage is pretty solid otherwise.

At the wake, obviously, both Rhaenys and Corlys are reacting to the same incident. The same trauma. The death of their daughter. But they each react in different ways which means they can't understand the other or even make room to try. They're at opposite ends of the spectrum and that is really new for them. It doesn't happen.

As I touched on, in the first meta I've linked to, they grasp onto their grandchildren as some sort of remedy. As some sort of answer. Both characters are fierce in their ideas of family and propelled by the love of their family but, in cases such as this, what that love amounts to is different.

For Corlys, it's the idea of legacy. So, he looks to Luke, who is to be his legacy as Lord of the Tides after Laenor. He tries to take comfort that, despite a major pillar of his love and family (and legacy) having been taken (Laena and an unborn grandchild dying in childbirth), all is not lost. All is not despair. Luke represents a future and a way out of this pain and grief. A brighter day and one, dare I say, that will absolve Corlys of any regrets at yoking his family to the Targaryen royals. It's a way of not facing his demons and not facing his culpability (however you want to look at that whether as illogical guilt, support of a match that meant Laena was away from them, his ambitions driving the family) in the situation he's in now.

I don't think it's any coincidence that he goes into familiar territory rather than looking at his granddaughters, who are basically living copies of the daughter that just died and are the last piece of his daughter. He's not engaging with the fact that they've lost Laena. He doesn't even do it in the following scene when Rhaenys wants to talk about Maesters. He fobs her off. For a man obsessed with legacy, he doesn't consider the legacy of his daughter specifically.

Whereas, looking at Rhaenys, all she can do is face the fact that her daughter is dead. Rhaenys is, in my opinion, light-years ahead of her husband in terms of the consequences of ambition. It's why she's the cautious one of the pair and why we only have them really, truly, on the same page about the Iron Throne in Episode 10 - because he's now been humbled by all this war and deaths and the cost. For Rhaenys, that sort of lesson has been burnt into her since the Great Council. So, she's painfully self-aware of her sins and the cruelty of the world, as opposed to Corlys who is a very accomplished man. Who does what he wants and very rarely gets burnt. I think Rhaenys is all too ready and willing to blame herself. To blame them.

And Rhaenys's view on legacy and priority on legacy has to be different to Corlys's. In part, because Rhaenys's legacy has been set for decades. What will she be remembered for, if not as "The Queen Who Never Was"? But also due to her sex. Her children do not have her last name. She has no holdings or land. Her name has every chance of being in a long list of Meleys's riders. Any title she could have passed on was stripped from her: her children are not even Prince or Princess. She has nothing to give that she cannot give day-to-day, during her lifetime, whilst she lives: her love, her body, her protection.

Corlys can cement his line, be remembered as grandfather to Kings, and leave behind a prosperous Driftmark with a secure succession of Velaryon after Velaryon, at least in name. His voyages and discoveries will be legend, his accomplishments will become myth, he will have victories and claim territories etc etc. He will be in the history books. He lives for legacy because legacy can be something to him. It can't be, for her. Any legacy as she would have liked it (Queen of the Seven Kingdoms) was taken from her long ago.

But back to Rhaenys and the loss of Laena, specifically... she can't deal with anything else. It's all she thinks about. All that motivates her, in this episode. There was even some cut dialogue during the knife scene (which I do agree on being taken out but nevertheless gives us insight) where, as Rhaenys and Corlys enter, she berates the room at large: on the day we buried our daughter (I'm paraphrasing). It's all about Laena and being unable to prevent Laena's death. It's self-reflection on her own actions or inactions.

Of course she's going to prioritise blood because that is the only thing she has to care about. She's going to prioritise Laena's legacy. Not Corlys's. Not her own. Laena's. Because those girls are all that is left of her daughter. She's going to protect those girls with everything she has and give them all she can and atone. Giving those girls a happy life and keeping them close and keeping them safe is the only thing even remotely within her control. It's also a way of fulfilling her daughter's wishes.

But, as we see in the fireside scene, it becomes about choosing. To elevate Baela (which is a massive thing to do, like I cannot emphasise enough how out of line Rhaenys was with that suggestion), you cast a shadow on the boys. You just do, without meaning to. So it becomes an argument, rather than a conversation because that threatens what Corlys is trying to find solace in - the communication goes out of the window. And that whole conversation spirals because they are just grieving parents looking to different things to make them feel okay again.

But I'll stop rambling there. It's just layered.

[thenotebookwizard]

She-Ra | Defiance side story: Arguments & Apple Candy

Catra has to build her wardrobe and decide what Princess Catra looks like. Being a Princess involves invasive staff, expectations, and more decisions than she can make. Percival, at least, knows to bribe her with food. (Melog has their work cut out for them!)

This is a true outtake from the story. About 15k I yanked from the very first draft. I've gone back over it and updated it for the final version of the story and did a quick edit, but that's <em>all</em> I did to it. This would have been two chapters of nothing but Catra and her wardrobe and stuff, and as much as I <em>love</em> these scenes, it really would have slowed the main story down too much.

I also really liked some of the emotional beats in this, and some of the writing (especially at the beginning of it) was pretty solid, but overall this doesn't meet my personal standards for myself. But I think it's a nice bit of fluff and and extra bit about Catra's journey to becoming the Princess I'm excited for you to meet in coming chapters.

This really was just yanked from the story.

To be fair, I love writing - and reading - chapters like this in longfics. I adore the kind of emotional journey Catra went on in this, and I love indulging my material bias. (Gear is god, as learned in D&D!) I love the gear characters have, the space characters live in, and this was a chance to play with some of that.

I didn't go as deep into that as I wanted to, but - there's some!

It's a nice bit of extra framing for Catra's appearance before the Royal Council in a few days.

[melvika]

Concept: Hear me out. House daughter Mel. In the way of most princesses, she doesn't really get out much. Yeah,she has her work and royal engagements and things of the sort to do, but there's only so much one can do in one day. Ambessa won't let her fully partake in Noxian politics for whatever reason, so she's been guided more towards patronage and philanthropic efforts. Things to keep her out of he mother's way and occupied.

Kino is the glue keeping the two of them from killing each other. Solid,reliable Kino. Next in line for the throne. Which makes it so funny that Ambessa's more fixated on her 'spare' acting right rather than her heir, but anyways. He goes on a diplomatic trip to Piltover-Zaun (in this AU,they never really separated as severely as they did in-show and both cities have an equal number of representatives in politics, but there's still underlying beef) in an attempt to broker possible trade relations with Noxus and drags Mel along under the guide of "broadening her horizons". A princess should be knowledgeable about things, after all.

So they go. Mel's already doubting if her presence is necessary, but she's never been one to deny her brother anything. His meeting with the Council arrives and Mel's brought as Kino's "best mediator". Standard introductions occur......until she and one of Zaun's representatives(Sevika) are brought face to face in greeting. Mel's suddenly......nervous? She doesn't get nervous. She wasn't before when she was meeting the other Councillors. So why is her body reacting so strongly to this particular(rather rough-and-tumble looking) woman?

(Safe to say, this trip just got a bit more interesting.)

your mind…. it may take me awhile to write something similar but i want you to know that you’ve inspired me